By: Lawrence Ekong
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong has lauded the Catholic Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Camillius Umoh on his unflinching commitment to the spiritual development of the Catholic Church.
The Commissioner made the remarks Saturday, 14th November, 2020 during the 1st Anniversary Lecture to mark the 10th Anniversary Episcopal Ordination of the Catholic Clergy.
The Information Boss who described the Rev. Umoh as a principled and forthright servant of God added that his contributions to the spiritual growth of the church was laudable and worthy of emulation by the younger priests.
The State’s Spokesman who recounted with nostalgia his secondary school experience at St Mary’s Science College, Ediene Abak, said that the Catholic Church was notable for the establishment of hospitals and other physical infrastructure which aided the development of the early society.
Ememobong said ” I attended Holy Child Nursery school, which is just behind your residence here sir, and I am also a product of the St Mary’s Science School, Abak which is also a Catholic School, so my coming here today feels like homecoming because of the influence of the church over my life”
The information helmsman further posited that the church was an opinion molding institution where members look up for spiritual direction and called on the church to continue to give back to the society in order to achieve sustainable development.
Presenting a Keynote address, Rev. Fr. Emem Umoren appreciated Rev. Camillus Umoh for his episcopal services to the Catholic Church in the last decade and described him as God’s gift to the Ikot Ekpene diocese and humanity in general.
He added that Rev Umoh’s achievements have consolidated on the successes of his predecessors and called on the church to continue to demonstrate their unwavery support to the priest.
Reacting to the goodwill messages presented at the lecture, Rev. Camillius Umoh expressed appreciation to God for keeping him in sound health and for the divine wisdom to lead the church according to the dictates of God.
Other dignitaries at the occasion included: the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Uyime Etim, represented by the Council Secretary, Hon. Benson and the Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Dr. Uduak Ukoette.
The event which took place at the Bishop Obot Memorial Hall, St Anne Cathedral Ifuho, in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, was organized by the Catholic Youth Organization, (CYO) Ikot Ekpene Diocese.
