ABIA – Governor Alex Otti has charged Abians to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice as a pathway to sustainable development, unity and shared prosperity across the state.
Governor Otti who gave the charge at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, No. 8 Uzuakoli Road, Umuahia, during the thanksgiving service of the 3rd Session of the 11th Synod of the church with the theme, “Becoming Like Jesus, An Intentional Act,” noted that the life of Christ remains the ultimate model of sacrifice, humility and service.
The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, while noting that his administration has laid a solid foundation that will launch Abia into a new phase of economic growth and prosperity, reiterated that the narrative of the state has changed significantly as Abia is no longer a place viewed with pity, but one that is increasingly attracting attention, investment and admiration from within and outside the nation for its ongoing transformation and improved governance.
Pastor Ajagba noted that “Sacrifice is an outgrowth of a disciplined life. Even in the natural, a farmer that must have some harvest tomorrow must not consume all the farm produce he has harvested today. The harvest of tomorrow is hinged on the sacrifice of not consuming everything one has today but on planting some today so that the harvest of tomorrow can be assured”.
His words, “Jesus had no business coming to the earth as he was super comfortable in heaven. But as a display of sacrifice, he came down to the earth and took the form of a servant and sacrificed his life for others to live. This explains why God has given him a name above every other name such that when his name is mentioned every knee bows in obeisance to him.”
“In the same way, the transformation going on in Abia State today, is hinged on the sacrifice of His Excellency in leaving his plum job as the Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank in 2014 in order to help turn things around in Abia State,” he stated.
The representative of the state Chief Executive further disclosed that Abia has become a reference point for good governance across the federation, owing to the intentional sacrifices, commitment to transparency, accountability, infrastructural renewal and people-oriented policies of the present administration. He stressed the need for the state to continue to be governed with these godly principles which are anchored on justice, equity and the fear of God.
He urged the church to continue interceding for the administration to enable them consolidate on the gains already recorded and deliver more dividends of democracy to the people and congratulated the leadership and members of the church on the successful hosting of their 11th Synod, which he described as spiritually enriching, impactful and a testament to their unity and commitment to the work of God.
In his address, the Anglican Bishop of Umuahia, the Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Ibeabuchi, explained that the synod offers the Diocese the opportunity to fellowship and interact together as members and friends of the Anglican Diocese of Umuahia, reiterating their commitment to raising committed disciples to God.
In a homily, the Anglican Bishop of Ikwuano Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Chigozirim Onyegbule, challenged all to emulate the life of Jesus Christ as reflected in his life of humility, sacrifice, long suffering and determination to serve and do only the will of God.
The synod which featured cutting of Synod cake, presentation of awards also attracted the presence of His Grace Most Rev Dr David Onuoha, the Archbishop of Owerri Province and the Abia state Chairman, Board of Internal Revenue Service, Prof. Udochukwu Ogbonna among other distinguished personalities.
