A WELCOME SPEECH DELIVERED BY HRH UBONG (APOSTLE, .DR.) OWEN SYLVANUS UKAFIA, EDE VI, PARAMOUNT RULER OF EASTERN OBOLO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA/CHAIRMAN, AKWA IBOM STATE COUNCIL OF CHIEFS

TO

THE KING OF KINGS, THE LORD OF LORDS, HIS HOLINESS OLUMBA OLUMBA OBU ON THE OCCASION OF HIS COURTESY CALL ON SATURDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2003

PROTOCOL,

Thank you Father.

Far back in 1963, a young Journalist, then serving with Daily Times and stationed at Aba, was detailed to go down to Calabar to do a report. The Central figure of the report was then domiciled at #26 Mbukpa Street, Calabar. To the young Journalist, he thought the assignment was just an ordinary one. He did his reporting and confirmed to the whole world that a- 75 year old lady had miraculously given birth to a baby through the blessing of Leader Olumba Olumba Obu.

On 5th December 1979, this young Journalist appeared before the Holy Father for baptism. Another miracle happened. The Holy Father identified the journalist and proclaimed:

"My son, I have captured you. You made the world to know me. Your great grand father's crown is on your head. Nobody can take it from you."

Your Holiness, that young journalist was and is my humble self. The foretold crown has metamorphosed to my recent swearing-in as Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs.

I have repeated the above story as a confession of gratitude, expression of overflowing joy and deepest humility to receive the Lord of Lords. It is also to show that whatever He foretells must come to pass. No amount of earthly tribulations and open hostility can bring the world of the Holy Father to naught. It is never a mere coincidence that the King of Kings is visiting Akwa Ibom State at a time that one of his sons is on the earthly throne as the Chairman, State Council of Chiefs. The Holy of Holies is also worthy of praise that only recently, the Akwa Ibom State Leaders Representative, Pastor Abang o. Abang, was the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

I have immense delight, therefore, to welcome the Kings of Kings, Lord of Lords, to Akwa Ibom State. It is my unshakeable belief that the visit shall usher in peace, progress, prosperity, happiness, and harmony to this landscape called Akwa Ibom State and all its inhabitants. Generations yet unborn shall come to bask in the glory of this epoch making visit.

With the greatest humility, I want to wish the King of Kings a very joyous visit to Akwa Ibom State. I wish to congratulate all the Leaders involved in organizing this ecclesiastical event. I pray the Lord's blessing on them in particular and every person in Akwa Ibom State. I also wish to advise that we in the State should hearken to the gospel of love as a way of sustaining these divine blessings.

Once again, I thank the King of Kings for accepting to visit me.

Thank you, Father.