Gov Eno Gifts N100 million To Physically-Challenged Singer, Chris Vic

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on residents of the State to rise above political and ethnic sentiments as reflected in the State’s anthem and come together to sustain a united and prosperous State.

Governor Eno gave the charge during the State Unity Concert held at the International Worship Centre, Uyo.

The Governor, who also ministered in different languages at the concert, explained that the concert was organised to herald the Christmas celebration and sustain the inseparable bond of the State citizens, as children of God, with Jesus Christ.

He said Akwa Ibom State was founded by love and unity and that the sacred bond will be guarded with diligence, irrespective of differences in political views and ideologies.

“Our forebears came together and formed the Ibibio Union, and they did not know Annang, Oro, Eket or Ibibio. All they knew was that we should have a State that we must fight for and protect for our children and children’s children.

“This concert reminds us tonight that the blood of our forebears still runs in our veins and that Christ came that we might be united. It doesn’t matter the political party; a united Akwa Ibom is an indivisible Akwa Ibom that rises above ethnicity and believes in God,” he noted.

Moved by the spirit-filled worship performance of the Akwa Ibom-born physically-challenged gospel music artiste, Chris Vic, the Governor said he was a gift to Akwa Ibom State and a divine instrument of God’s service whose talent must be encouraged.

He directed the Commissioner for Lands to allocate to him a plot of land in Uyo for the construction of a 4-bedroom apartment, which will incorporate an equipped musical studio to the tune of N100m, and pledged to support him with a N1m monthly allowance throughout his tenure as the State Executive Governor.

“I want to celebrate this young man who can still praise God despite what we see about him as a disability.

“I am told he lives in a rented house. So I am directing the Commissioner for Lands to allocate him land in Uyo. I will sign the certificate of occupancy next week. As soon as he gets that certificate of occupancy, we will build him a four-bedroom flat. He will live in two rooms, and in the other two rooms, we will develop a studio for him. We are ready to spend a hundred million naira to acquire a studio. That does not include the cost of the land and the cost of the house. They will put a fence around it. So long as I remain Governor, he will get one million naira as a monthly allowance.

“We need to encourage our talents. Let this be a reminder for those of us who complain and feel that God has not been good to us. Let Chris Vic be a reminder that we can still praise God, our prevailing circumstances notwithstanding. And I want Chris Vic to also know that this Government cares about those living with disability,” he stated.

The Governor thanked worshippers for sparing time to unite and honour God irrespective of their political differences.

Preaching on the topic “In Him We Live, Move and Have Our Being”, drawn from the gospel of Acts 17:24-28, Archbishop Emmah Isong admonished worshippers to sustain the bond of unity, love, and respect hierarchies of leadership to enhance peace and development of the state.

The cleric appreciated Governor Eno for the peace and unity he has brought to the State, and presented a “Unity Award” to the Governor on behalf of the organisers of the event.

Gospel artistes, including Mercy Chinwo, Moses Bliss, Progress Effiong, Awesome Group, Victor Thompson, Bobby Friga, Chris Vic, Reho Sax, David G, Prosper Ochimana, BeeJay Sax and Aity Dennis spiced up the concert with melodious gospel renditions.