Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, has promised to dedicate his life to the service of God and the State.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after cutting his birthday cake in the midst of members of the state executive council at the end of the weekly meeting, Imoke said he was grateful to almighty God for sparing his life and using him as an instrument to touch people's lives.
Imoke expressed that he is privileged to be accepted by Cross Riverians and thanked them for accepting him as their Chief servant while promising to serve them with humility and also ensure that true democracy is felt across the State.
The Governor remarked that he felt strong and happy at 52 which called for more commitment in actualizing the positive change project in the State.
Governor Imoke, his daughter Ledal and Brother, Arch Efa Imoke later celebrated their 50th and first birthdays respectively with a well attended thanksgiving service at Presbyterian Church, Hope Waddel Parish, Calabar.
He commended his brother, Efa for his strength and capacity and also thanked God for his baby daughter who was celebrating her birthday.
Efa Imoke said he came with his family and friends to celebrate his birthday but did not know it coincided with the church's revival programme, whose theme was in line with the occasion which turned to be for him.
Efa described the service as his brother's first birthday celebration after the rumor about his death.
Rev. Nsa Eyo in his word ministration, which was focused on vision and mission as related to mandate, said the birthday should be a reflection of what the Governor has done for the State as well as how he has served God, and urged those without mission to read the bible.
Eyo observed that some people are operating below their brain capacity and asked them to seek the face of God to actualize their potential, and use them for the benefit of mankind and to the glory of God.
At a birthday reception which was principally meant for Efa Venetian Event place, Governor Imoke remarked that the celebrant, though troublesome as a youth, was loved by everyone because he was peculiar and managed to be on top of his class and passionate about what he wanted to be.
He said though both of them are similar, the difference between them is hard to describe in words and that Efa is a key adviser to the Governor and referred to him as," a fine gentleman, focued on giving who spends time, energy, resources and self on other people, There is plenty to talk about him."
The wife of the Governor, Mrs. Obioma Imoke, said Efa is more of a friend than a brother-in-law, who stands as a solid rock between her husband and her, and he and her husband behave like twins as well as think alike.
Mrs. Imoke thanked God for the bond and relationship which exists in the family and wished the trio happy birthday.
One of the Governor's elder brother, Mr. Eval Imoke, said Efa had come a long way and has grown to become a dynamic family man, who is always attending to people and would continue to pray for him to grow from strength to strength.
Special Adviser, Governor's Office, Mr. Nzan Ogbe, in a welcome address, said Efa is someone he holds in high regards who touches people in various ways, adding that the turn out at the reception was a reflection of his acceptance and recognition of a personality who spends his weekends attending people's activities.
Highlights of the reception were the cutting of the birthday cake by Efa, and unity cake by members of the Imoke family as well as musical presentations by young Imoke's led by the Governor's first daughter, Elenda Imoke and comedy.
Congratulations to the governor. He has done very well for the state so far but we all hope he does more