Security
GOV. Simon Lalong of Plateau has tasked religious leaders on prayers and spiritual guidance for Nigerian leaders toward addressing the security challenges facing the country.
Lalong made the call at the episcopal ordination of the new Catholic Bishop of Lafia Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. David Ajang, on Thursday at St. Williams Cathedral, Lafia.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the Bishop was ordained by Msgnr. Antonio Filipazzi, the Apostolic Nuncio (Representative of Pope) to Nigeria.
“You stand in a position to tell truth to power and also proffer solutions to the problems of the nation. Building Nigeria is a task that all of us must be involved in,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Ajang’s stance of truth without fear was an indication that he would discharge his spiritual duties with humility and the fear of God.
The governor said the bishop who was the chaplain of Government House Chapel, Jos, for six years , contributed to the restoration of substantial peace in the Plateau through his prayers and Godly counsel.
He urged him to replicate such gesture to the Nasarawa State Governor,saying he should uphold the entire nation in prayers for peace, security and prosperity of the land.
” I am very optimistic that he will not in any way suppress God’s verdict to this generation, particularly the people of Nasarawa State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Lalong said good counsel was needed in Nigeria, especially in its current challenges, saying, “the Church remains the beacon of hope and a place of refuge”.
He extolled the new Bishop on his humanitarian services, consistent prayers and selflessness, saying, he is a highly knowledgeable man of God.
He said his kindness, love for God and humanity and deep passion for the salvation of the souls of men, had further prepared him for the spiritual responsibility of the Bishop.
“For us, the appointment of Rev. Monsignor David Ajang as Bishop of Lafia is not surprising, because his commitment to the Catholic Church and the propagation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is very much acknowledged and appreciated,” the governor said.
In his remarks, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, thanked the Catholic Church for its promotion of education through its various institutions across the nation.
Sule decried the agitations for secession, killing of innocent persons by bandits and insurgents in the country, saying concerted efforts were needed to address the situation.
He called for prayers for President Muhammadu Buhari, all governors and the security agencies to enable them to succeed in the discharge of their duties.
Also speaking the President of Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, Archbishop Augustine Akubueze, prayed for guidance for the new Bishop, while urging all priests in Nasarawa State to support him in prayers and quality information to make sound decisions.
Responding , Bishop Ajang said that it was important for the Church and Government to partner for national development,for the benefit of Nigerians.
He said he was open to join in ecumenical activities and inter religious dialogue, saying he was looking forward to working together with the Church for the progress of the Lafia archdiocese.
He expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed on him and called for prayers for God’s protection and guidance in the discharge of his duties .
NAN reports that Ajang, 51, was appointed as the Bishop of Lafia on March 31, 2021. He succeeds Msgnr. Mathew Audu who is currently the Bishop of Jos Archdiocese.
NAN
– June 24, 2021 @ 18:20 GMT|
Tags: Insecurity: Gov. Lalong tasks religious leaders on prayers spiritual guidance
