Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, has urged Nigerians to devote their resources for the nation’s economic prosperity.
“We should shun bombings, kidnapping and other violence that are not helping our dream of building a prosperous, as well as tourist and educationally attractive country,’’ Okeke said on Saturday in Onitsha, Anambra.
The archbishop made the call while expressing his gratitude to thousands of people who attended a special mass to mark the 10th anniversary of his ordination.
“I travel to countries and have found out that they were able to overcome their climatic and weather conditions and had made their countries conducive places to reside.
“We can still do same through been productive and using our God-given initiatives to beautify our place, create social security, up-grade our education and bring lasting peace to our country,’’ he said.
In his remark, Dr Alex Ekwueme, former Vice-President of Nigeria, rejected calls by some politicians for a Sovereign National Conference.
He said that the present crop of leaders in the country were capable of tackling the numerous social, economic and political problems confronting the nation.
?“At a time like this, we ought to co-operate with our leaders by shunning those things that create insecurity; but emphasize on the oneness of the country and need to fear God in all we do,’’ Ekwueme added.
In a message to the occasion, Gov. Peter Obi, thanked the archbishop for his contributions to the peace and progress of Anambra and the country in general.
Obi, whose message was delivered by his wife, Mrs Margaret Obi,? gave assurance that government would continue to partner with the Church to uplift the status of its people and find solutions to the challenges facing the state.
“My husband, Gov. Peter Obi, wants everyone to continue to pray for peace in the country and beseech God to continue to strengthen out ties as a nation,’’ she said.
Over 10 bishops and 100 priests from within and outside the archdiocese attended the mass.
Other dignatories are: Sen. Chris Ngige, Chief Victor Umeh, APGA National Chairman and Igwe Kenneth Orizu of Nnewi Kingdom.
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