Culture Directorate.MCT,Akwa Ibom

Culture Directorate.MCT,Akwa Ibom A department under the Ministry of Culture&Tourism tasked with the duty of Promoting,Presenting& Preserving the culture of Akwa Ibom State

08/10/2025

A Traditional Prayer by His Eminence, Okuku Essien Akpan Ebong XVII,Okuku Ibiono Ibom in Akwa Ibom State at Usoro Udia Ibiono 2025

🎈🎈*OUR DANCES - (05)**Ubom Dance*.Ubom literary means Canoe or Boat. The Dance therefore showcases the energetic Canoe c...
05/05/2025

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*OUR DANCES - (05)*
*Ubom Dance*.

Ubom literary means Canoe or Boat. The Dance therefore showcases the energetic Canoe cultural performance native to the riverine communities. This Fishermen and women dance expresses the bravely in succumbing the dreadful waves and turbulence of rivers while searching for seafoods for food and for trading.

Dancers carry paddles to demonste how they navigate the dreadful river furry, telling a story of resilience and resourcefulness.

The Dance is a social event of the fishing community. Traditionally, Ubom dance was performed in the evenings after the day's handsome catch but now it is a commonplace cultural performance at important ceremonies. Ubom Dance is what gave rise to Boat Regatta Carnival.

Akwa Ibom - A place to be, rich in Cultural heritage.


🎈🎈🎈🎈*OUR DANCES - (04)**Abang Dance*. Abang is the vernacular name for earthenic water Pot found in all homes in Akwa Ib...
30/04/2025

🎈🎈🎈🎈
*OUR DANCES - (04)*

*Abang Dance*.

Abang is the vernacular name for earthenic water Pot found in all homes in Akwa Ibom traditional setting. The dance transcends all ethnic groups of Akwa Ibom, showcasing the rich common heritage of the people who used the pots in fetching water from the streams. This vibrant dance is typically performed by girls adorned with a distinctive ring tied around their waist to accentuate the movement of water inside the water pots during the movement of the hips of the dancers.

The lead dancer usually wears an intricately decorated head dressing crafted from assorted colourful headties using unique folding and knotting techniques. During the performance, the dancer grasps the head dressing with both hands, adding to the dance visual appeal.

Abang dance displays youthful exuberance while carrying out communal activities, wiith vitality, happiness and joy.

Akwa Ibom - A place to be.


*AKSG TO HOST FIRST EVER WORLD HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATION ON SAT 19*Akwa Ibom State Government is set to host the first-ev...
16/04/2025

*AKSG TO HOST FIRST EVER WORLD HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATION ON SAT 19*

Akwa Ibom State Government is set to host the first-ever World Heritage Day celebration on Saturday 19th, 2025.

The event which is expected to have His Excellency, the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno as the Special Guest of Honour will be held at the Nelson Mandela Hall of Watbridge Hotel, IBB Avenue, Uyo.

With the Theme - Cultural heritage and Economic Development : Optimizing the Tourism component of the ARISE Agenda, the event will have an Associate Professor in the Department of History and International Studies, University of Uyo, Dr Nkereuwem Edemekong as the Guest Speaker.

According to the host and Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, the event, which is the first of its kind in the State, is geared at showcasing the rich monuments and cultural endowments of the State to the global community with a view of attracting tourists and generating revenue to boost the IGR of the State.

Dr. Anieti Udofia said the ceremony which will attract stakeholders in the Culture and Tourism sector of the state, will feature exhibition of the unique cultural assets of the 31 Local Government Areas of the State as well as Arts exhibition by experts in the field.

Other features of the one-day ceremony which will be streamed live on Social Media platforms include: Panel Discussion, Goodwill Messages, Ballad, Cultural performances by the Centre for Arts and Culture as well as documentaries on the tourists and heritage sites of the state.

Dr. Udofia has therefore cordially invite members of the State Executive Council, the organized Private sector and Stakeholders in the Culture and Tourism sector to attend this very important celebration which alligns with the Tourism development vision of the ARISE Agenda.

