An interdenominational prayer session was held on Monday by the Upata Traditional Rulers Council in Ogbele Town, Ahoada East Local Government area of Rivers State.
Leading other traditional rulers, community heads and chiefs, Eze Igbu Upata III of Upata Kingdom, Eze Felix Enene Otuwarikpo said they were gathered to seek God’s intervention in the face of challenges which include the menace of kidnapping as well as other vices and for the progress, unity and peace of the Kingdom.
The Eze who assured that his people will converge twice in a year at the St James Church, Anglican Communion to seek the face of God, urged those who indulge in criminal activities to turn away and embrace God.
Those who attended the prayer session cried to God in worships and songs of praise, led by priests from other churches in and outside Upata Kingdom.
In a sermon during the prayer titled “Cry of Mercy,” Reverend Dr Uzoma David said prayer is the key to any achievement or success recorded in life, charging the people to hope, trust and allow the holy spirit to work in their lives as well as believe that God will grant them their requests.
Also speaking, Apostle Samuel Egbe of the Jesus The Last Bus Stop Ministry, Coordinator of the program, admonished the people to surrender totally to God and distance themselves from anything that will contradict God’s word and commandment.
In his remarks, Apostle Dr Hope Abikari harped on the need for the traditional rulers to love one another, and make God the pillar of their communities, praying God to solve the need for which they have come to seek divine intervention.
Speaking shortly after the prayer session, the Chairman of Upata Traditional Rulers Council, Chief Christian Uwame who doubles as the Eze Nwe Ula Odiabidi town, lamented what the people are experiencing in the hands of cult groups and kidnappers, making the people afraid of going out to look for their daily bread.
The Eze Nwe Ula Ogbele III, High Chief Festus Chituru Oyagiri, JP said among other things that the prayers was for endless peace, progress and prosperity of the Upata Kingdom in the face of challenges, advising the youths to retrace their steps from everything ungodly.
Other priests who attended the intercession prayer include Rev. Dr. F. O. C. Anthony, Pastor Chiwendu O. S, Rev. Emeka Samuel, Rev. Uriah Ibe, Pastor Levi Nathaniel and Evangelist Xmas.
The choice of Ogbele Town especially the St James Church rekindles the memory that missionary work in Ekpeye land started there, from the sea route before moving to other parts and, the prayer held at the old alter.
