By Ngozi Okoli
The Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka, has urged newly confirmed catholics to lead holy lives and uphold the values of their christian faith as soldiers of Christ.
Nkwoka gave the charge on October 11 during the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to about 180 parishioners of Most Holy Mary Catholic Church, Abatete, by the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, the mayor stressed the importance of christian upbringing, drawing attention to biblical teachings that encourage parents to raise their children in the ways of the Lord.
He described the Sacrament of Confirmation as a special divine grace that strengthens believers spiritually and equips them to become committed soldiers of Christ.
According to him, confirmation empowers christians to grow in faith, receive God’s light and remain steadfast in their commitment to living according to His teachings.
The mayor revealed that he received his own Sacrament of Confirmation at the same parish in 1993, explaining that the experience had given him a deeper appreciation of the sacrament’s spiritual significance.
He encouraged the newly confirmed catholics to remain prayerful, engage in activities that glorify God and shun sinful behaviour that could undermine the spiritual grace they had received.
“Engage in things that will draw you closer to God and never allow anything to distract you from serving God,” Nkwoka advised the candidates, urging them to remain faithful and committed to their christian responsibilities.
On governance, the mayor expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in Idemili North, declaring that the era of rascality was over. He also called on residents to embrace righteousness and support the local government’s development initiatives.
Ngozi Okoli is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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