–
From Omeoga Ugonma, Owerri, Imo State
–
The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Benedict the 16th, has commended Governor
Okorocha for his developmental strides in the state.
Speaking through the Prefect General of the Congregation of
Evangelism, His Eminence Fernando Cardinal Filoni, the Pope described
Imo state as the heart of Catholic evangelism in Nigeria.
Cardinal Filoni who represented the Pope at the centenary celebration
of the Arch. Diocese of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, expressed
satisfaction over the tremendous transformation that has taken place
in the state especially in the area of evangelism and human
development.
He applauded the significance of the centenary celebration, pointing
out that it was a seed sowed 100 years ago, at a particular point in
Imo state that has grown into an Arch diocese.
Cardinal Filoni commended Governor Okorocha, for capital and human
development in the state, saying that governors are those who must in
the name of God, exercise their power for the good of the people.
He assured that the church must continue to support and pray for his
government and the nation for justice and peaceful co-existence even
as he thanked him for his hospitality and provisions of security.
The Bishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaikan also thanked cardinal
Filoni for visiting Imo state for the centenary celebration, of the
Catholic faithful in Owerri province.
He described his recent appointment as a cardinal as God’s continued
calling upon his life, and a decision of the Pope as led by God.
In a vote of thanks, the state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha
expressed joy for hosting His Eminence Fernando Filoni which he
described as a blessing to the state.
Governor Okorocha used the occasion to appeal to the Pope
representative to call for a conference of political and religious
leaders for effective development of the people and to address and to
address global leadership challenges.
He pointed out that such step would go a long way towards achieving
the desired leadership that will help the society.
The governor envisage a scenario where people’s culture should be a
synergy with religion, pointing out his observation that people like
worshipping God in their own tradition, culture, norms and values.
Governor Okorocha decried the spate of Western culture spillage in the
country are called on the Pope to put a ban on pornography and nude
clubs which are ravaging the society.
He noted that the Catholic Church was a worthy partner in the state,
especially in the area of ensuring quality leadership, truth, and
people’s welfare, and commended the Arch. Bishop of Owerri
Ecclesiastical Province, Arch. Bishop Anthony Obinna for his
outstanding contribution in this regard.
He recalled on the ongoing free and compulsory education in the state,
pointing out that the state would want to extend the gesture to the
churches but expressed worry and fear of abuse.
