•Shield of The Salvation Army and Sunny Okim
JOSEPH MFON AKPAN, Uyo reporting
The Men’s Fellowship of The Salvation Army, Uyo Central Corps in Akwa Ibom Capital Division, held a colourful, impactful, and memorable two-day Father’s Day Celebration from yesterday, Saturday, June 20 to today, Sunday, June 21, 2026.
During the programme, Mr Sunny Okim, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Nigeria’s foremost online newspaper, THE FRONTIER, was exclusively honoured with The Legacy of Service and Excellence Award in recognition of his distinguished record of faithful service, exemplary leadership, enduring contributions to The Salvation Army, and outstanding representation of the Army through his career as a journalist of international repute.
Aside from Uyo being his home Corps, Sunny Okim also served as the Corps Secretary of The Salvation Army, Igbobi Corps in Lagos City Division, among many other positions. He retired honourably as a Local Officer (An Elder) in 2011 after 31 cumulative years (from his youth) of active and meritorious service to God and humanity.
His Dad, a career school teacher, Mr Ebong Udo Okim, was also honoured today posthumously with The Distinguished Fatherhood Award in cherished memory as an outstanding father and a faithful servant of God, being the very first commissioned Corps Sergeant Major (Presiding Elder) of Uyo Central Corps.
Corps Sergeant Major Okim also served as the Secretary to the Divisional Advisory Board of the then South-East Division (now Akwa Ibom and Cross River states combined) until he retired honourably as CSM in February 1990 on grounds of old age. He was promoted to glory (died) four years later, at age 90.
The Uyo Central Corps Father’s Day celebration was planned under the distinguished leadership of Territorial Bandmaster Joseph Mfon Akpan, Chairman of the 2026 Father’s Day Planning Committee, with the support of the Men’s Fellowship Executives and Planning Committee members of The Salvation Army, Uyo Central Corps in Akwa Ibom Capital Division.
The Frontier reports that activities commenced yesterday, Saturday, June 20, with a Father’s Day Novelty Football Match between the Fathers and Men’s Fellowship Members of Aka Corps and Uyo Central Corps which took place at Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Sports Ground, Uyo. The match provided an atmosphere of fellowship, friendship, recreation, and Christian brotherhood among the men.
On the heels of the football match, members of the Men’s Fellowship embarked on visitation and encouragement outreach to ailing and homebound members of the Corps, sharing prayers, love, support, and fellowship with those unable to actively participate in Corps and Fellowship activities due to health and related challenges.
The grand finale took place today, Sunday, June 21, during a special Father’s Day Celebration and Thanksgiving Service at Uyo Central Corps.
The service also featured a colourful Father’s Day Parade, an inspiring and engaging Father’s Day Talk Show, special musical presentations by The Fathers’ Choir, award presentations, recognition ceremonies, presentation of gifts to fathers, celebration of the Father of Fathers, fundraising for the Men’s Fellowship Water Factory Project, and other activities aimed at honouring fathers and strengthening family values.
The spiritual highlight of the celebration was the Father’s Day Bible Message (Sermon) delivered by the Commanding Officer (Host Pastor), Lieutenant Ernest Archibong, from Luke 1:57–66, with emphasis on Luke 1:61, under the theme, “When the Priesthood Malfunctions.”
In his message, Lieutenant Archibong reminded fathers that God has a divine purpose for every family and every child, and that fathers have been entrusted with the sacred responsibility of serving as priests of their homes through prayer, spiritual leadership, guidance, and godly direction. He warned that when fathers neglect this responsibility, children risk losing their God-given identity and direction, families become vulnerable to unhealthy societal influences, and communities suffer moral decline.
The Officer challenged fathers to rise to their calling as spiritual leaders, protectors, and guides of their families so that future generations may fulfil God’s purpose for their lives.
One of the major highlights of the celebration was the special recognition and honour accorded to faithful servants whose contributions have significantly impacted the history, growth, and development of Uyo Central Corps.
Apart from the prestigious Legacy of Service and Excellence Award presented exclusively to Corps Secretary Sunny Okim (rtd) – represented by his nephew, Saviour Okim, and The Distinguished Fatherhood Award presented to his late father, CSM Ebong Udo Okim (rtd) – represented by one of his daughters Mrs Udeme Eton (nee Okim), other six personalities who were posthumously honoured with The Distinguished Fatherhood & Service Award were: Sgt. Josiah Udonam Akpan, Envoy Sunday Johnson Udoh, Corps Secretary Asua Ibok Asua, Corps Sergeant Major Emmanuel Sandy Udoh, Envoy Imoh Ubom Ibok, Men’s Fellowship Secretary Okon Itang Owo.
