By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The Bishop, Diocese of Nnewi, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi, weekend, said they had placed ban on all kinds of funds socilitations, donations and contributions from congregations within the diocese.
Obi, who said the ban took effect since he became Bishop of the Diocese in 2019, explained that it was aimed at propagating the gospel of Christ without blemish as well as to create employment for members through agriculture and other enterprises.
According to him, the Church had acquired more lands at Ozubulu, Okija and other places for farming, animal husbandry, plantations, oil and gas, markets and shopping malls.
The Bishop disclosed this at the Bishop's court in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State during a courtesy call by the Anambra State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
"We are building Penticost University. At our primary and secondary schools, we teach practical skills including Coding and Robotics to ensure that our students become self employed and employers of labour upon graduation. Aside our print medium, Donac Pilot newspapers, we have television (Family TV).
"In agriculture, we are investing more to improve food security in Nigeria. We have farms at Ozubulu and Okija. These farms contain all kinds of plant species especially the notable trees in Igbo land and other parts of Africa. We have over hundred trees at each of them. We are into animal husbandry, all kinds of farming including aquaculture, crop productions, snail farming, plantain plantations, plant trees, cassava productions and procession, rice productions and Mills.
"We are also into baking, plantain chips and others. We have food markets where people can purchase food stuff and vegetables at cheaper rate in good hygene, and will soon open Donac Oil and Gas stations. All these are to support food security, create employment opportunities to the society, and solve our various challenges.
"That is why we no longer solicit funds, donations and other contributions from congregations and politicians. I stopped all these funds collections and donations immediately I took over as a Bishop. I said we have to work and use our funds to cater for out needs. This will enable us to serve God better, and to always speak the truth without fear or favour from anyone. We are building a Diocese for future generations."
The Bishop also commending the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council on sacrifices of members to the nation through unbaised reporting, urging them to sustain the tempo with a view to speed up good governance and development of the state, and Nigeria generally.
On administration of Governor Charles Soludo, Bishop Obi hailed the new government for various efforts taken to curb insecurity and address societal, environmental and other challenges across the State.
Earlier, the Chairman, NUJ, Anambra State Council, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, commended the Bishop for engaging on health evangelism, creating employment for members, among others.