All is set for the 2013 edition of the annual Akwa Ibom Satte Government Christmas Carol Night holding this Saturday, December 21, in Uyo, the state capital.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Aniekan Umanah, today gave an insight into the event tagged 9,999 Carol, which he said is the dawn of spiritual tourism in Nigeria.

Mr Umanah told newsmen in Uyo that the event, a brain-child of Governor Godswill Akpabio, was inspired by the governor’s desire to gather people from every church organisation, hamlet and village from across the state to share in the joy of Christmas by singing praises to Almighty God.

He said that since its inception in 2008, “the Akwa Ibom State Christmas Carol Night which has become a major tourist attraction to our state, has also served as avenue for the promotion of spiritual growth, peaceful co-existence among ethnic, religious and cultural groups in an evening of praise, worship, love and unity.”

The commissioner said apart from boosting the tourism potentials of Akwa Ibom, the Carol Night, which has maintained its unique theme and tradition, has evolved with new ideas and concepts on yearly basis. The tourism potential of the carol, he noted, “has been enhanced by a rapidly growing international reputation and acceptance of the state.”

With a blend of unique vocal and digital rendition of medley and lyrics as well as a repertoire of colorful visual decoration, dance, costumes and lighting, Mr. Umanah said “the ambience in and around the event venue often engender bliss and spiritual awakening.”

He said this year’s edition would feature the Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church, Dr David Oyedepo as the officiating Minister. He added that equally have internationally renowned gospel artistes such as Lionel Peterson, Osinachi Kalu (Sinach), Frank Edwards, Pastor Goody Goody, Folake Umosen, and Freke Umoh would also minister with songs.

The commissioner maintained that, with the Christmas Carol Night, Governor Akpabio has created an annual pilgrimage that brings the Christian community and the public into spotlight in the City of Uyo while celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and complementing the Uncommon Transformation programme of the State Government.

Mr. Umanah said the event would be live on major networks like the NTA, AIT, TBN, Channels, STV, African Magic, CTV, ARISE TV, AKBC and others. He implored those who have planned to be physically present at the Carol Night, especially first timers, to find time to visit other places of interest in Akwa Ibom, as, according to him, destination Akwa Ibom story has become a reality.

He said considering the enormous resources which the Akpabio administration has committed to the development of landmark infrastructure, a visit to the Ibom E-library and Ibom Tropicana for example, would instantly convince visitors as to why Akwa Ibom has become the new destination in Nigeria.

News Express recalls that on December 26, 2008, Akwa Ibom State Christmas Carol Night, with 9,300 carol singers drawn from the 31 local government areas of the state, set a new Guinness World Record of the largest Assembly of Carol singers. The 2011 edition saw the number of choristers increased to 9,999.

Previous editions of the Carol Night hosted international Christian leaders, including the Catholic Archbishop of Calabar, Archbishop Joseph Ekuwem, General Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi and that of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

•Photo shows part of the action at last year’s Akwa Ibom 9,999 Carol.

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