MBAMILI ANGLICAN DIOCESE HONOURS OBI

Mbamili Diocese of The Anglican Communion in the Province of the Niger, yesterday gave Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, award for his outstanding support at elevating Anambra West Local Government Area. The award ceremony was part of activities marking Third Session of The First Synod with theme "And i Sought For a Man" held at St. Johns Anglican Church, Umueze-Anam. Presenting the award to Obi, the Diocesan Bishop and Synod President, Rt. Rev. Henry Okeke, said the award became expedient given that it was the last Obi would attend their synod as governor. Justifying the award which was also conferred on five other " friends of the diocese" Okeke said Obi was being so honoured in recognition of his contribution towards the success of the diocese since inception as well as the development of Anambra West as a whole. According to him despite being a catholic, Obi had attended the synod of the diocese since inception about five years ago adding at one time he landed with chopper from Abuja just to ensure he did not miss the event.

Okeke said "this award is today given to those who had partnered with us as visionaries and builders to see to the good of our people, those that have served and worked with us. Because this is the last synod you will attend as governor we decided to give you this award. We say before God that these are people who had labored with us for these past years to elevate our church and community."

He expresses gratitude to the governor specially for offsetting the bad loans of farmers who could not meet their obligations to the banks because the flood which occurred in that area in the past washed away their crops. In addition, he said the governor also gave them addition fund to start their farm work afresh.

While lamenting the religious dichotomy between Catholics and Anglicans in the state, Okeke said in spite of being catholic Obi has attended more than ten of their events in the past.

Responding Obi said there was no problem between the Catholics and Anglican adding "The problem between Catholics and Anglicans is in those who have failed in their endeavours and they will give you excuses for their failure." he said ten out of eighteen commissioners in his administration are Anglicans chosen on merit and track records rather than on religious basis. He noted that one of the recipients of the wards, who had received over N2 billion contract from his government, who is Anglican did so because he demonstrated proven record of professionalism, competence and diligence rather than his religion. "When people are incompetent, they push it to church. Let us compete effectively. In UK, if you are competent, they respect you in spite of accusations if racism. Those who cannot compete here are many. They give catholic and Anglican dichotomy as excuse for their incompetence. Let us embrace and love one another for the good of a better Anambra state.

While charging the church to continue to pray for the state at all times, assured that even out of government he would support every activity aimed at the growth and development of the area adding that Anambra North occupy a very special place in his heart due to years of neglect of the area.

Other awardees include USA based Rev. Onyi Mogbo who have touched the lives of the community especially during the flood that devastated the area especially paying school fees for students of Onono school that was submerged in water; Mr. Uche Okonkwo, Mr. McPee who, though not an Anglican, had demonstrated liberal minded ness by supporting the Anglican church among others.

It will be recalled that Mr. Obi kicks tarted his developmental projects at Anambra North to speed up socio-economic development o an area that has been most neglected in the state.

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