By kingsley amaechi
The third session of the sixth synod with the theme;” My Grace Is Sufficient For You” which was held recently at Saint Johns Anglican Church Ihiagwa in Owerri West L.G.A of Imo state witnessed a remarkable degree of uniqueness as top government functionaries graced the epoch making event.
In a welcome address, the new Bishop of Egbu Diocese His Lordship Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Eyinnaya Okorafor, expressed his utmost delight for the presence of the invitees on the occasion as it marks the first Synod presided over by him as the new Bishop of Egbu Diocese.
Taking his sermon from the scriptures, with the sub theme: “God’s Grace Makes Us Strong Even In Our Weakness” the Lord Bishop of Isiala Ngwa South Diocese, His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Isaac Nwaobia noted that the grace of God is very important for the existence of mankind stressing that God’s mercy upon us is extended through his love. He urged Christians to look-up to God for his grace.
He drew the attention of the governor towards the Nekede/Ihiagwa road which has been left in a deplorable state as he pleaded for rehabilitation through his Rescue Mission Agenda.
Speaking after taking his first lesson President Goodluck Jonathan who was represented by the Minister of Labor and Productivity, Emeka Nwogu recalled the last Synod which President Jonathan attended while he was still the governor of Bayelsa state.
Speaking on the theme: “My Grace Is Sufficient For You” Minister of Labor and Productivity, Emeka Nwogu charged the people of God to pray for the Transformation Agenda of the President, adding that regardless of oppositions and detractors from certain people in certain places, the grace of God have shone his grace upon Nigeria adding that the proposed National Conference which must involve all Nigerians will hold.
Speaking earlier after taking the second lesson, Governor Rochas Okorocha pledged to support the church project and urged Christians to always put their faith in God. The governor who enumerating the Rescue Mission achievements, stated loud and clear that he was wealthy before becoming the governor of Imo state “and no one should jealous him”. He stressed that being the governor of Imo state has become a limitation to his expenditure and free will donation, noting that donating to one Anglican Church would attract the whole Anglican Church demanding for their own donations.
Reacting to the Bishop’s advice, the governor noted that he and the Governor of Abia state Dr. Theodore Orji are still one brother, noting that Imolites who were relived from their offices in Abia state are been accommodated by his Rescue Mission Agenda.
Meanwhile, in a Presidential address/charge to the Diocese, His Lordship Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Eyinnaya Okorafor, gave an account of the advent of the Anglican church by missionaries in Imo state, about the Diocese, he enumerated his experiences during his election and consecration and mapped-out polices in governing the Anglican Diocese of Egbu.
More so, he laid emphasis on the challenges befalling the State and the Nation, where he charged both the Federal and State Governments to apply the grace of God in tackling the challenges.
Speaking in their separate remarks, Chief Chris Asoluka, the Representative of Ngor Okpala State Constituency in the Imo House of Assembly, Hon. Sir Emeka Nwafor and Hon. Member Representing Owerri West in the Imo State House Of Assembly, Innocent Eke, all expressed happiness for the new Bishop of Egbu Diocese in presiding over his first Synod, describing him as an embodiment of intellect and pledged to support his Diocesan work.
