DEPUTY GOVERNOR ENDORSES SECOND IKOT EKPENE CULTURAL CARNIVAL

The State Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo has endorsed the second Ikot Ekpene Cultural Carnival with a call on the organizers to expand the scope to cover traditional cosines and arts exhibitions.
The Deputy Governor made the endorsement when the leadership of Ikot Ekpene Peoples Assembly, led by the President Uko Engr. Udo Tom Essien paid him a visit at the Lodge yesterday.
Mr. Ekpo noted that tourism remains a viable sector that can generate revenue and create employment for many in the state in view of the rich cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom.
He commended Ikot Ekpene Peoples Assembly for initiating the carnival to shore up the culture of Ikot Ekpene and indeed Akwa Ibom State.
The Number Two citizen pledged the State Government readiness to encourage individuals and groups interested in developing the tourism sector.
He promised Government’s encouragement towards the success of the event even as he pledged to personally attend the event.
Earlier in his speech, the President Ikot Ekpene Peoples Assembly, Engr. U. T. Essien thanked the Deputy Governor for receiving the group and appreciated Mr Ekpo for personally attending the maiden edition last December. Engr. Essien stated that the group embarked on the carnival to reinvigorate the cultural heritage of the ancient city.
According to him, the carnival hopes to provide for present and future growth opportunities for the area and it’s people by affording a platform to enhance tourism, trade, and investment through direct and indirect exhibition of the city’s cultural attributes, potential and resources.
He stressed that the carnival was a deliberate effort by Ikot Ekpene Peoples Assembly to give meaning and expression to the state government’s investment in the city as exemplified by the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, the City Center Plaza, nylon paved roads, stadium and other privately owned hospitality outfits.
He announced that the upcoming carnival shall be thrilling and entertaining and is billed for December 28th and 29th.
It could be recalled that Ikot Ekpene Peoples Assembly hosted the maiden edition of the carnival last December which featured traditional displays like Ekpo, Ekpe, Ekong, Abide, Utuekpe, Utah, Udotod, Asian Akananwan, Abon among other cultural displays.