Events

Umo Eno Salutes Forebears During Akwa Ibom’s 38th Anniversary

Published

1 year ago

September 24, 2025

Governor Umo Eno commends past leaders and citizens for their roles in Akwa Ibom’s progress as the state marks its 38th anniversary

Umo Eno hails past leaders at Akwa Ibom’s 38th anniversary, commending their contributions to the state’s transformation from a once-obscure region into a beacon of development.

Also read: Umo Eno Champions Sports Festival to Empower Akwa Ibom Youths

Speaking at a special banquet to mark the 38th anniversary of the state’s creation, Governor Pastor Umo Eno expressed gratitude to his predecessors, political stakeholders, and citizens for their collective role in advancing the Akwa Ibom project.

“Thirty-eight years down the line, the state has metamorphosed into a destination of choice.

This would not have been possible without the efforts of our past leaders. God has blessed us with progressive-minded leadership,” he said.

The governor highlighted the importance of unity across political divides, noting that blessings and progress can only be achieved where peace thrives.

“Let politics be played with a human face and let us know that after politics, we would all return as Akwa Ibomites,” he added.

Eno celebrated the achievements of Akwa Ibom indigenes making global and national impact, including Mayor Jason Jackson of Islington, UK, and Assistant Commandant General Samuel Okon of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, whom he presented with a new car to support his service.

He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing financial stability to states, emphasising that Akwa Ibom has not borrowed funds under his administration.

“Akwa Ibom is united for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for Senator Godswill Akpabio, and for our collective future,” he said.

In his remarks, the state’s pioneer military administrator, Col. Tunde Ogbeha (retd), described Akwa Ibom as “a benchmark of progress and development in Nigeria” and praised successive leaders for upholding the vision of the founding fathers.

Both the APC chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, and PDP chairman, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan, lauded the governor for prioritising peace and unity, pledging continued support for his inclusive leadership.

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

Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, commended citizens for embracing peace and sustaining the state’s path of sustainable growth.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

3 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.