From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Oliver Ali, former president, Olusegun Obasanjo and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, have eulogised the president of Vision Africa International, Bishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, on his 60th birthday.
Dr. Ali spoke during a church dedication and communion service at Saint John Methodist Church, Okai Item, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State to mark the event. He described Bishop Onuoha as an iconic servant of God, who has exhibited humility despite his status in the society.
Preaching a sermon on the theme, ‘Giving back to the community,’ Dr Oliver noted that the grace of God has made Onuoha give back to his community by renovating the church, building its children’s session, Agnes Memorial Hospital, and other numerous projects.
Reading from Luke 17:15-17, the Prelate observed that Jesus was alert to ask for nine out of 10 people that received healing, and appreciated Onuoha for coming to thank God for keeping him alive.
He charged the congregation to live a life that would glorify God and not dwell on material things.
The prelate also urged the youths to emulate the workaholic life of Onuoha, who he said has used his contacts as a servant of God to touch lives positively.
The Methodist cleric admonished Nigerians to allow God pass through them, stressing that He would always elevate those who humble themselves.
Former president, Obasanjo, while laying the foundation for new structures at Agnes Onuoha Memorial Hospital, thanked Bishop Onuoha for giving back to society what he had. He added that the family of Onuoha had done well to immortalise Agnes, and for their benevolence to save lives through the hospital.
“Look at what you can give to society as a memorial. It is not how long you lived, but how well you have done during your lifetime to impact society. You have done this, not for yourself, but for humanity. You have made me proud,” he said.
Governor Otti thanked Bishop Onuoha for supporting his government and for accepting to serve God.
He noted that the 60th birthday marked the beginning of Onuoha’s greatness, and prayed that God would grant him a long life.
Otti observed that the date of the event synchronised with one year of his declaration as the winner of Abia State governorship election by Professor Nnenna Oti, whom he said God used to declare him winner.
In his response, Onuoha said he saw the world as his parish, hence, his devotion to work with different kinds of people, including non Christians.
He observed that the challenges of life had taught people how to go to the next level.
He disclosed that the Agnes Memorial Hospital was instituted to immortalise his daughter because of the passion she had with people while alive.
Onuoha urged Nigerians to have faith in God, adding that God has a purpose for calling everyone on earth.
He added that the Saint John Methodist Church, Okai Item, was a source of strength to him, and that was why he used his first fruit as a worker in the United States of America to build the church.