By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, has extolled the virtues of the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, while urging Nigerians to support him to become Nigeria’s president in 2023.
The Bishop said this in his sermon at mass to commemorate the World Sickle Cell day at the Madonna Catholic Church, Agulu, on Sunday, June 19, 2022.
He appealed to every adult who has not registered to do so as part of their citizens’ civic duties.
Furthermore, he urged Nigerians, irrespective of state of origin or religion, to look inwards and consider the future of the country before casting their votes in next year’s presidential election.
The cleric expressed confidence that Obi’s integrity, prudence, humility and track record of performance as governor of Anambra State place him firmly as the person Nigeria needs at this critical time of her development.
Speaking on the feast of the day, the “Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ,” the Cleric reminded Catholics about the fruits of the communion in their lives and urged them to remain close to Christ in the Eucharist, for their spiritual health and abundance of divine grace.
On Sickle Cell , the Cleric, who explained what it is, called on those desirous of getting married to check their genotype and avoid begetting children that will suffer the consequences of their negligence.
Speaking during the event, the Coordinator of Association of Persons Living with Sickle Cell Disorder (APLSCD), Mrs Aisha Maureen Edwards, thanked everybody that honoured the event.
She thanked Bishop Ezeokafor for remaining a true father to them, and all those who have been of assistance to the association, and Peter Obi for his paternal care and concern.
In her words: “Presently, 16 sickle cell children are living and educating comfortably in the dormitory named after His Excellency Peter Obi, because of his benevolence in ensuring that the orphans are well accommodated.”
She revealed how the last support of N2 million they received from Mr. Peter Obi helped them to renew their accommodation.
The Coordinator also thanked the Awka Catholic Diocese, Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese, Aguata Anglican Diocese, Diocese on the Niger, Nnewi Teaching Hospital, Agulu People’s Union; Prof. Chinyere Okunna; Fr Cosmas Ebebe, Fr. Joel Okechukwu, Johnbosco Onunkwo, Sir. Emmanuel Ibeneme among others for their continued support.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s Sickle Cell celebration: “Harnessing Media Strength to Promote Effective Sickle Cell Awareness”, Obi’s representative, Prof. Chinyere Okunna, accompanied by Mr. Valentine Obienyem, thanked the bishop for his wonderful sermon and called on all media to propagate the essentials of his message – the need for genotype test before marriage.
She thanked Aisha Edwards for her consistency and encouraged her to remain steadfast.
Prof. Okunna also announced a further donation of N200,000 to the association by Mr. Peter Obi, who he said appealed for their prayers.
In her personal capacity, the Prof. also donated a complete grinding machine to the Association.
The Special Guest and the Chief of staff to Governor Charles Soludo, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi assured of his continued support to the association and called on all men of goodwill to also support them.
Speaking to the press after the event, the Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists, Anambra State Chapter, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu assured that the press in the state would continue to assist the Association in all possible way.