The Director General of the Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) Ms. Ify Onyegbule has applauded Imo citizens for their willingness to celebrate and collaborate, especially as it concerns common interest like Christmas and new year festivities.
Onyegbule was speaking at the 1st edition of the IBC festival of 9 Lessons and Carols which took place at the IBC TV studio, with government officials and well-wishers in attendance. In n her welcome address, the DG explained that the event was organized in the spirit of Christmas, “for us also to celebrate with critical stakeholders and lovers of the Imo Broadcasting Corporation”
She called on privileged members of the society to look inwards, towards the poor with the objective of assisting them by putting smiles on their faces.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru who read the 1st lesson at the event, expressed gratitude to God as well as the staff and management of IBC for organizing such special programme despite their challenges.
Ekomaru also applauded Governor Uzodimma for his administration’s commitments in the development and upliftment of the State, calling for the people’s support and prayers for the State government.
The Imo State Commissioner of Information, Strategy and Public Orientation, Hon. Declan Emelumba showered praises on the management and staff of IBC for their doggedness and commitments in moving the station forward despite several challenges.
Chief Emelumba assured them that the governor is not unmindful of their problems, noting that soon they will smile, advising that all they need is to be patient.
His Lordship, Most Reverend, Bishop Geoffrey Okoroafor, the Anglican Bishop of Egbu in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State in his sermon, outlined the essence of Christmas to include sharing, looking inwards, empathy, love, forgiveness and humility, while reiterating the need of giving to the less privileged persons in society, especially the poor.
The Anglican Bishop said “the message of Christmas is one of the most widely and charismatic celebrations in the world, and has been this way for over 2000 years”
“The birth of Jesus Christ and celebration of His birth, is biblical, both in the old and new testaments, Jesus represents light and peace in the world and among humanity”.
Bishop Okoroafor also passionately advised Christians and mankind on the need to jettison antisocial vices noting the joy of Christmas as goodness, brotherly love, charity and philanthropy amongst humanity.
Okoroafor reiterated that the bedrock of Christmas is looking inwards and showering love to humanity even as he recalled that Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world was born in a manger, which he noted as a demonstration of humility.
The Bishop while commending Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for the backlog payment of pension and gratuity of retired Imo workers, he also fervently prayed for the humility and peace the birth of Jesus Christ brought to the world to dwell among His believers and the world at large.
The programme was spiced with Hymns and Songs from St. Maria Goratti Parish Choir, Ikenegbu Owerri which attracted genuine commendations from guests and speakers at the event.
Addressing the people, Her Excellency, Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru, the Deputy Governor of Imo State expressed gratitude to God as well as the staff and management of IBC for organizing such special programme despite their challenges.
The Director General, Ify Onyegbule expressed satisfaction with the attendance, while advising the populace on the need of keeping hope alive despite the present socioeconomic challenges noting that, in the realities of life, no condition is permanent and things will ultimately get better.
