A'Ibom Community Pledges Unity, Legacy At Solemn Assembly

A'Ibom Community Pledges Unity, Legacy At Solemn Assembly

From Emmanuel Iyoho

President of Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja, Mkpisong Gabriel Fan, has pledged his administration’s commitment to the welfare of Akwa Ibom indigenes in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs, vowing to take the community to greater heights.

Speaking at the weekend during a Solemn Assembly of thanksgiving, fasting and prayers organized by the community leadership, Fan said with God on his side, he and the entire executive would steer the community to an enviable position.

He commended members for the massive turnout and full participation in the spiritual exercise. He specifically appreciated immediate past President Aniefiok Ibah, a legal practitioner, and other dignitaries present at the event held at Akwa Ibom House, Central Business District.

Organizers said the gathering was more than “another event on the calendar” but a spiritual moment of gratitude, reflection and renewed commitment to unity and progress. Over the years, members have remained resilient, hopeful and united in pursuit of a better tomorrow — an enduring spirit they said distinguishes Akwa Ibom people as a people bound by love, shared values and a common destiny.

The assembly provided an opportunity for members to appreciate God for life, protection, grace and countless blessings upon their families and community. It was also a moment to seek divine guidance, peace, wisdom and progress for the future ahead.

In a sermon, Pastor  Ukponoabasi Asuquo, Senior Pastor of Full Gospel Assembly FULGA, Abuja and Head of Chaplains of Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja, charged members on holiness, focus and legacy.

Delivering the keynote message titled ‘Arise and Shine’ from Isaiah 60:1-10, the cleric urged indigenes residing in Abuja and its environs to arise from slumber and from anything that would take their lives backward.

“We are to arise and shine in all areas of life — not just spiritually, but in our finances, work, career, and everything we do,” he said.

He listed five steps to arise and shine: hate what God hates, live a holy life, have no other god or idols, live a prayerful life, and develop oneself. He further urged members to embrace holiness, prayer, self-development and unity: 

“We should continue to dwell in love and harmony. This is home. We are brothers, so we should not allow anything to prevent us from living in peace as a community here in Abuja.”

On his part, Rev. Etietop Handson Ekor, Presiding Overseer of Overcoming Word Assembly, Kubwa Worship Centre, Abuja, charged the leadership of the community to be focused and prioritize the welfare of the people “as if they are the pastors of the people.”

He stated that leaders must “focus on what will move the community forward and leave a lasting legacy — not just in terms of projects, but in terms of character and values.”

To members, he said: “Be good followers. Keep to whatever will promote the name of not just the Akwa Ibom community in Abuja, but Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria in general. Live your life, do your lawful businesses, and do not tarnish your name or the name of the community.”

Also speaking, Bishop Sam Bassey Davies, who moderated the service, described the event as “of great magnitude, to the glory of God” and prayed: “All that we have been praying for has been prophetic. I pray that God will bless each and every one of us. The time has come for us to arise and shine. Therefore, I pray that we will all arise and shine in Jesus’ name.”

Prayer sessions were handled by various anointed ministers of the gospel. Members collectively committed their families, leaders, community and government into God’s hands, trusting Him to direct their paths toward peace, growth and greater accomplishments.

At a time when unity and togetherness remain the community’s greatest strength, the gathering offered another opportunity for members to stand in one accord and strengthen the bond that makes the Akwa Ibom community unique and admirable.

Dignitaries at the event included immediate past President Aniefiok Ibah, members of the board of trustees, patrons and patroness, and leaders of the youth and women’s wings.