By Evelyn-A. B. Ibanga (Govt. House)
It was celebration galore as Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, led top government functionaries and political stalwarts, to witness the marking of the 50th birthday of Deaconess Funmi Nkanga, Wife of the former Military Administrator of the State, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga.
The colourful ceremony, which also had in attendance, the State Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, held at the Qua Iboe Church, Ewet Offot, Uyo.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Emmanuel congratulated the celebrator for attaining the golden age with exemplary qualities, charging her to use the coming years to foster peace and progress among her immediate and extended families.
The Governor was delighted that Deaconess Nkanga has displayed strength of character in offering services to the people in her immediate community, a trait, he noted, she imbibed from her husband, Otuekong Nkanga, whom he described as "a pillar in the successes of projects and programmes in the state administration".
Emmanuel used the occasion to enjoin parents to contribute in stemming the tide of moral decadence in the society, urging them to ensure proper use of electronic devices and communication gadgets by under-aged children.
He frowned at the seeming negligence on the part of parents to regulate or monitor activities of their wards on mobile devices, noting that it is now a norm for parents to focus their attention on their communication gadgets, leaving their children to do same and explained that such opportunities are often misused to commit vices in the society.
The State Chief Executive also called on religious organizations to assist in curbing juvenile delinquency, opining that good upbringing and early exposure to moral education could ensure a sane society and sued for more ways to achieve a crime-free environment.
In his sermon, the resident pastor, Reverend Oty Benson, admonished Christians to use birth days to spread the message of God's love, urging them to develop a prayerful attitude, which, according to him, attracts more blessings from God.
Reading from Luke 19 : 13, the cleric stressed the importance of passionate service to God, irrespective of age and pointed out that dedication to the work of God should form the major focus of every Christian with view to salvation in the future.
In his remarks, the former Military Governor, Nkanga, described his wife, Funmi, as his strength at different moments, maintaining that it was a joyous occasion to celebrate her golden age and commended her contributions to the family and community services.
He expressed appreciation to the dignitaries and everyone who turned up in large number, to celebrate with his family, indicating that the gesture was an honour to them.
On her part, the celebrator, Funmi, who was joyous at the event, rendered songs of praise to God for the opportunity to be alive to celebrate her 50 years of existence on earth, praying for more years and strength to continue contributing positively to the society.
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