The much awaited and talked about conversion of the hilltop where late Mary Slessor, the missionary who stopped the killing of twins, lived, into a tourist centre, has kicked off.
Prelate Emeritus of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Udo Ekpenyong, laid the foundation for the Mary Slessor Chapel and tourist centre at Use Ikot Oku in Ibiono Ibom Local Government area, Akwa Ibom State.
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The 200 capacity sitting Chapel is the start of a tourism complex which would house other facilities for all Christians, lovers of God and adherents of the late missionary, popularly known as ‘Mma Slessor’.
The building, which is being sponsored by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Glory Edet, is intended to be one of the structures that would immortalise Mma Slessor and her works in the community.
Speaking during the foundation-laying ceremony of the Chapel, Dr Udo Ekpenyong said the exercise was part of a legacy by the Presbyterian Church in Nigeria to propagate the name of the missionary.
“We are followers of Christ. Our amiable daughter, Mrs Glory Edet, the Commissioner of Agriculture, has volunteered to build this Chapel. We cannot give her the time limit; she has set time for herself and the resources that would come from it.
“The Chapel would benefit not only the immediate community but the world at large. People would come from far and near to pray and God would hear their prayers as He heard the prayers of Mary Slessor for about 175 years ago that she came here.
Also speaking, a Trustee of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church in Nigeria, Elder Mrs Rita Ekanem, said the long, overdue project was a starting point of good things, noting that the Chapel was going to be prayer booth for all Christians.
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