The Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Anthony Nyong, has called on Nigerians to uphold peace, unity and a shared sense of responsibility as the country continues its journey of nation-building.
Prince Nyong made the call during an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on Sunday, September 27, 2026,
The Chairman described the anniversary as an opportunity to thank God for His faithfulness and sustenance of the nation over the years, while appreciating the Church for its continued prayers and faith in the country.
He also expressed appreciation to the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stanislaus, and the entire Church for their prayers for Nigeria, noting that the Church has an important role to play in sustaining hope, peace and unity in the country.
Speaking on governance and development in Akwa Ibom State, Prince Nyong commended the Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for his leadership and the developmental strides of his administration.
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He said the Nsit Atai administration had fully keyed into the Governor’s ARISE Agenda, adding that the council had, under his leadership, made deliberate efforts to ensure that the local government benefits meaningfully from the development programmes and opportunities provided by the state government.
According to him, the administration would continue to work in partnership with the state government to promote development and improve the welfare of the people.
Prince Nyong reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained development in Nsit Atai, assuring residents that the council would continue to pursue programmes and initiatives aimed at improving their welfare and creating an environment where they can live and pursue their livelihoods peacefully.
In his sermon, titled “The Weight of a Promise: The Responsibility to Honour Our Words and Commitments,” Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Umohandikan reminded the congregation that every promise carries a responsibility, particularly when people place their trust and expectations in the person making the promise.
Drawing from the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:37, the priest stressed the importance of truthfulness, sincerity and integrity in personal relationships, leadership and public life.
He noted that words often create expectations, with people making decisions and placing their hopes in what others tell them. He therefore cautioned against making promises that one has no genuine intention or capacity to fulfil, noting that broken promises can result in disappointment and loss of trust.
Rev. Fr. Stanislaus urged leaders and citizens alike to be measured in their words and commitments, stressing that it is better to speak honestly about what one can accomplish than to make promises merely to gain acceptance or create expectations.
He particularly charged those entrusted with leadership to recognise the responsibility that comes with their words, urging them to approach commitments with sincerity and make every effort to fulfil them.
The priest also admonished the congregation to make commitments responsibly, keep their word and take responsibility when circumstances make fulfilment difficult. He cautioned against giving people false hope or deliberately creating expectations that cannot be met.
According to him, integrity is demonstrated not only by what a person says but also by the willingness to stand by one’s word and translate commitments into action.
Rev. Fr. Stanislaus further called on Nigerians to continue praying for the nation and its leaders, while promoting peace, unity and responsible citizenship. He urged citizens to reject hatred and violence, protect peaceful coexistence and contribute positively to the development of their communities and the country.
The thanksgiving service was attended by the Vice Chairman of the council, Hon. Mrs. Affiong Amanam; Leader of the Legislature, Hon. Ubong Udoeyo; Council Secretary, Obong Sunday Udia; Dean of Supervisors, Hon. Emmanuel Okono; councillors, supervisors, personal assistants, council staff, the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Atai, HRM Edidem (Prophet) Peter Okon Effiong, alongside members of the Traditional Rulers Council.
Also in attendance were heads of the various security agencies in the local government area, who joined other participants in the thanksgiving and prayers for the nation.
