Sunday September 21, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
The Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has emphasized the importance of sustained unity and collective effort amongst citizens and residents in driving the progress and growth of the State.
Speaking at a special inter-denominational thanksgiving service to mark the 38th anniversary of the state’s creation, held at the International Christian Worship Center, Uyo, the Governor urged the people to forgive one another and eschew unnecessary acrimony capable of truncating the peace and unity of the State.
“Let’s come together in love, forgive one another and let us move together. Let us plan and work for the common good of our State. That is my earnest desire. When I see people come together like this, irrespective of political parties, it gives me joy. Every patriotic citizen should be interested in the State,show some patriotism. That is what I think this unity is about.
“Let us rise above ethnicity. This is a clarion call; “Rise above Ethnicity,” rise above parochialism, hatred, deep seated hatred. You will not have any other state apart from this one. We have only one united Akwa Ibom. I took over a united State of Akwa Ibom, and such shall I handover, nothing shall divide us,” he said.
He underscored the value of every leader’s contribution in the past, committing to continue collaborating with past leaders, showing respect for their services and honouring their legacies.
The Governor commended the great sense of unity, maturity and understanding shown by the leadership of the various political parties in the State, and also appreciated past leaders and stakeholders for turning up for the event.
Governor Eno thanked the people for their steadfastness, support and unwavering belief in the State to achieve greater impact and reminded the people of the ongoing INEC voters’ registration, urging them to get registered in readiness for the elections when the time comes.
He appreciated the Guests Speaker, Archbishop Emma Isong for his impactful message and also appreciated all religious leaders for their support and prayers, saying “It is on the wings of those prayers that God is helping us, and it is by the spirit himself that the State is being governed.”
The Governor also took out time to celebrate and pray for the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on her 65th birthday, and commended her for her support and mentorship of his daughter, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki.
In his goodwill message on behalf of former Governors of the state, Col. Yakubu Bako (Rtd), felicitated the State for the 38th anniversary, saying Akwa Ibom is one of the few states that have established continuity in leadership, and commended Governor Eno for maintaining same.
He also commended all past leaders and especially the incumbent, Governor Eno for contributing their quota to the development of the state,which, he said, has been transformed from a glorified local government to a destination of choice for Nigerians.
Speaking on behalf of women, the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said they were delighted with the inclusive leadership of the Governor, and assured that just as the women in the Bible stood with Jesus till the end, the women of Akwa Ibom State would support him till the end of his administration in 2031.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong Sampson, said the full presence of National Assembly members underscored the partnership between the National Assembly and the State Government, stressing that it would continue to maintain the partnership to ensure that Akwa Ibom will continue to move forward.
The Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet who spoke on behalf of the President General, Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Nteyin Solomon Etuk, praised Governor Eno for working selflessly to better the lot of the people and the State, praying God to continue to imbue him with more grace and wisdom.
In his remark, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Chris Nyong, appreciated God for his overwhelming blessings on the State and its people, and commended Governor Eno for his Christ- centric leadership disposition, and for embarking on several completed, ongoing and soon to be started impactful projects.
Others who spoke included the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Udeme Otong, Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo; Chief Judge of the State represented by Justice Winifred Umohandi, and Prelate (Prof.) Isaiah Isong, who, in glowing terms, applauded the giant strides of the Umo Eno led- administration.
In his homily, the Guest Speaker, Archbishop Emmah Isong, preaching on the theme: “Behold How Good and How Pleasant,” taken from Psalm 133:1-3, said Akwa Ibom is mature enough at 38 years, to arise to the faith of greatness.
Archbishop Isong who is the National Vice President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (South South), said for the State to actualise its vision of living together in unity, its citizens must imbibe the spirit of respect and support for leadership, maturity and forgiveness, as well as eschew ungodly secret plots against leadership and against one another.
The occasion which saw the Coordinator of the Office of the State First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, taking the only Bible reading from Psalm 133:1-3, featured sessions of inspirational praises, worship, choir ministrations, and prayers.
In attendance at the occasion were Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Senator Bassey Albert, former Military Administrator, Group Captain John Ebiye, other leaders of the State, members of the State Executive Council, members of the political class, captains of industry, Royal Fathers, and Christian faithful across the State.
