Akwa Ibom @34: Gov Emmanuel Identifies Unity Of Purpose As Basis For Growth In The State

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has identified unity and oneness of purpose as an attribute of the people which has propelled the State towards actualizing its numerous developmental projects right from state creation.

Governor Emmanuel made this known during a Special Inter-Denominational Thanksgiving Service held to celebrate Akwa Ibom State 34th Anniversary and Nigeria’s 61st Independence, on Sunday at United Evangelical Church, Aka Road, Uyo.

The governor, who reflected on the selfless contributions of the forebears and their agitation for State creation predicated on love, unity and oneness of purpose, pointed out that unity remains an enduring virtue that has driven the aspirations of Akwa Ibom people towards attaining various developmental projects recorded in 34 years as a state.

The Chief Executive Officer of the State, further extended his appreciation to God for keeping the State in peace and the industrial growth recorded, extending his gratitude to the former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida(rtd.) for granting the request of Akwa Ibom State creation on 23rd September, 1987.

“… I stand here to thank God for the achievements of the past leaders in the state right from first day of creation, let me also thank God we, as a state cannot forget the former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida who God used to create Akwa Ibom State in one day, one in the north and one here and we happen to benefit.

“I also want to appreciate our forebears and forefathers who envisioned the state creation, and not the agitation of today which some persons try to create a sense of division, that is not what our forefathers started, we exist in oneness, unity and love and the stronger we are today, the more we will achieve more.

Related: AKWA IBOM @ 34: Celebrating A Heritage Of Pace-Setting

“We want to thank those who saw the unity of this state in advance because our forefathers saw that we are one. It is based on that, we created the dakkada philosophy which says we should rise to greatness, we must have that oneness”, the governor emphasised.

“We thank God as a state that we are coming together, we are standing together, and we are all working together and supporting one another. Let me not take it for granted it has been exceptional greatness for us as a state, is it in terms of peace, God has given us peace as a people, in terms of development God has given us development, we are one of the few states blessed with the best internal roads connecting all the local government, electricity and other development. We are also blessed in terms of human capacity development and physical infrastructure, God has blessed us as a people”.

Aligning with the theme of the event ‘There shall be a performance’ culled from Luke 1: 45; Phil. 1:6, the governor expressed optimism that God will establish the state where it will lead nations through innovations, collaboration, capacity, leadership, cooperation, and appreciated all Akwa Ibom people for supporting government to succeed.

The Thanksgiving Service, was preceded by a luncheon at Banquet hall, Government House, Uyo, governor Udom Emmanuel used the occasion to thanked members of the National Assembly for harmonious and peaceful co-existence noting that in the past 6 years the term ‘Abuja Front’ has been laid to rest in the state.

The governor thanked all party faithfuls for their support, and urge Akwa Ibom people to remain in unity, in order to attract more development into the State.

“We have tried our possible best with the support from Akwa Ibom people, I stand here today to appreciate all arms of government, the House of Assembly, the Judiciary, the National Assembly, both the Senators and House of Representatives. In the past 6 years there is nothing like Lagos or Abuja front. I think that has died and for the sake of progress in this state. So I want to register my appreciation members of the National Assembly, I also want to thank our platform the party, in many states the party is divided, but here we are together as strong as ever”.

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The event featured cutting of the anniversary cake @ 34.

Mr Udom Emmanuel appreciated the presence of his counterpart, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde for identifying with the state to mark its 34th state anniversary.

In a goodwill message, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, expressed appreciation to God for granting the state leaders who have imprinted various development in the sands of time, and aligned with the theme of the service ‘There shall be a performance’, affirming that there is already a performance feasible in the state, adding that the creation of Akwa Ibom from Cross River State in 1987, gave room for Akwa Ibom to become the center for development in the country.

“… I am happy to be with you today to celebrate Akwa Ibom at 34, each time I visit Akwa Ibom State, you have changes that are very feasible and I am glad today that you are celebrating Akwa Ibom at 34. When Akwa Ibom was created out of Cross River State, this became a center for development’’.

The Chairman of Conference United Evangelical Church, Rev. Samuel Ebukiba, in his homily drawn from the theme, ‘There shall be a performance’, Luke: 1:39 – 56, he assured Christians in the state that the basis for God to bring a performance are based on the certainty of God the Performer, that God cannot lie, God is faithful, God is the promise keeper and that God is the perfect finisher.

Rev. Ebukiba, further enjoined worshippers to believe God, be focus, be prayerful, be patience and be confident in God as He will bring his words to pass in the land.

The only bible reading of the service was taken by Governor Udom Emmanuel, from Luke: 1: 39-46.

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The event featured prayers of thanksgiving to God for sustaining Nigeria for 61 years and the creation of Akwa Ibom state and for sustaining the State for 34 years. Other features include, rendition by United Evangelical Church Choir, CAN Mass Choir and Government House Divine Voices.

Among the high profile dignitaries who worshipped at Qua Iboe Church, were; State’s First Lady, Dr Martha Udom Emmanuel, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, Speaker, Mr Aniekan Bassey, State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Okon

Also joining Governor Emmanuel for the thanksgiving service were some former governors, including Col Yakubu Bako, (Rtd), Group Captain Eyiegbeye John Ebiye, former deputy givernors, members of the National Assembly, former and serving political office holders political stakeholders, religious leaders and people of the state.