By Oyintokoni Joel, Yenagoa.
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr Peter Akpe, has urged Nigerians to make selfless service their watchword, asserting that true reward comes only from God who elevates people into higher positions of leadership and responsibility.
Dr Akpe made the call at the grand finale of the Legacy, Impact and Future Award Dinner organised by the Special Evangelistic Association and Leadership Society (SEALS) in conjunction with the Zadok Foundation, held at the Best Western Plus Hotel, Yenagoa, on Tuesday.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour and recipient of the Defender of the Christian Faith Award at the event, the Deputy Governor said no appreciable progress would be made in any organisation or society where more emphasis is placed on reward at the expense of good work.
Highlighting the relationship between effective service delivery, productivity and prosperity, the Deputy Governor said he had always put service first in all the positions he had held in life, stressing that through service, God promotes men by opening doors for reward and higher service.
Dr Akpe, while making a biblical allusion to the inspiring story of Rebekah in Genesis chapter 24, where she provided water and fodder for the camels of Abraham’s servant, said she never knew that her act of kindness to a complete stranger was tied to her destiny.
He therefore reminded the political class and Christians holding various positions of responsibility in the house of God to avoid showmanship, adding that God is the One who truly rewards every man according to his service.
His words: “Generally, my life has been one of service. By my training and by how God has given me the grace to render service, He has been blessing me in His own way.
“When you look at Genesis chapter 24, you will see the story where Abraham sent his servant to go and look for a wife for his son Isaac. When you read down, you will see how Rebekah came and when she appeared, she was trying to solve a problem that somebody had, and she solved his problem of getting water to drink.
“She went further to solve the problem of the camels. She had nothing in mind that these problems I am solving, this person will pay me or I am trying to render this service because I should.
“She was doing it to a complete stranger, but little did she know that God was watching; little did she know that her destiny was tied to that service; little did she know that she was aligning her life to destiny.
“This story is what has been driving me and probably some of you here. And I tell everyone around me to serve, for God sees your service.
“That is why I tell people I am not in politics because I want to be on top of people. But somehow God opens doors and rooms for me, and in every position I find myself, I put service first. I have never lobbied for one appointment.
“So I encourage you and everyone to serve. God is seeing you. So you don’t need to serve for man to see you, and God who controls the hearts of kings will always make them honour you.”
In his exhortation, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey provided a scriptural insight and justification for the awards, citing the case of the Roman centurion, for whom the Jewish leaders approached the Lord Jesus and testified about his worthy contributions to the service of God, including building a synagogue.
Apostle Zilly-Aggrey, who is the Grand Patron of SEALS in Bayelsa State, said the awards were given to individuals and some Christian organisations in recognition of their distinguished services to the body of Christ.
According to the Founder of the Zadok Foundation and the Royal House of Grace International Church, the awards were in four major categories, including the Defenders of the Christian Faith Award, the Longest Serving Male and Female Ministers Awards, among others.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of SEALS, Revd Vincent Dowell, said the Legacy, Impact and Future Awards Dinner was the crowning moment of a journey marked by vision, excellence and sacrifice.
Revd Dowell, who appreciated the Zadok Foundation for supporting the activities of SEALS over the years, noted that the goal of the ceremony was to inspire a culture of service in the body of Christ, as well as build a society where excellence and effective service are encouraged and rewarded.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the various awards by Apostle Zilly-Aggrey, including the Distinguished Defender of Christian Faith Award to Dr Peter Akpe as the first Pastor to emerge as Deputy Governor in Bayelsa State.
Other recipients of the Defender of Christian Faith Award included Senator Konbowei Benson, the late Justice Kate Abiri, Pastor Julius Obegha Oworibo, Prof. Ongoebi Etebu, Engr Gesi Asamowei, Chief Robert Ayalla Enogha and Dr Rowland Akpolo.
The Longest Serving Gospel Minister Award went to 103-year-old Revd Samuel Arabina and Dr Irene Buseri, while a special award was given to Evangelist Bannerman Embiowei and Evang. Abraham Ikiouks, for their contributions to the promotion of Ijaw gospel music over the years.
The Christian Leaders Award went to all past CAN State Chairmen, Rev. Jacob Akpiri, Bishop Israel Ege, Reverend Father Joseph Opelema and the incumbent, Rev. Abili Samuel Abili.
Churches recognised for special awards include the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Assemblies of God, the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, and the Greater Evangelism World Crusade.
