COMPLETION AGENDA : GOV. EMMANUEL EXTENDS INFRASTRUCTURAL CONSOLIDATION DRIVE TO IBESIKPO ASUTAN LGA
The people of Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State would further benefit from the infrastructural consolidation drive of Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration, as the State Government has announced its resolve to construct an overhead footbridge to link the Lutheran Church of Nigeria’s Headquarters with the High School adjacent the church.
Governor Emmanuel made this known while addressing the congregation at a thanksgiving and reception service organized by Lutheran Church of Nigeria in honour of the newly appointed Head of the State Civil Service, Elder Essien and Wife, Deaconess Uduak at the Church Headquarters, Obot Idim, Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government Area of the State.
The Governor directed the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ephraim Inyangeyen to ensure that feasibility study is carried out and contract for construction of the overhead pedestrian bridge awarded latest December 31, 2019.
He also mandated the Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, to inspect sports facilities at the Lutheran High School play ground, for consideration and possible intervention by the state government.
Mr Emmanuel expressed the readiness of his administration to partner the Church in the management of Immanuel Hospital and explained that government decision is premised on the need to deliver quality health care services to the people to justify government huge investment in the facility.
He said: “we need to be realistic. To run a hospital is a very expensive venture. Immanuel Hospital is too big to add to your burden. We have spent so much in that hospital already. Right now we are refurbishing the entire hospital, hoping that it will be ready before the state anniversary in September and would be inspected by the Vice President.
"You have to excuse us for only that one. Let us reap the money we have invested there by making sure we have quality healthcare services for Akwa Ibom people. But let me reassure you, whether it is named after the Lutheran Church or the State; the purpose is to serve humanity and we are in the same service. We can collaborate in some of these things. I believe that is the essence of the church".
Governor Emmanuel, who was the Special Guest at the event, thanked God for Elder Effiong Essien’s elevation as Head of Service, describing him as “a good man" whom God has chosen to honour.
“I want to thank God for the Head of the Civil Service. In life, you don’t underrate anybody, because God does not go for a man that is qualified, instead he takes a man and qualifies him. That is the nature of God. That is why we must guard our destinies very well. Today only God knows why it has to be him because God actually chose him, not man".
He said the thanksgiving service was significant because it coincides with the month of the State’s anniversary and urged Akwa Ibom people to be grateful to God for the peace enjoyed in the State.
Hear him: “Today is 1st of September. Today marks the beginning of our celebration of thirty-two years of existence as a state. What a good day to thank God. God has given us peace. Even if you don’t thank God for any other thing, considering what is happening in other states, we thank God for peace. We thank God that we are one people united in one purpose and in one accord".
Governor Emmanuel donated cash to the church as well as a bus to the Church Choir and advised alumni of Lutheran High School, Obot Idim, to pull resources together and support the Church University project.
Preaching on the theme, “I believe God”, the National President, Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Christian Ekong, advised Christians to be courageous by believing in God, noting that God will never fail in His promises.
The National President said “faith in God radiates and brings atmosphere of courage, adding that God Himself gives grace to the humble who believe in him and admonished the congregation not to be afraid even at the point of difficulty.
Most Reverend Ekong presented a Holy Bible and Hymn Book to Governor Emmanuel as well as palm fruit seedlings to Elder Effiong Essien, urging him to key into the food sufficiency drive of the state administration.
While appreciating God for his elevation, Elder Effiong Essien expressed joy for the honour done him by the Lutheran Church of Nigeria and particularly thanked the Governor for extending his infrastructural consolidation and political inclusion drive to Ibesikpo-Asutan, adding that the people of the area have sufficiently benefitted from his administration.
The thanksgiving service was attended by the Deputy Governor, Mr Mosses Ekpo, Secretary to the state Government Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, Director General Divine Mandate Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, House of Assembly members, State PDP Chairman Obong Paul Ekpo, Immediate Past Minister of Niger Delta Pastor Usani Usani, Permanent Secretaries , Top government Functionaries and Political Stalwart.
