Soludo, Ibezim election a gift from God – Archbishop Ibezim

By Lawrence Nwimo

The Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, His Grace Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD says the election of Prof. Charles Soludo and Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim as Governor and Deputy Governor of Anambra State respectively,was a gift from God.

The Archbishop made the remark in Agulu, Anaocha LGA, Anambra State during an occasion that marked the official inauguration of On The Lake Archdeaconry, Agulu as the new Archdeaconry in Awka Diocese on Sunday.

The Prelate noted that the emergence of the duo was a divine gift from God who saw that they became victorious against all odds and challenges in the state.

Archbishop Ibezim who is the Senior brother to the newly elected deputy governor, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim said the period was a time to give thanks to God for the peaceful outcome of the election, noting that many had feared that the election would be marred by irregularities and violence which had ravaged the state prior to the election.

According to him, “True gift comes from God and not Man. You cannot receive anything except it is a gift from God. To whom much is given much is expected. Children of God are happy with the peaceful outcome of the election.” He also expressed joy at the victorious candidates, stating that it is a clear fulfilment of destiny.

While Ibezim tasked the people of the state to support and pray for success of the new leaders, he advised the incoming governor to eschew political bitterness and work for the betterment of the generality of Anambra people.

Meanwhile, the Anglican Prelate during the official inauguration informed that On the Lake Archdeaconry was carved out of Agulu Archdeaconry and comprised of eight villages in Agulu; three Parishes of St. Stephen’s, St. Luke’s, St. Mark’s and St. Andrew’s Churches respectively.

The Archbishop noted that the creation of the new Archdeaconry was purposely to expand Gospel of Christ and to boost other evangelical activities in the area.

Remarkably, Ven. Ike was made the Archdeacon and Vicar of the Archdeaconry Head at St Stephen’s Parish, Agulu, having served as the Supervising Archdeacon that carried out aggressive evangelism that prepared the Churches in the area for full-fledged Archdeaconry status.

Addressing newsmen shortly after his installation, Ven Silas Ike said his installation called for a fresh task of evangelism in the area and to “help mobilize people of the area to queue in to the work of God. And, for the cultural and traditional people to know the Lord and come to the knowledge of what the church is doing.”

He extolled the evangelistic attitude of the Diocesan Bishop as well as the missions being spread by him.. Ven. Ike said the task for him is to move people to know God and to build cordial relationship among people that would bring about peace and tranquility in the society.

Also, the Secretary of the Inauguration Committee, Chukwukelu Atu said the inauguration was a special day in the annals of the town and assured that the Anglican community under the new Archdeaconry would team up to carry out grassroot evangelism in the area.

He also urged the Agulu Anglican Community to key into the vision and mission of Archbishop Ibezim in creating an Archdeaconry.

Highpoint of the event was the Declaration and Oath taking by the new Archdeaconry presided by the Provincial Archbishop His Grace Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD.

The Mother’s Union President, Province of the Niger and Diocese of Awka, Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim among others witnessed the event.