All governmental leaders have been asked to prioritise education because it is the backbone of any country hoping to advance economically and socially for the good of its citizens.
The statements were delivered yesterday during the Carol of Nine Lessons and musical event by Rt. Hon. Israel Idaisin, the immediate past chairman of the Ini local government area in Akwa ibom state.
Speaking to the attendees, clergymen, and dignitaries, the previous head of the council encouraged young people to pursue education as it would provide them a significant opportunity to positively impact both their own lives and society as a whole.
He averred, ” I took it as a challenge to establish a primary school in my community which hitherto has none forcing young children to trek for several kilometers daily in search of basic education.
“The school is free for all and I still pay the teachers from my personal resources while awaiting government officials taking over the school, that is one of my personal commitments because of the importance I am attached to education. I also encourage our people in tertiary institutions through periodic payment of Bursary.”
While thanking God for a successful tenure as council chairman after two terms in office, Idaisin said he did his best to deliver dividends of democracy across the length and breath of his council area and always conscious of his actions to avoid being disgraced out of office.
”I did my best in office as I see my elevation as divine, whatever has a beginning must have an end. My greatest fear was not to be disgraced out of office as chairman and I thank Almighty God that I have landed well.”
The immediate past chairman also said that the 2023 edition of the carol of nine lessons is to usher in a period of sober reflection of God’s mercies and blessings upon our lives through hymns, songs of praise and thanksgiving as symbolized in the carol of nine lessons.
He highlighted, ” We gathered here for a sober reflection of God’s blessing upon our lives, the lord shall bless us with open heavens, the impossibility shall be made possible for the bible says,’ I know the thoughts that I have for you, they are thoughts of good and not evil, that it might take you to an expected end”.
The Most Rev. Emmanuel Udofia, the Methodist Archbishop of Portharcourt, exhorts politicians and other leaders to demonstrate exemplary leadership that will guarantee that their endeavours endure beyond their earthly lifetime.
As chairman of the once hostile area, he praised the exceptional leadership abilities of Hon. Isreal Idaisin, characterising him as a goal achiever and grassroots leader with a fear of God and emphasising that his era has experienced unparalleled peace in his territory.
The Archbishop read from Luke 1:16–33, recalling the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ and how his arrival gave salvation to humanity. He also said that Christians are required to worship God in spirit and truth.
The event which witnessed several Christmas Carol renditions by the choir also had a fundraiser for the new church hall in which several dignatries donated generously.
Among the notable Nigerians in attendance were the Honorary Special Advisor to the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Hon. Emmanuel Bassey Ekpeyong, the Member of the House of Representatives representing Ikono/Ini, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong Udoh, former council chairs, clergymen, business titans, and individuals from various backgrounds.