Dr. Isaac Okpuzor, the Deputy Chief of Chaplain and Zonal Commander of the International Institute of Pastoral Education and Chaplaincy (IIPEC), has called on Nigerians to urgently improve their level of discipline to restore the country’s fading prestige and respect on the global stage. Okpuzor made this call during the graduation parade and decoration of the first set of cadets at the newly commissioned College of Chaplaincy, Potter’s House Command Unit, in Ibadan on Friday.
During his address, Okpuzor expressed concern over the declining discipline among leaders in various sectors, including religious institutions, the secular world, and even within uniformed formations. He pointed to the story of Lucifer’s fall from grace in heaven as a prime example of the destructive effects of indiscipline. “Lucifer was the Director of Music in heaven, but due to his lack of discipline, he sought to become God, which was not tolerated. As a result, he was cast down,” Okpuzor said.
The Deputy Chief of Chaplain also urged church leaders to be vigilant when accepting new members, especially leaders with questionable pasts. He advised that leaders should investigate why individuals left their previous congregations before allowing them to take positions in their own churches. “The situation whereby you accept a leader, serving punishment for being promiscuous in his former church, to join yours without asking questions, will only spread the spirit of indiscipline around and particularly to your church,” he warned.
Okpuzor suggested that the way forward was a return to the principles found in the word of God. He emphasized the importance of meditating on scripture, saying that “when the spirit of a man feeds on the word of God, it will control the body and soul of that individual.” He further explained that discipline, as exemplified by God, remains unchanged through the ages. “This is the end time, whereby young people look at their elders and despise them. But God does not change, He is static; He remains disciplined through the ages,” he added.
The 89-year-old Deputy Chief of Chaplain also took the opportunity to commission 16 new officers, urging them to uphold the discipline and integrity of the chaplaincy. “I charge you as officers in God’s army to maintain the integrity of the chaplaincy, as the chaplaincy is all about discipline,” he said.
Dr. Isaac Apata, the Assistant Deputy Chief of Chaplain and Potter’s House Unit Commander, presented the cadets, highlighting their comprehensive training, which included spiritual fortification and moral preparation. He explained that the officers’ newly acquired ranks carry a solemn responsibility to serve, comfort, and spread peace and love. “We do not bear arms, but we carry the love of Christ to the nations,” Apata remarked.
Chaplain Segun Ariyo, the patron of the newly formed Potter’s House College of Chaplaincy, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to receive such valuable training. “Let us remember that we have been called to serve as Ambassadors of Christ, not just once, but now twice,” Ariyo stated, while also announcing plans for a new command office at Bethphage.
In his remarks, Governor of the graduating class, Chaplain Oladipupo Abidoye, noted the practical missionary lifestyle the institute had exposed them to. “We appreciate the discipline, the military spirit, and the depth of God’s word that we were taught,” he said.
The event concluded with a muster parade, parade form-up, and an inspection of the guard, marking a significant moment for the graduating class.
(NAN)