By Akakan Umoh
Akwa Ibom State will begin the 32-day Yuletide celebrations tagged: Christmas Unplugged 2.0 from December 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025 at Christmas Park located within the Unity Park, Uyo.
A press release issued by Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh on November 15, 2024 says ‘‘It will feature an exposition of the rich cultural heritage and culinary skills of Akwa Ibom State spiced with a daily dose of back-to-back musical events, drama, comedy, games, talent shows, outdoor catering and lounging.”
Recall that in 2019, Christmas Unplugged, a month-long event marking Yuletide celebrations in Akwa Ibom began to complement the 999 Government Christmas Carols Festival that premiered in 2008.
Related news: Unveiling Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival 2022
But in December 2023, Christmas Unplugged was rebranded by the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism under Sir Charles Udoh to boost ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.
Kiosks and open spaces rental
According to the release, ‘‘In view of the prevailing economic situation, the big news this year is that HE, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD has subsidized the cost of the kiosks.
‘‘Therefore, the kiosks will be available at the cost of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand naira only.) And they can only be rented on www.discoverakwaibom.com. Recall that last year, kiosks were sold at N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only), while open spaces were given out for N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira).
‘‘This year, open spaces for Suya, barbecue and “street food” sellers will be sold only through the event website at a subsidized rate of N30,000 (Thirty Thousand Naira only).
The portal opens today at 6 pm.’’
Sights and sounds of local government areas
The statement states that ‘‘The 31 local government areas in the state will take turns daily; in alphabetical order, to showcase their unique art, culture and culinary expertise.
‘‘There will be prizes for the top three Local Government Areas to be determined by an adjudication panel and through an online poll in the event website. Local Government Councils will be advised accordingly.’’
Top Notch Entertainment
Building on the phenomenal success of last year’s event, CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED 2.0 promises to be bigger: better and more entertaining.
The line-up of artistes includes Timaya, Bongos Ikwue, Nasboi, Homeboy Fiokee, among others. The event will also feature a “cocktail” of indigenous artistes.
The event which attracted an estimated footprint of over 1.5 million people over the 32-day period last year has been widely adjudged to be the biggest of its kind in Africa by the size of its location and potential for growth.
Last year, over 721 direct jobs were created while 64 artistes & entertainers performed – Artistes, Comedians, Dance Crews & a Magician. This year, we anticipate a footprint of more than 2million people with 200 kiosks providing booming business for Micro and Small-Scale Entrepreneurs.
Christmas Carols Season 17
In between this top-notch event line up, we will host the BIGGEST GOD’S PARTY anywhere in the world; the CHRISTMAS CAROLS SEASON 17.
The Annual Christmas Carols Festival is a festival of Christian Songs, Dance, and Worship that has over the years attracted A-LIST Gospel Artistes, Choir groups and Worshipers from across the world.
This year’s Edition, which is the seventh edition will hold on Friday, December 13, 2024 at the Unity Park in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria from 6 p.m.
The theme: PEACE AND HOLINESS WITH ALL MEN. It will feature top artistes and choirs such as Minister GUC, David G, Jimmy D’ Psalmist, Steve Crown, Buchi, Eno Michael and Moses Bliss.
Both events provide exceptional opportunities for corporate bodies and private individuals to promote their products and services, grow brand visibility, and showcase commitments to corporate social responsibility.
Necessary arrangements have been made for all events to be beamed live on satellite and terrestrial television; and streamed on all government social media platforms for global reach.
For 32 days in December, global attention will be focused on Akwa Ibom State as we unravel another December to Remember experience in Akwa Ibom State.
You can download the event lineup on: www.discoverakwaibom.com and follow our event updates on social media platforms. Updates are also available on the Discover Akwa Ibom WhatsApp Channel.
Let’s pull the plug together and unleash a memorable experience!
Discover Akwa Ibom…
Come live, work & play!’’ the release adds.
