I was born into a family that taught me how to believe in God - Major Gen. Isidore Edet

It was an unforgettable day for the family of Major General Isidore Henry Edet and indeed the rustic community of Uko-Akpan Enwang in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State when the newly promoted General led his family, friends and business associates to a grand thanksgiving ceremony to celebrate his elevation as the General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the Nigerian Army. The event was well attended and had the high and mighty in attendance. KENNETH JUDE was there.

The sleepy community of Uko- Akpan Enwang Primary School in Mbo Local came alive on Saturday 12th March, 2016 when Major General Isidore Henry Edet, the General Officer Commanding (GOC)  (81 Division of the Nigerian Army) led family members, friends, loved ones and business associates to a thanksgiving Mass that had all the trappings of a high octane society shindig.

As early as 7am on that day, everywhere was a beehive of activities. People were seen preparing the grounds for the Holy Mass. The Mass of thanksgiving took place in the Primary School field, ostensibly to accommodate the huge and surging crowd that turned up for the event. Before one could say Jack, all was set for the grand Holy Mass.  Elated faithful, friends, family members and the villagers trooped in in their numbers. They all turned out in their best bib and tucker as if to say that it was not just any of such events in town.

The Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. John Ebebe Ayah and his predecessor, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Ekuwem were unavoidably absent. Taking the place of Bishop Ayah as Chief celebrant was the Vicar Apostolic, Catholic Vicariate of Kontagora, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna. A number of priests, including the Parish Priest of Uko-Akpan Enuwang, Father Clement Ekong were also present to share in the joy of the Edets. Rev. Sisters did not miss out of the picture. Ministers of the Gospel from other churches were also there to add weight and verve to the occasion. Before one could bat an eyelid, the arena was filled to capacity. One could hardly find space as everyone made frantic efforts to sit in a vantage position in order to have a clear view of proceedings.

With the homily concluded, it was time for the calm and collected Major General, his wife, Eno and family members to thank God for His mercies, grace and kindness. Clad in a navy blue formal attire, Major Isidore, along with his beautiful wife, Eno, who wore a flowing silver apparel stepped out along with family members and friends in style for the thanksgiving proper. The line was snaky but items for the thanksgiving were sumptuous.

In his remarks at the occasion, the celebrator, Major General Isidore Edet, in an emotion-laden voice spoke of his humble background and how he had to wade through thick and thin to get to his current position. He attributed his rise through the ranks to God’s grace and faithfulness. 

“I was born into a family where we were told to have faith in God and since then, that God has not disappointed me; that is why I told my friends when I was promoted to the rank of Major General and subsequently appointed the General Officer Commanding 81 Division that am not going to invite you to come make merry with me in a foreign land that it will be in this community where I was born. 

I thank God for Hs mercies, grace and faithfulness for sustaining me these 32 (thirty-two) years in my career. It is only God that has made this possible. Who would have known a minority like me? Who would have recognised a minority like me if not God? Hence, I can testify loudly that God is merciful and faithful. So, I am very happy especially the fact that my friends accompanied me from far and near and have come to this little village.’’ 

He spoke of a burning passion in his heart to build a befitting Church edifice for his community. “This church was built in 1926, and my late parents thought me how to read the Bible in this small Church, now it can barely contain 80 worshippers that is why we are sitting down in this primary school field. The burden in my heart is to build a befitting Church for God.’’ 

He also elected to lend support to a nearby Primary/Nursery School project begun by the Parish Priest. “I came here a fortnight ago and I saw that there were kids crammed in one class room and they were very uncomfortable because there is no electricity and Fans hence I decided that the Nursery School will have a befitting block.’’ He also hailed Governor Udom Emmanuel for honouring his invitation. Donations were made by dignitaries towards the two projects even as the Real Brass Band kept the event alive with what they know best. Just before the final blessing to round off the Holy Mass, Governor Udom Emmanuel spoke of what it means to have another son of the state reach such a height in his career. 

He remarked that the occasion was apt considering the dakkada initiative of his administration. He called on the people to rise to greatness because Akwa Ibom was created to be great. “We are glad today, and I stand here on behalf of the Government and the good people of Akwa  Ibom State to tell you that we are proud of you my brother. 

So many people undertake a career but they don’t get to the top echelon of that career but we are here celebrating success.’’ 

The Governor also used the opportunity to shed light on the Ibaka Deep Sea Port and the progress made so far while promising that apart from the Deep Sea Port, he will also develop an industrial City that will cater for most of the industries that will come to the area. He pledged his administration’s commitment to improve the electricity supply in the state while stressing that he is committed to the welfare of the people and the development of the state.

Giving a vote of thanks, Rev. Fr. Patrick Edet, the younger brother to the celebrator attributed everything to God. He spoke glowingly about his brother while explaining that the first Military General in Oro Nation was Navy General Commodore Etefik who hails from the same community as himself. He extolled the virtues of the wife to the celebrator, hailing her as a pillar of support to his brother. “Today is not a product of chance and it would not have been this beautiful without you. 

Beginning from the altar, the Bishop who came all the way from Kontagora, Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna; thank you for being a father and taking the pains to come, being the Chief Celebrant and sharing your words of wisdom with us. The family loves you and we will keep this memory with us for as long as we live.’’ The popular cleric thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for coming while stressing his admiration for the dakkada philosophy, noting that it is vital for the reawakening of the mindset of the people and stimulating the creative instincts of the Akwa Ibom child. He called on the Governor to remain focused in his programmes while asking God to bless him.

 A special thanksgiving cake was cut by the celebrator along with his wife, the Governor and some family members shortly after the Holy Mass and following almost immediately was the reception which took place a stone’s throw from the venue in a well decorated and beautifully lit tent. Guests were given kingly/queenly treat as a bevy of gaily dressed ushers ensured that food and drinks went round even as they ushered guests to their seats with unmistakable courtesy and decency. Food and drinks were not in short supply. Everyone had their fill. It was indeed a day to remember for those who made it to the occasion. 

For the celebrator, it was a momentous occasion that bore great significance considering that it is the first time in 15 years that an Akwa Ibom son has been appointed as a GOC to command one of the six Divisions of the Nigerian Army in the country. He made no pretences about the magnitude of joy in his heart as he beamed with smiles, danced as he ‘could,’ while expressing effusively, his gratitude to God for seeing him through in his career.

Several top dignitaries who graced the occasion include: Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, the telecom guru; Sir Etekamba Umoren, SSG, Akwa Ibom State; Barr. Effiong Abia, former Commissioner and governorship aspirant; Engr. Asuquo Okpo, former governorship aspirant; Dr. Effiong Edunam, President Oron Nation, Mr. Cyril Etuk, Transition Chairman, Mbo LGA, top ranking army officers, captains of industry; business tycoons and a host of others.