The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on residents of the State to rise above political and ethnic sentiments and join hands to sustain a united and prosperous State.
Governor Eno made the call during the 2025 State Unity Concert held at the International Worship Centre, Uyo.
It was an evening of worship and praise filled with melodious gospel renditions by Gospel artistes including Mercy Chinwo, Moses Bliss, Progress Effiong, Awesome Group, Victor Thompson, Aity Dennis Bobby Friga, Chris Vic, Reho Sax, David G, among others
The Governor who also ministered at the concert, said Akwa Ibom State was founded by love and unity and that the sacred bond should be guarded with diligence, irrespective of differences in political views and ideologies.
The Governor explained that the Concert was organized to herald the Christmas celebration and sustain the inseparable bond of the State citizens, as children of God, with Jesus Christ.
“Our forebears came together and formed the Ibibio Union, and they did not know Annang, Oro, Eket or Ibibio. All they knew was that we should have a State that we must fight for and protect for our children, and children’s children.
“This concert reminds us tonight that the blood of our forebears still run in our veins, and that Christ came that we might be united. It doesn’t matter the political party, a united Akwa Ibom is indivisible Akwa Ibom that rises above ethnicity, and believes in God” he noted.
At the event, Governor Eno commended a visually impaired indigenous gospel artiste, Chris Vic, describing him as a gift to the State and a divine instrument of God’s service whose talent must be encouraged.
The Governor pledged to construct a 4 bedroom apartment which will incorporate an equipped musical studio to the tune of N100m, and a N1m monthly allowance throughout his tenure as the State Governor.
“I want to celebrate this young man that can still praise God in spite of what we see about him as a disability.
“I am told he lives in a rented house. So I am directing the Commissioner for Lands to allocate him a land in Uyo. I will sign the certificate of occupancy next week. As soon as he gets that certificate of occupancy, we will build him a four bedroom flat. He will live in two room, and the other two rooms, we would develop a studio for him. We are ready to spend a hundred million naira to acquire him a studio. That does not include the cost of the land, and the cost of the house. They will put a fence around it. So long as I remain Governor, he will get one million Naira as monthly allowance.
“We need to encourage our talents. Let this be a reminder for those of us that complain and feel that God has not been good to us. Let Chris Vic be a reminder that we can still praise God, our prevailing circumstance not withstanding. And I want Chris Vic to also know that this Government cares about those living with disability,” he stated .
In an exhortation on the theme “In Him We Live, Move and Have Our Being”, taken from Acts 17:24-28 Archbishop Emmah Isong charged worshipers to sustain the bond of unity, love and respect hierarchies of leadership to enhance peace and development of the state.
The cleric appreciated Governor Eno for the peace and unity he has brought to the State, and presented a “Unity Award” to the Governor on behalf of the organizers of the event.
