Professor Enefiok Essien celebrates ‘SANSHIP’ in style

Professor Enefiok Essien celebrates ‘SANSHIP’ in style

BY ABASIFREKE OBOT

Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Enefiok Essien (SAN), has thanked God for his faithfulness and love shown him.

He stated this last Saturday during the occasion to celebrate his admission as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Brother Emmanuel Inyang, in his sermon, said it is a man with the consciousness that his existence and relevance in life is rooted in God that sees reasons and the need to offer appreciation to God. He said: “the only thing God wants from us is a heart of thanks."

Brother Inyang noted that God was the sole and ultimate cause of the gathering. He added that every event was being designed by God at the appointed time, “hence every event witnessed by man is only a display of the wisdom and infallible plans of God for humanity and our role is to appreciate God as His plans unfolds.” He however said that one of the greatest challenges in the world today is that humans are not willing to wait for this appointed time.

"Different people have different timing to achieve their different goals. Professor Essien may not be the most brilliant in the world, but then God decides to favour him," he said.

While he enjoined the people to remain steadfast and believe in God's appointed time, the clergyman described God as a Supreme Being whose plans and timing are forever incomprehensible to humanity.

In his address, Governor Udom Emmanuel expressed satisfaction over what he described as 'no mean feat' achieved by Prof. Essien.

“I want to say I am happy that what you have done is an exemplification of the Dakkada Philosophy which calls for every Akwa Ibom son and daughter to reach his inner recesses and his potentials, activate them and be who God wants him or her to be. So today, I celebrate and rejoice with you and thank God that you have achieved this no mean feat," he said.

Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Victor Inoka, Gov. Emmanuel further commended the Professor for his well established prowess in manning the activities of the academia.

In his words: "I also want to commend you on the whole manner that you have piloted the affairs of this University so far and I encourage you to continue in this strength so that we can build an amiable institution for our children".

He prayed God to endow the scholar with more grace to achieve more so that together Akwa Ibomites may give glory to God.

In his remarks, Prof. Essien appreciated the guests and loved ones who came out to celebrate with him. He stated: “ it gives me pleasure to be here to thank God".

Explaining the motivation for the public thanksgiving, Prof. Essien said: “When I was conferred with the title of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, I had tried to be appointed the SAN, I aspired a lot. I took steps to lead that aspiration by applying, knowing the criteria and in my own estimation, I had met those criteria. I discovered that it is not a matter of criteria.

He further noted that: “Over the years, on three occasions, my name was published and shortlisted but eventually, I didn't have it. At God's appointed time when it eventually came, I told God that I will thank Him publicly and tell everyone that it is good to look up to God".

The Scholar expressed special gratitude to his family, taking time to describe his wife, Mrs Rosalyn Essien, as a pillar of support to him.

Among other dignitaries who graced the event included: Former Governor of the State, Idongesit Nkanga; Senator Representing Akwa Ibom South West in the National Assembly, Senator Bassey Albert; Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang; Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke; Special Adviser to the Governor on Bureau of Political/Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Rt. Hon. Ekong Sampson; Dean of Law, University of Calabar, Prof. O. C. Okene, Immediate past Vice Chancellor of UNIUYO, Prof. Mrs Comfort Ekpo; Chairman, Committee of Deans, UNIUYO, Prof. Ignatius Udo, among others.