‘We are happy’

FEATURE

Left to right: Rev Ini Ukpuho, Elder Uzoaku Williams and Rev Nzie Nse Eke

“IT’S sad but people only ever hear about the challenges of Nigeria. We are here to tell you about the good things going on there.

“The church in Nigeria is strong and growing. People are happy and serving God with zeal and joy!

“Our spirits are not dampened at all.”

The Rev Ini Ukpuho is speaking about the church in Nigeria. He was part of a delegation to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in May who have come to bring good news that they hope will counter the negativity we hear so much of in the west.

“Look at our faces”, says his fellow commissioner, the Rev Nzie Nse Eke. “We are happy. As a country we are now out of recession and the economy has bounced back. Our reserves are at an all-time high.”

Elder Uzoaku Williams says that the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria is actively and fully 50/50 engaged with their Muslim counterparts to work together to tackle hate speech and violence.

“We are working with the leaders of the Muslim communities to engage in the training of religious clerics to tackle the things that some people use to incite violence or religious intolerance.

“We work with everyone, not just the church, and are looking at the role we can play in collaborating with the Nigerian Supreme Council of Muslim Affairs especially in the fields of counselling those who have been victims of violence, to help with their healing.

“One topic not far from anyone’s mind in Nigeria, is the ever-present threat of Boko Haram and their attacks on civillians.

“We are happy. As a country we are now out of recession and the economy has bounced back. Our reserves are at an all-time high.

“They have kidnapped people, especially young women, of both faiths”, said Uzoaku. “Christians and Muslims are working together in the centre to help people.

“The news is full of the story of one young woman, Leah Sharibu, who is still being held by them. She’s 15 years old and they will not let her go until she converts from Christianity to Islam. She is refusing to do so. “Her stand for her faith is becoming a cause celebre around the world. Even the Muslim community is amazed at her courage in standing up for her faith.”

Nzie adds: “We cherish and celebrate the partnership (with the Church of Scotland) and as the Church of Scotland seeks to revive themselves, we want to assure them we are happy to help.”

This article appears in the September 2018 Issue of Life and Work

Click here to view the article in the magazine.

To view other articles in this issue Click here.

If you would like to view other issues of Life and Work, you can see the full archive here.