PFN Holds Prayer Rally In Awka To Mark Day

“Recovering Better for an Equitable and Sustainable world”. People who bared their minds on the significance of the day called for proactive measures to restore peace in Nigeria and the world at large. The Acting Director, Institute of Theology, Paul University Awka, Venerable Dr. Rex Kanu, thanked God for the opportunity by the United Nations to bring to the minds of the people the need for peaceful co-existence, noting that it is only the peace of God in Jesus Christ that can bring lasting peace to the world. He called on the Federal Government to take proactive measures in tackling insecurity and other factors militating against the peace of the society, and called on youths to champion a course for peace as leaders of tomorrow. A peace ambassador and traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Benneth Emeka, who noted that every citizen has a responsibility to bring back peace to the society, said there will be no meaningful development or progress without peace, and stressed the need for meaningful engagement of youths in community affairs for sustainable peace and development. He urged the Federal Government to look into yearnings of Nigerians towards maintaining peace including restructuring the country, as well as ensure proper representation of every tribe in the affairs of the nation. Contributing the traditional ruler of Atani in Ogbaru Local Government Area, Igwe Azuka Ngoddy, said the day is worth the celebration to create awareness on the importance of peace for sustainable development, especially now that the world is experiencing hard times; in terms of rumours of war, violence, ethnic disturbances among nations Igwe Ngoddy stated that achieving societal peace starts from individuals to families, and called on youths to listen to the advice of elders and shun cultism and other social vices that can truncate peace in the society. For a youth, Miss Tochukwu Obiora, people have to make peace with nature despite economic downturns, calling on fellow youths to join hands in achieving sustainable peace in the society.

Prayers rented the air at Doctor Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, as the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter marked PFN Day. Religion Correspondent, Amaka Chibuzor Okoye, reports that the prayer rally with the theme: “Be of Good Cheer, I Have Overcome the World”, was presided over by the National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Wale Oke, and attracted other members of the national executive and members of the State chapter, to seek God’s face on the challenges facing the nation, as well as pray for peaceful elections in Anambra. Also in attendance were the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano and other appointees from the Pentecostal Movement, members of sister Churches, representatives of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, among others.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Obiano extolled the State PFN for their prayers so far and partnership with the Government, asking them to continue, as the State is gearing for the November sixth election. The Governor, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, noted that it is only the present administration that has given the PFN recognition and support of thirty million naira for the upgrade of their faith base hospital, also assisted them in education sector as well as appointed their members in government and consulted them during the constitution of vision 2070.

While delivering his message, the National President of PFN, Bishop Oke, commended the State PFN under the leadership of Bishop Moses Ezedebego for its giant strides, stating that indeed, Anambra is pacesetter in all aspects, and has produced people of reputable qualities, including Pentecostal icons, cautioning them against anything that will affect the State and the entire Igbo nation. The Bishop, who maintained that the celebration will usher in positive things in the State, extolled Governor Obiano for his assistance to the PFN, stating that gone are days when members are relinquished to the background, even as he called on Government to bring them at par with other sister Churches.

In his address of welcome, the State Chairman of PFN, Bishop Ezedebego, said the prayers were aimed at seeking God’s face for the nation, South East and Anambra, even as he said that PFN has expanded its scope in development of human capital, health and education sectors, adding that they are also building a Unity Chapel at Federal Government Girls Secondary School, Onitsh On ground to felicitate with the PFN movement were the APGA governorship candidate for the November sixth election, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who expressed joy over the pastorial visit. In a remark, the Chairman of PFN Good Governance, Dr Amaechi Nwachukwu, noted that duties of the Church include praying and speaking truth , a task he said the State PFN has been performing.