Eno Declares September Month of Gratitude, Unveils 39 Projects
By Solomon Okpo
UYO, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has declared September 2026 a Month of Gratitude as the state prepares to mark its 39th anniversary, with the commissioning of 39 projects and an anticipated official visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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 urged Akwa Ibom people to dedicate the month to thanksgiving and reflection on God’s faithfulness to the state. He announced that the 39th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service would be held on September 20 at the International Christian Worship Centre, while a State Banquet would take place on September 23 at the new banquet hall of ARISE Palm Resort.
Governor Eno also disclosed that 39 projects would be commissioned across the state as part of the anniversary celebrations. He said President Tinubu is expected to pay an official visit to Akwa Ibom to commission some of the projects executed by his administration, describing the anticipated visit as a major highlight of the anniversary programme.
The Governor further announced that the 2026 Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol would hold on Friday, December 18, with the theme, “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men,” drawn from Luke 2:14. He said participating choirs would be selected through a pitching portal, with Harmonic Voices already prequalified.
Expressing appreciation to the clergy, members of The Lord’s Kitchen and other supporters, Eno described the members of the ministry as his “heroes” for believing in its vision and supporting his leadership. He noted that the presence of political, religious and community leaders at the thanksgiving service had transformed what was initially a church programme into a state service.
Ministering at the event, 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 to divine direction, stressing that those who have God on their side should not live in fear or defeat.
The service was attended by the 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 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; senior government officials; and other religious and community leaders.
The programme ended with prayers for Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, the government, the people and the Church, setting the stage for the state’s 39th anniversary celebrations anchored on thanksgiving, project commissioning and the anticipated presidential visit
