Akwa Ibom is set to come alive again this festive season. As Ibom Christmas Unplugged 4.0 opens on November 30, the State is rolling out a bigger, richer and more colourful celebration. One that will put its food, its culture, its women and its tourism potential on full display for the world to see. Additional features has been introduced to enrich the annual event as stated below:-
✔️ *Ibom Kitchen:* All 31 local government areas to present at least five traditional dishes each on their allocated days
✔️ *Mbopo Akwa Ibom:* A new cultural pageant celebrating the beauty, intelligence, character and purpose of the Akwa Ibom woman
✔️ *Government Pavilion:* A dedicated pavilion to showcase projects of the Governor Umo Eno administration and highlight investment opportunities
✔️ *Niger Delta Cultural Day:* A new addition celebrating the shared culture of the Niger Delta region
✔️ *Expanded Programme:* Celebration with civil servants, women’s day, corporate consortium and visits to orphanages
✔️ *Tourism Ambassador Office:* Winner of Mbopo Akwa Ibom to serve as tourism ambassador for 365 days with an office in the Office of the Governor
The 2026 edition, themed “The Taste of Akwa Ibom: Our Food, Our Culture and Our Heritage,” was unveiled at a media briefing where the state government presented activities planned to attract visitors, create business opportunities and give residents and tourists a taste of Akwa Ibom’s cultural identity.
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, said the briefing provided an opportunity to update partners, sponsors, tourists, tourism enthusiasts and the general public on preparations, while reflecting on the achievements of the 2025 celebration.
He noted that reviewing the previous edition would help the state assess its progress, identify areas for improvement and build on what had been achieved.
The 2025 celebration recorded more than 4.5 million visits to Unity Park, with over 800 vendors and 300 kiosks participating in the event. According to the organisers, this year’s edition will build on that experience, with 300 kiosks and additional spaces for brand displays.
One of the major attractions will be the Ibom Kitchen, where the state’s food culture will be on display.
Each of the 31 local government areas is expected to present at least five traditional dishes on its allocated day, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the different meals and food traditions across Akwa Ibom.
The celebration will also feature Mbopo Akwa Ibom, a cultural pageant designed to showcase the beauty, intelligence, character, cultural values and purpose of the Akwa Ibom woman.
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Culture and Tourism Commission, Mrs. Ime Udo, described the initiative as a platform founded on the philosophy of “Beauty with a Purpose.”
She explained that it goes beyond conventional beauty pageants by giving young women opportunities to develop their potential, build careers and achieve greater economic independence.
She said the winner would serve as the state’s tourism ambassador for 365 days and receive a brand-new car, a cash prize to be announced by Governor Umo Eno, as well as an office within the Office of the Governor.
The grand finale is scheduled for December 20 at Arise Palm Resort Banquet Hall.
Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, said the state government’s investment in tourism was aimed at making the sector a major contributor to the state’s economy.
He explained that developing local tourism sites and promoting Akwa Ibom to a wider audience would help attract visitors, support businesses and create jobs.
Beyond the food and cultural showcases, the programme will feature daily performances by local artistes, Christmas carols, a Niger Delta cultural day, children’s activities, reggae night, old-school night and a New Year’s Eve crossover celebration.
A government pavilion will also showcase projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Umo Eno and highlight investment opportunities in tourism, agriculture and other sectors.
Other planned activities include a celebration with civil servants, a women’s day, a corporate consortium and visits to orphanages, adding community and business activities to the entertainment programme.
The festivities are also expected to create opportunities for local businesses, vendors and artistes to connect with new audiences, while giving communities a platform to showcase their products, talents and cultural heritage.
The Economic Benefits and Tourism Development drive speaks volume. Beyond entertainment, Christmas Unplugged 4.0 is a strategic economic and tourism driver for Akwa Ibom State. With over 4.5 million visits recorded in 2025, the 2026 edition is projected to attract even more visitors, boosting hotel occupancy, transport services, food vendors, artisans, and local markets across Uyo and beyond.
For the State Government, the event positions Akwa Ibom as a leading Christmas and cultural tourism destination in Nigeria and West Africa. It markets the state’s rich food culture, heritage sites, hospitality infrastructure and investment opportunities to a national and international audience, encouraging repeat visits long after the festive season.
The influx of tourists will increase Internally Generated Revenue, while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for youths, event managers, caterers, performers, security personnel and transport operators.
More importantly, by showcasing all 31 local government areas through the Ibom Kitchen and cultural displays, the event decentralises tourism benefits, promotes rural economies, preserves indigenous food and culture, and builds a sustainable tourism brand that will continue to attract investors and visitors to Akwa Ibom under the ARISE Agenda.
As the celebrations draw to a close on December 31, Unity Park will host a New Year’s Eve crossover, bringing residents and visitors together for a night of worship and thanksgiving as they usher in the New Year.
Arise, that same God.
Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
