By Ofonime Honesty
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, became a cauldron of fun recently as over 30,000 people converged for the commencement of the 5ive Alive Music Concert of the foremost Afro Pop phenom, David Adedeji Adeleke, aka Davido.
David, less than 48 hours after an official meeting with the French President, Emmanuel Macron, in Paris, jetted into Lagos, Nigeria, en route to Uyo for the show.
Receiving him were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
Standing in reverence before the duo, the singer explained why Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, was chosen as one of the host cities.
In a room with two of the state’s most powerful political figures, the global entertainment phenom did not falter or deceive; he spoke the truth, the whole truth: that Akwa Ibom is an attractive global destination.
Please, hear him: “When we were looking around Africa, five places came up and Akwa Ibom was top on the list,” he revealed, adding, “A lot of people are flying from other states that don’t have this type of facility (stadium).”
This was not just a statement; it was an endorsement—an endorsement by one of the influential individuals in the world. David, an African-American, usually paid millions in hard currency to endorse brands, did a free endorsement which has snowballed Akwa Ibom’s brand globally.
The event wasn’t just about music; it was about unity, culture, and showing the world that Akwa Ibom is fit, open, and ready for tourism, investment, and unforgettable experiences.
Residents of Akwa Ibom came out in their thousands, armed with entry tickets whose cheapest rate was 5,000 Naira. Fans equally came in from other states of the federation to be part of the fun. Uyo bubbled. The Victor Attah International Airport, motor parks, hotels, eateries, and other business concerns witnessed a surge in patronage. The show was a sold-out.
This, then, is the new currency of influence. It is no longer sufficient for a state to be merely powerful in the political sense; it must now be appealing in the cultural and experiential sense. It is the ability to create a product—an environment, an ambience, a promise of an unforgettable experience—that the world voluntarily patronizes. Governance is thus being redefined: from the provision of basic amenities to the creation of a thriving ecosystem where creativity and global-standard commerce embrace.
One must, in the spirit of fair reckoning, commend the Governor Umo Eno administration for its ARISE Agenda, which appears to be creating the fertile ground for such blooms.
And credit must be given to Senator Akpabio, whose foresight erected that magnificent stadium which now serves as both a global sporting Mecca and a cultural magnet.
The frenzy has dissipated. The vibrant crowds have since returned to their abodes, but an imprint has been left on the consciousness of the nation. Akwa Ibom has demonstrated that to stand tall globally, a state must first learn to create a stage that the world wants to stand upon.
Surely, Akwa Ibom, once a quiet State in the Niger Delta, has stamped its name firmly on the global map of entertainment.
The air now crackles with huge possibilities. Sectors like real estate and tourism are growing in Akwa Ibom. Estates are springing up in Uyo and other parts of the State. Akwa Ibom is peaceful and fit for quality investment. Please, don’t be a perpetual cynic; roll up your sleeves and get involved. Opportunities and rewards abound. A new standard has been set. Be part of the movement!
