BISHOP ONAH CALLS FOR SYNERGY BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND NON-CHRISTIANS
By Vincent Odoh
The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Fr Bishop Godfrey Igwebuike Onah has called for a working synergy between Christians and non Christians in the country.
The bishop made the call during the dedication service of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ndioke, Ibagwa-Aka, Igbo-Eze South LGA, Enugu State.
In his Sermon, Bishop Onah urged Nigerians, and especially, parishioners of St Theresa’s Catholic Church to emulate the life of late Onyishi Eze nwa Asogwa (a non Christian) who donated land for the building of the Parish house, and Alhaji Jimoh Rauf Gbadamosi (a Moslem) who single-handedly laboured to build St Theresa’s Church and handed it over to Catholic Church.
His Lordship, Fr Bishop noted that, that was a big lesson for the parishioners of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ndioke, Ibagwa-Aka. Bishop Onah said that if every Nigerian should behave the same way the two men have behaved, there can be no problem in the country.
He reiterated that there is an instance where some known Catholics took the Church to court for land dispute and now (a non Christian) donated a land to Catholic Church, and Alhaji Jimoh Rauf Gbadamosi (a Moslem), built a Church and donated it to Catholic Church. Truly, this is an audacious grace from God.
He called on Nigerians especially, politicians to strive to love one another irrespective of religious affiliations. He decried the attitude of some politicians who create dis-affection between communities especially to Christians and Moslems.
There is an instance, he noted, where politicians after service left behind legacy of corruption and elevated violence because of personal pursuit. He therefore, urged politicians to embrace the teachings of the gospel for the betterment of their live and the country.
In an address presented by the Parish Council, they said that the coming of Father Bishop became a source of blessing and a beacon of hope to the parishioners.
In addition to that, the Council, also held that Alhaji Jimoh Rauf Gbadamosi (Kuzel), by building a church and handing it over to Catholic Church has “broken the barriers of religion” which transcends beyond tribe to make this unknown sacrifices for the good of the Church in Ibagwa-Aka Community. They added that the dedication of the church will strengthen the religious life of the people stressing that it can never be forgotten in a hurry.
Expressing their joy, the parishioners also thanked Fr. Sixtus Odo who was the pioneer parish priest for providing “the moral compass needed to navigate the challenges that faced the new parish.” They were full of appreciation for the present parish priest, Rev. Fr. Melitus Ezikanyi for his enviable good works to the Parish.
The Church Council later drew the attention of Fr. Bishop Onah to the numerous challenges faced by the church which includes the replacement of part of the land given to them for the building of the Church, completion of the works in the Parish, purchase of solar cells and batteries to power the Church and reduce the high cost of using generator for religious activities”.
To grace the occasion were the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, the Igbo-Eze South LGA Chairman, Hon. Ugo-Fedinand Ukwueze, HRH, Igwe Emmanuel Emeka Urama of Ndioke, Ibagwa-Aka and HRH Igwe Prof. Sidney Omeje of Edemani-Amebo, Ibagwa-Aka, the special guest of honour, Alhaji Jimoh Rauf Gbadamosi (Kuzel) ably represented by Rev. Fr. Dr. George Abba, the Chairman of the occasion, Embassador Simon Ejike Eze.
Others included, the President of Ndioke Ibagwa-Aka Town Union, Hon. Chibuzo Onoja, the former Chairman of Igbo-Eze South LGA, Hon. Peter Andy Omeje; Representatives of the Moslem community, Papal Nights of St. John and St. Mulumba Commandery.
The high point of the event was the dedication service attended by dozens of priests and religious from different congregations in the diocese, the press and people from all works of life.
Invitees were entertained by Ikorodo Cultural Dance Troupe of St Theresa’s Church.
