By Judith Eze
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi State Chapter, has joined hands with the State Government to host the inauguration ceremony of its new executives and conferment of honorary awards.
The event, held at the Christian Ecumenical Center, Abakaliki,Thursday, brought together prominent Christian leaders, government officials, and members of the Christian community to celebrate and strengthen their commitment to the development and wellbeing of the state.
The newly inaugurated executives, under the leadership of the Chairman, Rev. Dr. Scamb Nwokolo include Rev. Joseph Nwibo as Vice Chairman, Rev Fr. Joseph Origbo as Secretary, Pastor Obed Elom as Assistant Secretary and Senior Pastor Solomon and Snr Pastor Eriugo as treasurer.
In his remark, the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, charged the newly elected executives to avoid destabilizing the polity by engaging in unfounded criticism.
The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Obila, noted that tho criticisms are necessary for the growth of any administration, it should be done maturely.
According to him: “Let us pray for our leaders; let us give them good directions.
The time is gone for negative criticisms.
“Although criticisms are part of our growth, if you must criticise, do that maturely with good and objective points.
“The leaders need your prayers to grow; we need your prayers to serve you better.”
While congratulating the new CAN executives, the Governor urged them to see their inauguration as a call to serve God and humanity, not for merchandise.
He also admonished them to be good ambassadors of the Church, and to take the message of good moral behaviours to their various denominations as a means of curbing social vices ravaging the nation at the present time.
The Governor added: “I want to congratulate all those that have been inaugurated today.
“And remember, this is not a call for business, it is not a call for money-making, but a call to serve God and humanity.
“Also we want you to help us as ambassadors of Christ, in your various denominations to preach and talk to our people against all these social vices, letting them know that there is nothing as rewarding as exhibiting good characters.”
The new CAN Chairman, Rev. Scamb Nwokolo, in his inaugural address, appealed to all Church leaders to endeavour to speak with one voice on crucial matters affecting the life of the Church in Ebonyi State and the Nigeria nation in general.
He pledged to run an open door administration devoid of all forms of exclusion and segregation, adding that his leadership would strive to sustain and build upon the legacies of his predecessor, including the reviving and rejigging of the School Evangelism Program of CAN in the State.
Nwokolo added: “We thank all of you for the confidence you have in us by electing us to the various positions.
“We assure you that we will do.our best relying on God’s grace to ensure that this body continues to perform its statutory functions in the face of contemporary challenges in our country.
“Therefore, the school evangelism becomes paramount to curbing the prevalent rate of high moral decadence in our society.
“The CAN will embark on a campaign of good and Godly parenting, positive influence and having moral and spiritual anchor for our children in the hand of Almighty God.”
High points of the event was conferment of honorary award to notable clergymen, philanthropists, who have displayed unwavering commitment to their faith and selfless service to humanity.
