logosch
Akwa Ibom State University

AKSU VC FLAGS OFF 3RD AKSUFEST OF PERFORMANCES

The Vice-Chancellor, Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Prof. Nse U. Essien has flagged off the 3rd AKSU Festival (AKSUFEST) of Performances with the theme ‘Globalising Indigenous Artistic and Cultural heritage.’ This was performed during the opening ceremony of the festival Monday, April 14, 2025 at the Pinnacle Theatre, Obio Akpa Campus, Oruk Anam Local Government Area.

Performing the flag off ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the Head of Department, Dr. Lucy Iseyen for working conscientiously to reposition the Department and all the lecturers for their positive contributions to its progress. Prof Essien lauded the 300 level students of the Department for the excellent dance performance and added that the department is known for its delightful presentations. He encouraged the students to work towards becoming major stakeholders in the creative and entertainment industry in due course. He welcomed all participants and wished them a successful programme.

The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Esekong Andrew-Essien advocated reinstating cultural practices in performances and events through re-engagement, re-packaging, presentation and publicity via different platforms for visibility. He recommended that arts should be used as a tool for cultural diplomacy through exhibition in museums, galleries and end of year events to acquire prominence and emphasised that celebrating cultural diversity and propagating the culture by showcasing arts could raise more awareness about our history and invaluable contributions to the society.

In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Adede Aniekpeno Mkpanang, who is also the President of Ati Anaan, congratulated the Head of Department, all the lecturers, staff and students for the colourful ceremony. He promised to attend other activities of the programme in order to interact adequately with the organisers and participants.

The Host and Festival Director, Dr. Lucy Iseyen, who is also the Head, Department of Performing Arts, in her welcome address, said that the festival was a celebration of creativity, talent, and the rich cultural heritage of the State. She assured that the festival would showcase the artistic prowess of the students through craft exhibitions, theatrical, music and dance performances. She appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering support for the arts and students’ development, which have been the driving force of the festival. She thanked all the guests for honouring the invitation.

Highlight of the event was presentation of awards to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nse Essien; Justice of the Appeal Court, His Lordship, Justice Ntong F. Ntong; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, CLEDOP West Africa Limited (CWAL), Port Harcourt, Pastor (Dr.) and Deaconess Clement Udoh; the Majority Leader, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Sunday Johnny; Chief Executive Officer, Citizens Global Computers, Uyo, Engr. Christian Ogechukwu Ume and goodwill messages delivered by all the award recipients.The Head of Obio Akpa Campus and Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences; a Director in the Council for Arts and Culture, Dr. Unwana Joshua also gave goodwill messages. The event also featured exhibition of Sparkling Pinnacle Products by the Director, Career Services Centre and AKSUFEST 2025 Brand Ambassador, Prof. Edna Akpan; a command performance of ‘ISAN’ by 300 level students of choreography and kineasthetics; fashion parade and carnival.

Present during the event were: the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Oto-Abasi Akpan; the Bursar, Dr. Jacob Eseneyen; the Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Prof. Jemima T. Ekanem; Prof. Uwemedimo Atakpo, Prof. Effiong Johnson and other lecturers from the Department of Performing Arts; the Postgraduate Coordinator, Faculty of Arts, Dr. Udoinwang; the Head, Department of English, Dr. Monica Udoette; His Royal Highness, Obong Ifiok Umana, the Abak of Abak/the Village Head of Abak; the Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President on Legislative Matters, Hon. Imaenyin Adolphus; Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Administration, Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Akaninyene Ibanga and Senior Assistant Registrar, Directorate of Information, Public Relations and Protocol, Mr. Ibong Nkanga.