Archbishop Ibezim’s Wife Laments Adverse Effects of Corruption on National Development
By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu
The wife of the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim PhD and the President, Mother’s Union, Women’s Guild and Girl’s Guild, Province of the Niger, and Diocese of Awka, Dr Mrs Martha Ibezim, has said that corruption by the political class of the country has marred individual efforts geared towards the growth and development of the nation.
Dr Mrs Ibezim stated this in her address at the 2024 Awka Diocesan Women’s Conference, held at Holy Trinity Church, Nibo in Awka South Council Area.
Dr Mrs Ibezim who is also the President Women’s Ministry and Young Wives Association of the Diocese of Awka, who is equally the President of the conference with theme: ‘I will Not Let You Go Unless You Bless Me’, lamented that past administrations in the country laid a foundation of economic instability, insecurity and dysfunctional system which has given rise to hunger, poverty and incessant killings bedeviling the country.
She pointed out that there is a high level of marginalization in the distribution of power and dividends of democracy and massive suppression of minority groups, adding that the rise in fuel price, electricity tariff and devaluation of the Naira has made access to the basic things in life very difficult.
Dr. Mrs Ibezim however, commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim for their developmental strides in the State, as the citizens are feeling the impact of their good governance.
On the theme of the conference, Dr Mrs Ibezim called on the delegates to live exemplary lives of determination, resolution and persistence as showcased by the biblical Ruth, asking them to draw closer to God.
Reacting to the address, the President, Women’s Ministry, Province of Aba, Mrs Hope Nwobia, on behalf of other Archbishops and Bishops wives that attended the conference said that Dr Mrs Ibezim and her husband, Alexander are being used by God to transform lives and asked the delegates to support the archbishop and his wife in the work that they are doing in the diocese.
While adopting the presidential charge to become a working document in the diocese, Justice Celine Nweke noted that the theme showed the difference between being a true Christian and an ordinary church goer and challenged the delegates to hold on to what they will learn from the conference as the church is a forerunner in building a functional society.
On her part, the Chairperson of ADWOC 2024, Lady Joy Okpagu said that the conference will help delegates to renew their relationship with God and asked them to utilize the lessons of the conference in their day-to-day activities.
Launching of the Presidential Charge and presentations to the president of the conference were some of the major features of the programme.
Archbishop, Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim attended the event and charged women not to relent in championing cause for a better society always. He thanked them for the support and solidarity to his episcopal throne.
