Eket Christian Fathers Unite At Easter To Reclaim City’s Glories
By Eme Arthur
Against the backdrop of deteriorating state of Eket, a one time vibrant economic and tourism hub of Akwa Ibom State, the Christian fathers have staged a praise and prayer march across major streets and landmarks of the city to reclaim her glory. The streets of Eket came alive with songs of praise, shouts of victory and fervent prayers as Christian fathers across denominations gathered for the Eket Jesus Victory March on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. Organized by the Eket Christian Fathers’ Forum in collaboration with the wider Eket Christian Community, the event, themed “If I Be Lifted Up” (John 12:32), marked a historic moment of spiritual declaration over the land.
The march, which took from Eket Local Government Secretariat, witnessed a remarkable turnout of believers united under the banner of Christ was a powerful spiritual experience that left an indelible mark on all who participated. Clad in colorful attire and waving banners boldly declaring Christ’s victory, participants poured into the streets, with joyful praise, passionate prayers and resounding declarations of hope. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the spirit of Easter’s triumphant message.
Quest Media’s inspirational correspondent was on ground to capture the passion and hear the voices behind this significant gathering.
Speaking to our correspondent, Apostle Boice Ndede, Secretary of the Planning Committee, ventilated on the event. “This is not the first of its kind,” he noted. “But it is the largest we’ve ever seen. We split into groups to cover major parts of the town, business areas, hospitals, and significant centers like the Marina axis where economic activities once thrived. We made prophetic declarations over these areas, believing that God will cause the land to yield her increase once again.”
Ndede emphasized that the march was driven by a deep spiritual concern over rising social vices like kidnapping, restiveness, and economic decline.
Eket Christian Fathers Marching Across Streets, Proclaiming Christ’s Victory Over The City
“When things are not going right, we must rise and declare change. Just like in 2 Chronicles 20, where every group in the community had a role to play to bring God’s intervention, we knew it was time for all men, women, elders and youths to act intentionally,” he explained.
Also lending his voice, Pastor McPhyll Philips, Coordinating Chairman for the march, described the event as a fulfillment of divine instruction.
“Inspired by the biblical account of the walls of Jericho, we walked through the city declaring Jesus’ Lordship over every resistance. As we lifted the name of Jesus up in Eket, He will draw men to Himself and establish His glory in this land,” Philips said.
At the heart of this vision is Apostle Sam Essien, Chairman of the Eket Christian Fathers’ Forum, who first received the divine burden towards the programme.
“God dropped this vision in my heart,” Essien recounted. “It was clear that we could no longer watch the deterioration around us. By lifting up Jesus through this march, we believe He will heal Eket, Akwa Ibom, and even Nigeria. Our obedience will yield tremendous blessings.”
Essien clarified that although gatherings and prayers had been held in previous years, this year’s march was unique and Spirit-led.
“For the past few years, we only gathered to pray. This year, God instructed us to physically walk across the land and declare His Lordship over it.”
Rev. Dr. Acho Matthew, a member of the Eket Christian Fathers Forum and pastor at Church of God Mission, reflected on the critical timing of the event.
“When satanic activities like kidnappings and killings began infiltrating the land, God opened our eyes to the need for united action. Beyond addressing these vices, this march fostered an unprecedented unity among churches in Eket, a powerful force the devil cannot withstand.”
Indeed, unity was a recurring theme throughout the media interaction. Pastor Otu AssamUdo, Secretary of the Fathers Forum and pastor at Assemblies of God Church, highlighted the collective spirit behind the programme. “It was not about denominations. We came as one Christian community with a singular purpose: to lift up Jesus. It’s not by might or power, but by the Spirit of God, and we trust that the impact of today’s march will be evident in the land.”
Participants marched through key landmarks, stopping to pray and prophesy restoration over schools, hospitals, business districts, and residential areas. The fathers led with authority, supported by younger believers and church groups, symbolizing a generational partnership for spiritual transformation.
As shouts of hallelujah echoed across Eket, it was clear that the Jesus Victory March 2025 was more than an event—it was a faith movement, a prophetic declaration that light must overtake darkness, and that Eket shall indeed witness a new dawn.
