Polycarp Sola
Former minister of state for health, Barrister Joseph Ekumankama, has charged parents to instil good virtues in their children as they grow up in order to have a safe society.
Ekumankama also extolled his mother, Mrs Grace Ekumankama, for instilling good virtues in him and his siblings as she marks her 75th birthday, saying that her good homebringing has helped them become impactful to the society.
The ex-minister, who gave the charge during a reception ceremony organised in honour of his mother, an event which was held at a real exclusive palace in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital, described her as a woman with high moral standards.
“She is a wonderful woman; you can attest to the testimonies from her grandchildren. For a grandchild to know that the discipline, the culture, and the moral values that the parents are instilling in them are by virtue of the good moral values that their parents also installed in them is to tell you the quality and the character of the woman that she is.” Ekumankama said.
He emphasised the need for Christian mothers to ensure they instil good Christian values in their children and build a character that would avoid any form of criminality and create insecurity in the society.
“The problem we have today in Nigerian society is the lack of good Christian upbringing; if you train a child in the ways of the Lord, he will grow up to become an impactful person in society, a man or a woman that will be devoid of all social vices.
“But what we have here today is people don’t value life again. You can see the level of banditry, kidnappings, stealing, and armed robbery; these social vices are a result of poor home bringing. If you bring up a child in the fear of God, that child, even if he’s poor, will fear evil and abhor things that are evil in the society.
“We have a scenario whereby, because of the way parents are bringing up their children, not giving attention to character, virtues, and moral values that should be instilled in the child, we are having these challenges.” He added.
Meanwhile, he equally used the moment to wish her God’s protection and preservation and prayed for longevity to enable her to enjoy the fruit of her children and grandchildren as well as thanked God for keeping her alive.
“I wish that God will keep her alive to also see the wonderful grandchildren that God has given to her to grow successful, which is a wish for every parent. I wish her good health and life, and that God will keep her, preserve her and give her good health.” He prayed.
Earlier on, the members of the Mezie Edda Grassroots Movement for FON, led by its organising secretary, Hon. Patrick Okoro, have extended their heartfelt congratulations to her, describing her attributes as worthy of emulation by every mother.
The group, expressed deep appreciation for her unwavering commitment to the Ekumankama’s royal family of Amangwu Edda, the church and the community, highlighting her significant role in elevating their family’s status as Ugoeze.