The Everlasting Christ Gospel Mission International, Uyo, on Sunday, November 2, 2025, marked its 29th Anniversary in grand style, featuring a thanksgiving service and award ceremony that brought together notable personalities m across Akwa Ibom State.
The event which took place at the Church’s headquarters in Mbiaobong Etoi, Uyo was a celebration of faith, service, and humanitarian impact, with several distinguished individuals honoured for their contributions to community development and leadership.
Highlight of the celebration was the conferment of a special honour on the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, who was appointed Patron of the Chaplain Hospitallar and Human Initiative (CHAHI); a Federal Government-recognized humanitarian and social development organization.
Presenting the certificate of appointment, the Commandant-General of CHAHI, Most Rev. Friday Ibanga, described Comrade John as “a man of honour and virtue whose service to society reflects the ideals of true leadership.”
He commended the NUJ Chairman for his humility, compassion, and consistency in amplifying information that promotes individual and societal growth. According to him, Comrade John’s emergence as NUJ Chairman and his continuous community involvement are testaments to his leadership excellence and humanity-driven journalism, hence, the reason for the appointment.
Dr. Ibanga further asserted that the decision to honour Comrade John was informed by his track record of humility, integrity, empathy, and commitment to causes that advance the welfare of others.
His words; “He is a humble and intelligent young leader whose compassion and dedication to human development stand out, therefore, today, we celebrate him as a model of service and excellence,” he stated.
Responding, Comrade Nsibiet John expressed profound gratitude to God for life, grace, and the opportunity to serve. He thanked the leadership of the Everlasting Christ Gospel Mission for finding him worthy of recognition, describing the honour as a call to greater responsibility.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting humanitarian initiatives across Akwa Ibom State and beyond, noting that the world needs “right-thinking individuals who can make proactive decisions to create a better society.”
The NUJ Chairman also appreciated Rev. Ibanga for his spiritual leadership and dedication to the holistic growth of his congregation. According to him, he is not just a preacher but a mentor who genuinely cares about the wellbeing and progress of his members.”
Other dignitaries honoured during the event were His Eminence Amb. Paul Dowells; Barr. John Johnstone, Mr. Henry Ekpenyong, Hon. Chief Emmanuel Owhoakpor, and Prince Nkamare Kokoette Robby, among others.
In attendance were Comrade Amos Etuk, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media; Comrade Anthony Udoh, Special Assistant on News; and Comrade Victor Ukpong, Special Assistant on Print Media, alongside several journalists and church leaders who graced the colourful ceremony.
