TOURISM – AKSG HARPS ON PRESERVATION OF HERITAGE SITES– As HC Tourism, Udofia Visits Mary Slessor Cairn, Ibiono Ibom LGA
As Akwa Ibom State Government intensifies effort at tourism development, there is a clarion call for the preservation of our Heritage sites.
To this end, government has indicated its willingness to collaborate with host communities and other stakeholders to guide against defacing, mutilation or destruction of heritage sites as they are great tourism assets.
The Honiurable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, made this position known recently during a visit to Mary Slessor Memorial Cairn, Use Ikot Oku, Ibiono LGA, as part of his ongoing farmiliiarization tour of tourism sites in the State.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of his Ministry, Mrs. Grace Akpan, Dr. Anieti Udofia emphasized that the ARISE Agenda holds the promotion of tourism as critical for sustainable development therefore government work tirelessly on the maintenance and preservation of all critical assets of tourism including heritage sites such as the Mary Slessor Memorial Cairn.
“The Umo Eno administration is committed to promoting and preserving Akwa Ibom’s rich cultural heritage,” Dr. Udofia stated and announced plans by Governor Umo Eno to undertake significant upgrade of tourism facilities and heritage sites for the benefit of tourists and creation of job opportunities for the people of the state, particularly the host communities.
The State Tourism Boss acknowledged the rich tourism eco-system of the State and expressed with optimism that,
as a tourism-oriented Governor, Pastor Umo Eno Ph.D, will tackle the repositioning of the tourism sector for increased Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, as a major index for sustainable development.
The Culture and Tourism Boss emphasized the importance of effective collaboration with host communities for the preservation of heritage sites geared at bolstering the tourism sector of Akwa Ibom State.
While welcoming the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and
Tourism to Ibiono Ibom heritage site, earlier in his office, the Council Chairman of Ibiono Ibom LGA, Hon. Asuakak Umoh, highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Ibiono Ibom and expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for prioritizing tourism development.
During the tour, the delegation visited notable tourism sites in Ibiono Ibom LGA, including the Mary Slessor Memorial Cairn, Use Ikot Oku, the Okopedi beach market and the Traditional Rulers’ Council, TRC complex at Ikpa Ibiono and Mary Slessor Vocational School, Ibiono Ibom.
In the Commissioner’s entourage included: the SSA to the Governor on Tourism (Hotels), the Publisher of the Mail Newspaper, Mr. Ifreke Nsewo as well as Directors and tour guides of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
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