Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the development and promotion of Mary Slessor’s legacies as part of measures toward boosting Tourism in the State.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, gave the assurance in his office, Thursday, during a courtesy call on him by a NGO, Mary Slessor Foundation, led by the Chairman, Rt. Rev. Ini Ukpuho.

The Tourism Commissioner who expressed government’s readiness to partner valuable NGOs and public spirited individuals, in the development processes of the State, pledged commitment to partnering the organisation in showcasing the legacies of Mary Slessor, as he said, is an attractive tourism line with prospects for high income yield.

Sir Charles Udoh said, with Tourism as a major revenue earner globally, Akwa Ibom State Government will drive all possibilities towards boosting Tourism in the State, such as the Mary Slessor legacies, which will encompass the instituting of the Twins festival, to accentuate the work of this Scottish, Presbyterian missionary, who stopped the killing of Twins in this part of the world.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Foundation and coordinating chaplain, National Christian center, Abuja, Rt. Rev. Ini Ukpuho, had said, the courtesy call was a move in line with the directive of the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for the Presbyterian Church to foster partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, towards the promotion of Mary Slessor’s legacies.

He thanked the Commissioner for the warm reception accorded him and his team and pledged to provide necessary information and materials needed to support the promotion, marketing and showcasing, of the legacies of Mary Slessor, as a prospective tourism potential.

Present at the event were: the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Grace Akpan, the Secretary of the Foundation, Elder Nnanna Idika and the CEO, Global Trend marketing Solutions Limited, Desmon Imo Ita.