Ahead of the 2023 governorship election in Delta State, Catholic priests have described the gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, as a “pendulum of hope” to the poor, aged and the less privilege.
They made the commendation on Thursday October 27th 2022, during the “Annual Good Governance Lecture”, organized by Justice, Development and Peace Commission with the theme: “Democracy and Effective Systems: Contradictions of our current State and Pathway to our prosperity. while presenting an award of recognition for his contributions to nation building and generosity to the Church.
They further disclosed that the decision to present the award to him was done out of deep scrutiny and judgement of the awardee’s contributions to the development of humanity and society in general.
“We are giving you for what you have done for the Church and society in different ways. You are an industrialist, a Criminologist, an entrepreneur per excellence and someone who have actually touched many lives in Delta State, Nigeria and worldwide.
“We are celebrating you today, sir, in recognition of your generosity to the church and the industrialization of Delta State.
“Few weeks ago Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, donated to the Catholic Diocese of Warri, a fully built and equipped hospital”.
Similarly, Catholic youths have applauded Gbagi, FNIM for consulting with the youths particularly the church.
Speaking Sunday October 30th 2022, during a meeting of the youth under the umbrella of Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria, (OLEH REGION), held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ozoro, Isoko north local government area of the state, the Youth Chaplain, Rev. Father Tega Ogbeni, commended Gbagi, who thought it wise enough to visit the Church.
Hear him: “Before now, those vying for political positions will just visit the palace and visit some few persons and they go away, believing that they will win. I thank God that you have ernest need to be here that the youths are needed.
“The awareness is beginning to be there. The political awareness is now getting to the minds of the individual and that is why we are all seated here today, listening to you.
“We have listened and it has been our prayers as Catholics especially in Delta State for a Catholic to be a governor so that the Church can have a direct impact on governance.
“In the history of Delta State, I am aware that the Catholic Church has never produced the governor and the Catholic Church has been trying to liaise with the government but sometimes, it may not scale through because even those governors have their own churches and agenda.
“As Catholics, we believe in good governance and we don’t believe in words only, we believe in action. I want to assure you that these are Christian faithfuls who are gathered here and I believe they have good conscience and they can make the right choice.
“As a Church, we pray for you that you will be successful and that God’s grace will be with you and that just as you have this good heart to lead the people of God, I pray that God who work miraculously, do it for you”.
