We are repositioning Akwa Ibom for greatness – Gov

My administration is re-positioning Akwa Ibom to achieve sustainable development through industrialisation, Gov. Udom Emmanuel, has said.

Emmanuel made the statement on Saturday in Uyo at a `Solemn Assembly’ to usher the state into the New Year and re-dedicate Ibom Hall Grounds to God.

The governor said that the solemn assembly was organised to seek divine guidance and to invite God to superintend over the affairs of the state.

He added that it was also to seek God’s intervention for successful implementation of the programmes of his administration.

“We are committed to creatively harness the resources of the state to achieve the vision of wealth creation, employment generation and industrialisation.

“That is why we have to convoke the solemn assembly to seek divine guidance and invite God to superintend over the affairs of the state for successful implementation of the programmes of the administration,” he said.

Emmanuel used the occasion to announce continuation of the free and compulsory education programme of the government.

He called on the people to rekindle the pride of brotherliness, love and unity.

“Reject in totality every antics of the enemy, particularly those devising means of taking the state back to the days of servitude.

“Akwa Ibom people cannot afford to be fooled again,” he added.

He condemned the blackmail and propaganda being perpetuated by the opposition with the intent of sowing seed of discord to fragment the existing bond of unity in the state.

The governor called on the perpetrators to desist from such acts, stressing that there was no vacancy at the Hill Top Mansion (Government House).

He said that Akwa Ibom people were determined to preserve the `divine mandate’ given to him during the 2015 April election and prayed God to bless the state and prosper the people.

Earlier, Bishop Cletus Bassey, the President, Akwa Ibom chapter, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), commended the government for sustaining the annual dedication of the state to God through the solemn assembly.

He said that this year’s service marked his last outing as CAN chairman and commended the government for placing God at the centre of its activities.

Rev. Ntia Ntia, senior Pastor, Full Life Christian Centre Uyo, who preached on theme “The blessing of a New Beginning,” said that the New Year signified new beginning.

He said that for one to benefit from the blessings of the new beginning, one must seek God in righteousness, study his words and worship him.

“This will fasten the opportunity to access divine blessing and direction.

“As a people, we have to let go negative experiences of the past and faithfully embrace new opportunities that come with the season of the new beginning,” he said.