By Michael Effiong

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Udom Emmanuel, successful businessmen and philanthropists, Akanimoh Udofia and Sir Kesington Adebutu were among eminent Nigerians that gathered in Lagos to honour and celebrate His Eminence, Prelate Sunday Mbang.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Justice Mary Abounu, Wife of Deputy Governor of Benue State, Governor Udom Emmanuel & Representative of Sir Adebutu

Held at the Admiralty Centre, Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event which was organized by Chief Obasanjo also witnessed the launch of Mbang’s book: My Life & Times (A Memoir).

President Obasanjo who came adorning a full Ibibio traditional attire, in his speech, described Dr. Mbang as a lover of Nigeria.

Dr Sunday Mbang, Governor Udom, Justice Mary Abounu & His Royal Highness

According to him “We are here to honour somebody we should honour and learn from. We are here to show we genuinely love and appreciate him for the service he has rendered to the Christian community in this country and world over. And to assure him that whatever happens we will continue to work for unity, peace, security and progress of this country.

“There are many people high and low who can be described as enemies of Nigeria but they will not win over those who are friends of Nigeria.

Dr Sunday Mbang with Mr Akanimoh Udofia

Governor Udom Emmanuel in his remarks poured encomiums on the celebrant describing him as a shining example and a worthy citizen of the state. He wished him God’s continued protection.

Justice Mary Abounu, wife of the Benue State Deputy Governor who represented Governor Ortom also praised Dr Mbang for spreading the word across Nigeria.

She thanked him for his work when he was President, Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) and called him a good friend of Benue people.

In his remarks before launching the book with N10million, Mr Akanimoh Udofia said it was a honour to be invited to celebrate such a great personage.

According to him “I think I can speak for the majority of us by saying that we are filled with reverence and gratitude to be able to partake of this special occasion with him and I would like to give special thanks to His Eminence for this great privilege and opportunity. I for one, particularly feel a great deal of humility at the privilege to have been given the opportunity to be the Special Guest and Co-Launcher of his book. I thank you most sincerely Your Eminence.

“ I wish to reiterate what this great man means to us and our society and to pay homage to his personage and his legacy of excellence which is the essence of this great book.

“we are foremost honouring one of our greatest role models. He has created a legacy of excellence personified by living a holy life in diligent service to all. His life has been one of giving and of sacrifice, deeply devoted to helping others through his numerous outreach programmes. For those who have been privileged to know him personally, they can testify of his great compassion, where he continues to exemplify the Christ-like love for others, and selfless sacrifice as he continuously reaches out to help those in need.

“ In fact, even just this week, as part of his 85th birthday celebration, he hosted 85 people living with disabilities across the 3 senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom State as well as other selfless acts of benevolence as he strives to reach out to as many people as he can with the message of God’s love and care.

In his service to the Lord for over 22 years as the 1st Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, he has been an inspirational teacher of the gospel and a great role model. His biblical counsel has been a solid foundation for us all, providing us with wisdom and sound doctrine by which to conduct our lives in reverence to God. His prayers for us and for our beautiful Akwa Ibom State has opened the heavens to pour God’s blessings on our state as we continue to seek prosperity for our people.

His life has also notably been devoted to unity and peace, both of the church and of our nation. A testimony to this is his appointment as the elected head of all Methodist churches and being a recipient of the World Peace Award. These accolades are an acknowledgement of his success in bringing unity to the church and promoting peace in our nation.

His book is a precious gift to our society as it represents the embodiment of all that he is and serves as a longstanding tribute to his great legacy that commemorates his life lessons, his profound wisdom, his sound biblical counsel and his immense contributions to our society over the past decades”

Apart from Udofia, Odole of Ife, Sir Kessington Adebutu and others also launched the book with hefty sums which was evidence that Prelate Mbang had indeed lived an impactful 85 years on earth.