UYO
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is soon to be introduce an evening of Hymns.
The initiative is in keeping with the Godly disposition of Akwa Ibom and a measure towards reviving the old time culture of singing hymns of praise to God by staff of the Ministry.
The commissioner for culture and tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, made this known, recently, in Uyo, during a birthday celebration of the permanent secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Grace Akpan.
Udofia, who was elated by the spirit-filled hymns rendered at the occasion, spontaneously announced his readiness to introduce an evening of hymns for staff of the Ministry.
According to the commissioner, staff will be gathered periodically at an event centre outside the work environment, to render hymns of praise to God Almighty for His faithfulness, mercies and blessings upon their lives
He expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the Ministry, and indeed all the guests, for the show of solidarity with the permanent secretary on her special day, emphasising that, as they celebrate with her, God will in turn celebrate them.
The tourism commissioner acknowledge with pride the virtues of hard work, trustworthiness and sterling leadership qualities of Mrs. Grace Akpan which, he said, must have endeared her to staff of the Ministry and all who turned out for the birthday celebration.
He thanked the management and staff of the Ministry for the cooperation and support given to her as demonstrated especially while she was manning the Ministry alone, prior to his appointment and subsequent resumption of office and urged the staff to maintain the productive teamwork spirit.
Udofia used the occasion to remind staff of the Ministry of Governor Umo Eno’s vision in turning around the tourism sector and implored them to vigorously pursue the vision of ARISE Agenda as applicable to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The tourism commissioner, who prayed God to grant Mrs. Grace Akpan long life in good health and prosperity, joined her in cutting the birthday cake and partook in the cultural dance performed by the Centre for Arts and Culture, a parastatal of the Ministry.
Responding, the celebrator, Mrs. Grace Akpan, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to God for granting her another year of life and extended her sincere appreciation to the State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on her appointment as permanent secretary which has given her a platform for the celebration.
She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the commissioner for culture and tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, for his unwavering support in making her celebration a resounding success and also acknowledged the contributions by colleagues, family and friends towards the success of the event.
Goodwill messages were presented at the occasion by the State chairman of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Nsikak Okon; editor, daily, of The Pioneer Newspaper, Comrade Helen Udofa; the director, Archives of the Ministry of Information, Dr. Eunice Egharevba and a daughter of the celebrator, EkeminiAbasi Monday Akpan.
Present at the occasion were the permanent secretary, Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Igbemi Igbemi; the managing director of XL FM, Utibe Ukim; general manager of Inspiration FM, Mr. Silas Uffot; a former acting general manager of Akwa Ibom Newspaper Corporation, Mr. Ikpong Essienudom; publisher of The Evangelist Newspaper, Mr. Solomon Okpo; the HSA to the Governor on Tourism, Nkeruwem Onung and SSA to the Governor on Tourìsm (Hotels), Mrs. Imaobong Zoe.
Others included the State chairman, NIPR, Mr. Manasseh Umoette; publisher of The Mail Newspaper, Ifreke Nseowo; news editor of Passion FM, Inimfon Silas; the director, Centre for Arts and Culture, Dr. Uwana Joshua; director, Hotels and Tourism Board, Mr. Aniekan Inyang; the proprietor of FULGA, Oto-Abasi Asuquo; directors of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and gospel singers, among others.
Highpoints of the celebration were rendition of music by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Choir, the Council for Arts and Culture Angel voices, Ibom Acapella and the presentation of birthday gifts to the celebrator, Mrs. Grace Akpan, by the different Directorates of the Ministry as well as family and friends.
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