Niger Delta
Cleric Tasks Govt On Poverty Alleviation
The Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Friday Imaekhai, has challenged the three tiers of government to intensify efforts at tackling the problem of poverty.
Imaekhai gave the challenge in an interview with newsmen Tuesday, in Ekpoma, Edo State.
The cleric said that the level of poverty which had risen above 75 per cent of the population, was regrettable in a country rich in oil resources.
Imaekhai emphasised that the issue of poverty must be addressed for the average Nigerian to live a decent live.
The cleric noted that much of the vices in the country would have been drastically reduced if the poverty level had dropped significantly.
Imaekhai expressed regret that not much had been achieved with the poverty alleviation schemes by the government.
“Monies are said to be disbursed but to whom? People are suffering and it is really disturbing when we seem to have a government.
“There is a need to proffer an urgent and drastic solution to the issue of poverty in the country. Government should be more responsive to the people whom it claimed to be representing.
“It is imperative for government at all levels to handle this issue with utmost urgency for the betterment of the society,” he stated.
Imaekhai urged the three tiers of government to seek common good by putting in place people-oriented programmes that would benefit the grassroots.
For such programmes to succeed, he said, there was the need to involve the poor in decision making, particularly on issues of poverty alleviation.
Niger Delta
Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday
The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.
Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.
Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.
According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.
The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.
“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.
He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.
On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.
“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.
