81 VIPs and Ambassadors for Peace gathered at the De Legend Hotel in Owerri, Imo State for a 3 days’ Workshop on Divine Principle. They came from eight states of the South-East and South-South Zones of the country namely: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Enugu, Imo and Rivers Sates. Among them were traditional rulers, religious leaders, parliamentarians, government officials, educators, media executives, business executives, civil society leaders and representatives of cultural organizations such as the ‘Oha N’Eze Ndi Igbo’.
There was a brief opening session under the chairmanship of a former Chairman of the Governing Board of Imo Broadcasting Service. He warmly welcomed participants to Imo State, the Igbo Heartland, during his welcoming remarks.
The National leader of FFWPU Nigeria Rev George M. Ogurie explained the purpose of the workshop as a way of conveying God’s call for Ambassadors for Peace to become teachers of Divine Principle as part of the strategic plan for the realization of Vision2020. The Keynote address was given by Special Envoy Rev Shang Seon Park in which he urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the workshop to transform themselves and to become true leaders of society on every level.
The workshop was beautifully coordinated by UPF Nigeria Secretary General Dr. Raphael Oko. Dr. George Ikpot presented Part I of Divine Principle on the first day and half of the second day, while Part II was presented by Rev George Ogurie. Rev Ogurie also presented a lecture on the Blessing titled – “The Marriage Blessing God’s Greatest Gift to Humanity.” Special Envoy Rev Park shared testimonies of his experience of the Blessing and his relationship with the True Parents.
During presentations, participants asked hard questions and got hard answers. They’d never heard what they were hearing before. They were blown by the Fall of Man lecture and the Blessing lecture especially. Some began confessing how they have been reborn through the teachings of our True Parents. And they made determinations to live new lives. Every morning at 6 am, a Hoon Dok Session was conducted and True Parents words were read. It was beautiful. They were such good people. In the end, they were all on fire to go and organize for the Blessing in their communities.
One traditional ruler who was in attendance from beginning to end said he will mobilize all members of his community to receive the Blessing (and his community is large). He also said he would like to hold a ceremony by the end of the year during which he will offer a crown to True Parents. One participant who is the chairman of a state chamber of commerce said, “Thank you for this workshop. You have just saved my life.” An honorable member of the Imo State House of Assembly who was in attendance chaired, during a self-introduction session, that almost half of the honorable members of the Imo State House of Assembly had signed-up for membership of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace.
A participate who is a Director of the Office of Secretary of the Government of one of the States asked how he could become a Divine Principle – something he would like to do full-time when he retires from service next year. When asked who wants to attend 7 days’ workshop, 40 signed up.The goal of the series of the workshop is to educate about 70 VIPs through seven days’ workshop, within a short time, so as to build a team of serious and responsible people that will work on a more internal level to accomplish the required national goal.
At the closing ceremony of the workshop, the Imo State Government was represented by a Special Adviser on Political Matters from the office of the Deputy Governor, who served as the Special Guest of Honor. Seven distinguished participants were inducted as Ambassadors for Peace and presented Ambassador for Peace certificates. Among them was Lady Bishop Edith Ezenekwe, presiding Bishop of Brethren Gathering Ministry International in Anambra State. A team of her church branch in Imo State came and treated the audience to the ‘Mbombo’ song and dance to the delight of everyone
At the end of the closing ceremony, participants received certificates of participation and group photographs were taken on a state by state basis.
The next three days Divine Principle Workshop for Ambassadors for Peace in the South-West Zone is on 6-8 July 2017.
George M. Ogurie
Nigeria National Leader
Reporting.