Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, has charged the Church to be relentless in praying for the nation.
He made the call, Tuesday in Ikot Ekpene while declaring open the 49th/14th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church Nigeria, held at the Groves Memorial Methodist Cathedral.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Umo Eno, said regular intercessory prayers by the Church would help to douse tension and take the nation to her desired destination.
“We owe our nation the responsibility of interceding for God’s intervention. The situation of Nigeria today can only be reversed through the intervention of God.
“Therefore, I want to plead again for the leadership of the Church to continually hold Nigeria up in prayers and things will surely be better for us.”
Commending the youths of the State for their maturity and peaceful disposition, the Governor reiterated his pledge to empower 5000 youth within the next two months as well as continue to work for the prosperity of the State.
“I stand here to appreciate the youth of Akwa Ibom State for listening to their Governor, their leaders and the elders. They understand that their government is trying and that the federal government is doing its best to ensure the well-being of our Country. I want to say God bless and prosper the youth of Akwa Ibom State.”
Remarking on the theme of the Conference, “Arise and Build”, the Governor commended the leadership of the Church in keeping faith with the vision of John Wesley towards advancing spiritual and social values in the society, noting that the theme of the Conference was apt as it aligned with the ARISE Agenda of his administration.
“The World is changing. We are the ones who will be in the position to sustain and continue with the fight of faith so that the vision of our father, John Wesley will not die in our hands.
“The theme of the 2024 Biennial Conference: “Arise and Build” is apt, important and aligns with the vision of the government to develop Akwa Ibom State through the ARISE Agenda.”
The Governor explained that the ARISE Agenda cuts across agriculture, tourism, environment, rural development, infrastructural advancement security management, education and health sector management as well as economic advancement.
He further admonished Akwa Ibom families to return to the farm as the only way to achieve food security for the State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, JP enjoined the Church to commit to the work of God in order to build the lives of the people spiritually and physically while expressing appreciation to the Governor for supporting the Church.
The Conference also featured presentation of gifts and offering of prayers for the Governor, the State and the entire nation.
