Exit of an Icon:Okenze Ubochi Sylvester Osuigwe@83. An eldersman Okenze Ubochi Sylvester Osuigwe, of Ogbeke Obibiezena, Owerri North Local Government Area, of Imo State, Nigeria has passed on, Monday November 20, 2017 at the age of 83years . A family source confirmed the demise of this verse and knowledgeable administrator after a brief illness at a private medical facility in Owerri, Imo State. From a humble beginning Okenze Osuigwe reached the pinnacle of his career in the Civil Service before retiring voluntarily in 1984. Between 1964 to 1984 he worked in various ministries including the Premier’s office as an Administrative Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. S. E Imoke; Eastern Nigeria rehabilitation Committee, UNICEF/UNESCO rehabilitation project among others. Okenze Osuigwe will be remembered for his frankness, kind- heartedness and commitment which evidently manifested in all his private and official dealings especially during his 21 months as a member of the Abandoned Property Panel in Port Harcourt. Most people who had one thing or the other to do with him describe him as “one in whom is no deceit” and a forthright administrator. It is pertinent to state at this point that this brief on our octogenarian cannot be complete without dwelling on this enigma and quintessential administrator turned politician’s involvement and contributions towards the creation of Imo State and the siting of the State capital in Owerri. Along with other stakeholders he was visible in the political emancipation and struggle for the sustenance of good governance in the State, having credibly served as Commissioner in the 18 months dispensation of Chief Evan Ewerem as Executive Governor of Imo State, priding himself as the engine house and arrow head of that Administration. In 1981 he was among the distinguished personalities in the Obibiezenna Community that were chosen to be conferred with the revered traditional Nze title and later became the primus inter pares (First among equals) of Nze titled class as the Okenze of Obibiezenna Ancient Town. A farmer of great repute who was also the first Board of trustee member in the Nigeria Cassava Growers' Association . It is noteworthy to state here also that this great man both in physical appearance and in character, known for his cheerfulness, charisma, generosity, cheerfully and readily accepted responsibilities and ensured he did them to the best of his ability, even as age and very good health were no longer on his side. One noticeable fact about Okenze Ubochi was his covenant with God which blossomed in his old age started in 1950 at the age of 16years. He had lost the scholarship offered him by the Cameroon Development Corporation to study at St. Joseph's Catholic College, Sussex, Bua. Pained by the reversal in his career couple with undertaking a six day trek in a lonely forest routes from Bua to Ndian Town in Kumba Division of the British Cameroon, he cried and prayed, asking God to help him obtain education with a vow that if that happened, he was going to serve Him till the last day of his life. That he had the best of education as a private student is to the glory of God. Thus in keeping with his vow, Okenze remained ever devoted to any cause he believed, especially in matters concerning God,his creator. He was Chairman of the Diocesan Synod Central Planning Committee of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu for many years and achieved many successes. At every Diocesan Men's Conference, Okenze willingly served as the master of ceremony (MC), his age notwithstanding. In Okenze Osuigwe's desire to have an Anglican Church established in his community-Ogbeke- he donated part of his farmland. To say that he singlehandedly built the Acts of Apostles Anglican Church and passonage will not be an over statement. The Diocese of Egbu appreciated him that the pioneer Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev Prof. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Iheagwam on 28th November 2010 honoured him with the "Indefatigable Servant of God"(ISG) award. So far he is the only person honoured with the ISG award and he very much cherished it till death. Indeed Okenze Ubochi Sylvester Osuigwe endeared himself in the hearts of every member of the Diocese of Egbu and cannot be forgotten. Like the Apostle Paul in his second Epistle to Timothy in Chapter 4 verse 7 following, said he had fought a good fight,finished his course and kept the faith, Okenze Osuigwe has indeed fought a good fight and kept the faith. "Fading away like the stars of the morning; Losing their light in the glorious sun; Thus will we pass from the earth and its toiling "ONLY REMEMBERED BY WHAT WE HAVE DONE" George Best Okoroh Diocesan Communicator/Press Secretary egbuanglican@gmail.com.

