Family Values Awards Held in Port-Harcourt 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Port Harcourt Nigeria Stake; successfully held the 2018 Interfaith Symposium on Marriage & Family on Saturday, 26th May, 2018 at the Port-Harcourt Nigeria Stake Center.

Recipients of the Awards include; Pastor and Mrs.Akinola Akiniyi, of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Elelenwon, Port Harcourt; Bishop and Mrs. Lucky Nwikue Aroh, The General Overseer, The Caring People's Church, Port Harcourt; Elder & Rev Mrs Chisom Amadi Oparaeli, of the Caring People's Church, PortHarcourt; Deacon & Mrs Braide Livingstone of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Elelenwa, PortHarcourt; Hon & Mrs Chris Umunnakwe of the Chapel of Grace Worship Arena, PortHarcourt; Elder & Pastor Ezekiel Ezekiel of the Caring People's Church; and Elder & Mrs Okechukwu Gambo of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Pastor Akinola Akiniyi, of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Elelenwon, Port Harcourt; who was a guest speaker stated that the Marriage Institution was ordained by God Himself, and that marriage must be kept honourable by an “undefiled bed”.

According to Pastor Akinola, marriage is not only a commandment of God, but it is also necessary for the “propagation of human race”.

He explained that the objective of marriage is to have a happy home which can be achieved by a careful dating and courtship period to get acquainted with each other in holy relationship, to build a home founded on the laws of Jesus Christ and faith. “As partners in fellowship”, every couple must accommodate each other”.

Bishop Lucky Nwikue Aroh, The General Overseer, The Caring People's Church, Port Harcourt was also a guest speaker. His message was centered on the need for everyone to consciously and constantly defend their marriage and secure it “from the adversary”. He called upon women to be humble, with reference to the popular example of the biblical Rebecca.

President Wariboko T. Melville, The Stake President of LDS, Port-Harcourt Nigeria Stake, who was the Lead Speaker,  emphasized more on some Book of Mormon based marriage-related doctrines and principles. He warned against women consumed by the "women's right" consciousness, “being co-creators with God, in itself is more than worldly titles”.

Worthy of note is a couple, Bro.Joseph & Sis. Mary Ogenemine who attended the program immediately after their wedding ceremony.

Members of the Church, who are also known as Mormons, believe that; Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and family can be together forever.

The invited religious leaders, with their newly gained experience, expressed the joy of knowing for themselves that Mormons are Christians. They look forward to having such experience with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the future.