FROM: JOE EFFIONG, UYO
Akwa Ibom State government has declared a day’s fast to mark the 30th anniversary of the state.
Akwa Ibom, alongside Katsina, was created on September 23, 1987 by the Ibrahim Babngida regime. It was carved out of the erstwhile Cross River State.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Charles Udoh, in a statement made available to Saturday Sun, said the one-day fast, called by Governor Udom Emmanuel would hold on September 1.
It is “to afford all Akwa Ibom people the opportunity to seek the face of God and open doors for more of God’s blessing upon our state at 30, the statement said, announcing the theme of the fast as: ‘Shine, for thy light is come,’ (Isa 60:1).
Udoh said this year’s anniversary was epochal, considering that 30 years span was a very significant time in God’s scheme of things, with Jesus commencing His ministry at the age of 30 and having Divine endowment from the Father during his baptism.
He also cited other examples from the scriptures, noting: “ It was at the age of 30 that the heaven was opened to Ezekiel; the hand of the Lord came upon him and he was empowered to see great visions for the house of Israel.
“It was at the age of 30 that David became the King of Israel and he led Israel for 40 glorious years. It was at the age of 30 that Joseph was made a Prime Minister in Egypt, a position he used to save the lives of his people from the great famine.
“As a people of a great state named after God, Akwa Ibomites, are hereby called upon to fast and pray on that day beginning from 6am. The fast will be rounded off at the Government House Banquet Hall grounds from 4pm, and everyone is invited”.