Day: July 9, 2023

‘You are a fraud’, Mamfe Christian responds Priest who resigned, citing Church politics

“It was with great happiness that some of us catholic Christians received the news that you have resigned from the priesthood…”

A lay Christian of the Catholic parish of Banya has made stunning revelations about the resignation and ‘hypocrisy’ of their former Priest. He lambasted Father Kennedy Akwo Ndu resigned from priesthood on July 1, 2023.

In a three-paged epistle, obtained by CNA, Geoffrey Ayuk Akoachere, Christian of Mamfe Diocese, said Christians of Banya parish were elated to hear that the father had dropped his robes “Christians of that parish were very happy when you ran away and left them in peace. Mr. Kennedy, all that you are talking about is politics, power, and money are the things you were looking for in the priesthood, and when you did not get it, you decided to escape and now you think that you can get up and confused the world and hide your atrocities? Can the church not clarify the world about this devil called Kennedy whom Satan is now using to cause confusion?”, he said.

According to Ayuk, the former Priest was a fraud who convinced and bought a property meant for his brother-in-law, “You ran away from Mamfe because you were afraid that you would be arrested after frauding your own brother In-law and taking over his house behind the Mamfe Market. Your In-law took you to go and show you a house he wanted to buy and because you liked the house, you came behind and bought the house which your in-law had started paying for. You claimed that it was your junior brother abroad who was buying the house. Mr. Kennedy are you not ashamed? This matter became a big scandal in Mamfe because you stole the money from the parish. Mr. Kennedy, come back to Mamfe and see if your own in-law will not get you arrested.”

He also alleged that Kennedy Akwo was living with a girlfriend in his home, contrary to priesthood laws, “you were living with a girl in the Parish house as your wife. You brought that girl and her whole family and lodged them in rented apartments in Banya and she spent most of her time with you in the parish house. All your Christians were scandalized by your behavior and the Parish council came many times to advise you and you would not listen. Is it now the priests to advise Christians or Christians to advise the priest? Many people stopped coming to your church and even stopped receiving communion from your hands. You got very frustrated and the only way out for you was to escape. This was not the only case but Mr. Kennedy you know what you were doing with women in Banya and Mamfe in general.”

Mr. Ayuk also alleges that the former Priest was rich, off the hands of Christians. He had three cars and used to carry women to Nigeria, he added.

He suggested that to avoid such scenarios in the future, “bishops should tighten the rules in the seminary and be very strict to select the boys from the Seminary who qualify to be priests. The white Missionary priests who came from developed countries and good homes humbled themselves and trekked through the forests to bring Christianity to us. They lived poorer than us. But now, many of our own black priests who come from very poor backgrounds want to live like whites and care only about themselves.”

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Don’t divide Nigerians with religion, Cleric warns politicians

Rev. Unuefe Ikhiuwu, the General Overseer, Christ Chosen Church of God (CCCG) International, has called for peaceful coexistence among different religions and tribes to enable Nigeria achieve its full potential.

Ikhiuwu made the call in Abuja on Sunday during a combined thanksgiving service to mark the end of a weeklong tour of the church facilities in Abuja, Kaduna and Niger.

The clergyman who frowned at negative comments made by some politicians, said that even though tribe and tongue may differ, Nigerians are one.

“Religion should not divide us. I pray for unity of all believers and everyone. We should live in peace whether Christians or Muslims,” he said.

The cleric said that no country had ever achieved success without peace and unity.

According to him, political leaders in the country have a duty to unite Nigerians and provide them with the dividends of democracy.

This, he said, would give every Nigerian a sense of belonging and ready to support those in authority to make the country better.

“Today’s message, I talked about what has become modus operandi or the mission of the church and it’s a job which no one man can do.

“It’s a ministry of reconciliation that every one of us is expected to work for; I likened the church also to the nation.

“By the grace of God, I pray that every Nigerian should be supported by those in authority to make Nigeria better than how the present administration met it.”

He said all Nigerians must collectively work for peace in the country.

“I always talk about renewal of hope; hope unlimited, peace and blessing to the people that all hand must be on deck.

