Methodist Rev’d to Ebonyi Leaders: Blame yourselves not Tinubu for deterioration in your communities

Nigerian leaders at lower levels have been challenged to always carry out self examination of their stewardship in their given responsibilities rather than constantly blaming the top political leaderhip for the social and economic woes of their communities.

 

The Presbyter, Nkalagu Circuit of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Rev. Elijah Okwo gave the challenge last Saturday at Nkalagu, Ebonyi state.

 

The Man of God Spoke while delivering sermon at the funeral service of late Mrs Comfort Nnaji, a devout Christian mother and community mobilizer in the area.

 

In the sermon titled: “Shine the Light”, the Clergyman drew inference from the scriptural Gospel of John 14:1-3 and Paul’s first epistle to the Thesalonians 4: 13-18, and enjoined Christians to always conduct themselves as the light of the earth, become change makers to justify their positive uniqueness at every occasion and location they find themselves.

 

Describing the deseased as a woman of peace and generousity who sacrificed so much for the growth of the Church and her community, he admonished political leaders at all levels to mature beyond constantly blaming other leaders to adding value in their little corners.

 

He charged political representatives of the people to stop always blaming the president for the deteriorations in their areas but to question themselves about what they have done with the little responsibilities given to them.

 

Okwo emphasized: ” As a House of Assembly member, a local government chairman or even a Ward Councillor, what are you doing with the little opportunity given to you?

 

“The President cannot do everything, including the little holes you can fill in your area.

 

“Our place is underdeveloped, and the people are not willing to shine the light given to them by God to positively impact lives, so we remain underdeveloped.”

 

Church members, friends of the family and other sympathizers commended the children of the diseased for giving their mother the best attention while alive and extolled their various contributions to the development of their community.

 

Governor Francis Nwifuru was represented at the event by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Moses Ije Odunwa.

 

In his condolence message, the Speaker stated that Mrs. Nnaji’s demise created a vacuum not only in Imeoha Nkalagu but in the entire Ebonyi State.

 

He however enjoined the Children to take solace in the fact that their mother was alive to witness the successes they recorded in their various endeavors.

 

Others including the Senator representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial zone, Senator Ken Eze and the Chairman of Ebonyi State Council of Elders, Chief Ben Okah, said that history would always remember the diseased for the lasting legacies she bequeathed to her children and humanity at large through her works.

 

Six surviving children of the diseased, in their separate orations described their mother as a devout christian, hardworking, kind and compassionate, with a heart of undiluted faith and love, ready to sacrifice her comfort for others.

 

One of her sons, an astute businessman and philanthropist, Chief Ozoemena Nnaji stated: “She made sure we were cared for, educated and guided in life.

 

“She gave everything she had to see us grow and succeed.

 

“She never complained, she just kept giving, loving and praying.

 

“Her strength was quiet but powerful, her love was steady and deep.”

 

The event, akin to a carnival was a reflection of the power of a people’s belief system and its influence in shaping relationships. It was a gathering of who is who in South East Nigeria and beyond, not for political reasons but in celebration of a woman who gave all to the Church, her family and Community.

 

But besides the testimonies, the thought provoking messages and the creme de la creme guests that graced the event, its aesthetically exotic and expensively furnished reception ground with innumerable varieties of local and international cuisine and assorted beverages bear eloquent testimony to the Igbos’ belief that life is a continuum beyond this earthly existence.