EKPOMA – Nigeria’s former interim president, Chief Ernest Shonekan has commissioned an ultra-modern chapel and dean’s quarter at the Ezekiel College of Theology, Ujoelen-Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The chapel, known as Chapel of Grace, that was dedicated by the primate of Anglican Church, The Most Rev’d Nicholas Okoh, was built and donated by the former interim president to the theology college, owned by the Anglican Church.
Chief Shonekan explained that he was spurred by a strong desire to contribute to the work of God and to support the donor of the college, Chief Ezekiel Ainabe, as well as his former boss at UAC, Dr. Christopher Abebe.
He expressed gratitude to the church for giving him the opportunity to make the contribution, and equally appreciated the former dean of the college, now bishop of Oyo Anglican Diocese, for judicious use of the fund he provided.
The Elder Statesman charged the priest in training to take their theological training very seriously to be able to function well after graduation.
The Anglican primate, Most Rev’d Okoh in a sermon praised the donor for the gesture, assuring him that he will always be in the heart of God, having built a house for Him.
He used the occasion to warn priest against misconducts, ranging from refusal of postings or attempting to influencing locations where they would perform their clergy duties for pecuniary benefits.
He similarly reiterated the church’s abhorrence for homosexual practice, adding that though some groups in the America have vowed to influence the installation of a gay bishop in Nigerian in 10 years, it will never be realized by God’s grace.
The Nigerian Anglican head therefore warned the priests against been used to achieve such evil desire.
In an appreciation speech on behalf of Ujoelen Community, the donor of the college, Chief Ainabe similarly appreciated the chapel/quarter donor for the gesture.
Ezekiel College of Theologhy built and donated by Chief Ainabe, is a theological institution owned by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for the purpose of training persons to be ordained into the ministry in the Anglican Church.
Chief Ernest Shonekan
