By Emeka Chiaghanam
Faith,
Security and Moral Renewal Take Centre Stage at Historic Ceremony in Zone 13
Headquarters, Ukpo
Church
Leaders, Police Authorities and Government Unite Behind Vision to Strengthen
Spiritual Life of Officers
The foundation stone of the proposed Zone 13 Police
Chaplaincy Building was officially laid on Sunday at the Zone 13 Police
Headquarters in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, in a
ceremony that brought together senior police officers, church leaders,
government officials and community stakeholders.
The event, presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo, Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Anambra State Chapter, marked the beginning of a project designed to provide a permanent spiritual home for police officers and personnel serving within the zone.
The ceremony was assisted by the Chairman of the Pentecostal
Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Anambra State Chapter, Bishop Moses Ezedebego,
alongside other respected church leaders.
Special Guest of Honour, the Deputy Governor of Anambra
State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, described the project as timely and fully
aligned with the state government's efforts to rebuild society through moral
and spiritual transformation.
According to him, Anambra's remarkable progress in security
and development has been built on prayer, faith and a deliberate effort to
change mindsets.
"We succeeded because we started with prayers," he
said. "What you are doing here is exactly in line with what the government
is doing. We are talking about social engineering—changing people's orientation
and values for positive change."
The Deputy Governor lamented the growing moral decline in
society, saying disturbing developments across the country have made it
necessary for government and religious institutions to work more closely
together.
He noted that while governments can provide infrastructure
and policies, lasting change must come from a transformation of the human
heart.
"There are things happening today that were once
thought to be impossible. We are seeing violence, cruelty and a disregard for
human life. This is the time to look back to God. This is the time to encourage
our pastors, priests and religious leaders because they have a vital role to
play in restoring sanity to society," he said.
Dr. Ibezim assured the organisers that the Anambra State
Government would continue to support initiatives that promote spiritual growth,
moral values and peaceful coexistence.
Building on the Right Foundation
Delivering the keynote message, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Chiedozie
Nwokolo drew inspiration from Matthew 7:24-27, where Jesus spoke about the wise
man who built his house upon the rock.
The Anglican Bishop stressed that every lasting structure,
whether physical or spiritual, must stand on a solid foundation.
"The foundation is usually hidden, but it is what
carries the entire building," he said. "In the same way, Christ must
remain the foundation of our lives. Without Christ, our labour may be in
vain."
He explained that the new chaplaincy building would serve as
a place of worship, comfort, encouragement and spiritual renewal for police
officers who daily face enormous challenges in the line of duty.
"The police need to be grounded in the things of God.
This chapel will be a place where officers can draw strength, deepen their
faith and receive encouragement for the work they do," he added.
The bishop pledged the continued support of the church
towards the successful completion of the project and prayed for God's guidance
upon everyone involved.
Prayers for Peace and Progress
Earlier in his opening prayer, Bishop Moses Ezedebego
committed the event to God and prayed for the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 13
personnel and their families.
He also prayed for the Federal Government, the Anambra State
Government, peace and security across Nigeria, and the speedy completion of the
chaplaincy building project.
A Vision Turned Into Reality
The Zonal Chaplain, CSP Rev. Emmanuel Madu, expressed
gratitude to God for making the project a reality.
He thanked the Deputy Governor, church leaders and
stakeholders for their support and paid special tribute to the Assistant
Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 13, AIG Godwin Iguh Eze.
According to him, the AIG gave the directive for the project
to commence and within two weeks the dream had moved from an idea to a physical
reality.
He also appealed for additional support towards improving
facilities for police personnel.
Police Leadership Applauds Community
Support
Speaking at the event, AIG Godwin Iguh Eze described the
ceremony as a remarkable example of cooperation between the police and the
wider community.
He thanked everyone who contributed to the project and expressed
confidence that the building would soon be completed.
"This shows what can happen when people come together
with a common purpose," he said.
Stakeholders Rally Support for
Completion
The Chairman of the Zone 13 Chaplaincy Stakeholders Forum,
Ichie Sir Dr. Izuchukwu Nwabueze, used the occasion to appeal for continued
public support for the project.
He said the chaplaincy initiative would help strengthen the
spiritual and moral well-being of police officers while creating an environment
that encourages discipline, integrity and service.
Nwabueze acknowledged the contributions of Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen
Nwokolo, Bishop Moses Ezedebego, Deputy Governor Onyeka Ibezim, AIG Godwin Iguh
Eze, ACP Dame Ngozi Nwokeoma, ACP Ven. Joshua Omoyele, CSP Rev. Emmanuel Madu,
Engr. Uzor Onyia and numerous other supporters.
Describing guests and donors as valuable partners in the
vision, he stressed that every contribution, regardless of size, would help
bring the project to completion.
As prayers, praises and words of encouragement filled the
atmosphere, one message stood out clearly throughout the day: building a
stronger society begins with building stronger hearts, and for the Nigeria
Police Force in Zone 13, that journey has taken a significant step forward with
the laying of a foundation stone firmly rooted in faith.
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