From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Methodist Church of Nigeria Prelate, Dr Oliver Ali, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti have all celebrated Bishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, President of Vision Africa International on his 60th birthday anniversary.
Speaking during a church dedication and communion service at Saint John Methodist Church, Okai Item in Bende Local government area of Abia State to mark the event, Dr Ali described Bishop Onuoha as an iconic servant of God who has exhibited humility despite his status in the society.
Preaching a sermon on the theme, “Giving Back To The Community”, Dr Oliver noted that the Grace of God has made Bishop Onuoha give back to his community by renovating the church, building, church children’s session, Agnes Memorial Hospital and other numerous projects to his credit.
Taking his text from Luke 17:15-17, the Prelate observed that Jesus was alert to ask for nine out of ten people who received healing and appreciated Bishop Onuoha for coming to thank God for keeping him alive.
He charged the congregation to live a life that would glorify God and not dwell on material things.
The prelate also urged the youths to emulate the workaholic life of Bishop Onuoha who he said has used his contacts as a servant of God to touch lives positively.
The Methodist Cleric admonished Nigerians to allow God to pass through them, stressing that He would always elevate those who humble themselves.
On his own, former President Obasanjo, while laying the foundation of new structures at Agnes Onuoha Memorial Hospital, thanked Bishop Onuoha for giving back to society what he had.
Chief Obasanjo added that the family of Onuoha has done well to immortalize Agnes and their benevolence to save lives through the hospital.
“Look at what you can give to the society as a memorial. It is not how long but how well you have done to impact the Society. You have done this not for yourself but for humanity. You have made me proud”, Obasanjo said.
The Governor of Abia State, Dr Otti thanked Bishop Sunday Onuoha for supporting his government and for accepting to serve God.
He noted that the 60th year marked the beginning of Bishop Onuoha’s greatness, and prayed to God for a long life.
Otti observed that the date of the event synchronized with one year of his declaration as the winner of the Abia state Governorship election by Professor Nnenna Oti whom he said God used to declare him the winner.
Bishop Onuoha responding, said he saw the world as his parish, hence he had devoted himself to working with different kinds of people including non-Christians.
He observed that the challenges of life had taught people how to go to the next level.
He disclosed that the Agnes Memorial Hospital was instituted to immortalize, his daughter because of the passion she had with people while alive.
Bishop Onuoha urged Nigerians to have faith in God, adding that God has a purpose of calling everyone on earth.
He added that the Saint John Methodist Church Okai Item was a source of strength to him which prompted his using his first fruit as a worker in the United States to build the church.