BENIN CITY – A former Chief Judge in Edo State Hon. Justice Esohe Ikponmwen has called on parents to allow their children join the Boys’ Brigade to be trained and disciplined with the fear of the Lord as they grow up in the society.
Justice Ikponmwen made the call during the induction ceremony into the Hall of Fame and award of honours organized by the Boys’ Brigade, Nigeria, Edo State Council in Benin City at the weekend.
According to her, “the society today is going down the drain and the only way is to bring up our children with the fear of the Lord. When they get into the Boys’ Brigade they will turn out to be good citizens.”
While commending the Boys’ Brigade for what they are doing, she disclosed that the elderly are responsible to train the young ones, which she has committed her life to and she thanked God for the rare privilege to be honoured into the Boys’ Brigade Hall of Fame.
The State President, Boys’ Brigade Nigeria, Edo State Council, Sir (Dr) B.J Braie disclosed that upon the creation of Edo and Delta States from the defunct Midwest/Bendel State in the year 1991, the Boys’ Brigade Nigeria, Edo Council took her foundation.
“Historically, the Boys’ Brigade is the first uniformed Christian youth organization in the world with the firm believes that Jesus Christ is the Pillar that holds our life and our anchor which keeps us from jittering when the raging storm and waves strike.
“In fulfillment of Nigeria National Anthem, “the Labour of our Heroes Past shall never be in vain” is the reason of our gathering to honour our past President’s, distinguished spiritual fathers, patrons and patroness,” he noted.
He said the Boys’ Brigade decided to adopt the philosophy of singing the praises of people when they are alive and not when they are dead, adding that, “for memorial we decided to create the hall of fame with the pictures of two special persons, Sir. Chief, Dr. Gabriel Igbinedion who has been a grand patron for the past fifty years, the first Patroness , Hon Justice Esohe Ikponmwen who is the first female Benin Chief Judge and Past Presidents.
The spiritual fathers who received awards of honour are Rt. Revd P.O. J Imasuen, Rt. Revd Jolly Oyekpen, Rt. Revd Augustine Ohilebo, Rt. Revd Felix Olorunfemi, Rt. Revd Gabriel Elabor and Rt. Revd Rufus Babalola.
The inductees and spiritual fathers who received award of honours were led by the Bishop of the Benin diocese of Anglican Church, Rt. Revd P.O.J. Imasuen to unveil the hall of fame.
Bishop Imasuen commended and thanked the Boys’ Brigade for the award and he urged them to continue with the good work.
In his comment, Apostle (Dr) A Gods Power Ogbonmwan JP said, “ our service is first to God who will make our lives shine and when men see the light they will glorify God.”
