The Governor of Akwa Ibom State Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has said that while celebrating people in death is not out of place, it was even more beneficial to celebrate people while alive when they could take part and acknowledge the gesture.
The Governor who made the request at the 80th birthday ceremony in honour of Sir/Ambassador Etim Jack Okpoyo, held at the Pastor Umo Eno Campaign Ground, Uyo, explained that for many people, birthdays provide an opportunity to come together with family and friends for a special meal or outing.
Determined to bear his mind on the Importance of celebrating birthdays which can also serve as an important reminder that we are loved and supported by those around us, the Governor said “let’s begin to celebrate, and encourage people while they are alive, let the people know how much we value them.”
After he explained that birthdays are important and are a special time of year, celebrating the life and experiences of an individual while bringing family and friends together, Eno said “So on this day sir, onbehalf of the Akwa Ibom State government and our people in general we celebrate you.”
“We pray that the good Lord will continue to strengthen you to be alive to continue to share with us your wealth of experience as you remain our leader of hope.”
Sir (Amba) Etim Jack Okpoyo was born 23 September 1943, and he was a Nigerian politician in the late 20th Century.
From an Oron origin, south south Nigeria, Okpoyo was the former and first deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 1992–1993.
He was a businessman, a one-time Ambassador of Nigeria to Italy and Albania, and a civil engineer.
Okpoyo was a Rotarian who believed strongly in community service and served the Oro nation in various leadership capacities.
The well attended birthday ceremony featured the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Commissioners and many others in attendance.