A’Ibom To Establish Market For Local Crafts

The Akwa Ibom Government says it has concluded arrangements to establish a market for the sale of local art works to boost tourism.

Dr Clement Bassey, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, announced this on Monday in Uyo while briefing journalists on activities lined up for this year’s World Tourism Day celebration.

The commissioner disclosed that the proposed crafts market would be located at Ikot Ekpene Local Government area of the state.

He said that raffia works, ceramics, wood carving and textile designs would be displayed and sold in the proposed market, when functional.

.The commissioner said that this year’s World Tourism Day celebration would be observed in the state on Septeber  27, noting that the planning committee had lined up a week of events to coincide with the 24th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom.

“We want to use this opportunity to showcase to the public what the state has to offer in terms of culture.

“Our emphasis will be cultural displays from the 31 local government areas of the state and drama to be staged outdoor at the Ibom Plaza,” Bassey said.

The commissioner said that the celebration would be spiced up with tourism components in line with the theme of this year’s celebration which is “Tourism: Linking Culture.”

He said that Governor Godswill Akpabio would declare the celebration open.