The Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Anambra State Branch, Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, has called on traders and Nigerians to live lives of integrity and accountability, reminding them that every individual will one day give an account of their stewardship before God.
Ezekwueme made the call while delivering a sermon during the monthly prayer session of the Sokoto Road Traders Association at the Main Market in Onitsha, where he emphasized the importance of righteous living, ethical business practices, and responsible citizenship.
Speaking on the theme, “Appointed Unto Death, Appointed Unto Judgement,” drawn from Hebrews 9:27, the human rights advocate said death remains an unavoidable reality for every human being and urged traders to prepare for eternity through upright living.
According to him, while earthly possessions such as wealth, businesses, and material acquisitions are temporary, the soul is eternal and every individual will ultimately face divine judgment.
He urged Christians and members of the public to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by embracing love, humility, perseverance, forgiveness, tolerance, selflessness, compassion, and empathy.
Ezekwueme also warned against hatred, pride, immorality, selfishness, corruption, indecent dressing, and the excessive pursuit of wealth and power, stressing that such lifestyles are incompatible with genuine Christian values.
Quoting renowned Catholic evangelist Fulton Sheen, he noted that “among bad men, bad religious men are the worst because they are expected to be closer to God,” urging religious adherents to practice what they preach.
As part of his message, the CLO chairman introduced what he described as the “Seven D’s to Salvation” for traders and the general public. The principles include Desire for God, Decision to repent, Determination to uphold holiness in business, Detachment from fraud and dishonest gains, Devotion to prayer and God’s word, Dedication to serving God with one’s resources, and Destination, which he said should ultimately be heaven.
He further charged traders to conduct their businesses honestly, warning against fraudulent practices and manipulation of measurements for personal gain.
“Let your profit be clean. A false balance is an abomination before God. Eternity is real. Live holy to qualify,” he said.
Ezekwueme also commended the Chairman of the Sokoto Road Traders Association, Hon. Emeka Mbachu, for what he described as his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to promoting spiritual and moral values among traders.
According to him, Mbachu’s regular attendance at the monthly prayer meetings demonstrates leadership by example and has continued to inspire members of the association.
Earlier in his remarks, Mbachu expressed appreciation to the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for the ongoing infrastructural transformation across the state, particularly the recent regeneration and reconstruction works carried out at the Main Market, Onitsha.
He described the intervention as a long-awaited development capable of improving commercial activities and the overall business environment within the market.
The market leader also expressed concern over the recent flooding that claimed lives following heavy rainfall in parts of the state. He urged traders and residents to regularly clear gutters and drainage channels around their shops and homes to prevent future flooding and safeguard lives and property.
Highlighting the importance of civic participation, Mbachu displayed his Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) and encouraged eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to obtain theirs through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, the PVC remains the most legitimate instrument through which citizens can elect credible leaders and hold underperforming public office holders accountable through the ballot.
He also appreciated Evangelist Ezekwueme for his continued dedication to the service of God, promotion of justice, good governance, and the protection of the rights of ordinary citizens.
The Civil Liberties Organization concluded the event by reiterating that markets should serve not only as centres of commerce but also as places where honesty, integrity, and moral values are upheld.
The organization maintained that righteousness, accountability, and responsible citizenship remain essential ingredients for building a peaceful and prosperous society, urging Nigerians to always remember that every action carries eternal consequences.
