Sir Okon Okon and his wife, Barrister Uwem Okon, on Thursday, 1st January 2026, gathered members of the Ekpene Ibia community in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State for a New Year Thanksgiving and Community Get-Together, held at the country home of the hosts in Ekpene Ibia, Uruan local government area.
The event which was organized to thank God for His goodness and to usher the community into the New Year on a bright note, brought together community stakeholders, leaders, women, youths, friends and invited guests in an atmosphere of joy, fellowship and celebration characterised by optimism and great expectations in the new year. Activities at the event included a thanksgiving service marked by soul-lifting songs of praise to God, intercessory prayers, community interaction, ballad rendition, exhortation, colourful cultural performances that showcased the rich heritage of the people of Ekpene Ibia, presentation of gifts items, and award of scholarships to 10 students in tertiary institutions, two from each ward of neighbouring communities along the Mbak Etoi-Issiet Beach Road that comprises a total of 5 wards, with 4 in Uruan LGA and 1 in Uyo LGA.
Delivering a sermon during the thanksgiving service on the topic "Choices and Mission in Life", Rt. Rev. Edem Offiong, Bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Mbiaso, who drew his exhortation from Genesis 19:17 and 1 Samuel 30:8 stated that those like David and Lot who acknowledge and rely on God in their lives do not experience failures. Commending the Okon family for always putting God first in their lives and their humanitarian dispositions, the Man of God also described thanksgiving as a vital expression of appreciation to God which attracts more blessings. He encouraged members of the community to always thank God for His goodness in the past year while seeking His guidance and direction in the New Year.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Sir Okon Okon, who is the Executive Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), noted that the New Year Thanksgiving and Community Get-Together is an annual event instituted by the family to express love, gratitude, and unity within the community. According to him, the gathering provides an opportunity for community members to collectively thank God for His immeasurable benevolence, interact as one family, share concerns and meals together, and benefit from scholarships awarded to deserving students through the Sir and Lady Okon Scholarship Foundation, as part of the family’s contribution to community development.
Sir Okon further noted that the initiative reflects the inclusive and people-centred leadership philosophy of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D., who, through the ARISE Agenda, has emphasized togetherness and unity as catalyst for sustainable development and collective progress in the State.
He said, "Like we have done previously every first day of a new year, it was necessary we gather again in 2026 to thank God for preserving our lives in the past year, handover ourselves, our dreams for the new new year, and the community to Him".
Also speaking, Lady Uwem Okon Okon, a legal practitioner and fitness expert, described thanksgiving and sharing as a long-standing family tradition that strengthens their bond with God and kindredship with Ekpene Ibia and the wider Uruan community. She noted that the event gives the family a deep sense of belonging and provides an avenue to positively impact lives in practical and meaningful ways.
In their testimonies, two previous beneficiaries of the Sir Okon & Uwem Foundation, Mr. Imebong Edem, who recently graduated from the University , and Mr. Imoh Etim, who was supported with business grant, both appreciated the benefactors for giving them a footing in life.
High point of the event was the bestowment of the Chieftaincy title of "Obong Unwana" on Sir Okon Okon by the Council of Chiefs, Ikot Otoinye, Uruan local government area, in recognition of his contributions to the growth and development of Uruan and Akwa Ibom State.
Present at the event were prominent sons and daughters of Uruan Local Government Area, including members of Ekpene Ibia Village Council, led by His Highness, Obong Sebastian Okon; His Highness, Col Etim Nyong (rtd) and wife; House Member, representing Uruan in the State House of Assembly, Dr. Itorobong Etim; Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Efiok of St. Dominic Catholic Church of Perpetual Adoration, Brooks Street, Uyo; MD/CEO, Ibom Mortgage Bank, Pastor Ime Okon; friends from the Diaspora led by Barr. Hope Umanah, among others.
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