“Nigerians are expected to work as a team just as the human body, the leg, eyes, hands and other parts are working in synergy to make the body good.

“All hands must be on deck for success to be achieved,” Ikhiuwu added.

He noted that his coming to Abuja had afforded him the opportunity to see the peaceful nature of the city and urged other states to emulate the Federal Capital Territory.

Apostle Dr Pius Igberase, Head of Administration of the Church, while speaking on the sidelines of the Church service, urged Christians to always preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Igbarase said that the inspection of projects and the seminar, was to encourage everyone to do more work for God.

Also, Apostle Samuel Idedevo, the Resident Pastor of the Headquarter Church, Abuja, said heaven blessed those who work according to God’s covenant.

“God has promised to bless believers because He is the owner of silver and gold. God will only give silver and gold to those who trust and believe in Him.

“So, no man gets blessing without God. The source is from God and it’s inexhaustible.

“And money is made to promote the cause and advancement of the gospel. I pray that we access the blessing.”

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Speaker lauds Katsina United FC for returning to NPFL

The Speaker, Katsina State House of Assembly, Alhaji Nasir Daura, has commended the management and players of Katsina United Football Club (FC) for gaining promotion back to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Katsina by the Assembly’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Aminu Idris.

The speaker acknowledged the commitment of the entire management staff, players as well as the technical crew for living up to expectations of sports loving people in the state.

Daura further noted that with this development, the name of Katsina State would keep on resonating in the sports arena.

While describing sports as a modern lucrative venture, he assured of more effective legislations that would enhance the sector across the state.

The state’s number three citizen however enjoined the team to exhibit a high sense of sportsmanship and endurance in the professional league.

He also expressed optimism that the lads have what it takes to go the extra mile by winning the league crown at the end of the 2023/2024 season.

The club succeeded in returning to the league after winning two out of the three playoff matches in the ongoing Nigeria National League (NNL) Super-Eight in Asaba, Delta.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Education is crucial in releasing potential of women, children – UNFPA

The Country Representative of UNFPA, Ms Ulla Muller, has stressed the importance of education in releasing the potential of women and children.

She made this known at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) forum in Abuja on Sunday.

She said, “education is crucial in releasing the potential of women and children, and as such, we must ensure that every girl has access to quality education that equips her with knowledge and skills.

“Quality education will also enable girls to have confidence to pursue their ambitions.

“The elimination of gender disparity in education will also create infinite opportunities for future generations and transform societies. When women have equal access to education, they are better able to enhance their own lives and contribute to the growth of their communities.

“Achieving gender equality is not only essential for its social and economic benefits, but also because it is the right thing to do.

“Our women and girls should be able to exist in a world where their opinions and decisions are valued and welcomed, and their voices heard’’.

The country representative, who called for women empowerment, added that when women are financially independent, they can provide for themselves and their families, thereby reducing poverty in the society.

Mueller stressed the need for stakeholders to uplift and ensure space for the voices of women and girls in decision-making processes, leadership roles, and political arena.

“When women’s voices are heard and their experiences are valued, a more equitable and just society is created for all.

“To uplift the voices of women and girls, we have to change the narrative; instead of seeing them as oppressed victims, they should be seen as powerful and critical citizens with a wealth of contributions to the society.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Attainment of 8bn world population, a milestone in human devt. – UNFPA

UNFPA Country Representative, Ulla Mueller, says the attainment of eight billion world population is a significant milestone in human development in areas such as medicine, science, health, agriculture and education.

She told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) forum in Abuja on Sunday that the achievement is however, accompanied by concerns and anxiety as the world faces various crises, such as climate change and mass displacement.

The UNFPA in its 2023 State of World Population (SWOP) Report, an annual publication produced by the Fund, revealed that global population will hit eight billion by mid-2023.

The report, which was launched in June, provides an insight into global population trends and implications to development.

According to a new report by the UN, Nigeria’s population is estimated to rise to 223.8 million by mid-2023 from 216 million in 2022.

The SWOP Report, which highlights the rapid growth of Nigeria’s population, notes that in 2006 when the last census was conducted, the country’s population was put at 180 million.

