It was a gathering of the the creme de la creme and top hierarchy of the Methodist Church in Nigeria as Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha celebrated his birthday.
The event which was held at the Methodist Theological Institute Umuahia, Abia State was officiated by the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Uche and assisted by Archbisops and Bishops of the Methodist Church.
The solemn birthday ceremony was declared open by the Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Raphael Opoko. In his homily, the Prelate thanked God for his goodness on the life of one of the greatest philanthropists of our time, Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha. According to the Prelate, Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha always remember where he was coming from and has never taken God’s benefits and blessings for granted. The Prelate recalled how he trained the then young Sunday Onuoha and how he grew to become a blessing to the Methodist Church, Nigeria and the Global community. The Prelate on behalf of the Methodist Church thanked Bishop Dr Sunday Onuoha for the good works he has being doing through his Vision Africa, a project which has successfully planted over new 121 Churches in Nigeria. The Prelate further said that it was through the works of Vision Africa that his present Chaplain was brought to the ministry to serve God in spirit and in truth . The Prelate then admonished everyone to cultivate the habit of giving back to God who created us and gave us His blessings just as Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha gives at all times.
Incidentally, this year, Vision Africa will mark her twenty-five (25) years of selfless service and philanthropic services to the Church, the needy, indigent students, the poor and the homeless. Vision Africa founded by Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha is a household name in Nigeria and globally.
Highlight of the birthday service was the performance by the winner of 2019 Vision Africa Program, song performance by Rohobot group, Vision Africa choir, reading by Jane the daughter of the Bishop Onuoha, offertory, thanksgiving, reception of holy communion and prayers. Courtesy of the celebrant Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha, a medical team was on ground for free covid 19 testing and vaccination.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha who was visibly elated thanked God for his blessings, and enjoin everyone present to touch the land and pray that God will heal the land.
Prominent among the dignitaries that graced the occasion include: His Eminence the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Uche, the host Archbishop of Umuahia Most Rev. Dr. Raphael Opoko, about ten Methodist Archbishops and Bishops, Anglican Bishop, Abia State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), some heads of agencies, parastatals, captains of industries, lay faithful and members of Vision Africa who flew in from the United States of America (USA).
Most of the guests who spoke with our correspondent described Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha as a quintessential, good spirited, kind, humble, humane and trustworthy personality with deep love for God and humanity. They prayed for God’s continued blessings and protection on him. Even as some of the guests interviewed called on Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha to make himself available for public service. According to them, he is a father figure, a unifier and the bridge builder ndị Abia need in 2023. Meanwhile, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Chief Udom Emmanuel in his goodwill message which was made available to the press described Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha as,”a vessel of blessings and hope to millions of people preaching, teaching and leading many to the path of salvation. You have been a firm voice in the land, gently and persuasively advising and offering thoughts on how our people could be galvanized to have more stake in governance and the corresponding dividends. As you celebrate your 58th birthday, my prayer is that God will continue to bless you with long life, robust health and a sound mind”.
