Christian Women Association predominantly Catholics in Delta State has called on Deltans to massively support the governorship candidate on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, OON, with a view of liberating the state from what they called “culture of impunity and corruption, abuse of power and other retrogressive forces”.
The Master of Ceremony, Mrs. Joan Nwanji and others who spoke on Monday November 22nd 2022 during a town hall meeting with Christian Women Association, Delta North Senatorial District, held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Asaba, noted that the Catholic church has not produced a governor in the state, said the largest private investor in the state who is of the Catholic faith, should be given massive support to emerge governor come 2023.
Mrs. Nwanji, who was also part of the organizers of the event, said, “vote for our brother and our son. This is our own. He is a Catholic”, she stated.
They disclosed that the Catholic Church has been given a matching order to support all Catholic candidates in the 2023 general elections.
Earlier in her address, Dr. Mrs. Akako, pointed out that the church’s stand in politics, democracy and good governance cannot be overemphasized.
While noting that the former Chairman, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Olorogun Gbagi, has started well by reaching out to Christian Women, she said: “It therefore becomes imperative for us to look out for Christian candidate who will redeem God’s people” stressing that good governance would enhance the quality of life of the people.
Dr. Akako, who acknowledged the philanthropic gestures of the former minister of State for education towards the church and humanity, said: “We the Christian Women are praying that God will give us someone to revive our economy, industrialize our state so that Delta State will become another Dubai.
Continuing, she said: “We are praying for leaders who will make positive changes so that God’s kingdom can come here on earth. Then insecurity will be curtailed”.
Similarly, Catholic priests have described the SDP gubernatorial candidate as a “pendulum of hope” to the poor, aged and the less privilege.
They made the statement on Thursday October 27th 2022, during the “Annual Good Governance Lecture”, organized by Justice, Development and Peace Commission with the theme: “Democracy and Effective Systems: Contradictions of our current State and Pathway to our prosperity. while presenting an award of recognition for his contributions to nation building and generosity to the Church.
According to them, “”We are celebrating you today, sir, in recognition of your generosity to the church and the industrialization of Delta State.
“Few weeks ago Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, donated to the Catholic Diocese of Warri, a fully built and equipped hospital”.
In another development, Catholic youths have applauded Gbagi, FNIM for consulting with the youths particularly the church.
Speaking Sunday October 30th 2022, during a meeting of the youth under the umbrella of Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria, (OLEH REGION), held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ozoro, Isoko north local government area of the state, the Youth Chaplain, Rev. Father Tega Ogbeni, commended Gbagi, who thought it wise enough to visit the Church.
Hear him: “Before now, those vying for political positions will just visit the palace and visit some few persons and they go away, believing that they will win. I thank God that you have ernest need to be here that the youths are needed.
“The awareness is beginning to be there. The political awareness is now getting to the minds of the individual and that is why we are all seated here today, listening to you.
“We have listened and it has been our prayers as Catholics especially in Delta State for a Catholic to be a governor so that the Church can have a direct impact on governance.
“In the history of Delta State, I am aware that the Catholic Church has never produced the governor and the Catholic Church has been trying to liaise with the government but sometimes, it may not scale through because even those governors have their own churches and agenda.
“As Catholics, we believe in good governance and we don’t believe in words only, we believe in action. I want to assure you that these are Christian faithfuls who are gathered here and I believe they have good conscience and they can make the right choice.
“As a Church, we pray for you that you will be successful and that God’s grace will be with you and that just as you have this good heart to lead the people of God, I pray that God who work miraculously, do it for you”.
It would be recall that Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi FNIM, a philanthropist par excellence, built, furnished and donated the best equipped hospital one could find anywhere across Delta State to the Catholic Church for ease of medical treatment and services.
The hospital mounted by Dr. Onos Broka, with other health workers is a 40-bed health institution with staff quarters, theatre, labour Wards fully equipped with the state of the art facilities.
The hospital which is now operational, would afford indigenes and residents of Oginibo and neighbouring communities in Ughelli south local government area, the opportunity to seek prompt medical attention rather than travelling several miles for same purpose.
No doubt, this is the kind of quality leadership the leading industrialist in Delta State, Olorogun Gbagi, would reciprocate when he assumes office as governor of the state come 2023.
To build and freely transfer a hospital of this capacity to the Church by the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, for the service of his people, is a signature statement of extraordinary leadership.
As if that was not enough, the owner of Kenneth Gbagi Foundation, equally laid the foundation of a Catholic Church in Oginibo, Ughelli south local government area to represent the Catholic faith in the community.