By Rita Akpotu
Christians have been admonished to be courageous, focused and draw strength from God in the face of the current economic hardship ravaging the country.
The wife of Delta State Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori gave the advice recently at a crusade in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Hon. Joan Onyemaech (Ada Anioma), the former Commissioner for Technical Education in the state.
The wife of the governor, who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Lady Catherine Onyeme, congratulated Onyemechi on the auspicious moment of her life, pointing out that the crusade was an annual event geared towards reaching out to the needy in the society.
Deaconess Oborevwori commended Onyemechi, also known as Ada Anioma, for her track records and contribution to the state and the country at large.
She maintained that the current economic meltdown had brought hardship to families, businesses, and communities, and urged them not to be discouraged but rather uphold the promises of God according to the Bible in Philippians 4:19, which reads: “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus.” Earlier, the wife of the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dame Edith Okowa, called on youth and students to shun all forms of social vices, saying that the vices would distract them from their academic ambitions and cut their destiny short.
Dame Okowa stated that bringing up children should not be left in the hands of the mothers alone, stressing that it was a collective responsibility of the parents and the teachers to inculcate the right values and discipline, explaining that by doing so the society would be a better place.
The occasion featured the cutting of the birthday cake by the celebrant, a performance by Frank Edward, the guest artist, renditions by different schools across the state, and prayer sessions.
Dignitaries present at the occasion were the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, members of the Delta State House Assembly, serving and past commissioners, and top government functionaries, amongst others.