Femi Ashekun & Agency Report/
The new Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Ali-Aba, has outlined his plans for the church, noting that he would prioritise the advancement of the mission works.
Ali-Aba formally took the reins of the church after a service of investiture held on Sunday, at Methodist Church of the Trinity, Tinubu, Lagos.
Ali-Aba, who is the first leader of the church from the northern part of the country, took over from Prelate Emeritus Dr Samuel C. K. Uche as the fourth Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria.
The service also witnessed the consecration of newly-elected archbishops and bishops, including the first female bishop of the church, Rt. Rev. Nkechi Nwosu, the Bishop of Jos Diocese.
Dignitaries in attendance including the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, represented by his Special Adviser on Chaplaincy, Pastor Seyi Malomo; Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi; wife of the Presidential Candidate of All Progressive Congress, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Governor of Benue State, Mr. Samuel Ortom; his Deputy, Benson Abounu; wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun and wife of Osun State Governor, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola; amongst others.
Ali-Aba told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos today that pro-human development policies were essential to God and human, therefore, should be advanced.
According to him, the church from beginning has been in the forefront of humanitarian services including building of schools, hospitals and other social services that enhance human and societial developments alongside preaching of gospel.
“The advent of Christianity and early missionary schools in the country were from the church,” he said.
Ali-Aba, speaking on his agenda, said the church would do more in the areas of youth education, community health, civic responsibility and leadership-mentorship training.
Regretting the social drift that had hindered social value orientation from taking place in our society, he said the church as a tradition, would advance the course of youths social re-orientation.
He said the absence of youths who impact the nation’s leadership was as a result of the negligence of the society whereby the church, school and family are lax in their responsibilities as agents of socialisation.
According to him, a paradigm shift from the old ways of child and youth upbringing is essential to avoid generational deformity.
“Concerted efforts must be put in place in the way of facilities, policy drive and social value re-integration in the society not to overlook the power in prayers.
“We must address the challenges confronting our Nation with prayers and more prayers.
“While it is the responsibility of governments at all levels, to develop policies capable of solving the mirage of problems facing us as a country, we as citizens, have the corresponding responsibilities of praying for them not to derail by selfishness and greed.
“While it is right to pressure them and demand good governance, we cannot take away the place of prayer and this we must do with intent, with purpose and without ceasing.
“As Nigerians, we cannot afford to give up hope at this time. Rather, we must hold tenaciously to our belief that, with God all things will turn around.
“l urge the political class especially in this season of electioneering campaigns, to inspire the citizens not only with words but with their actions and deeds because Nigerians are getting tired.
“As the new leader of the Methodist people, l will join hands with other religious leaders and stakeholders, to continue to pray for the well-being of the Nation and Nigerians everywhere,” he said.
Ali-Aba enjoined Nigerians, at home and in the diaspora, to intensify prayers as the country prepares for the 2023 general elections.
Ali-Aba was born on May 27,1960 to the family of Late Mr & Mrs Audu Aba, both of Ogbadibo Olachagbaha in Ogbadibo Local Government Area in Benue State.
He was enthroned the Bishop of Apa in 2003. He thereafter elected the Archbishop of Benue in 2013 and was enthroned in 2014. He was elected Prelate among 31 other Episcopates on August 14, after a keenly contested election by an electoral college.
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