Carol: Extend hands of friendship to others, Akwa Ibom gov tells residents

Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom state, has urged residents of the states to extend their hands of friendship to others who “may have fallen on hard times.”

Ekerete Udoh, chief press Secretary to the Governor, quoted him as making the appeal at 16th Edition of Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols, themed, ‘Arise, Shine; for thy, light is come’, on Friday night.

While commending the Organizing Committee headed by the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, Eno said: “It was a little under two months ago, at our EXCO Retreat in Lagos, that I gave the marching order to the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism to ensure that we construct a permanent site for the 16th Edition of the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols 2023, at this location.

“It was indeed a tall order, given the fact that this place that has today been transformed into what is easily the best and most smart 20-Seater amphitheatre in the country was a virgin land. My belief was simple: When people are determined to ARISE and shine, nothing, and I mean nothing can stop their resolve and passion.

“Today, because Akwa Ibom people have Arisen, we are seated here in this magnificent 20-Seater Amphitheatre, singing praises to God, to herald the birth of God’s only begotten Son and the Saviour of mankind, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. So I want to commend the Honourable Commissioner, and his team, especially Engr,. Uwem Okoko of Hensek Integrated Services for rising to the occasion and delivering big for our people, in line with our vision.”

The governor informed the audience that a world-class theme park will be constructed to provide an avenue for relaxation for families, in line with what obtains in the developed world.

“Our vision for tourism is deep and as you all know, tourism is a cash cow, and we intend to develop and further the growth of that sector for the benefit of our people,” he added.

In attendance were the wife of the governor, Patience Umo Eno; the deputy governor, Akon Eyakenyi; and spouse; wife of the immediate past governor, Martha Udom Emmanuel, who also represented her husband; speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong and the lawmakers representing Eket and Uyo Senatorial districts respectively, Ekong Sampson and Aniekan Bassey.