As the sun rose over Akwa Ibom, the Ministry of Works and Fire Service Auditorium transformed into a vibrant hub of joy, echoing with hymns of praise, gratitude, and festive cheer.
Staff, management, and special guests converged for a Christmas Carol service that would transcend the ordinary, becoming a testament to faith, family, and shared purpose.
The air inside the Ministry of Works and Fire Service Auditorium was thick with praise, gratitude and festive cheer as staff, management and invited guests gathered early this morning for a Christmas Carol service that blended worship, reflection and renewed commitment to service.
From the first note of praise at about 8:00 a.m., it was clear that the event would be more than a routine Monday morning service, it was a celebration of faith, family and shared purpose. The carol service was attended by the Honourable Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Professor Eno Ibanga and his wife, Dr (Mrs.) Ebi Eno Ibanga; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ignatius Ekwere; Heads of Directorates and staff of the Ministry.
Also present were representatives of the Directorate of Politics and Good Governance (DPGG) and the Managing Director of Inspiration FM, Mr. Silas Ufot, adding colour and externall goodwill to the occasion. Addressing the joyous crowd, Prof. Ibanga reaffirmed his commitment to driving the mandate of the Ministry in alignment with the ARISE Agenda, expressing deep appreciation to the Permanent Secretary, Directors and staff for their dedication and loyalty to the Ministry’s vision.
The Commissioner noted that the collective commitment of the management and staff, has translated into visible successes and steady progress in service delivery. He further harped on the need for respect for hierarchy within the system, urging staff to cultivate a culture of mutual respect and to genuinely celebrate one another’s growth and advancement.
Prof. Ibanga emphasized the importance of strong family bonds as the foundation for personal fulfilment and professional success, while pouring heartfelt encomiums on his wife, describing her as a dependable source of counsel and support whose advice, has played a critical role in his success in life and public service Stressing the essence of compassion, the Commissioner encouraged staff to share whatever they are blessed with, reminding them that many less-privileged people depend on the kindness of others, especially during the festive season.
He concluded by urging everyone to trust God’s guidance in their individual journeys towards greater heights. In a moment that sparked excitement and appreciation across the auditorium, the Commissioner announced a bonus for staff, in addition to the bags of rice earlier distributed, describing the gesture as a token of love and solidarity in the spirit of the yuletide. In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ekwere expressed profound gratitude to God for preservation of lives to witness the celebration, describing it as evidence of God’s undeserved kindness to humanity.
He referred to the Commissioner as a father and a God-sent gift to the Ministry, commending him for the visible transformations recorded under his leadership. Mr. Ekwere noted that through the Commissioner’s magnanimity, various departments have experienced a new touch of sophistication—from improved office furniture that enhances workplace comfort to better welfare conditions for staff.
He also appreciated the Commissioner’s wife for honouring the event with her presence and offered prayers for God’s protection over the families of all staff members. The Permanent Secretary concluded by thanking the staff for their dedication towards achieving the Ministry’s vision and mission, while also appreciating their active participation in the Christmas Carol service, which he described as a fitting close to a productive year.
Earlier, the service had been preceded by soul-lifting praise and worship sessions that set a reverent and joyful tone for the gathering. The Ministry’s Chaplain, Apostle Ntia Ntia, led the order of service, anchoring the programme with prayers and spiritual reflections. The first Bible reading, taken from Isaiah 9:6–9, was read by the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mrs. Leonie Ekong, while the second reading, Luke 2:7, was delivered by Apostle Samuel Akwang of the Ministry’s Chaplaincy, both passages reinforcing the message of hope, divine purpose and the gift of Christ.
Adding colour and rhythm to the service, Directors from the Planning, Research and Statistics, Geotechnical Services, Administration and Supplies, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Accounts Directorates took turns in conducting the rendition of Christmas carols. The Ministry’s choristers, resplendent in red and white attire, captivated the audience with powerful and heartfelt performances that drew admiration and applause.
The event ended on a note of joy, renewed faith and collective gratitude, leaving participants with lasting memories of a season marked not only by celebration, but by unity, generosity and purpose.
INFORMATION/PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT MOW&FS 22/12/2025.
