The Foundation for an ultra-modern 8,500 capacity International Worship Centre has been layed in Akwa Ibom State.
The centre which would serve as a ralling point for religious activities within and outside the state is located at Banking Layout, Off Udo- Udoma Avenue, Uyo.
Speaking at the ceremony performed by General Overseer Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch E. Adeboye, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, said that the worship center was a spiritual exercise performed in fulfilment of the vision of the founding fathers of the state who committed God to the state affairs and named the state after God.
The Governor who read from the book of Psalms chapter 127, explained that raising an Altar for God was an invocation of more Divine blessings on the state despite the poor state of the economy and called on the people to "continue to look up to the hill from where their salvation cometh."
He spoke of the state as an indivisible entity bonded by love where politics and tribal sentiment cannot dismember the cord of the bond of brotherhood.
The Governor particularly called on corporate organizations, Non Governmental Organisations (NGO), and individuals to contribute to the building project, explaining that their contrbutions would be a sacred commitment to the enthronement of Divine presence in the state.
Governor Emmanuel expressed appreciation to Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other religious organisations for their commitment to making the project a reality, emphasising that the blessings of God would multiply in the state with the worship center in place.
He thanked Pastor Adeboye for honouring the invitation to lay the foundation.
In an homily, Pastor Adeboye commending the state government under the leadership of Mr Udom Emnanuel for providing a befitting place of worship for God, saying that God is the master builder who works in partnership with men and rewards those who partner with him to build a temple.
The man of God who culled his sermon from 1 Chronicles chapter 17 verses12 to 14, recalled in the Bible how David proposed to build a temple but God declined him and gave the opportunity to Solomon his son.
According to him Solomon built the temple and God manifested his acceptance of the gesture with bountiful blessings.
He said no man works for God without a reward and pointed out that when Jesus partnered Peter in evangelism using his boat God rewarded him with outstanding harvest of fishes.
Past Adeboye noted that God the builder builds men, family , marriage and called on the people to continue to work with God to receive more blessings.
Earlier, the State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Rev. Dr. Ndueso Ekwere, in a good will message commended the decision of the Governor to build the ecumenical centre, adding that Akwa Ibom has joined the league of states to have a befitting worship center and enjoined the people to contribute meaningfully to ensure it completion as scheduled.
The ceremony which featured praises led by indigenous gospel artistes, prayers and choral renditions, had in attendance the wife of the state Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, Speaker, of the State House of Assembly, Barrister Onofiok Luke.
Others were the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, National and State Assembly members, State Executive Council members, Royal Fathers, Political Stslwart , top government functionaries, women, youths and Christians from various denominations.
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