Most Rev. Nicholas
Okoh, the Prelate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has called on the Federal
Government to beef up security in Nigeria as he decried the state of insecurity
in the country.
Okoh gave the charge
at the 10th Consecration Anniversary and 50th Birthday Celebration of Rt. Rev. Humphrey Olumakaiye, the Diocesan
Bishop of Lagos at the Cathedral Church of Christ Marina, Lagos.
“The alarming rate in which people delve into
criminal activities in this country is very worrisome and this is as a result
of security challenges in Nigeria. Nigerians are too desperate in indulging in
criminal activities. Nigerians have become so desperate in doing things that
are evil.
“Government at all
levels should do the needful by beefing security across the country as it would
enhance development in the nation”, he said.
He decried the rate
of insecurity experienced on roads in the country, as well as in the farms and
communities as he said these have become proverbial.
The event was
attended by a host of clergy men and dignitaries including the Dean Emeritus of
the Archdiocese of Lagos (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Ephraim A. Ademowo,
the executive governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu
(SAN) of Ondo State and Senior Special Asst. to the president on sustainable
development goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.
The primate also
urged citizens in the various states in the country to pray for their governors
to guide the people that elected them into office aright.
Okoh who described
the celebrant as a true man of God said Olumakaiye made remarkable achievement
in Illesha Diocese within the years he served there.
“He transformed the
parish in Ilesha, he settled a long time dispute between two communities.
“It is very
difficult for the children of clerics to become clerics, your parents trained
you well, the positive testimony of your parents robbed off on you,” he said.
According to Okoh,
the call to the office of the bishop is a call within the call of God, adding
that the first call is the call to priesthood which is the ordained ministry or
the call of God.
“God called some
servants to attain some special needs. The call of God is never a selfish one,
it is not for the sake of the one called, because he is a messenger, therefore
he has to be obedient.
“God does not
called anyone to be rich; wealth is a bi-product. it is against this background
that we say Olumakaiye is fulfilling his commitment to God,” he said.
Okoh also urged
those who have been charged with the management of things to bear good fruits
in their assigned roles.
“You are not only
to serve, you are to go the extra-mile. It is important to be good. Struggle to
excel by praying, fasting and being concerned about the people you are in charge
of.
“50 years is
remarkable, it means you are not a boy or an old man, but in between,
“We give thanks to
God for notable achievements recorded, 50 years to you is a longtime. There are
people who have no jobs at 50.
The primate charged
the celebrant to be humble at all times, adding that God has enabled him to
stand on a high pedestal at his golden age.
“50 is golden with
golden responsibilities. Some people will tell you to take it easy, but I say
no to that because you are still young and should work harder.
“At 50 there is
need for restoration. 50 is a jubilee year, there are many things that should
be restored. Move ahead and review yourself as you go on and move according to
the pace of God,’’ he said.
While thanking God,
as well as appreciating all who came to celebrate him, Olumakaiye prayed that
God grants him the grace of good health and long life to do more in propagating
the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“My birth was
miraculous. I see myself as a man who God has blessed. I was ordained at the
age of 23, became arch deacon and became a bishop and by the grace of God, I am
now a in the premier diocese of Lagos.
“I will do
everything possible to put my totality in God work to make sure we reach all
the nooks and crannies of the diocese so we can all benefit in the kingdom”, he
said.
He said the diocese
of Lagos believes in the efficacy of prayer and that God has given the flock
and himself mandates which they will fulfill together.
“We believe so much
in the efficacy of prayer. God has given us the mandates together and we shall
get there to fulfil the five-fold ministries of Priestly, Pastoral, Prophetic,
Prayer and Praise to jointly glorify God, edify believers and multiply
disciples for the Lord Jesus Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment