The first official function at the new Government House after it’s formal commissioning was the Valedictory Church Service involving members of the State Executive Council which held this morning.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, his wife, Nkechi, Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu, Secretary to Government, Barrister Chris Ezem, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barrister Emeka Enwereji, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Olugu Kalu Ugba, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Sir Don Ubani and Honorable Commissioners were part of the Service.
The Very Rev Ernest Onyeukwu of the Methodist Church and Venerable Chidi Nwankpa of the Anglican Church were officiating Ministers.
First Bible Reading was taken by the Governor while the SSG took the Second.
A beautiful and thought provoking homily was delivered by the Very Rev. Onyeukwu which harped on the privilege of being chosen, out of millions, to serve the public and the need to serve with humility and the fear of God. According to the Priest, Kings and their Associates come and go. No man, no King is capable of solving all the problems of his people. You do your part and leave.
He asked the Governor to look back to ten years ago and imagine how far God has brought him.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu spoke briefly and was full of gratitude to God for His mercies. He thanked EXCO members and the people of Abia State for their support and cooperation. He remembered members of the Exco who died in active service…men like Chijioke Nwakodo and Ukpai Agwu Ukpai his first Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff respectively, former Commissioner Solomon Ogunji and others, praying God to bless their souls.
There were prayers and songs.
The service ended with the song GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN.
Ememanka
CPS.
