In a bid to rid the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka of rampaging cult groups, the authorities of the university organized a renunciation ceremony for 44 cultists who promised to turn a new leaf.
Priests at the cult renunciation ceremony in UNIZIK
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, (UNIZIK), Awka organized a special renunciation programme for 44 cultists who publicly came out to renounce their membership of their various secret cults.
The programme was organized by the management of the school to discourage the membership of cult groups and also to dedicate the institution, students and members of staff to the Almighty God according to the Director of Information and Public Relations of the university, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu.
The event, the second of its kind in the history of the university, was well attended by staff and students. Respected clergymen within and outside the confines of the institution anchored the event, which had in attendance the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, his wife, Gladys, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Charles Esimone, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Onyeyili, the Registrar, Barr. C.C Okeke and Dean, Students Affairs, Prof. Ken Nwogu, among others.
During the event, a charismatic priest from the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Rev. Fr. Paul Obayi, popularly known as “Okunaerere” (consuming fire) gave an insighting speech to admonish the crowd. He shockingly revealed his past membership of a cult group before God called him to work in his Vineyard. He discouraged the menace of cultism which he described as a path of destruction towed by blind and ignorant people. He advocated that focusing on good grades and being better citizens useful to the society in the nearest future should be their major objectives.
“It is an act of foolishness to join cultism. There is no gain in cultism, it is embedded in deception,” Obayi stated.
The high-point of the occasion was a special deliverance session held for the 44 persons made up of both male and female students by the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Obayi assisted by Rev. Fr. Mario- David Dibie and Rev. Fr. Bonachristus Umeogu. During the session, about 21 more persons came out under the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ahaneku expressed his shock at the large size of the crowd and tagged the event a spiritual cleansing process that will better the lives of the students as well as the members of staff.
“We need God to give us the enabling power to take control in our society. Because we have submitted, God has prepared us for the journey ahead. Be assured that the university management is here to protect your interest to achieve the best degrees with which you can contribute to the development of the Nigerian society. What we have done today is to submit to God and it will be captured in the records of this university as we train you not only in learning but also in character,” Ahaneku said.
Testimonies reportedly rolled in as a former cultist at the event testified to feeling the touch of God on his life.