ASMATA Patron Honoured By Anambra State Markets Evangelism Coordinators.
By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha
The Patron, Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association, ASMATA, Chief Jude Nwankwo has been honoured by the Anambra State Markets Evangelism Coordinators Committee, ANSMECC as one of their Patrons for his leadership qualities and unalloyed support to the gospel.
Chief Nwankwo who is the President General, Building Materials International Market Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, according to the ANSMECC State Coordinator, Bro Sylvanus Analike has been added to the existing three Patrons that represents the three major Christian denominations, making them four.
“The first three patrons who are in the cadre of Bishops include His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke representing the Roman Catholic Church Rt.Rev.Ephraim Ikeakor representing the Anglican Communion while Rev. (Major) John Okpalaihedi representing the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.
“These patrons are all clergymen, but after considering the kind of fatherly role,unalloyed 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 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 styles 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 as Husband and wife on weekly basis.
He also gifted the couples some home appliances and cash prizes, stated that he has observed the couples over the years and they have proven to be marriage role models for the traders and the younger generation.
The overall best couples of Building Materials Intl Market 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.
The Guest Minister Rt Rev. Iyke Egbuonu, Bishop of Oji River Diocese, earlier in his sermon admonished people to return back to God and fear God, to desilt from
idol worshipping which is common among the youths of today, saying that the sufferings of man today is as a result of abandoning God who is our personal Lord and Savior for earthly things.
There was also moments of praises/Worship, Prayers and the installation /inauguration of 10 new Patrons of the market.
