POPE BENEDICT the 16th EXTOLS GOV OKOROCHA FOR GOOD LEADERSHIP

Gov rochas okorocha with archbishop fernado cardinal filano of vatican during a courtesy visit to govt. House, owerri recently.

The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Benedict the 16th, has commended Governor Okorocha for his developmental strides in Imo State.

Speaking through the Prefect General of the Congregation of Evangelism, His Eminence Fernando Cardinal Filoni during his visit to Government House, Owerri yesterday, the Pope described Imo State as the heart of Catholic evangelism in Nigeria.

Cardinal Filoni who represented the Pope at the centenary celebration of the Arch Diocese of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province expressed satisfaction over the tremendous transformation that has taken place
in the State, especially in the area of evangelism and human development.

He assured that the church must continue to support and pray for his government and the nation for justice and peaceful co-existence even as he thanked him for his hospitality and provisions of security.

Responding, the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha expressed joy for hosting His Eminence Fernando Filoni which he described as a blessing to the State and appealed to the Pope’s representative to call for a conference of political and religious leaders for effective development of the people and to address global leadership challenges.

He pointed out that such step would go a long way towards achieving the desired leadership that will help the society to grow. He envisaged a scenario where people’s culture should be a synergy with religion, pointing out his observation that people like worshipping God in their own tradition, culture, norms and values.
Also present at the occasion is the Bishop of Abuja Catholic diocese, Cardinal John Onaikan.