We are taking Tourism to the next level – Gov. Udom

BY KENNETH JUDE

Governor Udom Emmanuel has reiterated his commitment towards promoting the tourism potentials of the state. Gov. Emmanuel made this known during the Unveiling of Akwa Ibom State Tourism Brand Identity Logo at the weekend.

Governor Emmanuel who was represented at the occasion by Secretary to the State Government, Sir Etekamba Umoren, assured the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of his support for whatever venture they embark on, while urging them not to rest on their oars but should continue to work hard in order to keep in touch with the vision of the state government.

The event which had as its theme:  “Amazing Akwa Ibom...the preferred destination was attended by the Commissioner, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Rt. Hon. Victor Antai, commissioner for Transport and Petroleum Resources, Orman Esin, SA to the governor on Agriculture, Mr. Moses Amstrong, Dr. Effiong Edunam, President, Oro Union and a host of Nollywood stars led by veteran actor, Zack Orji.

Speaking at the occasion, Hon. Victor Antai stated that the event is in line with the pledge of the state government in conjunction with the ministry of Culture and Tourism to invent a Tourism Brand Identity for the state.  “ this is in line with the efforts of the State Government in undertaking several culture and tourism destination projects aimed at redirecting tourists traffic to the State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), an alternative to oil.’’

Speaking on the competition and the criteria set by the Ministry; Mr. Antai stated that the entries came in from within and outside the country, adding that they were over six hundred. He also paid tributes to the team of adjudicators, noting that they gave a touch of professionalism to the entry process, stressing that there was no bias whatsoever as the event, according to him, w was designed to reward excellence.

There was joy at the Council For Arts and Culture Amphi-Theatre when Eval Isiguzo from Imo State won the first prize with his logo being branded as the best from the team of adjudicators made up of tested professionals. He carted home a princely sum of N250, 000 (Two-hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only) while the second prize winner, Edidiong from Akwa Ibom went home with N150, 000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only). The third prize went to Mr. Gbenga George from Ondo State who got the sum of N 100, 000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only).

Hon. Victor Antai congratulated the winners, adding that it was a keenly contested affair. “ i heartily congratulate the winners of the keenly contested competition on their feat and thank everyone who entered for the competition. I urge all our people to keep faith with the State Government in the move towards a better Akwa Ibom State.

The occasion which had several dignitaries in attendance including   Mr. Aniekpeno Mkpanang featured drama, comedy and cultural dance.