BENIN CITY – Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has called on Christians to always offer praises and thanksgiving to God for his countless mercies. He made this call when he joined the New Benin Baptist Church (NBBC) to marking it’s 2019 Harvest. The occasion also coincided with the special thanks giving service for the new Chief Judge of Edo State, His Lordship, Hon Justice Esther Edigin.
The Deputy Governor who was in the church to felicitate with the new the Chief Judge (CJ), as she thanked God for her new office, declared, “While congratulating the new CJ on her appointment, i want to say that we are here to celebrate something good, something good and celebration will never lack in our lives”.
“The thanksgiving of the CJ coincides with the harvest thanksgiving of the church. I want to use this opportunity to sow a seed of thanksgiving on behalf of my family and the Edo State Government. ”
Shaibu then proceeded to offere his personal thanksgiving leading other high ranking government officials, the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, Esq Speaker Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Francis Okiye and others.Prominent retired and serving judges, lawyers, traditional rulers, family members and other numerous well wishers were on hand to celebrate with the new Chief Judge, .
The officiating pastor, Reverend Excellence Haruna in his message entitled “Sowing with joy, bringing in the sheaves” appreciated genuine Christians for their ability to serve a God who has always been faithful and committed, adding that 2019 had been a year full of challenges and victories untold.
He stated that worthy of note of these achievements in the Baptist Church, especially in the New Benin Branch was having one of it’s own, Justice Esther Edigin emerge as the new CJ of Edo State.
He prayed for God’s special wisdom as was given to King Solomon to lead Justice Edigin and her family. He counseled her to use her exalted position to affect society positively.
The church choir in collaboration with the klassique Klub performed the “Handel” classic “Zadok and Halleluyah” to the admiration of the church.
At the end of the service, Comrade Philip Shaibu went to the St Paul’s Catholic Church, Airpirt Road, where he joined them to celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. According to him, “Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. This is an attestation that Jesus Christ is Lord and King of the universe. All power in heaven and on earth belong to God.
It is a thing of joy for us to celebrate our King and Saviour, Jesus Christ for sacrificing his life for us.
“We also remember that he has risen in line with the fulfillment for our own life. I feel blessed that i have been able to show to the world that there is a King of kings who is the author and finisher of our faith..
“For Edo State and Nigeria, may this celebration help us solve those negative things that disturb the state and show us the way to go.
“This solemnity ushers me into my birthday which is next Sunday. I thank God for it. I eagerly look forward to that day with excitement which is going to be a golden jubilee.
“When i look back and see what God has done in my life and the protection he has given to me, there is nothing more i can do but to continue to appreciate Him and give all to Him.”
Earlier, the Deputy Governor and family joined other members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate of Mary Confraternity, a church society which is an earthly representation of Jesus Christ’s family (consisting of Jesus, Mary and Joseph) to mark the Solemnity of Christ the King.Most parishioners joined the universal church to Celebrate Jesus Christ, as “The King of the Universe.”
For Catholic faithfuls, this solemnity, is marked as a holy day of obligation by communicants who have the faith that God listens and grants special requests to all who partake of the celebration.
To Reverend Fr. Evaristus Abu, “This is a specific reminder of how Jesus took flesh in the womb of Mary, lived amongst us, preached and worked several miracles, carried the cross, died and rose again on the third day, ascended to the Father and sent the Holy Spirit amongst us, is the KING OF THE WHOLE UNIVERSE.”
Parish Priest, St. Paul Catholic Church, Very Rev. Fr. Edwin Omorogbe led the procession of St. Paul’s parishioners out on the street through Airport Road, through Akenzuwa to a brief stopover at Brother Pius Primary School, down Ahorhan and back to Airport and finally to the church to enable partakers re-live the joyful welcoming of Jesus into the City of Jerusalem.
The Priest prayed and encouraged parishioners to intercede on behalf of the state for peace and reconciliation, for blessing on the Deputy Governor as he plans to mark his birthday, for Edo people to see forgiveness where they ask for, for change of ways, for kidnappers to encounter God and for redemption for all who deal in immodest conduct. He told parishioners as well to offer personal prayers for their families.
President, Mother of Perpetual Help Confraternity, St. Paul Catholic Church, Lady Philomena Ojebuoboh stated that the solemnity afforded parishioners the opportunity to announce Jesus Christ as the King of the Universe to all people.