It indicated that the population, aged 0 to 14, increased by 43 per cent, the population aged 10 to 19 increased by 23 per cent, those aged 10 to 24 increased by 33 per cent, 15 to 64 years increased by 54 per cent, while those aged 65 and above increased by three per cent.

Mueller, therefore, explained that the 2023 UNFPA SWOP Report — “8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities: The Case for Rights and Choices’’ — aims to reshape the conventional understanding of population figures.

She urged policymakers and the media to abandon sensational narratives about population booms and busts.

The country representative said the report is an annual flagship publication of the Fund since 1978, aimed at bringing population issues, growth and demographic shifts to global attention.

The report is also to explore challenges and opportunities they present for international, regional, national and sub-national development so as not to leave anyone behind.

In the report, she said, recommendations are proposed to enhance the health, wellbeing and rights of individuals and communities across the globe.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Population

By Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Abuja, July 9, 2023 (NAN) UNFPA Country Representative, Ulla Mueller, says the attainment of eight billion world population is a significant milestone in human development in areas such as medicine, science, health, agriculture and education.

She told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) forum in Abuja on Sunday that the achievement is however, accompanied by concerns and anxiety as the world faces various crises, such as climate change and mass displacement.

The UNFPA in its 2023 State of World Population (SWOP) Report, an annual publication produced by the Fund, revealed that global population will hit eight billion by mid-2023.

The report, which was launched in June, provides an insight into global population trends and implications to development.

According to a new report by the UN, Nigeria’s population is estimated to rise to 223.8 million by mid-2023 from 216 million in 2022.

The SWOP Report, which highlights the rapid growth of Nigeria’s population, notes that in 2006 when the last census was conducted, the country’s population was put at 180 million.

It indicated that the population, aged 0 to 14, increased by 43 per cent, the population aged 10 to 19 increased by 23 per cent, those aged 10 to 24 increased by 33 per cent, 15 to 64 years increased by 54 per cent, while those aged 65 and above increased by three per cent.

Mueller, therefore, explained that the 2023 UNFPA SWOP Report — “8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities: The Case for Rights and Choices’’ — aims to reshape the conventional understanding of population figures.

She urged policymakers and the media to abandon sensational narratives about population booms and busts.

The country representative said the report is an annual flagship publication of the Fund since 1978, aimed at bringing population issues, growth and demographic shifts to global attention.

The report is also to explore challenges and opportunities they present for international, regional, national and sub-national development so as not to leave anyone behind.

In the report, she said, recommendations are proposed to enhance the health, wellbeing and rights of individuals and communities across the globe.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

W.TEC trains 288 girls on electronics, renewable energy

The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), a non- profit organisation says it has trained 288 girls on electronics and renewable energy to thrive in the digital age.

Adeyemi Odutola, External Relations Lead, W.TEC, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday said the NGO was able to achieve this through its MakeHer Space Programme.

He noted that the programme was a transformative initiative for secondary school students in Ikorodu and Surulere areas of Lagos.

According to him, a total of 210 girls were trained in four schools at Surulere while 78 girls were trained in two schools at Ikorodu respectively.

Odutola said that the one-year programme, which had now come to a close, was designed to teach selected girls to create technology and engineering-based solutions that solve problems in their communities.

He added that it was also an opportunity to provide information about career options and expose them to women working successfully in Science,Technology Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) profession.

“The programme which was conducted in Lagos, Kwara, Bauchi, Nasarawa and Abuja, was done with the support from Google.

“In an era defined by technological advancements, it is crucial to equip young minds with the skills needed to thrive in the digital and tech age.

“MakeHER Space, played a vital role in shaping the futures of 288 bright students from various secondary schools across Lagos State.

“The programme focused on electronics and renewable energy, offering students the opportunity to learn and build essential gadgets like power banks, solar power chargers, and rechargeable lamps,” Odutola said.

He explained that throughout the school calendar year, the students who participated in the series of hands-on workshops and engaging activities that fostered their innovation and creativity, were enrolled in batches each term at the schools.

According to him, the programme is also designed to ignite the students’ passion for technology and provide them with the necessary skills to excel in this rapidly evolving field.

