By Imaobong Samuel Umoekah, South South Regional Head of Operations
Governor Udom Emmanuel has charged youths of Akwa Ibom State to remain vigilant and prayerful to ensure that there is continuous sustenance of law and order in the state.
The Governor maintained that at a critical time in the nation’s history where insecurity has taken an alarming dimension, the youths must strengthen collaborations with security agencies to safeguard their communities against criminal elements.
The charge by the Governor came during the 62nd edition of Akwa Ibom Youth Prayer Conference held Sunday, at the Life Refreshment Chapel International, Obot Street, Itam in Itu local government area.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Archibong, he said, “vigilance is not only the price of liberty, but the success of any government depends on it”.
Governor Emmanuel maintained that, “it is by patriotism and constant vigilance that States are saved from negative surprises and evil deeds.”
He charged the young people to always be alert and willing to collaborate with the security agencies to prevent crime in their respective communities.
Reflecting on the theme of the Prayer Conference, OUR GOD IS ABLE TO DELIVER US ( Daniel 6:19 – 23 ), the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters, Mr. Aniefiok Iwaudofia said, “youth is a phase of life and time that should be used to glorify God instead of engaging in mundane things that could jeopardize one’s destiny”.
The Governor’s Aide opined that ” the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel is consciously building a generation of enterprising youths with kingdom mindedness and potentials for leadership.”
Citing Naman in the Bible who got distracted by his quest for vain glory, Iwaudofia urged the youths to be more humbled, respectful and diligent, especially when they are given opportunities in public service, adding that most youths with potentials usually failed because they lost focus and paid attention to distractions.
On 2023, the SSA also said that no image laundering or blackmail by any aspirant can distract Akwa Ibom youths who he noted were loyal to Governor Emmanuel.
“Our loyalty remains for Governor Udom Emmanuel. He will show us the way when it is time”, he said.
“For youths who are Aides to the Governor, Councillors and would be Supervisors, please don’t be distracted by that position. We must respect our elders”, he added.
He particularly lauded the state Governor for his relenting efforts in youth development and used the opportunity to condemn recent security infractions in some part of the state.
In his homily, Rev. Solomon Nnana, of the Life Refreshment Chapel, commended Governor Emmanuel for showing youths the right path to follow.
He used the biblical Daniel who had excellent spirit, maintained faithfulness and was delivered by God in the lion’s den, as a recommended model for youths to emulate.
Intercessory prayers for the Governor, Government, youths and the nation at large were led by the Secretary of Akwa Ibom Youth Prays Committee, Pastor Bright Benson.
Inspiring goodwill messages were delivered by Member, representing Itu State Constituency, Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem, Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon, Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government, Hon. Barr. Etetim Onuk, as well as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Mr. Raphael Edem.
The event had in attendance the SSA – Marketing and Brand Management, Mr. Ime Uwah, SA to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Mr. Essien Ndueso, Vice Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government, Hon. Edidiong Inyang, other aides of the Governor on Projects Monitoring, Mr. Harry Essien, Mr. Sunday Uyire, Mr. Ubong Wilson, Mr Uwemedimoh Asuquo and Miss Idongesit Micah, Mr Solomon George and Comrade Edima Martin, the president of Akwa Ibom female youths Comrade Esther Nta and other youth leaders across the state.
Others at the event included, legislative members of Otu local government, the Dakkada Coordinator General, Comrade Victor Koffi, members of Itu Legislative Council, Coordinator of Uyo Senatorial District Village Youth Presidents, Mr. Davis Ndu, State Officers and Chapter youth leaders from Itu local government area.
2023: A’Ibom Youths will heed Udom’s Succession Plans – Iwaudofia
As conversations on who becomes the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2023 continue to dominate the polity, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters, Comrade Aniefiok Wilson, has said youths in the state will harken to the Governor Udom Emmanuel’s succession plans.
The Governor’s Aide while speaking during the May Edition of Akwa Ibom Youth Prayer Conference held at Life Refreshment Chapel International, 10b Obot Street, Itam Junction, Itu LGA on Sunday, urged youths in the state not to be distracted by those seeking to take over from the current Governor.
At the event, Governor Udom Emmanuel while commending the youth for being consistent with the monthly prayer programme, called on them to be vigilant so as to help identify those abating crimes in the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong, the Governor restated his commitment to youth development and security of the state.
Earlier in his homily tagged ‘Our God is Able to Deliver’, drawn from Daniel 6:19-23, Rev. Solomon Nnana urged Christians to trust in God for deliverance from tribulations. The service also featured song ministration, recitation of Dakkada Creed, prayers and goodwill messages from Member Representing Itu State Constituency, Hon. Kufre Edidem, Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon, Chairman of Itu LGA, Hon. Etetim Onuk, and Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Mr. Raphael Edem.
The service which was moderated by the Chairman, Youth Prays Committee, Mr. Christopher Jerry was well attended by prominent personalities including; Member Representing Itu State Constituency in AKHA, Hon. Kufre Edidem, Honourable Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon, Executive Chairman of Itu LGA, Hon. Etetim Onuk, Governor’s Aides led by the SSA to the Governor on Youth Matters, Comrade Aniefiok Iwaudofia, Vice Chairman of Ibesikpo LGA, Edidiong Inyang, Forum of Christian Youth Leaders, Dakkada Youths, Youth Caucus, Female Youth and Students amongst others.