The Empire Naija

 

There is a colourful reason travellers and culture lovers are heading to Akwa Ibom State this December. Christmas Unplugged 3.0 has become a major cultural festival that brings communities together, and Ika Local Government Area is one of its most anticipated lead performers. Ika is more than a festival presence; it is a community with a history built across more than fifty villages, each contributing to the identity of the larger Annang cultural group. The headquarters at Urua Inyang is a great starting point for visitors interested in seeing traditional village life up close, learning about local customs, and understanding how heritage is preserved in everyday life. What sets the Ika cultural display apart at Christmas Unplugged are the performances that draw from age-old traditions. From symbolic movements to vibrant group dances, visitors witness a deep cultural narrative that reflects unity, shared history, and a strong communal spirit. This cultural expression, known as Akakum or...

Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area brought life, colour, and deep cultural pride to the Christmas Unplugged Village Square on 9 December 2025. Their outing was not just a performance; it was a well-rooted expression of history, unity, and identity that strengthened Akwa Ibom’s growing reputation as a global cultural destination. Created on 1 October 1996, Ibesikpo Asutan stands on rich ancestral foundations linked to Asikpo Nnakada of Usakedet. The LGA’s seventy nine villages, bordered by Uyo, Nsit Atai, Nsit Ibom, and Nsit Ubium, share a long history of resilience, strong Christian values, and community cohesion. Since the arrival of Christianity in 1917, the people have maintained a tradition of unity that continues to shape their social and cultural life. Executive Chairman, Rt. Hon. Evang. Edidiong Inyang, described the area as “a broom that cannot be broken,” a metaphor that reflects their strength in togetherness. The Chairman highlighted iconic symbols such as the Lion, known...

  The Citizens Roundtable for Good Leadership Initiative, popularly known as the Citizens Assembly, has unveiled an ambitious set of reforms targeted at repositioning Akwa Ibom State for life beyond oil. The proposals emerged from a three-day on-air summit aired live on XL 106.9FM, where experts from agriculture, technology and the maritime sector dissected new economic pathways for the state. The summit, themed “Reimagining Akwa Ibom: Economic Prospects and Opportunities Beyond Oil,” drew specialists including agricultural consultant Dr. Clement Uwem, tech innovators Francis Onuk and Hanson Johnson, and maritime scholar Barr. Kingsley Ekwere. Over the three days — December 2nd, 3rd and 5th — the Assembly hosted robust discussions centred on modern agriculture, digital innovation and the Blue Economy. On the opening day, panelists scrutinised the shortcomings of agribusiness in the state, lamenting poor continuity, weak market linkages and low youth participation. They argued that ...

For the cultural explorer, the curious traveler, or anyone seeking a Christmas with substance, Akwa Ibom Christmas Unplugged 3.0 is a must-visit. Here is a straightforward list of ten reasons why. Reason one: Heritage on display. The festival proves that Akwa Ibom's rich traditions are not fading. They are thriving, performed with a power and passion that only comes from genuine practice. Reason two: Thirty-two days of activities. This is not a one-off event. The lengthy duration means less pressure, more exploration, and the ability to catch multiple unique performances. Reason three: Governor Umo Eno is personally involved. His flag-off of this 32-day fiesta signals its importance. This level of endorsement means resources and attention are dedicated to making it a success for all. Reason four: It is a true alternative. If commercialized, generic Christmas events have lost their appeal, this festival offers a refreshing return to community-focused, artistically driven celebration...

  By Asuquo Edem  The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Linus Nkan, on Tuesday delivered an extensive defence of the 2026 Appropriation Bill during a Public Hearing of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation held at Luton Park Hotel.  Addressing lawmakers, civil society representatives and development stakeholders, the Commissioner broke down the fiscal proposal and explained why the administration is taking a deliberately investment-heavy route in the coming year. Nkan reaffirmed that the total size of the 2026 budget stands at ₦1.390 trillion, a figure he described as both “ambitious and realistic” given current revenue indicators and development needs. He explained that the proposal allocates ₦1.035 trillion to capital expenditure, leaving ₦354.8 billion for recurrent obligations. According to him, the overwhelming shift toward capital spending underscores the Governor’s resolve to channel resources into projects that expand ec...