The Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Apostle Frank Umo, has reaffirmed that the quarterly Cross River State Solemn Assembly remains a strategic platform for seeking God’s guidance, peace and blessings over the State.
Speaking during the 8th Edition of the Solemn Assembly held at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Hope Waddell Parish, Calabar, on Saturday, Apostle Umo said the initiative, instituted by the First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, continues to unite government officials, religious leaders and citizens in prayer for the peace, unity and prosperity of the State. He noted that the gathering reflects the administration’s recognition of God’s sovereignty in governance and the importance of committing the affairs of Cross River State into His hands. 
He explained that the Solemn Assembly is traditionally held at the Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC), but the 8th Edition was moved to the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Hope Waddell Parish due to the ongoing renovation of the CICC. He noted that the change of venue did not diminish the spiritual significance of the gathering, which remains a platform for seeking God’s direction for the State.
Apostle Umo urged Cross Riverians to remain steadfast in prayer for the Governor, his administration and the State, stressing that sustained intercession is essential for divine direction, wisdom and continued progress. He described the Solemn Assembly as a spiritual investment that has continued to strengthen hope, inspire faith and reinforce the collective commitment to the growth and development of Cross River State.
In his remarks, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, declared that the State is entering a new era of restoration, economic recovery and renewed opportunities following the successful recovery of several strategic state investments and assets that were once considered lost. He expressed gratitude to God for what he described as remarkable testimonies of restoration, saying the State had moved from a period of uncertainty to one of renewed hope, with opportunities that were previously out of reach now becoming realities.
The Governor disclosed that strategic state assets which many Cross Riverians had given up on had been successfully recovered, citing the transformation at the Cross River Rubber Estate and other reclaimed investments as evidence of his administration’s commitment to rebuilding the State’s economic base. According to him, the recovered assets will be leveraged to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and build a sustainable future for generations yet unborn.
Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible results that improve the lives of the people through enhanced security, economic prosperity and people-centred governance. “We want results on the ground. Let the lives of our people be better, let them be safe, and let there be hope, love and unity. Then progress is guaranteed,” he said, adding that his administration would remain focused on service delivery, undeterred by distractions, while recognising that all authority ultimately belongs to God.
Also earlier, Bishop Ofunmbuk Archibong, in a sermon titled The Season of God’s Reign, described the gathering as a prophetic moment of restoration for Cross River State. Drawing from Joel 2:25–27, she declared that God would restore all that had been lost, remove shame from His people and usher the State into a season of glory, abundance and lasting satisfaction.
The solemn gathering featured prayers, worship, Bible readings and exhortations, with the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Ph.D., delivering the First Bible Reading as part of the service.
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