By: Felix Ikpotor
General Overseer of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor Williams Kumuyi has emphasized the need for a change of attitude by all Nigerians irrespective of class or religion to usher in national growth.
He stated this at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Wednesday, during a media chat as part of activities for the Change Makers International Conference in Rivers State.
Kumuyi who is the convener of the conference with the theme, ‘Driving Positive Change and Social Impact’, said it was inspired by the current situation and happenings in the country.
“What inspired the Change Makers International Initiative is that we look around us, we see things happening and we see that we can do better. Every individual, family in any situation can do better.
“We can do better in various areas: in relationships, interaction, in work place, everywhere. There will be a change in the nation. It doesn’t take a mighty effort, a little drop of water makes a mighty ocean and if we can begin to change here, as a religion, as family and then we carry the changes to our offices, everywhere, all that we are mourning, groaning about, things will turn around for the better.
“Change can take place in diverse ways but we are talking about positive change and we will see it happen by the grace of God,” he said.
The revered clergy noted that the CMI initiative is a non religious, non partisan and non denominational movement aimed at changing the narratives around the country.
“This is non religious, non partisan, non denominational. This is for humanity and we want to leave the world, our community better than we met it. And it will apply to people in different ways. First of all, I might have to change my attitude, my mindset, to change alot of things. And when those changes comes together it changes the person and changes the interaction with people around.
“When those changes are made, we see a national change, we see community change and we go ahead to see global change,” he stated.
Kumuyi said he is hopeful that the ripple effects of the conference beginning Thursday in the city of Port Harcourt would have a positive effect on every sector of national development.
“As at the extent of what we are doing today, starting tomorrow, you see there are reports but the light will shine and it will make us to see more than we saw before. What we see will also lead to what we do and it will bring the change. It’s a kind of change reaction.
He further emphasized the need for everybody to join hands in building a better nation.
“Again, when we say there should be a change, there could be different methods of bringing the change. The young people might feel, this is the way to bring the change, the older people might feel this is the way to bring a way, even the government. If we can harness all our efforts and energy together and not trying to defeat anyone, knowing that we all have the right constitutionally to bring a change, we will all get together and strategise,” Kumuyi added.
While welcoming the Convener and his team to the state for the conference, Dr Minaibi Dagogo-Jack, Rivers State Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, said the timing of the programme is apt as it’s coming when the country desires so much change following the rate of vices and corruption ravaging every facet of the country.
“This programme is quite unique and timely. This is because if you take a close look at the society today, youths will not listen to their fathers, will not respect the leaders, corruption, kidnapping everywhere. All sorts of social vices, even faith itself is failing in the church.
“I think that we need to have a positive change in the society. We have been praying but need new approaches. It is true that we are in the perilous times, but if you look at it critically, you will see the pains, hates, gossip everywhere. I think that everyone should come and embrace the programme to build a better society,” he stated.
