The Prelate of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, Most Reverend Ekpenyong Akpanika, has charged Nigerians to still be thankful to God despite the prevailing hardship in the country.
Speaking at Christian thanksgiving service held at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Duke Town Cathedral Eyamba street Calabar to mark the Nation's 67th anniversary, Rev Akpanika said as a Nation at 67 and a State at 37 there was need to reflect on how to build our State and Nation of our dreams.
Insisting that to build a nation entails having the conviction, commitment and be consistent, he said many leaders today do not realize that the service they render is to God. Rev Akpanika also said the issue of state and nation building was not just for the leaders but also that of the citizenry.
Speaking, Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Odey, the state administrator is ready to change the status of the state from what it was to what it should be.
Otu said the state will be back to life adding that the paper work had been done and renovation has began.
He disclosed that 80% renovation work had also began at the Obudu Cattle Ranch and salaries which have not been paid for over five years had been cleared and that road network in the state was ongoing.
Honourable Odey said the state has now become a safe heaven for business with the replacement of Operation Akpaku with Operation Okwok Which in Efik means "Operation Bees." He further disclosed that Cally Air has now been changed to Canaan Air, adding that the state will acquired four additional aircrafts.
On the issue of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port the Governor said the port would soon be built .
One the issue of the forthcoming local government elections, he advised Cross Riverians to chose credible people who would represent them at the local government areas.
The thanksgiving service featured prayers for the state and nation, signing of visitors register by the Deputy Governor and well as song rendition.
Addy Okoi, Beagle News
