It was a day of celebration for widows in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, as Minister of State Petroleum Resources Gas, Rt. Hon. (Obongemem) Ekperikpe Ekpo, doled out cash, Wrappers, bags of rice, and other gift items to celebrate the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, who turned 62 on Friday.
The items were presented at an event organised by the Minister at Voice of Liberty International, Ikot Odongo in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
In his welcome address, the Founder of Voice of Liberty International, Arch Bishop John Micah thanked the minister for choosing to celebrate the governor’s birthday with Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District women, particularly the widows.
”Honourable Minister, thank you for making these women, especially the widows, whom I refer to as special women, also feel the celebration of the governor’s birthday. You brought it here, because you know they can’t go to Uyo to join the celebration” He said.
Arch Bishop Micah also said that Voice of Liberty International and all the widows under him will continue to pray for the success, health and sustenance of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Pastor Umo Eno.
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”Our work is to Pray for the president, our Senate President, and our governor. We have been doing that and we will continue to pray for their success, good health and sustenance” Arch Bishop Micah said.
Speaking through his wife, Lady Esitmbom Ekperikpe Ekpo, the gas minister congratulated His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno on attaining the age of 62, describing him as a peace-maker, a unifier and bridge builder.
Ekpo said that since his assumption of office in 2023, Akwa Ibom State has witnessed great strides in infrastructure and human capital development, through the governors Arise Agenda.
”My Dear women, let me tell you why we gather here to celebrate Pastor Umo Eno on his birthday. The governor has done well in barely three years in office. In infrastructure development, in human capital development, and many other areas, the governor as done well”.
Ekpo also said that a governor who has brought peace and unity to his people deserved to be celebrated.
”Today we can all testify that Akwa is peaceful, Akwa Ibom is united. All of these are made possible through the government of the man we gather here to celebrate. So, a governor that has made his people live in peace and unity should be celebrated, especially on a day like this.” The minister stated.
The widows, drawn from the ten local government areas of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District thanked Ekperikpe Ekpo and his wife, Lady Esitmbom Ekperikpe Ekpo for always remembering them. They expressed appreciation to the the minister for giving them an opportunity to celebrate the governor on his birthday, describing it as a unique gesture.
”Minister, you have been feeding us. You have been clothing us, you have been giving us business grants, but today is unique, because you have given us the chance to celebrate our dear governor ”
They promised to continue their support for the President, Senate President, and the Governor.
”Our birthday gift is that we will continue to support our President, our son, the Senate President, and our dear governor” The women said.
The ceremony featured song rendition and dance by the widows, ministration by Voice of Liberty Global Choir, and prayer for the governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
