Ahead the 39th Anniversary of the state,Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled plans for the commissioning of 39 projects across the state as part of activities marking the celebration, declaring September 2026 as a Month of Gratitude.

Eno also stated that President Bola  Tinubu is expected to visit Akwa Ibom to perform the ceremony of some of the projects executed by his administration, urging the residents to unite in thanksgiving to God as the state prepares to celebrate its anniversary.

He was speaking during the Victory Thanksgiving Service marking the conclusion of the 2026 Discovery Convention of the All Nations Christian Ministry International, popularly known as The Lord’s Kitchen,in Uyo, the State Capital.

The Governor expressed appreciation to the clergy, members of the ministry and other stakeholders for their continued support and commitment to the vision of the church and his administration, describing the members of the ministry as his “heroes.”

While thanking them for believing in the vision of the church and for giving him the privilege to lead them,he urged the people to dedicate September to reflecting on God’s faithfulness to the state and participating actively in thanksgiving activities.

He hinted that the 39th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service will be holding on September 20 at the International Christian Worship Centre, while a State Banquet is scheduled for September 23 at the new banquet hall of ARISE Palm Resort.

On the expected presidential visit, Governor Eno explained that the President Tinubu is expected to pay an official visit to the state to commission some of these projects delivered by his administration, and it’s significant to the 39th  celebrations.

Similarly, the Governor  announced that the 2026 Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol will hold on Friday, December 18, with the theme, “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men,” drawn from Luke 2:14, saying,
participating choirs would be selected through a pitching portal.

Ministering at the thanksgiving service, Pastor Simeon Afolabi, spoke on the theme, “Bought With a Price,” based on 1 Corinthians 7:23, urging Christians to allow Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary to transform their lives.

He equally encouraged believers to surrender themselves to divine direction, draw their self-worth from their relationship with God and live without fear, stressing that those who have God on their side have no reason to feel defeated.

The service, which featured prayers for the State, Nigeria, the government, the people and the Church, was attended by prominent political, religious and community leaders.

Among them were Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi; wife of the Senate President, Dr. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio; Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; the Chief Judge of the state.

Others include,Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Peters; Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor, Aniefiok Johnson; serving and former senators; top government officials; and other spiritual and temporal leaders.