*EBRE DANCE* Ebre commonly means Wateryam. Ebre Dance is therefore a performance with strong affiliation to Wateryam. Tr...
14/04/2025

*EBRE DANCE*

Ebre commonly means Wateryam. Ebre Dance is therefore a performance with strong affiliation to Wateryam. Traditionally, ebre dance is performed by women, during the annual wateryam harvest festival - "nsuk ebre".However, with the passage of time, ebre cultural dance has become an all-year-round display performed at important functions and ceremonies in Akwa Ibom State.

Ebre dance, performed in the hinterlands of Annang and Ibibio communities of Akwa Ibom State, is an exclusive preserve of reserved women of honour and proven integrity with high moral values in communities. Women caught stealing Wateryam during harvest season or indulging in scandalous activities were not allowed to join ebre dance. Divorces, single-mothers and women who could not nurture their girl-child, were not also allowed to get close to the ebre-fold.

Ebre dance is therefore not merely an entertainment but a platform to showcase societal norms and cultural values upheld in Akwa Ibom communities. Ebre places high premium on marriage, marital virtues and hardwork amongst women, as exemplified in their actions, songs, rhythm, lyrics and costumes.

The vibrant Ebre women dancers come out fully covered with wrappers and blouses, as well as headties. They wear rattles on the ankles which create a stunning representation of Akwa Ibom culture. Most importantly, the head dancer of ebre, carry on her head, a basket of Wateryam "akpaan ebre" and is supported by a cultural husband.

Ebre tim !!!

Akwa Ibom - a place to be...

More to come

🎈🎈*Our Dances*  (01)*ASIAN UBOIKPA* Asian Uboikpa literally means Proud Maidens. This scintillating dance performed acro...
07/04/2025

🎈🎈
*Our Dances* (01)

*ASIAN UBOIKPA*

Asian Uboikpa literally means Proud Maidens. This scintillating dance performed across Akwa Ibom Communities, culturally signifies chastity and purity, among young girls of puberty age, awaiting suitors. Asian Uboikpa is a traditional rite of passage, showcasing maidens with the pride and dignity of virginity.

Asian Uboikpa maiden dance, is not merely a cultural performance, but a powerful tool for promoting positive values and social norms among growing maidens.

Through the preservation of this tradition, the Akwa Ibom community continues to uphold the virtues of dignity in virginity, self-respect, and moral rectitude among young women.

Asian Uboikpa - is performed all year round at special occasions in the State.

*Akwa Ibom - the Place to be*...
Come Live, Work and Play in Akwa Ibom.

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Ibiono Ibom Local Government brought flavor, rhythm, and color to Christmas Unplug 2.0!Their display was a true celebrat...
07/04/2025

Ibiono Ibom Local Government brought flavor, rhythm, and color to Christmas Unplug 2.0!

Their display was a true celebration of cultural pride, filled with an array of rich, local delicacies — from heaps of fresh vegetables, yams, plantains, palm fruits, cocoyams, and spices, to traditional meals that tell stories of heritage and hospitality. The abundance and presentation reflected the agricultural strength and culinary creativity of the Ibiono Ibom people.

But it didn’t stop at food!

The arena came alive with the electrifying sound of traditional drums, vibrant dance steps, and the graceful movement of women in colorful wrappers. Their traditional dancers lit up the stage with rhythm and unity, while the dramatic entrance of their masquerade added excitement and spiritual energy to the show — a true spectacle of culture and identity.

Ibiono Ibom didn’t just perform — they owned the stage!


IBESIKPO ASUTAN AT CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED 2.0Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area took the stage at Christmas Unplugged 2....
25/03/2025

IBESIKPO ASUTAN AT CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED 2.0

Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area took the stage at Christmas Unplugged 2.0 to showcase its vibrant cultural heritage. The cultural extravaganza kicked off with a procession of elegantly dressed performers adorned in intricate traditional attire, showcasing the unique fashion sense of Ibesikpo Asutan.

Cultural performances included:
• Osong Ibid — traditional musical instruments played for masquerade displays.
• Ebre Dance — a dance performed by married women, reflecting the challenges faced in some marital homes.
• Ekpo Ntok-enyen — a masquerade by young boys aimed at enforcing discipline.
• Mboppo — a special rite where maidens, groomed in seclusion, showcase their beauty and readiness for marriage.

