Chinedum Treasure
Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop, Diocese of Awka, His Grace, Most Rev’d Alexander Ibezim has called for release of former Archbishop of Province of Niger and former Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Prof. Godwin Okpala recently abducted with his driver in Anambra state.
Ibezim made the passionate appeal at the Cathedral Church of St Faith, Awka, yesterday, during the 2024 Advent Priestly ordination of nine candidates.
He recalled that rtd Bishop Okpala, was elected first Bishop of Nnewi on December, 2, 1995, and from 2018, he served as the Archbishop of the Niger Province and retired few months ago.
He regretted that the whereabouts of the Prelate with his driver on their way from a visit to a neighbouring town in the state remained unknown.
Ibezi prayed God Almighty to touch the heart of the Bishop,’s captors, adding, “The Anglican church and Nnewi community have resorted to prayers for his release together with the driver.
The ordined priests included: Agbata Chkwunweike, Anaemena Chijioke, Ezeador Alexander Ikechukwu, Ezeugo Ozoemena, Igwe Clement Uchenna, Izuakor Chimaobi, Okeke Enoch Victor Chebechukwu, Okonkwo Johnson and Okoye Israel.
The Prelate urged the ordined priests to see their calling as an avenue to serve and draw souls to Christ and elevate fortunes of the Christiandom.
“We will see the end of 2024 and enter 2025 in good health. God will deliver Anambraians from threats of Kidnappers.
“Parents, children and guardians will not be missing… No weapon fashioned against you shall prosper.
“God will remember, prosper and support all your endeavours. May God be merciful to you.
“As we are gathered here for this occasion today, all will enter 2025, will not die on our duty posts. God is our refuge, our eyes will see the end of the wicked in Jesus name.”
The event witnessed several clergymen, friend s and well-wishers of the ordained priests who sang, danced and thanked God for making the celebration a success.
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