Methodist prelate, Gov. Nwifuru speak on kingdom service, Nation building, Unity

…As Archbishop, Igwe warns Nigerians to shun hypocrisy, use of Christianity to actualize selfish interests

Abah Joshua

The Methodist Prelate, His eminence Dr Oliver Ali Aba who inaugurated the Archdiocese of Ebonyi and enthroned the pioneer Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Chikwendu Ogan Igwe has emphasized the need for nation building and unity in Nigeria.

The inauguration of the Archdiocese of Ebonyi and enthronement of Igwe took place at the cathedral of the Holy Trinity Methodist Church opposite Ebonyi hotels Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State.

The Archbishop of Ebonyi, Dr. Igwe who delivered a sermon shortly after his enthronement by the Prelate, warned Christians in Nigeria to shun hypocrisy and the use of Christianity to actualize selfish interests in the country.

Dr. Igwe who inaugurated Prof. Sunday Onwe as the Archdiocesan lay president of Ebonyi among other Archdiocesan offices, however, tasked christians to fulfill God’s divine agenda for their lives and should ignore all the external factors; ignorance, fear, or lack of courage or selfishness, that affects kingdom service and nation building.

According to him; “Regrettably, with all the special endowments of God for the building of the kingdom and our nation in our time or generation, we at times fail to live up to this divine expectation and agenda of God, or as a result of other external factors that work against victorious Christian service, like ignorance, fear, or lack of courage or selfishness.

“These are elements that can affect the fulfilling of power, the divine agenda of God in our life, as agents in the building of the church, or the nation, or the state.

He further called on christians to fulfill God’s divine agenda for their lives; “Some of us can be referred to tragedy of destiny because the purpose of God for making you who you are, endowing you, is yet to be realized.And if you live your life, I live my life, without fulfilling God’s agenda, you fall into the class of tragedy of destiny.

“As God’s workers, we urge you not to receive God’s Grace in vain.And I want to say to all of us that has been endowed with capacity, with so many endowments for building of the church and the state, receive not that grace in vain.
“Let that grace be activated for the purpose of mission building, that your day will be accomplished as one who fulfills the divine agenda.

“They (Nigerians) are using Christianity to actualize selfish interests.They are using Christianity for different purposes and that is the greatest tragedy. But I acknowledge the faith in you that is more sincere” he stated.
In a remark, the governor of Ebonyi State Francis Nwifuru, however declared his administration’s preparedness to partner the Archdiocese of Ebonyi, to enhance grassroots unity and progress in the state.

He said: “Here in Ebonyi, the Methodist Church has been a vital partner in our collective efforts to build a better Ebonyi State. For instance through the schools, hospitals, and social programs, the Church has contributed immensely to the development of our people.

“As a government, we acknowledge and appreciate these efforts, and will continue to support and collaborate with the Church in every way possible.My administration anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda firmly believes that governance is not just about physical infrastructure. I believe the government is also about the moral and spiritual well-being of the people.

“A society that lacks moral values and spiritual guidance cannot truly prosper. That is why we recognize the Church as a critical partner in our developmental agenda.

“Ebonyi State under my watch, will continue to work closely with the Church to promote peace, good governance, and social justice. We remain committed to supporting religious institutions in their mission to uplift the lives of our people” he stated.

Responding, the Archdiocesan lay president of Ebonyi, Prof. Sunday Onwe and other officers pledged to perform their duties in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of Methodist Church Nigeria and in canonical obedience to the prelate and to God Almighty.