Akpabio Bags Award For Church Development

The State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has again bagged an award for his massive development of churches across the state.

The award was presented recently to Governor Akpabio, during the grand finale of the weeklong centenary celebrations of Qua Iboe Church, Uyo Township, held at the church auditorium at No. 2 Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Uyo.

According to the Church Committee Chairman, Elder Ndueso Orok, the award was in recognition of Governor Akpabio’s unparallel support to Qua Iboe Church and other church denominations across the state.

Other awardees at the occasion included the Pastor in-charge of the Uyo Township Qua Iboe Church, Rev. Sunday Essien, for being the centenary-year Pastor, the Chairman of the Church Committee, Elder Ndueso Orok, for his outstanding administrative performance, Deaconess Affiong Utuk, for her pioneering role in the growth and development of the women fellowship in the church.

Others still include, Elder Sunday Udom, for being the pioneer elected chairman of the Uyo Township Qua Iboe Church and the National Men Fellowship and Elder J. R. Uko for being the oldest Elder of the church, having been baptized in 1935 and also for being the longest serving Sunday school superintendent of the church.

Post-humous awards were also presented to deserving past officers of the church including Late Rev. Isaac Umoren, who was honoured with an award of “the father of evangelism”, Late Effiong Umoren awarded for being the first indigenous Elder of the church, Late Elder Japhet Ikpang, for being the pioneer project leader and the Senior Elder Sunday Udoh for his posture as the man of peace, whose life had touched a lot of people.
Governor Godswill Akpabio, responding to the honour done him, said, Qua Iboe Church had played a major role in both the evangelical and political revolution of the state.
Chief Akpabio who was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, M r. Emah Ebong, recalled that it was in the Uyo Township Qua Iboe Church, that the first meeting, which culminated into the birth of Ibibio State Union, was held, some 72 years ago, adding that the meeting eventually resulted in the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
He expressed gratitude to God for making him part of the Uyo Township Qua Iboe Church centenary celebrations, in his position as the Governor of the state, which creation was hatched in the same church, years before his birth.
Governor Akpabio used the occasion to call on the church to pray for good governance, success and prosperity of the state and urged it to sensitize its members to go out and register as voters in preparation for the 2011 elections.
In his homily at the occasion, the General Superintendent and Chairman of Conference, Qua Iboe Church Nigeria, Rev. (Dr.) David Udoudom, who drew the theme of his message from the general theme of the centenary celebrations, A century of God’s great favour”, said, God also demands thanksgiving and praise for His numerous blessings to mankind.
Rev. Udoudom reiterated that, at the end of the celebrations of a century of God’s great favour to Qua Iboe Church, there was need for members to show gratitude to God through such elements like praise, to glorify God, thanksgiving, donations, songs and dances.
The General Superintendent who also officiated at the ordination of five new elders and seventeen new Deacon and Deaconesses from the Uyo Township Qua Iboe Church and its satellite branches joined in the cutting of the anniversary cake.
The well attended church service, which was witnessed by the Judge of the Appeal Court, Justice Ita Mbaba, a high Court Judge, Justice Edemekong Edemekong, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s office, Barr. Udo Asamudo among others, also featured a heart warming dance by the General Superintendent and Chairman of Conference, Rev. David Udoudom amidst clap, cheers and songs by the congregation.