59th Independence Mass: Bishop Ezeokafor Calls for Policy Direction

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. . . Exhorts Elected Office Holders to Use Public Fund for Public Good

By Abuchi Onwumelu

The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has exhorted elected office holders to use public funds for public good, saying that without policy direction the nation will be wallowing in an irredeemable wilderness.

Bishop Ezeokafor who stated this at St Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka on Sunday, September 29, 2019, to herald Nigeria’s Independence Day Anniversary, lauded Governor Willie Obiano for what he described as his achievements and urged him to do more for Ndi Anambra.

The Catholic prelate prayed for the peace and unity of Anambra State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Speaking, Gov Willie Obiano advocated for the continued progress, peace and unity of Nigeria.
During the Mass Gov Obiano also declared plans to intensify security and massive road rehabilitation in Anambra State as soon as the rains abated.

He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to providing adequate security and safety to Ndi Anambra, revealing that the government had concluded arrangements to re-equip the security agencies with facilities to prevent and combat crime.

Gov Obiano paid special tribute to heads of security agencies present at the Mass in recognition of their selfless service and unflinching commitment to ensuring that Anambra State remained safe and secure.

‘These are the men who ensure that Ndi Anambra sleep with their two eyes closed, the Governor remarked, as he invited the congregation to give them a befitting ovation.

On roads, the Governor regretted the present condition of roads in the state. He observed that the roads deteriorated as a result of blocked drains which caused flooding and consequently eroded the roads.

‘It is difficult to do any meaningful work on roads during the rains. Whatever you put on ground will be washed away easily because of the nature of our soil and flooding caused by blocked drains,’ he said.

Gov Obiano, promising to rehabilitate roads as soon as the rains were over, urged Ndi Anambra to desist from disposing garbage into drains and also ensure that silt was removed from drains running through their homes, shops or offices.

‘I assure you that the roads will receive urgent attention once it is dry season. You will witness major interventions on road and other areas of infrastructural development.

‘However, the citizens must assist government by ensuring that drains are free. You must endeavour to remove silt from drains in front of your house, office or shop. We must take the sanitation days seriously and desist from throwing garbage into the drains.

‘We need to work together to achieve the progress, safety and unity that we all desire,’ he concluded.

The function attracted numerous people, including the emeritus Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Peter Okpalaeke; and the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka, His Lordship Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye; priests, religious and many top government functionaries.

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