Mary Slessor: NGO, Twinsfest, vows to unlock tourism potential of Akwa Ibom

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Twinsfest has vowed to unlock the tourism potential of Akwa Ibom in commemoration of the historic legacies of Mary Slessor in the state.

The President of Twinsfest, Mr. Offiong Akpan, made the disclosure during the opening ceremony of Ibom Christmas Celebration and unveiling of Twinsfest  in memory of Mary Slessor in Uyo.

Our Correspondent recalls that Mary Slessor, a Scottish missionary, stopped the culture of killing twins/multiple birth babies and the banishment of their mothers in Nigeria in the 19th century.

Slessor, died in 1915 in the present day Akwa Ibom.

Akpan assured that the organisation would not rest on its oars until it immortalised Slessor, urging the government to completely exterminate killing of twins in the country.

“Every effort aimed at saving life is worthy of consideration and collaboration. We have identified with the government of Akwa Ibom State and relevant offices to lead the campaign against the killing of twins.

“Moreso, commemorating the life and times of late Mary Slessor who lived and died here.

“As recently as October 2021, AIT, a respected media house in the country, presented a documentary of twins still being killed in the 21st century among a tribe that lives within 20 kilometres from Abuja the seat of government of Nigeria.

“There is a symbiotic relationship between industrialisation and tourism.

“Akwa Ibom, as the host state for Twinsfest, is blessed with great tourism potentials, and with the recent passage of the tourism bill by the state’s legislators, the road map for tourism development has been provided.

“Twinsfest shall serve as a springboard to unlock these potentials, working hand-in-hand with the vibrant Commissioner for Culture & Tourism, Hon. Orman Esin,” Akpan said.

He commended the State House of Assembly for passing the tourism bill adding that the move would enable the organisations to open up the tourism sites of the state.

In his remarks, Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom shortly after the cutting of Mary Slessor’s birthday cake, eulogized her selfless service to humanity.

Emmanuel, who was represented by his deputy, Mr.  Moses Ekpo, said that the human race across the globe would forever remember her sacrifices in saving the lives of innocent children particularly, in Nigeria.