October 27, (THEWILL) – Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has described Mkpisong Ememobong Essien as a personality whose contributions to the creation of the state and its growth have been a source of Inspiration to many in the society.
Governor Emmanuel stated this at celebration organized by Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for information and strategy, Barr. Ini EmemObong to mark the 80th birthday and book presentation in honor of the partrach in Uyo.
The Governor, who was a special guest of honour on the event, noted that at 80 years, Mkpisong Essien has made Akwa Ibom people proud through his wise counselling and in public service to the state.
Mkpisong Essien, who clock 80 years, yet looking strong and healthy, is the President, Akwa Ibom Elderly Citizens Assembly, and father of Comrade Ini Ememobong; the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the State.
Representated by his Deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo at the event, the Governor noted the immense contributions of the octogenarian to the struggle that led to the creation of Cross River State from the CORE state movement and later Akwa Ibom State from the former Cross River state, saying that such contributions have remained indelible in the history of the state.
He prayed God to continue to protect to good health and grant him more fruitful and impactful years ahead.
On his part, the deputy governor, who himself the Life Patron of Akwa Ibom Elderly Citizens Assembly, described Mkpisong Essien as a true friend and a kind-hearted person whom he has drawn some inspirations to serve the state and indeed the society.
He appreciated Essien’s children for not despising their father at old age but expressed such show of love and care, adding that the depth of love no doubt saw to their father’s good health and strength even at 80.
Ekpo, who however frowned at any child who brands and despises his or her parents as witches at old age, described such a child as “a curse child.”
In her goodwill message also, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Glory Edet poured encomium on Mkpisong Essien and described him as a Pathfinder to present generation and an epitome of knowledge.
Dr. Edet, who is also the Dean of Commissioners in the state, and who led other Commissioners to the event, also applauded Mkpisong Essien’s children for always rallying round their father and celebrating him while alive, praying God to bless them bountifully.
Mkpisong Ememobong Essien in his speech of gratitude, thanked the guests for honouring him by their presence and gifts.
He described his children as beloved, saying that they have given him a befitting existence on earth and prayed that God should bless them.
Mkpisong Essien, who is Psychologist and a Teacher, gave insights into his years in public service, given God the glory for what he described as, “His mysterious way of bringing me up from the rubble and through His grace, has elevated me to position of reckoning in time.”
Adding, he said, “Through these years, my life has been and still guided by three principles of spiritual motivation, intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation.”
Earlier in a thank you message, one of the sons, Comrade Ini Ememobong who is the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the State, described their father as an Hero worthy of celebration and honour.
He thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel and the guests for gracing the birthday celebration/ thanksgiving/ presentation of the books written by their father.
The high point of the event was the unveiling and launching of the books titled “What about the Aged and The Power of Mentorship” by Retired DIG Udom Ekpu Udom.