The Legacy Builder Award was presented to distinguished former Commanding Officers (Pastors) and spiritual fathers who shepherded and led Uyo Central Corps at various periods in its history. Recipients included: Major Akpan Ezekiel Akpaah (Rtd.), Major Friday Tim Ekpo (Rtd.), Major Edet Willie Essien (Rtd.), Major Bassey Etim Sam (Rtd.), Major Uchechukwu Cyprain Anumba, Lieutenant Colonel Abasido Jimmy Udongwo, Captain Israel Sandy Akpanessien, Major Enobong Okon Akpan and Captain Udoh Akpan Willie.
The Enduring Light of Service Award (Posthumous) was presented in cherished memory of three former Commanding Officers (pastors) and spiritual fathers whose ministries greatly enriched the life, witness, and spiritual heritage of the Corps, namely: Major Sunday Ibok Idem, Major Bartholomew Benson Ebong (Rtd.) and Major Kennedy Edem Inyang (Rtd.)
The Rooted Legacy of Faithful Service Award was presented to: Envoy Dr. Walter Ibiok and Apostle (Hon.) Monday Udoh Tom, PhD for their outstanding and enduring contributions to the growth, stability, and development of both the Men’s Fellowship and Uyo Central Corps.
Another unique feature of the celebration was the honour bestowed upon the women of the Corps. The men and fathers proudly and affectionately celebrated all the beloved women, wives, and mothers of Uyo Central Corps as Distinguished Mothers of Honour in the categories of:
• Golden Mothers of Grace
• Virtuous Mothers of Legacy
• Esteemed Mothers of Impact
• Heritage Mothers of Faith
• Blossoming Mothers of Grace
Similarly, selected sons and daughters of the Corps were recognised and celebrated as Distinguished Sons and Daughters of Honour.
The celebration was further beautified by the impressive and colourful Father’s Day attire worn by the men of the Corps. Every father and member of the Men’s Fellowship appeared in a specially selected fabric, complemented with black trousers and uniquely designed Brigade mufflers bearing the Army colours of Yellow, Red, and Blue.
The sight of the men in their coordinated attire added colour, dignity, unity, and distinction to the occasion, making the event visually appealing and unforgettable.
The Men’s Fellowship also used the occasion to raise support towards the establishment of the Uyo Central Corps Men’s Fellowship Water Factory Project, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the Fellowship’s capacity for sustainable service and impact.
The Frontier reports that the 2026 Father’s Day Celebration was widely regarded as a joyful, inspiring, colourful, and historic occasion that celebrated fatherhood, honoured faithful service, preserved enduring legacies, strengthened fellowship, promoted family values, and glorified God.
READ THE FULL CITATIONS BELOW:
1. THE LEGACY OF SERVICE AND EXCELLENCE AWARD PRESENTED TO: CS SUNNY OKIM (RTD)
The Men’s Fellowship of Uyo Central Corps proudly presents this award to CS Sunny Okim (rtd), distinguished son of the very first commissioned Corps Sergeant Major and Home League Secretary of Uyo Central Corps — CSM Ebong Okim and HLS (Mrs) Matilda Okim — in appreciation of your remarkable legacy of faithful service, leadership excellence, and enduring contributions to The Salvation Army.
Your commitment to God’s work has been consistently evident through decades of active and sacrificial service in various leadership capacities, including Youth Fellowship Secretary, Assistant Corps Secretary, Corps Secretary, Corps Council Member, Lagos Divisional Youth Council Chairman, Lagos Divisional Finance Board Secretary, National Vice President of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) representing The Salvation Army, and head of numerous committees at Igbobi Corps, Lagos City Division.
Your recent recognition as recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award by Lagos City Division further reflects the impact, dedication, and excellence that have continued to define your service over the years.
Beyond the walls of the church, your impactful work as Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of The Frontier Online Newspaper has given visibility, voice, and positive representation to the ministries and mission of The Salvation Army, helping to strengthen public awareness and appreciation of the Army’s work.
Your generous support for Salvation Army Officers, your encouragement to many, and your passion for a vibrant and mission-driven Salvation Army continue to make meaningful impact across the Territory.
As a proud indigene and son of Uyo Central Corps, your achievements remain a source of joy and inspiration to your home Corps and community.
We celebrate your life of service, your spirit of excellence, and your enduring legacy of Kingdom impact.
2.THE DISTINGUISHED FATHERHOOD & SERVICE AWARD (POSTHUMOUS) PRESENTED TO: LATE CSM EBONG UDO OKIM (RTD)
In honoured memory of a distinguished father whose life reflected strength, responsibility, and a deep commitment to both family and fellowship.
He was not only a father to his home but a fatherly figure within the Men’s Fellowship and the Corps — encouraging, supporting, and contributing meaningfully to its growth and unity, while honourably serving as the very first commissioned Corps Sergeant Major of Uyo Central Corps.
His absence is deeply felt, yet his influence remains ever present.
Today, we proudly celebrate his life, his service, and the enduring example he leaves for generations to follow.
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