Hilda Baci Partners Akwa Ibom To Showcase 31 LGAs’ Food Heritage At Christmas Unplugged
By ARIT OTONG UBOK
THE Akwa Ibom State Government has engaged celebrity chef Hilda Baci to promote the state’s indigenous cuisine and cultural heritage through the Ibom Kitchen initiative and the 2026 edition of Christmas Unplugged.
The partnership follows a service and appearance agreement covering 30 November to 31 December 2026. Under the arrangement, Baci will serve as the face of Ibom Kitchen and use her media reach to promote Christmas Unplugged and the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival.
This year’s Christmas Unplugged 4.0 carries the theme, “Taste of Akwa Ibom: Our Food, Culture and Heritage.” The month-long programme aims to showcase the state’s traditional dishes, culinary practices and cultural identity.
In addition, the event will give all 31 local government areas an opportunity to present their indigenous cuisines. It will also promote local traditions and encourage the preservation of cherished cultural values.
Governor Umo Eno, who approved the engagement, congratulated Baci on the partnership. He expressed hope that the collaboration would continue beyond the Christmas celebrations and contribute to the state’s wider Destination Akwa Ibom tourism campaign.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the state government on Thursday 5 November 2026. Members of the State Inter-Ministerial Committee on Christmas Unplugged completed the signing at the chambers of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN.
Through the partnership, the government aims to use food, culture and celebrity influence to strengthen Akwa Ibom’s visibility as a tourism destination.
