You Have a Good Governor – President Tinubu Tells A’Ibom Delegation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his leadership and commitment to the development of his State, affirming that, “you have a very good governor, and he has the fear of God and love for his people.”

The President made this remark on Friday, February 28, 2025, when he received a 104-member delegation from Akwa Ibom, led by Governor Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The delegation included political, traditional, and religious leaders, former ministers, lawmakers, and representatives of youth and women groups, reflecting a spirit of unity across party lines.

A key highlight of the visit was the conferment of Akwa Ibom’s highest traditional title, Otuekong (Commander-in-Chief of Akwa Ibom State), on President Tinubu by the State’s traditional rulers, led by the Oku Ibom Ibibio III, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk.

President Tinubu welcomed the honour and recalled his personal ties to Akwa Ibom, having lived in Eket while working as a staff of Mobil Producing Nigeria.

He stressed the importance of political leaders prioritizing national development over party affiliations, stating that Nigeria’s full potential could only be realized through unity and collective action.

“I have just signed the 2025 budget. I am happy that the uncertainty over the economy is fading, and hope is rising.

“Thank you for always standing by us. We must work together to build the nation,” he said.

Governor Eno, in his remarks, presented his 20-Months Scorecard to the President and outlined key requests, including support for the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport, intervention in ecological challenges, and an invitation for the President to commission the Arise Resorts and key road projects in May 2025.

Senate President Akpabio commended Governor Eno for fostering unity in the State, saying, “words will fail me if I am to describe how elevated I am today.

“This is the first time the blue and white have come together. I come from home, I can see my people. Akwa Ibom has demonstrated the brotherhood we stand for, and it is the governor that has made this possible.”

“Akpabio assured President Tinubu of Akwa Ibom’s full support in his administration’s efforts to move the nation forward, adding that the political leadership in the state would work towards further reconciliation and collaboration.

The high-profile delegation included Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Eno-Obareki; immediate past Governor Udom Emmanuel; present and former members of the National Assembly; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obong Emem Ekperikpe Ekpo; and State Chairmen of the PDP and APC, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan and Hon. Stephen Ntukekpo.

Also present were the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah; some members of the State Executive Council; representatives from various federal boards and commissions and religious and Royal fathers.

The visit underscored Akwa Ibom’s commitment to bipartisan governance, sustainable development, and strengthened collaboration with the federal government to address critical infrastructural and ecological challenges.

DID YOU TALK TO GOD TODAY

FINDING INNER PEACE THROUGH PRAYER AND MEDITATION.

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, finding inner peace is essential for our well-being and happiness. Prayer and meditation are two powerful tools that can help us cultivate inner peace and connect with a higher power.

BENEFITS OF PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1.Reduces stress and anxiety Prayer and meditation can calm the mind and soothe the soul.

2. Increases feelings of joy and gratitudeFocusing on the positive can shift our perspective and attract more goodness into our lives.

3. Deepens self-awareness: Prayer and meditation can help us understand ourselves better and discover our purpose.

4. Fosters a sense of connection Prayer and meditation can connect us with a higher power, others, and ourselves.

SIMPLE PRAYER AND MEDITATION TECHNIQUES

1. Gratitude prayerTake a few minutes each day to thank God for the blessings in your life.

2.Mindful meditation Focus on your breath, a mantra, or a visualization to calm your mind.

3.Loving-kindness meditation Send love and kindness to yourself and others.

4.Reflection and journalingTake time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and journal your insights.

TIPS FOR INCORPORATING PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1. Start smallBegin with short, daily practice sessions (5-10 minutes).

2. Make it a habit Incorporate prayer and meditation into your daily routine.

3. Find a quiet space Identify a quiet, comfortable spot for practice.

4. Seek guidance Explore books, apps, or local classes for guidance and support.

By incorporating prayer and meditation into your life, you can experience profound inner peace, clarity, and connection.

GOD ALWAYS CARE FOR YOU

Reason not to worry: God

In every moment of uncertainty, we can find peace knowing that God is in control. His love and promises give us a reason to trust and not worry.

