Delta State approves grants for mission schools 

Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday, said the state government would provide financial aid to schools that returned to religious missions in 2011. 

This, he explained, became necessary to assist the schools in running effectively, particularly in view of the prevailing harsh economic situation in the country. 

Speaking at the thanksgiving service to mark the end of the 16th Synod of Asaba Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Asaba, Okowa, who read the first lesson, congratulated the new Bishop of the diocese, The Rt. Rev. Kingsley Obuh, on his consecration and enthronement.

The governor, accompanied by his wife, Edith, and top government officials, recalled that the state government returned 40 schools to the missions in 2011.

Acknowledging that running such schools is difficult given the current economic condition of the nation, the governor commended the church for drawing his attention to the plight of the schools, especially his promise to ensure that grants were given to missions to assist them in giving a firm standing to the schools that had been returned to them. 

“I have just asked the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to take action on that; the money may not be much, but it is important we identify with the churches because we know that it is not easy for them, even as it is not easy for the state that runs schools. 

“But for those schools returned to the missions, it is in the best interest of the government of Delta State that they are supported to stand because they provide a space for study for some of our children across the state. 

“So, we will try to take action at least in the first tranche of it, to see what we can do to support our missions,” he said. 

Okowa commended the church for its contributions to the health sector in the state, saying their effort would boost healthcare services, particularly to the less-privileged in society. 

Earlier in a sermon titled: ‘Spiritual Foundations Inevitable for Sustainable Work with God,’ the Bishop, Missionary Diocese of Ikwuano, Abia State, The Rt. Rev. Chigozirim Onyegbule, urged Christians to build a strong foundation in their work with God. 

He said for Christians to work effectively with God, their spiritual foundation must be very solid.