Monthly Archives: January 2019

Chiegboka family Celebrates Memories of their Dead, Great Parents

January 22, 2019 Comments Off on Chiegboka family Celebrates Memories of their Dead, Great Parents

By Uche Enem The children of Late Martin & Catherine Chiegboka on 3rd January, 2019, celebrated their dead and great parents in a mass witnessed by many priests, friends and well wishers at Obu Martin Obiefuna Chiegboka’s Compound. The event which started with a Holy Mass was fun filled as the children celebrated 17 years memorial of their dad who ...

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE CATHOLICS BISHOPS OF LAGOS ECCLESIASTICAL PROVINCE (LEP) AT THE END OF THEIR FIRST PLENARY MEETING HELD AT ST AGNES CATHOLIC CHURCH, MARYLAND ON WEDNESDAY JANUARY 16, 2019. PREAMBLE: We, the Catholic Bishops of the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province, comprising of Lagos Archdiocese, Ijebu Ode and Abeokuta Dioceses held our first plenary meeting for the year 2019 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos. Having undertaken a careful appraisal of some of the major issues facing the Church in our province and the enormity of challenges facing our country Nigeria, we hereby issue the following Communique: (1) Gratitude for a New Year We thank the Almighty God for the grace to survive the numerous thorny paths that characterized better part of last year, 2018 and for the gift of the New Year 2019. The New Year opens the door for yet a new beginning for all of God’s children to draw nearer their creator, shun sin and make haste to embrace true reconciliation that is available in the sacrament of penance. We thank the good Lord for the gift of the Mother Church, means through which forgiveness and salvation is open to everyone who is ready and willing to embrace the path of holiness and drink from the inexhaustible water of life; the unblemished word of God. We pray that the New Year, 2019 will offer a new vista of life for all of God’s children. We call on all God children to draw closer to Christ so as to experience the joy of the Lord and the grace of the sacraments as well as the intercession of Mary, Mother of God, the Mediatrix of all graces and the Queen of Nigeria. (2) Election Year, 2019 We note that 2019, being an election year, is a very delicate year for Nigerians and our dear country, Nigeria. We call on all eligible Nigerians to carry out their civic responsibility and participate actively in the forthcoming elections. In spite of the difficulties being faced, all who have registered should pick up their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and refuse the temptation of selling their voters cards for any amount of money. We should all vote and elect only credible, God fearing and qualified candidates with the requisite expertise to turn around, for good, the fortunes of this great nation Nigeria. We call on the eligible voters not to allow themselves to be induced to sell their votes but to vote according their conscience and ensure that they defend their votes so that they can truly count. We say no to electoral rigging, thuggery and intimidation. Free and fair, elections should be the watch word for INEC. All contesting candidates should be allowed a level playing ground to test their popularity so that at the end of the day, the will of the majority of Nigerians would prevail at the polls. In the same vein, we call on the Security Agencies to ensure that they are not used by any political party to intimidate or short-circuit the electoral process. (3) Catholics in Politics We reiterate our call for more Catholic lay faithful to get involved and be active participants in the political space beginning at the grassroots, the ward level. We encourage all to deepen their Christian formation by availing themselves of the values inherent in the Social Teaching of the Church so that they can be prepared adequately for good governance and therefore help to effect positive changes in the polity. We affirm that the numerous challenges facing the nation such as corruption, nepotism, incompetence, injustice and numerous other vices that have since taken the centre stage of our national life, would have been reduced drastically were there more God-fearing people especially Catholics with heightened spirituality at the helm of affairs in the public service. The elections this year 2019 should therefore serve as a wake-up call for more Catholics to come out en-mass and be active in party political activities. (4) Curbing Insecurity & Killings Last year 2018 was largely characterized by insecurity across several parts of the country but especially in the North Central and the North East. The Boko Haram sect continued to terrorize the nation, killing and maiming innocent Nigerians, including soldiers. Kidnappings and ritual killings were at an all-time high as many Nigerians, including the clergy and religious were randomly abducted by gun men with little help in sight. In this election year, we note with dismay the persistent rise in incidents of Yahoo boys activities and ritual killings, casting fear and apprehension in the minds of law-abiding citizens. We therefore call on Security Agencies saddled with the task of safeguarding the lives and properties of Nigerian citizens to double up their efforts in putting an end to insecurity in the land. We call for the strengthening of all security apparatus and the procurement of adequate arms and ammunitions and other equipment needed by the military to successfully exterminate all forms of hostilities in the country before the commencement of the national elections. In recent times, there have been allegations of corruption in the procurement of arms and ammunitions. Soldiers fighting the Boko Haram are said to have been exposed to danger due to inadequate or obsolete equipment at their disposal. We call on government to ensure that those allegations are not disregarded but that they are investigated properly and whoever may be indicted be punished according to the laws of the land. This is the least we can do to encourage the young men and women who put their lives on the line for the security of their fellow Nigerians. Conclusion In this election year, we reinforce our call for all to intensify their prayers for peaceful elections. We believe in the unity of this country and call on those nursing divisive ideas to have a change of mind and allow the plans of the Almighty for this country to manifest seamlessly. We abhor war or shedding of innocent blood because life is sacred. We also call on the political class and their ardent supporters to embrace peace before, during and after the elections. Politics should never be a do-or-die affair, but a call to serve. At the end of all the electoral activities, may the wishes of the people be allowed to prevail. We therefore commit the affairs of this great country and our individual affairs into the loving hands of our Mother Mary, the Queen of Peace and Patroness of Nigeria. May she continue to intercede for us. Amen. ……………………………………………………………. Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins Archbishop of Lagos and President, LEP Bishops’ Conference Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese and Secretary, LEP Bishops’ Conference

