Akwa Ibom State Launches 2026 Christmas Tourism Initiatives

The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced an expanded program for the 2026 Ibom Christmas Unplugged and Christmas Carols Festival, aiming to establish the state as a premier tourism destination. Dr Anieti Udofia, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, revealed new attractions including Ibom Kitchen, which will showcase indigenous culinary diversity, and the Mbopo Akwa Ibom beauty pageant, set for December 20, to promote cultural heritage.

The 2025 festival attracted over 4.5 million visits to Unity Park, with significant impacts on local businesses and job creation. Each of the 31 local government areas will present five indigenous dishes under the Ibom Kitchen initiative, with discussions ongoing to appoint Guinness World Record holder Hilda Baci as its face.

The festival will officially commence on November 30, 2026, at Unity Park, featuring a carnival street party and the unveiling of the Ibom Kitchen and remodelled Ibibio Union Museum. Auditions for guest artistes are scheduled for November 3 to 4, with 58 choir groups participating in the Christmas Carols Festival.