•Governor Umo Eno
UTIBE-IMA OKON, Uyo reporting
Akwa Ibom State has marked its 39th anniversary with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the International Worship Centre, Uyo, with Governor Umo Eno calling for unity, peace and a collective commitment to the state’s development.
The service, organised to celebrate 39 years of what the state government described as progressive impact and God’s faithfulness, attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, former governors and other stakeholders from within and outside the state.
Governor Umo Eno, speaking at the service, said the state’s development journey reflected the contributions of successive administrations, with each government building on the foundation laid by its predecessors.
He said the evidence of development, peace and other achievements across Akwa Ibom had continued to distinguish the state, stressing that the collective interest of the people should remain above temporary political differences.
Governor Eno cautioned against the use of socio-cultural and community platforms to promote political division, urging groups such as Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Ati Annang and Asulap Aboro to use their platforms to promote peace, brotherhood and development.
He said political differences should not translate into hatred, stressing that people could belong to different political parties and still maintain cordial relationships and work together for the progress of Akwa Ibom.
“Political differences must not become hatred; ethnic differences must not become division; and religious differences must not become hostility. We can disagree and still love one another. We can belong to different political parties and still belong to one Akwa Ibom.
“When the election is over, Akwa Ibom will remain. When political arguments end, Akwa Ibom will remain. And when political offices change hands in 2031, Akwa Ibom will still remain. Therefore, let us put our state above our temporary differences.
“I want to appeal to our socio-cultural groups. I am glad that today I have seen Mboho, I have seen Ati Annang, and I believe Asulap Aboro is also here. I want to appeal that no socio-cultural group should use its platform to promote ethnic differences. Any group that does that again will be disbanded.”
The governor also called on politicians as the state approaches another election season to focus their campaigns on prosperity, development and the future of the state, rather than division and personal attacks.
Highlighting his administration’s welfare interventions, Governor Eno cited the construction of 500 compassionate homes for less-privileged residents, describing the initiative as part of efforts to support vulnerable citizens and demonstrate compassion in governance.
Earlier, in his sermon, Bishop David Abioye of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly likened Akwa Ibom’s 39-year journey to that of the children of Israel on their way to the Promised Land, urging the people to remain thankful for God’s faithfulness.
Bishop Abioye described Akwa Ibom as a progressive state that had continued to build on the foundations laid by successive leaders, despite political differences.
He commended the contributions of past administrations and prayed for greater wonders, landmark achievements and a significant turnaround as the state approaches its 40th anniversary.
The Bishop also described the 39th year as a period for conceiving new ideas and greater possibilities, urging the people to look ahead with faith and optimism.
The governor thanked political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders for their support, assuring that his administration would continue to do its best in advancing the state.
The thanksgiving service featured musical renditions by Akwa Ibom-born gospel minister, Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, the Harmonic Chorale and other worshippers, creating an atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving.
The event ended with prayers for continued peace, prosperity, unity and development in Akwa Ibom as the state looks forward to its 40th anniversary.
