By Nneka Ejeckam
The Parish Priest of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, BCM, Onitsha, Rev. Canon Dr. Chidi Okonkwo, has called on christians and residents of Onitsha to embrace hard work, integrity, discipline and productivity as foundations for sustainable progress and genuine prosperity.
He made the call during the 25th Ofala Thanksgiving Service held at the church on Sunday, Oct. 25, as part of the tradition of concluding the annual Ofala Festival with thanksgiving services in churches across Onitsha.
Preaching on the significance of this year’s Ofala theme, “Igba Mbo,” the cleric noted that it aligned with the church’s monthly theme of striving for advancement, stressing that prayer and faith must be accompanied by diligence, responsible conduct and a willingness to work.
Drawing from the biblical account of the Garden of Eden, Rev. Canon Okonkwo explained that God assigned responsibilities to humanity from the beginning, demonstrating the importance of purposeful work.
Citing 2 Thessalonians 3:10, which teaches that anyone unwilling to work should not eat, he said genuine prosperity comes through honest labour, sacrifice and commitment rather than shortcuts to wealth.
The priest expressed concern over what he described as a growing desire among some young people to achieve success without hard work or sacrifice, urging parents, teachers and religious leaders to work together to instil discipline, good character and a strong work ethic in the younger generation.
He cautioned against indecent behaviour, substance abuse, internet fraud popularly known as yahoo, and ritual killings, warning against a culture that celebrates wealth without considering how it was acquired.
According to him, society must place greater value on honesty, knowledge, practical skills, education, technological advancement and the fear of God.
He emphasised that faith should inspire responsible action rather than encourage idleness, adding that genuine advancement goes beyond moving from poverty to wealth to becoming the person God has called an individual to be.
In his remarks, the Archdeacon of Onitsha Archdeaconry, Ven. Edison Okoroigwe, offered prayers for the fulfilment of the vision of the traditional ruler of Onitsha, His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe.
He prayed for peace, security and prosperity for the people of Onitsha and presented a Bible to the monarch.
Speaking at the service, Igwe Achebe recounted the history of the Anglican Church in Onitsha, explaining the significance of the tradition of attending thanksgiving services at different churches at the conclusion of the Ofala festival.
The monarch commended the parish priest for his message and sought permission for the sermon to be adapted and shared across Onitsha’s digital platforms to extend its message to a wider audience.
He made a contribution towards the church’s ongoing project.
The thanksgiving service featured a warm reception for the monarch by members of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade, the presentation of gifts and a group photograph.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chancellor of the Diocese on the Niger, Barr. Sir Nnamdi Ibegbu, SAN; members of the Igwe in Council; clergymen; and other indigenes and residents of Onitsha.
Nneka Ejeckam is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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