News
China charges church $170,000 after eviction
Beijing authorities who shut down a Christian church after its pastor criticised new curbs on religion have now ordered it to pay 1.2 million yuan ($170,000) in back rent and removal costs.
The Zion Church had been one of China’s biggest unofficial Protestant churches until it was suddenly shut down earlier this month amid greater pressure on religion in the country.
In a list of expenses seen by AFP, the Beijing municipal authority said Jianweitang — the holding company of Zion Church — owes them some 800,000 yuan in back rent.
Other items include: 148,000 yuan for overstaying; 114,000 yuan in moving fees, which included 66 vehicles, 18 people and an additional fee to move six pianos; 8,000 yuan in packing fees; 90,000 yuan for three months of storage; 3,600 yuan for two days of video recording; and 55,000 yuan in overtime pay for 55 “property workers”.
Zion’s founding pastor Jin Mingri confirmed they had been served the notice but said it was “impossible” for them to pay up.
“Not only did they not negotiate with us before moving our things, but there’s also no reason in asking us to pay this exorbitant moving cost,” Jin told AFP on Wednesday.
“We cannot swallow this!”
Zion, housed on the third floor of a nondescript commercial building in a northern suburb, had up to 1,600 people attending its services each weekend.
But on September 9 some 70 officers stormed into Zion’s premises and ordered everyone out, tearing down signs and the church’s logo.
The local civil affairs bureau said the church was unregistered and its activities were unauthorised.
The building was subsequently kept under heavy security and those without business in the area were barred from entering the compound.
The church’s troubles started in February this year as tighter regulations on religious groups kicked in — the authorities had asked for CCTV cameras to be installed in the church but Jin refused.
Jin was also among some 200 pastors from underground churches who put their names to a petition complaining of “assault and obstruction” by the government — including the tearing down of crosses — since the regulations came into effect.
China’s top leaders have recently called for the “Sinicisation” of religious practice — bringing it in line with “traditional” Chinese values and culture. The call has sparked concern among rights groups.
Christians in the country are split between unofficial “house” or “underground” churches like Zion and state-sanctioned churches where Communist Party songs also feature in the order of service.
The church controversy comes as Beijing and the Vatican signed a historic accord allowing the Pope to have the final say in naming bishops in the country.
China’s 12 million Catholics are divided between a government-run association whose clergy are chosen by the Communist Party and an “underground” church loyal to the Vatican. (AFP).
Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has congratulated Christians in Nigeria on this year’s Easter celebration, and urged them to emulate the noble qualities of Jesus Christ.
The company, in a goodwill message to the Christian faithful in the country, lauded their perseverance through the Lenten period which preceded Easter. It enjoined them to always promote the ideals of selflessness, love and peace among all as a way of demonstrating the virtues of the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.
“Peace, love and sacrifice are the central message of Easter. Christ offered himself in atonement for the sins of the world and he lived a life which made Him an eternal symbol of peace and goodwill for mankind”, Globacom added.
The company enjoined all Nigerians to share in the lessons of promoting selflessness, a necessary ingredient in the growth and development of every society. It also enjoined all Nigerians to join hands to make Nigeria a better place for all.
Easter is celebrated yearly at the end of the Lenten season of fasting and prayer considered as a ritual of purification for the Christian faithful. It also precedes the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday and His eventual resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The company assured its customers of seamless voice, data and Short Messaging Service (SMS) during and after the Easter celebrations, while urging them to avail themselves of the various data and voice offerings on the network.
The Guild of Private Broadcast Managers has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary.
In a congratulatory message signed by the Guild’s National President, Ambassador Patrick Uzoyi-Peters, JP MNGRM, the guild described the milestone as a testament to the NUJ’s unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.
“For seven decades, the NUJ has played a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape, advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists, and ensuring that the voice of the people remains strong and unyielding. Your resilience, professionalism, and dedication to ethical journalism have been instrumental in fostering transparency, accountability, and national development”.
Celebrating this historic achievement, the Guild’s President, Uzoyi-Peters recognized the sacrifices and contributions of journalists across the nation who work tirelessly to inform, educate, and empower society.
The Guild reiterated it commitment towards collaborating with the NUJ in promoting responsible journalism and strengthening the media industry for the greater good.
While wishing the NUJ continued success, growth, and greater impact in the years ahead, President Uzoyi-Peters prayed that the anniversary serve as a renewed call to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, and press freedom in our collective pursuit of a more informed and just society.
News
Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach
By Ikenna Oluka
The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.
The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.
The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.
The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.
“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.
Honouring his passion for education
The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.
Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor
At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.
Reaching out to orphaned children
The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children.
The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.
Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy
Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.
“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.
The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.
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