The Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Council and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Edo State chapter, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson, has donated ₦2 million to support the 2026 Children and Youth Harvest Thanksgiving and Bazaar of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi, Edo State.
The donation was made on Sunday during the annual harvest celebration, themed “Harvest of Gratitude,” which drew Catholic faithful and other worshippers to the Cathedral for prayers, thanksgiving and fellowship.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia, who offered special prayers and blessings for Ekpeson following the donation.
Speaking during the event, the council chairman said the ₦2 million contribution was an expression of his gratitude to God and support for the efforts of the Church in promoting the spiritual, moral and developmental growth of children and youths.
Ekpeson, who attributed his emergence and accomplishments in public office to divine providence, said he remained convinced that effective leadership required the wisdom, knowledge and understanding that could only come from God.
According to him, “Whatever I have achieved and whatever responsibility God has placed on me today are by His grace. I have always believed in putting my trust in God because, without His wisdom, knowledge and understanding, the task of leading the people would be difficult.”
He said the vast and diverse nature of Etsako East Local Government made it imperative for leaders to seek divine guidance, particularly because decisions taken in public office directly affect the welfare and aspirations of the people.
“Leadership comes with enormous responsibility, and every decision we take affects the lives of our people. That is why I continually seek the guidance of God to grant me the wisdom and strength to serve the people better,” Ekpeson said.
He added that his support for the Children and Youth Harvest was also borne out of his belief in the importance of investing in the younger generation through faith, moral upbringing and positive development.
The council chairman commended the Catholic Church and the organisers of the harvest for their commitment to programmes aimed at nurturing children and youths and strengthening their values within the society.
In his pastoral prayers, Bishop Dunia asked God to continue to bless, protect and guide the council chairman in the discharge of his responsibilities.
The Bishop prayed that Ekpeson would be granted greater wisdom, good health, strength and discernment to lead Etsako East and contribute meaningfully to the development of Edo State.
He also prayed for divine protection over the council chairman, his family and administration, while asking God to grant him the grace to remain committed to the service of the people.
The special prayers were received with applause and expressions of joy from members of the congregation, who joined the Bishop in seeking continued divine favour and guidance for Ekpeson.
The 2026 Children and Youth Harvest Thanksgiving and Bazaar, one of the major annual activities of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, provided an opportunity for the faithful to offer thanksgiving to God while supporting programmes aimed at the spiritual and moral formation of the younger generation.
The event featured prayers, thanksgiving, donations and other activities designed to promote fellowship and strengthen the developmental and evangelical work of the Church among children and youths.
