The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has felicitated the former President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Babangida on his 83rd Birthday.
In a birthday message he signed, and which was released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno recounted the love shown by the former President, which led to his creation of Akwa Ibom State in 1987, after over six decades of struggle and agitation by its forebears.
Governor Eno told General Babangida that, “our people will remain grateful for the audacious decision you took to create our dear State, thus fulfilling the yearnings and prayers of our forebears that date back to the 1920s.
“We thank God today that the precious gift you gave us nearly 37 years ago has grown to become a shining city (State) on the hill, to reprise John Winthrop’s line, made popular by the former American President Ronald Reagan.
“Across all shades and layers of the human experience, our people have Arisen and we thank you, for this awesome identity you gave us.
“As you mark your birthday today, our collective prayers are that God Almighty should continue to bless you with good health and a sound mind.
“Happy birthday once again, Sir”
