By Ofonime Honesty
Akwa Ibom State is preparing for an unprecedented festive season in December 2025 with three major events that promise to make the state Nigeria’s prime end-of-year destination during the yuletide.
The lineup includes a star-studded gospel concert, the Christmas Carols Festival, and a 32-day cultural carnival.
The events have garnered the full backing of the Akwa Ibom State Government.
The festivities will kick off with a special gospel concert titled “In Him We Move,” held in honour of Governor Umo Bassey Eno.
The concert, which has Archbishop Dr. Emmah Isong and Pastor Aity Dennis as Convener and Co-convener respectively, shall feature celebrated gospel artistes like Moses Bliss, Mercy Chinwo, Victor Thompson, the All Nations Mass Choir, Progress John, Bobby Friga, Queen Favour, the Divine Voices Crew, among others.
It is scheduled to hold on December 6, 2025, by 5:00 PM at the International Worship Centre in Uyo.
The flagship Akwa Ibom Carols Festival will hold on the evening of Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Uyo Amphitheatre.
The event is themed “Come, Let Us Adore Him Together in Songs of Christmas.”
Rounding off the celebrations is the Christmas Unplugged 3.0, a 32-day cultural carnival, running from December 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026, also at the Uyo Amphitheatre.
Dubbed “32 Days of Unbundled Fun,” the carnival will feature performances by over 70 artistes and a wide range of activities including music, drama, cultural displays, comedy, games, and talent shows.
Outdoor catering and lounging will be available throughout the events.
Organizers project that the combined events will generate a tourist footprint of over two million visitors and create more than 1,000 jobs, marking a significant boost for the state’s economy and solidifying Akwa Ibom’s reputation as a hub for culture and tourism.
