From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged religious leaders to be agents of change by showcasing acts capable of stimulating societal development in their episcopal responsibilities.
Okowa, who is vice presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), gave the call on, yesterday, at a church thanksgiving service in Asaba.
He said spiritual growth of worshippers was necessary to advance the gospel of the kingdom of God hence, the need for religious leaders to radiate the virtues required of them.
Okowa reminded religious leaders to speak more on holy living rather than prosperity, adding that sermons had the tendency to cause positive changes in the lives of the people and society.
The governor attributed the success of his administration in the last seven years to divine providence.
“We are in a very troubled nation and in our troubled nation, there is a lot of confusion and people are getting worried.
“But, even in our troubled Nigeria today, in spite of the fact that we have challenges also in Delta State, one thing is clear that we appear to be more peaceful than most other states in the country.
“And, l tell people it is not about Okowa but about the grace of God upon the state. I have consistently called on our fathers in the Lord to pray for our state continuously and l know that it works.
“Other people may believe it is by their power; it is not by anybody’s power. If it were to be so, Katsina State wouldn’t be as troubled as it is today because that is the home state of the president of the country.
“The grace of God is very effectual and it has led us thus far. So, l want to call on our fathers in this church and members to continue to pray for our state and our country. I believe what truly makes a good church is the beauty of the heart,” he said, and admonished Nigerians to embrace God wholeheartedly.
He, therefore, promised to partner churches in advancing the stronger Delta vision of his administration.
Earlier, Lead Pastor of the church, Maxwell Egbe, had harped on the importance of vision in life, adding that vision was necessary to stay relevant.