The Akwa Ibom State Government in Nigeria has announced the inauguration of the "Ibom Kitchen" as a central feature of its 2026 Christmas festivities, aiming to leverage the state's culinary heritage to boost tourism. The month-long program, themed "The Taste of Akwa Ibom: Our Food, Our Culture and Our Heritage," is scheduled to run from December 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027, at the Christmas village in Uyo.
Dr. Anieti Udofia, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, revealed the details at a press conference in Uyo, where she also disclosed the sponsors for the event, including Ibom Air, MTN, Seplat Energy, and Champion Breweries. Udofia stated that the initiative is designed to showcase the state's rich delicacies and cultural attractions, with preparations already underway as the "Ibom Christmas Unplugged 4.0" opens on November 30.
The Ibom Kitchen will serve as a major attraction, featuring traditional meals prepared across the state’s 31 local government areas. According to Udofia, each local government area is expected to present at least five traditional dishes on its allocated day, allowing visitors to experience the diverse food traditions of Akwa Ibom. The festival will also include cultural displays, music, and a pageant celebrating the Akwa Ibom woman.
Building on the success of the previous edition, which recorded over 4.5 million visits to Unity Park with more than 800 vendors and 300 kiosks, this year's event will feature 300 kiosks and additional spaces for brand displays. Mrs. Ime Udo, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Culture and Tourism Commission, highlighted the "Mbopo Akwa Ibom" pageant as a key component, describing it as a platform founded on the philosophy of "Beauty with a Purpose" that aims to empower young women with career opportunities and economic independence.
The winner of the Mbopo Akwa Ibom pageant, whose grand finale is scheduled for December 20 at the Arise Palm Resort Banquet Hall, will serve as the state’s tourism ambassador for 365 days. Prizes for the winner include a brand-new car, a cash prize to be announced by Governor Umo Eno, and an office within the Office of the Governor.
Hon. Aniekan Umanah, the Commissioner for Information, emphasized that the state government's investment in tourism is intended to make the sector a major contributor to the local economy by attracting visitors, supporting businesses, and creating jobs. The program will feature daily performances by local artists, Christmas carols, a Niger Delta cultural day, and a government pavilion showcasing administrative projects and investment opportunities in tourism and agriculture.
The festivities are expected to provide local businesses, vendors, and artists with opportunities to connect with new audiences while offering communities a platform to showcase their talents and cultural heritage. The celebrations will conclude on December 31 with a New Year’s Eve crossover at Unity Park, bringing residents and visitors together for a night of worship and thanksgiving.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
