A’Ibom commemorates killing of twins stopped by Mary Slessor, signs MoU with promoters

All is now set for a global gathering in Akwa Ibom State to commemorate the killing of twins and multiple births which tradition was terminated by Mary Slessor in late 19th Century.

The event tagged: TWINFEST 2023, which is scheduled to hold in Uyo, Akwa Ibom Stare capital on December 1-3, 2023, is organized by Kenduo Nigeria. Limited, a reputable tourism development and management company based in Uyo and marketed by Markcelenz Limited, a Lagos based brand consulting and Marketing outfit.

In a release jointly signed by the chairman and CEO of Kenduo Nig. Ltd, Mr. Offiong Edet Akpan and the Managing Director of Markcelenz Ltd, Mr. Roland Ojemeh, said the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the two companies for the take-off of the project represent a huge milestone in the companies forge for impact on the global tourism development.

The release said the collaboration between the two companies is aimed at giving TWINFEST 2023 project the needed attention with unprecedented fanfare.

The three day global tourism festival which is put together in synergy with Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation NTDC, promises to be a unique gathering of twins all over the world on a platform that would enable them relate with one another and identity with their twins counterparts that may have lost their loved ones through superstition and ignorance during the 19th Century killing of twins in Nigeria.

The release said the event will also form part of activities meant to raise global awareness on the need for the abolition of all forms of human rights abuses and discriminations based on circumstances of birth.

The release enjoined all to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by TWINFEST 2023, and celebrate the uniqueness of twins and the dignity of humankind.

Meanwhile, UNESCO and some corporate organisations within the country have thrown their weight behind the event that promises to bring out the flamboyant and rich tourism assets of Akwa Ibom State noted for its hospitality and vast culinary delight, and launch Nigeria on the global tourism map.

As part of preparations for the event and the determination of the organizers to leave a memorable impression in the minds of the participants, there will be both local and international lottery draws that will give registered participants the opportunity to win various prizes including all-expense-paid trip plus free costumes for ONE participant from EACH of the seven continents of the world. There shall also be an-all-expense paid trip plus free costumes to be won by a registered participant each from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria as well as cash prizes ranging from N100, 000.00 to N250, 000.00 for nine winners from the three senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom State.

For the state participants, registration fee is N1,000. The national participants shall register with N1500. 00, while registration for international participants is S5 dollars each.

To register, participants are to visit www.twinsfest.org.

The raffle draw which will take place on October 31, 2023, according to report shall be both physically and virtually and will precede the main event which will take place in December 2023.

As at the time of filling this report, Akwa Ibom state government
represented by the Ministry of culture and tourism is said to have endorsed the event. This is contained in the MoU which the state, through its representatives has entered into, with the organizers to provide adequate security and other forms of logistics to guarantee the success of the event.