Local delicacies like ekpang nkukwo, asa iwa, afang soup, and refreshing ufop ukom (local drink) delighted the audience, while crafts like abufom , mbid, and ikpo highlighted the community’s artistry.

IBENO: A CULTURAL SHOWCASE AT CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED 2.0Ibeno LGA, celebrated for its coastal heritage and fishing culture,...
24/03/2025

IBENO: A CULTURAL SHOWCASE AT CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED 2.0

Ibeno LGA, celebrated for its coastal heritage and fishing culture, brought a refreshing blend of tradition and artistry to Christmas Unplugged 2.0.

Known for its rich maritime resources, Ibeno showcased a variety of seafood delicacies, including fresh fish dishes like Edikang Ikong with smoked fish, Afia Efere with prawns, and grilled seafood infused with local spices. These dishes highlighted the community’s connection to the Atlantic Ocean.

Displays of handcrafted fishing nets, carved paddles, and traditional boat models reflected Ibeno’s deep-rooted fishing culture.

Ibeno’s showcase at Christmas Unplugged 2.0 beautifully captured the essence of a people whose lives are intricately linked to the sea—a celebration of their culture, cuisine, and craft.


ETIM EKPO: A CULTURAL SHOWCASE AT CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED 2.0Etim Ekpo LGA, renowned for its rich palm resources and traditi...
10/03/2025

ETIM EKPO: A CULTURAL SHOWCASE AT CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED 2.0

Etim Ekpo LGA, renowned for its rich palm resources and traditional craftsmanship, proudly displayed its cultural heritage at Christmas Unplugged 2.0.

As a land known for its abundant palm fruits, Etim Ekpo showcased the art of local gin production, a time-honored practice that transforms fresh palm wine into a refined, potent spirit. Guests were treated to live demonstrations, offering an authentic experience of this cherished tradition.

The culinary presentation featured a diverse array of local delicacies, including Asa Iwa, Ekpang Nkukwo, Afia Efere Ebot, Edita Iwa, and Afang Soup. These dishes, enriched with ingredients such as periwinkle, okra, cocoyam, and yellow yam, highlighted the community’s rich food culture.

Beyond food and drink, the showcase featured captivating cultural performances and exquisite handcrafted items, celebrating the community’s artistic heritage.

Etim Ekpo’s presentation at Christmas Unplugged 2.0 was a true reflection of its identity—rooted in tradition, rich in flavor, and brimming with cultural
Pride

Behold the Christmas Unplugged 2.0 Photo Gallery!!!,all LGAs fully represented. Thank you Jesus for the Success🙏 ,Kudos ...
06/03/2025

Behold the Christmas Unplugged 2.0 Photo Gallery!!!,all LGAs fully represented. Thank you Jesus for the Success🙏 ,Kudos to Culture Directorate.MCT,Akwa Ibom for this initiative 👍

ETINAN: A CULTURAL SHOWCASE AT CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED 2.0Etinan LGA, home to the Iman Ibom people and known as the Brain Ba...
27/02/2025

ETINAN: A CULTURAL SHOWCASE AT CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED 2.0

Etinan LGA, home to the Iman Ibom people and known as the Brain Basket of Akwa Ibom, proudly showcased its rich cultural heritage at Christmas Unplugged 2.0.

Famous for their love of chewables, the people of Etinan dazzled with their culinary expertise. A carefully curated three-course meal highlighted their local flavors, featuring signature dishes such as Ikpa ye Mfi, Usun Ikpong ye Afia Afere, and Anem ye Ubo, enriched with periwinkle, okra, cocoyam, and yellow yam.

The event also featured captivating traditional performances, including Asian Uboikpa, Abang, and Ntuk Ododio, which brought Etinan’s vibrant artistic expressions to life.

Additionally, handcrafted treasures such as Ukeng, Adiyo, Udok, and exquisite bamboo furniture were displayed. A live demonstration of Ufob—hot, sweet palm wine—added a sensory delight, immersing attendees in the authentic flavors of Etinan.

This vibrant blend of food, craftsmanship, and performance perfectly captured the essence of Etinan’s cultural legacy.

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Uyo

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