– His Multi-Million Naira Donation
Chief Godswill Akpabio has attributed his emergence as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the successes of his administration to the grace of God. He said he would not have achieved the Uncommon Transformation in Akwa Ibom State if God was not with him.
Governor Akpabio made the declaration on Sunday during a thanksgiving service at The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, First Abuja Parish, Wuse, Abuja. He also used the occasion to unveil a custom built electronic pipe organ which he had earlier donated to the church.
According to Governor Akpabio who read the first Bible lesson during the service, “When I contested as the Governor in 2006, I faced stiff opposition from other aspirants who had previously occupied very high offices in the country. I knew then that it was only God who could see me through Throughout the campaign, wherever I went to, I said ‘let God’s will be done,’ and God’s will was done.
“I got to where I am only through the grace of God and that is why I am giving my all in the service of my state. Many of you who have visited the state lately would attest to the uncommon transformation which God has used me to bring to the state,” he said.
The Governor recalled that he had a difficult upbringing when he lost his father when he was six months old culminating in the difficulty in paying his school fees and sometimes being flogged by his teachers because of this.
He said this was why when he had the opportunity he had vowed that no child resident in Akwa Ibom State would be allowed to go through what he went through by declaring free and compulsory education in the state. He said the goal of his administration was to totally transform the entire state.
Governor Akpabio said he was delighted to fellowship in the church noting that the sole purpose God created man was for man to praise Him. He admonished the congregation to put their faith in God as He was the only one who does not disappoint.
In his remarks, the Minister in charge of the Parish, Rev Solomon Umazi who gave an exultation on “The power of praise” said even though he is neither a politician nor an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, he could attest to the great transformation since Chief Akpabio became the Governor. He said he had flown into the Ibom International Airport several times and said the dualized road network in the state were among the best in the country.
According to Rev Umazi, “As a church, we stand for truth, fairness and justice. I’m not a politician and I’m not from Akwa Ibom State, but I must speak the truth. When I visited Uyo, I saw flyovers and I thought I was still in Abuja. The road from Ikot Ekpene to Uyo is dualized. Uyo and Ikot Ekpene where I’d passed through have been greatly transformed with dualized roads. On behalf of the parish, I thank God for the great work that Governor Akpabio is doing in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
Other dignitaries who attended the thanksgiving service included the Director-General of the State Security Service, Mr Ita Ekpenyong and his wife, the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East, Senator Ita Enang, the member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Professor Ini Udoka and a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe among others.