By Oge Onyeanusi, Onitsha
It was a moment of sober reflection and relaxation as traders of the Building Material International Market, Ogidi, in Idemili North Council Area, organized the 2021 End of Year Prayer Crusade.
The day is set aside by the traders to round off each year and to thank God for a successful year.
The end of year special prayer which has been an annual prayer gathering of the Building Material International Market was organized in collaboration with the Anambra State Market Evangelical Team.
Delivering a sermon in an interdenominational service to mark the annual event, the Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Right Reverend Ephraim Ikeakor, who dwelt on the theme titled: “Righteousness Exalts a Nation,” urged Christians to live a righteous life, renew their relationship with God, and desist from a life of pretence and arrogance.
Bishop Ikeakor warned traders who have abandoned their family responsibilities or indulged in extramarital affairs to retrace their steps, adding that the maltreatment to their wives, apprentices, and house helps, have repercussions.
Speaking also, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Reverend Valeria Okeke, represented by the Coordinator, Evangelism, in the Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Igwenagu, recalled how the market evangelism started in 1994 and thanked God that its tentacles have spread virtually to all the markets in the state.
The Prelate lamented that the non-participation of Masters in markets evangelism has become a threat to the growth of evangelism, and urged traders not to allow only their apprentice to participate, adding that market prayers need their full participation for the general well-being of all.
The President, Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association, Chief Ikechukwu Ekwegbalu, expressed joy for the honour accorded them and also thanked the leadership of the Market for their togetherness and love, being the pacesetters and charged them to be law-abiding.
Speaking shortly after the event, , the President- General of Building Materials International Market, Ogidi, Chief Jude Nwankwo, described the ceremony as a joyous event in which they all worked tirelessly to ensure its success.
He also said that the event was a way to thank God for His abundant mercies, and expressed happiness with this year’s turnout.
Chief Nwankwo stated that their market is God’s Zone Market, so everything happening there is according to God’s plan.
According to him, Building Materials Market is the most progressive and peaceful market in Anambra State, stating also that there is a lot of progress both in marriages, and houses built by their members.
He added that the market is ideal, no taunting, no business tricks, and everything going on according to God’s will.
He charged both traders and his executive members to maintain peace, co-operation, as well as be prayerful.
The Inter denominational service attracted Divisional Territorial Commander, Anambra West of the Salvation Army, Major John Okpalaihedi, among other dignitaries.
