Group holds thanksgiving mass for Senator Akpabio @59

 

***As Clergy, Akwa, Inyangetor Eulogize A'Ibom Ex-Gov

A socio-political group in Akwa Ibom State, Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition (AYC) held a thanksgiving mass recently to mark the 59th birthday of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Members of Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition (AYC)

The National Coordinator of the group, Mr. Akaniyene Umoh while speaking with reporters, said, the essence of the thanksgiving mass was the group special way of thanking God for sustaining the life of Senator Godswill Akpabio and his family over the years.

"The group is happy to associate with Senator Godswill Akpabio and his family. We chose to celebrate him because of his uncommon passion towards Akwa Ibom State youths.

"

He built roads, FIFA approved olympic size stadium and empowered youths and women when he was the governor of the state. We organized the thanksgiving mass as mark of appreciation of what God has used him to achieve in the state"

, Umoh, said.

Delivering sermon on the topic "Do not be afraid" during the thanksgiving mass at St. Anne Cathedral, Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene, to mark the 59th birthday of Senator Akpabio, Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Catholic Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Camillus Umoh, read from Isaiah 41: 13-40.

He admonished christians to believe in God for protection and providence, and not to be afraid of the future and death.

According to the clergy, birth and death are two important days in life, stressing that God's purposes for man are for good.

He lauded the youths for organizing the thanksgiving mass and urged them to  emulate Senator Godswill Akpabio's life of selflessness and giving and not to be afraid in doing what is right.

"I thank the youths for organizing this thanksgiving mass in honour of Senator Akpabio. Don't be afraid of doing what is right. Be hardworking and independent.

"Learn from the humble beginning of Senator Akpabio. Emulate Senator Akpabio's leadership style. God is always ready to lift up those who trust in him", he advised.

The Sole Administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Barr. Effiong Akwa in goodwill  message thanked the wife of Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mrs Ekaette-Unoma Akpabio for always supporting her husband and for her humanitarian services to the less privilege in the society.

According to him the appointment of Senator Akpabio as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, has restored peace in the South South and Niger Delta region.

"We had difficulties and security challenges in the South South. There were threats by agitators to disrupt the oil exploration activities in the region. It took a man of courage and passion like Senator Akpabio to visit critical stakeholders in the creeks of Niger Delta.

"That visit brought peace, stability and development to the region.

"Today, kidnapping, banditry and many other crimes are going on in other regions in the country. South South is the safest place now because of Senator Akpabio".

Senator Akpabio's ally and trusted friend and Board of Trustees chairman of Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition (AYC), Obong Mkparawa Emmanuel Inyangetor described Senator Akpabio as a special gift to Nigeria. 

He thanked God for the life of Senator Akpabio and prayed God to keep him and his family for the service to humanity and the nation.

The thanksgiving mass was part of the activities by Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition (AYC) to mark the 59th birthday of Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The thanksgiving mass was attended by the wife of the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Her Excellency (Mrs) Ekaette-Unoma Akpabio, Sole Administrator of NDDC, Barr. Effiong Akwa, Akwa Ibom State Chairman of APC, Hon. Stephen Ntukekpo, Akwa Ibom State APC organizing secretary, Hon. Aboh Uduyiok, former member of House of Representatives, Hon. Patty Etete Inemeh, Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Chairman AYC BoT, Obong Mkparawa Emmanuel Inyangetor, AYC National Coordinator, Mr. Akaniyene Umoh, SSA to the Minister, Barr Patrick Umoh, coordinators and members of AYC, clergies, politicians, political groups and friends of Senator Godswill Akpabio.