It had all the trappings of a high-octane shindig. From the galaxy of A-list personalities who made their way to Sacred Heart Parish, Aka Offot last Tuesday, and later, Flairmore Event Centre on Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo, the event would easily pass for one that played host to the crème de la crème of high society; Clergymen, the political class, captains of industry and the likes.
First, a Holy Mass at 10am kick-started what would later be a long day well spent. The liturgical colour of the day was gold. And so a number of priests who identified with the celebrant were clad in it. Archbishop Joseph Ekuwem who was the cynosure of all eyes, was robed in a flowing yet glowing chasuble complete with other appurtenances in tow, among them, mitre and crozier.
He had for company, the Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Most. Rev. Dr. John Ayah, that of Ikot Ekpene Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Camillus Umoh and the Auxiliary Bishop of Calabar, Bishop Christopher Naseri.
The solemn procession into the church gave a clear inkling into what to expect; especially to first time worshippers. A complete traditional Catholic Mass steeped in liturgical solemness, precision, order and rubrics followed to the letter. With Ekuwem the chief celebrant, you can’t of course expect less. “I don’t like noise”, he said in a brief preliminary remarks just after the first incensation.
Welcome to the 75th birthday Celebration and Thanksgiving Mass of His Grace, Archbishop Joseph Effiong Ekuwem, the archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Calabar and former Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno who led other top government officials to the Mass was to later spend quality time with the man he graciously appointed Chairman, Christian Religious Advisory Council, despite other pressing official engagements. For Mass, he arrived at the nick of time, then, at the special request of the “birthday boy”, he squeezed out good time from his hectic schedule for the reception.
Filled to capacity, the Mass was also attended by clerics from other Christian denominations, including Bishop (Dr) Chris Nyong, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman, Akwa Ibom State, his predecessor and Honorary Special Adviser to the governor of Religious Matters, Rev. Dr. Ndueso Ekwere; Dr Sylvanus Ukafia of Insight Bible Church, among others.
Former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Arc. Obong Victor Attah who was the lead promoter of the event was there along with his wife. Former deputy governor and chairman of the reception, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu and his spouse also made up the congregation.
In his homily, Fr. Gabriel Ekong noted that a good life is worth celebrating, describing Archbishop Ekuwem as a source of inspiration and a model who impacts lives. Describing Ekuwem as a liturgy-compliant cleric, he wished him more years in good health of mind and body.
Condemning the wanton killings across the country, he spoke on the need to uphold the virtues of obedience whether it is to parents, teachers, elders, the rule of law and constituted authorities. “All hands must be on deck to bring sanity back to the society”, he said.
Fr. Ekong kept the congregation on the edge of their seats when he described the Catholic liturgy as being characterized by “noble simplicity, noble precision, noble sobriety, noble practicality, full of clearness and always tailored towards the need and capacity of its listeners”.
Related: Gov Umo Eno Praises Archbishop Ekuwem For Inspiring Good Governance
Speaking at the Mass, Pastor Umo Eno expressed delight over the life of Archbishop Joseph Ekuwem, describing him as a man of integrity, humility and wisdom who is highly focused in whatever he does.
Characteristic of him, the governor supported the church, the Pastoral Centre Project in Calabar Diocese which is dear to the archbishop and donated a Land Cruiser Jeep to the celebrant, appealing to him not to sell it off and invest the proceeds, as he is known for, in church project.
In a short yet witty remark, Arc. Victor Attah described Ekuwem as “the best Pope we never had”!
Archbishop Ekuwem who spoke briefly thereafter shared his earnest desire to finish the building of a befitting Pastoral Centre for the Catholic Diocese of Calabar, gave indication that when the Pope appoints a new archbishop in Calabar, thereby officially confirming his retirement having clocked the statutory age, he will spend his well deserved rest from active clerical duties in Uyo Diocese. “I am proud to be an Akwa Ibomite”, he echoed.
At the spacious and tastefully decorated Flairmore Event Centre, venue for the reception, the beautiful overlays and aesthetic brilliance was a fitting complement for guests who appeared in their best bib and tucker.
Compere for the day and Lead Publicist of the event, Raphael Edem, KSM was in his usual elements as he ensured the occasion ran smoothly, bringing expertise and flashes of humour to the proverbial table.
