On Monday, 17 August 2026, the Centre for Creative Economy and Cultural Studies - CCECS, AKSU., held the maiden edition of its Cultural Week, a landmark event designed to celebrate, preserve, promote and harness the rich cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom State.
The event featured spectacular cultural displays by various Local Government Area Chapters of the Varsity and cultural groups across Akwa Ibom State, bringing together students, academics, government officials, traditional institutions, cultural practitioners and other distinguished guests.
In his opening remarks, the Director of the Centre, Dr. Ofonmbuk Atakpa, expressed his appreciation to the Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University for creating the opportunity for the Centre to actualise the event. He also unveiled the maiden edition of the Centre’s journal, the International Journal of Culture and Creative Economy.
The Director further highlighted the academic and Professional Programmes offered by the Centre, which include:
Certificate Programmes in Creative Economy and Cultural Studies
Diploma Programmes in Creative Economy and Cultural Studies
Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Creative Economy and Cultural Studies
Master of Creative Economy and Cultural Studies
Doctor of Creative Economy and Cultural Studies
He emphasised the Centre’s commitment to positioning culture and creativity as important instruments for education, innovation, enterprise development and economic transformation.
The Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Israel Ben, a Consultant General and Surgical Oncologist, expressed his appreciation to the Director for finding him worthy of chairing the historic event. He noted that culture should be a source of pride for every individual and encouraged greater appreciation and preservation of cultural heritage.
The Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker, Hon. Dr. Anieti Udofia, Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Akwa Ibom State, described culture as the next great gem of the economy.
In his keynote address, he commended the Director of the Centre for organising what he described as a remarkable and impactful event. He further emphasised that culture is a vital component of economic development and should therefore receive greater attention and priority from individuals, institutions and Government.
The Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Otoabasi Akpan, who led the University’s management team to the event, commended the Centre’s Director and the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAAKISS) for their remarkable collaboration in bringing the event to fruition.
The Vice Chancellor assured the Centre of the University’s continued support and declared that the AKSU Cultural Week had come to stay. He stated that the event would henceforth be organised annually with the full support of the University’s management.
One of the major highlights of the event was the colourful presentation of the diverse cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom State by the various Local Government Area chapters of the University and The cultural displays from cultural groups like; Ekpo/Abiakpo Cultural Troupe from Essien Udim, Okokod Masquerade from Uruan, Ekpe Cultural Group from Uruan, Akob Umehe Cultural Troupe from Oruk Anam, Ukoakpan Cultural Troupe from Abak, Multiple cultural performances by the Department of Performing Arts, AKSU
The event also featured Awards and Induction into the Centre for Creative Economy and Cultural Studies Hall of Fame, Akwa Ibom State University, recognising individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of culture, creativity, and the creative economy.
The event was graced by several distinguished personalities, including Hon. (Elder) Ntiedo Usoro, Executive Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area, and his entourage; Rt. Hon. (Eld.) Sunday Festus Akpan, Executive Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area; Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Patrick Umoh, Member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency; Rt. Hon. Prince Akpabio, Member representing Essien Udim State Constituency; and the Chairman of Okobo Local Government Area, represented by Dr. Chris Okon.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, represented by the Vice Chairman, Dr. Mfon Udoudom; Envoy Nsentip Akpabio, State APC Secretary; Dr. Ephraim Okon, Esq.; Rt. Hon. Nse Ntuen; Hon. Barr. Patrick Umanah; Amb. Ralph Otu, who represented the Chairman of Eket Local Government Area; and Dr. Ifiok Umanah, who represented the Paramount Ruler of Abak and Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers.
Other notable attendees included Hon. Victor Udofia, Sir Uduak Isobara, Barr. Imo-owo Okpokpo, Deans of Faculties and Schools, Directors, Heads of Departments, lecturers, students, cultural practitioners, and members of the wider university community.
The maiden edition of the CCECS AKSU Cultural Week was therefore not only a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom State but also a significant step towards positioning culture, creativity, and heritage as instruments of education, identity, innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development.