By Uzo Ugwunze
Anambra State Markets Evangelism Coordinators Committee (ANSMECC), a group saddled with the responsibility of Cordinating evangelism and prayer in major markets in the State has elevated the President General, Building Materials International Market (BMIM) Ogidi, Chief Jude Nwankwo(Ochendo Umuawulu) as one of its patrons for his outstanding leadership qualities, immense support for the gospel and for contributing to the peace enjoyed in Anambra Markets.
Speaking during the BMIM End of year Prayer meeting at Ogidi Idemili North Local Government Area, the ANSMECC State Coordinator, Bro Sylvanus Analike revealed that the revered status of Patronship was long before now reserved only for Prelates from the three major Christian blocs in the state.
“Before today, ANSMECC has three patrons who are in the cadre of Bishops. They include His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke from the Roman Catholic Church, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor from the Anglican Communion and Rev. (Major) John Okpalaiheadi from the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.
“These patrons are all clergymen. But after considering the kind of fatherly role, massive support for market evangelism and consistent participation and involvement in ensuring that our spiritual mission in not just Building Materials Market but other markets in the state is progressing unhindered, ANSMECC decided to elevate him – Chief Jude Nwankwo as our fourth patron, and he is the only non clergyman among them”.
“We do wish that other market leaders should emulate his leadership style and outstanding virtues towards promoting the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ not just passively but practically,” said Analike.
Responding to the honor, Chief Nwankwo, who was surprised to be ‘counted among the bishops’ said that God has been the pillar of his success and that of the market which its motto reads ‘God’s Own Market’ adding that the new status would spur him to improve and do more for the gospel and humanity.
In a related development, Chief Nwankwo also honoured four couples , who are traders in the Building Materials market for their consistency in attending the market Evangelism prayers regularly together as Husband and wife on weekly basis.
Nwankwo who gifted the couples with some home appliances and cash prizes said that he has observed the couples over the years and they have proven to be marriage role models for the traders and younger generation.
The overall best couples of BMIM are Elder Nathan Esiobu and his wife Deaconess Phebe Esiobu. Elder Esiobu, a Septuagenarian who was also installed as one of the Building Materials market Patron on behalf of other couples showered blessings upon the PG praying that he would live long to garner more honors.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Rt Rev. Iyke Egbuonu admonished people to return back to God through Jesus Christ and fear God, desisting from idol worship which is beginning to trend among youths who claim that church is a scam from the white man saying that part of the reason for the sufferings and pestilence witnessed in the world resulted from human beings abandoning God’s word for quick riches and fleshly lusts.
Other highlights of the event include praises/Worship, Prayers and the installation cum inauguration of 10 new persons as BMIM Ogidi patrons by the market leadership.