African Traditional Religion also known as the Godian Religion in Nigeria has celebrated its seventy three years of existence and also offered prayers for some of the notable Nigerians who died for their fatherland.
News Echo who covered the events reports that the entire board of trustees, the national council, priesthood and Godian faithful including the general public on Sunday gathered at the Unubi district headquarters to thank God for His mercies, protection and growth of the religion till date.
Speaking during the event, President General of the National Council of Godian Religion, Nze Azubuike Nnanna said it was a thing of joy since inception of the religion on 1948 to celebrate its existence.
He posited that it was also a day to remember the repose of the departed brethren who fought to ensure that Godian Religion has some constitutional rights because of the inclusion as part of a recognized religion in Nigeria.
He further charged members not to be deceived or relent in prayers but stand steadfast and firm in the things of the creator, God.
Also speaking, Chairman Board of Trustees of Godian Religion, Chief Edozi Uche Okafor noted that the philosophy of the religion was to associate directly with God which is “man and God”. “we don’t believe there is an intermediary to communicate with man, we believe that God is like air and can be reached from anywhere, hence God is universal.
But the impression that Africans doesn’t know God is a wrong notion because we know God before the arrival of the whitemen”. Adding, he noted that Godian Religion believes in consciencesism which depicts that whatever a person thinks, say, do or fail to do lies on his shoulders.
Contributing, High Chief Ebuka Obi, explained that the joint 12/12 revelation was in remembrance of those killed in Abbey valley Enugu and Burutu who where coal city miners in present Enugu in 1949. Giving the history of how the early whites who arrived Africa exploited our forefathers through slavery, rape, and murder. He bemoaned the invasion of the white men into the African society which gave way to diversion of religion among the people.
However, prayers were offered to members who fought and was killed in 1949. Notable among them were Nze Mbonu Ejike Uwunna, Prince Jachi Okafor, Prince Orji, EE Egbe, Prince Kalu Kalu, Prince Belonwu Onuegbu, Prince Ikenna Ochei, Prince Emeka Ilo, Prince Nkem Okpara, Herbert McCauley, Nnamdi Azikiwe among others,.
The father also prayed for the members of Godian religion who had committed effortlessly towards the success of the Godian religion in Nigeria. Nze Azubuike Nnenna, the out-stations and others who in one way or the other assisted towards the progress of the traditional African religion.
Present at the event were, his Holiness Mbara Eke- spiritual head, Godian religion, high priest Chigozie Okparaku (Imo state), LoLo Iruoma Ozoemena (Anuenyi), General Chairlady, Godian Religion, among others.
