Akwa Ibom State at the weekend joined the international community to commemorate the World Heritage Day (WHD) with participants including the deputy governor, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi; the commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, key policy makers, and the civil society lamenting the dying African culture and solicited for a paradigm shift.
The conferees at the event held at Warbridge Hotel and Suites, Uyo, noted that Akwa Ibom and Nigeria generally had been reeling under colonial subjugation even after independence with attendant influence in the local languages, culture, traditions, noting that social demeanours have been tilted towards the Western culture with the children who hold the future worse hit.
They, therefore, advocated for a holistic action to liberate them from such attachments if the dying African culture must be revived.
Towards reinventing the black African identity, the participants stressed the need for strong advocacies to redirect the mindsets of the people in line with the African cultural values, which they noted, hold the ace in the entrenchment of peace, unity and social cohesion to engender sustainable development in the country and the subnationals.
The deputy governor, Eyakenyi, who was represented by her special assistant (SA) on Boundary Matters, Okokon Offi, underscored the importance of reviving the indigenous culture and effectively exploring the key tourism sites for more income generation.
If fully activated with more government investments, the tourism sector, according to Eyakenyi, could become the key driver of income with Governor Umo Eno, embarking on tourism sector reforms to diversify the economy away from overdependence on oil.
“The Governor is aggressively expanding the tourism sites under the ARISE Agenda blueprint of his administration,” she stated, adding that such strategic intervention has drawn the world to Akwa Ibom as the major hub beckoning for tourists, visitors and investors.
The commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Udofia, addressed the forum under the theme; ‘International Day for Monuments and Sites; Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparedness and Learning From 60 Years of ICOMOS Actions”.
He emphasised the need for awareness on safeguarding the heritage sites from natural or manmade disasters, threats or conflicts.
The commissioner explained that “the celebration reminds us of the importance of preserving our cultural and natural treasures. It raises awareness about UNESCO World Heritage Sites and encourages sustainable tourism, ensuring future generations get to experience them.”
