Delta Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged Nigerians to shun negative attitudes towards the country, but project it in positive light.

He cautioned that citizens must resist the temptation, no matter how strong, to join those in the habit of continually condemning and speaking evil of the country and its leaders.

The governor made the call on Wednesday in Asaba, at the Standing Committee Meeting of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) at St. Peter’s Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Asaba.

He said: “It is impossible for us to pray right and then speak wrong, because what happens after prayer is as important, if not more important, than the actual prayer.

“Our words as Christians are powerful; negative words carry the power to invalidate our prayers and derail our expectations.

“So, let us all take heed and begin today to speak healing, peace, prosperity, progress and accelerated development to Nigeria.

“My faith is that in no distant time, Nigeria will become one of the most sought-after countries in the world; it shall be well with us as we continue to stand in faith for Nigeria.

“We need to also teach the flock to release their faith for the purpose of national development and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

“We are not often as determined and steadfast in exercising faith for a transformed Nigeria as we are when it comes to our personal needs.”

He reaffirmed that Delta had been dedicated to God, saying: “Our trust is in Him and, therefore, we cannot be put to shame”.

Okowa commended the Anglican Communion for its steadfastness in preaching the word of God, noting that all over the world, the pulpit was under severe pressure.

According to him, congregants, having itchy ears, are hardening their ears to the truth and looking for preachers who will tell them what they want to hear.

In his message, the Primate of Anglican Communion, Most Revd Nicholas Okoh, thanked the governor for his support to the Church and called on the Federal Government to tackle the challenges of insecurity in the country.

Speaking on “Fight The Good Fight Of Faith”, the Primate urged Christians not to be deterred in their efforts to win souls for Christ, urging them to shun greed, selfishness, ambition, division, sin, heretic doctrines, and the like.

•PHOTO: Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr) ifeanyi Okowa (5th left), in a group photograph with the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Revd Nicholas Okoh, his wife, Nkasiobi Okoh and other Bishops, during the opening ceremony of the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) meeting held in Asaba. PHOTO: BRIPIN ENARUSAI.

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