Bishop Mike Edouk Pushes For Inclusion of Spiritual Development In The Arise Agenda

Have you ever bothered to ask why many great developments trajectories fail to achieve their intended impact in lasting transformation of the human development? Sometimes, we wake with brilliant people oriented development plans and their workable milestones, yet at the end of it all, nothing tangible is achieved, as the next administration returns to the same spots, with new development tags. The circle keeps spinning, and as years pass by, we keep wondering what went wrong; why were the funds energies expended didn’t culminate into solving the identied problem.

For two years now, the ARISE agenda programmes of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno Ph.D has taken firm roots in the State. Several development strides are ongoing towards the accomplishment of the development vision of the Governor. Unlike the development agendas of former governors of the State Uncommon Transformation by then Obong Dr. Godswill Akpabio, now Senate President of the 10th
National Assembly and the Dakkada development strides of Deacon Udom Emmanuel, the ARISE agenda, is quite uniquely different.

The word ARISE has strong spiritual depth that cannot just be taken as an ordinary development nomenclature of the Pastor Umo Eno Ph.D administration; there is a strong
spiritual connection that begs for not only recognition but adaptation for broader transformation, greater benefits to the citizens and lasting development signature of Pastor Umo Eno PhD administration in Akwa Ibom State, that will transcend several years to come.

The tragedy of the Nigerian national government is that as soon as the new president comes to power, the previous administration is decimated as wasteful, inept and a cesspool of fraud that eroded away nation’s resources. Akwa Ibom State under ARISE agenda will not pale into such oblivion, and this is why prompt acknowledgment of spiritual development as an integral part of the implementation of ARISE
agenda becomes more impelling.

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT?

It is a deliberate cultivation and understanding of purpose, meaning and connection of the citizens
to their creator. This is devoid of religions but enthrones values, ethics, sound moral ethos and
awareness of spiritual principles that guide individuals and communities towards a fulflling
and responsible living. Spiritual development for ARISE agenda implementation supposes that deliberate education and integration of this concept be pursued in pari passu of the implementation of
the ARISE agenda programmes. The danger of pushing for mass development under ARISE agenda without inclusion of spiritual development is like implanting veggies on the first or second soil that will expose the germinates to scorching sun and choking thistles.

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION FOR SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” This powerful verse underscores God’s creative power, his desire for development and understanding of purpose of development for humanity. The word ARISE is a command from the creator God to us to rise up to the human, infrastructure and capital development responsibilities of his representatives on this earth. Understanding this secret will save our youth from indulgence in crimes, drug addiction and destructive
behaviours, as the youth furnished with this knowledge will recognize themselves as partners in the development trajectories of the State.

INTEGRATION OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT INTO THE ARISE
AGENDA

It is the cultivation of citizens’ strong sense of purpose, values and moral principles that will
harvest more well-rounded and responsible citizens who will understand the place of governance for the good of the people. The process requires training, public discourse, education and integration of spiritual
development objectives in all facets of life.

Just as ARISE agenda programmes take the centre stage in public discourse, the spiritual development yearns for prompt recognition, attention and implementation for the good of the citizens and lasting signature on the development trajectories of the administration of Pastor Umo Eno PhD that will transcend several administrations in years to come.

HOW SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT CAN BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARISE
AGENDA

Spiritual Development can form part of the Security or Education and Health in the ARISE agenda. A new pillar, Spiritual Development, be introduced and developed that will focus Spiritual awareness, education and communication to deepen understanding of the root of ARISE, not just an acronym but as God’s command for all to rise up and contribute their quota for a comprehensive approach to growth
and development. This will help enhance holistic and sustainable development that addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the community.

For more information on spiritual development, contact Dr. Mike Edouk on 09010006448.