By David Okpala/Stella Okpala
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has called Nigerians to work in concert to push away criminals from bushes, describing the menace as ill wind that blows no one any good.
He said this while addressing congregations, at the burial/funeral Mass of Chief Sylvester Anyarue Ezeokenwa, father of National Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa at Holy Name Catholic Church, Umuchu, in Aguata LGA, on July, 19.
The Governor said, “the issue of criminal minded elements dominating our bushes thereby denying our farmers the opportunity of walking freely through the bushes for food production is worrisome.
“It also distort mulching for domestic animals, along side other good uses of forest. This menace is not only disturbing but mind burgling.
“We need to work together to putting a stop to it, especially in Anambra State where it is our culture to be proud of hard work.
“This is why people answer names like Ogbuagu, which means strong hunter that kills lion, Ogbaturuenyi, strong hunter that brings down elephant, Okpalaji, son that never lack yam, Dikeudo, brainy person that creatively broke out peace in a conflict situation.
“These names among others are given to acknowledge and appreciate hard work among Igbo personnel. Surprisingly, lazy men, in the name of native doctors, began to teach our children shortcuts to making money, which does not exist.”
According to him, Get rich quick syndrome(Ego mbute) is fraudulent. If any man knows the way to making money in that order, he will not let anybody know, after all, need is unlimited(Aku eju afo).
“We are out as a government in Anambra State to changing this narrative of get rich quick syndrome. If any wants money, he must work for it.”
He noted that opportunities are being created through 1 youth 2 skills programme, digital economy development among youths, employment opportunities, saying that more are coming, as he continues in office.
“We are not trying to undermine African Traditional Religion or any religion, as we acknowledge freedom of worship enshrined in our constitution. What we are saying is, government will not allow your mode of worship of God or gods of any kind to disturb or offend another.
“The rivers or streams belong to everybody. So, going to sacrifice at night or day there must offend somebody who do not believe in the same gods with you. Go to river, fetch water to sacrificing in your house. If it is at junction of four roads, create four parts at your home, get a junction to sacrifice there. After all, you are sacrificing to spirits that understand everything.
“Churches are also directed to do theirs within their Churches, so as not to disturb or offend any other.
“These youths pursuing riches by all means are our children, they walk out from our houses and come back to our houses in the evening.
“The earlier we devote time to work on them, the better for us, than delighting on evil riches. Evil had never paid, it is not paying and shall never pay.”
He extolled Ezeokenwa’s family for adhering to Anambra State burial/funeral law, describing it as being law abiding.
“Ndi Anambra should not wait for law enforcement agents forcing them to adhere to Anambra burial/funeral laws. It is a law to be enforced voluntarily.
“Religious organizations should assist government as they study this law with the view of implementing it to the core. It aims at reducing costs, in interest of all.”
He commeserated with the family of Ezeokenwa, asking God to release fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, even among APGA brotherhood, noting It is indeed a vacuum only God can fill in APGA.
“Chief Sylvester Anyarue Ezeokenwa is a staunch formidable APGA leader. Let us take solace in the fact that he lived a good life, served God and humanity formidably, brought up Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, our National Chairman.”
Earlier in a homily, the Catholic Bishop, Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Jonasbenson Okoye enjoined politicians to play politics having in mind that it is appointed unto man to die, after which comes judgement.
“Every work must be tested. So, if you are playing politics so powerful that no man can question your activities, remember that God has power over everything that is created. So, do it with the fear of God in your own interest.”
He poured encomiums on the deceased, describing him as good politician and at same time, good Catholic that held several leadership positions in the society and Church creditably.
“He lived for 71 years, brought up children making marks in the society, yet those things are by the way. The important thing is good testimonies about his life.
“So, those of us living today should live life worthy of emulation, having in mind that it is our good work that we would be remembered for.”
The burial/funeral rite attracted men from all walks of life.
Prominent among them include Catholic Bishop, Ekwulobia Diocese, Most Rev Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, host of other bishops, Reverend Fathers, Reverend Sisters, university lecturers, and Ndi Igwe.
Son of the deceased, Barr. Ezeokenwa described the father as epitome of love to the wife, Mrs Emilia Ezeokenwa, God and humanity.
He wished to love like his father, expressing gratitude to God for being with them through the trying time.
He thanked attendees especially the State Governor, the clergy who work under tight schedules, yet find time to commiserate with his family, praying God to replenish them all virtues lost attending the burial cum funeral Mass.
David and Stella are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
