By NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Bishop Daniel Egboka, the Assistant General Overseer, National Evangelical Mission (NEM), has appealed to Nigerian leaders to do everything possible  to alleviate the current economic hardship facing their citizens.

Egboka gave the advice on Friday night at the celebration of his 50th Anniversary of Commitment and Dedication Behind the Pulpit and Public presentation of a Book titled 50 years in God’s Service” in Abuja.

The cleric urged government at all levels to come up with economic policies that would alleviate peoples’ sufferings.

“Leadership is what everybody aspires for, but before you become a good leader, you must be a servant in serving people, because leadership is all about service to God and people.

“Leaders should be responsible in everything they do. They should live an exemplary life in the service of humanity for the growth and development of the country.

“We are looking upon them to help the poor, needy and the downthrow by ensuring that they see something to glorify God for.

“When people are crying for hunger, based on their understanding, they can decide to lift up their voice and begin to curse God.

“But when they have something tangible to eat, their praise, worship and thanksgiving will ascend unto God of heaven, because He is the supplier of our needs.”

The bishop called on God to touch the heart of all leaders to respond to the cry and needs of their citizens.

He also urged his spiritual sons to depend on God’s grace in doing the work of God with humility and passionate to win souls, adding that this drove him to embark on numerous missionary journeys.

He thanked God for His abundant grace that brought him to the current glory.

The bishop attributed the journey to hard work with great commitment and sacrifice that brought the event of honour to such a level that made him shade tears of joy.

“I am greatly elated and humbled to see this noble event planned and executed in such a manner that beat my imagination.

“I so much appreciate your endeavours, I pray that celebration will be your daily experience.

” God in His infinite mercies will reward all of you immensely. Thank you all for such honourable event for me,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Geoffrey Okwuchukwu, described Egboka as one of the NEM pillars who contributed immensely to the growth and development of the church.

He added that celebrating his successful 50 years of commitment and dedication to God’s work behind the pulpit worth emulating.

“Our great challenge in our society today is the habit of people not reading book due to the influence of social media.
” This book is educative, informative that can transform a wise individual life that deem it fit to read it.

“Such a book is good for ministerial and circular world if the person wants to succeed in life. I advise every person to read the book,” he said.

Also, the book reviewer, Mr Patrick Oguejiofor, said the book was about the biography of the celebrant in his active service to God’s work for 50 years behind the pulpit.

Oguejiofor, who was the former Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), said the book was put together to document the celebrant achievement, as well as trials, challenges and triumphs.

” I encourage everyone to get a copy of the book because the celebrant has lived an exemplary life. He is a humble and courageous and has mentored significant personalities in the country.

“He always encourages people to be industrious and have faith in God, in order to achieve God’s purpose for their lives.

“We need such leaders in our society, leaders that will mentor our youths, leaders and people to work hard to be successful in their endeavours,” he said.

He urged upcoming minsters and spiritual sons to emulate Egboka’s
humility, courage and God fearing spirit that made him uncommon man.

Also speaking, Apostle Hisgrace Obasi, said “I worked under the celebrant for more than 20 years, before I was asked by God to start my ministry,” he said.

Another mentoree, Pastor Enoch Igwe, said he had been under the celebrant for over 40 years, saying that he had no regret of knowing him.

“I see dedication in his life and ministry. He is a man of God whom God has used for my life and destiny,” he said.(NAN)