CLO Chieftain Praises Bishop Obiora for Empowering 55 Students, Traders at Youth Convention

The Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Anambra State Branch, Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, has commended the Presiding Bishop of Life of Faith Gospel Assembly International, Bishop Dr. E. C. Obiora, for his commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development.

Ezekwueme gave the commendation following the successful conclusion of the church’s National Youth Convention, which brought together hundreds of young people from different parts of the state for spiritual development, education, motivation and discussions on issues affecting their future.

The CLO chairman, who was among the guest speakers at the convention, described Bishop Obiora as an advocate of humanitarianism, citing his contributions to education, entrepreneurship and the welfare of less privileged members of society.

Speaking on the topic, “Towards 2027 General Elections and Youths’ Active Participation,” Ezekwueme urged young Nigerians to take greater interest in the country’s political process and actively participate in preparations for the 2027 general elections.

He encouraged the youths to leverage their numerical strength, intellectual capacity, social media influence and energy to mobilise citizens for meaningful participation in the electoral process.

According to him, young people should obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), turn out in large numbers to vote and ensure that their votes are protected and counted during elections.

He noted that youths were among the groups most affected by poor governance, unemployment, insecurity, poverty and economic hardship, stressing that their active involvement in politics was necessary to influence the emergence of leaders capable of addressing the country’s challenges.

Quoting the Greek philosopher Plato, Ezekwueme reminded the participants that, “If we don’t take interest in politics, politics will certainly take interest in us.”

He also warned the youths against allowing themselves to be used for electoral violence, ballot box snatching, vote buying, vote selling and other electoral offences.

“Don’t allow yourselves to be used as willing tools for electoral fraud, rigging, ballot box snatching, thuggery, vote selling and vote buying. Remember, if you sell your vote, you have sold your future and the future of generations yet unborn,” he cautioned.

He urged them to embrace the message: “We Must Get It Right; Our Vote Must Count; And A Better Nigeria Is Possible.”

Earlier, Pastor Beny Obiora commended the participants for their discipline, orderliness and active involvement throughout the convention.

He encouraged them to put the lessons learnt into practice, while taking their spiritual lives, education, businesses and other legitimate pursuits seriously.

Bishop Obiora awards scholarships, empowers traders

A major highlight of the convention was the financial empowerment initiative announced by Bishop E. C. Obiora, who extended substantial support to students, traders and other participants.

As part of the initiative, the cleric awarded full scholarships covering one academic session to 25 students in tertiary institutions.

He also empowered 30 traders with cash grants ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦600,000 to support their businesses.

In addition, special cash grants were provided to indigent students and other participants, while the bishop pledged to facilitate bank loans and grants ranging from ₦2 million to ₦5 million for selected traders to enable them to expand their businesses.

The initiative, according to Ezekwueme, represents a significant intervention at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic difficulties and limited access to financial opportunities.

CLO recalls Bishop’s humanitarian interventions

Commending the bishop’s contributions, the CLO chairman said his generosity extended beyond the church, noting that he had consistently provided financial assistance, food items, clothing and other forms of support to people irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.

Ezekwueme also recalled Bishop Obiora’s humanitarian interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming that the cleric provided the highest individual palliative support to citizens at a time when many households were experiencing severe hardship.

Describing the bishop’s activities as an example of practical Christianity, he said his commitment to helping others demonstrated the importance of translating religious teachings into tangible support for humanity.

The CLO chairman consequently appealed to other religious leaders, general overseers, bishops, pastors, politicians, wealthy Nigerians and public-spirited individuals to emulate the bishop’s commitment to humanitarian service.

Quoting St. Mother Teresa, he stated that, “One has not lived unless he lives for others.”

He added that Bishop Obiora’s intervention at the convention demonstrated the important role religious institutions could play in youth development, economic empowerment and national renewal.

Ezekwueme prayed for God’s continued blessings, protection and prosperity upon the bishop, his family, ministry and businesses.