The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, on Thursday, passed a Bill to establish the State Tourism, Arts and Culture Endowment Fund (AKSTACEF) into law.
This was done during a plenary at the Assembly complex, shortly after the Chairman, House Committee on Industry, Commerce and Tourism Hon KufreAbasi Edidem, presented a report.
Hon. Edidem, the member representing Itu State Constituency explained that the new law, when assented to by the state Governor, would boost the funding of the tourism sector as well as improve the revenue accruing to the State.
He submitted that, “the law will assist in preserving and maintaining tourism and historical heritage sites, their facilities, enhance economic growth and create employment for the people of Akwa Ibom State especially the youth.
“The new law will also give Akwa Ibom State 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 centers in Akwa Ibom are properly managed and maintained.”
The Speaker, Rt. Hon Aniekan Bassey after the passage of the bill, instructed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Mandu Umoren to communicate it to the Executive Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel for his assent.
Also 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, between 1979 – 1983.
