Ekpedeme Moffat Effanga Takes Over QIC Leadership … As Rev. (Dr.) Victor Phillip Bows Out

Rev. Ekpedeme Moffat Effanga, a 40 year old clergy, from Uyo South Superintendency of Qua Iboe Church, Nigeria, has finally taken over the mantle of leadership of the 129 year old church, founded 1887, by the late Rev. Samuel Alexander Bill.

In a solemn service held recently at the National headquarters of the church, located at No 168, Aka Road, Uyo, the out-gone acting chairman of Qua Iboe church, handed over the mantle of leadership of the church to Rev. Ekpedeme Moffat Effanga, with the handing over of the church Seal. With the handing-over of the church seal, documents, keys, assets and liabilities of the church, Rev. Ekpedeme Moffat Effanga has become the 19^th Chairman of Conference/ General-Superintendent of Qua Iboe church, Nigeria.

In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman of Conference/General Superintendent of Qua Iboe Church, Nigeria, the  Rev. Effanga, expressed thanks to God for  establishing, expanding, preserving and protecting the church though three centuries-   from 1887 till date. Rev. Effanga, who said the taking-over exercise marked the commencement of a new era and the dawn of a new beginning in Qua Iboe church, Nigeria, appreciated all who contributed to the success of the one-day conference held on 30th June, 2016, to elect him as the substantive General Superintendent/Chairman of Conference. He reiterated that, he will depend on the word of God and prompt leading of the Holy Spirit to guide him in operating an- all-inclusive administration and appealed for maximum support from all members and non-members alike.

In his handing over speech, the Eight-months  out-gone acting Chairman of conference, Rev (Dr.) Victor Phillip who came on board through an election on Thursday, November 26^th, 2016, during a one-day National conference at Ibeno, said he was handing-over a Qua Iboe church founded 1887, with 560 congregations and over one million members to the new Chairman of conference. Rev. (Dr.) Phillip who took the new chairman of conference on inspection tour of the Conference office and facilities, had earlier in his homily drawn from Joshua 1: 1-7, admonished the new Chairman of Conference/General Superintendent, Rev. Ekpedeme Effanga, to be wary of sycophants but to always seek wisdom, knowledge and understanding from God to enable him lead the mammoth flock he was given to shepherd.

He expressed thanks to God for using him to fill the vacant office of the chairman of conference/General Superintendent to direct the affairs of the church following the death of the 18^th chairman of conference, Rev. S. D. Essien, who died in active service.

In their separate messages at the occasion, the representative of the Trustee of Qua Iboe Church, Nigeria (founded 1887) Rtd. Major-General Elder Edet Akpan, the National President of Men Fellowship, Elder Bassey Edoho, the National Women President, Deaconess Roselyn Udobia and the National Youth Fellowship President, Mr. Emmanuel Eshiet, all appreciated God for the successful taking-over by the new General Superintendent/Chairman of Conference and prayed for God’s mercies, grace and favour for his administration.

The event featured  the proclamation for the handing over/taking-over ceremony by the General Secretary of Conference Elder Godwin Obot, and witnessed by the Conference Treasurer, Elder Jones, the Provost of Samuel Bill Theological College, Abak, Rev. Udoudo, Board of Trustees, Area conferences chairmen, superintendents, Rev. Pastors, church fellowships, invited guests, members and the wife of the new chairman, Deaconess Victoria Ekpedeme Effanga. The new chairman also  reviewed a parade mounted by the Boys/Girls Brigade. Preceding the handing/taking-over ceremony, was an appreciation service held on Sunday 31^st July, 2016 at Qua Iboe Church, Stadium Road, Abak, for the out-gone, acting Chairman of Conference, Rev.(Dr.) Victor Phillip.

The service chaired by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Deacon Aniekan Umanah was attended by a former Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning, Elder Eno Akpan, members of the board of trustees, church officials and fellowships, friends and invited guests.

In his homily at the occasion, the new Chairman of Conference/General Superintendent, Rev. Ekpedeme Effanga, who drew his message from Luke gospel story of the Centurion, emphasized that, all good deeds and service usually attract reward and called on all to give generously to the out-gone acting chairman of conference for his selfless service to the church. Speaking, at the occasion, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Deacon Aniekan Umanah commended the church hierarchy for hosting a peaceful and successful convention to elect a new chairman and for organizing the service for the erstwhile chairman, Rev. (.Dr) Philip in appreciation of his work during his eight months administration and called on all lovers of God to support the worthy cause.

The service featured, donations to Rev./Deaconess Victor Phillip, Song ministration by the family of Rev. (Dr.) Victor Phillip, praise and worship by the congregation, as well as thanksgiving,