Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has introduced a fresh arrangement for the participation of the 31 local government areas in the 2026 Christmas Unplugged celebration, with each council to draw lots for its activity date and indigenous delicacy at the Christmas Village.
Governor Eno announced the new modalities on Wednesday during the September edition of the State Covenant Service at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, saying the draw would take place at the State Variety Night on September 23. He explained that the arrangement would replace the practice of allowing activities to commence automatically with Abak LGA.
Christmas Unplug 4:0 will begin on December 1, while the Christmas Carol Festival is scheduled for December 18. A draw on September 23 will determine participation dates and the traditional cuisine to be showcased by the state’s 31 LGA’s.
Eno said the state will also update its Social Register and provide Christmas palliatives, while women will receive support through cooperative societies from October.
He announced that N1 billion has been earmarked for the youth empowerment programme in each of the 31 LGAs.
The governor also said all 50 CNG buses acquired by the state have arrived and will soon begin operations across the 31 LGAs, with the aim of reducing transportation costs by about 50 per cent.
Beyond the Christmas programme, Eno announced plans to update the State Social Register to capture vulnerable residents, assuring that adequate palliatives would be provided for the yuletide.
He also said N20 million would be made available in in October to support 200 women through cooperative societies in each ward, as part of efforts to stimulate economic activities at the grassroots.
The announcement were made during the September edition of the State Covenant Service at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo Akwa Ibom State.
-9News Nigeria.
