Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, has called on Christian leaders and believers to intensify prayers for Governor Alex Otti to enable him successfully deliver on his transformational agenda for the state.
Ajagba made the appeal on Sunday during the valedictory and send-off service organised in honour of the outgoing Deputy Chairman of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Igboland Territory, Apostle Cletus Nwankwo Egede, who retired after 52 years in active ministry.
The service was held at The Apostolic Church Nigeria, No. 69 Ikot-Ekpene Road, Ogbo Hill, Aba.
Represented at the event by the former Mayor of Obingwa Local Government Area and Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget and Planning, Dr Eric Egwuibe, the Chief of Staff said the prayers and spiritual support of the church were crucial to the success of the present administration in Abia State.
He expressed gratitude to God for sustaining Apostle Egede through more than five decades of pastoral service, describing his ministerial journey as a testimony of God’s grace.
Ajagba said serving faithfully in ministry for 52 years and retiring hale and hearty was a rare privilege made possible only by divine grace.
He also urged younger ministers of the gospel to emulate the discipline, humility and dedication demonstrated by Apostle Egede, stressing the importance of mentorship in ministry.
The Chief of Staff further noted that the cleric was retiring at a time when, according to him, leaders who fear God are at the helm of affairs in Abia State.
“If those in leadership today did not have the fear of God, Abia would have continued to remain in Egypt,” he said.
“But today, God has taken over Abia State and the state will continue to remain in His hands.
“We therefore urge the church and believers to continue to pray for His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, that God will guide him to accomplish the purpose for which He brought him to lead Abia State.”
In their remarks, the Territorial Chairman-elect of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Igboland Territory, Apostle Innocent Agbugbaegbu; Elder Prof. Godwin Emezue; and Elder Divine Nwankwo described Apostle Egede as a distinguished apostle, humble father of faith and profound teacher of the Word.
They commended his immense contributions to the growth and spiritual development of the church in Igboland and prayed God to grant him long life and good health in retirement.
Earlier in his sermon, the Area Superintendent of Umuosi Area, Apostle Ifeanyi Egeonu, urged younger ministers to connect with the grace and anointing of older ministers by submitting to spiritual authority.
He said humility and recognition of higher authority in ministry were essential for receiving the mantle of leadership.
Responding, Apostle Egede thanked Pastor Ajagba and all those who came to honour him at the event and prayed that God would bless them abundantly.
The ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including the Deputy Chairman-elect of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Igboland Territory, Apostle Joseph Okoroafor; the Rector of The Apostolic Church Theological Seminary, Amumara, Apostle Dr Iyke Iheakaghichi; and the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Dr Linus Nto Mbah, among other captains of industry and church leaders.
Highlights of the event included the cutting of an anniversary cake, choir renditions and special prayers for the celebrant.
