BENIN CITY- Religious bodies in the country have been urged to strive at all times to inculcate high moral values in its members as a way of reducing the high rate of corruption in the country.

The chairman of this year’s St. Albert Catholic Church Adult Harvest, Prof. Friday Okonofua made the call while answering questions from newsmen during a press briefing on the activities of the 2008 Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Mass/ Bazaar of the church.

He said that religion has a lot of roles to play in checking the rate of corruption and other social vices in the society through regular outreach to its members on the ills of getting involved in corruption and other social vices.

He however said that the laws of the land should be properly applied to see that it is adhered to by those in authority.

Prof. Okonofua further said it is the duty of both the religious bodies and parents to work together to reduce the high rate of corruption and other social vices in the country, adding that this year’s harvest promises to be the most memorable as there will be a Pre- Harvest Fund arising luncheon to raise funds to rebuild and expand the church which has grown in leaps and bounds in recent times.

Professor Okonofua also disclosed that dignitaries expected at the ceremony included, Prof. Emmanuel Nwanze, Chief Tony Anenih who will be the distinguished guest of honour, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Chairman, of the Harvest and Engineer (Dr.) Chris Ogiemwonyi will be the chairman of the Pre-Harvest luncheon.

The Pre Harvest luncheon will take place on Saturday November 8, 2008 and the Harvest on Sunday, November 16, 2008.