OPINION: Akwa Ibom: A State in God’s Hands by Dominic Akpan
Editor's note: Public affairs commentator, Dominic Akpan, writes on the Akwa Ibom State International Worship Centre, arguing that the Emmanuel Udom-led administration is somewhat justified to embark on the project.
Read below:
On September 23, 2020, as part of activities to celebrate thirty-three years of its creation, the government and the people of Akwa Ibom state had an inter-denominational service at the Banquet Hall of the Government House. Such religious events often times have been held at the Banquet Hall of the State House because of the lack of a befitting venue for such. This is one valid reason the ongoing Akwa Ibom State International Worship Centre is necessary and important.
In a state with a 99% Christian population, and while not being unmindful that Nigeria is a secular state, one must accept that the Emmanuel Udom-led administration is somewhat justified to embark on this project. The significance of this project and the effort of the governor can be likened to the first temple the Israelites built for God by Solomon.
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An account of the Holy Bible says that the Lord said to Solomon
“I have consecrated (made special or clean) this temple by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there,” (1 King 9:3).
A symbol of holiness and royalty, which reminded the Israelites that God was the special head of Israel.
Once again, just as Solomon did after completion of the temple, it is expected that Governor Emmanuel Udom will lead the people of the state with thanksgiving and praise as offerings just as was done by the Israelites. Indeed, God will show himself on the tabernacle and Governor Udom along with Ibomites home and abroad will dedicate this monument as a symbol of unity and prosperity of Akwa Ibom and its people. As it is a known fact that Akwa Ibom enjoys a peculiar grace of great leadership over the years.
On completion, this project will not just be seen as a physical project, but also one of immense spiritual, societal and moral impact towards confronting any dip or deviation from acceptable values and standards.
It will also promote the much-needed rededication of the people of Akwa Ibom to God and HIS dictates. It is imperative that this is done not being unmindful of the important role the Church plays especially in Akwa Ibom at reforming the society for the better through advocacy for dividends of good governance, patriotism and civil obedience to Government and constituted authorities.
Beyond spirituality, the centre re-echoes the merit and veracity of the Dakadda philosophy being championed by the Governor himself towards driving Ibomites for self-actualization and changing the stereotype narratives liberation.
This project will obviously be of enormous spiritual benefits for not just the Governor, but the State as a whole. Just as God did with the Israelites, He will answer the prayers and pleas which will be made before Him, his eyes and heart will always at this worship centre after its dedication.
The worship centre will be a place where Ibomites will go if they are in need of a "spiritual fix." The place of worship will be a hospital for sinners and not an exclusive club for saints. This will not just be a church building for State functions alone, this will also be a place of worship where biblical teachings and sermons to promote the much-needed good moral and social values among Akwa Ibomites will hold. The worship centre will also play a role in the preparation of young men and women to lead not just the church, but the society through the millennium as it is never too late for the right foundation to be laid for sound leadership.
This I believe will further entrench the core values of the state which are peaceful coexistence, God-fearing and progressive. These are age-long values and rooted deeply in the communities across the state. The church will impact the lives of the people; see to the fulfilment of God's mission on earth and enable the state to live up to its reputation as "The Land of Promise" - a state which has always been in God's hands.
Dominic Akpan writes from Uyo
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Source: Legit.ng
