Okowa advocates family spiritual life revival

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa has called on Nigerians to be spiritually minded in order to curb growing decay in family life.

He made the call on Saturday at Boji Boji Owa in Ika North East Local Government Area of the state during the 70th birthday celebration of Rt. Rev. Dr. Festus Udume, Bishop of Anioma Diocese Church of God Mission International.

The governor commended Udume, who also celebrated his 46th anniversary on the pulpit, for his humility and exemplary leadership in the House of God.

He decried the prevailing situation where many parents could not attest the character of their children due to negligence of responsibility.

To the bishop, he said "You are retiring but there is more to be done in the House of God, because God is allowing you to move into community service because there is lots of decay in family life.

"Sometimes I wonder what we preach in the Church; we have so many churches now but things are still going under.

"We go to church and we do not care for the kind of life our children are living.

"It is not enough to go to church because when parents don't know the character of their children then something is wrong.

"I am truly very scared for our nation, going into the future but I am confident that with men like you there is hope for the future.

"Forty-six years of experience on the pulpit is quite a lot and I congratulate you on your 70th birthday."

Chairman of the ocassion, Prof John Okhuoya, lauded Udume for his indelible sermons in the hearts of many and for the several empowerments he had given to people around him.

"When he preaches the word of God you cannot but adjust your life.

"We have seen your commitment and exemplary living as a senior clergy and you have displayed loyalty and humility beyond human comprehension."

Bishop Curtis Fiano in his sermon titled "The story behind the glory" urged Christians to always be grateful and thankful to God for what they have achieved if they were to get what they want in life.

"Where you are today is somebody's prayer point, adding "if you don't thank God for where you are you will not get to where you are going

The celebrant, Rev Udume said despite being a clergy man, he went into farming in his desire to help people and lift them out of poverty and called on highly placed Nigerians to use their privileged positions to uplift the down-trodden.