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…At World Heritage Day celebration in A/ Ibom
From Isaac Job, Uyo
Nobel laureate and playwright, Professor Wole Soyinka has warned Nigerians against what he described as cultural enslavement, which may result in the extinction of art and diverse cultures in Nigeria.
Delivering his keynote address in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital during the 2026 celebration of World Heritage Day held at Ibom Tropicana on the sub theme “Akwa Ibom Heritage Alive” Soyinka said what Nigerians see as barbaric and fetish are being celebrated in other countries of the world.
Soyinka who flew from France to Uyo at the instance of Akwa Ibom State government explained that some Nigerians see their rich cultural heritage as satanic without introducing it to their children for posterity.
“What some people consider as primitivism and fetishism is ignorant but they are celebrating other people’s culture. Go to Barbados, you will find masquerades and dances which you see today in Uyo”
Continuing, Soyinka said: “May all the deities in the world open their minds, eyes and brains to stop blasphemy against the spirituality of the world.”
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In his remarks, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, while recapping the theme of the World Heritage Day in the stat, noted that Akwa Ibom has continued to keep her heritage alive through songs , folklore and cuisines such as nkukwo, Asa iwa , Afia efere, Atama, Usung ikpong and edikang ikong, among others.
“Every end of the year, the 31 local government areas in the state showcase their rich cultural heritage during the Christmas village festival.”
Eno, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi said that the state government also promotes tourism in the state through renovation of hospitals, health facilities and construction of new hospitals to boost medical tourism to the state.
He listed Akwa Ibom Palm resort, Ibom International Conference Centre and Ibom Specialist Hospital as key tourist centres in the state.
He spoke further: “Our administration is passionately dedicated to harnessing these rich cultural blessings to make tourism a key element of our identity.
“With the rich network of roads that seamlessly connect the state across the three senatorial districts, a thriving nationally celebrated airline, Ibom Air, which would soon commence international flight operation and our investment in the Maritime and Blue Economy in Oron, Akwa Ibom identity is truly on ascendancy.”
In his welcome address, the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia, said the tourism heritage of the state remains unbeatable.
