Press Release: Governor Akpabio bags Methodist Award

Posted by admin Akwa Ibom, Governors, Headlines, State News Monday, October 8th, 2012

Press Release

Governor Akpabio bags Methodist Award

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has bagged the Golden Impact Award of the Methodist Church in Nigeria. The award was bestowed on him by the Prelate of the Methodist Church, His Eminence, Dr Sunday Ola Makinde during the 170^th anniversary of the Church in Abuja at the weekend.

The Prelate who also revealed the decision of the Church to make Chief Akpabio a Knight of the Methodist Church said this was in recognition of the sterling performance of the Governor in infrastructural development and his support for the work of God.

The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Mr Nsima Ekere thanked the Church for the award and said he appreciated the fact that to whom much is given, much is expected and prayed for the grace of God to rise up to the higher expectations and congratulated the Church on the centenary celebrations.

In his keynote address on: “The impact of Methodism” Chief Akpabio said in 170 years the Methodist Church has impacted positively on the Nigerian nation. “This is 170 years of developing leaders like the legendary Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Justice Udo Udoma and a host of others.

“In line with your vision and mission, you have become one of the largest and spiritually vibrant churches in Nigeria, won souls for Christ, developed spiritually fulfilled members, and remained very active in the service of God and humanity,” he said.

Chief Akpabio paid glowing tributes to the Prelate emeritus of the Church and his successor for the leadership roles in Nigeria. “Let me pay tribute to the Prelate, Dr Ola Makinde for his leadership acumen and achievements for the Church. I commend him for keeping the dreams of the founders and forbears aglow. I am aware of your giant strides including establishment of higher institutions such as the Wesley University of Science and Technology.

“We remember in the dark days of military dictatorship when Prelate Sunday Mbang made Methodists and Christians proud by being the conscience of our nation – even at the risk of his life. His life was a worthy example to all Christians, and that tradition continues today in the life of His Eminence, Dr. Makinde.

The Akwa Ibom State Governor urged the Church to continue to pray for and support President Goodluck Jonathan in his mission to transform Nigeria while expressing optimism that very soon insecurity in the country would be totally contained.

Other recipients of awards at the banquet which was also used for the launching of a N5 billion Methodist Medical Centre, Abuja, included President Jonathan; former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon; former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma and the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi.

Others included: Governor of River State, Chief Rotimi Amaechi; Governor of Lagos state, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; The ChiefBabangida Aliyu; Governor of Benue State, Chief Gabriel Suswan and the Comptroller General of Immigration, Mrs Rose Chinyere Uzoma.

Anietie Ekong

Special Assistant (Media) To The Governor

Abuja

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