Governor Alex Otti, has charged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and resist attempts to compromise their convictions through material inducements.
Governor Otti who gave the charge at the Assemblies of God Nigeria, 16-20 Obohia Road Aba, during the 50th Golden Jubilee and launch of Seven Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (₦750,000,000) Three Storey Ultra Modern Passonage of the church, stressed the need for Christians to rise and be counted as faithful members, celebrators and builders of the Church, especially at a time when the love of many is waxing cold.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, commended the church for its contributions to the spiritual and social development of the state, pointing out that the transformation witnessed in Abia in the last three years could only have been achieved by the grace of God, as the state has moved from a situation where people felt sorry for it to one where other states now admire its progress.
The State Chief Executive cautioned the people against allowing anyone to take away the gains already recorded in the state, particularly as political actors begin to make promises and offer material gifts ahead of the 2027 elections and encouraged them to choose what would preserve their future and the progress of the state.
He further congratulated the church on its 50th anniversary and pledged his administration’s continued identification and partnership with the church and other Christian organizations in the state while assuring the church leadership that government would work directly with it to support its activities and contributions to society.
In a homily titled, “Remaining a Member, a Celebrator and Builder of the Overcoming Church,” the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev. Dr Abel Amadi represented by the Assistant General Superintendent of the church, Rev. Ogba Onyeije, attributed the successes and growth of the church over the past 50 years to the consistency, faith and commitment of it’s members despite numerous challenges and enjoined them to remain steadfast in their faith in God.
In his speech, the Host Minister in-charge of Assemblies of God Nigeria, Obohia Road Aba, Rev. Okechukwu Ogbu, while appreciating God for his faithfulness, growth and impactful service to the church and the society, said the golden jubilee provides the church the opportunity to also appreciate the pioneers of the church and those whose prayers, sacrifices, support and unwaivering dedication contributed to the establishment, growth and continued advancement of the church.
The golden jubilee celebration which featured goodwill messages, cutting of anniversary cake, also attracted the presence of the Member representing Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, Mayor of Aba South LGA, Mr Obialor Anyanwu, Chief Uzo Azubuike, traditional rulers, the clergy, among other distinguished personalities.
