Nigerian Chapter of Africa-Israel Initiative Inaugurated

Anayo Okolie

The Nigerian chapter of Africa-Israel Initiative was inaugurated in Port Harcourt on Friday. The inauguration was part of the highlights of the three-day Africa- Israel Initiative International Conference, which began in the city on April 17.

In his speech at the occasion, a Norwegian-born pastor, Erik Selle, founder and international president of the body, called on Christians in Africa to support the nation of Israel with their prayer and in other ways, since it is the root of the Christian faith.

He said in spite of what Africans were passing through in their development strides, the light of God was in Africa. Selle said it was time for the people of the continent to rise and shine in all areas of their lives and sectors of the economy.

He announced the appointment of Winston Iwo, bishop of Grace Covenant Ministries and special adviser on Religious Affairs to Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, as chairman of the Board of Directors of the organisation.

Selle called on Christians in the continent to cooperate with Iwo in his new assignment. Bishop Iwo is also the West African director of the organisation. Iwo described the theme of the conference, “Israel and the Nations”, as unique for its ability to awaken the church to its role and responsibilities to the people and nation of Israel.

The vice president, Africa-Israel Initiative, Joshua Mulinge, a Kenyan bishop, also commended Nigeria for the political leadership it has provided Africa. He told the conference that establishing good relationship with Israel was a step in the right direction because it was through Israel that the Gentiles received salvation.

Others who addressed the forum include Zilly Aggrey, chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, who urged African nations to emulate Israel in its drive for excellence in media, agriculture and security, and Daniel Tam Cookey, a rabbi and leader of the 19 Jewish communities in Rivers State. He expressed the joy that members of the Jewish synagogue were invited to be part of the occasion.

Africa-Israel Initiative is an organisation pioneered by Christian leaders since 2012 to ginger strong relationship between African nations and Israel. The body exists in 17 African nations and in Norway, U.S.A. and Israel. It also draws the attention of nations to the biblical injunction to love the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.