AKWA IBOM IS AT A TURNING POINT FOR GREATNESS – PRELATE PROF. ISAIAH ISSONG
Prelate Prof. Isaiah Issong is the President General of Fathers In Faith for Good governance and Vice Chairman II of Akwa Ibom State Christian Leadership Advisory Council (AKSCLAC). He is a consummate academic and one of the 500 most intelligent persons in the world, as awarded by Cambridge University, England. He trained in USA and was offered opportunity to lecture in some universities but his love for God, Akwa Ibom and Nigeria persuaded him to relocate home to serve the kingdom and humanity as the Prelate of The Believers Assembly (Evang.) Nigeria. He is a respected voice of the church and a rallying point of Christian leaders who have venerated him as the Spiritual father of the land of Akwa Ibom State. As a researcher, he combines academic prowess with spiritual depth for broader understanding of life and spirituality. In this short interview, he stressed attaining 38 years is a remarkable feat that repositions the State for greatness. Excerpts
As a Christian father and elder Statesman, how do you personally feel about Akwa Ibom State clocking 38 years?
Akwa Ibom state at 38. I believe they talk about life, leadership, and ARISE in action. That has to do with the rundown of state creation. It must be noted that Akwa Ibom State was created on the 23rd September 1987 by the Federal Military Government under General Ibrahim Babangida. It was carved out of Cross River State in response to the hearings of the Ibibio, Anang, Oron, and other peoples in the area for political identity, self-determination, and development.
How do I feel? Let me just say this. Over the years, successive administrations have built upon the foundations of urban planning, infrastructure, education, health, roads, and now tourism and agribusiness with increasing visibility.
Today, the state has evolved from scarce amenities to being one of the more stable, growing economies in Nigeria with a reputation for relative peace, strong educational institutions, and increasing public infrastructure. The memory that stands out prominently has to do with life-touching projects under the RISE Agenda, of our present administration under His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D. That stands out, taller than any and every other thing.
How would you compare Akwa Ibom at 38 with the lame man at Bethesda: is Akwa Ibom State still waiting at the pool or already walking?
The lame man had waited for 38 long years at the Pool of Bethesda, longing for his healing and deliverance. In the same way, Akwa Ibom has journeyed through 38 years of statehood, sometimes with delays, struggles, and challenges – waiting for full manifestation of her God-given destiny.
Secondly, the lame man said, “I have no man…” his efforts and expectations from others failed until Jesus came. Akwa Ibom, too, often depended on men or external promises, but today the state is experiencing divine visitation — God raising leaders with vision and the heart of a shepherd. When Jesus spoke the word: “Rise, take up your bed, and walk,” the man’s 38 years of stagnation ended in a moment of grace.
At 38, Akwa Ibom can be seen as entering a turning point season: moving from struggles into stability, development, and destiny fulfilment, especially under the ARISE Agenda that seeks to lift the state into holistic progress.
The healed man became a living testimony of God’s power. Likewise, Akwa Ibom at 38 is becoming a living testimony of God’s grace, showing that from “a once backward state” she is now counted among states making national impact in infrastructure, human development, agriculture, education, and peace.
Message in a nutshell: Just as the lame man’s 38 years of waiting ended in healing and new life, so also Akwa Ibom’s 38 years of journeying through challenges and triumphs is culminating in a season of divine upliftment and destiny fulfilment.
