Cleric calls on Nigerians to eschew divisive tendencies

By Atanga Phillip

Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, LCCN, Yola diocese, Right Reverend Amos Jika Yakubu has called on Nigerian youths to eschew divisive tendencies and unite irrespective of their ethno-religious and socio-economic differences.
He made the call during the opening ceremony of a weeklong football tournament organized by a nondenominational Christian organization, Seed Sowers Ministry International, at LCCN Cathedral Jimeta, Yola to herald the International Day of Peace celebration coming up on Monday next week.
Bishop Amos Yakubu who commended the founder of the ministry and convener of the tournament, Reverend Ozumba Nicodemus, explained that the youths are the most productive segment of the society hence the need for unity of purpose among them.
He decried the manner in which some disgruntled elements use the youths as political thugs and charged the youths to resist any attempt to use them in a criminal way.
Speaking in an interview with ABC, Yola, the founder, Seed Sowers Ministry International, Dean Reverend Ozumba Nicodemus noted that the tournament was organized to promote unity and healthy competition among youths.
The event is featuring teams with Muslim and Christian players with a view to promoting peaceful coexistence.
Reverend Nicodemus who described youths as the hope of the nation urged them to embrace peace and shun all forms of rancour among them.
Speaking at the opening of the tournament, the member representing Demsa constituency in the Adamawa state house of Assembly, Mrs. Kate Raymond Mamuno who cautioned youths against drug peddling and other vices described the interfaith peace championship as worthwhile and timely.
On his part, the Youth Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, chairman in the state Mr. Godwin Mamza expressed delight over the event and promised to continue to identify with the ministry.
He urged christian youths to join the ministry considering its noble objectives which revolve around unity and development among others