The Akwa Ibom government says it will take steps towards promoting the legacies of the Scottish Missionary, Mary Slessor, as a way of promoting tourism. 

Charles Udoh, the commissioner for culture and tourism, said this in Uyo on Friday, when Rev. Ini Ukpuho, the chairman, Mary Slessor Foundation visited him.

Mary Slessor, a Scottish missionary, who worked in Nigeria, and lived among the Efik people, is known for stopping the killing of twins. 

Mr Udoh said that the state would showcase the legacies of Mary Slessor by developing an attractive site that would pull the attention of tourists.

“Tourism is a major revenue earner globally. The Akwa Ibom Government will drive all possibilities towards boosting tourism in the state.

“Part of the plan is to institute a festival of twins to accentuate the work of the Scottish presbyterian missionary who stopped the killing of twins in this part of the world,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Ukpuho said the visit was in line with Gov. Umo Eno’s call on the Presbyterian Church to partner the state government towards promoting Mary Slessor’s legacies.

Mr Ukpuho, also the coordinating chaplain, National Christian Centre, Abuja, pledged to provide information and artefacts needed for a productive partnership.

“This will support the promotion, marketing and showcasing of Mary Slessor’s legacies as a prospective tourism potential,” he said.

(NAN)