Ibom Prays Project Inaugurates Abia State Exco
It was a moment of joy and thanksgiving as the indigenes of Akwa Ibom State living in Abia State, their brothers and friends from Akwa Ibom State and other parts of the nation gathered in their numbers at Abia State Polytechnic Pavilion, Aba to celebrate their annual event known as Akwa Ibom Day or Ibom Prays Project.
The widely-publicized epoch-making event with the theme: ‘Break Forth” taken from Isaiah 54:3 held on Saturday, December 9, 2023.
It commenced with praise and worship and the mass choir added colour to the historic event with their scintillating songs and spectacular performance.
In his welcome address, the President of Ibom Gospel Ministers International, Abia State Chapter, Apostle Dr. Anietie Okure (JP) disclosed that different groups in Akwa Ibom State had been longing to bring the people of Akwa Ibom State in Abia State together under one umbrella over the years without success not until 2004 when the Ministers Forum started a spiritual revolution with prayers for the people of Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, God answered their prayer in 2018 when they had the first major breakthrough with the Ibom Prayer Project (IPP), which brought all the people of Akwa Ibom State in Abia State together for prayers and other activities affecting their lives.
He said that since then it has transformed to a yearly event where they gather to pray and chart a new course for the betterment of their people in Abia State and beyond.
He recounted some of their achievements so far including the creation of a veritable platform where they now come together to discuss issues affecting them both in Abia State and beyond as well as donation of two plots of land by the immediate past Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for the building of their secretariat.
He restated their determination to advance the Ibom Prayer Project to different parts of Abia State with their fast-increasing membership comprising social groups, trade unions, professional bodies and Christians of all denominations.
He used the opportunity to solicit financial assistance from well-meaning Akwa Ibom sons and daughters as well as their friends within and outside Abia State to enable them to commence the building of their ultra-modern secretariat, which he said would serve as a symbol of their identity and unity in Abia State.
In his speech while inaugurating the executive of Akwa Ibom Reconciles, Abia State Chapter, the International President of Akwa Ibom Reconciles, Sir Amb. Pastor Aniekan Essien said that the group is in the vanguard of the Campaign Against the impression that Akwa Ibom people hate themselves.
He said that Akwa Ibom Reconciles with the slogan,’Yak ima idem nnyin’ preaches and practices love for one another, helping themselves, pulling their resources together to actualize a common objective including peaceful resolution of conflicts.
According to him, the group has branches in London, the United States of America and other parts of the world adding that they also enjoy the full support of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno.
He expressed optimism that with the successful inauguration of Abia State executive that they are going to do greater exploits.
He charged them to mobilize others to join them so that their presence and impact would be felt in all the nooks and crannies of Abia State.
Some of the executive members of Akwa Ibom Reconciles, Abia State Chapter include Apostle Dr. Anietie Okure (state president), Pastor Xavier I. Usen (state secretary), Archbishop Udeme Simon (Grand Patron), the Obong of Akwa Ibom in Abia State, Obong Imoh Bassey (Oji Aka Emenka 1) among others.
The event lived up to its billings and attracted the presence of so many dignitaries from far and near including Chief Michael Udoh who came from Umuahia.
Highlights of the event were presentation of awards to well-deserving individuals in appreciation of their contributions to the growth of the group and special prayers for the nation, Akwa Ibom State, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno and Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR).
Some of the awardees include His Eminence Prelate Prof. Isaiah Isong (President, Fathers in Faith), Chief Michael Ibanga, Hon. Engr. Okpoho Umoren, Dr. Emmanuel O. Etim, Mr. Nse Nelson Umanah, Dr. Emmanuel O. Etim, Mr. Emmanuel God’slight among others.
In a chat with newsmen, Obong Imoh Bassey (Oji Aka Emenka 1), the Obong of Akwa Ibom in Abia State described the event as a huge success and expressed profound gratitude to God for leading them safely from the beginning of January 2023 to December.
He lauded the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) for his remarkable achievements within a very short time in office, especially in the area of road construction and rehabilitation.
He said that with the rate he is initiating and executing projects that Abia State would witness rapid transformation in all sectors.
(Chairman, Central Planning Committee)
