…As over 5,000 natives denounce idolatry
From Jeff Amechi Agbodo, Onitsha
The people of Umuchu community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State have publicly denounced the worship of idols and any form of idolatry in their community, vowing to serve only the living God.
The community members numbering about 5,000 said that they could no longer serve man-made gods that could not answer them in times of trouble and tribulations, saying that they would henceforth serve only God of Jacob, Isaac and Daniel for His divine favour and blessings at all times in their lives.
The natives, who trooped out in their numbers at the popular Nkwo Market Square, Umuchu in a yearly prayer session for the community used the opportunity to pray for peace and unity of the 12 villages that make up the town.
The Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor in a sermon at the programme entitled: ‘Refusing and Resisting Shame,’ lamented that there was shame of abject poverty, untimely death, dependence on parents, late marriages and unprecedented cases of divorce in Umuchu town which he blamed on idolatrous life style of some of the people.
He prayed for those who denounced to worship idols, consecrated the land of Umuchu as God’s own land that would be fruitful in His abundant blessing, admonishing the newly changed souls to be steadfast in God who make difficult situation to be easy.
While making reference to the Book of Joel, 2:16-27, Bishop Ikeakor observed that God, who commanded Joel to forgive Israel their misgivings, could still show the same mercy to the people of Umuchu.
“It is paining my heart that no Umuchu born citizen has been a governor, commissioner, permanent secretary or head of any Federal Government agency or parastatal in this generation, but I want to assure you that God manifests His miracle during difficulty and abnormal situations.
“In this land, God will raise people that will use their contacts and effluents to change the fortunes of the people. Our youths will prosper and parents will reap the fruit of their labour,” he prayed.
The servant of God, who also hails from Umuchu, regretted that some of them are still paying deaf ears to the issue of idolatry, adding that idolatry and adultery are the two major weapons the devil uses to put people to shame.
Also an illustrious son of the community and foremost philanthropist cum industrialist, Chief Godwin Ezeemo in a chat with Oriental News acknowledged that the programme, which comes up every first day in June has transformed many lives, as well as recorded many progresses and achievements in the community, which made him to call for its sustenance.
Also in her remarks, his wife and the Managing Director of Orient Daily, Mrs Nneka Ezeemo, expressed satisfaction that the programme was yielding positive results, saying that its impact could not be over-emphasized.
On his part, the Archdeacon of Umuchu Archdeaconry and Vicar of St. Thomas Parish, Umuchu, Ven. David Ndubuisi Obiagbaoso, said the programme was enthroned to attract God’s blessings and favour for the good of every Umuchu-born citizen, irrespective of religious denomination affiliations.
Another community leader who came from Port Harcourt, Mr Ezinna Samuel Ezeudo admitted that the programme has been of immense benefit to the people, saying that since the community accepted God as their Lord and personal saviour things have changed for good.
Another successful businessman and native of the community based in Lagos, Mr Dona Agupusi, commended the programme, saying that it has effective since inception.
Also Mr Dominic Ottih, a successful career person based in Lagos said that God has been using the clergy to salvage the town from occultists and evil practices, calling for the sustenance of the programme until God heals the land completely.
Ottih said that he was optimistic that God’s powers supersedes every other authority, principalities and powers and could change every situation and make their community to be better.
The programme, a yearly event staged on every June 1, in the land of Umuchu (Ala Nso) is organized by Chief Ezeemo for the propagation of the word of God and cleansing the land from ancient belief that contradicts the words of God in the land.
One of the converted Christians, Mr Nnadozie Agwuonu said that his life has changed for good after receiving Christ, saying that he has been living in darkness for years by worshiping idols created by man, but has now realized that it does not protect or provide his needs.
According to him, “I have been worshiping idols since I was born over 60 years ago, but today I have accepted Christ as my Lord and personal saviour. All these years things have been difficult for me and my family, my children cannot marry while the men find it difficult to feed themselves. I said to myself if my gods I started serving for years cannot carter for me and my family which means it is not a true God.
“I know some of my brothers and villagers who have been worshiping the Almighty God, things have been better for them. So, I have decided to join them to be worshiping the true God. As I’m standing here, it is like something has gone out of my body, I am a changed man, it is like a miracle, I cannot run before due to sickness of legs, but since morning I have been dancing and praising God and I can run to the glory of God. I thank the initiators of this programme and pray that it will continue every year.”
There were prayer sessions, deliverance, worships, dedication and consecration of the land, songs, and dance during the programme.