Odutola said that from learning the basics of electronics to harnessing the power of renewable energy, the students embarked on an inspiring journey of discovery.

“Through the programme, these aspiring technologists discovered their potential, gained invaluable skills, and laid the foundation for a bright future.

“The feedback from participants indicate that the girls believe they can fix minor problems with their electronic and rechargeable devices.

“Many further mentioned that they have more understanding of the functioning of solar powered devices and possible repairs when faltering, “he said.

He also noted that during the graduation ceremony, students who were outstanding throughout the programme were presented with well-deserving gifts.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Hilda Baci cooks to raise N1m for widow July 14

Guiness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, will display her world-beating culinary skills in Lagos on Friday, July 14, to raise funds for a widow.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Baci’s dishes will be tasted in an initiative by Joseph Edgar, The Duke of Shomolu, to assist widows and empower them to be self-reliant.

Edgar, Chief Executive Officer of Duke of Shomolu Productions, a theatrical play producing outfit, disclosed this to NAN on Sunday.

He said that Baci is expected to display her “mesmerising skills which enamoured the world and saw her emerge as the Guiness record holder in a bid to raise N1 million for a widow”.

He said that the initiative, which had been running for the last three years, had raised more than N10 million for deserving widows.

“The initiative involves very close friends and associates of The Duke of Shomolu, donating cash instead of gifts to mark his birthdays.

“The cash gifts are then sent to needy widows, who would have been nominated by members of the public.

“Last year, N2 million was donated to four deserving widows by the friends and associates of the Duke of Shomolu

“This year, N3 million was raised with the winner, who got N1 million, nominated by a director at Keystone Bank, Mr Yemi Odusanya, who incidentally shares same birthday with the Duke.”

Edgar himself chose 10 other widows from among the close to 100 nominees who shared N1million.

He said that Baci would be cooking for 10 people at the Ivy Hotel at Emerald in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

According to him, the sum of N1 million will be donated to a widow of her choice.

He said that Prothrive Astute heights Ltd., makers of Grandios Pap, would sponsor the event as part of its social responsibility.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

FERMA to embark on repairs of 36,000km federal roads

The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) says plans are under way to fill up potholes and intervene in the repair of failed roads nationwide as the rainy season sets in.

The acting Managing Director, FERMA, Mr Godson Amos made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

According to him, the intervention was necessitated because of the need to ameliorate the hardship and delays road users face daily.

He was optimistic that the intervention would be acheived within six weeks of the commencement and all potholes and road failure worked on, on federal roads across the country.

He said he had gotten reports across the country of of the deplorable Federal Roads across the country which had caused a lot of inconveniences to road users.

He added that these failures have hampered economic activities due to inability of the people to freely move goods from one place to the other.

” The failures on the roads are mostly caused by the incessant rainfall being experienced in many parts of the country, which results in cutting off of roads embankment and collapsing of many carriageway sections at many locations across the country.

“Also excessive traffic, ovet loading of vehicles coupled with age of the roads are other factors that have contributed to the dilapidation of the federal roads.

“This hinders the free flow of traffic, causing colossal damages to vehicles, wastages of productive man hours and huge discomfort to road users.

“Our of engineers in the Field Offices have already carried out route condition survey of the Federal Roads and heave identified all critical failures like road embankments washout and failed carriageway section for the agency to take action.”

Speaking on how the agency would executive this intervention, Amos said direct labour would be deployed by engaging skilled and unskilled youths in the communities.

He further said that appraisals have been made, including the assessment of works requirement, estimation of resources like men, materials and machines that will be deployed to achieve most cost effective result.

Amos said in order to ensure that maximum results was achieved the agency had designed a good monitoring mechanism for effective and efficient monitoring of all the projects nationwide deploying management team for inspection.

H urged the media to give effective coverage to the activities of the agency and other stakeholders to partner with the agency to ensure that citizens have stress free and enjoyable travel experience on our highways.

The chief executive of FERMA however, said funding was a challenge in the maintenance of the 36,000 kilometres of federal highways all year round.

NAN reports that FERMA is an agency that was set up for the monitoring and maintenance of all federal roads in Nigeria.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria