He uniquely composed “I Will Give Thanks Unto Thee O Lord” By Gioacchino Rossini, an Italian composer best known for his operas, and presented by the Harmonious Chorale climaxed the Akwa Ibom 2024 Christmas Carols Festival as it perfectly captured the intent and essence of the event, “giving thanks to God.”
The beautifully modulated contours of the ever-refreshing song by the soloist left everyone in awe, as the over 20, 000 worshipers unconsciously shaped their mouths alongside the soloist as well as aligning with her facial smiles and gesticulations as she effortlessly breath life to the song and earned standing ovation even before she hit the last note.
In the spirit of the season, Governor Eno who appreciates and encourages every good thing, did not disappoint anyone as he mounted the rustrum and deservedly recognised the soloist with a mouth-watering gift to the satisfaction of all.
The Governor who gave thanks unto God alongside the soloist and the choir, unveiled other packages which have been approved by the State Executive Council to enhance a grand celebration of Christmas by Akwa Ibomites.
He noted that irrespective of an earlier agreement by the organized labour to forgo the 13th-month salary code-named “Enomber,” the State has decided to pay Enomber to all workers in the State, as well as send bags of rice to each of the 2, 272 gazetted villages in the State.
The Governor who has been remarkably inclusive in his leadership disposition, emphasised that the Christmas rice was not for a particular political party but for everyone, as hunger knows no political party.
He urged political officeholders and well-placed citizens to share the love with their constituents and neighbours in the spirit of the season.
To say the least, the Governor, like
Santa Claus, through the Carols festival, the heartwarming messages, and bountiful gifts to all strata of citizens metaphorically ignited the Christmas spirit across the State.
There is no gainsaying that given the high level of inflation, the hardship and the attendant high cost of foodstuff in the market, many had lost hope of having anything for this year’s Christmas, but the Governor’s pronouncement has changed the narrative, as no family in the State will, ceteris paribus, be left without at least few cups of rice.
Beyond the regular, the Governor also stretched his humanitarian gesture to an Akwa Ibomite, Usen Akpan Matthew, who was counted for nothing by many, with a cheque of N5 million in recognition of his volunteer services in the State. He said the cash gift was to encourage and support him to live a better life.
Speaking of the Carols festival, he said, “We have come here to celebrate our annual Christmas Carol that we have been identified within the last seventeen years. This is the seventeenth edition, and we thank all our founding fathers who began this. We thank God for giving us the grace to continue to keep this solemn foot, heralding the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The celebration of Christmas reaffirms our faith that by His birth, we are blessed with unending love, hope, peace and abundant joy.
“His birth, therefore, is meant to inspire in us the spirit of giving, especially to the poor and the vulnerable. That is the spirit of this season and that is the reason why we as a Government introduce our now popular event, we called the Christmas Unplugged series which brings from all the 31 local government areas to showcase our rich cultural heritage and engender the spirit of peace, unity and love for each other,” he added.
He appreciated the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh and his team for putting together the colourful event, and urged everyone to be inspired by the spirit of the season, live peaceably with one another and let love lead.
The event themed, “Peace and Holiness with All Men, featured prominent artists both indigenous and visiting, as well as classical mass choirs, contemporary mass choirs, brass bands, trumpet, sax, cymbals, timbrels and dance, stringed instruments and organs all symphonised to give thanks to God.
