Honour defines us, it is the imprint of out efforts upon the sands of time. The mark by which generations after us will know we passed through here. Children, wonderful if we are blessed with them and property are good if we are able to acquire them within our legally earned earnings, both have never signified trans-generational greatness.
It was for me a rare privilege to be considered by Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association for Special Merit Award of Excellence for Service to God and Humanity through my calling as a promoter of democracy, social justice and rule of law for a better and greater developed Nigeria.
Standing in the hallowed chamber of the National Headquarters of the ECWA Church in Jos, was nostalgic for me remembering that my journey towards knowing God started at the ECWA Church, Coker Street in Orile Agege Lagos.
ACIPA DAY 2023 was an evening of grace, glamour and glitz.
It was meant to be a day of prayers, awards, investiture and book dedication according to the organizers, and it turned out to be in all intent.
A privilege it was for me to be listed for honour along with persons whose mark of stewardship to God for humanity in ministry has placed me close enough to humbly and gladly unlace their sandals if given the opportunity!
Rt. Rev. Fr. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah – A seminarian extraordinaire with specialty in apologetics.
Rt. Rev. Fr. Dr Matthew Hassan Kukah is no mere a man of diplomacy, statesmanship. A seminarian extraordinaire with specialty in apologetics. His impact in this regard is beyond the borders of our continent, having served the Vatican City as a member of the Pontifical Council For Inter-Religious Dialogue under 3 Popes, now a member of the Dicastery For the Promotion of Human Integral Development at the Vatican City!
The Bishop of Sokoto has elevated his pulpit to global relevance.
Christmasses in recent times are incomplete until his homily is heard or read. Though, he was absent, this took nothing away from the glamour of the event. Another man of ministry service listed was Rev Dr Caleb Ahima, whose exploits is silent yet speaks volumes. “The best President we never had”, if you know you know!
Listed for honour on the other divide of religion were Engr Mansur Salihu Nakande, National Secretary, Fityanul Islam of Nigeria, Malam Nuhu Ibrahim Almasih, it was also a privilege to meet Sheik Muhammad Nuru Khalid, the point blank, “say it as it is” former Imam of Apo Central Mosque.
Politicians were not left out, Dr Daniel Bwala whose wit of words has the capacity to strip an Angel of its angelic form in human minds and make a demon desirable as replacement for an angel. He couldn’t make it to the event.
A star studded occasion if you will permit me the usage of the word. Political list was led by HE Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Executive Governor of Delta State, who was ably represented by HE, Boni Haruna, former Governor of Adamawa state!
On one of the Awardees, Rt Honourable Yakubu Dogara rested the responsibility to deliver the speech of the occasion, themed; The Past, Present and Future Roles of Northern Christians In The Development of Nigeria. How much of justice he did or didn’t to the topic you will read from me soon. For now, let’s appreciate the magnanimity of Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association, ACIPA and celebrate their array of deserving Awardees. Other Awardees are; Hon Simon Mwadkwon, PhD Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, Pastor A.S Dolly, Hon. Mrs Elizabeth M. Abuk, Rev Dr John Audu, SP Ayuba Akawu Iliya, Rev Ja’e Musa Na’ango, Rev John Tati Cham, Rev Baba Aliyu, President Fulani Christian Association of Nigeria, FULCAN. Posthumous honour were accorded Late Rev Dr Umar Garba and Late Pastor Jacob Damina Auta.
My friend since the advent of social media with whom I have shared great thoughts online, H. E. Boni Haruna, I met in person at the event for the first time. Your Excellency, my appreciation for kind words and warmth. To all who sent me; Babatope Babatunde Akinyele Ola Peters Pastor Olanrewaju Osho, Bimbo Psalmz II Samuel Elisha Nmeribe Ayo Ademiluyi who went with me. Grateful to our team on ground who received me, led by Emmanuel Abuh and the entire iWalk Team and PVC Naija in Jos.
Friends, here you have the synopsis of the Award event in Jos. Please, watch out for the political report.
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