By Bose Momohjimoh
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called for promotion of love, unity and tolerance amongst the various groups to build a better society.
Governor Ododo was speaking at the First Session of the Eleventh Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Lokoja held at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Lokoja.
The three-day programmme presided over by the President of the synod and the Anglican Bishop of Lokoja Diocese ,the Most Reverend Emmanuel Egbunu, had as it’s theme “Peace with God, the Victory of the Atonement.”
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Salifu Oyibo, Governor Ododo charged the body of Christ and other religious bodies to pursue and ensure peace and unity in the state for the sustained growth and development of the state.
The Synod’s Central Committee emphasised that the theme could not be more apt, noting that there is no better time for such a message than now, when the world is full of sinful activities.
And that to be at peace with God means forgiveness of sins through belief and faith in Jesus Christ. Other benefits highlighted by the committee include access to God’s grace, perseverance, and hope.
On his part, the President of the synod and Anglican Bishop of Lokoja Diocese ,the Most Reverend Emmanuel Egbunu, used the occasion to appeal to the State Government to prioritise security as well as seek lasting solutions to the frequent carnage on the Felele Highway.
According to him, security had become a frequent challenge, keeping the citizenry awake. He applauded government’s efforts in tackling the issue despite risks involved.
He further appealed to the governor for timely intervention on Felele Road crashes to prevent further tragedies.
Bishop Egbunu used the forum to congratulated Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo on his court victory and one year in office celebrations.
He commended the governor for the regular payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, while urging him to sustain the effort.
Meanwhile,in his charge on the theme “Peace with God-the Victory of the Atonement”, taken from Romans 5:1-5, Bishop Egbunu assured believers that, “since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
He described the theme as fitting for Eastertide, interpreting the resurrection’s universal and eternal implications.
Peace with God, he explained is humanity’s greatest need and God’s greatest mercy, offering freedom from condemnation, Christ’s mediation, unity with Christ in His death and resurrection, and the hope of glory.
