The Bishop of Diocese of Enugu North (Anglican Communion), Ngwo, Enugu State, Rt. Rev. Engr. Sosthenes Eze, has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi’s peace and grassroots development initiatives in the state, saying that the governor has extended development to the most-neglected areas in the rural communities.
Bishop Eze equally appreciated the sound relationship the governor enjoys with the stakeholders of the state, particularly his predecessor, adding that it was the first time the state was experiencing such gesture.
The bishop made the remarks during the Diocese of Enugu North’s Centenary Thanksgiving Celebration and Award Service at Cathedral Church of St. Mary, Ngwo, where Governor Ugwuanyi was conferred with an award of Transformational Leader of the Year for Infrastructural Development.
He explained that the Diocese honoured the governor for “his rapid transformation of the political and socio-economic landscape of Enugu State”, peace initiatives and commitment to the welfare of the people of the state.
“We can see for the first time that a governor is in office and is in a sound relationship with his predecessor which has not happened in the history of Enugu State.
“The governor has discovered the most-neglected areas of the state and has taken development to these areas. So, the governor is focused and deserves this award,” Bishop Eze said.
Also in his remark, the Chairman of the Centenary Committee, Ozo Ramsey Onyia, appreciated the presence and punctuality of the governor at the event, noting that “this is the first time since 1979 a governor is worshiping in this church”.
Responding, Gov. Ugwuanyi thanked the Enugu North Diocese of the Anglican Church for the award and felicitated with the Diocese on its 100 years of preaching the gospel, adding that it has “contributed immensely to the intellectual, moral, spiritual and social development of the people in this area and the society at large”.
The governor said that God has been faithful regarding the achievements his administration has been able to achieve, despite the severe economic and other challenges confronting the nation.
“We are confident that, with your prayers and the continued support of the people, we will not fail to deliver on our promise to take the State to a higher level of growth and development for the benefit of all.
“On our own as a Government, we promise to do whatever is necessary to maintain the wonderful relationship and partnership that we currently share with religious organizations in the state and we will continue to offer them the support and assistance that they require to succeed in the cause to improve the moral and spiritual fabric of the society.”
