Akwa Ibom State Government is completing plans for an ultra-modern infrastructure for the traders and craftsmen of the Ikot Ekpene Raffia market.
The ultra-modern infrastructure to be christened – Ikot Ekpene International Raffia Mall, will provide a permanent site for the Raffia market traders and put paid their years of yearning for relocation to a conducive environment.
The Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, disclosed this recently, while on a farmiliarization tour of Ikot Ekpene Raffia market, as part of his ongoing tour of tourist sites in the State.
Dr. Anieti Udofia intimated to the traders that, the government places high value on their arts and crafts works, which are vital tourism assets, and commended them for their dexterity in holding onto their age-old Raffia works which have given Ikot Ekpene the fond subriquet, Raffia City.
He said the Ikot Ekpene Raffia works and craftsmanship, have brought so much glory to the State, as the products are best sellers for guests and visitors to the state and have made Akwa Ibom State unique at National and International exhibitions and trade fairs.
The Commissioner expressed regret over their relocation challenges and assured that government is working assiduously to provide them with an ultra- modern International Raffia mall within the shortest time possible, to assuage their accommodation problems.
Udofia assured that, when completed, the Ikot Ekpene International Raffia Mall will stimulate local economy, create job opportunities for the teeming youths of Ikot Ekpene and Akwa Ibom State at large, and also generate revenue for government.
Earlier, while receiving the Tourism Commissioner and his entourage to Ikot Ekpene, the Council Chairman, Elder Aniefiok Issac Nkom had informed the team that “Ikot Ekpene emerged as a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a blend of rich tourism sites as the waterfalls in some parts of the LGA and exquisite Raffia works, which makes Ikot Ekpene to be Known as the “The Raffia City”.
Elder Aniefiok Nkom said Governor Umo Eno Ph.D is very passionate about providing a permanent infrastructure for the Raffia market craftsmen and traders as the Governor has already approved a location for the construction of an ultra-modern Ikot Ekpene International Raffia market.
He presented a designed copy of the proposed International Raffia Market to the Tourism Commissioner, intimating to him that, work is in top gear to flag-off the project during the forthcoming anniversary of the creation of Ikot Ekpene LGA.
Highlights of the tour were: interaction with the Raffia market traders, purchase of some raffia products, presentation of Raffia bag gift to the Honourable Commissioner by the raffia market Trustee, Mr. Etim Udom and visit to Ikot Ekpene Plaza by the Honourable Commissioner.
Dr. Udofia was accompanied on the visit by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Grace Akpan, the SSA to the Governor on tourism (Hotels), Mrs. Imaobong Zoe, the Publisher of the Mail Newspaper, Mr. Ifreke Nsewo,, and Directors from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
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