Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has said one of the greatest achievements of his Administration was the return of schools to their former owners.
Dr. Uduaghan who disclosed this at a valedictory and thanksgiving service for the retiring Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Oleh, Rt. Rev. Jonathan Edewor, said the Bishop was instrumental to achieving the feat.
He explained that there was strong opposition to the initial attempt to return schools to the missions stating that the success was recorded by the report of the Committee for the return of schools chaired by Bishop Edewor.
“I strongly believe that the church should be involved in education. Bishop Edewor has helped us in achieving this success by accepting to chair the Committee. I thank God that the Bishop managed the Committee well, for me this is one of the greatest achievements of my administration.”
The Governor observed that Bishop Edewor identified with the Elders Council of the State, a group that helped to ensure stability in the State as well as getting involved in constructive criticism and fostering development in the State.
He commended the Bishop for his encouragement especially during the period that he faced challenges saying “Bishop Edewor was one of the people that encouraged me when I had challenges, he did not allow me to fall flat.”
Governor Uduaghan wished the Bishop well in his retirement and pleaded with him to always make himself available whenever he is called upon to assist in the governance of the State.
In a sermon at the occasion, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most. Rev. Nicholas Okoh represented by the Archbishop of the Bendel Province, Rt. Rev Friday Imaekhai, commended the Governor for the return of schools to the missions and stated that the church would remain partners in progress with the government.
He observed that the retiring Bishop worked tirelessly in the lord’s vineyard to enhance the growth of the church in the state and country.
Rt. Rev. Imaekhai enumerated some of the achievements of Bishop Edewor to include the building of churches, schools and retirement house for Bishops in the Diocese.
He described the Bishop and his wife Elizabeth as disciplined couple who were honest and dedicated to the service of God and humanity.
The archbishop continued “it is the grace of God that has enabled Bishop Edewor to achieve the success he has recorded so far, we say well done faithful servant of God.”
The thanksgiving service which held at the Cathedral of St. Paul’s, Oleh, was attended by top government officials, religious leaders and notable sons and daughters of Isoko land.
