Joan Onyemaechi’s Thanksgiving: Oborevwori, Olukoya, Okowa Expresses Gratitude to God
By Fred Latimore Esq
Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed gratitude to God, for His inestimable love, mercies and protection over the life of former Commissioner for Technical Education, Hon Joan Oyemaechi, during the Thanksgiving Service which took place on Sunday at the regional headquarters of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, MFM Asaba.
The governor who was unavoidably absent, spoke through the Deputy governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, saying that God will never abandon His own, describing Joan Onyemaechi’s triumph in the hands of her captors as God’s special grace, compassion and mercies.
He said Hon Onyemaechi is a daughter of Zion who had a close shave with death, and that God showed up and gave her second chance, noting that the incident and the victory thereof increased the faith of many people in Delta and beyond.
Governor Oborevwori thanked Deltans for their fervent prayers while Onyemaechi’s ordeal lastest, saying that fathers of faith in all denominations across the state also fasted and prayed, asking God to preserve the life of a Woman who has practically and spiritually demonstrated great zeal for the hings of God, and have been touching lives through multifaceted empowerment programmes.
He appealed to the federal government and President Bola Tinubu, to do more in the area of security of life and property, adding that the wave of insecurity spreading across the country requires deliberate strategies on the part of government.
In the same, the General Overseer of MFM Churches worldwide, Dr Daniel Olukoya whose message and prayers was transmitted during the Thanksgiving Service, thanked God for rescuing Joan Oyemaechi from the grip of kidnappers, describing her as a virtuous woman who has been serving God faithfully for nearly three decades, and counting.
He prayed God to continue to preserve Onyemaechi’s life, and cause her to fulfil colourful destiny, continue to enjoy God’s divine favour and protection, and above all, grant her longevity and many more victories as she soars gracefully to the mountain top of life, in her political career and service to humanity.
Dr Olukoya, also prayed for Delta State, asking God to protect the state, grant her inestimable peace and prosperity, while urging all Christians and non Christians alike to always cast their care and hope on God, and His beloved son, Jesus Christ.
The General Overseer of MFM also prayed for governor Oborevwori, the first family and the good people of Delta State, appealing to God Almighty to continually pour His special blessings on Delta, cause her to be prosperous and exceedingly great under the present Administration and beyond.
Immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and his wife, Dame Edith Okowa, were visibly happy and were seen dancing to thank God for His finger upon the life of Hon Joan Onyemaechi and family.
The celebrant while giving her testimony said everyday is a gift from God, urging Christians and non-christians alike to live as if each day was the last, while recounting her deal in the hands of her captors, especially the emotional and psychological trauma she had to endure for 10 days.
Hon Onyemaechi paid glowing tribute to the two police officers who were killed by her captors on the day she was kidnapped. Tears flowed freely. She had to take a short break to dry up her tears. It was really emotional, the congregation and invited guests danced to the altar to celebrate her victory and God’s special grace upon her life.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the Thanksgiving Service, Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq, said the state governor was pained and visibly worried while Onyemaechi’s ordeal in the hands of her capterors lasted.
He attributed her victory to the divine intervention of God, who by His awesome powers preserved her life, and gave her a second chance, saying that the Church altar in Government House was on fire with hot prayers.
“We deeply appreciate God for His wonder working powers. He stood gallantly for the apple of His eyes throughout her ordeal, taken away into the creeks via waterways. It was a horrific experience for her, and it’s our prayers that God continue to preserve her life and that of her family.
“Hon Onyemaechi is a caring individual, full of life and ever ready and willing to give a helping hand whenever the need arises. She practically and consistently raised funds and still doing so today for the completion of the Children Church building project right here at MFM regional headquarters in Asaba. God will continue to preserve and use her.
“We mourn the two police officers who were killed, and it’s our prayers that their kind and gentle souls rest in the Lord,” Oghenesivbe prayed.
The Thanksgiving Service was well attended by senior government officials led by the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, who was ably represented by the deputy governor,
Sir Monday Onyeme.
Those in attendance include; Immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, his wife, Dame Edith Okowa, the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, former Secretary to the State Government and Director General, Asaba Capital Territory Development Agency, High Chief Patrick Ukah, Head of Service, Reginald Bayoko, mni, Mother of Government, Chief Nkem Okwuofu (Aguwanyi), Delta Finance Commissioner, High Chief Fidelis Tilije, Information Commissioner, Dr Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, some Local Government Chairmen, Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor, Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Barr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, JP, Permanent Secretary, Governornment House, Mr Victor Udi, and others too numerous to mention.