...says Cleric's entrepreneurial drive in line with the ARISE Agenda

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has congratulated the Primate Emeritus of The African Church, His Eminence, Dr. Emmanuel Udofia, on his 65th birth anniversary.

Speaking at the Cleric's Birthday Thanksgiving Service, held at the Primate Udofia Cathedral, Utu Abak, Abak LGA on Sunday, Pastor Eno described the Man of God as one who has contributed immensely to the Christian community in Nigeria and the growth of Akwa Ibom State in particular.

The State Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, at the Service which coincided with the Fund Raising Ceremony for the establishment of an Entrepreneurial Academy in Ika LGA, lauded the Primate Emeritus for keying into the ARISE Agenda of the current administration which focuses greatly on entrepreneurship and human capital development.

"First, we came here to congratulate the Primate Emeritus for attaining this great age and to ask God to add more years to him. You have served the Kingdom, the Nation, outside the Nation and the African Church in particular for the years that God granted you the permission. Yes, you're retired, but you're not tired. You are still serving in the temple.

"What excites the Governor the most is that you are not just coming for a birthday celebration, but using this opportunity to align with his vision through the establishment of a Skills Acquisition Centre, a priority area of the current administration, which is getting people to start from small and grow to be men and women of their own. The Governor is happy with you and will be in your Church for the launch of the Skills Acquisition Centre", the Governor added.

While thanking members of the Christian Faith for their prayers and support, Governor Eno, said he will continue to seek God's face, as well as collaborate with the Church and religious leaders for more development in the State.

"As a government, we owe God thanksgiving every day of our lives. God was there for us when we were in the trenches. We came here and surrendered to God, asking Him to take us through the trenches and that we will return to give Him thanks. There is no month that the Governor does not move out to different Churches to fulfill that promise. We will come specifically to the African Church to redeem our vow to God", he hinted.

"We were in and out of Court, with 26 court cases, but with the Supreme Court judgment, we are now finally confirmed. If in seven months, the Governor has been able to do what you all know about, in terms of development, how much more now that the seal has been stamped and confirmed? There are better days for Akwa Ibom State", he hinted.

On his part, the celebrator, His Eminence, Dr. Emmanuel Udofia, thanked God for His grace and for the giant strides recorded in The African during his tenure as Primate.

He appreciated the Governor as well as his entourage for finding time to attend the Service and further appealed for more support to fasttrack the planned establishment of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Academy to be situated in Ika LGA.

Earlier in his homily drawn from Psalms 103, the Archbishop of The African Church, Calabar Province, Most Rev'd Offiong Mensah, stressed the need for Christians to always acknowledge God in every situation, describing gratitude as "a multiplier for divine blessings."

The event which was chaired by the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, was graced by Members of the State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries, Council Chairmen, former and serving government functionaries, the Clergy, amongst others.

Media Unit,
Office of the Deputy Governor,
Akwa lbom State.

Okezie

Good for them tho.