Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has commended former Minister of Power and Steel, Chief Godwin Ogbaga, for his dedication to public service and commitment to official engagements.
Nwifuru gave the commendation on Sunday, during a thanksgiving service to mark Ogbaga’s 70th birthday in Abakaliki.
The governor said that Ogbaga dedication to public engagements was one of the qualities that strengthened their relationship.
“What drew me more closer to the former minister was his commitment to attending functions,” Nwifuru said.
The governor praised him for providing empowerment opportunities and mentoring individuals who had risen to become directors, permanent secretaries among other positions.
He further commended the bishop and the people of Ebonyi for their support and confidence in their leaders.
Nwifuru congratulated the former minister on his years of service and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon him as he marked the milestone.
In his sermon, the officiating cleric, Bishop Ernest Obodo, the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, acknowledged Ogbaga’s service to the nation as a former minister and prayed for God continued guidance and blessings.
Obodo described Ogbaga’s 70th birthday as a golden age and a biblical milestone worthy of thanksgiving and celebration.
The cleric urged Christian faithful to understand the importance of giving honour to whom it was due while remaining faithful to God.
He cited a biblical principle of “rendering unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God, the things that belong to God, stressing the need for Christian faithful to distinguish their civic responsibilities from their spiritual obligations.
He expressed concern over individuals who flattered public office holders for personal benefits and urged leaders to exercise caution in their relationships with such people.
The cleric noted that all authority came from God and encouraged Christian faithful to respect those entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
He urged faithful and those occupying positions of authority to use their resources and opportunities to improve lives of others.
According to him, a meaningful life is measured by its positive impact on people and not otherwise.
“Any life that is not impactful to anyone is no life.
“If you have the opportunity to help people when you are in power, do it,” he said.