Bishop canvasses unity in Church of God Bishop of the Diocese of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor has emphasised the importance of unity in the Church of God.He noted that any environment devoid of unity does not experience peace,progress and development. Bishop Okorafor who made the remarks in his homily during the service marking the 10 anniversry of St Barnabas Anglican Church Umumbazor, Nekede in Owerri West LGA, Imo State noted that with the a lot of landmarks in their kitty, there was no doubt the Church has a great future and prospect. He assured them that their happinessas in the occasion would not only be permanentbut also spur them to go and look for those yet to receive the gospel message within their environment, ensuring they embraced the Christian faith. While encouraging them to aspire for the grace to obey the injunctions of God he urged them to lunch out to catch souls for Christ.Bishop Okorafor enjoined them to emulate the tracks of their patron Saints, Barnabas known as son of consolation,and encouragement, maintaining that the Church needed Barnabas of the present genetation that would work for it without counting the cost. He said such people should be able to introduce people to the Church and to Christ. He pointed out that the Church today needed people who would help spread the gospel through healthy disagreement as in the case with Paul and Barnabas. He acknowledged that the success of the Church has been their ability to opperate as a family and commended the congregation for the successes they have attained both spiritually and infrastructurally. He said they should avoid unhealthy rivary , but make family competition their hallmark in the Church. He however advised against anyone assuming indispensablity in the Church as without them the Church must surely match forward. He enjoined those moved to offer one service or the other in the upliftment of the Church not to hesitate in coming foward. The Bishop challenged them to concentrate on making exploits in the church of God,taking risk and ensuring aggressive evangelism of the area. Determination, he explained remained the key to succeed,adding that as they celebrate the 10th anniversary they should look farward to celebrating many more eventful celebrations.He encouraged the Priest in charge of the Station ,Rev Kenneth Oparada and his wife Mrs Benita Oparada to ensure continued spiritual and physical growth of the Church, maintaining that the reward for hardworking is more work. Bishop Okorafor poured encomium on his predecessor, the Rt. Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Iheagwam for the vision to set up the Chapel of Miracle which has grown into St Barnabas Anglican Church Umumbazor, Nekede now celebrating its 10th anniversary. Present at the ocassion included the pioneer Bishop of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Iheagwam, his wife Mrs Adaku Iheagwam, the Registrar of the Diocese, Barr. Ifeanyi Eke among many other distinguished personalities. George Best Okoroh Diocesan Communicator/Press Secretary.

Bishop Okorafor inaugurates the Amala indigenous Anglican Church Workers Association: urges them to grow it in order to achieve its objectives. Adherents of the Christian faith have been counseled to search and bring back to the fold faithful who ought to be in the Church but are not ,owing to the attitude and behaviour of some professed Christians who constituted themselves into clog against the spread of the gospel. They have also been adviced to do a rethink and desist from their roles of double standard,stressing that worshipping of God must be in Spirit and truth. Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor who gave the advice in his homily during a service to inaugurate the Amala indigenous Anglican Church Workers Association at St Andrew's Anglican Church, Amala in Ngor Okpala LGA, Imo State cautioned that God should not be taken for granted. He likened the Christian and the Kingdom race to the parable of the seed sower in Matthew 13 verses 24 following and advised adherents to be conscious and mindful of the fact that though they may have planted good seeds, the enemy in their midst could also plant tares amidst such good seed. He explained that these may manifest in the form of sowing discord in the Church Parochial Committees , Communities ,individual homes, amongst family members. Some parents he observed, sow seed of malice in their children, especially against their uncles. He pointed out that these innocent children hold on these offending instructions tanciously. While he observed that many were still sowing similar seeds cautioned that except those involved do a rethink it would not only lead and subject them to the wrath of God but also on to eternal condemnation. To the members of Amala Indigenous Anglican Church Workers Association, Bishop Okorafor acknowledged that the aims and objectives of the body were ideal and commendable he however charged them to resist the temptation of having divisions in their midst, urging them to be careful of the devises of the enemy who may sow tares amongst them. He also pointed out that as an Association they were important both individually and collectively ,stressing that nobody should think himself indispensable. The Bishop futher reminded them that they were all parts in one body, and should not see any one of them less important, nor looking down on any member as that may amount to running down their Association. The Bishop also enjoined them not to build a house and turn around to destroy it but to look towards all things that would unit them and ensure the Association was not dislodged and put into asunder but to grow it in order to achieve ts set objectives. Bishop Okorafor was full of gratitude to the Bishops of the various Dioceses where the Association drew its members for granting permission to the workers in their Diocese to attend the inauguration service. He also thanked the Archdeacon of Amala, Ven. Kingsley Okere for opening the doors of the archdeaconry for the Association,describing the event of the day as a landmark that would go beyond the boarders of the Diocese. Speaking on the history behind the Association, the Chairman, Rev David Ukaegbu said the essence of the body is to narrow the gap between indigenous Anglican Church Workers from Amala city, ensuring that they were able to address their common issues both spiritually and otherwise. Rev Ukaegbu said setting up the Association was essentially to enable them ventilate their passion and great concern for the growth and development of the Churches in Amala and appealed for the support and encouragement of the people of Amala. He also recalled that it was on the death of one them, Late Rev Canon Christopher Irondi,who passed on sometime last year, opened their consciousness on the need for coming together. George Best Okoroh Diocesan Communicator/Press Secretary

