Over 5,000 people of Umuchu community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State yesterday denounced idol worship, attributing the height of poverty level in community to years of abandoning God.

The people, who assembled a number of clergymen led by the Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Rt. Rev Ephraim Ikeakor, an indigene of the area, at the community’s Nkwo market square, vowed to henceforth, do God’s will as a deliberate effort to attract divine favours and blessings.

The 12 villages that make up the town participated in the prayer session that lasted several hours.

Speaking on the topic: ‘Refusing and Resisting Shame’, Bishop Ikeakor lamented what he called a shame of abject poverty, untimely deaths, unending dependence on parents by youths, late marriages and unprecedented cases of divorce in Umuchu town, blaming the situations on idolatrous life style of some people in the area.

In his words: “It is painful that while other communities are making progress in various human endeavours, Umuchu people are left out. There is no reason why this town cannot produce governors, commissioners, permanent secretaries and heads of Federal Government agencies or parastatals in this generation.

“But I want to assure you that God manifests His miracle during difficult and abnormal situations. In this land, God will raise people that will use their contacts and influences to change the fortunes of the people. Our youths will prosper and parents will reap the fruit of their labour.”

The cleric further regretted that while some people have devoted themselves to ensure that the situation was changed for the better, others were still paying deaf ear to the issue of idolatry and adultery.

Archdeacon of Umuchu Archdeaconry and Vicar of St. Thomas Parish, Umuchu, Ven. David Obiagbaoso said the programme was enthroned to attract God’s blessings and favour for the good of every Umuchu citizen, irrespective of denominational affiliations.

Lending his voice, an indigene of the town and a former governorship candidate of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), in Anambra State, Chief Godwin Ezemo, who also participated in the prayer, acknowledged that the yearly event was beginning to turn things around in the area and called for its sustenance.

•Photo shows Chief Godwin Ezemo.

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