…declares state government support for annual Pastors Conference
Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has acknowledged the contribution of the Christian community in furthering the human capacity development component of his administration’s ARISE Agenda, and declared government’s support for the Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia-convened annual capacity building conference in Uyo.
Speaking while performing the official opening of the 25th International Pastors Conference, tagged “Participating in the Harvest,” drawn from Matthew 9:36-38, at Insight Bible Church, Uyo, he lauded the consistency of Dr. Ukafia in gathering Christian clerics across Africa in Uyo annually for the all-round capacity development programme without government support, adding that the event has impacted greatly on the Akwa Ibom Christian community and by extension the State over a period of time.
“This is a full conference for the body of Christ and this has been on for over 20 years, not expecting any reward, not expecting government support. You’ve been very consistent, impacting our pastors, developing capacity; which is also what we campaigned on. Thank you for what you’ve done.
“That is why I support this programme and, for me, honestly, I see it as human capital development. This is our Christian Harvard; we come together, you talk to us, teach our pastors, and so long as I remain Governor, by the grace of God, we’ll support you every year, Governor Eno declared.
The Governor urged Church leaders to see the importance of rest, restoration and capacity- building which such programmes offer and utilize the opportunity maximally, rather than live with a false impression of self-sufficiency.
In his words, “Many years ago I used to travel to Columbus, Ohio for a conference like this with Pastor Rod Parsley and it was always a wonderful time for Pastors to relax, recreate and be restored. Two things Pastors in our clime rarely have time for is rest and restoration, and it has sent a lot to their early graves.
“That aspect is something we really need to take seriously, that as pastors we can rest. Restoration is important too, and restoration and rejuvenation happen when we come to conferences like this, where we have several gifts put together.”
Restating his resolve to deliver good governance, Governor Eno said it might not be possible to reward all the people that voted for him individually, but through live-touching projects, his administration will ensure that democratic dividends is delivered to the people with integrity.
“I believe that if we put a school or hospital in your community, do the road and fix certain things in your community, we have rewarded you. That is why we are working hard to ensure that we do all we can and do it with integrity”, Governor Eno stated.
In his remarks at the event, the Senior Pastor of Insight Bible Church and convener of the conference, Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia, welcomed Pastor Umo Eno, both as head of government in the state and a stakeholder in the Church community, commending him for making Christendom proud with his good governance strides.
Affirming that the 25th edition of the International Pastors Conference has drawn participants from 25 African countries, Pastor Ukafia said the Insight Bible Church is committed to complementing and supporting the godly regime of Pastor Umo Eno through training and building capacity in the Akwa Ibom Christian community.
One of the key speakers in the conference, Pastor Simeon Afolabi of First Love Assembly, Port Harcourt, speaking on, “Pastoral Soul Care”, with scripture reference from 2Kings 4:1, said it was important for Ministers of God to acquire financial literacy to help safeguard their moral authority and be well positioned to transmit doctrine and godly components of culture to the next generation.
He explained that the issue of financial literacy of Pastors needs to be properly addressed, so that the ministry will not be ridiculed and the next generation of believers will not dislike the ministry.
Similarly, Archbishop John Koko-Bassey of the Methodist Church speaking on “Reaching your Community” admonished Pastors to also endeavour to reach out to their communities and not only wait for politicians alone adding that such interest in their communities could positively influence the youths and the community generally.
Gov Eno Commends Akwa Ibom Christian Community On Human Capital Development
