Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has attributed the success of his administration to God’s intervention.
He spoke during the launch of a musical album produced by the Choir of the Government House Chapel, Asaba on Tuesday.
Okowa said that one of the greatest legacies he would bequeath to his successor, the Governor-elect, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, was the presence of God at the Government House.
The Governor, however, urged him and the Deputy Governor-elect, Monday Onyeme, to put God first in their administration.
According to him, the ministration of choir in the last eight years had attracted God’s presence to all parts of the state.
He said, “We thank God that our Governor-elect and his deputy are here.
“The greatest asset that I will leave for you both is the presence of God in the Government House.
“The greatest desire of my wife and I is to see the fire on this altar glow and burn continually.
“Pressures will come and all manner of confusing voices will come but resist them and make sure that you reverence God,” Okowa said.
He advised Oborevwori and Onyeme to remain divinely connected to God by doubling their efforts in the worship of God as they prepared to take over the mantle of leadership in the state.
He further said that through purposeful worshipping of God, challenges would be surmounted and victory enthroned in the lives of those who firmly hold on to Him.
He said that the album would help significantly in advancing the gospel of God, and urged worshipers to encourage the choristers by purchasing copies of the album.
“This choir needs to be encouraged because I know that through their voices, the praises and worship they render in this place, a lot has happened to this state.
“We may not appreciate it but my wife and I know that we believe in the presence of God in this chapel.
“We are very mindful that our God is present in this place and whenever we call on Him, He answers us.
“So, I must use this opportunity to thank you for all you have done to praise the name of the Lord and call His presence in this chapel,” he said.
Okowa advised the incoming Governor to create time every morning to worship God.
According to him, it could be difficult sometimes but you should try to do it as much as you can.
“Do it because you must provide leadership by leading.
“I believe that as long as you go on that path with this wonderful choir, the Lord will guide you.
“What people do not know is that if you start your morning with God, the glory of God when it hovers continually in Government House, will extend to every part of Delta.
“And, if you allow the forces of darkness to come in, they will also extend to every part of Delta; and that we must avoid,” the Governor said.
The Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr Festus Agas, who reviewed the album, lauded the choir for their love for God through their ministration.
Agas said that the album, which had English and local tracks, was packaged to bring the glory of God in the Iives and destinies of people.
Earlier in a sermon, entitled, “The value of praise and worship,” the Chaplain of the Chapel, Ven. Charles Osemenam, said that the best way to attract God’s presence in one’s life is through praise and worship.
Osemenam, therefore, advised the people of Delta and Nigerians to go to God in praise, anytime the turbulence of life reared its ugly head up.
The launch was also attended by the Wife of the Governor, Edith, and Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah, amongst other top government functionaries in the state.