Bishop counsels faithful on being submissive . Bishop of the Diocese of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor has urged faithful to be submissive,dedicated and definite in their resolve to serve God. He also counseled them to be ready and willing to do many exploits in the vineyard of God.Bishop Okorafor who gave the advice in his homily during a service to mark the10th year of anniversary celebration of the institution of St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church Umudibia,Nekede in Owerri West LGA, Imo State enjoined members of the Church not only to adopt the life style of their Patron Saint,Arch Angle Michael but also to emulate especially his commitment and diligence. He explained that the name Michael means who is like God and noted that the name Michael was already manifesting in the Church . He however cautioned of the present of agents of darkness operating in the Church stressing that it was these agents that Arch Angel Michael came to attack. Bishop Okorafor noted that it was Arch Angle Michael as head of the Angles which fought against the dragon in heaven, defeating and chasing him out from the heavens. He assured them that so long they were steadfast they would be victorious and more than conquers over every Satan battle against them,reassuring that they would not be swallowed by their enemies. He disclosed that all battles being wagged against them were not theirs but God's fight, whom he said would not allow them to be moved as He who watches over them does not sleep nor slumber.He encouraged the Vicar of the Parish ,Rev Canon Ifeanyi Onyegacha, his wife Mrs Chinonyerem Onyegecha and the entire congregation to ensure continued spiritual and physical growth of the Church by being more focussed, dedicated , abhorring selfish inclination but,thinking of things that united them than those that separated them while also being wary and careful of the antics of those agents of darkness in their midst. Bishop Okorafor poured encomium on his predecessor, the Rt Rev Prof. Emmanuel Uchechukwu Iheagwam for the institution of St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church Umudibia,Nekede maintaining that but for the foresight to institute the Church worshippers would have been clostering in Holy Trinity Church, Nekede. While also expressing his gratitude to the Priests and their wives who have pastored the Church for their contributions in the stabilization of the Church,he commended the congregation for the successes they have attained both spiritually and infrastructurally. He recalled to memory of the likes of Chief Richard Onyenobi,Sir Moses Oziri,Sir Emmanuel Oguike and Bar. Nathan Oparachiekwe, the four people who he said worked tirelessly for the growth of this Church at inception and urged those still living to sustain their efforts in bringing glory to Godand ensuring the successful accomplishment of God divine purpose in the Church. George Best Okoroh Diocesan Communicator/Press Secretary

Bishop Okorafor counsels PMB against activities of Sycophants Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Rt Rev Geoffrey Enyinnaya Okorafor, on Friday advised President Mahammadu Buhari to read the hand writing on the wall and ignore political sychophants and leave office in May 29, 2019. He also expressed disgust that Buhari administration allegedly does not pay regard to the public opinion, especially on advise on how to fight corruption. Bishop Okorafor, who gave the advise in his 82page Presidential Address which critically analyzed situation of President Muhammadu Buhari's economic, political and social conditions of the country, delivered during the first session of the eight synod of the Diocese held at the Cathedral Church of all Saints Egbu, in Owerri North Local Council of Imo State, also advised Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State to look back at himself and assess himself on how the people he is governing are at home with his rulership programmes, policies, actions and inactions., urging that retirees should be paid their full pensions and entitlements without further delays. He opined that there are many perceptions held by the people on him. Advising Buhari in the occasion attended by the Chancellor of the Diocese and immediate past Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Benjamin Njemanze, a term Imo House of Assembly member (who represented Ezinihitte Mbaise constituency), Oliver Enwerenem, some government and top religious officials, Bishop Okorafor noted that there have been calls and suggestions on Mr. President to run a second term come 2019, which he said sounded very good indeed, but urged the. President not heed such as those making the suggestions were his worst enemies and sycophants of the highest order. He further advised Mr. President to pack all his bags and baggage from Aso Rock, if by God's grace he pulls through the hazards of governing this difficult and complex entity called Nigeria, maintaining that he has achieved his life ambition as military Head of State as well as a civilian President. He pointed out that with his age, and health challenges, which makes him look frail, the Presidebt needed nobody to tell him that the military junta called Buhari who would sneeze and his boys and people around him caught cold is now expiring by the day, stressing that to saddle him with additional load of campaigning from state to state and presentation of manifestoes in the process is killing. He explained that a good actor would always quit the state when the