Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has described the Ibom Christmas Carol Festival as a symbol of the unity, as well as an opportunity to market Akwa Ibom talents to the world via the global stage it has provided which has garnered a large following over the years.

Eno, who said this during the Carol, which is now a tradition of the State, on Friday, December 15 2023, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, expressed his happiness and gratitude to God for the actualization of the project.

The festival, which has “ARISE and Shine for Thy Light is Come” as its theme for this year, was held at the Ibom Christmas Village, Udo Udoma and had in attendance many choral groups, high ranking government officials and global gospel ministers such as Mercy Chinwo and Moses Bliss.

“To sing praises to God, we have come from all tongues and tribes; from Ibibio to Annang from Oron to Andoni, from the flowing creeks to the undulating upland, from all churches, we are gathered here as one Akwa Ibom State under God to give him praise. That is the truth, that is who we are and it is to the glory of God.”

He appreciated the various choral groups that coloured the event in their different uniforms and again described the carol as “God’s own party” and encouraged all the participants and attendees to be merry.

In an interview with Kristina Reports, attendees of the event expressed their joy and satisfaction with the event.

Jimmy Osita who is an indigene of Anambra state stated that he was very happy to finally attend the carol as he had heard so much about it and always looked forward to attending.

“I am from Anambra State and there are not a lot of these kinds of things happening in my state. I am a Corp member here and I intentionally refused to travel till Sunday because I really wanted to attend this event. The music is nice, the atmosphere is full of happiness and the love of the people for God so I am very happy to be here.”

John Udoekpo, one of the choristers said he has been part of the choir since 2015 and it has always been a rewarding session for him. He expressed his happiness in the fact that the new governor did not abolish the practice but has rather made the experience more worthwhile.

“A lot of rumors went around that the carol will not hold this year because the governor was trying to cut down on expenses and I was very worried because over the past eight years, this has been a tradition for me and my family, my wife and my two daughters also sing in this choir. I prayed and hoped the rumors were not true and thank God they weren’t. I am very happy to be here.”

Stand owners at the Christmas village who spoke to Kristina reports commended the Governor on his decision to hold the carol at the Christmas village as it has given them the chance to make more sales while also being a part of the carol service.

Other popular musicians such as Aity Denis and Bobby Friga were also present at the event.