•Governor Umo Eno
UTIBE-IMA OKON, Uyo reporting
As the 2027 campaign season unfolds, Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno has called on the people to preserve peace, unity, and love, stressing that the state must not return to an era of division and fighting.
He urged the people to work together and accommodate everyone, noting that collective effort and peaceful coexistence were necessary for the state to remain progressive and prosperous.
Pastor Eno spoke during a New Month thanksgiving service at Qua Iboe Church, Ewet Offot, Uyo.
The service brought together government officials, Christian faithful, and other participants to thank God for His faithfulness, mercy, and the progress recorded in the state.
Addressing the congregation during the Sunday service, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, thanked the church for adopting the state’s anniversary theme, “Gratitude.”
Governor Eno said he was inspired by God to choose the theme as a way of encouraging the people to study the Word of God and appreciate Him for His blessings, provision, and protection.
He said his participation in the service was by divine leading, adding that he would worship in other churches across the state on Sundays throughout the anniversary month.
The governor also commiserated with the General Superintendent and Chairman of Conference of Qua Iboe Church, Reverend Ekpedeme Efanga over the loss of his mother while appreciating him for his counsel and contributions to the spiritual development of the state.
The governor also commended his appointees who are members of the church for their dedication and commitment to duty, saying they were chosen based on merit and not because of their affiliation.
In his sermon, the General Superintendent of Qua Iboe Church, Reverend Ekpedeme Efanga, took his text from Psalm 136:1 and spoke on the theme, “Gratitude.”
He described gratitude as a holistic expression of appreciation, particularly in recognition of God’s mercy, which he defined as receiving undeserved blessings without corresponding punishment.
Reverend Efanga noted that as Akwa Ibom State moves towards its 40th anniversary, there is a need for the people to continually bless the name of the Lord for His mercies.
The cleric urged Akwa Ibom people to join hands with the government in celebrating the years of God’s faithfulness, victories and blessings.
He further encouraged the people to use the anniversary season to demonstrate their gratitude to God by showing love, kindness and appreciation to others.
The service featured high praises, thanksgiving and prayers for Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
Earlier the chairman of the church, Elder Ubong David commended Governor Eno for his constant support to the church.
He also thanked the governor for the key appointments to members of the church, including Deaconess Valerie Obot, Elder Nsikanabasi Umoekpo, Elder Udo Ekwere and Dr Essien Ndueso.
The church also presented a gift to Governor Umo Eno in appreciation of his kind gestures, particularly the church’s school projects.
