Bishop Ezeokafor urges Christians to remain steadfast in faith

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By Sunny A. David, Awka

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has urged Christians to remain firm in their faith and live as true children of God.

Bishop Ezeokafor gave the charge during his Pastoral visit to St. Stephen’s Parish, Nise, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. He emphasized that God cannot be mocked and should always be revered above all else.

“Be afraid of God and not human beings. God has the power to make and mar. Do not put your trust in individuals, but in God alone,” he said.

The Bishop also used the occasion to admonish parents on the need for proper supervision of their children. He recalled how past generations of parents closely monitored their wards, warning that today’s pursuit of material wealth often leaves children without adequate guidance.

According to him, “Many of the problems we face today can be traced to broken homes and busy parents who hardly make out time for their children.”

Commending Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for exposing the deception of promoters of okeite (fetish practices), Bishop Ezeokafor said idolatry and fetishism hold no real power. “If they truly had powers, they would have used them on the Governor. Instead, he is looking younger and healthier. People should not be deceived by such practices,” he added.

On the high cost of education at Peter University, Achina/Onneh, the Prelate explained that the absence of government subventions and grants was a major factor. He also praised the Agha family for constructing the road leading to the parish, praying for God’s blessings upon them.

Welcoming the Bishop, the Parish Priest of St. Stephen’s, Rev. Fr. Clement Ufoaro, expressed gratitude for his fatherly blessings and care. He said the parishioners were particularly relieved by the road project executed by the Agha family, which had ended years of suffering due to poor road conditions.

Other parishioners, including the Chief Planner of the event, Mr. Cosmos Anyadike, Committee Secretary, Dr. Onyeka Ekeugwu, and Chairman of the CMO, Sir Emma Aguh, lauded Bishop Ezeokafor’s visit, describing him as a compassionate shepherd.

The highlight of the pastoral visit included the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation on 60 candidates, cultural displays, group photographs, and goodwill messages from parish leaders.