PROTOCOL:

1. My dear beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord. Today, history has been made as we gather for the first ever Christmas Carols organised by Mkpat Enin Local Government since her creation 35 years ago. It is with utmost humility, gratitude and joy that I stand before you to express our appreciation to God for standing with us and leading us every step of the way.

2. Tonight, we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, a season of hope, love and peace, as we commemorate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. The carols we sing today are more than just songs; they are declarations of the profound truth of Christmas, reminding us of the angelic message given to us over 2,000 years ago: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14).

3. This event is a platform where we unite as a community through the gift of music and worship. As we sing together, let us reflect on the incredible gift of Christ, who came into the world in the humblest of ways, a baby in a manger. His life is a message of love, teaching us to care for one another, forgive and extend a helping hand to those in need.

4. It’s a time for cultivating love, kindness and generosity and values that have the potential to create lasting positive change in our lives and the lives of those around us. In celebration of this, we have come to witness the power of music, transcending barriers and touching the depths of our souls. Each small act of goodwill can illuminate a life, bringing light to the darkest corners of our world.

5. Christmas is a time when hope fills the air, when merriment and goodwill permeate our hearts. Yet, amidst the glittering lights and festive cheer, it is essential to remember the reason for this season, the birth of our Saviour. In a world grappling with uncertainty, strife, and challenges, Jesus Christ remains the beacon of hope, offering solace and assurance to all who seek Him. His birth represents a promise, a divine covenant calling us out of darkness into His marvelous light. His life exemplifies limitless compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering love.

6. We have on hand, home-grown artistes such as our own Bobby Friga, Larry Sax, Gifthans Uyioata, Bliss Esu, Minister Joe, Eno Williams and Mercy Donald as well as other gospel artistes and choirs who are set to create unforgettable performances. I thank them for using their talents to glorify God. Let us continue to use our gifts to bring joy, hope, and love to others.

7. Beyond the singing ministers, we also had a fair share of indigenous preachers including Pastor Kenneth Moses who is the guest minister for tonight. May God continue to bless and enrich them.

8. I stand here as your Chairman to make a solemn pledge to serve you diligently; to apply the available resources to impact lives and change the trajectory of growth and development of our Local Government Area. I promise to engender a new Christ-centered administration, where the tones of peace, humility, love and unity of our people will form the binding articles of our engagements.

9. As a Local Government, we will continue our processes of moving Mkpat Enin forward with community and human capital development programmes and projects. We will continue to run an all-inclusive government that cuts across party lines.

10. We must eschew hatred and blackmail in our daily engagements. We must love our culture, our leaders and come to the understanding that, politics will come and politics will go, but Mkpat Enin spirit and blood that flows in us, will endure and bind us forever.

11. We all have a shared destiny in this noble project of making a new Mkpat Enin Local Government Area through my EMMANCIPATION agenda, of planting the seeds of prosperity in our land, where opportunities shall beckon, and our young men and women, earn a living, instead of begging for a living.

12. Therefore, as we open the curtains on the new era of Christmas Carols Festival in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, our stand is that the show must go on. We are going forward and never backward. Together, we will build the Mkpat Enin of our dream.

13. Thank you all for being here to celebrate this sacred season together. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year in advance! May God bless you and your families richly.

Long live Mkpat Enin Local Government Area!
Long live Akwa Ibom State!!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!