By Godwin Maria Utuedoye,
The Rector, Ibru Ecumenical Center, Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli, Ven. Dr. Princewill Onenechukwu Ireoba , yesterday, said that Faith and Education are major tools for human and economic development.
The Rector, Ven. (Dr.) Ireoba made this statement at lgwre-lnene, Ughelli North local government area of Delta state, during the 2nd Memorial Lecture of Late Rev. (Prof) Samuel Erivwo Foundation, with the topic; “The Role Of Faith And Education In Succeeding Through Changing Times In The 21st Century”,.
Speaking on the topic, the guest speaker, Ven. Dr. Ireoba said the 21st Century has not only witnessed the wonders of the Scientific and Technological advancement, but noted that it is also the chaos of eroding moral and spiritual standards set by God.
Ireoba emphasized that the trends and changes of the times are both positive and negative and as well, an ongoing battle between two extremes of God versus Satan, good versus evil, light versus darkness, discipline versus lawlessness, the fruit of the spirit versus works of the flesh, heaven versus hell and life versus death.
He pointed out that modernism is a movement towards modifying traditional beliefs, especially religious, with modern ideas, but noted that postmodernism went beyond to relativism, which denies the existence of any ultimate principles, and that corruption has been identified as the most cancerous of Nigeria’s myriads of afflictions and other societal ills such as immorality, insecurity, kidnapping, banditry and bad governance.
The clergyman ascribed corruption as the cause of failure in governance, dilapidation in value system and acceleration of vices, noting that corruption is a strong factor in navigating the terrain of the 21st Century. And that faith, religion and education are two of mans most ancient endeavors with close relationship and quite indispensable in the quest for success through changing times and challenges in this 21st Century.
He upheld that education has always been derived from religion from time immemorial as it is the primary tool for training man to fulfill the responsibility of effectively maximizing and profiting from the whole range of resources of the earth, both human and material resources as the present global economy is knowledge driven. He said, education can bring about development, dynamism and as well met the needs of the time and be means of surviving and succeeding.
Speaking on religion, Ven. Dr. Ireoba held, that religion influenced character of mankind, his moral behaviours and standard of judgment, and that these can only be through his religious convictions and faith. He advised that although education is a product of faith and both relevant for navigating the terrain of the 22st Century, the two can go different ways, which jeopardize their roles in steering man through the challenges of the times.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and former Chief Judge of Delta State and Chancellor of the Anglican Diocese of Warri, Hon. Justice Zai-Laye-Dawo Abiodun Smith (Rtd), described the late Professor Samuel Uwhubetine Erivwo as a man set apart for a purpose by his calling and manifestation which has continue even after his demise. He said, the second memorial lecture is a testimony that confirms his spiritual and academic fervor for God service.
The Late Professor and Anglican clergy is the founder of the Samuel Erivwo Foundation, SEF, an instrument he used in providing welfare activities which includes provision of scholarships for indigent children in primary and secondary school, visits to orphanages, support to community projects and giving of palliatives as well as sundays feeding programme and free monthly medical outreach to the needy in the community.