Banigo Urges Churches To Shape Society

The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has emphasized the need for the church to play a leading role in shaping the society.
Banigo stated this Friday while delivering a lecture on “The Role of the Church in Government” to mark the 5th Anniversary Enthronement Service of the Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, Rt. Rev’d. Ralph Ebirien at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.
She noted that the church has made positive impact in society in complementing efforts of government as both are working for the overall interest of mankind.
“The Church is very important in our society, even when we look at basic social services right from the time of the 19th century, we had the missionaries, they came, developed schools, hospitals and dispensaries. These are basic social services that government is supposed to provide, which they were able to augment,” she stated.
Banigo, who traced the history of Protestantism in the Early Church, said they played important role in ending some unwholesome practices like human sacrifice, slavery, killing of twins, amongst others.
She recounted the remarkable strides made by great church leaders and crusaders and other early protestant reformers which gradually led to positive changes and compelled the government of that period to address issues of welfare of the people.
The deputy governor stated that it is against this background that the Governor Nyesom Wike-led government’s Development Blueprint for the NEW RIVERS VISION places emphasis on wealth creation and job opportunities.
Banigo urged the Church to partner with government as agent to facilitate grassroots mobilization and reminded it of the need to always pray for leaders in Authority so that God would bless the people with wise and visionary leaders.
She noted that the state governor appreciates the role of the church in governance and has promised to appoint a Special Adviser on Religious Affairs to strengthen divinely directed leadership.
The deputy governor said government would collaborate with the church to provide healthcare services that would be accessible and affordable while the quality of education would also be enhanced through a befitting boarding school system.
Responding, Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ralph Ebirien, said the present government would enjoy the prayer and support of the church to enable it deliver on its promises.
Ebirien described the deputy governor as an ambassador of the church in government and thanked her for the honour of delivering the anniversary lecture.