CHIEF OF STAFF CONGRATULATES APOSTLE EGEDE, CALLS FOR MORE PRAYERS FOR GOV. OTTI

The Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba has congratulated the outgoing Deputy Chairman of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Igboland Territory, Apostle Cletus Nwankwo Egede on his valedictory service organised to mark his retirement after 52 years behind the pulpit.

Pastor Ajagba was speaking on Sunday, during the valedictory cum send off service of Apostle Cletus Nwankwo Egede, held at The Apostolic Church Nigeria, No. 69 Ikot-Ekpene road , Ogbo-hill, Aba.

The Chief of Staff, represented by the former Mayor of Obingwa LGA and Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget and Planning, Dr Eric Egwuibe commended the sellfless service of Apostle Egede, saying that it could only be grace of God that could have helped one to serve as a Pastor for 52 years and is retiring hale and hearty.

Pastor Ajagba, who charged younger ministers to submit themselves to be mentored by their older ones, saluted the discipline and commitment in Apostle Egede, and urged the servant of God and all believers in Christ to continue to pray for Governor Alex Otti, to enable him fulfil his transformational agenda for Abia state.

He noted that he was happy that Apostle Egede was retiring at a time, men that fear God are at the leadership of Abia state, adding that, if the today’s leaders in Abia do not fear God, Abia would have remained in Egypt.

“We wish our Daddy, a very restful retirement from the admistrative work. I know that you cannot retire from the work of God. People will be consulting you.

“If they (those in government today) don’t have the fear of God in them , Abia would have continued to be in Egypt.

“But today, God has taken over Abia state. And Abia will continue to be in the hand of God. We are very sure that things are going to be better

“God will continue to lead us and make His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti to continue to do what God has sent him to do for Abia state, in the end, it is God that will take all the glory,” Pastor Ajagba stated.

In their various speeches, the Territorial Chairman elect of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Igboland Territory, Apostle Innocent Agbugbaegbu, Elder Professor Godwin Emezue and Elder Divine Nwankwo, described Apostle Egede as a distinguished Apostle, an unassuming father of faith, an authority in the teaching of the word, and one, who is greatly endowed by God.

They appreciated the contributions of the servant of God in their personal lives and ministry of The Apostolic Church in Igboland and prayed God to bless him with long life and good health.

Earlier in his sermon, the Area Superintendent of Umuosi Area, Apostle Ifeanyi Egeonu stressed the need for younger ministers to get connect with the anointing and grace of the older ones.

He said that submitting and recognising superior authority in the ministry is one of the sure ways of receiving mantle of leadership from older ministers of the gospel.

Responding, the celebrant, Apostle Cletus Egede thanked the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba and all who came to celebrate him and prayed God to bless them abundantly.

The valedictory service, which attracted many dignitaries including the Deputy Chairman elect of The Apostolic Church Nigeria Igboland Territory Apostle Joseph Okoroafor, members of the executive and general council of the church, the Rector of The Apostolic Church Theological Seminary Amumara, Apostle Dr Iyke Iheakaghichi, the Chairman Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers Eze Dr Linus Nto Mbah, captains of industry among others, featured cutting of anniversary cake, choir renditions, prayers, among others.