RismadarVoice Reporters
September 6, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has called on residents to remain grateful to God for the peace and development recorded in the state as it celebrates its 39th anniversary.
Eno made the call during a special worship service at Qua Iboe Church, Ewet Offot, Uyo, held as part of activities preceding the state’s anniversary thanksgiving scheduled for September 20.
The governor said his decision to worship in different churches ahead of the anniversary was intended to demonstrate appreciation to God for His faithfulness to the state.
He particularly thanked God for the peace enjoyed in Akwa Ibom, saying it was a valuable asset that must not be taken for granted.
Mr Eno urged residents to reject ethnic and tribal rhetoric capable of undermining the unity and stability of the state.
He also called on traditional rulers, religious bodies, politicians, security agencies and other stakeholders to work together to protect the peaceful atmosphere, especially as the state approaches another political season.
“Peace is a shared responsibility that must be jealously guarded,” the governor said, urging stakeholders to demonstrate restraint and responsibility in their public engagements.
He further encouraged residents to cultivate the habit of gratitude, saying appreciation should extend beyond God to individuals who had contributed to their lives through opportunities, support and assistance.
“As you thank God, remember to thank the men God has used to help us. In a season like this, we should show gratitude.”
The governor also appealed to politicians and their supporters to moderate their rhetoric and show greater understanding and respect for one another.
He said political campaigns should focus on issues, policies and programmes rather than ethnic or religious sentiments.
“We have gone past ethnic and religious sentiments to divide the State. If we campaign on issues, we can always find a meeting point,” he said.
Mr Eno said Akwa Ibom had moved beyond the use of ethnic and religious differences as political tools, urging political actors to prioritise issues that would improve the lives of residents.
He encouraged stakeholders to use the forthcoming political season to strengthen unity rather than exploit differences for political advantage.
The governor also commended Qua Iboe Church for its contributions to the spiritual and social development of the state.
He described the anniversary thanksgiving as an opportunity for reflection, appreciation and renewed commitment to peace and development.
Mr Eno praised the church leadership for aligning its monthly theme with the state’s anniversary theme, “The Month of Our Gratitude,” saying the theme provided an opportunity to appreciate both God and individuals who had contributed to the state’s progress.
In his sermon, the General Superintendent of the Qua Iboe Church Conference, Rev. Ekpedeme Moffat, based his message on Psalm 136:1–3, with gratitude as the central theme.
Mr Moffat urged worshippers to acknowledge God’s love and faithfulness to Akwa Ibom throughout its 39 years and demonstrate their gratitude through acts of love and compassion.
He encouraged those who had been blessed to extend support to less privileged and vulnerable members of society.
According to him, caring for others is a practical demonstration of gratitude and should form an important part of thanksgiving.
He stressed that thanksgiving should go beyond words and worship to actions that make a positive difference in society.
The Chairman of the church, Elder Ubong David, thanked Governor Eno for worshipping with the congregation and for appointing several church members to positions in his administration.
Mr David described the appointments as evidence that members of the church were being carried along under the administration’s ARISE Agenda.
The service was attended by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi; Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Helen Eno-Obareki, and her spouse; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Aniefiok Johnson; Director-General of Campaigns, Assam Assam; government officials, security stakeholders, religious leaders and other citizens.
