Israel Umoh
The ambience breathes conviviality, grandeur and sophistication. The arena depicts home away from home and oozes picturesque of radiance. The season reminisces love and sacrifice brought to mankind by the Saviour of the world. And the stage is set for the grand-finale of the global event.
”This is Ibom Hall Arena. Venue for The Return. Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival 2021. Friday, December 17, 2021. 6 P.M.’’
From the outside the arena are decorative blacksmith’s iron-cast masterpieces pasted on the walls of Ibom Hall Grounds. On entering the well-lit arena from the main gate is Medical Centre constructed by the AKCAROLSFEST management and equipped with drugs and other medical facilities. Beside is giant-sized Christmas Tree measuring more than 200 metres high and decked with sparkling lights to beautify the environment and give verve to the event.
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A step from there open up four main entrances paved with constructed burglary-proof irons for invited guests to walk into the 38,000 square metres Ibom Hall Ground used by AKCAROLSFEST. Along the corrugated entrances are placed four washing hand basins for the guests to wash their hands and sanitise themselves and observed social distancing in line with the COVID-19 protocol.
Close to the four entrances is a major entrance tagged VIP entrance for Akwa Ibom Governor alone to walk into his seat. Adjacent the entrances are huge stand sure for lighting effects. Even the main bowl are also stand sure to power more lighting effects to the venue.
Leading to the different stands are well-lined and decorated platforms of different makes. Down the columns are grown palms to beautify the arena.
”There are seven enclosures leading to the sprawling 35,000 sitting capacity main bowl of the arena. At the centre is Water Fountain spewing water to the delight of the guests. We are still fixing things and by Tuesday, this arena will be another masterpiece,’’ the initiator of Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival, Mr. Aniekpeno Mkpanang told Straightnews.
At the left side is the main stage emblazoned: AKCAROLSFEST with glittering lighting effects. The imposing sound system meets the International standard. On the ground are large-sized loud twin speakers numbering seven. On top of the stage are sound mixers and filters spread over the place. At the various but strategic places are hung giant-sized loudspeakers for sound effects. This is where the gospel artistes are to display their performances. Even the two guest preachers will speak from this stage.
On top is intimidating but Customised Plasma television measuring more than 100 metres in length and 30 metres in breath being the first of such to mounted in the world. The screen to beam the event could be viewed from any part of the arena by guests.
Behind is Event Centre meant for the guest artists to refresh themselves and move out for scintillating performances. This is another wonder of the sparkling event. It is a moving but living house. It is well-furnished with rug carpet. Giant air-conditioners and plasma television sets are fixed. It has kitchen, living rooms and toilet facilities to match. A giant Mekano plant is provided to supply electricity.
Another wonder is Online Media and Internet Hub for at least 26 persons. It is round with steps leading to the hub. The floor is properly tiled with glimmering lights. From here is beautiful steps that would usher guests to other platforms with synthetic carpets.
The Choir stand poses another wonder of the event owing to its size and beauty. It is well decorated and solidified. It has a capacity to accommodate more than 10,000 choristers.
At the extreme end of the arena are water system toilets numbering 10. A borehole facility with well-treated water is provided.
Unlike the London Clock that was used in 2019 for the flag off, the initiator of the event is keeping this year’s flag off facility to his chest.
Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem, a member representing Itu State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly visited the arena Sunday night to behold the wonder of the event. He told Straightnews ‘’This is one spectacular event usually hosted by our state.
I am here as the Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Tourism to see things for myself. Aniekpeno, the initiator of this programme appears to come from another world. I always wonder how a human being could be so creative in coming out with what you you have not seen before. He is a rare genius. He sees what many do not see.
Like a funeral service, we should always concentrate on his positive side. We should not tell stories about people who are like super beings. I commend him on what I am seeing.’’
Two prominent men of God- Bishop Thomas Dexter Jakes Sr., known as T. D. Jakes, is an American bishop, and the bishop of The Potter’s House as well as Pastor E. A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God- will give messages.
Two international-award holders who are Akwa Ibom children will feature in addition to eight other gospel singers will storm the event and release earth-shaking Christian vibes.
The singers are Progress Effiong, Aity Dennis, Guc, Tim Godfrey, Ada Ehi, David G, Bobby Friga, Dunsin Oyekan, Ema Onyx and Panam Percy Paul.
It is a one-day event that looks like a thousand in a season. It graces yearly. The preparations are more taxing than other festivals in some countries in the world. AKCAROLSFEST is it!
