Governor Willie Obiano received an award from, Francis Cardinal Arinze for promoting social harmony in Anambra State and beyond.

OBIANO was honoured alongside Donald Amamgbo and Obi Adimora during a High Mass celebrated by Cardinal Arinze at Christ the King Paris, Umuezeawala Ihiala.

The governor said the award would spur him to embark on more projects to improve the economic status of the state, making it financially independent.

Obiano commended Ndi Ihiala for supporting APGA government and used the opportunity to introduce the APGA aspirants for the forthcoming elections, Chidi Muomah, Chidi Udemmadu and Pascal Agbodike.

He appealed to people of Ihiala to ensure that these aspirants were voted in, re-assuring that they would attract more government projects to the area.

The governor, however, announced that he had empowered and mobilised the contractor handling the Ihiala road project, and explained that when completed, the road would be viable for export of food produce.

In a homily, Francis Cardinal Arinze said that the church was one the world over.

He reminded Christians to work as one in Christ Jesus according to the epistle of St. Paul the apostle.

Arinze, then, thanked those who helped in resolving the issue between the Catholic and the Anglican Churches, urging all to live in harmony.

The priest who blessed the three awardees, urged Christians to always pray for those in power “as authority comes from God.’’

The prelate also urged those in power to always desire wisdom, fair play, balanced judgement and willingness to strengthen the masses, as well as give hope to the unemployed and pensioners.

C Don Adinuba, the commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, said that he received sacrament of confirmation from Cardinal Arinze in 1972 and commended him for thinking home, praying God to keep him.

“It is worthy to note that Cardinal Arinze who is celebrating his 91st birthday, is also marking his 10th year of retirement as a bishop,’’ Adinuba added.

The occasion attracted some dignitaries, who include Hilary Odili Okeke, a bishop from Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Ebelechukwu Obiano, the SSG, Solo Chukwulobelu, the chief of staff to the governor, Primus Odili.

Others are Harry Udu, the head of Service; Afam Mbanefo, the commissioner for Agriculture; Norbert Obi, the APGA state chairman; Ifeanyichukwu Odimegwu , the Ihiala Transition Committee Chairman, and many Traditional Rulers.

BE

– Dec. 12, 2018 @ 16:35 GMT |