Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State Governor, has declared Tuesday, January 2, 2024 as public holiday for the New Year’s interdenominational thanksgiving service scheduled to take place at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo.
The governor made these known while speaking at the Boxing Day celebration held at Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
He called on the people to turn out as a people united under one God for the service, adding that the unity and progress recorded in the state must be sustained through deliberate and concerted effort by all.
He said the event was more or less Nsit Ubium Day taking place in his community, Ikot Ekpene Udo, adding that it was also a platform to bring Akwa Ibom people together to further peace and the spirit of ones across the state.
Governor Eno renewed his pledge to work for the unity and prosperity of the state in appreciation of the love, continuous support, and confidence reposed in him by the electorate.
“Do not forget that on the second of January, we will be having Akwa Ibom New Year Service at the International Christian Worship Centre. That worship centre is ready and on that day, we have declared a public holiday for all Akwa Ibom people to come and worship and commit the new year into God’s hand.”
Describing the event as homecoming and a great reunion, Governor Eno expressed special appreciation to Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past governor, and Martha, his wife political stakeholders, royal fathers, religious leaders, Akwa Ibom people and non indigenes living in the state as well as dignitaries who traveled from far and wide to grace the event.
“I would like to thank all of you for coming here today. This is like a unity event, bringing all of us together, in this small village of Ikot Ekpene Udo. Actually, it is Nsit Ubium Day, but happening in Ikot Ekpene Udo.
” So, we thank everyone that has made it here today. It is the first one we have done. As you all know, we have dedicated every 25th to Onna, to go and celebrate with our father there, but on the 26th, as we see it happen this year, we will prepare to make it happen next year even better,” the governor said.
In appreciation of the turnout for the event, the Governor re-echoed his avowed commitment to deliver quality service to the people and ensure the state remains united.
“By coming out like this, you are placing a greater responsibility on our shoulders because to whom much is given, much is expected. When you come out like this, you are affirming what God used you to do on March 18, to elect us to office.
“So, we cannot take it for granted. The only promise we give to you is that by the grace of God, we will continue to work to develop every nook and cranny of this state. We will continue to respect our traditional institution, we will continue to build unity across all the local government areas,” the governor pledged.
In his remarks, the immediate past governor expressed pleasure over the ambience of the event and commended the incumbent governor for using the event to reinforce love, peace and harmony in the state, while also using the event to express appreciation for the love extended to them during the yuletide.
The former governor urged the people to continually pray for Governor Umo Eno’s administration and for the peace and prosperity of the state.
Earlier, Iniobong Orok, transition chairman, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, welcomed all to the event to celebrate with Governor Umo Eno and his kinsmen, describing the gesture as an affirmation of their love for the Nsit Ubium-born governor.
