Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River, Thursday, commended members of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), for their contributions to the state and society.

Otu who was speaking when he received a seven man delegation from BCS in Calabar, the Cross River capital, said the religious organization, through its programs has continued to attract visitors into the state from all over the globe.

“Brotherhood has contributed to the growth of Cross River State immensely. As government, we appreciate its contribution in education, spiritual empowerment and tourism potentials.

“We have tourists across the globe who visit Calabar at regular intervals for pilgrimage and spiritual satisfaction and these have continued to boost our name internationally,” Otu said.

The governor who enjoined the religious organization not to relent in propagating the word of God also encouraged the hearers to remain Godly and never derail from the path of truth, justice and fair play.

“I believe that any society that does not have spiritual diversity will have no direction.

“As you continue to evangelize, I believe our people will continue to change for good,” the governor remarked.

Assuring His Holiness, Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, of his administration’s commitment to continue to partner with him, the governor also sued for prayers for the people of the state, nation and the world at large in view of the precarious situation and challenges being faced by all.

On the request made by the team which bordered on land claims, Otu said he would not want to take instant decision, but would ensure that justice which were hitherto denied would be corrected.

Earlier, Leader of the delegation, Senator Biobarakuma Degi, appealed for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Akpet-Ugbem-Etono road, to create access for both local and foreign tourists to Biakpan Holy City in Biase local government area.

Degi also solicited for support on the 36 hectares proposed mega city in Adiabo, Odukpani local government area, a project, he remarked, is aimed at boosting the spiritual and economic values of the state and its inhabitants.

Senior Pastor of the Help from Above Healing and Deliverance Ministry Worldwide, Pastor Godwin Ube has attributed unforgiveness and bitterness as underlying factors affecting the destinies of lot of Christians.

Pastor Ube stated this at a thanksgiving service to mark the end of a three day international conference with the theme ” Gate of My Destiny Open Now” in Abuja.

Speaking on the topic ” the Dangers of Unforgiveness” from the bible, the book of Mark chapter 11 verse 25, Ube reiterated that the devil makes people to harbour bitterness in their hearts in order to truncate their destinies.

“One of the weapons of the deveil today is unforgiveness which hinder the breakthroughs of many Christians, unforgiveness is dangerous and bitterness is deadly” Pastor Ube added.

According to him, the scripture makes it clear that one of the attributes of God is his loving ability to forgive.

The Senior Pastor explained that it is because of God’s willingness to forgive the sins of humanity that he sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ to die for the sins of men.

He further emphasized that unforgiveness attracts torments that can lead to self inflicted pains and sicknesses as well as closed heaven.

“Unforgiveness invites troubles in life, it is the root of bitterness and it leads people to enternal damination”

Pastor Ube added that bitterness grows to outright hatred that deprived people from remaining focus.
He urged Christians nursing unforgiveness to have a clean heart in order to be accepted by God.

“Bitterness can also cause mental condition, if you begrudge anyone, try to reconcile with the person because the name of a church cannot save you but personal relationship with God can” he added.

Pastor Ube therefore appealed to Christians to always have open heart to forgiveness to be able to approach God, stressing that unforgiving heart is unfit to meet God in a place of prayer.

According to him one who hates his brother is a murderer and no murderer has eternal life.

“I counsel you make up your minds never to live in unforgiveness, remember forgiveness can destroy sickness while unforgiveness can attract afflictions.

The Senator, representing the Ogun East Senatorial district, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has re-echoed the need for unity and harmony as very importance requirement for peaceful coexistence.
He called on the Muslim faithfuls in Nigeria to come together and promote the peaceful atmosphere.
The Senator in his Eid-el-Kabir message while extending warm greetings and best wishes to all Muslims across the world, and especially in Nigeria, urged them to reflect on the values of sacrifice, love, and unity that the festival represents.
He called for a moderate  celebration during the festival period with gratitude to Almighty Allah, while respecting the diverse religious beliefs within their communities.
The former Ogun Governor challenges the Moslem faithful on the lessons of sacrifice which the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir symbolised.

Senaror Daniel emphasized the importance of using the occasion to foster peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
He encouraged them to embrace the spirit of compassion and generosity by reaching out to the less privileged and extending a helping hand to those in need during this festive season.

According to him, “Eid El Adha is not just a celebration of pomp and pageantry with plenty of meat, rice and stew, it speaks to the significance of sacrifice and trust in the directive of Almighty Allah.

“I join our Muslim brothers and sisters in the celebration of core obedience to His will and urge us all to emulate the dedication of the Prophet, especially as it concerns our country. Barka da Sallah!”

Otunba Gbenga Daniel expressed his gratitude to the Muslims in the Ogun East Senatorial district for their unwavering support and prayers and reaffirmed his commitment to representing the interests of all towards a better life and living conditions.