Twenty five years not 25 days in marriage was no mean feat, declared Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, as he joined others in celebrating the Silver wedding anniversary between Elder Aniekan Akpan and his wife, Unyime.
Governor Eno, who understands the crucible of marriage having marked 38 years marriage anniversary with his late wife, felicitated the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on their 25th marriage anniversary.
Speaking as special guest at a thanksgiving service held at United Evangelical Church (UEC), Ikot Oku Usung in Ukanfun Local Government Area of the state, marking the silver Jubilee anniversary, the Governor said the anniversary was worthy of a celebration.
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He hailed the Chairman for his commitment and unwavering support during the 2023 governorship election, describing him as a rare breed of politician with the grace for skilful speeches.
He said, “My brother, we came here to honour you, and to thank God with you. You are a good man- a man who doesn’t play any crafty politics like most people in this generation. His yes is yes, and his no is no; a straightforward man.
“I feel very happy to be part of your anniversary celebration today. 25 years in marriage is not 25 days. I’m so impressed for your continuous love for each other. We thank God for you; thank God for being who you are and for being your own self – a man of your own convictions.”
The Governor described Elder Akpan as a remarkable party man, who, according to him, exhibits friendliness, understanding, affection, and wisdom in his leadership of the State PDP.
“I admire you for your deep sense of humility, modesty, sincerity and love for your people, the village and home church by leading all of us down here to see and learn from your humble beginning. We thank God for you and the laudable success in your marriage,” he said.
The Governor also commended the Chairman for hosting the event in his local church, and urged everyone to always remember and periodically return to their roots to identify with their people, stressing that everyone has a root and history.
The Governor called on the guests to join hands to build the Akpan’s home church in their honour and to the glory of God, stressing that no one who diligently serves God goes empty-handed.
While thanking God for sustaining their marriage for 25 years, Elder Akpan, thanked God for sustaining his life from childhood, raising him from grass to grace, and for granting him a blissful marriage blessed with children.
He appreciated the Governor for honouring his anniversary celebration by coming with his Cabinet members, and for always extending his benevolence to him and his people, and prayed for God’s blessings to everyone that honoured him with their presence.
Rev. Ndifreke Amos, who preached on the topic: Thanksgiving to that same God drawn from Psalms 50:14, harped on the necessity and benefits of thanksgiving to God, stressing that thanksgiving which has to do with celebration of God’s faithfulness, favour, and grace upon man, is a biblical instruction and command by God to be obeyed by His children.
Rev. Amos, therefore, admonished Christians to always thank God as thanksgiving is an attitude that leads to more of God’s increase and upliftment in life.
