The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno has described the annual Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol as a unifying tradition that brings the people of the state together in thanksgiving, peace and shared identity.
Speaking at the 2025 State Christmas Carol Festival held at the Amphitheatre, Unity Park, Uyo, the Governor traced the origin of the Christmas Carol to 2008 under the administration of former Governor Godswill Akpabio, noting that the event has grown into a lasting legacy for the state.
“This is one thing that brings Akwa Ibom people together year after year and the tradition has continued. This is the power of vision that can endure,” he said.
Governor Eno recalled that the carol attained global recognition in 2014 when it achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of carol singers in the world.
He said; “I am convinced that through this Christmas carol, God will continue to visit our state, dwell among us and redeem us mightily.
“We pray that ancient animosities will give way to unlimited flow of kindred spirit in our veins and tonight we are happy to see people of Akwa Ibom across party lines gathered here to praise God in the true Akwa Ibom spirit.”
Governor Eno announced the commencement of the annual Christmas welfare outreach, suing for peaceful and issue-based politics as another political season approaches.
“As the political season dawns, we will play politics that is devoid of bitterness, acrimony, character assassination and violence,” he implored.
Highlighting major infrastructure and tourism projects, Governor Eno described Akwa Ibom as Nigeria’s next tourism destination, listing the Arise Farm Resort, a 5,000-capacity convention centre, Ibom Hotels at the Tropicana and a medical city.
Governor Eno also announced that the Akwa Ibom International Airport has been designated an international airport, now known as Victor Attah International Airport.
“By the grace of God, we target that by the first of April 2026, we should be able to operate our first international flight out of Uyo,” he announced.
The Governor pledged his administration’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda, stating: “We will continue to stand by him for releasing funds to States so that we can continue with our development. We will ensure he returns in 2027 for a second term in office to lead Nigeria to the desired destination.”
Her also pledged support for the re-election of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, saying, “I pray that God will help us as we go into the season of campaigns and elections to say what is right, stand by what is right, ignore the naysayers, and choose the path that will always lead to victory.”
In his exhortation on “Divine Visitation,” the General Secretary of the Assemblies of God, Rev. (Dr.) Godwin Amaowoh, noted that divine visitation brings impact and testimony, urging Christians to continue trusting God.
He urged Christians to keep trusting in God, adding that the birth of Jesus Christ has opened the door of divine visitation for their salvation, blessings and impact in their lives.
Highlight of the event included the fulfilment of a promise to a visually impaired music artiste Chris Vic, by the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Mr. Ubong Inyang.
Presenting the land title he said: “His Excellency, the very compassionate Governor of Akwa Ibom State has graciously signed the Certificate of Occupancy for Minister Chris Vic.”
Inyang added that in accordance with the Governor’s directive, a four-bedroom flat with a fully equipped studio would be built on the land by the Inter-Ministerial Committee.
The State annual carol featured performance by Music artistes, Choirs and groups.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion included the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaete Unoma Akpabio; Minister for Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekperipe Ekpo; the Ooni of Ife, HRM Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; members of the National Assembly; State officials; and Christians within and outside the state.