In line with the agreement reached with the Rivers State government regarding the religious worship centres activities and the fight against the spread of the Coronavirus Pandemic in the State, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rivers State chapter has intensified effort in their resolve to support the health fight within its capacity.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Phalga Committee which took place at the Oil of Joy Ministries International Church, Borokiri, Port Harcourt, the CAN Chairman, Special Apostle Stanley Dimkpa said the choice of Rev’d (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okechukwu Akiri to coordinate the COVID-19 PHALGA implementation committee was apt going by the experience of the man of God and the need for the Churches not to disappoint the state government.
Represented by Pastor Ekiye C. Ekiye, the State COVID-19 Implementation Committee coordinator, the CAN Chairman said while other state governors had lockdown churches in their respective states, the Rivers State Governor Nysom Ezenwo Wike was magnanimous enough not only to give the churches windows of opportunity to worship their God but also consulted with the religious leaders on the way forward at a point where he increased the number of worshippers at a given service from 50-70.
According to him, “the Church cannot afford to betray the confidence reposed on the religious leaders and so we deemed it necessary to inaugurate the local government area implementation committees of CAN to ensure strict compliance to all the laid down directives against the COVID-19 Pandemic spread including the 1.5metre social distance observance.
“We are in emergency situation which demands that every hands must be on deck to salvage the situation. It is important to note that since the world scientists are yet to find any vaccine for the cure of the Coronavirus, it therefore confirms that God’s miracle has been responsible for those who have been healed,” he said.
Dr. Dimkpa said that having experienced the divine power, it is important Church leaders are allowed to pray to their God for divine intervention in the seemingly hopeless situation.
He said the PHALGA coordinator has been given the mandate but has the liberty to coop as many members as possible to reach out to the grassroots or choose any strategy to achieve the set goal.
Responding the Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA) coordinator of CAN COVID-19 implementation committee, Rev’d (Dr.) Akiri expressed happiness for the recognition, adding that he will try to do his best not to disappoint the authorities as God give him grace.
The Senior Pastor of the “Oil of Joy Ministries International Church, Borokiri, Port Harcourt used the opportunity to commend the state governor and the present CAN leadership for their encouragement to the work of God.
“The assignment calls for enormous responsibility but we pray for God’s grace to accomplish the task to His glory”, he declared.
Those present at the inauguration ceremony include Maxwell Onwuchuruba, Catholic; Bishop Prince Aggo, Penacle Army Min., Bishop Favour Aremole, Throne of Heaven Gospel Church; Bishop (Dr.) David Ujawaji, Redemption Church of God; Evg. Joel Frak, Come to Jesus Evang. Network; and Pst. Ephraim Ishia, Dominion Livingway Assembly.
Others were: Rev. Thompson Inumama, Empowered Word Ministry Intl; Apostle Kingston Aseme, Pnewma Int’l Min; Pst Evans Odum, the Flow Household Int’l Centre; Pst. Charles Ereotu, Gospel Truth Liberty; Pst. (Mrs.) Love Akari, Oil of Joy Ministry Int’l.
