The Minority Leader of the House of Representative, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has emphasized the need for Nigerians to perform selfless service in order to promote development and unity in the society.
Elumelu spoke during the grand finale of the centenary celebration of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission, held recently in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State
The Minority Leader, while remarking on the Centenary Celebration theme, ‘Hundred Years of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission: Celebrating The Life and Times of Rev. Dr. S.W. Martin,’ said that the rendering of selfless service would not only help government at all levels, but promote positive living and foster peace and unity among the people.
The Federal Lawmaker who was represented by the former Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Community Support Services in Delta State, Barr. Bridget Anyafulu, emphasized the need to appreciate the efforts of persons who have selflessly served the people.
He noted that a lot of people lived their lives in the service of humanity and most of them are forgotten, saying that remembering those that served the society was something that must be appreciated as it would encourage others who are living to do their own part in serving the people.
Elumelu who represents Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives commended the Guest Speaker, Rev. Dr. P.F. Anyasi for doing a thorough x-ray on the life and times of Rev Dr. Martin and said that the lesson drawn from the life and Mission work of the founder of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission remains worthy of emulation by leaders at all levels of human endervour.
“As a people, there is no doubt that we have benefited immensely from the fountain of this great Missionary and Iconic Spiritual Leader and we will continue to build on the solid foundation that he laid,” the Minority Leader assured.
In his centenary lecture, the Conference President, Anioma Delta Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Paul Anyasi extolled the leadership quality of the founder of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission, Rev. Dr. S. W. Martin who he described as a charismatic icon and someone who lived a philanthropic life.
Dr Anyasi, called on Nigerians to draw great lessons from the life and times of Rev. Dr. S.W. Martin, and said that in adopting his lifestyle, emphasis should be on charismatic and transformational leadership, sacrifice and passion for the well-being of others, trust and integrity, even as he called on those who have benefitted from the Mission works of the late sage and other good-spirited individuals at large to rise and keep the spirit and vision of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission sustained.
Earlier, the Moderator of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission, Rev. Moses Okolie in his welcome address stressed the giant development stride of the late Rev. Martin and said he invested his life and resources in developing the people, spiritually and physically with the establishment of over thirty churches, numerous primary, and secondary schools, vocational and teachers’ training colleges across Delta and Edo State.
Rev. Okolie commended the State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for his contributions and support towards the sustenance of the Mission, assuring him that the association would continue to support and sustain peace in the state through the spread of the Word of God.
The member representing Aniocha North State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr Emeka Nwaobi, the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North LG, Hon. Kevin Okwechime, represented by the SLG, Mr. Kennedy Okoh, the traditional ruler of Issele-Uku, Obi Agbogidi Nduka, represented by Chief John Ochei, Mother Bridget Nwofude, and others enjoined Deltans to emulate the character of the late. Rev. Dr. S. W. Martin.
Also in attendance was a renowned Baptist Minister from America, Rev. Dr. Dominic Nwadiei, representatives of the traditional rulers of Issele-Azagba and Idumuje-Uno, the Old Boys and Girls of the various schools of the Mission as well as eminent Sons and Daughters of Issele-Uku that included Mr Bazim Sally and Chief David Mama Siunoje, the Olikaeze of Issele-Uku
The centenary celebration of the Pilgrim Baptist Mission featured the unveiling and launching of the reprinted autobiography of the late Rev. Martin by Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu leading other dignitaries, special presentation by Old Boys of Pilgrim Baptist Grammar School, music and classical hymn rendition by the Mass Choir of the Mission and cutting of the centenary cake.
