December 14, (THEWILL) – No fewer than 50,000 visitors from within and outside Nigeria, are expected to grace the 2022 edition of Akwa Ibom Carol Festival, an official of the state government has disclosed.
Sir Ralphed Edem, an aid to the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who made the disclosure on Tuesday, while conducting some journalists around the venue of the event, said that the yearly event, since 2008, has boosted the tourism potential of the state, even as it also seeking to put the state on the international tourism calendar.
The Akwa Ibom Carol Festival, which has been held for more than 10 years since it began, according to him, will feature top gospel artistes from Nigeria and other countries and will feature 5000 choirs of repute drawn from many parts of the world.
Speaking at the Ibom hall grounds venue of the event in Uyo, the state capital, Eden said many hotel rooms in the city have been fully booked for the festival, which he said would take place on Friday, December 16.
Edem said the state government has concluded all the arrangements to host one of the best festivals ever, adding that new ways of improving the yearly event have been explored to achieve an inspiring carol festival of songs and music.
According to him, special broadcast equipment has been provided for a hitch-free transmission of the festival to reach a worldwide audience, adding that special arrangements have also been made for top-notch safety and medical emergencies, with additional exit doors.
He said apart from the red carpet point for interviews and photographs, a special tunnel has been created for people to walk into the venue with ease, while special marshalls were expected to usher in guests to the event with a large screen displaying the Christmas image
Eden also disclosed that the festival was being supported by many organisations including banks and airlines, adding that the event was capable of generating income for the state given that some choir groups outside the country have written to the State Government, requesting to be part of the festival.
Also speaking, Aniekpeno Mkpanang, a tourism promotion expert, commended journalists and media professionals for their contributions to the development of the society and urged them to display a deep sense of professionalism in carrying out their responsibilities.
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