By Solomon Okpo
Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State is set to elevate its tourism and creative economy with Governor Umo Eno’s announcement of the International Raffia Mall project in Ikot Ekpene, a city famously known as Raffia City.
The visionary initiative will see the relocation of the existing raffia market into a modern, comfortable facility designed to showcase the state’s rich raffia heritage to both local and international visitors. The new mall will serve as a one-stop hub for artisans, entrepreneurs, and investors to connect and promote the craft that has long defined Ikot Ekpene’s cultural identity.
From intricate ornaments and fashion accessories to furniture, traditional dance costumes, hats, mats, decorative items, and even materials for bush bars and traditional huts, Akwa Ibom’s raffia craft boasts unmatched versatility and artistry.
Governor Eno emphasised that the project is not just about preserving culture but also about driving economic diversification. The International Raffia Mall is expected to boost internally generated revenue, create jobs for the youth, expand the value chain, and strengthen the state’s position as a leading hub for indigenous craftsmanship in Nigeria.
“When you think raffia craft, think Akwa Ibom,” the governor affirmed, adding that more developments in the sector are on the way.
