Cleric urges Nigerians to be godly
The Vicar of Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Dr Nnamdi Okpuno, has urged Nigerians to study the word of God and avoid being led astray by charlatans who mischievously misinterpret God’s injunctions for selfish reasons.
Okpuno made the call at a thanksgiving service to mark the end of a three-day women’s conference of the Durumi Missionary Archdeaconry in Abuja.
Okpuno said misinterpreting God’s words had resulted in various problems, conflicts and social malaise in our communities and the nation.
He called on Nigerians to take the time to study the word of God for proper understanding of God’s laws and injunctions so as to avoid being blown about like the wind.
The Vice President of the Abuja Diocese Mother’s Union/ Women’s Guild, Mrs Uche Okpuno, said in her speech at the event that although Nigeria’s problems appear to be insurmountable, one must continue to “ hope in God’s infinite mercies that have kept us alive.”
Okpuno appealed to the state governors to rise above selfish interests to ensure peace and security.
She said that all sectors of the economy need to be rejigged to bring the country out of the woods.
The conference Chair, Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, in her opening remarks, said that the theme of the conference is a call for Christians to be prepared always.
“We give glory, honour and praise to our God Almighty for His mercies and goodness unto us all to witness and participate in this year’s Durumi Missionary Women’s Archdeaconry conference.
“The conference’s theme: ‘Steadfastness’ and sub-theme– ‘Standing firm in the faith’ remind us of some familiar Bible prophesies connected with end times.
“In the course of this event, we will discuss many issues that affect us as humans through various power packed activities,” Ugoh said.
She said that the meeting would speak to participants individual and collective needs.
A resource person, Mrs Keziah Phillip, called on wives to be submissive to their husbands.
Phillip delivered a talk on: “Standing strong in faith to win an unbelieving husband.”
According to her, wives should be the light that will lead the family to Christ.
“ We are admonished to be prayerful, respect and honour our husbands, seek God, yield our entirety to God and wait on Him to show the mercy of His salvation toward any unbelieving husband.
“Finally, believe, trust and hold God by His words and He will come through for you whatever the situation, even when faced with an unbelieving husband,” she added.
In her contribtution, one of the speakers, Mrs Augusta Akparanta-Emenogu, urged women to participate in conflict resolution in their communities.
Akparanta-Emenogu spoke on the topic: “Why women should be encouraged to participate in conflict resolution and peace building.”
“Individuals and institutions have various levels of involvement and play different roles in bringing about sustaining or resolving insecurity or conflicts.
“It is important to identify sources of insecurity in order to be able to walk backwards to identify causes and then proffer and implement workable and long-lasting solutions.
“Everyone must be involved in ensuring that our environment, communities and nation do not experience serious security challenges.
“This is because there is a very close connection between security and development. Without security, there can be no development or progress,” she said.
