Premier LG: Ikot Ekpene celebrates 70th anniversary with thanksgiving
On a Wednesday, April 11,1951, a member of the British military who was the District Officer (D.O.) Colonel E. C. Alderton stepped down from the office following the event of the creation and the replication of a tier of English run government at the local level.
This signified the birth of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area which saw late Chief Robert Udoaka Umoinyang taking over from Colonel Alderton as the first Chairman.
Today, that British experimental Premier Local Government, Ikot Ekpene is 70 years.
Marking the 70th Anniversary of the creation of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, the Chairman of the Local Government, Rt(Hon.) Unyime Etim said he was excited about the events of the past 70 years of the Local Government Area and the contributions of Akwa Ibom State Government as well as the contributions of indigenes and residents of the Area.
In his words, “It is with great excitement that I reminisce the event of the past 70 years, I owe all thanks to God for choosing Ikot Ekpene and blessing our land. I appreciate the Akwa Ibom State government for its efforts in developing our Local Government. I salute the resilience, faith, dedication and the contributionS of worthy indigenes of Ikot Ekpene and even non-indigenes in the uplift and development of our dear native land.”
Hon. Unyime Etim who enjoined citizens to celebrate peace also enjoined them to continue the contribution of their positive quota to the growth, progress and development of the local government.
At the event marked with a Thanksgiving Service at the New Apostolic Church at Ikot Ekpene, the Council Boss thanked God for sustaining and blessing the local government with vast infrastructural development and human capacity ingenuity, and lauded the efforts of the Akwa Ibom State Government in developing the Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
Saluting the support of indigenes and residents, Obong Unyime Etim urged them to always trust in God in the face of challenges assuring them of the continuous safety and security experienced in Ikot Ekpene.
“I salute the resilience, faith, dedication and the contribution of worthy indigenes of Ikot Ekpene and even non-indigenes in the uplift and development of our dear native land.”
“My dear people, whatever the challenge we may face as a people, in God we trust and in truth we shall conquer.
Hon. Etim who said 70 represents maturity and stability, called on the people to always bring to bear positive contributions to the well being of the land in various sectors of life that will upgrade their socio-economic needs.
Earlier, the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene, HRM Okuku Okon Udoukut encouraged them to continue to live harmoniously as well as lifting the development of the land to greater heights.
Delivering the sermon on the topic, “Jesus lives forever”, Shepherd Peter Akpa Udo who took his message from 1 Corinthian 15:14 admonished christians to allow Christ live in them. He said, their daily behaviour and activities should portray Christ’s dominance in their entire being.
High point of the event were cutting of anniversary cake and prayer for the local government.
Otobong Eshiet
11/04/2021
