An Anglican cleric in Rivers State, Venerable John Ubulom, has charged Christians to reflect on peace at Christmas and New Year.

Mr Ubulom gave the charge on Friday at a Christmas Carol, organised by the Andoni local government council, at Ngo, the local government headquarters.

The Christmas carol, tagged ‘Carol of Nine Lessons’, marked the beginning of the 2023 Andoni Unity Festival.

Reading from Jeremiah 2: 7, the cleric noted that the earth and its fullness are owned by God, urging Christians to be reminiscent of the peace and original purpose of Christmas.

He, however, lamented gross moral and societal decadence, saying this is fast separating man from God’s original purpose of creation.

“God has blessed Nigeria and indeed the Andoni local government with so much good heritage, but failed leadership has deprived us of enjoying the goodness of our natural resources (crude oil, sea deposits, and forest reserves). Andoni had long struggled with insecurity and underdevelopment until Awortu’s administration came on board. I want to urge us to consciously preserve the peace that came with it.

“This administration, more than any other, has successfully embarked on countless infrastructural projects that have put smiles on the faces of our artisans and the poor group; therefore, pray that God continues to uplift the Chairman,” the cleric said.

On his part, the council chairman, Mr Awortu, explained that since assuming office, his administration had continued to market the rich tourism potential of the area to attract investors and businesses to the area.

Represented by the Council’s Secretary, Franklin Dimiari, the chairman noted that since its inception in 2021, the annual Andoni Unity Festival has deliberately initiated long-term business opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sub-sector.

“We have also initiated tangible developmental projects across the wards, carried out empowerment programmes across sectors, and supported education and youth development. I want to urge you to continue to support this administration; this government more than ever needs your prayers for this peace to be sustained.’’ he stated.

Wife of the council chairman, Prof. Beatrice Awortu, clergies, women groups, politicians, youths and choirs read the scripture and rendered songs at the occasion.

(NAN)