By Amos Odeh, Yenagoa
Ahead of the Easter celebrations, the Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, has again called on people of the state to exude love in all they do in order to attract God’s blessings upon their lives and the state in general.
Governor Diri made the call on Thursday at the Enthronement Service and Inauguration of the ministry of Right Reverend Tamunotari Matthew Obaze as the second bishop of Diocese of Ogbia, Anglican Communion, at the Cathedral Church of St Paul, Ogbia Town.
Speaking through his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor reminded Bayelsans that love remains the greatest commandment of God, which must be obeyed at all cost for the good of humanity and society.
He stressed that those who suffer from what is known as ‘Pull him Down’ syndrome never make any meaningful progress in life.
Governor Diri, therefore, implored the church and people of the state to join hands with his administration to work for the peace and development of Bayelsa State.
He congratulated Right Reverend Obaze on his successful election and subsequent enthronement as the second bishop of Ogbia Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, following the retirement of its pioneer bishop, Rt Revd James Oruwori.
Making his personal remarks, the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, described the newly enthroned bishop as his bosom friend who is passionate and committed to the service of God and humanity.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who expressed gratitude to God for ordaining two of his close friends, the Rt Revd Obaze and his Northern Izon Diocese counterpart, Rt Revd Funkuro Amgbari in less than ten years, enjoined them to remain focused as priests of the Almighty God.
In his inaugural sermon, the new Bishop of Ogbia Diocese, Rt Revd Tamunotari Matthew Obaze, stressed the need for everyone to discover and pursue his or her own divine purpose on earth.
Anchoring his message on John Chapter 12 Verse 27, Rt Revd Obaze, noted that while God gives grace to those who obey His call upon their lives to succeed in what they do, those who fail to discover or ignore God’s will, ultimately see life as a burden.
While thanking the governor, his deputy and all those who attended the enthronement service, the new bishop called for unity and support from every son and daughter of Ogbia Kingdom to move the Diocese forward.
In his remarks, the dean, Church of Nigeria and Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, the Most Revd Blessing Enyindah, described the enthronement of Bishop Obaze as God approved plan for the good of the church and Ogbia Kingdom in general.
Most Revd Enyindah who is also the Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese and was the supervising Bishop of Ogbia Diocese, congratulated Obaze on behalf of the Primate, Most Revd Henry Ndukuba and the House of Bishops of the Anglican Communion on his successful enthronement as bishop.
He thanked the chairman of the organizing committee, who is the vice chancellor of the Niger Delta University, Prof. Allen Agih and his members, the diocesan chancellor, Mrs Enenimiete Betty Abrakasa and all who supported while he held sway as supervisory bishop of Ogbia Diocese.
Some dignitaries in attendance include the state chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Hon Solomon Agwanana, the chairman of Ogbia LGA, Mr Ibu Mizodome, chairman of Ayalla Group of Companies, Chief Robert Enogha and the PDP Caucus chairman of Ogbia LGA, Chief Innocent Afagha.
Others are the Bishop of Niger Delta Diocese, Rt Revd Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, Northern Izon Diocese, Rt Revd Funkuro Amgbari, Niger Delta West, Rt Revd Nixon Enekeme and their Western Izon counterpart, Rt Revd Victor Okporu among several clergymen.
