…Archbishop Akubeze Eulogises Edo State Second Family
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and his spouse, Maryann, have been honoured with the “Exemplary Couple Award” by the Catholic Church for their selfless service to God and humanity.
The Church during its 2022 Annual Thanksgiving/Evangelization Fundraising Ceremony, presented over fifty families with awards of exemplary couples. The awards recipients cut across families of different backgrounds who are members of the Church and have in one way or the other contributed to the growth and the development of the Church.
Presenting the award to the State’s number two family, the Archbishop, Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City Metropolitan, His Grace, Most Rev. (Dr.) Augustine Akubeze, said, “the Award was given to the couple, Rt. Hon.Comrade Philip and Mrs. Maryann Shaibu for their selfless service to the church and humanity”.
“their contributions to the people of God and development of Edo State at large are cogent factors for the well-deserved award”, he added.
Earlier, during the celebration of mass, the Archbishop referred to the gospel, according to St. Luke chapter 13 vs 24 to exhort the congregation: “strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough”.
According to Ven. Rev. Fr. Augustine Ehigie, who delivered the homily, ” the text reveals that we cannot enter heaven by our own will or through our efforts. it tells us that though some will try to get to heaven through their efforts, this approach will not work”.
“upon meeting our Lord, after death, they will be surprised that they are not members of His Kingdom”.
“It takes true humility to face the truth, at times, and to admit if we are trying to rely more upon ourselves than upon Christ. The “narrow gate’ is that gate through which the humble enter. Pride and self-sufficiency lead us to attempt to make our path to heaven. But this path is never the correct one,” Rev. Fr. Ehigie noted.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Deputy Governor and his wife, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Sports Commission, Mrs Sabina Chikere, affirmed that the award is a gift from God. “It is a well-deserved award for their selfless service to the church, people of God and humanity, nevertheless, it’s a gift from God”.
She stressed that the award will serve as oil to fuel more commitment and dedication to serving humanity.
“The award will spur them to do more in their avowed commitment to continually assist the church of God and the people”.
The Exemplary Couple Award bestowed on the Deputy Governor and his wife, Maryann is coming a few weeks after they were separately honoured by St.Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin City, for their quest at advancing the cause of the gospel and uplift of humanity.
Images by Egbobawaye Imuegbe