January 21, 2019 Comments Off on COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE CATHOLICS BISHOPS OF LAGOS ECCLESIASTICAL PROVINCE (LEP) AT THE END OF THEIR FIRST PLENARY MEETING HELD AT ST AGNES CATHOLIC CHURCH, MARYLAND ON WEDNESDAY JANUARY 16, 2019. PREAMBLE: We, the Catholic Bishops of the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province, comprising of Lagos Archdiocese, Ijebu Ode and Abeokuta Dioceses held our first plenary meeting for the year 2019 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos. Having undertaken a careful appraisal of some of the major issues facing the Church in our province and the enormity of challenges facing our country Nigeria, we hereby issue the following Communique: (1) Gratitude for a New Year We thank the Almighty God for the grace to survive the numerous thorny paths that characterized better part of last year, 2018 and for the gift of the New Year 2019. The New Year opens the door for yet a new beginning for all of God’s children to draw nearer their creator, shun sin and make haste to embrace true reconciliation that is available in the sacrament of penance. We thank the good Lord for the gift of the Mother Church, means through which forgiveness and salvation is open to everyone who is ready and willing to embrace the path of holiness and drink from the inexhaustible water of life; the unblemished word of God. We pray that the New Year, 2019 will offer a new vista of life for all of God’s children. We call on all God children to draw closer to Christ so as to experience the joy of the Lord and the grace of the sacraments as well as the intercession of Mary, Mother of God, the Mediatrix of all graces and the Queen of Nigeria. (2) Election Year, 2019 We note that 2019, being an election year, is a very delicate year for Nigerians and our dear country, Nigeria. We call on all eligible Nigerians to carry out their civic responsibility and participate actively in the forthcoming elections. In spite of the difficulties being faced, all who have registered should pick up their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and refuse the temptation of selling their voters cards for any amount of money. We should all vote and elect only credible, God fearing and qualified candidates with the requisite expertise to turn around, for good, the fortunes of this great nation Nigeria. We call on the eligible voters not to allow themselves to be induced to sell their votes but to vote according their conscience and ensure that they defend their votes so that they can truly count. We say no to electoral rigging, thuggery and intimidation. Free and fair, elections should be the watch word for INEC. All contesting candidates should be allowed a level playing ground to test their popularity so that at the end of the day, the will of the majority of Nigerians would prevail at the polls. In the same vein, we call on the Security Agencies to ensure that they are not used by any political party to intimidate or short-circuit the electoral process. (3) Catholics in Politics We reiterate our call for more Catholic lay faithful to get involved and be active participants in the political space beginning at the grassroots, the ward level. We encourage all to deepen their Christian formation by availing themselves of the values inherent in the Social Teaching of the Church so that they can be prepared adequately for good governance and therefore help to effect positive changes in the polity. We affirm that the numerous challenges facing the nation such as corruption, nepotism, incompetence, injustice and numerous other vices that have since taken the centre stage of our national life, would have been reduced drastically were there more God-fearing people especially Catholics with heightened spirituality at the helm of affairs in the public service. The elections this year 2019 should therefore serve as a wake-up call for more Catholics to come out en-mass and be active in party political activities. (4) Curbing Insecurity & Killings Last year 2018 was largely characterized by insecurity