Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and his family recently welcomed dignitaries from various parts of the country to Calabar, Cross River State, for a thanksgiving gathering.
The event, held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, was a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the Almighty for the multitude of blessings bestowed upon him and his family.
The blessings encompassed significant milestones, including the birth of his son, Anam Ekpenyong, his triumphant victory in the February 25 Senatorial election, subsequent inauguration as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his appointment as chairman of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In a remarkable display of camaraderie, the Canaan City of Calabar played host to a diverse range of dignitaries who turned up to support the Senator and his family. The event witnessed the presence of the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who led a delegation of over 50 Senators and 30 members of the House of Representatives to the event.
Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, Minister of Sport Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas Resources) Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, former Governor Donald Duke and his wife Onari Duke, as well as other former governors and ministers.
Other dignitaries present at the event were the Obong of Calabar and other traditional rulers, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, APC State chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, NDDC chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, as well as Executive Directors of the Commission, SMEDAN DG, Mr. Charles Odii, present and former Commissioners in the Cross River State Executive Council, current and former members of the Cross River House of Assembly, and captains of industry, amongst others.
The thanksgiving and infant baptism service took place at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Duke Town Cathedral, and was officiated by His Eminence, Ekpenyong N. Akpanika, Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, while the reception was held at the Calabar International Convention Center.
The chief host of the occasion, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the governor of Cross River State, in his goodwill message, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the presence of the dignitaries and thanked them for their collective commitment towards the growth of the nation. The governor articulated his vision for the unity and progress of the country and emphasised the importance of collaboration across regional lines as an ingredient for success.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, delivered a stirring set of remarks that expressed a spirit of gratitude to God for his numerous blessings and also called for national unity. Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the Cross River State governor, the Senate President also acknowledged the significance of the occasion that brought together leaders from across the political spectrum. He acknowledged the impressive achievements of Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and pledged to support him to enable him to do even more for his people.
In his remarks, Senator Ekpenyong expressed a deep appreciation to everyone who attended the occasion. He also gave special recognition to his wife, Netanela and members of his family, including his parents, HRH Etinyin and Dr Mrs Asuquo Ekpenyong, constituents from Cross River South Senatorial District, friends, well-wishers, and all who contributed to the success of the event.