Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has urged Nigerians to be intentional and committed in their efforts to build a prosperous nation.
He gave the charge, Saturday at the 2nd Biennial Conference of the Council of Knights, Diocese of Uyo, Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), held at the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Brooks Street, Uyo.
Reflecting on the theme of the Conference “Come, Let Us Build” with the text drawn from Nehemiah 2:17-18, the Governor noted that building was an intentional act which required time, resources and patience, adding that building a sustainably prosperous nation was the business of all citizens, not the exclusive responsibility of government.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno said his administration would not rest on its oars until the state attains the height it desires in all aspects of development and remarkable improvements seen in the quality of life of the people.
“By God’s grace, through our huge investments in agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security, education, health, tourism, maritime and aviation in the past 14 months, the dots are gradually connecting towards birthing a developed and sustainably prosperous State,” he asserted.
He reiterated the commitment of his administration to job creation, poverty eradication and entrepreneurial development.
“We must practically end poverty and crush unemployment by educating and empowering our people, especially the energetic youth of Akwa Ibom State.
“Pulling our youth out of unemployment is our utmost priority,” he assured.
Expounding on the theme of the Conference, the Keynote Speaker and the first Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Jonathan Tunde Ogbeha, CON, emphasized the need for unity, determination, and purposefulness in rebuilding and restoring what has been broken in Christianity and the nation at large.
Drawing a parallel to Nehemiah’s leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, he said Christians must endeavour to rebuild the walls of family values and ties, religious tolerance and transparent political leadership.
He further stated that to rebuild the nation, the Church must serve as a pillar for raising Godly families which will help to curb social vices, perversions and inordinate ambitions, while encouraging more credible Christians to engage in politics and aspire for political leadership without compromising their faith.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Uyo, His Lordship, Rev. Owen Amos Ukafia maintained that the vital role and place of knights in Christendom could not be over-emphasized as they were bestowed with the sacred duty of defending the Christian faith and propagating the gospel as valiant soldiers of Christ.
He noted that prosperity could only be achieved when Christians rise to build and work together to achieve a common goal.
The event featured the presentation of awards, fund launch, choir ministration, prayers, praise and worship.
Meanwhile, the Governor on Friday, played host to the Keynote Speaker, Senator Jonathan Tunde Ogbeha in Government House, Uyo.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, he acknowledged the pioneering role of Senator Ogbeha towards building a great Akwa Ibom State, adding that history would be kind to him.
In his response, Senator Ogbeha commended the unrivalled developmental strides of the Governor since his assumption of office and pledged his unflinching support for his administration.
Media Unit
Office of the Deputy Governor
