From Isaac Job, Uyo
Akwa Ibom state governor, Pastor Umo Eno has celebrated the former President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Babangida on his 83rd birthday.
In a birthday message signed by the Chief Press Secretary Mr Ekerete Udoh and made available to Journalists in Uyo on Saturday, Umo Eno recounted the love shown by former President Babangida to Akwa Ibom people which culminating to the creation of Akwa Ibom State in 1987.
Eno noted that the request of Akwa Ibom people was granted by Babangida after over six decades of struggle and agitation by its forebears.
The statement reads in parts “our people will remain grateful for the audacious decision you took to create our dear State, thus fulfilling the yearnings and prayers of our forebears that dates back to the 1920s.
“We thank God today that the precious gift you gave us nearly 37 years ago has grown to become a shining city (State) on the hill, to reprise John Winthrop’s line, made popular by the former American President Ronald Reagan.
“Across all shades and layers of the human experience, our people have Arisen and we thank you, for this awesome identity you gave us.
“As you mark your birthday today, our collective prayers is that God Almighty should continue to bless you with good health and a sound mind.” He said