Gov Eno Harps On Intensive Prayers For Nigeria

By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
The Akwa Ibom governor has stressed the need for intensive prayers by Churches for the peace and progress of Nigeria.
Pastor Umo Eno, who bared his mind, Friday, during a courtesy call on him by the leadership of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, led by the Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly, His Eminence, Ekpenyong Akpanika, at the Governor’s Office, Uyo, said this was necessary to get the country out of its current socio-economic challenges.
Eno referred to the scripture which admonishes Christians to pray for leaders, noting that the country was at a very low ebb and requires the grace and mercy of God to reverse the current situation.
He recalled the robust relationship between the state and the church over the years, assuring government’s continued partnership with the church to bring the much-needed succour to the people particularly at the current critical period.
The governor applauded the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria for its laudable contributions to the development of the State particularly with the story of the late Scottish missionary, Mary Mitchel Slessor as well as its general contribution to the good of the people in the areas of education, agriculture, health and others.
Eno, who reacted to the request made by the PCN which he said cuts across different ministries, assured the partnership of relevant ministries with the church where necessary, even as he expressed the resolve of the State to continuously support the church’s pursuit to ensure that the people are not only emancipated spiritually but in all ramification.
The Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly, PCN, Akpanika, commended Eno for his different developmental and humanitarian strides including the payment of arrears of gratuities and other benefits to workers, the compassionate homes, and others, assuring the governor of continued prayers and support for his administration.
He told the governor that the church was engaging in different enterprises including education, agriculture, and health services, and appealed for partnership to expand the Presby farm, develop and promote Mary Slessor Chapel for tourism and other purposes.