We’ll Make Akwa United a Global Brand-Gov Udom Emmanuel
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, has again assured that his administration remains committed to making the 2020/2021 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Champions, Akwa United Football Club of Uyo, a global brand.
Represented by his Deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, at the Akwa United’s Special Thanksgiving Service for emerging winners of the 2021 NPFL title, Udom Emmanuel congratulated the team for the successes recorded in the just concluded season, describing football club as worthy ambassadors of the state.
Governor Emmanuel assured the team of government’s continued support in the upcoming football season starting with Africa’s premier competition, the CAF Champions League.
“Akwa United have made us proud and this thanksgiving service is a clear demonstration that in Akwa United State, we trust in God and in God alone. In the last six years, Akwa United have brought glory and honour to this state having won all the major trophies in Nigeria. Being a Champion comes with responsibility and we want to assure the team of this administration’s support as they get set to compete for honours at the continental level”, the Governor stated.
“This thanksgiving is timely and on behalf of the government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State, I want to congratulate the management, players and staff of Akwa United for winning the NPFL title and also for returning all glory to God in thanksgiving” said Governor Emmanuel.
In his sermon, the Uyo Field Superintendent of the Apostolic Church Pastor I. N. George explained that thanksgiving to God is a sure avenue of receiving more blessings from God. Pastor George charged Akwa United to continue to hold onto God and not to be afraid but to always march out as Champions with courage and boldness in all their outings.
Earlier, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Uko thanked God for the success and commended the management and players of the team for their commitment and dedication in bringing the NPFL title to the state.
“I’m thankful to His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel who has continually provided all of Akwa United’s needs and has ensured that they do not lack anything. This gesture has remained vital in Akwa United’s success stories including their winning of a maiden NPFL title.”
“I commend the efforts of the Chairman of Akwa United, elder Paul Bassey, whom I have nicknamed ‘Mr. Humble’ for his unparalleled humility despite his achievements. I thank him for working peacefully with me to attract all the successes we have achieved. I am totally confident that we will not only conquer CR Beloiuzdad here in Uyo next weekend but we will also go to Algiers and conquer them too.”
In his speech, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports and Chairman,Akwa United Football Club Elder Paul Bassey revealed that the club cried out to God for favour, mercy and success at the start of the just concluded season during a dedication service, at the Apostolic Church Ewet Offot District Headquarters and that the team was anointed to go and conquer.
“God sent us to a battle in a typical Jehoshaphat fashion (2 Chronicle 20). God promised us success. He told us the battle will be tough but that with him as Commander-in-Chief the war will be won as long as we allowed Him to lead the charge. It’s only proper that we return to this Church to tell God thank you for promises fulfilled, for prayers answered” said Elder Bassey.
The club boss while rededicating the team to God ahead of the new football season also expressed appreciation to Governor Udom Emmanuel for his love and support to the team.
Elder Bassey thanked the honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Sir Monday Ebong Uko and all football stakeholders in the state as well as men of God for always standing by the team.
The thanksgiving service which was attended by the political class, football stakeholders and fans also featured song ministration, trophy presentation and special prayer for the team.
