By Ijeoma Nwankpa, Abuja, Nigeria.
An Anglican cleric, Venerable (Professor) Uchenna Umeifekwem, has admonished Nigerians to live peacefully with one another as a way of achieving total development in the country.
He was speaking after his collation and installation as Venerable Archdeacon of the Cathedral Church of St Faith, Awka, Anambra State, by the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, His Grace Most Revd.(Dr.) Alexander Ibezim.
Professor Umeifekwem, who was among the sixteen collated and installed Canons and Archdeacons, said Nigeria could attain total development when people from different parents of the country see themselves as one as recorded in the book of Proverbs 16:7.
“When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him. Any nation that is divided among itself cannot exist, therefore, we need to come together and forge a common course geared towards being our brother’s keeper”
Professor Umeifekwem, who is a Professor of Political Science at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, also pledged to double his service to God and humanity in his new elevation in the Anglican Communion.
At a Sermon during the collation service, Venerable (Prof.) Onyinye Okpala, urged Christians to make a deliberate effort to encounter God.
According to Venerable Okpala, an encounter with God opens more doors for service to God and humanity, it profits to serve God, I am a living witness. If you’re committed in serving God you will definitely reap the reward. Am a living example. Please don’t look at your status, height or fat, disregard yourself, see yourself as nothing and look on to him who is all in all”
He also encouraged the newly collated Canon and Archdeacons to see themselves as ambassadors of Christ on earth by making humility and holiness their watchword.
