“Man Cannot Build a house for God, but God can give a mortal man the privileged to build where other men can worship” Edward Onoja said, while delivering his opening address during the opening ceremony of the Okpo central mosque, at the Olamaboro LGA of Kogi state, completed by him and friends.
He said that the success of the Mosque construction is a result of what friendship can accomplish when there is a willing mind to harness available resources.
The Okpo central Mosque has remained in a state of total neglect over the decades, leaving the worshiper to the hard realities of natural elements.
The Chief of staff to the Kogi State governor, who while delivery his address broke down in tears said, the mosques has remained under construction as long as he can remember.
“I crisscross the road in front of it as a teenager, at some point, construction even stopped totally”.
Not too long ago, the mosque became an object of discuss between him and a couple of friends, to be specific Hon. Gabriel Yinusa Olofu and Hon Ahmed Mohammed representing Ankpa 1 at the state House of assembly, on why such a laudable projects was abandoned.
He said it was at that point, “I started thinking there must be something I could do to help. And being the Chief of Staff, “I felt God has put me in position to do something”
Onoja while speaking said, “I discussed with His Excellency who gave his full the go ahead and his personal support”
As at the period of conceiving the idea, “ I had no such money” but His Excellency, thought me how to use the goodwill of my office for the public good, rather than for my private ends, that the reward would always be higher and more fulfilling” that lesson taught to raise the needed resources to complete the mosque.
The Plan
The plan was simple, to call on my friends within and outside Kogi state to join hands with me to deliver the course. Spending hours on phone, calling friends for support, many responded generously and eagerly.
Edwad Onoja said no doubts, “My position as Chief of Staff made this happen”. He thanked His Excellency, Governor of Kogi state, profusely for the privilege to serve in that capacity to touch lives.
He stated that the mosque won’t be the last of his contribution to his people; in fact a few more are nearing completion. He intimated the public about 8 boreholes that would be commissioned at Ogugu, his home town in about 2 week’s time.
The boreholes he said were sunk by himself and some political appointees from Ogugu from their personal purse.
He also said that, he is undertaking to raise resources to transform the dilapidated Ogugu Community Secondary school to a modern centre for learning for the benefit of Ogugu children, partnering with different groups and Ogugu sons, the Agada brothers.
He said that, while they were working on the Okpo mosque, Governor Yahaya Bello, a Muslim motivated them to also renovate, the United Evangelical Church Okpo with the governor being a major contributor. Work is in advanced state and plans to commission the church in December are in top gear. A display of equity, fairness and justice, the watchword of the New Direction government.
Finally I want it to be known to our friends far and wide that, friendship rather than money built this mosque. Nigerians and not just Edward Onoja and his friends built this mosque.
He recognized his friends who made the completion of the mosque possible. They are His Excellency, Engr Makoju of Dangote group, Rotimi Bolufemi, Barrister Igho Charles Anomie and Mr Ogems Aalomi of the Talevera group, Alhaji Jibrin Isah Echocho, Hon Ahmed Ahmed, Segun Olorunde, Mr Patrick Idoko, Mr Josiha, Hon Gebriel Olofu, Chief Festus of Ferotex and Mr Francis Ahmedo .
Not forgetting all the New Direction members who have given him total support.
It is my prayers that. as people worship in this mosque that friendship built, they would also be motivated to become bridge builders for peace among our people and religion, Edward Onoja said.
