Obiano Preaches Peace And Harmonious Co-Existence At 54th Independence Church Service
Anambra State Chief Willie Obiano has called for peace and harmonious co-existence between religions and amongst Nigerians as a way of strengthening the bond and unity between various groups in the country and assured that Nigeria will emerge from its present difficulties stronger and more prosperous. Governor Obiano made the assertion while speaking on Sunday at a special church service at St Faith Anglican Cathedral Awka to mark Nigeria's fifty-fourth Independence Anniversary celebrations.
Obiano who read the First Lesson at the Service, said that the existence of peace is imperative to sustain progress of Nigeria, as well as the tremendous growth that Anambra State is witnessing in all sectors especially since the restoration of security has brought back normalcy. He said that his administration is continuing the policy of support and collaboration with the religious and promotion of inter-religious harmony and will continue to work with elders of the various denominations to rebuild moral rectitude and understanding amongst the faithful. According to the Governor, “I will soon host the association of Nights of the various denominations including and Anglicans and Catholics as part of our continuous engagement and collaboration aimed at promoting peace and mutual co-existence in Anambra.”
Governor Obiano explained that his administration's Wheels of Development which is hinged on the four-Pillars of Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, Oil & Gas and Industrialization is opening fresh windows of employment opportunities and wealth creation in Anambra. He disclosed that the state is targeting $1,9billion (USD) worth of investments before the end of the year;n while activities under the enablers including education has continued to record steady growth with students distinguishing themselves both in internal and external examinations, and called for collective effort to sustain the tempo.
On a national level, Obiano noted that already Nigeria has become the largest economy in Africa and will grow from strength to strength. He observed that as the country sustains its efforts in tackling the challenges of insurgency and the ongoing transformation programmes, Nigeria would soon be remodeled to take its rightful place amongst the comity of nations.
In his Sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Awka, Rt Rev. Alexander Ibezim called for proactive measures to tackle the problems of corruption and mass poverty by initiating programmes for youth employment while discouraging the prevailing trend towards materialism.
Bishop Ibezim stated that Nigeria requires quality and compassionate leaders with the fear of God who will stand on the truth and uphold the rule of the law. He commended Governor Obiano for ridding the state of criminals, and attracting investments, and called on all stakeholders to support the Governor's effort to give Awka a befitting status.
Reacting to the church sermon and governor Obiano's remarks Chief Mike Omeife, said that it is very clear that when the righteous are on the thrown the people are exulted. “You can see that Governor Obiano is indeed that governor Ndi Anambra needs right now, he does not discriminate and carries every group in his plans. As a Christian and faithful member of the Anglican Communion I commend him and call on everyone to support his efforts.”
In attendance at the special church service were members of the Executive Council of Anambra State and many prominent personalities including Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Mr. Sule momodu, President Ohaneze World-wide, Garry Nnachi Enwo Igariwey and many others.