From TONY JOHN, Port Harcourt
An Anglican cleric in Rivers State, Venerable John Ubulom, has charged Christians to keep the peace ahead of Christmas celebrations.
Ubulom gave the charge at a Christmas carol, organised by Andoni local government council, at Ngo, the Local Government headquarters, at the weekend.
The Christmas carol, tagged “Carol of Nine Lessons,” marked the beginning of 2023 Andoni Unity Festival.
Taking a passage from the Book of Jeremiah 2: 7, the clergy noted that the earth and its fullness are owned by God, urging Christians to reminiscence on peace, and the original purpose of Christmas.
He, however, lamented the current gross moral and decadence in the society these days, saying the trend is fast separating man from God’s original purpose for creation.
“God has blessed Nigeria and, indeed, Andoni local government with so much goodly heritage. But, failed leadership has deprived us from enjoying the goodness of our natural resources (crude oil, sea deposits, and forest reserves).
“Andoni had long struggled with insecurity and underdevelopment until the Awortu’s administration came on board. I want to urge us to consciously preserve the peace that came with it.
On his part, the council chairman, Awortu, explained that since he assumed office, his administration had continued to market the rich tourism potentials of the area with a view to attracting investors and businesses to the area.
Represented by the council’s secretary, Mr Franklin Dimiari, the chairman noted that since inception in 2021, the annual Andoni Unity Festival had initiated long-term business opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sub-sector.
Boat regatta, beach party and carnival parade would form part of the festival in the coming days.