Emir, Fr Anyembugu Preach Peaceful Co-existence in Awe

The Emir of Awe, His royal Highness Alhaji Isa Abubakar Umar II and the Immediate past Parish Priest of Saint Sylvester Catholic Church New Nyanya, Rev Fr (Dr) Lawrence Soja Anyembugu have pledged total cooperation and peace among the Muslims, Christians and the traditional institutions in Awe, Nasarawa state.
The duo made the pledge when the latter paid the Emir homage in his palace in Awe before resuming at Saint John’s Catholic Church where he has been newly posted to serve as the Parish priest.
Speaking at the occasion, Rev Fr (Dr) Lawrence Soja Anyembugu told his host that without peace, there can’t be meaningful development and called on the Emir to continue his approach of soliciting the cooperation of the Muslims and Christians to live in peace and harmony in order to allow business and religion to thrive.
Rev Fr(Dr) Anyembugu noted that he “would like a situation where at Christmas he would send Xmas gifts to the Emir as well as the Emir reciprocating by sending Sallah gifts to him as a sign of love and togetherness, adding that the development will no doubt usher in an era of trust and confidence”.
The speech by Fr Anyembugu was severally punctuated by loud applause of “ Amin, Amin, Amin showing clear acceptance by the Awe Kingdom.
Responding, the Emir of Awe, Alhaji Isa Abubakar Umar II pledged the cooperation of the Emirate in always seeking for ways in bringing lasting peace to Awe and called on well-meaning Awe citizens to allow peace to reign.
He specially thanked his visitor for preaching peace and religious tolerance among the people and promised that with the cooperation of people like Fr. Anyembugu, and the Catholic Church in in general, a virile and prosperous Awe kingdom was assured devoid of rancour and bitterness .

Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of traditional gifts to Rev Fr. (Dr) Lawrence Anyembugu by the royal father in the presence of all the District Heads and representatives of various chiefdoms, before proceeding to his main Parish where a large crowd of parishioners waited to receive him with songs and praises to almighty God. In company of Fr Anyembugu were executive members of the St Sylvester’s Parish pastoral council led by Mr Lawrence Nda Dedeba, Politicians and family members from Akwanga.