In his remarks at All Saints’ Cathedral, Ughelli on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at the Synod of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Bendel Province, Diocese of Ughelli, with the theme: “Follow Me: The Benefits and Implications of Christians Following Jesus Christ,” the governor thanked the Church for its role in prayers and support for the Governor Okowa-led administration since it came on board in 2015.
The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA), who represented the governor, said that the Church should not hesitate to correct them when they make mistakes, saying that; “We don’t know it all”.
Rt. Hon Oborevwori who had earlier read the Lesson at the Church Service from Genesis 12:1-9, stated that; “His Excellency, the Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa would have loved to be here in person to honour and grace this very rare meeting but for the exigencies of his office”.
According to him: “I am fully persuaded that this programme could not have come at a better time. Though taking place in an unusual times arising from the global outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic. It is my fervent prayer that this programme will bring lasting healing to the land”.
“Accordingly, I urge us to be steadfast in our faith. Our unwavering, strong and unshakeable faith will make us triumph over our fears and begets us a sure and admirable future. My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, we are currently confronting very difficult times arising from the outbreak of the coronavirus. There cannot be better time to follow Jesus than now as He is our healer and provider”, he stated.
He added; “I therefore wish to call on the Church to always pray for the leadership of the State and indeed the people of the State to always reflect on the admonitions of God in our actions”.
He also said; “I appreciate the church for its role in prayers and support for the Governor Okowa-led administration since it came on board in 2015. The church should not hesitate to correct us when we make mistakes. We don’t know it all”.
“It is my prayer therefore, that this programme will bring forth fresh and divine ideas that will add value to the church and the people of the State”, he said.
He prayed that the “Almighty God will unite all of us in the knowledge of His son in whom all things were created in heaven and on earth, whether visible or invisible”.
He congratulated His Grace, Archbishop Cyril Odiboroghene Odutemu, the clergy and the Laity of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Bendel Province, Diocese of Ughelli for this year’s Synod.
He equally congratulated, His Grace, The Most Revered Cyril O. Odutemu for his election as the Archbishop of Bendel Province, saying; “We are truly very happy for what God is doing in your life”.
According to him; “It is a remarkable and profound moment as we are gathered in the presence of our Lord. I can see and feel the joy, passion and enthusiasm in our faces as we seek common grounds and hunt for solutions to the challenges confronting us as a people, particularly as Christians. My highly respected father in the Lord, let me also say that I am encouraged by the theme of today’s programme and the huge turnout by our brothers and sisters in Christ”.
The Guest Preacher, Rt. Rev. Foreman Nedison (JP), Lord Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Anglican Communion, in his sermon implored all and sundry to be faithful in any position they found themselves.
Diocese Bishop of Ughelli/ Archbishop of Bendel Province, The Most Revered Cyril O. Odiboroghene Odutemu, prayed for the Government and people of Delta State.
In his words; “Delta State will continue to prosper whether there is Coronavirus or not. I see you people controlling the Federal Government very soon. It is my prayer that you people should move higher and higher”.
The Chairman of CAN in Delta State and Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious matters, Senior Apostle Sylvanus Okorote, congratulated The Most Revered Cyril Odiboroghene Odutemu for the success of the Synod and enjoined the people to always wear face mask for protection against Coronavirus, saying that; “It is for our own safety”.
The Chairman of Ughelli North, Godwin Adode, his counterparts of Udu, Jite Brown, and Dr Richard Kofi of Ughelli South were in attendance.