ovation is loudest and urged him to take leave and be a good actor for his name has already entered in the annals of history as both a military junta as well as a civilian President of Nigeria both encapsulated in one name Muhammadu Buhari. On the president's fight against corruption, Bishop Okorafor recalled emphatically that last year, the President was called on to do a house cleaning exercise, beginning with his own house and office before engaging in the fight against corruption outside, regrettably that call he noted fell on deaf ears. He said he was not surprised because governments in the land have no regard or respect for the opinion of the ordinary citizens. The Bishop who wondered what has happened to the looted funds that have been purportedly recovered also questioned when Nigerians would be given the account while also expressing fears if the funds were not passing from one corrupt hand to another. The Anglican Bishop who was particularly irked that the heardsmen were still going about freely armed with riffles, whereas the Indegeneous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), whose members hold only rallies, unarmed, was declared terrorist group and proscribed. While IPOB, he said has been seen as only involved in their mass rallies, without arms of any sort, affirmed that It was unacceptable to declare it a terrorist group. Continuing he noted that the heardsmen no longer go with their staff in hand but now go with riffles of different rounds and shoot, kill or maim at the slightest resistance against them when their cattle destroy people's farms. He posited that if such people that go with loaded guns band, kill and destroy people's homes were not a terrorist group, one wonders who is and how and why a group without any guns can be branded terrorists. Speaking on the Imo State Governor's policies, programmes, actions and inactions since his second term in office, Bishop Okorafor, advised him to borrow a leaf from what is in the biblical quotation, Matthew 16: 13; Mark 8:27, and Luke 9:18, on where Jesus Christ asked Peter ''Who do you say I am?"and urged Governor Okorocha to remove ego and sincerely assess popularity test of self in office, stressing that now was most appropriate time when he should appraise himself and know the mindset and impression of the citizenry of the state entrusted into your care more than six years ago. He said the assessment could not come from sychophants and praise singers who he noted would shout Hosanna, Hosanna for him today and shout a loud 'crucify him' as he quits office. On the alleged whole lot of work going on, but appear poor in quality, the Bishop advised the Governor to take them in bits: ''We would advise that projects in Imo State are taken in bits and quality work done. He who has ear, let him hear. Whether road project, education project, unemployment problem or any of the like should be taken step-by-step.'' He described as the 'most ungodly behaviour of this government the non accurate payment of pensions, gratuities and statutory payments including the failure to pay allowances to pensioners in full. Furthermore he averred that if the State Government informed Ndigbo that it collected the sum of N7billion from the Federal Government Paris Club Fund, one of the most appropriate steps should have been to settle the case of pensioners asserting these old men and women,had served the state with all youthfulness in them. They are not begging for money. What they were asking for was their due as rights,he added. On the vexed rummoured issue that the Imo State governor intends to ensure his son-in-law, takes over office from him, the Bishop advised against such move, rather, another time, for posterity and conscience sake. His words: ''This is the time to right some of the wrongs so that posterity will remember you in the positive direction. If ever you son in-law should be chief executive of Imo State, we advise you that it should not be immediately after you. It could be sometime in the near future for conscience sake.'' Okorochas's son -in-law, and presently the Chief of Staff, Government House, Owerri, Uche Nwosu, is widely said and believed that the governor is working behind to succeed him. Nwosu, married Okorocja's first daughter, Uloma. George Best Okoroh Diocesan Communicator/Press Secretary

Bishop Okorafor tasks Knights at Chapter Meeting: New Executive emerges. A three day 2017 Chapter Meeting of the Knights of the Diocese of Egbu has ended with the election of a new executive to pilot the affairs of the Council for the next three years. At the end of the tenure of the new executive the office of the President and Deputy President would be by appointment by the Diocesan.Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu who dropped the pronouncement when he presented his charge at the Chapter Meeting held at the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Egbu in Owerri North LGA,IMO State, said other offices would however be by election. Bishop Okorafor who also is the Knight Superior explained that the essence was to stem the tide of charged atmosphere observed during elections and directed the Council to amend all relevant sections of the constitution of the Council. He expressed the hope that Knights of the Diocese would show more commitment to Diocesan activities, urging those residing within neighbouring towns to the Diocese to explore worshipping in their home Churches at least once every month. In his 11- page report, the President of the Caretaker Committee of the Council,Sir Chukwueloka Okeke x- rayed the activities undertaken by the Committee since its inauguration on 18th March 2017, highlighting some of the challenges plaguing the Council prompting the Committee to the setting up of sub- committees to advice it on how best to address some of the identified lapses which included leadership, cabalism, fractionalization, low Spiritualism, indiscipline,high dues and the stepping down from high table by past officers. To encourage commitment to the Council and the Diocese, Sir Chukwueloka said the Caretaker Committee instituted Knight of the year award which he said would debut at the Chapter Meeting. In the report he also eulogized the Ladies of Knights