Dr Essien Ekefre Ndueso (2nd right) and others during the ordination on Sunday.
By Samuel Anthony
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno and his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, were among other dignitaries who on Sunday, felicitated Dr Essien Ekefre Ndueso, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, following his ordination as a Deacon in the Church.
The Ceremony, held at Qua Iboe Church, Nwaniba Road, Ewet Offot, Uyo, also saw the Special Assistant to the Governor on Projects, Deacon Udo Ekwere, Engr Odudu Obot, Surveyor Edidiong Ekpoikong, among others, formally ordained as Elders, Deacons and Deaconesses in the Ewet Offot Metropolitan Superintendency.
In recognition of the milestone, Governor Eno and his Deputy sent warm congratulatory messages, both of which formed the highlight of the event.
In a personally signed message read by his Special Assistant on Humanitarian Affairs, Elder Nsikanabasi Umoekpo, Governor Eno commended Dr. Ndueso for his steadfastness and service, describing the ordination as “a testament to the work you have done in the Lord’s vineyard.”
He encouraged him to see the elevation as a renewed call to greater service, noting that “this milestone should motivate you to do more, inspire more, and become more in projecting and propagating the gospel of salvation and redemption, winning more souls to the Kingdom of God.”
Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, in her own goodwill message, lauded Dr. Ndueso’s “faithful service in His vineyard, leadership acumen, and consistent support for the work of the Kingdom.”
She further admonished him to remain steadfast, quoting 1 Corinthians 4:2, “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
Delivering goodwill messages during the service, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Commissioner for Information, congratulated all the newly ordained officials and extolled Dr Ndueso on his devotion to both state service and spiritual commitment, describing him as “a worthy ambassador of diligence and humility.”
Also speaking, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, conveyed the felicitations of the media and communication team of Government House, calling Dr. Ndueso’s ordination, “a reflection of his moral strength and leadership consistency.”
The College of Personal Aides to the Governor, speaking through their Deputy Dean and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Traders Matters, Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael, expressed delight over the honour bestowed on their Dean as well as their colleague, Elder Udo Ekwere and appreciated the Church for recognizing the efforts of their colleagues.
In his sermon, the Superintendency Pastor of the Ewet Offot Metropolitan Superintendency, Rev Ekpedeme Evans charged the ordinands to seek to please God in their actions, rather than impressing men, adding that God tends to replace those who fail to please him in their actions.
They were later ordained by the Area Superintendent of the Church, Rev Iniobong Udoh, who also led them to pledge their allegiance God and service in His ministry.
A one time Minister of Lands and Housing, Chief Nduese Essien, wife of the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Akwa Obonganwan Mandu Abia, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mkpisong Inam Wilson, led a delegation of stakeholders from Eket including the immediate and extended family members of Dr Ndueso, to the event.
The occasion drew an impressive assembly of top government functionaries, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, political associates, clergymen, professional colleagues from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), past students leaders of the University of Uyo, (UNIUYO Alumni), and friends who all gathered to honour a man described as “a faithful servant both in governance and in God’s vineyard.”
Following the church service, a colourful reception was held at Duellaz Event Center, located along Donald Etiebet Avenue, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo. The hall brimmed with excitement as dignitaries, associates, and well-wishers joined in celebrating the newly ordained Deacon.
Music, laughter, and heartfelt tributes rended the air, as attendees described Dr. Ndueso as “a man of faith, humility, and uncommon commitment to duty.”
The ordination of Dr. Ndueso remains a powerful testament to the harmony between public service and spiritual devotion, a shining example of leadership that inspires both in governance and in the Kingdom of God.
