Cleric Advises Wealthy Nigerians To Assist Nation

A clergyman, Bishop Goddy Okafor, has advised wealthy Nigerians to join hands with the government in the task of building a strong and virile nation.

Okafor made the call in his sermon on Sunday during an interdenominational church service in Umuahia, organised by the Abia government to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

“Do not wait to be a governor before you help in the development of your state or nation because if you are faithful in the little you are given, you will receive more from God.’’

He advised Nigerians to shun the act of criticising those in public offices without justification and cultivate the habit of offering constructive criticisms that would help political leaders to succeed.

Those that did well should be commended to encourage them to do better, he said, pointing out that nobody is perfect.

“We all have areas of weakness and strength and no one has the right to judge others,’’ noted Okafor, who is also the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria.

In his speech, Governor Theodore Orji, said he was ordained by God, considering the experience and tribulations he passed through to emerge as governor in 2007.

Orji said he had 21 post-election cases, “all aimed at removing me but to the glory of God, those cases have been rubbished.

“This shows that God has a mission for me in Abia.’’

The governor said his divine mandate was to lift the state and its people to greater heights.

He said the government had ensured prudent management of the available resources and had not borrowed money from any bank to execute its projects.

In a related development Orji on Sunday took salute at the Children’s Day celebration at the Ibeku High School, Umuahia.

Delivering President Goodluck Jonathan’s address, he gave the assurance that government would do its best to provide them with adequate security and quality education.

He called on parents, teachers and caregivers to provide an environment that would foster love among school children.

He enjoined the students to be of good behaviour and to take their studies seriously.