For laying the foundation for sustainable development of the state at the return of democracy in 1999, Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has extolled the virtues of successive administrations, especially Obong Victor, who recently rounded off activities marking his 85th birthday celebration.
Speaking at a special Thanksgiving Mass, held in his honour at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo, the state capital, Gov Eno, expressed gratitude to God for making Attah, a pillar of strength with strong passion and vision for Akwa Ibom development.
In the same vein, Governor Eno, who on Sunday attended a special thanksgiving/welcome service in honour of his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, and his wife, Dr. Martha, at the United Evangelical Church, formerly Qua Iboe Church, Lagos Township Superintendency, recalled the former governor’s strides, noting that such feats have gone a long way in democratic consolidation and growth of the state.
He expressed delight that he was able to join Obong Attah at the Thanksgiving Mass, given his valuable contribution to the development and growth of the state during his era (1999 – 2097).
He said, “Today, we join the family of HE, Obong Attah, to thank God who has made him to be 85 years and a pillar of strength to us all. When Obong Attah was Governor, he was the one who made my company, Royalty Hotel, what it is; because most of the retreats we had in the state then were held in Royalty Hotels.
“Therefore, I am here to congratulate you, and to appreciate you for your love and passion for the state, your fight for resource control that we are all enjoying today, and your doggedness in fighting for the betterment of the state. Thank you for making Akwa Ibom what it has become today.
“Actually, you laid the foundation, and all the things we see today were your vision. The Airport, Airport, and a united Akwa Ibom, and today, in your lifetime, these things are being achieved, and the Airport, is rightly named after you. We thank God for all the things that God has used you to do in this state.
“In every generation, God raises a man who would stand up for the people, who would lead the people, and we are fortunate in our generation for God to raise a man like you, to chart a course, for which we now follow.
“So on behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, we wish you a very very happy birthday and many happy returns.
“May the good Lord continue to increase your strength because the Bible says “as thy days is, so shall thy strength be. May your strength never fail. May God continue to keep you as you do more for humanity.”
