The Akwa Ibom State Government has held a special interdenominational Thanksgiving Service, themed “Behold How Good and Pleasant” to kickstart activities marking the 38th Anniversary of the State’s creation.
Speaking at the service held at the International Worship Centre in Uyo, the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, declared that the true story of Akwa Ibom must be told not through partisan lenses, but through the timeless values of history, faith, and deliberate policy choices.
The Governor reminded the people that anniversaries are not mere rituals, but sacred markers of collective progress and the foundation for future generations.
“This is a state event, not a party event. This is the history of Akwa Ibom State, and when history is being told, it is not about party. It is about the state, the people, and the future we are building together,” he charged.
Governor Eno emphasised that unity across political lines was essential for consolidating the legacy of the founding fathers who envisioned a state rooted in peace, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
Renewed Hope
Governor Eno reaffirmed Akwa Ibom’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the collective progress of Nigeria.
“Let us arise to the Renewed Hope Agenda for Akwa Ibom State, for Nigeria, to support our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, to support our distinguished Senate President for a third term, to support this Governor for a second term,” he appealed.
He called for forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity, warning against divisive politics:
“Let us rise above ethnicity, parochialism, and deep-seated hatred. If we live in a country or a state where it is an eye for an eye, we will soon all go blind. Let us learn to forgive, to be magnanimous in victory, and to put the overall interest of Akwa Ibom State first.”
The Governor further urged citizens to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise:
“Please, find time and register. It is patriotic to register, so you go and cast your vote. As leaders, rally people around to register.”
He pledged that in all decisions:
“…Anything that stands between me and the interest of Akwa Ibom State, I will choose the interest of Akwa Ibom.”
In his Sermon, National Vice President, South-South, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Archbishop Emmah Isong, drawing lessons from Psalms 133:1–2, warned against envy, jealousy, tribalism, and political bitterness, stressing that unity is the backbone of progress.
“One hand cannot catch a bird. Unity is strength. Leadership is the pivot upon which all activities revolve. Akwa Ibom will move forward when people understand it is one head at a time. Politicians, when one person becomes Governor, stand by the person, support the person, defend the person. Your turn will come,” Archbishop Isong admonished.
Goodwill Messages
Goodwill messages from dignitaries and faith leaders across political, cultural, and religious spectrums called for unity, resilience, and collective responsibility, while echoing the central theme of gratitude, continuity, and safeguarding the vision of Akwa Ibom’s founding fathers.
Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of Petroleum (Gas), conveying greetings from President Tinubu, described Governor Eno as a “visionary unifier” and prayed: “God, grant him eight years of administration in Akwa Ibom State… Is it the wish of the people of Akwa Ibom that Pastor Umo Eno should come for a second term? So shall it be in Jesus’ name.”
Senator Ekong Samson, on behalf of National Assembly members, said:“…Our state has earned the respect of Nigeria because of our potentials and achievements clearly shown through the works of Your Excellency.”
Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi hailed Governor Eno as the most gender-friendly leader in the state’s history: “…If you look at this hall, 80% of it are women. That is the proof that the women of Akwa Ibom State love you… Just like the women in the Bible stood by Jesus Christ to the end, your women will stand by you to the end.”
Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly said: “God has brought you to Akwa Ibom State to unite the State. On behalf of the House of Assembly, we continue to give you all the support to make sure you succeed in this, your tenure.”
Bishop Chris Nyong, CAN Chairman, praised the Governor’s Christ-centered leadership and urged:“Support His Excellency through prayers, and by protecting the projects cited in our local government areas for overall development and progress.”
Group Captain Yakubu Bako (rtd.), former Military Governor, prayed:
“…you have transformed Akwa Ibom from a glorified local government to the state capital. God will give you the strength to continue to serve more, and by September 2027, when we will be celebrating 40 years, you will be here for the second term.”
Created on September 23, 1987, from the old Cross River State by General Ibrahim Babangida, Akwa Ibom stands today as one of Nigeria’s most resourceful and culturally rich states.