2️⃣ *Hamas says it is committed to honouring a truce with Israel* that is facing its worst crisis since it took effect, adding *mediators were pushing for hostages to be released this weekend* as planned.

*Palestinian sources reported progress in efforts to save the ceasefire* which was plunged into uncertainty after Hamas warned it would not release hostages on Saturday, citing Israeli violations.

*Israel hit back*, saying *if Hamas failed to free captives on schedule, it would resume its war* in Gaza.

*_"We are keen to implement it (the ceasefire) and oblige the occupation to fully abide by it,"_* Hamas spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanou said Thursday. _*"Mediators are pressuring (Israel) to complete the full implementation of the agreement,* oblige the occupation to abide by the humanitarian protocol, and resume the exchange process on Saturday."_

*A Palestinian source said mediators had obtained from Israel a* _*"promise...* to put in place a humanitarian protocol starting from this morning"._

THE CONSEQUENCES OF DOUBT

Doubt is a silent thief of destiny. It creeps in unnoticed, planting seeds of fear, uncertainty, and delay. When you doubt, you question God's promises, limit His power, and rob yourself of the blessings He has in store for you.

Doubt weakens faith – Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Doubt disconnects you from divine possibilities.

Doubt leads to instability – A double-minded person is unstable in all their ways (James 1:6-8). When you doubt, you waver, making it difficult to receive from God.

Doubt opens the door to fear – Peter walked on water until he doubted. The moment he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink (Matthew 14:29-31). Doubt invites fear, and fear paralyzes progress.

Doubt delays answers to prayers – Jesus said, "If you have faith and do not doubt, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Matthew 21:21-22). Doubt hinders divine intervention.

Doubt can lead to disobedience – The Israelites doubted God's promise and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years instead of entering their promised land (Numbers 14:1-4). Doubt can cause you to miss your breakthrough.

Don't let doubt rob you of your miracle! Choose faith over fear. Stand firm on God's promises, and you will see His mighty hand at work in your life.

I pray for you today: May every spirit of doubt in your life be destroyed in Jesus’ name! May your faith be strengthened, and may you receive all that God has prepared for you. Amen!

The rain hammered against the windowpane, each drop a tiny drumbeat against the silence of the old house. I sat huddled in the corner of the attic, a dusty blanket pulled tight around me, the scent of mothballs and forgotten dreams clinging to the air. My heart thumped a frantic rhythm against my ribs, a frantic counterpoint to the rain's steady beat. I was trapped.

My family, they were gone. Vanished. Just like that. One day they were bustling about the house, their voices filling the rooms with laughter and the clatter of dishes. The next, an empty silence, punctuated only by the creak of the old floorboards and the wind whistling through the cracks in the windows.

They had left me a note, scrawled in my mother's familiar hand, a single sentence that sent a shiver down my spine: "We had to leave. We'll be back for you soon." But how soon was soon? Days? Weeks? Years? The thought of them, of their faces, their voices, fading into the mists of time, filled me with a dread that gnawed at my insides.

I clutched the worn teddy bear, its fur matted and faded, a silent witness to my childhood. He was all I had left. He smelled of my mother's lavender perfume, a faint whisper of her presence that kept me clinging to hope.

The attic, once a haven of forgotten treasures, now felt like a prison. The cobwebs draped across the rafters like ghostly shrouds, the shadows in the corners seemed to dance and writhe, whispering secrets I couldn't understand. I was a prisoner in my own home, surrounded by memories that both comforted and terrified me.

I longed for the warmth of my mother's embrace, the reassuring rumble of my father's laughter, the mischievous twinkle in my brother's eyes. But they were gone, swallowed by the storm that had swept through our lives, leaving me stranded in a sea of uncertainty.

I had to be strong. I had to find them. I had to believe their promise, to cling to the hope that they would return. But the rain kept falling, a relentless reminder of the darkness that had descended upon our lives. And in the silence of the old house, I felt a growing fear, a fear that whispered, "What if they never come back?"

