From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Newly installed Catholic archbishop of Owerri ecclesiastical province, His Grace, Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji has urged all gladiators in Imo State to sheath their swords and embrace peace to forge the State ahead.
Ugorji who stated this during his installation to replace retiring archbishop of Owerri, Anthony Obinna on Thursday noted that with peace, the State will surely develop.
He said “In the face of mirage of problem bedeviling our society today, we extend our hands of partnership with government to work for development of our people while, keeping in mind that there is an intricate relationship between peace and sustainable development.
“Peace is the bedrock of development. There is no sustainable development without peace, peace takes roots when people are free from hunger poverty, unemployment, suppression and exploitation, we have to work together to save our people from the prevailing scourge of violence and insecurity that have brought unimaginable grief ,trauma and fear to our fellow citizen in the State.” Ugorji stated.
He however added “Consequently, I call on the gladiators in the State to sheath their sword for violence beget violence, I implore you to turn your swords into ploughshares. Rather than engage in senseless conflicts that leads to wanton bloodshed, mutual self destruction and destruction of property, I urge you to put all squabbles ,division and rancour behind for the sake of progress in our State.
Speaking at the occasion, governor Hope Uzodimma urged newly installed province head to brace up to his new office, reminding of greater task ahead.
“Our new Archbishop, His Grace Lucius Ugorji, please permit me to humbly remind you of the obvious, much is expected from you. As you know, the Divine office of the Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province is the spiritual headquarters of Catholics in Imo and Abia States.
“This implies that a great number of the Catholic faithful in these states and beyond, look upto to your new office for their spiritual wellbeing.
“Besides, you are taking over at a time when the nation appears to be at a crossroad. Sadly, we are witnessing the highest level of insecurity and youth restiveness than ever before. We are also witnessing the aftermath of a global pandemic and economic hardships which continue to test the faith of many citizens of the country.
Bidding farewell to the outgoing archbishop, Uzodimma said “Without a doubt, His Grace, Archbishop A. J. V Obinna, is leaving the Church he inherited in 1994, a bigger and stronger organization that is more responsive to the spiritual needs of the people.
“Thanks to his style of aggressive evangelism, under his watch, the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province witnessed the planting of parishes at the door steps of many faithful. It is also on record that he faced many battles and weathered a lot of storms during his tenure.
“Thus, the retiring Archbishop can be likened to St Paul in many ways. Therefore, I dare say to Your Grace, Archbishop Obinna: “You have fought a good fight, and you have finished the race”. May I join the rest of the church in wishing you the very best of retirement.” Uzodimma stated.