Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on the people of the state to rise above ethnic sentiments, divisive tendencies and utterances capable of undermining the unity of the state.
Governor Eno, who made the call in Eket, stressed that Akwa Ibom remains one state under God and urged the people to uphold the ideals of unity and peaceful coexistence as contained in the state anthem.
Governor Eno recalled the contributions of the old Ibibio Union, particularly its activities in Ikot Ekpene, including its training initiatives which, he said, produced the “Merchants of Light” in the state.
The Governor also urged Christians to take active interest in socio-political activities, dismissing the belief that Christians should stay away from politics.
According to him, political decisions affect everyone, including Christians, making their participation necessary to influence policies and decisions for the overall good of society.
Governor Eno appreciated the organisers and participants for their commitment to the convention, while specially acknowledging the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Gas, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, whom he described as an ambassador of peace.
Speaking on the theme of the convention, “The God of All Possibilities,” drawn from Jeremiah Chapter 32, Verse 27, the Senior Pastor of Firstlove Assembly, Reverend Simeon Afolabi, identified faith, prayer and a godly foundation as key connectors to the God of all possibilities.
Reverend Afolabi cited the United States of America, whose national motto acknowledges trust in God, as an example of a nation founded on the recognition of God.
He warned that abandoning a godly foundation could have serious consequences, while urging those who may have deviated to retrace their steps and make the necessary corrections.
The cleric, drawing lessons from several biblical passages, charged Christians to remain faithful and prayerful in order to sustain their connection with the God of all possibilities.
Earlier, the Lead Pastor of HoneyStreams Christian Centre, Pastor Akomaye Ugar, urged Christians not to allow negative statements, patterns or experiences inherited from previous generations to determine their future.
Preaching on “How to Reverse Your Night Season,” Pastor Ugar charged Christians to consciously programme their future and reject what he described as satanic scripts working against their destinies.
The service featured praise and worship, prayer sessions, choir ministrations and other special presentations.
