By Christopher Tom, Uyo
The Oro Unity Forum has given thanks to God for a successful year marked by peace and unity, having recorded no death among its members.
The thanksgiving service, held at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Uyo, attracted a large and impressive congregation, with the church filled to capacity in what many described as a symbolic and triumphant gathering of the Oro people.
The event drew traditional rulers, political leaders, business executives, captains of industry, clergy, and faithful members of the church, all of whom added colour and significance to the occasion.
Speaking with journalists after the service, the Chairman of the Oro Unity Forum, Elder Prince Victor Esu, described the absence of death among members throughout the year as a great miracle. He expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the forum despite various challenges, noting that faith, courage, and unity had remained their guiding principles.
According to him, the forum has continued to witness growth, with more people expressing interest in joining. He highlighted several empowerment initiatives carried out by the forum, including educational support through the distribution of exercise books to students across the Oro Local Government Areas, as well as health programmes that greatly benefited elderly persons.
Elder Esu emphasized that prayers remain the backbone of the forum’s activities, adding that the group consistently promotes peace, unity, and progress among the Oro people. He stressed that the unity handed down by their forefathers is non-negotiable, noting that the forum upholds law-abiding conduct and continually prays for good governance and leaders who fear God.
He urged members to remain committed to the vision of the forum and commended them for their massive turnout at the thanksgiving service.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Elders Council and CPC Chairman of the Oro Unity Forum, Comrade Elder Iniobong Edmond, thanked God for the grace bestowed on the forum to serve the people across the Oro Local Government Areas despite numerous challenges. He reaffirmed the forum’s resolve to continue pursuing its mission and vision without fear or favour, noting that the forum’s leadership style has become a model for other organisations.
He encouraged members to remain steadfast and hopeful, assuring them that the forum is growing stronger both spiritually and physically, and expressing confidence that the coming year would usher in greater and unmerited favour.
An associate member, Dr. Paul, also commended the forum for its impactful programmes, urging members not to relent in their efforts. He described the forum as divinely inspired and expressed optimism that God would continue to guide and uplift the Oro people.
Our correspondent reports that the thanksgiving celebration also featured a rich display of Oro cultural heritage, including traditional foods, drinks, music, and dances. Guests were treated to various delicacies while cultural troupes entertained the audience with traditional dances, as Oro women rendered melodious songs that captivated onlookers at the church’s Christmas village.