of St. Christopher, describing them as their pride and partners in progress. Similarly the President, ladies of Knights of St. Christopher, Lady Philo Mela in her address disclosed that in the past four year the ladies have identified with the Diocese in the Train -a - Priest programme and expressed the joy that they have successfully completed the project. In an election presided over by the Bishop and assisted by the Chaplains of the Council, Ven Nathan Amaechi and Rev Canon Daniel Emuka, Sir Chukwueloka Tim Okeke emerged elected unopposed as well as Dame Angy Uba as Deputy President. Others include Ezinwa Sam N Ajoku ksc, as Secretary,Dame Chioma Ugwuanya Assistant Secretary, Sir Benjamin O. Ejiogu, Treasurer and Sir Ray Mbonu, as Financial Secretary. Also elected were Sir C. D. Ngoka ,Publicity Secretary, Sir Samuel Amadi, Flag Officer, Sir Ben A. Anah , Sergeant @arm, with Dame Eunice Onyeledo as Welfare Officer, Sir Arthur Nkwocha,as Legal Adviser while, Sir Dennis Echebima, and Sir Dennis N. O. Alozieh emerged as joint auditors. In his post election speech, the President elect ,Sir Chukwueloka thanked members of the Council for the confidence and trust reposed in them. He pleaded for their unalloyed support and fervent prayers. Meanwhile Bishop Geoffrey Okorafor has counseled Christians not to allow mundane things of the world that would perish to prevent them from making heaven. He said it would be most ridiculous and an irony of fate should any of them be a cast out after being Knights. Bishop Okorafor who gave the advice at Emmanuel Church, Emii in Owerri North LGA,Imo State during the Thanksgiving service to climax activities marking the 2017 Chapter Meeting of the Diocese of Egbu Council of Knights said it would rather be a glorious moment for all of them to make heaven at the last day. Bishop Okorafor urged them to cherish their knighthood ,maintaining that it was an upliftment by God which many people envy . He implored them to guide jealously at whatever cost their knighthood and its prestige, surrendering themselves to the defensive mechanism of God,having been protected beyond penetration. In a sermon earlier, the Rev. Joel Chima acknowledged the sovereignty and superiority of God as nobody has ever succeeded without the hand of God. Rev Chima posited that the defensive measle of God was always there to make them impenetratable,stressing that Christians have divine protection and need not exercise any fears. He expressed regret that some of them had surrendered to cultists and were into idolatry with diverse altar, when God had endowed them with supernaturally protective powers. He challenged Christians to be conscious of the the life they lead as he noted that the easiest way they could be brought down was the breaking of the hedge which exposes them to becoming pry in the hands of Satan. He admonished them to stand firm in the grace in Jesus Christ for every other ground outside this grace was sinking sand. The Cleric advised that when God has raised their standard they should ensure a corresponding rise in their service of God as he debunk the notion in the lips of many that they were self made, insisting that they were rather help made, as it is only God who is capable of lifting one up and bringing the other down. The service which was conducted by Canon Daniel Emuka had the President-elect Sir Chukwueloka Okeke and the President of the Ladies of Knights of St. Christopher,Lady Philo Mela reading the first and second lessons respectively. George Best Okoroh Diocesan Communicator/Press Secretary

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Ndigbo must rise up and quickly come to terms with the present realities confronting then in the Nigeria context- Bishop Okorafor. Bishop of the Diocese of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor has counseled Ndigbo to pursue realistically their agitation devoid of mere narratives . He said Ndigbo must rise up to the occasion and quickly come to terms with the present realities confronting the zone in the Nigeria context. Bishop Okorafor who gave the advice during a Eucharistic service of confirmation, admission and induction for Emeabiam Parish at Christ Anglican Church Emeabiam in Owerri West LGA, Imo State implored them to squarely address their problems else they cannot succeed, not even the agitation by the Indeginous People of Biafra( IPOB) and its leadership can solve the problems of Ndigbo. While lamenting the lack of unity amongst them, he lashed at some of the group presently championing the struggle for the emancipation of Ndigbo for a recent altercation between them and advised that they should not dissipate energies, but appreciate the fact they were pursuing a common goal which were to confront their criminal oppressions, marginalization and subjugation as a race in the national polity. He maintained that until Ndigbo become united they would continue to be denied their position as a vital component in the Nigerian polity. Besides craving for unity he advised that Ndigbo should embrace economic ventures in which they have comparative advantage in their zone. Bishop Okorafor urged Ndigbo to return to agriculture , assuring that with good and arable land in the South East they were sure to sustain themselves rather than lazing away and looking up to the North for virtually all their food needs. The Bishop expressed worry that Nigerians and those in leadership positions at 57 were still fooling about in a country that has all it takes to be a great except lacking in visionary leaders who delight only in being applauded by sycophants . He averred that Nigeria has to go back to the drawing board to fashion out policies that would genuinely address the critical challenges facing the country especially in the education sector. He said government should look at situations in which many of their leaders have their children studying abroad where the school calendars were guaranteed and students subjected to quality laboratory studies. He regretted that because the Nigerian education has detrioated so greatly,Master degree holders from institutions in the country were subjected to further scrutiny and some times made to seat for examinations before proceeding for their desired courses. The Bishop urged government to sanitize the university system eliminating the practice of sorting and making sure that undergraduates were made to undertake realistic laboratory tutorials before graduation. Bishop Okorafor was elated at the uncommon courage of 84 years Pa Ernest Anyanwu confirmed after his renouncement of membership of secret cult and Mr.