Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled the programme for the state’s 39th anniversary, declaring September 2026 a Month of Gratitude.
The Governor also announced plans for the commissioning of 39 projects across the state as part of activities marking the anniversary, while disclosing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to visit Akwa Ibom to commission some of the projects executed by his administration.
Governor Eno made the announcement on Sunday, August 23, 2026, during the Victory Thanksgiving Service marking the conclusion of the 2026 Discovery Convention of the All Nations Christian Ministry International, popularly known as The Lord’s Kitchen.
The Governor expressed appreciation to the clergy, members of the ministry and other stakeholders for their continued support and commitment to the vision of the church and his administration.
Describing members of the ministry as his “heroes,” Eno thanked them for believing in the vision of the church and for giving him the privilege to lead them.
He urged Akwa Ibom people to dedicate September to reflecting on God’s faithfulness to the state and participating actively in thanksgiving activities.
According to him, the 39th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service will hold on September 20 at the International Christian Worship Centre, while a State Banquet is scheduled for September 23 at the new banquet hall of ARISE Palm Resort.
On the expected presidential visit, Governor Eno said President Tinubu is expected to pay an official visit to the state to commission some of the projects delivered by his administration.
He described the anticipated visit as a significant addition to the 39th anniversary celebrations and called on residents to pray for its success.
The Governor also announced that the 2026 Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol will hold on Friday, December 18, with the theme, “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men,” drawn from Luke 2:14.
He disclosed that participating choirs would be selected through a pitching portal, adding that Harmonic Voices had already been prequalified.
Ministering at the thanksgiving service, Pastor Simeon Afolabi, who spoke on the theme, “Bought With a Price,” based on 1 Corinthians 7:23, urged Christians to allow Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary to transform their lives.
He encouraged believers to surrender themselves to divine direction, draw their self-worth from their relationship with God and live without fear, stressing that those who have God on their side have no reason to feel defeated.
The service, which featured prayers for Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, the government, the people and the Church, was attended by prominent political, religious and community leaders.
Among those present were Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi; wife of the Senate President, Dr. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio; Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; the Chief Judge of the state; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Peters; Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor, Aniefiok Johnson; serving and former senators; top government officials; and other spiritual and temporal leaders.
The event brought the 2026 Discovery Convention to a close and ushered in preparations for Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary, with thanksgiving, the commissioning of 39 projects and the anticipated presidential visit taking centre stage.
