2023: Pray for God’s divine intervention, providence, Udom urges Christians

2023:
Pray for God’s divine intervention, providence, Gov Udom urges Christians

…as AKS Pilgrims Board holds special prayer convocation

By Itoro Bassey

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, on Friday, urged Christians to pray for God’s divine intervention and providence as preparations for the 2023 general elections are beginning to gather momentum in the state.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, gave the charge during the 2021 Solemn Assembly organized by the Akwa Ibom State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board with the theme: “Mighty things through prayers” at the United Evangelical Church, Ikot Okubo Offot, Uyo.

He declared that 2023 belonged to God and that His will – concerning the next governor – would prevail in the state at the appropriate time.

“God does not pick the qualifier, whoever He picks qualifies. God does not choose the qualifier, it is those that God choose that He God qualifies”, he said.

He urged the people to always factor-in God into whatever they do, and exhibit the virtue of humility at all times irrespective of who they are.

“People should be humble and examine their relationship with God. Don’t fake humility, don’t pretend it and don’t dramatize it.

“It has to be a part of you over a long period of time till it becomes part of your personal culture”, he said.

Earlier in his remark, the Chairman of the state’s Pilgrims Board, Archbishop Cletus Bassey, said that it had been the custom of the Board to assemble and appreciate God for His magnanimity and benevolence to the people, while seeking His divine direction in the affairs of the state.

According to Archbishop Bassey, there would be no better time to seek the face of God other than now that the country is facing different kinds of challenges.

He said: “The worrisome state of insecurity, kidnapping of students, and countless attacks on our security architecture are few reasons we must approach God in repentance and seek his mighty works through the unfailing power of prayer”.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Udom Emmanuel for approving the event, describing him as “a man who believes in prayer, divine direction and the incontestable power of the supernatural over the natural”.

The occasion featured praise and worship, choir ministrations, prayer on thanksgiving, and prayers offered for youths and the academic sector, Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State, the state government and members of the political class, as well as prayer for the upcoming 2021 pilgrimage.

Among other dignitaries who attended the occasion were the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, who was represented by a senior official in his office, Prelate Isaiah Isong of the Believers Assembly, President of Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Christian Ekong; SSA to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Rev. Daniel Akwatang; and Pastor Sylvanus Ukafia of Insight Bible Church.

Fielding questions from journalists shortly after the occasion, Archbishop Cletus Bassey said, following the prayers, God would grant the governor divine direction to continue in his excellent work in the state.

Bassey expressed optimism that great times are ahead for the people, adding that God would manifest his glory on the state.

Other clergymen including the Superintendent incharge of UEC, Four Towns Superintendency, Rev. Udeme Akpan; Rev. Jim Robinson Ayo, Rev. Godswill Monday, and the Secretary of Pilgrims Board, Mrs. Nsikak-Abasi Orok, expressed joy on the success of the convocation, even as they thanked God for answered prayers.

High point of the occasion was the presentation of an art portrait by the Pilgrims Welfare Board to the Governor.