Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has announced a public holiday on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, to allow all citizens to partake in the New Year inter-denominational thanksgiving service.
According to a statement from the government house press unit on Wednesday, Governor Umo Eno spoke in his hometown, Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, during an event commemorating the 2023 Boxing Day.
He announced that the New Year thanksgiving service is planned to be held at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo. The governor urged all Akwa Ibomites to attend, emphasizing the importance of coming together as a united people under one God for the service.
Governor Eno expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, and his wife, as well as political, traditional, and religious leaders. He also appreciated the presence of Akwa Ibom people, non-indigenous residents in the state, and those who had traveled from various locations to attend the event, describing it as a homecoming and a significant reunion.#
In his words, “I 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.
“As you all know, we have dedicated every December 25th to Onna, to go and celebrate with our father there. So we thank everyone that has made it here today. It is the first one we have done. By coming out like this, you are placing a greater responsibility on our shoulder 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 LGAs. Don’t forget that on 2nd day of January, 2024 we will be having Akwa Ibom New Year Service at the International Christian Worship Centre.
“That international Worship Centre is ready and it’s looking good. That day, we’ve declared a public holiday for all Akwa Ibom people to come and worship and commit the year into God’s hand”.
Additionally, addressing the gathering, the immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere of the event.
He praised his successor for utilizing the yuletide season to strengthen love, peace, and harmony in the state. Mr. Emmanuel appealed to the people to consistently pray for the current administration and for the ongoing peace and prosperity of the state.
The Chairman of the transition committee for Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Arc Iniobong Orok, extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries and the people of Akwa Ibom attending the event. He characterized the impressive turnout as a confirmation of their affection and approval for their son, Umo Eno, as the governor of the state.