BY MARY OYIBOCHA-AGBAJO

STILL basking in the euphoria of diverse, positive, overwhelming and inspirational comments that are still being poured on him even after his exit from being a member of the Federal Executive Council and a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Niger-Delta Ministry, Elder Godsday Orubebe has declared his continuous commitment to the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria.

The former minister stated this at Glory Sanctuary Christian Centre (GSCC) during its March All – Night service held inside the church auditorium.  Elder Godsday Orubebe while recounting his story and testimony regaled the congregation of how God opened doors of both assignments and breakthrough for him.

Orubebe said these while officially declaring the service open which according to the church is aimed at ushering in innumerable moments of praises for all his accomplishments as a minister as well as dedicate his next political venture in Delta State to God.

According to Orubebe, “in 1987, God called me to go to my community to serve my people as a councillor of Ogbogbagbene Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State. When I came home, they said I came late but I said to them, the ‘Owner’ has come despite several doubts expressed by even my relatives as they did not believe in me at that time.

“In 1989, when I contested for the chairmanship position of my local government, I had no money. With 10 wards and two rich contestants; one of whom had so much money and works with Shell, I won five wards while they both shared the rest with victories in one and four wards respectively.

“Despite this glaring victory and because they didn’t want me to emerge as chairman, a re-run was conducted and I won again; this with a landslide victory. This, if I may say, was the turning point as well as the launch pad of my selfless service to my people and my country”.

Elder Godsday also said that his testimony is a confirmation of his Christian faith and strength in demonstrating he was able to accomplish his task to impact on his people and his country especially during his tenure as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the mercy and grace of God.

Speaking further, Orubebe recalled that in 1998, God told him that he will one day supervise the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and whilst there, a Niger Deltan will become President of Nigeria. This is a confirmation of the age long verdict that no matter how long or short  it takes, none of God’s word will ever go unfulfilled; that He is able and just to fulfill His word at the appointed time.

With his effort in supporting the peace building process as Minister of Niger Delta, Orubebe ensured that the people of the region live in peace and harmony which, prior to his assumption of office was prone to insecurity, violence, crime, youth restiveness and unrest.

He further narrated how God directed him to declare to the Gate of Abuja whilst in Abuja that he will one day become a minister in Nigeria; a promise God fulfilled even in the midst of contending impossibilities. “On my way to Abuja, God said to me speak to the gate that you shall be Minister so I asked my driver to park the car and I came out and spoke to the gate and said ‘O ye gate of Abuja, be thou lifted, O ye Yar’Adua, you must make Orubebe Minister.’
* Oyibocha-Agbajo wrote from Warri.