The visioner of the Banke Amstrong Bello ministry, Pastor (Mrs) Banke Bello, has advised youths to shun any form of addictions and abstain from sexual abuse so as to pursue their future and focus on academic excellence.
Pastor Bello gave this advice during her speech at the sixth edition of the free Christmas show for kids at the Light Impact Church auditorium at Orita-Challenge, Ibadan, Oyo State, just as she admonished parents and guardians to create more time for their children and wards despite the economic challenges in the country.
“If you are looking for money and you don’t take care of your children, you will still cry at the end of the day. Both parents should not be too busy at the same time to take care of the children no matter what it takes.
“You may be born poor, but don’t die poor. Anything is achievable if you are focused, determined and disciplined. Also, your success is assured when God is on your side,” she said.
The cleric said: “This idea came up because I was not privileged to have such an experience when I was a kid. I lost my father at a tender age and this cost me and my siblings not to feel what Christmas looked like even as a kid. So, now, I feel that some children may be facing such problems as well. This is why I came up with this initiative through the support of some partners.
“We had about 1,000 kids at the first edition of the event. 700 kids benefited at the second edition, same as in the third, fourth, and fifth editions. Due to the economic situation, we had over 1,000 registered, but we only catered for about 700.
“The Banke Amstrong Bello Ministry in conjunction with other partners is passionate about putting smiles on the faces of kids in the country. Most of the things we give to the children are back-to-school items as a way to support their parents. We also support widows, women, and youths.
In his remarks, Pastor Taiwo Amstrong Bello said that the essence of Christmas is love and sacrifice, while he implored all Christians to spread love even beyond Christmas.
He advised the church to remain the light of the world as well as replicate the examples and qualities of Christ. He also enjoined the government to take a cue from the church in making things much better for the populace