&Mrs Okechukwu Njemanze who in addition got reconciled after being separated for over twenty years. The Bishop thanked the congregation of Emeabiam parish, the Vicar Rev Canon Daniel Emuka, his wife Mrs Chiletem Emuka , Church workers and their wives for fishing out the good number of candidates presented into the five arms of the Church. He however regretted that the issue of lateness was still prevalent in the parish adding that they were only making a mockery of the most high God and warned that they may be late to heaven owing to this defect in their lives. In the sermon preached at the service the Bishop's Chaplain, Rev Progress Okoroafor urged faithful to embrace freedom in the Lord. In exercising this freedom he urged them to hold on to the great commandment, summarized in their love for the Lord their God and their neigbours with all their heart, with all their soul, and with all their mind. He emphasised the need for them to treat others the way they would desire to be treated, because whatever yard stick and measure they adopt for others would be the same that would be applied to them. Rev Okoroafor admonished them to examine themselves dispassionately ensuring that they kept to the tenets of the scriptures. George Best Okoroh Diocesan Communicator/Press Secretary.

Bishop urges Govts to address medical care in the country as a check to medical tourism. Anglican Bishop of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor has urged government at all levels to ensure that at 57 the nation hollistically addressed all issues relating to medical care in the land. Bishop Okorafor who gave the challenge during a Eucharistic service of confirmation, admission and induction for Amorie/Ogbeke Parish at Acts of Apostles Anglican Church, Ogbeke in Owerri North LGA, was particularly irked by the poor hearthcare system in the country, espcially in terms of infrastructure and low morals amongst government doctors and other related workers. He posited that situations where such leaders who fell sick undertake medical tourism to India, London, United States (U.S.), and United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) was not helping the nation's battered economy, stressing that Nigerians including those in leadership position should patronize Nigerian hospitals. He recalled that the APC led government had in 2016 prohibited any government official seeking medical care abroad, but noted that this was only held on the breach as President Buhari reneged on that prohibition when he was flown to London to be treated for an ear infection at the neck of that order. Bishop Okorafor who bemoaned the state of the nation and the level of uncertainties, urged the governments to rise to their responsibilities or quit. He noted that governance in the country supposed to be democratic , has turned out to being the worst dictatorship ever imagined. He pointed out that the nation was sitting on a keg of gun powder,as no one was sure of what October 1 holds for the nation, in the aftermath of the threat and deadline by the Arewa youths for Igbos to quit the north or be forced out. The day, he said would determine the fate of Nigeria. While regretting that the nation was still crawling close to six decades as an Independent country, the Bishop maintained that the bane of Nigeria these years has been the absence of any memoriable story to tell except for one challenge or the other. He said the nation epitomized a world of kidnapping, armed robbery, child trafficking among other vices, of half baked graduates, where lecturers and other labour unions embarking on strike actions at will, of youth unemployment and where medical care was zero. Bishop Okorafor commended the workers that had lived in the Acts of the Apostles Anglican Church, Ogbeke , thanking them for their commitment in ensuring the successful completion of the parsonage project. He was also full of gratitude to the congregation for their support in the execution of the project. He noted that the confirmation service which coincided with the dedication of the parsonage was the first outside the parish HQ, since his Episcopacy in 2013, commended the Vicar , Rev Canon Gideon Amanze, his wife, Mrs Vivian Amanze and Church workers and their wives for sustaining the mission work in the parish. Bishop's Chaplain, Rev. Progress Okoroafor who preached the sermon at the service urged Christians not be overcomed by evil, but overcome evil with good. He noted that most of them have been offended so much that they have vowed never to have anything to do with the offender. He acknowledged that though they may have cogent reasons to find it difficult to forgive, if they must enter the kingdom of God they must learn to let go,urging that if their enemy was hungry and thirsty they should feed and give them to drink. He explained that for in so doing they would be heaping coals of fire on their head. The Cleric however explained that the intention of Paul's admonition was not necessarily to bring to their offenders to condemnation, as a number of them were known to take pleasure in doing such favour so that their offenders may receive condemnation. He maintained that Paul's intention was to see a repentant neighbour whose conscience would have pricked after receiving favour from their perceived enemy. He further advised that if they were to be worthy of making heaven they ought to embrace the teachings of the Scriptures, revealing that when they do good to their enemies they would be blessed by them, making reference to the case of the Biblical King Soul and David as in 1 Samuel Chapter 24:19b. Highpoint of the service include the award of distinguished honour to some deserving faithful that had contributed to the completion of the parsonage amongst other facilitating other projects in the station. George Best Okoroh Diocesan Communicator/Press Secretary.

