A’Ibom Gov Celebrates Retired PCN Prelate On 90th Birthday, 60th Marriage Anniversary

By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
The Akwa Ibom governor has felicitated the Prelate Emeritus of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Dr Udo Ekpenyong as he  celebrates his 90th birthday and 60th marriage anniversary.
Pastor Umo Eno on Sunday, at the thanksgiving service in honour of the Prelate Emeritus which took place at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Uyo Cathedral, 73 Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo,  described the attainment of 90 years of life and 60 years in marriage as rare feats and blessings for the church which calls for celebration.
Eno was appreciative of God’s sustainance of  Ekpenyong through his years of service in the Presbyterian Church, his good deeds to the people, succour and wise counsel he is known for,  and wished him on behalf of the government and people of the State a happy 90th birthday and more years of good health and peace.
He also thanked God on behalf of the celebrator for the achievement of his  ministry in the Body of Christ in terms of soul winning, reinforcement of faith of believers and hope in God, as well as deepening blessings through the knowledge of the word.
The governor noted that the Prelate Emeritus  has been a vessel of blessings to a multitude of Christian adherents, especially the members of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, where he led  the flock for decades as Prelate and currently the Prelate Emeritus, saying the body of Christ was thankful to God for the gift of long life, good health and continued blessings the Lord has bestowed upon his life, which is the reason for the thanksgiving.
Eno who said he treasures  the Prelate Emeritus’ wise counsel, prayers and the support he has given to him over the years, prayed for good health, long life and God’s blessings upon upon his life.
The celebrator, His Eminence Dr Udo Ekpenyong, in his thanksgiving, attributed  his 90 years sojourn on earth and in the service of the church to God’s mercy and his achievements and success story to God’s grace.
Ekpenyong was grateful to God for bringing the State government close to him and prayed God’s blessings upon governor Umo Eno and his administration for the honour done him.
The incumbent Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Dr Ekpenyong Akpanika, while leading a session of prayers for the celebrator and also calling for prayers for the governor and government of the State, said the Church community was satisfied with the worthy representation by the governor, praying God to give him the wisdom and grace to do more for the State.
Ministering on the theme, “Celebration of a Great Man”, with text taken  from Proverbs 18:6-9 and 11Timothy 4:1-8, the Prelate made known that true greatness goes beyond acquisition of material things, enjoining Christians to seek peace with God and spiritual blessings which he said bestows greatness on men.
Highpoints of the event were the cutting of the 90th birthday and 60th marriage anniversary cakes which the governor and his wife, Patience joined, unveiling of the book, “Faith and Devotion: My Spiritual Journey” by the Prelate Emeritus, and announcement of the donation of a salon car to the celebrator by the governor.