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Ingratitude, a sin before God, says Akpabio
Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has attributed the success story and the uncommon transformation witnessed in Akwa Ibom state during his administration to his relationship with God.
The minister also stated that the act of ingratitude, not giving God what he wants which are Praise, Worship and Thankfulness are sins before God, saying, “God created man to praise, worship and adore Him and not building castles and buying cars. If you do all these, you would have fulfilled God’s purpose for your creation. Not doing all that is a sign of ingratitude which is a sin before God.”
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Jackson Udom, quoted the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, as saying this while speaking at the Carol Service organized by the St. John Paul 11 College, which also coincided with his 59th Birthday Celebration in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Thursday.
According to the former Senate Minority Leader, ” I am celebrating with you today for the first time. I want to thank you immensely. As you celebrate me today, you will also be celebrated. In life, not everybody must appreciate you. If you are a friend to everybody on earth, then you will not become anything. “
” Even in your family, you cannot be liked by all. If Joseph was not sold by his brothers to the Egyptians, he wouldn’t have become the Prime Minister. The brothers needed to conspire to sell him. Unknown to them, they were paying transport fare for Joseph to go and fulfil his destiny in Egypt. You must not be liked by everybody in life. The Bible says ‘Rule thou in the midst of your enemies’. It didn’t say you should rule in the midst of your friends, “he stressed.
Speaking further, Akpabio told the students, ” when you hear people mention Godswill Akpabio in a derogatory manner, it means Godswill Akpabio is a leader, because it is only leaders that rule in the midst of their enemies. Focus on what you are doing, believe in yourself and know that God is with you and it doesn’t matter who is against you. One with God is a majority. You must ever remain a grateful heart and never forget your foundation.”
He advised students to always put God first in whatever they do because no one succeeds without Him. ” You must at all times, recognize the place of God in all you do. Allow God to lead you in whatever you do. In your examinations always know that He is with you. God be with me, should always be your watch words.”
Akpabio disclosed that the 9999 Carol Service that held annually throughout his administration was the key that unlocked the doors for the uncommon transformation of the state from 2007- 2015. “It was an event that opened Heavenly blessings upon the state and that was our little way of showing gratitude to God for all the blessings upon the state. That was the secret behind what we called Uncommon Transformation”.
Earlier in the day, there were various events to mark the 59th birthday celebration of the legal practitioner cum politician in different parts of the state.
The day kicked-off with a phone-in quiz competition in four radio stations, where prizes were given out to members of the public who gave correct answers to questions.
Other activities to mark the day was a Thanksgiving Mass at St Ann Cathedral, Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene, Leadership Round Table Lecture and 10,000 man March in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District of the state.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a record revenue collection of N5.7 trillion as of November 12, 2024, surpassing its yearly target by 10 percent.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the ongoing 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja.
Themed “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” the conference showcased the Customs Service’s progress in modernizing its operations and fostering collaborative partnerships.
“Today, I stand before you to demonstrate how our commitments in 2023 have evolved into tangible achievements,” Adeniyi stated.
He attributed the revenue growth to a series of reforms, including the implementation of a one-stop solution for cargo alerts, a revamped ICT infrastructure, streamlined inspection procedures, and enhanced automation.
Adeniyi explained that these changes reflect the agency’s commitment to elevating operational transparency and efficiency.
“We pledged to re-align our free trade operations, elevate cargo integrity standards, and expand our scanning capacities,” he said.
“Above all, we promised to usher in a new era of customs operations—one built on transparency, efficiency, and genuine collaborations with our partners.”
As of Tuesday, November 12, Adeniyi confirmed that the NCS collected N5.07 trillion, achieving the anticipated 10 percent revenue surplus.
“This performance validates our partnership-driven approach to revenue collection and trade facilitation,” he added.
Adeniyi also highlighted recent strides in trade facilitation, revealing that six companies have been selected to benefit from the Authorised Economic Operators programme, which provides fast-tracked customs clearance and other trade facilitation benefits.
Similarly, the NCS has processed 21 requests under an advance ruling programme, designed to expedite customs decisions on import and export cargoes before they reach Nigerian ports.
The Comptroller-General expressed optimism about the NCS’s potential to drive further economic growth, citing the agency’s commitment to fostering partnerships and advancing innovative practices within the customs sector.
Nineteen out of the thirty-eight directors who were shortlisted to fill permanent secretary vacancies within the Federal Civil Service have failed the qualifying examination, a memo from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) revealed on Tuesday.
The memo, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole on behalf of the examination committee, disclosed that the qualifying exam was conducted on Monday, November 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through the OHCSF, launched the recruitment drive in October to fill permanent secretary vacancies in eight states.
Providing insights into the progress, Eno Olotu, Director of Press at OHCSF, stated, “Of the 38 eligible directors who sat for the exam, 19 have passed the first stage and will move on to the second stage, which will assess their competency in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in government operations on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.”
Olotu highlighted the rigorous three-stage selection process, designed to ensure that only the most capable individuals are appointed to these high-ranking civil service roles.
This comprehensive approach, according to OHCSF, aims to elevate the quality of leadership across federal ministries.
The directors who advance beyond the ICT proficiency test will face a final stage on Friday, November 15, 2024, where a panel of senior government officials and private sector experts will conduct a final evaluation to determine their suitability for the permanent secretary positions.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.
Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.
He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.
“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”
“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.
“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.
In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.
He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.
“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.
“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.
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