Govt. urged to address inadequacy of infrastructure in Schools as pupils resume classes. Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, the Rt. Rev Geoffrey Okorafor has bemoaned the infrastructural decay in educational sector in Imo State. He lamented situations where some pupils still study under tree sheds discribing it as not acceptable in a State that prides itself as the center for free education. Bishop Okorafor who made the remarks during the service of confirmation, admission and induction for Obibiezena parish at St. Peter's Anglican Church, Obibiezena in Owerri North LGA urged the State government to holistically address the infrastrutural inadequacy in the schools now that the pupils were resuming this week. The Bishop also appealed to parents to develop that consciousness over the safety of their children and how they relate with them, becoming extra careful in their handling. He said they should eschew being careless with affairs concerning their kids stressing that some of them were known to have not promptly gone for their wards at the close of schools leaving them at the mercy of hoodlum. On the state of roads in the State Bishop Okorafor encouraged the Owelle Rochas Okorocha led APC Government to take more seriously the quality of roads in the state,wondering how roads constructed only about a year ago were already failing. He also urged the State government to explore undertaking the reconstruction of failed portions of the Owerri/Mbaise road,to safeguard the people of the State the major users of the road. The Bishop who acknowledged that though the road is a federal concern, he maintained that the State government could fix it and approach the Federal government for reimbursement like some other sister States have done in their States. He also urged the government to consider rehabilitating the Naze/ Uratta ring road and other failed roads in the State. Bishop Okorafor thanked the congregation for the support to their Archdeacon and Vicar Ven Emmanuel Olewuezi, the wife, Mrs Dr.Ngozi Olewuezi and the Church workers in the parish. He said he was impressed by the cordiality amongst the Church workers and advised that it should be sustained. While cautioning against divisions and gang ups in the Church, stressed that no progress and development are ever witnessed in an atmosphere of crisis. He also warned that nobody owes the Church and advised that they should allow the Church of God to flow freely. The Bishop who also flayed those faithful in diaspora who do not identify with their home Churches commended the few that were delighted in truly associating and seeing to the growth of their home Churches. He however bemoaned the habit of lateness amongst Anglican faithful, stressing that everything done in the Church from inception of the service has its significance adding that coming after the absolution has been taken was capable of affecting them in their Christian race. Chaplain of the Bishop, Rev. Progress Okoroafor who preached the sermon at the service urged Christians to show compassion and pity on the less privileged in their midst. Taking his text from Luke chapter 16 verse 21 which centered on the case of the richman and Lazarus, said they should always be conscious of the fact that there is something someone could do for them. He posited that they may have everything, live in luxury but without Christ in their lives, their riches meant nothing. Rev Okoroafor advised that if God has blessed them and riches smile at them, they should use their position to better the lots of others, seeing it as a privilege to extend such helping hands. He also counseled the poor to aspire to embrace Jesus Christ else they would not rest in the bosom of Abraham like Lazarus,but suffer affliction a second time. Every faithful,he also admonished to turn away from evil deeds, whether rich or poor for them to be heaven worthy. George Best Okoroh Diocesan Communicator/Press Secretary

Flooding causes colossal damage in Bishop's Court, aftermath of heavy rainfall Following heavy rains which began in evening of last Wednesday massive flooding is being witnessed in Owerri the Imo State capital and its environs. According to our reporter who went round town noted that Egbu Community ,a suburb of the State capital, appeared to be worst hit with flood water from around the vicinity emptying into the Bishop court, housing the Bishop's office and residence. The Bishop's_Chaplain, Rev Progress Okoroafor who spoke to our correspondent noted that the issue of flooding in the community has been a recurrent matter in the area, taking new dimensions since this year. He atttributed the heavy flood in the Bishop's compound to poor drainage system in the community adding that the construction of the modern market plaza including new buildings springing up in the areas, where flood water were earlier channelled, may have also aggravated the situation. He bemoaned the