UKAPISUA: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
With the recent success in the Usoro Uso – an exhibition of Art and Orange September – a series of events organized to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Akwa Ibom by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has launched yet another event tagged Ukapisua. Ukap’isua, means “the turn of the year” or “the end of the year”.
WHY UKAPISUAThe Commissioner For Culture and Tourism, Rt Hon Victor Antai explained during a press briefing why the state needs “Ukapisua” event.
“As we all know, yuletide periods in Akwa Ibom State have hitherto been bereft of hyped activities. During this period we usually witness an outflow of human traffic into neighboring states as indigenes and fun seekers leave the state in their numbers to other parts of the country in search of entertainment and recreation.
It is in an attempt to remedy this and spice up the yuletide experience for the citizens of Akwa Ibom State, while effectively marketing our huge tourist potentials that the Ministry Of Culture and Tourism has decided to host “Ukap’isua”, an end of the year Christmas festival.
. Historically, our people planned and host festivities around this period. We hope to create during this same period, a unique experience that will not only create recreation and entertainment, but also market our huge tourism potentials.”
EVENTS LINED UP FOR UKAPISUA
The Commissioner explains the event lined up for the Xmas season “Ukap’isua will commence with the opening of the festival village, located at the auspicious Ibom Unity Park, Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo. The festival village will host relaxation spots, shopping stalls and other recreational facilities. The main events in Ukap’isua will hold on 26th and 27th December, 2017
On 26th December, we will host a major street party/carnival tagged “Street Groove”. The star studded event will see five Bands parading along the carnival routes (University of Uyo mini stadium – Ikot ekpene road – Aka road – UdoUdoma Avenue – Unity Park). The bands will be led by an indigene. Each will be assigned an artist of repute. Talks with the likes of Wizkid, Tuface Idibia, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, Phyno etc are ongoing.”
WHERE THE PEOPLE ARE ENGAGED
There are bands which will move across the breath and length of the state capital with top musical stars leading the band. Below are the bands:
*Blue River Band,
*Rolling Hills Band,
*The Beach Town Band,
*The Bridge Band and
*The Plaza Band.
THE SECRETS BEHIND THE BAND NAME
According to Rt. Hon Antai
“The bands are named after tourist attractions and historical features in Akwa Ibom state. The bands will further expound on the significance of their respective tourism features in their costumes, presentation and parade, thereby helping to market the tourist potentials of the state.”
HOW TO BE PART OF THE BAND
The general public is encouraged to be part of the bands by registering online at www.ukapisua.com or by picking up offline registration forms at all tertiary institutions in the state, local government headquarters, as well as designated eateries and the state Ministry of Culture and Tourism Headquarters, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Complex, Uyo.
ABOUT THE IBENO BEACH PARTY
The end of the road event for Ukap’isua this year will be the Mega Beach Fiesta. Holding at the longest beach line in West Africa, the mega beach fiesta will feature beach soccer, volleyball, basketball and other interesting games.
COME TO AKWA IBOM
ALREADY DONE