In his remarks at the occasion, former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu noted that Archbishop Joseph Ekuwem has “taught us how to live”.
He described the event as a momentous occasion to celebrate a remarkable man in an equally remarkable occasion of the 75th birthday of Archbishop Joseph Ekuwem.
“75 years is three-quarters of a century filled with life, love and uncountable memories. Think of the stories, experience and wisdom accumulated over these years. Archbishop Joseph Ekuwem stands before us today as a testament to a life well spent”, he said.
He noted that the celebrant “is a man who has embraced sunshine, weathered storms and built a legacy of sharp width, unwavering integrity, dedication, deep compassion and fearlessness in proclaiming the doctrine of his ministry”.
He described Ekuwem as a devoted priest, loving servant of God, highly respected mentor, adding that he is a “fit prefect of the congregation of the faith in our archdiocese. I am proud to say that, all through my years in public service and many years to come, God willing, my service was and will continue to be sustained by his spiritual depth, and by the richness of his insight”, the former deputy governor who is rarely seen in public submitted.
Gov. Umo Eno noted that for once, the event has shown that a prophet can be honoured in his place, adding that the people won’t relent in praying for him.
He explained that when he wanted someone that’ll lead the state’s Christian Leadership Association, “it was your pedigree and all of the things that have preceded you that God laid in my heart. And we needed someone who will be very frank with us. Someone that’ll tell you whether something is right or wrong. Someone we can respect and listen to at all times. We consulted and prayed that you’ll accept, because it took you a lot of time, but finally by the grace of God, you accepted. We’re very proud of the counsel and all the support we have received from you.”
On his part, Obong Victor Attah who profusely thanked Governor Umo Eno for his presence and support given to the hosting of the occasion, went down memory lane on his relationship with Archbishop Joseph Ekuwem during his time as governor.
He talked about how he sought then Bishop Ekuwem’s advice on calls for him to be initiated into the Ekpe Society, noting that his counsel and guidance helped him navigate the process without being taken to the bush or made to climb the “itiat ekpe”.
The former governor also recalled how he went to Bishop Ekuwem to seek constant support of the Holy Spirit given what he described as too much “harassment in governance”. “Can you please come and consecrate a room in the Government House and install a Tabernacle”? He easily agreed and came and consecrated a room and installed the tabernacle. So, the Blessed Sacrament was in Government House for every hour that I was governor throughout”.
“His Lordship also guided me in the governance of this state” Attah admitted. He recalled being sent a picture where Bishop Ekuwem held up an umbrella in the rain with flood water reaching his waist region. “He just sent the picture and didn’t say a word. But I got the message. And I had to do something about the drainage of Uyo. Governance is not all about policies and government officials, but you have to get wisdom from other people who have a different kind of experience from you.
On the siting of the airport partly between Nsit Attai and Uruan LGAs, Obong Attah gave kudos to Ekuwem for guiding him on that given the initial choice of a large expanse of land in Okobo which didn’t go down well with the people, due to the fact that they are predominantly farmers and “food basket of the state”, according to Bishop Ekuwem hence will have no place to farm on if their land is used for the airport as designed.
On why he didn’t construct an access road to his local government of Ibesikpo Asutan, Obong Attah said at the time, Bishop Ekuwem had no bridge and access road to Enwang, as well as the people of Etim Ekpo. “When I sought the opinion of Bishop Ekuwem, he said you will not do any of those, because if you do any one of them, you’ll be accused of one thing or the other. That is why I left without giving my Lord a bridge and a road to his village and without giving myself a road to Ibesikpo Asutan and Etim Ekpo people didn’t have their bridge either.”
Two books were launched in honour of the archbishop: “Everything to God” by Joseph Edem and “Witness to Faith” by Charles Effiong.
Side attractions, including those from Akwa Ibom Young Professionals, Yama Chorale, balad presented by a prodigious lad, Real Brass, among others added colour to the occasion.
The highpoint of the day was the cutting of the birthday cake by the celebrant, Archbishop Joseph Effiong Ekuwem.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem; PDP State Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan; Commissioners/Special advisers, amongst others.
Kenneth Jude is a journalist and a serial Akwa Ibom State NUJ Columnist of the Year.