Courage is the strength to face fear, uncertainty, and adversity, even when the outcome is unclear. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and making choices that align with your values, even in the face of potential risks. Here are some key ideas about courage:

Facing Fear: Courage doesn't mean the absence of fear; it means acknowledging your fears and moving forward despite them. It's about confronting challenges head-on rather than letting fear paralyze you.

Taking Risks: Often, courage involves taking calculated risks. Whether it’s speaking up in a difficult conversation, trying something new, or standing up for what’s right, courage drives you to act even when the stakes are high.

Moral and Ethical Strength: Sometimes, courage is about standing firm in your beliefs, even when it's unpopular or challenging. This kind of moral courage can inspire others and lead to meaningful change in your community or relationships.

Vulnerability: True courage often involves vulnerability. Opening up to others, admitting mistakes, or expressing emotions requires bravery, as it means exposing yourself to potential criticism or rejection.

Resilience Through Adversity: Courage helps you persist in the face of setbacks. It’s the quality that allows you to bounce back from failure, learn from your experiences, and continue moving forward with determination.

Inspiration for Others: Acts of courage can have a ripple effect, motivating and empowering those around you. Your willingness to confront challenges can serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement for others facing similar struggles.

Don't let fear hold you back. Face your doubts, and push through the uncertainty. You are capable of amazing things.

Don't let fear hold you back. Face your doubts, and push through the uncertainty. You are capable of amazing things.

### My Father: A Pillar of Strength and Wisdom

Life often presents us with individuals who leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. For me, that person is my father. He embodies strength, resilience, and wisdom, playing an irreplaceable role in my development and shaping my values and aspirations. In this essay, I will explore his character, the lessons he has taught me, and the profound impact he has had on my life.

From an early age, my father instilled in me the importance of hard work and dedication. A self-made man, he faced numerous challenges and obstacles throughout his life but always persevered. I fondly recall the stories he would share about his childhood—how he overcame adversity with relentless determination. His experiences taught me that success is not handed to us; rather, it is a culmination of hard work, discipline, and a positive attitude. His unwavering work ethic is a corner-stone of his character, providing a model for me to follow in my own pursuits.

My father's wisdom extends beyond mere labor; he is also a source of emotional support and guidance. His calming presence has always provided me with comfort during times of uncertainty. I remember a particularly challenging period in my life when I faced a difficult decision that could have changed my future. My father listened patiently as I expressed my fears and doubts, and then he offered me his insights, guiding me to consider my values and the long-term implications of my choices. It was through this conversation that I learned the importance of thoughtful decision-making and the value of seeking counsel from those we trust.

Moreover, my father has a unique way of teaching life lessons through simple, everyday moments. Whether it was working together on a project around the house, sharing a meal, or playing sports, he would always find a way to impart values like teamwork, integrity, and respect for others. These experiences taught me the significance of collaboration and the need to appreciate the contributions of those around me. I now understand that the lessons learned in these seemingly mundane moments have shaped my interactions and relationships in profound ways.

In addition to being a hardworking provider and wise counselor, my father is also an embodiment of kindness and compassion. He consistently demonstrates the importance of helping others, volunteering his time and resources to local charities and community projects. His selflessness inspires me to extend my own hand to those in need. I admire how he treats everyone with respect, regardless of their background or circumstances, and I strive to emulate this trait in my own life. His belief in the importance of empathy has made a lasting impact on my view of the world, emphasizing that we should all strive to make it a better place.

As I pause to reflect on my relationship with my father, I recognize that his influence reaches far beyond the roles he plays in my life. He is not just my father; he is my mentor, my guide, and my hero. The values he instilled in me—hard work, compassion, integrity, and the importance of family—are the principles I carry with me every day. I am grateful for every lesson, every story, and every moment we have shared.

In conclusion, my father represents a blend of strength, wisdom, and compassion that has profoundly shaped who I am today. His life is a testament to the power of resilience and the significance of remaining true to one's values. As I continue my journey through life, I carry with me the lessons he has taught me, striving to honor his legacy by being the best version of myself. I know that, no matter what challenges lie ahead, the foundation he has built within me will serve as a guiding light. In every success I achieve and every kindness I extend, I am reminded of my father, my pillar of strength and wisdom.