By Matthew Unyove
The Bishop of Diocese of Oleh, Anglican Communion, RT Rev’d John Aruakpor has called on Christians and all Nigerians to live a life of sacrifice ,dedication obedience ,faithfulness as exemplified by Christ which centred on God’s will.
Bishop Aruakpor gave the charge on Saturday at St Peter’s Anglican Church Enhwe, in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, during the third session of the ninth Synod of Diocese of Oleh Anglican Communion .
The Clergy man admonished every believer to live a life “worthy of pleasing God and not merely legalism or religious performance rather , it is life lived in alignment with God’s nature, will and commands”.
RT Rev’d Aruakpor also challenged parents to inculcate good virtues like integrity ,faith and forgiveness in the life of their children and wards in order to affect our society positively.
He equally encouraged the youths who are the next generation of leaders for both the Church and the Nation to shun the appetite for pleasure which has escalated to terrifying and unimaginable levels.
On the State of the Nation and Delta State, the Bishop specifically noted with dismay the multifaceted security challenges confronting the Nation that have continued to negatively impact daily life and socio-economic activities.
According to him “the recurrent wave of violence and killings in many parts of the Country by agents of terror is a matter of concern.”
He therefore, called on governments at all levels to redouble their efforts in tackling insecurity; be it terrorism, banditry, farmers /herders conflict, kidnapping and all forms of violent crimes so as to promote food security in the country.
The Bishop however , commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms especially fuel subsidy removal, tax reform and Local Government autonomy amongst others adding that “yet we must also face the sobering reality that serious concerns remain unresolved.”
He also appreciated Distinguished Senator Joel Onowakpor Thomas, for sponsoring many bills including the bill for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre at Oleh in Isoko South Local Government of Delta State.
Going forward, Bishop Aruakpor lend his voice on other government policies and programmes such as the state police, Regionalization , prohibition of preaching in Commercial Buses, Electricity issues, independence of INEC and the 2027 general elections which he urged the to government to up their game with the view of sustaining its developmental agenda.
Similarly, he charged Christians to recognize the fact that elections and politicking should not be left in the hands of the ungodly people but people with integrity,wisdom,honesty and respect for the rule of law.
In the same vein, Bishop Aruakpor paid glowing tributes to RT Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State for massive developmental projects going on across the state and urged him to sustain the tempo in order to finish strong.
He also disclosed that the proposed Mary-Martha University would commence academic activities in 2027 with two faculties of management science and computing and subsequently in 2028,three more faculties of Agriculture, Education and Mass communication will be added.
The ninth Synod was attended by personalities drawn from across the state and the Nation at large including RT Revd Benjamin Idume, Bishop of Ozoro Diocese, RT Rev’d Benjamin Emamezi, retired Bishop, Patani Diocese, Comrade Ovuzorie Macaulay ,Professor Chris Akpotu, President General of Isoko Development Union,Bishop Ben Eghaire, Rev’d D T M Avae, Chairman of CAN , Isoko South, Clergies and a host of other personalities.
