Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev’d Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, has called on fathers to be courageous in dealing with issues troubling the society.
Bishop Ibezim gave the charge during the 2023 Father’s Sunday Service at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Awka, the Anambra State capital on Sunday.
Speaking during the Service, the Prelate particularly eulogised fathers for their roles in the advancement of society. He urged them to be courageous and imbibe the fear of God to achieve what heaven has ordained them to achieve.
Bishop Ibezim who described Father’s Sunday as a remarkable day, noted that fathers remain the backbone of society.
He said: “We are grateful to God for giving us the strength, patience, and endurance to survive because life itself is a gift from God. This year has been remarkable as we witnessed election and the coming of a new government.
“To the men, you are like Joshua. The time of Moses has gone. All the problems and challenges you have faced are gone.
“Look forward to the future because God is saying ‘I’m the owner of the future,’ and has empowered you to possess your possession.
“Because God told Joshua to be courageous, I want fathers to be courageous in their faith and service to Christ and humanity.”
According to him, many men, this time, are losing hope. Some don’t even believe that God can answer prayers.
“We must not be stagnant because a stagnant family is a deprived family and a satanic arrow. Stagnant fathers do not achieve anything. That is why we as fathers must embrace courage. It is a time for renewing our strength to be actionable.
“Nowadays, people die like cockroaches; sleep but do not wake up; suffer from high blood pressure; and many others, but God did not create us like that. He created us to be strong and courageous to achieve what heaven has ordained us to achieve.”
Earlier in his sermon, Rev’d Canon Onyeka Egwuonwu admonished fathers who are members of secret societies to dissociate self from such to avert attracting God’s anger and wrath upon their homes.
While he called on fathers to work to attract the grace and blessings of God, he urged those with irresponsible characters to renew themselves and their covenants with God for the blessings of Christ to dwell in their families.
The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, while felicitating with fathers, encouraged the Church to support the State Government through prayers in its drive to transform the state into a prosperous home.
In the other comments, Vicar of the Church of Holy Spirit, Ven. Rex Kanu, urged homes without a father to look up to God as their father. He also advised fathers themselves to look up to God to be able to carry their crosses and that of society.
Chairman Anambra State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Chairman 2023 Father’s Sunday Organising Committee, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, said fathers are celebrated for being the pillars of their homes. He also said the father’s guidance, directions, and input have been very beneficial to society.
Also, the Chairman of Christian Men’s Fellowship, Dr Raymond Ofor, encouraged all fathers to be role models and ensure that their children and other’s children are taken care of for the sake of the church and society.
Ikengaonline reports that no fewer than seven men were bestowed with awards for their support of the work of God and growth of the Church in Awka Diocese, Anglican Communion.
The awardees were Kenechukwu Ochuba, Ifeanyi Kenechukwu Chigbo Evang Chukwuebuka Ogunta, Engr Ejikeme Ugochukwu Umeokafor, Ifeanyi Ekwealor, Engr Emeka Okafor, and Hon Peter Onyejegbu.
