By Julius Bren
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has joined the Christian community in the State to felicitate the Prelate Emeritus of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Dr. Udo Ekpenyong, as he celebrates his 90th birthday and 60th wedding anniversary.
In his message of felicitation at the thanksgiving service held at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Uyo Cathedral, the Governor described the attainment of 90 years of life and 60 years in marriage as rare feats and blessings for the church, deserving of celebration.
He thanked God for sustaining the celebrator through his years of service in the Lord’s vineyard, especially for his good deeds to the people and wise counsel he is known for in the body of Christ.
The Governor also congratulated wife of the celebrator, Elder (Mrs.) Eno Udo Ekpenyong for being a supportive wife which has materialized in a peaceful home as also evident in rest of mind and great accomplishment for them.
In his words, ‘Let me thank God for what you have done in the Body of Christ, the souls you have won, the hope God has used you to restore, the faith you have helped deepen and the blessings the words of your mouth have brought forth”.
“You have been a vessel of blessings to a multitude of Christian adherents, especially the members of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, where you led the flock for decades as the Prelate and now the Prelate Emeritus.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I wish you a happy 90th birthday and 60th marriage anniversary,” he said.
The celebrator, His Eminence, Dr. Udo Ekpenyong, in his testimony, described his sojourn on earth and service to the church as an example of God’s mercy and attributed his achievements and success story to the grace of God.
He also expressed gratitude to God for bringing the government of the state close to him and prayed God’s blessings upon Governor Eno and his administration for honouring him.
Delivering a homily earlier in the event, on the theme, “Celebration of a Great Man,” culled from Proverbs 18:6-9 and 2 Timothy 4:1-8, the incumbent Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, said that true greatness goes beyond acquisition of material things and admonished Christians to seek peace with God and spiritual blessings which, he maintained, bestows greatness on men.
High points of the event were: the cutting of the 90th birthday cake and the 60th marriage anniversary cake, unveiling of the book, “Faith and Devotion: My Spiritual Journey,” and announcement of a car gift to the celebrator by the Governor.
