Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ihiala, Anambra State, Right Reverend Prof Israel ’Kelue Okoye, has condemned the resurgence of slave actions in the Maghreb region of North Africa.

Bishop Okoye, who decried the auctioning of Nigerian migrants and kidnapping some for ransom in Libya, demanded for proactive and reactive steps from the Federal Government over the plight of Nigerians sold as slaves in Libya.

The cleric spoke during the advent ordination of 11 priests at the Cathedral Church of St Silas, Ihiala.

He requested the Nigerian Charge d’Affaires to Libya, Ambassador Iliya Danladi Fachano, to address the situation and ensure Nigerians are treated with respect and honour in Libya even as he discouraged illegal migration by youths no matter the appeal and promises of money on the streets of Europe as Nigeria remains best for them.

The Political Science Professor said it was a shame such a thing is associated with Africa. He blamed the society which laid so much emphasis on material things on that adding that the Libya experience is a shame on us as Nigerians especially on our leaders who have failed to provide leadership.

The Ihiala Bishop discouraged youths from embarking on such “useless and illegal ventures” but to be dedicated and committed to whatever they are doing in Nigeria even as he demanded that the society should create room for those working hard to enjoy their hard work.

Bishop Okoye said: “It is a shame on us as a country and as a people especially our leaders who have failed to provide leadership and direction that would make its citizens proud of their country. And that tells us especially our youths running away from the country that it is needless. We must make this country promising for the young ones. Youths must not be frustrated and those who work hard must reap the fruits of their labour.”

Those ordained priests were Olisaemeka Ikechukwu Okwuorah, Francis Uchenna Agada, Bright Onyedikachukwu Chukwuneke and Ifeanyichukwu Michael Amanze.

Others were Obinna Chikeluba Ifeukwu, Moses Chukwuebuka Okechukwu, Shalom Nwadinobi Chinaka, Uzochukwu Johnson Olisa, Nnamdi Stephen Ferdinand, Christian Amauche Nwakor and Ifeanyi Peace Udemba.

Bishop Okoye tasked the newly ordained priests to fear God, love justice, as well as promote dignity and freedom of every person irrespective of their status.

He thanked the Retreatant and Preacher, Ven Geoffrey Nwabunike Oji, Archdeacon of Ukpo Archdeaconry, for identifying with them. He reiterated that immediate past/pioneer bishop of the diocese, the Rt Revd Ralph Okafor, and wife, Engr. Mrs Chinyere Okafor, should not wait for invitation to attend any function in the diocese.

Bishop Okoye appealed to Ihiala people to love the diocese and ensure that they support it with their might and mind without expecting anything short of God’s blessings because human appreciation is nothing compared to God’s. He urged them to keep good friends and nurture it as he did with Ven Geoffrey Oji, adding that they should trust God in all circumstances.

Wife of the Anglican Bishop of Ihiala Diocese, and President of Mothers Union, Women Guild and Girls Guild, Diocese of Ihiala, Dr Mrs Faith Ogechukwu Okoye, encouraged the wives of the newly ordained clergy to be loyal and supportive of their husband’s ministry to enable them succeed in serving God and Humanity. She urged them to be prayerful and accountable at all circumstances as well as uphold Jesus Christ as the true foundation of Christianity.

The Retreatant/Preacher, Venerable Geoffrey Oji, warned against arrogance and ingratitude in God’s vineyard as well as love of self. He tasked the newly ordained to be altruistic, uphold God and shun occultism and love of money but rather win souls for God’s kingdom.

Speaking on behalf of others, Rev Olisaemeka Ikechukwu Okwuorah glorified God for the opportunity given them by Bishop Okoye to serve God and humanity, assuring that with support, they would excel.

The highlight of the occasion was administering of oath of allegiance to God and oath of submission, among other oaths, for better service in the Christendom as well as ordination proper and anointing of the priests by the Bishop.

Barr Luke Chukwudi Ilogu, SAN, Chancellor of Ihiala and Sir Barr Edmund Obiagwu, the Registrar, were among the dignitaries that attended the event.

Update news