The General Secretary of Mount Zion Light House Full Gospel Church, Bishop Ekpenyong Okon Effiong, has commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State for appointing Pastor Hon. Ekpenyong Ene Cobham as Commissioner for Information and Orientation, describing him as "a round peg in a round hole."
Bishop Effiong gave the commendation on Sunday as Guest Speaker at a thanksgiving service organized by the Upper Room Prayer Network Ministries, Edibe Edibe, Calabar South.
The service, themed "Opportunity to Sow in a Fertile Land", was held in honour of the Church’s Senior Pastor, Pastor Hon. Ekpenyong Ene Cobham.
The cleric described the Commissioner as a dedicated servant of God whose pastoral background and administrative competence make him well-suited for the Information and Orientation portfolio.
He said the appointment reflects the Governor’s discernment in matching capacity with responsibility.
He lauded Governor Otu for demonstrating sound judgment in appointing people of integrity and proven capacity into key government positions, expressing confidence that the Commissioner would distinguish himself in service to the State.
"The Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has made an excellent choice in appointing Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham as Commissioner for Information and Orientation, especially at this critical time when electioneering has commenced.
"There are times when individuals need to be strategically positioned to deliver, and this appointment is one of such. We have full confidence in his capacity to deliver effectively on the job," Bishop Effiong stated.
Speaking on the theme of his message, which was drawn from Psalm 50:23, the cleric observed that since the Garden of Eden, man has struggled with gratitude to God, even after the gift of Eve. He added that God delights in a grateful heart and prayed for Pastor Cobham’s success in his new assignment.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Effiom Akaha, Commissioner for Mineral Resources, who spoke on behalf of the State Executive Council, described Cobham as "a comrade who speaks truth to power."
He commended Governor Otu for redeploying him to the Ministry of Information and Orientation and wished him success.
In her remarks, the Commissioner’s wife, Mrs. Ndidi Ekpenyong Cobham, described her husband as a dedicated family man and community leader who has consistently made positive impact.
Excited and very emotional Mrs Cobham prayed for divine wisdom for him as he steers the affairs of his new office.
Also speaking, a media consultant and former Permanent Secretary of the Secondary Education Board, Pastor Eyo Offiong, said Cobham has maintained a lifelong commitment to public service since his youth and expressed optimism that his tenure would bring meaningful transformation and innovation to the state’s information sector.
On his part, Dr. Sylvester Nsa, immediate past Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), also commended Governor Otu for his foresight in redeploying Pastor Mike Cobham as the State Government’s Spokesman.
Dr. Nsa noted that Pastor Cobham’s antecedents in service make him eminently qualified for the new assignment.
In the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Anthony Okon, prayed for divine guidance for Pastor Cobham to effectively project and propagate the good works of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
Responding, the honouree and Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Ene Cobham, glorified God for His grace and the mysterious manner in which He has led his life from birth.
He appreciated friends and well-wishers who turned out to celebrate with him, and prayed for God to endow Governor Bassey Otu with wisdom to guide the people aright, and grant him the resources to drive the desired transformation in the State.
The thanksgiving service featured vibrant praise, an Efik ballad in honour of Pastor Cobham, spirit-filled choir renditions. Dignitaries in attendance included members of the clergy, State Executive Council members, traditional rulers, technocrats, Calabar South community leaders, and well-wishers.
Nakanda Iyadim
