Senator representing Cross River South senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who is also the chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), played host to dignitaries from across the country in Calabar, Cross River State, recently.
The occasion was an opportunity to thank God for the many blessings he and his family had received, including the birth of his son, Anam Ekpenyong; his victory in the Senate election and the oath-taking ceremony that followed his capacity as a senator and his appointment as chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC.
A service of thanksgiving and infant baptism took place at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Duke Town Cathedral, and was officiated by His Eminence, Ekpenyong Akpanika, the Prelate and moderator of the general assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, while the reception was held at the Calabar International Convention Centre.
The chief host on the occasion, Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State, in his goodwill message, expressed appreciation for the presence of the dignitaries and thanked them for their collective commitment towards the growth of the nation.
The governor articulated his vision for the unity and progress of the country and stressed the importance of collaboration across regional lines as an ingredient for success.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, expressed gratitude to God for His many blessings and called for national unity.
Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome from the governor, the Senate president also stressed the importance of the event that brought together leaders from across political spectrum and acknowledged the achievements of Senator Ekpenyong as he pledged to support him to do more for his people.
In his remarks, Senator Ekpenyong expressed a appreciation to God and to everyone, as he also gave special recognition to his wife, Netanela and members of his family, constituents from the Southern senatorial district, friends, well-wishers and all who contributed to the success of the event.
Among the dignitaries also at the event were deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu; Minister of Sport Development, Senator John Owan Enoh; Minister of Gas Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo and Mr Donald Duke, a former governor of the state.
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