The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has been applauded for his determination to touch the lives of the poor masses through his multifaceted humanitarian programmes, geared towards lifting the poor out of poverty.
The commendation was made on Saturday 17 August, 2024 by Rev. Mrs Enobong Ibok during the Inauguration of Enobong Ibok Charity Foundation at Akpambang, Mbierebe Obio, by Aka Etinan Road, Uyo.
In her address to a large crowd of the vulnerable persons, and senior members of the clergy, Rev. Enobong Ibok said, “Our gathering today is as a result of the inspiration that I received, following the compassionate programmes of His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, from inception of his administration.”
She added: ” Let me thank the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, for his love for Akwa Ibomites, particularly the poor, elderly and the unsupported persons in the society, and for graciously appointing me into the Akwa Ibom State Christian Leadership Advisory Council (AKSCLAC). “
The Honorary Special Adviser (HSA) to Governor on Religious Matter, Rev’d Dr. Ndueso Ekwere, who was the guest speaker of the occasion, tasked the audience on building a legacy that will out live them. He praised the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his compassionate heart towards alleviating the suffering of the poor Akwa Ibom State citizens. He observed that through then relief programme of Governor Umo Eno, there was no family in the State that Governor has directly or indirectly touched. He stressed that, with Governor Umo Eno, “it is no longer the rich also cry but the poor also smile,” and thank the Governor, whom he said needed the support of well-meaning persons like Rev’d Mrs Enobong Ibok to complement the programmes of the Governor as enunciated in the ARISE agenda blueprint.
Illustrating with the life of biblical Dorcas who was so dedicated to serving God and humility, such that when she suddenly died, the beneficiaries of her good, ensured shw was raised back to life. Speaking on the theme, “What will you be remembered for?” Rev’d Dr. Ekwere, a former CAN Chairman, Akwa Ibom State, asked rhetorically, “What will you be remembered for after this life? Dorcas was remembered for the good work she did and when she died the people she was a blessing to, made sure she was raised from the dead.”
He encourages the audience to emulate the humanitarian efforts of Rev’d Mrs Enobong Ibok to feed the hungry, attend to the sick and supply basic necessities of life to the underprivileged persons, he added: “Enobong Ibok has done this, not because she has abundant of resources, because of the heart for love of the poor and the determination to show practical love of Christ to them.”
The occasion, which attracted eminent clergymen and women, such as Prelate Prof Isaiah Issong, and wife Noble Lady Apostle Grace Issong, Primate Emmanuel Josiah Udofia, Lady Apostle Helen Ukpabio, Archbishop Paul Hanson, Archbishop Uyiota Kingsley ans wife, Bishop Gifthans Kinsley, Archbishop Assam, Bishop Eyo Uwah, Rev’d Dr. Godwin Amaowo, General Secretary, the Assemblies of God Church, former Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet and several others, also featured the award of Chartered membership of Wesley Synod International Mission Canterbury for Africa and Certificate of International Ordination Licence, as conducted by the Archbishop Prof. Sir Paul Hanson, the Primate of the Wesley Synod International Mission.
Prelate Prof Isaiah Issong led the prayers for the organization and Rev’d and Rev’d Mrs. Enobong Ibok, President of Enobong Ibok Charity Foundation.
Meanwhile, the widows, orphans, elderly and less privileged persons who converge in hundreds at the venue, received various supports in clothing materials, medical treatment, foods and cash donations.
According to the data made available by the medical team which attended to the elderly and the sick, over one thousand patients were treated of various ailments, from malaria, diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, and sight issues were also attended to, while complex health issues like surgery were referred.
Meanwhile, another phase of the programme was feeding the hungry, with foods available to community and the elderly.
