By Amuche Agbo, Abakaliki
The Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, His Eminence, The Most Revd professor Akam,Philip Okpanwu has been consecrated as Primate and Archbishop of Christ the Light Gospel Mission International INC.
Professor Akam, whom before his consecration as Primate and Archbishop was elevated to the rank of Commandant in the NSCDC serves at the Zonal Headquarters, Owerri, Imo state.
The Consecration took place at the church premises , No 22 Engr. Charles Okpala Street Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
Addressing journalists shortly after the consecration His Eminence Prof. Akam expressed gladness over his consecration and appreciated those who contributed in one away or the other for the success recorded in the event saying that the large turnout of people at occasion was an indication of the true love of God upon him.
His Eminence Prof. Akam described the event as great, grand,unique, historic and epoch making. He commended the Archbishops, Bishops, the clergy, the political class, Eminent Judges, the academia, business class and others whose esteemed presence made the event a memorable one.
The security guru hinted that the importance of one giving his or her life to Christ can not be overemphasized. According to the security boss, if God does not first secure the city the security man’s effort amounts to nothing.
He noted that his purpose of accepting to serve God is to gain more protection as earthly protection is useless promising to dedicate his life to the service of God and humanity.
He enjoined all his church members to be committed to God expressing hope that God has the utmost power to solve every human problem without delay.
He called on Ebonyians to always be on guard in their various communities with a view to preventing anything capable of leading to lawlessness and insecurity. In his own words, the Pontiff posits, ” anything capable of causing disaffection, truncating our national cohesion or infringing on the peace of our land is both anti government and, undoubtedly ungodly.”
He further encouraged the clergy to be shepherds and not wolves to the flock of Christ adding that the clergy has the responsibility of feeding, seeking, restoring and lifting the down trodden and the downgraded.
Earlier in his speech, the consecration officiant, Archbishop of Enugu, Methodist Church, Nigeria, the Most Rev. Barr. Christopher Edeh prayed God to give the new Primate and Archbishop the strength and enablement to serve in his vineyard.
He used the occasion to decry the insecurity ravaging the country and called on all service chiefs to rise to their responsibilities to guarantee the protection of lives and property of the people and residents of our country noting that no meaningful development would be achieved in the atmosphere of rancour and acrimony.
He further stated that “If there is no justice there will be no peace”. He called on those in authority to rise and give us justice to enhance sustainable peace and development.
In an address of welcome presented by the chairman, planning committee Professor Jeremiah Okechukwu Orji, he said that unarguably, the new Primate and Archbishop has made serious marks in the sands of time both in the academia, security services and in the Ministry.
He described him as an ardent believer and preacher of holiness, righteousness and sanctification with proven genuine supernatural powers.
He maintained that God has used Archbishop Akam to heal so many terrible diseases and as well liberation of the people held in satanic hegemony among others and also has secured job in NSCDC for Ebonyi teaming youths.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Edon Nigeria limited Arch. Edward Nkwegu expressed joy over the consecration of Prof. Akam as Primate and Archbishop, saying that his bold step is an indication of being a true servant of God, whom his philanthropic disposition speaks volume of in Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large.
He prayed God to give him long life and good health so as to continue to render help to Ebonyians and beyond.
Also, he thanked president Mohammadu Buhari for being a leader by example adding that his leadership ingenuity in the country since assumption of office is second to none especially employing seven hundred and seventy four thousand youths in the public works which thirteen thousand people were captured in Ebonyi state assuring that the beneficiaries would start receiving their salaries soon as all the necessary modalities are already put in place.
However, the former Minister for Power and Steel, Chief Goddy Ogbaga congratulated Prof. Akam for his divine elevation as commandant and a Primate respectively noting that the development is a source of Joy.
He described His Eminence Akam as a man of impeccable character, integrity and trust worthy who have impacted positively in the lives of Ebonyi people.
He called on Ebonyians to emulate his good deed while praying God to give him wisdom and strength to enable him to discharge his duty creditably for more benefit of humanity.
Meanwhile, the event was attended by the clergy, traditional rulers, top government officials among others.
Highlights of the event was dancing competition by groups.