General Overseer of the Word of Life Bible Church, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, have commended the administration of Governor Douye Diri for its transformational leadership that is promoting both spiritual and physical upliftment of Bayelsa State.
The two prominent Christian clerics, who gave the commendation during separate courtesy calls to the governor at the Government House, Yenagoa, on Monday, said they were pleased to see the tremendous development strides that have taken place in the state in the last few years.
Pastor Oritsejafor expressed gratitude to past and present leaders of the state for publicly declaring and promoting Bayelsa as a Christian state.
He specifically praised Gov. Diri and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, for not being ashamed of their Christian faith and prayed God to continually bless the people and government of Bayelsa State.
“We are Christians and we should be proud of it. We shouldn’t run away from it. I’m glad that Bayelsa is still the Christian state we see. That is why I celebrate Bayelsa State and its leadership.
“I believe that God will never forsake this state. The fact that this state stands out and publicly proclaims itself as a Christian state, heaven will back this state and do what man cannot do. I believe that things will get better every day in Bayelsa State,” he said.
Similarly, Bishop Kukah noted that Bayelsa State had undergone a lot of transformation under the current administration in terms of development and urged it to continue its good works.
Kukah, who was in the state to deliver a memorial lecture in honour of one of
the founding fathers of the state, late Abraham Ambaiowei, called on Nigerians not to give up but work towards the greatness of the country.
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He said that “this is a great country. It is a heck of a country. People keep asking me where I find the inspiration to speak so positively about Nigeria. And I feel sorry that we don’t seem to appreciate what God has done for us.
“Anytime you turn on your bed and look at Gaza and Sudan, and what they have become, it is a great lesson for us.
“For Bayelsa, I am affiliated with the aspirations and all the great work that is being done here. I was here (maybe) three or four years ago. I’m amazed by the transformation that has taken place.
“So, I want to commend and congratulate and assure you that in our prayers and supplications, Bayelsa State will remain and occupy an important part of our intercession.
“I will continue to ask God to bless you and keep you all very much in peace.”
Responding, Gov. Diri, thanked the two Christian leaders for being true to their calling over the years and for finding time out of their crowded schedules to visit and bless the state.
Gov. Diri, particularly eulogized Bishop Kukah for being a moral beacon and courageous cleric who not only speaks truth to power but also inspires Nigerians and people all over the world.
While calling on both clerics to continually pray for the people, government, and the leadership of the state, Gov. Diri stressed the need for Christians not to pursue material wealth at the detriment of the salvation of their souls.
