Agriculture was the mainstay of the Country’s economy in the seventies

Top Government  functionaries in cluding Businessmen, Political Class and Religious Leaders, on Sunday, 24th January 2016,  converged on Groves Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, to witness the presentation of Sir Emem Akpabio as the third Archdiocesan Lay President and Appreciation of Sir Adasi Ubulom by the Church.

At the occasion, the State Governor , Mr Udom Emmanuel, commended Methodist Church for upholding the sound moral doctrines of it founder Late John Wesley, and congratulated Sir Emem Akpabio on his elevation wishing him well in the new office.

Governor Emmanuel used the occasion to shade light on the progress of work at Ikot Ekpene - Uyo road which is widely believed to have been abandoned by the Construction firm, Julius Berger Plc,  explaining  that the company went on vacation and would soon return to complete the remaining portion of the road.

He however called on the Church to pray for divine intervention in the prevailing global economic slump which has affected the country due to fall in the global price of crude oil.

The State Governor pointed out that God seeks to re-direct attention to Agriculture which he said was the mainstay of the Country’s economy in the seventies.

He added that the price of Cocoa has appreciated ten percent higher than oil price in the global market and announced  government plans to embark on massive cultivation of cocoa .

The State Chief Executive also mentioned that improved cocoa seedlings have been procured for distribution to farmers as well as other incentives put in place to boost their productivity.

While expressing gratitude to God for giving him the grace to serve in his vineyard , the Arch Diocesan Lay President, Sir Emem Akpabio, testified of God’s manifold blessings to him and his family and prayed for God’s enablement to function more.

Sir Akpabio thanked Governor Emmanuel, his Deputy, Mr Mosses Ekpo, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Onofiok Luke and wife of the Senate Minority Leader, Mrs Ekaete Akpabio, for honouring him with their presence.

Gift items were presented to the State Governor,  Celebrator and the Immediate Past State Executive Council Member, Sir Adasi Ubulom.