KWALE/Nigeria: The people of Ndokwa Nation in Delta State have been urged to put away religious intolerance, tribalism, sectionalism and other issues that caused the Nigerian Civil War which claimed many lives in the country.
The Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Hon. Godday Obi Nzete, gave the charge during an interdenominational service, held at the Local Government secretariat as part of activities marking this year Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The local government boss said that the importance of the celebration of the day could not be over emphasised, adding that the fallen heroes put their lives on the line for the peace and unity of the nation.
Hon. Nzete further said that citizens should ponder on a line in the national anthem which state that “though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand,” adding that was the need to use the celebration to “rededicate ourselves to the ideals of sacrifices made to secure peace and unity in the country”.
In a sermon titled, “Love your neighbour as Christ loves you”, Rev Godfrey Chidi of Assemblies of God Ministry, kwale, enjoined all people to love one another, adding that where there is love, there is always peace.
The clergyman asserted that crisis and conflicts were products of hatred, adding that such hatred, if not properly controlled, may degenerated into war.
He opined that leaders should concentrate more on human capital development in order to avert crises.
While thanking the local government chairman for his assistance, the Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, Ndokwa West Chapter, Major Michael Oyemike, said that the legion in the local government was facing some challenges which included office accommodation, vehicles and uniforms.
He appealed to the local government authority and public spirited people to donate generously towards the upkeep of the families of the departed heroes and disabled members of the legion.
Prayers were offered for the peace, unity and security of the local government area and the nation at large.
Highlights of the ceremony were the taking of the march pass salute and laying of wreath by the local government chairman, the chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ndokwa West, Local Government Area, the D.P.O. in Kwale, represented by Mr. Asuai and others.
