The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Thursday passed into law a bill to establish the Akwa Ibom State Tourism, Arts and Culture Endowment Fund (AKSTACEF).
The law will assist in preserving and maintaining tourism and historical heritage sites and their facilities. It will also enhance economic growth and create employment for the people of Akwa Ibom State especially the youth.
This followed a report presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Industry, Commerce and Tourism Hon KufreAbasi Edidem, member representing Itu State Constituency.
The new law, according to the Chairman of the Committee, when assented to by the state Governor will boost the funding of the tourism sector as well as improve the revenue accruing to the state.
The new law will also give Akwa Ibom a great sense of pride, hope and distinct identity, unite the people, upgrade the tourism status of the State globally and ensure that all tourist centres in Akwa Ibom are properly managed and maintained.
The Speaker in his ruling instructed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Mandu Umoren to communicate the law to the Executive Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel for his assent.
In other developments, a bill for a Law to Prohibit False Employment Advertisements in Akwa Ibom State and for other Matters Connected Thereto, sponsored by Hon (Dr) Charity Ido, member representing Ukanafun State Constituency and fifteen other members passed through first Reading and was committed to the House Committee on Rules, Business and Ethics chaired by Rt Hon Aniekan Uko, member representing Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency.
The House also held a valedictory sitting in honour of Late Rt, Hon (Obong) Ishmeal Akpan Ukpong, a former member who represented Etinan Urban in the then Cross River State House of Assembly, 1979 – 1983 session.
Meanwhile the House has adjourned plenary to Tuesday 10 August 2021.
