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Crisis brews in Enugu Catholic church as Udi North rejects inclusion in proposed Catholic Diocese
Few weeks after the war of the Catholic Church over Ahiara Diocese, another war brews in Enugu as the people of Udi North comprising the Ojebeogene, Ezedike, Ugwunye and Eke clans have rejected moves by the Enugu Diocese to include them in the proposed Udi Diocese.
According to a leading member of the Laity in the zone, who is also the traditional ruler of Ukana, Igwe Ubaka, Eke was the first ever Catholic church in the whole of Enugu State, Ebonyi State, Kogi State and Benue State.
He said that those parishes which later became Diocese as Enugu, Makurdi Oturkpo, Abakaliki, Idah and Nsukka, all emanated from Eke. But strangely, Eke has remained a mere parish.
He said that they were shocked that when new deanaries were created as Udi, Awgu (which is now a diocese), Eke was omitted.
According to him, it did not matter to them if they remained a Deanary, but that would be as long as they are left in Enugu Diocese.
He said that in 2008 when the idea of making Udi a Diocese came up, they made it clear that they would not be part of it, and it was settled then.
However, he said, they were shocked to hear that the new Papal Nuncio has plans to go ahead with making Udi a Diocese to include Udi North Zone.
Udi North, he said, was too far from Udi, and there is an intervening territory, being Ngwo/Ninth Mile, which is part of Enugu. It would be wrong for them to pass through another Diocese to access their Diocese if they were included in Udi Diocese.
He said they since the arrival of the new Nuncio, all efforts they made to access him appeared to be blocked, hence the outcry.
“Our people will go to any length to have us properly located. All the main Udi North communities are contiguous with Enugu urban. Abor is part of the Trans Ekulu Enugu. Ukana and Awhum share common boundaries with Nike, Amoji, Ugwogo. It is the same case with Okpatu and Umulumgbe.”
He said that since Ngwo/Ninth Mile had asserted themselves and remained in Enugu, they are cut off from Udi and cannot be travelling far distance to reach their Diocesan headquarters.
Besides, Igwe Ubaka said, it was injustice that after its centenary over ten years again, Eke has remained just a parish while those other parishes it parented as Enugu, Idah, Abakaliki, Makurdi, Oturkpo, etc, had long become parishes with their Bishops.
“What did we so wrong to be so treated?” he queried.
A source among the Laity who chooses to be anonymous said that they were aware that Eke Deanary was created and signed by the former Bishop of Enugu, Anthony Gbuji, but somebody had sat on it and it has not seen the light the day.
Igwe Ubaka calls on sons and daughters of the Clans in Udi North to be prepared for the battle as they would leave no stone unturned.
“We must remain in Enugu Diocese until we are made a Diocese,” he declared.
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Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative
More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.
The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.
Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.
Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:
“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”
Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.
Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”
The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.
This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.
News
Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas
… Calls for Love and Peaceful Coexistence
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has extended warm greetings to the Nigerian military and all citizens, both Christians and non-Christians, during this joyous Christmas season.
In his message, he emphasized the importance of embodying the spirit of love and peaceful coexistence, urging all Nigerians to reflect on these values not only during the festive period but throughout the year.
“This season serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles of peace, unity, love, and sacrifice that bind us as a nation,” he stated.
The Minister encouraged every Nigerian, regardless of their religious beliefs, to celebrate and honor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who tirelessly demonstrate their patriotism in safeguarding the safety and sovereignty of our beloved country.
Highlighting the significance of the yuletide season, he noted that it should reinforce our bonds of unity, foster a spirit of camaraderie, and inspire compassion towards one another. He called on all citizens to remain steadfast in their collective efforts to build a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Minister wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Henshaw Ogubike, MNIPR, FCAI, FSCA, FCPE
Director of Information, Press and Public Relations
…Says no government has shown so much support to LGs, State Governments like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu….
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will significantly enhance the economies of Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole.
Matawalle who is currently on a five-day visit to his home state, the Minister and former Governor of Zamfara commended President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for Local Government Councils and state governments. “No previous administration has demonstrated such a strong commitment to developing local councils and states as President Tinubu,” Matawalle remarked.
He highlighted the President’s role as a grassroots mobilizer, emphasizing his passion for local development. “President Tinubu has allocated substantial funds to states and local government councils, enabling them to undertake impactful development projects,” he added.
Matawalle urged party supporters to collaborate with their leaders to reclaim the lost mandate from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State. “It is essential for all APC members to remain law-abiding citizens,” he stated, reinforcing the party’s commitment to uphold the law.
Addressing a large gathering of supporters who welcomed him, Matawalle reassured them of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region. “With the federal government’s initiatives to address security challenges, we will soon experience a renewed sense of safety and peace,” he emphasized.
He concluded his address by urging the community to continue supporting the government at all levels. “Together, we can restore peace and order in our country,” Matawalle affirmed.
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