Former governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, was yesterday honoured by the 6th Women’s Guild and Triennial Conference of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria with an award of Kingdom Builder.
The award, according to the Desk Coordinator, Rev Ulari Ogbonna, was in recognition of Kalu’s “immense contribution and support to the church and the conference in particular.” He was also honoured for his exemplary services to the kingdom, adding that Kalu built a church for the Presbyterian and another for the Catholic in his Igbere home. Ulari said they had challenges with previous conferences but Kalu “made this one stress free,” adding, “he provided accommodation for our members who could not be accommodated in the NYSC camp.” The gesture, she observed, has changed the notion of so many people about him.
“If he is going to the Senate we will support him, anywhere OUK wants to go we will support him and God will use him to transform this nation,” she said. Receiving the award, the former governor who was represented by Chief Princewill Ukaegbu, said he was humbled by the award, adding that he has soft spot for the church and women in particular.
He said the present crop of politicians in Abia State were brought up and nurtured by OUK who “made us to know that you can use politics to empower your people. He described the theme of the conference, The Unstoppable Church and sub theme, Women, You Are Unstoppable, as apt, saying the women are indeed unstoppable as women were the first to see Jesus after his resurrection as well as to stand before the angel.
He also called on the church to raise virtuous women of Proverbs 31:10, saying the present administration’s fight will not succeed without the support of women. He charged the women to be good home builders and do better. He said the roads being rehabilitated by the former Governor even after he left office were a proof that if given the support of the people to represent them he would transform the area.
The conference which drew over 3,000 Presbyterian women from across the country and beyond also honoured the former Chief of Staff and permanent secretary, Government House Umuahia, Rev Jemima Kalu, with the award of Faithful Servant of God.
