By Obinna Nwachukwu, Abuja
In the face of the current challenges in the country, Nigerians have been advised to follow the footsteps of Christ in their life style and activities on earth.
The advice was given on Sunday by the Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion) His Grace Most Reverend Henry Ndukauba at the 90th birthday Thanksgiving service of Dame Dorothy Nsonma Ihedioha, Mother of former Imo state governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha held in Abuja.
The occasion also served as opportunity for prominent Nigerians including former senate president, David Mark, former Speaker House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, governor of Delta state Ifeanyi Okowa and others to extol the virtues of a woman popularly known as “Ada Zion.”
Delivering a sermon on the topic “Being a competent Ambassador for Christ” taken from 2nd Corinthians chapter 5, the primate represented by Archbishop Edmund Akanya of Kebbi Anglican Diocese, said the solution to the tribulations and challenges witnessed in the country today was for Nigerians to establish close relations with Christ and doing things that would bring honour and glory to both God and the nation
“ If you love Jesus, you are expected to have a mark of Christ in you, people are supposed to say this is how you used to be but now, you are an ambassador of Christ
“ To be an ambassador of Christ, you must behave like Christ himself. This is what is expected of all people of God. We must represent Jesus by our character, in the various groupings, environment, political associations, and society in which you have influence; the expectation is that you should represent Jesus Christ not just by name but by character
“In your political activities are you representing Jesus Christ? In your office, do they see Jesus in what you do? Are you representing Jesus Christ in your life and in your relations with fellow human beings?”, the cleric queried
He admonished Nigerians to always ensure that they follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ and live their lives in a way that would give glory and honour to Jesus “ Don’t do it for mundane things of this world, do it all to the glory of God”, he advised
While congratulating the celebrant, Dame Ihedioha, for attaining the age of 90, Bishop Akanya advised her to use the remaining years of her life to do things that would please God so that after the race she would make heaven and sit at the bosom of the Lord
“Mama I congratulate you on your 90th Birthday. What you should be looking for now is not how many years left but to prepare to meet your God. The reality is that heaven is better than here and when it is time to go, you should go to heaven and enjoy the blessings there ”. Akanya said
Dame Dorothy Nsonma Ihedioha, a retired school teacher was born on 28th August 1932, into the Okereke family of Okpala in Ngor Okpala Local government area of Imo state. She got married to Nze Bernard Ihedioha of Amanku Aronta Mbutu in Aboh Mbaise Imo state in 1951. She had 13 children,lost 5 with 8 still living.
The church service and reception was attended by crème de la crème of the society. Wife of former Vice-President and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Her Excellency Chief Mrs Titi Atiku Abubakar, described the celebrant as “ an epitome of beauty, quintessential woman with a heart of gold” . Her words: “ Mama at 90 you still look pretty, young and elegant. We thank God for His grace in your life. You will live the biblical age of 120 years. We pray that your children surround your table with children and grand children”
Delta State Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate of PDP Senator Ifeanyi Okowa said “ We want to congratulate Mama on her 90th birthday. Obviously you have made us proud. I did my National Youth Service in Mbaise and I am proud of the people of Mbaise. In the church and community, you have done very well. I have had a good relationship with your family. As we pray for Nigeria let us also find time for our homes as mama did. May God help us as a nation”.
In the same vein, former Senate President David Mark and former Speaker Yakubu Dogara praised Mama Ihedioha for her outstanding qualities and for taking good care of her children in the absence of her late husband
Mark said: “Mama, I was present at your 80th birthday, present at your 90th birthday and I will be present at your 100th and 120th birthdays. We thank God for the grace he has given to you. May God bless you and bless your family”
Dogara, “ It is said that life is not measured by the number of years one lives but the quality of life you have given. Mama we thank God for your life, you will live up to 120 years and we shall all come back to celebrate you. May God bless you and bless your family”
Other speakers and dignitaries at former Governors of Anambra, Imo, Cross River and Kwara states Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Achike Udenwa, Senator Liyel Imoke and Alhaji Ahmed Abdul-Fatah, Hon Frank Ibezim, Emeka Chinedu, Tobi Okechukwu 9 members of the House of Representatives), Dr Dakuku Peterside, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, Barr. JUK Igwe, SAN, Mr Steve Orosonye (former Head of Service), Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary NEITI, Businessmen Mr. Tunde Ayeni and Fidelis Anosike
Others are, Wife of the Anglican Primate Mrs Angela Ndukuba, Prof. ABC Nwosu, former Health Minister, Secretary Imo state PDP, Nze Ray Emeanya, Sir Joe Odocha former GMD, NNPC, Senator and Mrs Emma Anosike, Hon. Anyadike Nwosu (representing Ezinihite Mbaise state constituency in the imo state house of Assembly) Chief and Mrs Onyema Ugochukwu, pioneer chairman of NDDC, Chief Emeka Ihedioha and wife, Ebere, their siblings, friends, relations and members of the st James Anglican Church Asokoro who trooped out in large numbers to attend the event.
The service was conducted by Rt. Rev Chamberlain Ogunedo, Bishop Diocese of Mbaise (Anglican Communion) assisted by the Vicar St James Anglican Church Asokoro Abuja, Ven Ben Idume and other priests