Culture

Governor Umo Eno Urges Akwa Ibom Diaspora to Boost Tourism, Investment

Published

1 year ago

August 12, 2025

Governor Umo Eno has urged the Akwa Ibom diaspora in the U.S. to channel skills and resources into boosting tourism, investment, and cultural heritage in the state

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has called on Akwa Ibom indigenes in the United States to channel their expertise, professional networks, and resources toward driving tourism, investment, and cultural heritage promotion back home.

Also read: Governor Umo Eno Inspects Tourism Projects to Ensure Quality

Speaking through Helen Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, at the 38th annual convention of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA, Inc. (AKISAN), Governor Eno commended the group for preserving cultural values and fostering unity among the diaspora.

He urged members to adopt a model of “backward integration,” mirroring diaspora communities such as the Chinese and Indians, by transferring technology, fostering business partnerships, and promoting tourism.

The governor cited attractions including Ikot Abasi’s historic castle, ONNA’s pottery industry, and Ikot Ekpene’s raffia craft as untapped economic assets.

Governor Eno highlighted the example of Itawan James, a U.S.-trained professional who returned to establish the Arise Senior Citizens’ Centre, encouraging others to follow her lead.

He also announced plans to host the 2026 AKISAN Convention in Uyo and redeemed a \$5,000 pledge from last year’s dialect competition.

Unveiling tourism-focused projects, he revealed plans for Arise Resorts a mini-Disneyland with luxury facilities alongside a 5,000-seater international conference centre, a five-star hotel, a shopping mall, and a hospital.

AKISAN President Mbong Ekiko thanked the governor for his support and assured continued collaboration on the state’s Arise Agenda.

The three-day convention featured a Governor’s Townhall Meeting, Women’s Summit, Children’s Summit, and Business and Technology Summit, with attendees from across the U.S. and Nigeria.

Also read: Governor Abiodun Issues Eviction, Demolition Notices to Ex-Governor Daniel in Ogun

The Akwa Ibom delegation included Information Commissioner Aniekan Umanah, former SSG Emmanuel Ekuwem, Inemesit Uwah, and Itawan James.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”