Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has declared September 2026 a Month of Gratitude, urging the people to unite in thanksgiving to God as the state prepares to mark its 39th anniversary.
Governor Eno made the declaration on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the Victory Thanksgiving Service marking the end of the 2026 Discovery Convention of the All Nations Christian Ministries International, popularly known as The Lord’s Kitchen.
The Governor announced that 39 projects will be commissioned across the state as part of activities marking the anniversary, while disclosing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected in Akwa Ibom to commission some of the projects executed by his administration.
Governor Eno said the presidential visit would add significance to the anniversary celebrations and urged the people to pray for a successful visit.
“September 2026 is a Month of Gratitude for Akwa Ibom State, and I urge our people to reflect on God’s faithfulness and join hands in thanksgiving.”
The Governor announced that the 39th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service will hold on September 20 at the International Christian Worship Centre, while a State Banquet is scheduled for September 23 at the new banquet hall of ARISE Palm Resort.
He also announced December 18 as the date for the 2026 Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol, with the theme, “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men,” from Luke 2:14. He said participating choirs would be selected through a pitching portal, with Harmonic Voices already prequalified.
“The visit of Mr President to Akwa Ibom to commission some of these projects will add further significance to our 39th anniversary celebrations.”
Expressing appreciation to the clergy, members of The Lord’s Kitchen and other stakeholders, Governor Eno described the members of the ministry as his “heroes” for believing in its vision and supporting his leadership.
He said the presence of dignitaries at the Victory Thanksgiving had transformed what began as a church programme into a state service, while praying for abundant blessings upon all participants.
Ministering at the service, the Senior Pastor of Firstlove Assembly, Reverend Simeon Afolabi, spoke on “Bought With a Price,” drawing his message from First Corinthians, Chapter Seven, Verse 23.
“Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary should transform the life of every believer, because we are God’s valued investments.”
Reverend Afolabi urged Christians to surrender their lives to divine direction and derive their self-worth from their relationship with God, stressing that those who have God on their side should not live in fear or defeat.
“Those who have God on their side have no reason to fear or feel defeated.”
The service, which featured prayers for Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, the government, the people and the Church, was attended by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; wife of the Senate President, Dr. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio; Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; the Chief Judge of the state; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; serving and former senators; and other political, religious and community leaders.
The Victory Thanksgiving brought the 2026 Discovery Convention to a close and ushered in the state’s 39th anniversary programme, with thanksgiving, the commissioning of 39 projects, the anticipated presidential visit and the Christmas Carol featuring prominently in the celebrations.
