By Bida Elly David
Eastern Equatoria State Governor has commended Catholic Arch-Diocese of Torit for rendering educational support and healthcare services to the people of Eastern Equatoria State.
Lobong was speaking in the inauguration ceremony of additional classrooms at our lady of Holy Rosary Nursery and Primary school in Torit town on Sunday.
Governor Lobong labelled Catholic church as pillars of peace and progress in Torit town and South Sudan at large.
He said that the initiative taken by the Catholic Church towards improving the education and the health sectors was one way to subsidise government towards service delivery.
“The Catholic Church has continued to be the beacon of peace and development in Eastern Equatoria State and we are thankful for these great efforts,’’ Lobong said.
He urged religious leaders to harmonise towards supporting the government for the better development of Torit and Eastern Equatoria State as a whole.
“Religious leaders and institutions should join hands with the government to educate the people on the importance of being productive citizens rather than depending on foreign aid. Free things will make us remain slaves forever,’’ Lobong said
Furthermore, Lobong underscored that over dependence on foreign aid fully contributed to cumulative recession in productivity since many are taken by laziness.
“I need to say that all of you should stay away from laziness and let us liberate ourselves from poverty and food dependency. Why should other people be the ones feeding us when we have fertile land and rain-fed agriculture throughout the year,’’ Lobong emphasized.
In his part, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Juba and the Apostolic Administrator of Torit Diocese Dr. Stephen Ameyu appealed to political leaders to refrain from prompting conflict among communities in Eastern Equatoria State.
He however encouraged them to rather promote education and health sectors for the betterment of the entire citizens.
He underscored that the Catholic Church remained committed towards promoting peace and developmental activities in the State.