lost by the Diocese interms of documents, computers and accessories , house furniture and equipment.Rev Okoroafor expressed the hope that the State Emergency Management Agency(SEMA)would rise to its responsibilities by coming to the aid of victims of the flooding maintaining that if urgent steps were not taken the ugly experience of the 2012 may reoccur. Also lending his voice an indigene of the community, Builder Samuel Ubah while commiserating with the Bishop, Rt. Rev Geoffrey Okorafor and workers of the Bishop's court on the colossal destruction occasioned by the flooding stressed the need for a holistic approach to addressing the drainage system so as to ensure the channelling of flood directly into the Otamiri stream within the community. He appealed to the Bishop to use his spiritual position to attract the Federal Government to include the Afor Egbu market(ponding) flood in the budget for ecological disaster. He said he was making the appeal not only because the flooding has seriously hit the Bishop's Court but in consideration of the plight of Owerri Umuahia road users. George Best Okoroh Diocesan Communicator/Press Secretary.

Eschew hypocrisy in the worship of God-Cleric The 21st Conference of the mothers of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu came to an end this Sunday with a special Conferece thanksgiving service at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Umualum, Nekede Ancient Kingdom in Owerri West LGA,IMO State. Preaching the sermon at the service, an Anglican Cleric, the Rev Christian Ifesia charged faithful to worship God in humility, sincere and without hypocrisy in order to attract God's upliftment. Speaking on the theme " Am I my brother's keeper" Rev Ifesia explained that God originally created man to do good and at the same time to be his brother's keeper. He called on Christians to remove hatred, envy, malice in serving God.Speaking from Genesis 4:9, where Cain murdered his brother Abel because of jealousy and envy, he regretted that some Christians were still speaking Cain's language,who rather than take care of his brother killed him. He said they should not be associated with the saying that they do not need to look at any body's face when they have a more beautiful face, as they depict the spirit of Cain. The man of God pointed out that one of the purpose of the Church was to take care of the needy but regretted that some Churches have deviated from its essence and called on Christians to always be their brother's keeper, attending to the needs of their neighbors. He stressed that by so doing they were allowing joy in their lives. He explained that they were under compulsion to love those less privileged in their midst through extending helping hands to them. He said they have been made watchmen over these people as keepers and not to show laisser-faire attitude towards them. Rev.Ifesie who is the Parish Priest of Obube Parish called on both political leaders and Traditional rulers to always show love to those under them rather than subjecting them into hardship. While also advising leaders at all levels to always respect the right of their citizens and the rule of law urged them to amilorate the suffering of their citizens by regular payment of salaries and pensions. The Clergyman also counseled the Imo state government to pay compensation to those whose buildings and shops were destroyed, stressing that it would help alleviate the magnitude of their suffering and also reduce crime in the State. On the strike by Doctors and the Academic Staff of University(ASUU) the Cleric pleaded with both bodies to sheathe their sword for the sake of their patients and students. He also urged the Federal government to fulfil their agreement with both the ASUU and Doctors. The Cleric who also flayed some mothers who watch their children, especially the female stray away without cautioning them said God would hold them responsible and to account for their misdeeds. He called on the wealthy in the society to help the poor by building industries that would create employment for the teaming unemployed youths in the country. Some personalities present in the service include the Bishop Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Enyinnaya Okorafor, who presided over the service, the Bishop emeritus and wife Rt. Rev. Prof Emmanuel Uchechukwu Iheagwam and Mrs. Adaku Iheagwam, the Registrar, Sir Ifeanyi Eke, some members of the Fellowship of Diocesan Royal Fathers led by their chairman, HRH Eze Engr. Frederick Nwachukwu and the host traditional ruler Eze Stephen Agumanu. Also present were Archdeacons, Canons, other clergymen,Church Teachers, amongst other dignitaries. Highpoints of the Thanksgiving service include the cutting of the 21st Mothers'Union Conference cake,unveiling of the Basket of Blessing,the lunch of the "Virtue Magazine" and the exchange of gifts with link stations. Rev. Benjamin Onyekachi Ugorji Reporting