By: Kingsley Attitsogbui| Ho
President and Founder of Word & Spirit Divinity College and Theological Seminary, West Africa, Bishop Professor Okechy Gilbert, has observed that, Africa has a problem of recognizing its heroes for greater positive impacts for international development.
He made this observation during the college’s 2023 graduation ceremony on Saturday, August 5, 2023 in the Volta regional capital, Ho.
Speaking on the theme; “The Prestige of Priesthood” Prof. Okechy said, it is a good thing to honour people of various endeavour including those in the service of God’s Kingdom, political actors and those doing humanitarian services by their positive impacts in the society and lives of people.
According to him, the society’s honour and acknowledgment of these individuals’ contributions motivate them to do more for humanity adding that, this is a core value of Christianity.
“We only remember them when they are in an active service, after that no one remembers them anymore; one only looks out for their negative side of life, we don’t identify their good side and celebrate them, that is why it is difficult to remember the legacies after they are gone”. He lamented.
The Founder noted that, “even the Holy Book in Ecclesiastes 9:4 recognized that, a living dog is better than a dead lion’ which he said simply implies that the living must be recognized as far as they live”.
Professor, Okechy said the college is changing the narrative by recognizing people who are impacting lives to break that chain in Africa.
He said, they are honouring good number of people whom God had used to give hope to the hopeless and help to build our nation in one way or the other and also bemoaned the celebration of the dead with huge expenditure.
Seven (7) graduands received Doctoral Degree Award, four (4) in master’s degree in Missiology/Theology, thirteen (13) received bachelor’s degree and nine obtained Diploma certificates.
Nineteen (19) individuals who have distinguished themselves in various fields such as, traditional leadership, political leadership, academia/education, security, private enterprise/business, music/culture and pastorship were given meritorious awards to motivate them to do more for societal growth and development.
Fourteen (14) graduands were ordained into various offices of ministry for God’s Kingdom work.
Some graduates and awardees who spoke to the media after the ceremony expressed hope that the training and recognition will motivate them to impact the society positively.
Source: www.ignewss.com|Ghana