Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State Udom Emmanuel, CON, in the company of his wife Deaconess Martha Emmanuel, on Sunday joined worshippers, ministers and dignitaries at the 64th Superintendency Anniversary Celebration of the United Evangelical Church (UEC), Lagos Township Superintendency held under the theme, “The Reality of Exceeding Great Joy” (Acts 8:8).
Speaking during the celebration, former Governor Emmanuel thanked God for preserving the church through more than six decades of impactful ministry and commended members for their steadfastness and commitment to the Christian faith.
Read: OML 13 HCDT Unveils Comprehensive Needs Assessment Report for Host Communities
Echoing the sermon of the day, he prayed that members would encounter Christ as the wise men did in Matthew 2 and experience the reality of exceeding great joy in their lives, families and endeavours.
In his anniversary address, the Superintendent of the Lagos Township Superintendency, Rev. Dr. Idorenyin Ikpe James, highlighted major achievements recorded by the church over the past year.
He said the Superintendency had strengthened leadership and spiritual development through workshops and seminars for church leaders, Sunday School teachers and committee executives, while pastors were sponsored to leadership conferences and ministerial training programmes.
He also reported significant infrastructural progress, noting that congregations in Okokomaiko and Ijegun now worship on their permanent properties, while construction work is ongoing in Sawo and Epe.
He appealed for support to complete ongoing projects, renovate facilities at the church’s Ogungbade property and acquire land for congregations in Lekki Peninsula, Igando, Bariga and Shomolu.
Rev. James commended Udom Emmanuel and his family for donating an official vehicle to the Superintendency during the previous anniversary celebration, describing the gesture as a major support to the church’s administration and mission.
The Superintendent further disclosed that the church recorded notable growth with 182 communicants baptised in 2025 and 65 officers ordained during the last annual convention.
He also highlighted the Superintendency’s participation in the 138th Annual Church Conference in Abuja, the National Reverend Ministers Retreat, National Missionary Retreat and other national church programmes, while expressing satisfaction with the renewed evangelical outreach efforts across congregations.
Among dignitaries present were retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi; National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ini Ememobong; Akwa Ibom PDP Chairman, Barr. Igwat Umoren; member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot; Chairman of Onna Local Government Area, Hon. Kufre Umoren; PDP Deputy Chairman, Hon. Harrison Ekpo; Mr. Aniekeme Finbarr; Dr. Akpabio; Hon. Joseph Ikpak; Mr. Felix Ekuri; Mr Holly George and fitness entrepreneur and reality television personality, Mr. Ekerette Kemen.
The celebration ended with prayers for the continued growth of the church and renewed commitment by members to advancing the gospel while embracing the promise of exceeding great joy.