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Blame Buhari’s lopsided appointment of security chiefs for increased banditry — Bishop

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BY: Ikenna Oluka

The Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Abakaliki, in Ebonyi State, Rt. Rev. Lawson Elom, has blamed the increase in armed banditry in Nigeria on alleged lopsided appointments of security chiefs by President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

Elom made this known through in a 12-point communiqué signed and issued to newsmen at the end of the 25th Annual Synod of The Diocese of Abakaliki, held at Wesley Methodist Church, No. 19, Onwe Road, Abakaliki.

The synod with the theme: “Obedience to God better than sacrifice”, urged Christians in Nigeria, especially those in the corridor of power to show holiness, obedience to God both in words and actions.

The clergy, however, commended President Buhari for signing the N30,000 minimum wage bill into law, as well as the governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi, for the rapid development his administration has brought to the people of the state.

The statement reads in part: “The synod commend President Mohammadu Buhari for signing the N30,000 minimum wage bill into law, and therefore, called on the state governments and employers of labour to effect the immediate implementation.”

Bishop Elom, also expressed worry over the increasing cases of kidnap, armed banditry and other social vices in Nigeria, and called on the Federal Government to sit up, and ensure that the lives and property of the citizens are protected.

He said: “The near-collapse of the security apparatus in the society in which lives and property of citizens are no longer guaranteed, as no week passes without record of incidents of kidnapping, armed banditry and other social vices; has predisposes the country to ridicule.

“The synod observed with dismay that this ugly trend may not be unconnected to the lopsided nature of appointments of security chiefs in the country by the federal government. We therefore charge the present federal government to take urgent action to address this ugly scenario in the interest of the national unity.

“The synod observed that the government in power most recently practised ‘militocracy’ to the extent of undue interference in the operations of the other arms of government by the executives, and therefore, called for the defense of true democratic principles as enunciated in the law of the land for national cohesion.

“It is worrisome that up till now the rate at which the Fulani herdsmen are killing the hapless citizens of this country still remains unabated. We, therefore, called on government at all level to take proactive measures to end these attacks, so that there will be no outbreak of famine and further clashes between herders and farmers.”

The clergy also condemned in totality the wanton killings and destruction of properties resulting from the boundary disputes between Agila and Ngbo, Ikwo and Adadama in Cross River states.

He regretted that the clashes have resulted to the displacement of thousands of innocent Ebonyians from their homes.

“We condemn the unwarranted communal clashes going on between the people of Adadama in Cross River state and Izzi/Ikwo communities, Ngbo and Agila communities, Ikwo and Abakaliki communities which has resulted to killings and rendering many homeless. We therefore, called on the National Boundary Commission to expedite the process of peace in the affected areas,” the statement added

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Emulate Christ’s virtues, Glo urges Christians at Easter

Reporter: Sandra Ani

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Glo and Globacom
Globacom

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.

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NUJ at 70: Private Broadcast Members Congratulate Union

Reporter: Ikenna Oluka

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NUJ at 70
NUJ

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.

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Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach

By Ikenna Oluka

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Mrs. Bose Ojougboh
Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, wife of the Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh (Centre) flanked by other members of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation during the outreach programme.

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.

Mrs. Bose Ojougboh -
members of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation during the outreach programme.

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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