By Uzo Ugwunze
Speaking during the BMIM End of
year Prayer meeting at Ogidi Idemili North Local Government Area, the ANSMECC
State Coordinator, Bro Sylvanus Analike revealed that the revered status of
Patronship was long before now reserved only for Prelates from the three major
Christian blocs in the state.
"Before today, ANSMECC has
three patrons who are in the cadre of Bishops. They include His Grace, Most
Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke from the Roman Catholic Church, Rt. Rev. Ephraim
Ikeakor from the Anglican Communion and Rev. (Major) John Okpalaiheadi from the
Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.
"These patrons are all
clergymen. But after considering the kind of fatherly role, massive support for
market evangelism and consistent participation and involvement in ensuring that
our spiritual mission in not just Building Materials Market but other markets
in the state is progressing unhindered, ANSMECC decided to elevate him - Chief
Jude Nwankwo as our fourth patron, and he is the only non-clergyman among
them".
"We do wish that other
market leaders should emulate his leadership style and outstanding virtues
towards promoting the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ not just passively but
practically," said Analike.
Responding to the honor, Chief
Nwankwo, who was surprised to be 'counted among the bishops' said that God has
been the pillar of his success and that of the market which its motto reads
'God's Own Market' adding that the new status would spur him to improve and do
more for the gospel and humanity.
In a related development, Chief
Nwankwo also honoured four couples , who are traders in the Building Materials Market for their consistency in attending the market Evangelism prayers
regularly together as Husband and wife on weekly basis.
Nwankwo who gifted the couples with some home
appliances and cash prizes said that he has observed the couples over the years
and they have proven to be marriage role models for the traders and younger
generation.
The overall best couples of
BMIM are Elder Nathan Esiobu and his wife Deaconess Phebe Esiobu. Elder Esiobu,
a Septuagenarian who was also installed as one of the Building Materials market
Patron on behalf of other couples showered blessings upon the PG praying that he
would live long to garner more honors.
Earlier in his sermon, the
Guest Minister, Rt Rev. Iyke Egbuonu admonished people to return back to God
through Jesus Christ and fear God, desisting from idol worship which is
beginning to trend among youths who claim that church is a scam from the white
man saying that part of the reason for the sufferings and pestilence witnessed
in the world resulted from human beings abandoning God's word for quick riches
and fleshly lusts.
Other highlights of the event
include praises/Worship, Prayers and the installation cum inauguration of 10
new persons as BMIM Ogidi patrons by the market leadership.
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