Ajagba Tasks Young Ministers on Submission to Mentorship as Egede Retires after 52yrs behind Pulpit

The Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba has charged younger ministers of the gospel to submit themselves to the mentorship of older ones in the ministry.

Ajagba was speaking on Sunday, during the valedictory and send off service of Apostle Cletus Nwankwo Egede, held at The Apostolic Church Nigeria, No. 69 Ikot-Ekpene road, Ogbo-hill, Aba.

The valedictory service was organised to mark the retirement of the outgoing Deputy Chairman of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Igboland Territory, Apostle Cletus Nwankwo Egede after 52 years behind the pulpit.

Speaking as a guest of honour on the day, the COS, represented by the former Mayor of Obingwa LGA and Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget and Planning, Dr Eric Egwuibe saluted the discipline, commitment and the selfless service of Apostle Egede,

He noted that only the grace of God could have enabled one to serve as a Pastor for 52 years and is retiring hale and heart

Eric Egwuibe
SA on Budget and Planning

Ajagba urged the servant of God and all believers in Christ to continue to pray for Governor Alex Otti, to enable him to fulfil his transformational agenda for Abia state.

He expressed happiness that Apostle Egede was retiring at a time when men that fear God are at the leadership of Abia state, adding that, if today’s leaders in Abia do not fear God, the State would have remained in Egypt.

“We wish our Daddy, a very restful retirement from the administrative work. I know that you cannot retire from the work of God. People will be consulting you.

“God will continue to lead us and make His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti to continue to do what God has sent him to do for Abia state, in the end, it is God that will take all the glory,” Pastor Ajagba stated.

In their various speeches, the Territorial Chairman elect of TAC, Igboland Territory, Apostle Innocent Agbugbaegbu, Prof. Godwin Emezue and Elder Divine Nwankwo, described Apostle Egede as a distinguished Apostle, an unassuming father of faith, an authority in the teaching of the word, and one, who is greatly endowed by God.

They appreciated the contributions of the servant of God in their personal lives and ministry of The Apostolic Church in Igboland and prayed God to bless him with long life and good health.

Earlier in his sermon, the Area Superintendent of Umuosi Area, Apostle Ifeanyi Egeonu stressed the need for younger ministers to get connected with the anointing and grace of the older ones.

Egeonu said that submitting and recognising superior authority in the ministry is one of the sure ways of receiving the mantle of leadership from older ministers of the gospel.

Responding, the celebrant, Apostle Cletus Egede thanked the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba and all who came to celebrate him and prayed God to bless them abundantly.

The valedictory service attracted many dignitaries including the Deputy Chairman elect of The Apostolic Church Nigeria Igboland Territory Apostle Joseph Okoroafor, members of the executive and general council of the church, the Rector of The Apostolic Church Theological Seminary Amumara, Apostle Dr Iyke Iheakaghichi, the Chairman Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers Eze Dr Linus Nto Mbah, captains of industry among others.

The event climaxed with the cutting of anniversary cake, choir renditions, prayers, among others.