By Press Release
Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged the Church to sustain the fight of faith by praying relentlessly for Nigeria.
Eno made the call, Tuesday in Ikot Ekpene when he declared open the 49th/14th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church Nigeria, held at the Groves Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, the Governor said regular intercessory prayers by the Church would help to douse tension and take the nation to her desired destination.
“We owe our nation the responsibility of interceding for God’s intervention. The situation of Nigeria today can only be reversed through the intervention of God.
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“Therefore, I want to plead again for the leadership of the Church to continually hold Nigeria up in prayers and things will surely be better for us.”
While commending the youths of the State for their maturity and peaceful disposition, Governor Eno reiterated his pledge to empower 5,000 youths within the next two months as well as continue to work for the prosperity of the state.
“I stand here to appreciate the youth of Akwa Ibom State for listening to their Governor, their leaders and the elders.
They understand that their government is trying and that the federal government is doing its best to ensure the well-being of our Country. I want to say God bless and prosper the youths of Akwa Ibom State.”
Remarking on the theme of the Conference, Arise and Build, the Governor commended the leadership of the church in keeping faith with the vision of John Wesley towards advancing spiritual and social values in the society, noting that the theme of the conference was apt as it aligned with the ARISE Agenda of his administration.
“The World is changing. We are the ones who will be in the position to sustain and continue with the fight of faith so that the vision of our father, John Wesley will not die in our hands.
“The theme of the 2024 Biennial Conference: “Arise and Build” is apt, important and aligns with the vision of the government to develop Akwa Ibom State through the ARISE Agenda.”
The Governor said the ARISE Agenda cuts across Agriculture, tourism, environment, rural development, infrastructural advancement security management, education and health sector management as well as economic advancement.
He admonished Akwa Ibom families to return to the farm as the only way to achieve food security for the state.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, who had enjoined the church to commit to the work of God in order to build the lives of the people spiritually and physically thanked the Governor for supporting the church.
The Conference also featured presentation of gifts and offering of prayers for the Governor, the State and the entire nation.
A total of 773 delegates graced the conference that elected (Dr) Effiong Esedeke as the Arch-Bishop of Port Harcourt Arch-Diocese; Rt. Rev. Elijah Ekarika and Ekpenyong Ime Ekpenyong as Bishops.
Methodist Church, Nigeria has 21 Arch-Dioceses, 108 Dioceses, and 108 Lay Presidents including Sir Etekamba Umoren, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Delta State.
Methodism was planted in Nigeria in 1842 by a Wesleyan Methodist Church missionary, John Wesley.
Speaking with Straightnews publisher in his country home, Ukuko 2 in Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday, August 14, Dr. Esedeke thanked his members for electing him to the exalted office, and pledged to serve the church creditably.
