By Okechukwu Christopher

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, has said that the founder of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Obimma Emmanuel, popularly called Fr. Ebube Muonso, has deployed diverse competencies to the growth and development of the church through the sanctification of the people of God.

Speaking yesterday during an occasion to mark the 10th priestly ordination anniversary of Fr. Obimma at the 120,000 capacity Holy Ghost Adoration auditorium, the Anambra State president of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Prince Emeka Udodeme, said the priest, through the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, schools, and industries, offered both material and spiritual succor to the people.

“As you continue to bear witness to the gospel with devotion, care and love, we look forward to the continued benefits of your invaluable counsel, prayers and social services,” Udodeme added.

Also, a former president of Ohaneze Ndigbo in the state, Elder Chris Eluemuno, who also attended the ceremony, described the priest as a true man of God, who God has used to expand His ministry on earth.

According to him, “God has been so gracious using you to expand His ministry on earth. Through you, He has touched lives, healed the sick, freed people from poverty, and delivered people from demonic attacks. The Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry has expanded beyond words, as testament to your devotion, sacrifice, and dedication to God’s course.”

Also speaking, Governor Willie Obiano, represented by his wife, Ebelechukwu, described Fr. Obimma as a “true man of God, who has left positive footprints in shepherding the flock as a Catholic priest.”

“Your ten years of priesthood has been of fruitful devotion to the Lord and His just will for our society. As you continue to minister before the ultimate priest with burden for the wellbeing of our state, we faithfully rejoice that God will receive your supplications and intercessions on our behalf,” Obiano said.

President-General of Nkwelle-Ezunaka Union, Oyi LGA of the state, Chief Willie Okafor, described Fr. Obimma’s priestly anniversary as ten years of unrelenting dedication, and total commitment to the work of evangelization; adding that the fire of God has remained aflame in Fr. Ebube Muonso since ten years in the ministry.

Governorship candidates for the November 6 election in Anambra, who attended the ceremony, including Obiora Okonkwo (ZLP); Godwin Maduka (Accord); Charles Soludo (APGA); Andy Uba (APC); as well as priests, community and market leaders, church groups, students and visitors from within and outside Nigeria, also showered encomiums on the priest.

Earlier in his homily during the Eucharistic celebration to kick-start the event, Fr. Ebube Muonso, who spoke on the topic, “The Love of God is our Strength,” called for a life of sacrifice, saying that since God gave His only son for mankind, the faithful would hardly profess true love without sacrifices.

“There is no true love without giving. It is because of the love for man that God gave His only beloved son to die on the cross. Therefore, if we claimed to love God and mankind, we must make sacrifices.

“Our country, Nigeria, is in shambles. Lack of love is the problem of Nigeria. We need leaders, who will make sacrifices to save the country. In a country where there are lopsided government and injustice, there is bound to be agitations. We need leaders, who are ready to make sacrifices to make the people happy, and keep the country together,” he said.

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