An Anglican cleric, Venerable (Dr) Matthew Iyede, has said that corruption still persists in Nigeria because leaders were not contented with what they had.

Ven. Iyede who is Archdeacon of Otovwodo Archdeaconry, spoke on Sunday at the thanksgiving service of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Delta State, Sir Festus Ahon, at St. Matthias Anglican Church, Up-Agbarho, Ughelli.

He charged leaders in the country to wholeheartedly embrace the virtues of honesty, integrity and contentment in the discharge of their duties.

Ven Iyede harped on the need for leaders at different levels of government in the country to be in touch with those they are leading, adding that they should always endeavour to do things that are pleasing to God.

The cleric whose sermon was titled “Divine Purpose”, disclosed that everything on earth has a purpose, adding that the purpose of Jesus Christ coming to the world was to save humanity from eternal condemnation.

He congratulated Sir (Chief) and Lady Festus Ahon on his appointment as Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, pointing out that his appointment was well-deserved.

Ven. Iyede told the CPS that his appointment has enormous responsibility associated with it, even as he prayed God to grant him the wisdom and strength that would enable him to discharge his duties creditably well.

“As CPS to the Governor, you should convey the governor's message to the people in a professional manner without twisting the message.

“Where necessary, offer credible advice to the governor when your opinion is sought,” Venerable Iyede said, just as he urged him to be adequately guided by the virtues of honesty, integrity and contentment in the discharge of his duties.

He stressed the need for Nigerians and those in positions of authorities to be prayerful in all that they do, even as he prayed for sustainable peace and unity in the country and Delta State.

In his remarks at the ceremony, the Chief celebrant, Sir Festus Ahon who was visibly elated, thanked God for what He has been doing in his life, adding that he was greatly honoured by the appointment given to him by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

He, also, expressed profound appreciation to members of his family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers for honouring him with their esteemed presence at his thanksgiving.

“I feel elated, l feel greatly honoured; l see it as a show of love for my friends and family to have joined me today to thank God for what He has done for me; for making it possible for me to be appointed as Chief Press Secretary to the governor of Delta State.

“We will ensure that Deltans get the best as far as good governance is concerned from this government because we all know that the policy thrust of this administration is anchored on the M.O.R.E. Agenda.

“We are going to ensure that Deltans get M.O.R.E. in terms of sustainable socio-economic and infrastructural growth and development of the state.

“I urge my colleagues to see me as their ambassador and to also partner with the Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori government by giving adequate publicity to the policies and programmes of his administration in the state.

“If there is anything wrong, they should feel free to let us know; they should not be too quick to go the press to criticise us, they should draw our attention to it; it is our government, there is need for us to support the government of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori,” Ahon added.

The ceremony was attended by the Executive Director Projects DESOPADEC, Hon. Talib Tebite; Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport Olorogun Jaro Egbo; Permanent Secretary Government House, Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje; Manager Communications Government House, Mr Jackson Ekwugum; Chairman Ughelli North Local Government Council, Hon. Godwin Adode his Okpe and Udu counterparts, Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa and Chief Jite Brown.

Others were Commissioner designate Mr Ejiro Jamani; former Commissioners, Dr Ebenezer Okorodudu; Mr Austin Ayemidejor and Chief Fred Majemite; Chairman Delta State College of Health Technology Ofuoma-Ughelli, Dr Chris Oharisi; Rector Delta State Polytechnic Otefe-Oghara, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri; Rector Delta State Polytechnic Burutu, Professor James Okoro; General Manager Delta Broadcasting Service DBS Warri, Pastor Macolm Oteri; State Chairman Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Delta State Council, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, among others.

•PHOTO: Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olorogun Festus Ahon (middle) being presented with a congratulatory letter by Ven. Mathew Iyede on behalf of on behalf of the Otovwodo Archdeaconry at St. Matthias Anglican Church, Ughelli during his thanksgiving service to celebrate his appointment on Sunday. With them are his wife, Lady Vivian Ahon (right). PHOTO: SAMUEL JIBUNOR.

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