VICE President, Yemi Osinbajo has called on Nigerians occupying the position of trust either in the private or public sector to eschew corruption if the nation must move forward.
Osinbajo described corruption as the bane of accelerated growth and development of the nation.
Represented by the chaplain of the Aso Villa, Osinbajo said this at the dedication of the 10, 000 Bayelsa Ecumenical Centre located at Igbogene in Yenagoa.
He that corruption has been difficult to stamp out of the polity, because it is systemic and the perpetrators explore avenue to always carry out the nefarious activities with impunity.
Osinbajo, who lauded Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State for seeing through his vision to start and completed an ecumenical centre project for God, even as he described him as a politician with a difference.
The Vice President called on the three arms of government to work in unison to stamp out corruption and in doing that the country would experience speedy progress.
According to him, it was time Nigerians in the public or private sector, regardless of religious difference to begin to show love for our country (Nigeria), because righteousness exalts a nation.
Osinbajo alluded that the House of God is a place where the gospel must be preached to the world, because it has the potency to change society, as well as promote national unity.
Continuing, he posited that divinity has shown Nigeria mercy and favour, as we survive and came out of recession, therefore the church and clergy must set the standard and set the pace of change in the nation’s body polity for a turnaround progress.
Osinbajo reiterated that societal change that we seek can only be accelerated when we (politicians/businessmen) put God first, because the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, which means growth, development and progress.
‘’The house of God is a place where the gospel is preached and it has the power to unite and promote national integration and unity devoid of ethno-centrism, secession, tribal cleavages amongst others ills.
Also, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian of God, Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye eulogises Governor Dickson, describing him as one who is endeared to the things of God, even as he noted that putting God first would usher in the divine wisdom needed to run a hitch-free government.
Adeboye, who quoted the book of Psalm, which says ‘’I was glad when they say let us go into the house of God, pointed that the magnificent ecumenical centre is God’s house where all blessing flow from above to mankind.
He noted that it (centre) would be a ground of revival, deliverance, plenty and progress, just as he urged Bayelsans to draw closer to God, and continue to enjoy divine benefits in governance, stare and in the life of the people.
Adeboye, also, prayed for Governor Dickson and his wife for God’s special guidance as the head of government in the state, to add to him wisdom, prosperity and enablement to lead the people of the state.
President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Dr Felix Omobude and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor extolled the Governor for the 10, 000 seater ecumenical centre, and noted that it would open a new vista of blessing, peace and harmony in government, and the people of the state.
In his remark, Governor Dickson said the edifice was a fulfilment of the vow he made to God to build a sanctuary of worship, where the state would gather to in an annual thanksgiving to God on the 2nd of November to thank him for his mercies.
Dickson, also signed a bill into law for the maintenance of the edifice; and inaugurated the 7 man clergy board members to oversee the facility at the ecumenical centre.
The epoch dedication, was also spiced by the presence of American Gospel Artist, Ron Kenoly who led over 10, 000 worshippers in praise and worship to God, others are kirk franklin, Asu Ekiye, Special Adviser on religion to Governor Dickson, Pastor Samuel Peters and top government functionaries.