By: Asako-Ita Victoria.
The Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers (CRSIGM) Forum held its first State interdenominational thanksgiving service at the main bowl of the Cultural Centre Complex in Calabar, on Saturday 16 December, 2023.
Evangelist Stephen Atunkanre, State Chairman of the forum in his opening remarks, said that the thanksgiving was to appreciate God for raising a governor in Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu who would rescue the State and pray for the liberation of Cross River into God’s prosperity.
According to him, the emergence of Prince Bassey Otu as governor of Cross River State marked years of prayers and supplications by men of God who have sought a turnaround in the fortunes of a State that was on the verge of collapse.
“You can see that if you go through the streets of Calabar work is going on. They are patching all the potholes in the streets. There is peace in Calabar. He (Governor Otu) has fought insecurity to a point. We know that we are going to conquer. I can tell you that people are sleeping well in Calabar. Even in Bakassi, Akpabuyo the fire is on. When you also see the policy of the government you will know that it is a policy that is godly.
“The retirees who since 2014 have not received their gratuities, there is announcement that they will be paid before Christmas. Also when you go to primary and secondary schools, so many children who could not afford to pay school fees, there’s free education now in Cross River State, from Primary to Secondary.
“God is in control. His hands are in the steering of Cross River State. We see that things are turning around and reprogramming for us to have a Cross River State that God destined for us. Are you not aware that there’s gold now in Biase? Are you not aware that there’s gold now in Obanliku? All of these come as a result of prayers because it’s the Holy Spirit who knows where you can find gold and diamonds. He’s causing so many things to happen from all ends.
“After six months, it became very necessary to come and gather and tell God “thank you”. We the pastors from Cross River State decided to thank God for what he has done and what he’s going to do. We have seen His mighty hand upon Cross River State. We have seen the finger of God. There’s going to be heavy rain after passing through so much drought and hunger for a long time. The season of sweetness has come,” he said.
Evangelist Atunkanre used the opportunity to inform Cross Riverians and residents alike that the forum will continue to fast, pray for the success of the current Administration, and urge Cross Riverians to do the same.
The guest Speaker, His Lordship, Most Revd (Prof.) Christopher Koko-Ete Naseri, Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Calabar, delivered the sermon of the thanksgiving with the theme: “O God, Thank You,” emphasise that a sincere thanking paves the way for further blessings, growth, and progress of a people and nation in humility through His grace and mercy.
His Lordship Naseri took his reading from the book of Psalms 107: 8-9 and said God has given the State a good governor who will bear fruit for Cross Riverians to enjoy.
Represented by Rev. Fr. Peter Ekpenyong, the Catholic Bishop said that man was created by God to rejoice and give acceptable thanks, adding that thanking God should be a way of life.
Speaking further, he said thanksgiving could be done in many ways such as generosity, and fulfillment of vows, among others. The benefits of thanksgiving therefore, according to the clergyman, are strength and protection, reception of an unshakeable kingdom, boldness, and fearlessness.
In attendance at the thanksgiving service were the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development, Bishop (Dr) Margaret Ene-Ita; representative of the Honourable Commissioner for Transportation; the Head of Department of Music, University of Calabar, Evangelist Dr. (Hon.) Caroline Etim;
Executive members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) among others.
There were also song renditions from the Apostolic Church Choir, The Presbyterian Church Choir (Old Town Parish), and the Music Department of the University of Calabar.
