The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor says the society will be better when persons elected into positions of authority, honor their pact with those who elected them.
Bishop Ezeokafor was speaking when he paid a pastoral visit to St Lawrence Chapel Mass Centre, Awka.
The chapel, built by the former member who represented Anambra Central Senatorial zone in the National Assembly, Senator Uche Ekwunife, was consecrated in 2018.
The bishop condemned the development in Nigeria’s political sphere, where politicians reneged on the promises they made to the people when they were elected into power, focusing only on enriching themselves with public wealth.
Ezeokafor commended the builder of the chapel, Senator Uche Ekwunife for her exploits while she occupied public office, noting that she distinguished herself creditably.
“God has called us to various vocations- as priests, politicians, civil servants, businessmen and women, and many others.
“We should ensure that we use our various offices to serve God and humanity.
“Senator Ekwunife while she was in office, performed creditably. She even considered building this house of worship for dwellers in this area.
“These are exemplary attributes that public officeholders must endeavor to emulate,” he said.
In her welcome remarks, Senator Ekwunife commended the parishioners for their efforts that yielded the success of the pastoral visit.
According to her, she decided to build the chapel to provide the people of the area with a place of worship.
“This dates back to my childhood days when my mother used our family house for all kinds of religious programs.
“I grew up with that mentality and I have realized that the blessings that supporting the work of God brings, cannot be quantified. It transcends generations.
“It is my hope that this house of worship will help boost the spirituality of the people,” she said.
The Chairman on the occasion and member representing Anambra South in the Senate, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah commended the decision by the Senator to build a house of worship for the people, saying that she has carved a niche for herself in the state’s political arena.
“What Senator Ekwunife has done in building this is an uncommon feat.
“It is not easy to achieve this kind of feat.
“As an individual, I said that my name must be in the Guinness Book of Records for being an individual that built a cathedral and I have started it at the Nnewi Catholic Diocese.
“I faced a lot of evil and opposition but God has seen me through.
“My prayer is that God will use our political leaders to salvage the condition of the people of Anambra State,” he said.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the event planning committee, Prof Josephat Ogbuagu, and the Parish priest, Reverend Father Paulinus Okonkwo appreciated all who supported the success of the pastoral visit and said the event marks a milestone in the efforts of the chapel to cater for the spiritual needs of the worshippers.
106 persons were at the ceremony administered with the sacrament of confirmation.
