“The journey of Akwa Ibom is a living reminder that unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it. The structures of peace, unity, and progress we see today are testimonies of both divine grace and human responsibility.”
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it” (Psalm 127:1).
At 38, Akwa Ibom State embodies the truth of this scripture. Every phase of its journey has been a story of vision, labor, and grace working together to build a collective home for its people. The harvests of peace and unity being enjoyed today are the results of seeds sown yesterday, and the progress being made now will determine tomorrow’s prosperity.
The Foundation and the Builders
Since its creation in 1987, Akwa Ibom has moved from obscurity to the national spotlight, thanks to successive leadership that embraced the principle of building on one another’s blocks, rather than tearing them down.
Obong Victor Attah envisioned and laid the foundation of identity and infrastructure.
Chief Godswill Akpabio expanded the space with massive development projects and social infrastructure.
Mr. Udom Emmanuel deepened stability with industrialization and fiscal discipline.
Pastor Umo Eno and the Grace of Continuity
In today’s political climate, where rancor often erodes progress, Governor Umo Eno has distinguished himself by rejecting confrontation and embracing continuity with peace. Through the ARISE Agenda, he has deliberately built on the work of his predecessors while charting new directions in:
Agriculture and rural development, ensuring no community is left behind.
Youth empowerment and entrepreneurship, securing the future of the state.
Tourism and economic diversification, reducing overdependence on oil.
His leadership emphasizes peace, dialogue, and inclusivity, reflecting that progress comes not from conflict but from unity under God’s guidance.
The Seeds of Peace and the Road Ahead
Akwa Ibom at 38 is not merely celebrating years, but celebrating stability. The real test lies in sustaining this peace while pushing deeper into:
Human capital development, especially in education and health.
Institutional reforms, ensuring good governance outlives administrations.
Economic diversification, preparing the state for a post-oil economy.
Congratulations!!!
On this 38th anniversary, I heartily congratulate the government, traditional institutions, and the good people of Akwa Ibom State for nurturing peace and unity as the cornerstones of progress.
I enjoin all Akwa Ibomites, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and productive, knowing that a prosperous and flourishing state can only be achieved through community participation, collaborative governance, and sustainable development. The shared responsibility of leaders and citizens alike is to protect the gains of the past, deepen present efforts, and secure a brighter tomorrow for generations yet unborn.
The journey of Akwa Ibom is a living reminder that unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it. The structures of peace, unity, and progress we see today are testimonies of both divine grace and human responsibility.
As Akwa Ibom clocks 38, the message is clear: Peace is the foundation, progress is the harvest, and the future is the road we must walk together. Let’s engage more of peacebuilding and collaborative development if our society must enjoy uninterrupted sustainable transformation.
Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Conflict, Peace, and Security Leadership Expert/Coach and a Public Theologian. He works with political, community, educational, corporate, and faith-based leaders to promote inclusive governance, strategic mediation, and sustainable peace in Nigeria and beyond.
With over 30 years of experience in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, law enforcement, security strategy, academia, and United Nations peace missions, he diagnoses the roots of conflict and prescribes holistic pathways for healing, reconciliation, and sustainable peace.
He currently serves as Chairman of the South-South Zone (Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo States) for the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV). He is also a Professor at Charismatic International University, Cameroon, and ICOF-CSU University, Zambia.
An Apostolic Bishop and prolific author of more than 30 books, he is the President and Chancellor of the NISSI Safety Management Institute – www.nissiinstitute.net.
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