The Abia State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu has been conferred with the Eminent Personality Award by Assemblies of God Church, Afaraukwu, Umuahia.
The award was conferred on him on Sunday, 30th October, 2022, where he was designated ‘Strategic Gospel Promoter’ by the Church.
According to the Commissioner, who announced the award on Facebook, he had declined similar awards in the past, since he became a Commisioner in Abia State Government.
He however, broke the rule in this very case due to its source.
Kalu, who also holds the title of ‘Nwandugbom’, wrote
“I made a deliberate decision not to receive awards while still serving our people under Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and have done my best to keep to that so far. But when it is the Church where I was raised, Assembles of God (AG), I had to break my own rule.
“Earlier today I was at the Assemblies of God Church Afaraukwu Umuahia to receive an Eminent Personality Award as “Strategic Gospel Promoter” and sincerely appreciate the kindness of the leaders of the Church and pray God to continue to lead His people while we follow.
It was great to also meet the PDP candidate for Umuahia Central State Constituency, Pastor Ugochikwu Uchegbu and Hon Promise Uzoma Okoro (D-Chair Bende) who represented the Speaking Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chinedum Orji, at the prayer meeting. I have no doubt Pastor Ugo will do well for our people but most importantly he will bring with him the fear of God in service of the people.
“There are things a man raised in the house of God can never do even within the usually slippery political environment and that much I’ve reconfirmed from the life of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu and other children of God in public service. At the appropriate time I will share my personal observations on how the word of God shapes the decisions of Governor Ikpeazu as our leader but suffice it to state categorically that the one reason you don’t get to read about political violence and politically motivated killings in Abia State is because the Governor sees preservation of human life as a divine assignment that should never be compromised. Count him out of violence no matter the provocation.
“Thank you AG for giving me this award and a Godly foundation in life”, he stated.
