DO NOT DESPAIR IN THE FACE OF CHALLENGES — REV FR ALISIGWE ADMONISHES NIGERIANS

REPORTER: CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

A Catholic priest, the Reverend Father Ernest Alisigwe, wants Nigerians to be perseverant and not to despair irrespective of any situation they might find themselves in.

In a holy mass to usher in the New Year at Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish, Nkwo-Emeke, Emekuku in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, the clergyman admonished the faithful not to carry grudges into the new year but to learn to forgive at all times.

The Rev. Fr. Alisigwe urged the people to lead righteous life, embrace hard work and hope in God, who he said never failed those who trust in him.

The priest, who stressed the need for Nigerians to pray God to grant leaders the grace to pilot the affairs of the country, charged them to hearken to the cries of the masses.

The Rev. Fr. Alisigwe challenged privileged persons to speak truth to power always and shun sycophancy to avoid causing those elected into public office to derail.

Special Virgil services held across churches in Imo State to usher in the New Year while people in many communities used fireworks, bangers and burn fire to welcome the year 2022.