By Sam EYOBOKA
AS part of his church’s corporate social responsibility to the society, founder of Word of Life Bible Church and National President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor,  Sunday, donated a 16-seater bus and several equipment to the Delta State Society for the Blind.

Making the donation as part of activities marking his birthday which coincided with the flag off of this year’s Jubilee Word Festival with a theme: ‘Recover All’, Pastor Oritsejafor said he was deeply touched by the plight of the blind in the state and had therefore decided to make little a contribution to alleviate their predicament.

The items donated to the society included 25 mobility cave, 50 Braille machines, one laptop and four Perkins Braille machines.

The presentation was made by President Goodluck Jonathan who was accompanied by Governors Liyel Imoke of CrossRiverState, Jonah Jang of Plateau State and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan of DeltaState as well as federal and state officials.

According to the pastor who delegated eminent religious leaders from across the country to offer prayers for the nation and its leaders, the time has come for privileged Nigerians to rise to the challenges of the less privileged in the society, by so doing, “we are securing the future of our children.”

Responding to the kind gesture, chairman of the society, Evangelist Ayodele, who expressed his gratitude by prostrating, said his personal joy knew no bound because the association written a letter to Gov. Uduaghan requesting for a bus to ease their mobility challenges.

“We had prayed our governor to assist us in that direction. You may now understand why I am overjoyed because God had answered our prayers by this kind gesture of Papa Ayo and Mama Helen Oritsejafor,” he said in ecstasy.

On pensioners

Speaking earlier, Pastor Oritsejafor in a statement urged President Jonathan to look into the suffering of pensioners in the country even as he praised his achievements in the agricultural sector and especially for initiating a national dialogue.

He said: “Your decision to intiate a national conference is indeed a right step in the right direction that can only make Nigeria stronger. We must continue to talk. Your efforts in the power sector, your agricultural agenda your efforts at reviving rail transportation nationwide just to mention but a few is worthy of commendation.”

Oritsejafor also congratulated the president for being the first sitting Nigerian president to embark on an organised holy pilgrimage to Israel and also for signing a bilateral air service agreement with the nation of Israel.

He then appealed to the president on behalf of pensioners outstanding arrears, saying: “Some of our senior citizns that have given their prime to the service of this great nation should not be allowed to end their lives in predicaments.

State of emergency

“I must commend the National Assembly for extending the state of emergency in the three affected states in the Norh-East. As you requested, although there has been a significant improvement, however, I will still appeal to the relevant security agencies to re-strategise and work together with a view to improving on their intelligence gathering.

“At this point I must appeal to the elite and grassroots Nigerians especially in the affected states to work more with the security forces,” praying that the insurgence will soon come to an end in Jesus name.

Compensation for  Boko Haram victims

“I was worried when I saw the screaming headlines in some of the dailies about six days ago which stated that government was not going to pay compensation to Boko Haram victims, then I read that Mr President will assist them.

“This sounded a bit confusing to me, considering the large number of orphans, widows, church buildings destroyed and those that have lost their businesses and means of livelihood. We are anxiously waiting for setting up of a Boko Haram Victims Committee.

“Mr President, the high level of unemployment, corruption, crime and criminality is very troubling, but our prayer is that as you and your team work to turn things around, the Lord will give you grace, wisdom, courage and determination to fight and win the battle.”