Chinedum Elekwachi
Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Dr Paulinus Ezeokafor has charged Nigerians to keep hope alive despite the excruciating hardships they are going through.
In his Easter Message titled: “Never Loose Hope”, the cleric said the suffering, crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ brought hope to humanity.
“Our blessed father, Pope Francis, declared this year as , Jubilee Year of Hope. Without hope life becomes very difficult.
“I admonish every Christian and indeed every Nigerian not to loose hope in this difficult times”
Taking his scriptural reference from the book of II Corinthians 15:14, Bishop Ezeokafor reiterated that Easter is the greatest feast of the Church.
“It constantly reminds Christians of the need to hope in Christ’s finished work on the cross of Calvary that guarantees their eternal salvation.
He called on Christians to share in the resurrection of Jesus Christ by living according to His will, to enjoy heaven at the end.
The Bishop urged leaders at all levels to be servant-leaders as exemplified by Jesus Christ in washing the feet of his disciples.
Family failure
Bishop Ezeokafor regretted that so many families are fractured due to non-commitment of parents to the family.
This situation he noted has produced youths with unbridled penchant for criminal activities and other social vices.
“Parents do not devote enough time to their children anymore unlike what obtained several years back. Children do not get to learn are not taught family and church values.
“Unless something drastic and urgent is done, the situation will continue to worsen.
“We need to pay rapt attention to our children’s lifestyle and ensure they get it right.
“These days children have embraced ill-gotten wealth without sweat. That gave rise to yahoo, kidnapping, ponzi schemes, okeite, ibobo and other money making ritual methods.
“When parents don’t question the source of their children’s sudden wealth it becomes a serious issue,”, Ezeokafor said.
According to him, mobile phones and other digital devices are compounding the problem because they have robbed so many families of real family relationships.
“Everyone is busy with their mobile devices. Children are exposed to harmful websites which affect their lives negatively”.
The bishop regretted that get rich quick syndrome. has taken the place of legitimate hard work in the society.
The cleric also condemned fake pastors and prophets who gave their congregants false hopes.
Bishop commends Governor Soludo
He praised Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo for clamping down on such pastors and native doctors in recent times.
“I thank Prof Soludo for fighting this menace of fake native doctors, ezenwanyi, fake prophets and those who do Okeite rituals for our young people.
“It’s a welcome development,” he noted.
Bishop Ezeokafor further commended Governor Soludo for the unprecedented infrastructural strides of his administration without loans.
“Soludo is doing excellently well.
“The new government house he is building is the first time such is done since creation of the State 34 years ago.
“The roads he constructing across the State are qualitative. His approach to the fight against insecurity in Anambra is laudable.
Admonition to Federal Government
“I call on the federal government too to pay more attention to the rising insecurity in the country.
In his view, the President needs to decisively address the recent incidents in Benue, Plateau and some other states where even churches are targets of attacks.
“Mr President should show greater commitment to securing the country.
On the forthcoming governorship polls in the State, Bishop Ezeokafor called on all the political gladiators to play by the rules of the game while charging the citizens to vote wisely.
He expressed the hope that votes will count in the governorship election slated for 8th November, 2025.
The cleric who wished Nigerians a happy Easter celebrations, also prayed for the peace of Anambra State and Nigeria.