across several parts of the country but especially in the North Central and the North East. The Boko Haram sect continued to terrorize the nation, killing and maiming innocent Nigerians, including soldiers. Kidnappings and ritual killings were at an all-time high as many Nigerians, including the clergy and religious were randomly abducted by gun men with little help in sight. In this election year, we note with dismay the persistent rise in incidents of Yahoo boys activities and ritual killings, casting fear and apprehension in the minds of law-abiding citizens. We therefore call on Security Agencies saddled with the task of safeguarding the lives and properties of Nigerian citizens to double up their efforts in putting an end to insecurity in the land. We call for the strengthening of all security apparatus and the procurement of adequate arms and ammunitions and other equipment needed by the military to successfully exterminate all forms of hostilities in the country before the commencement of the national elections. In recent times, there have been allegations of corruption in the procurement of arms and ammunitions. Soldiers fighting the Boko Haram are said to have been exposed to danger due to inadequate or obsolete equipment at their disposal. We call on government to ensure that those allegations are not disregarded but that they are investigated properly and whoever may be indicted be punished according to the laws of the land. This is the least we can do to encourage the young men and women who put their lives on the line for the security of their fellow Nigerians. Conclusion In this election year, we reinforce our call for all to intensify their prayers for peaceful elections. We believe in the unity of this country and call on those nursing divisive ideas to have a change of mind and allow the plans of the Almighty for this country to manifest seamlessly. We abhor war or shedding of innocent blood because life is sacred. We also call on the political class and their ardent supporters to embrace peace before, during and after the elections. Politics should never be a do-or-die affair, but a call to serve. At the end of all the electoral activities, may the wishes of the people be allowed to prevail. We therefore commit the affairs of this great country and our individual affairs into the loving hands of our Mother Mary, the Queen of Peace and Patroness of Nigeria. May she continue to intercede for us. Amen. ……………………………………………………………. Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins Archbishop of Lagos and President, LEP Bishops’ Conference Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese and Secretary, LEP Bishops’ Conference

By Chioma Nnagbo It is wonderful to have kids in the kitchen helping out with some small chores while cooking is going on, it’s also good to catch them young. But In all, when certain precautions are not taken, the reserve will be case. I find this very interesting, lets help to make cooking interesting and safe for children Here ...

Atiku, Obi Will Rescue Nigeria – Obaze

January 21, 2019 Comments Off on Atiku, Obi Will Rescue Nigeria – Obaze

By Jude Atupulazi The government of Atiku Abubakar as president and Peter Obi as Vice, will provide Nigerians with the long expected antidote against bad leadership. These were the views of the chairman of Anambra State PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Mr Oseloka Obaze, in an interactive session with newsmen in Awka. Obaze who was the PDP governorship candidate for Anambra ...

Presidential Poll: Kanu Accuses Southeast Govs of Working for Buhari

January 21, 2019 Comments Off on Presidential Poll: Kanu Accuses Southeast Govs of Working for Buhari

By Ikeugonna Eleke The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, says intelligence reports gathered by the security arm of his organization showed that all state governors of the Southeast Zone were working to return President Muhammadu Buhari in the forthcoming presidential poll. Kanu stated this in a broadcast delivered on Radio Biafra network in Israel, and ...

Neni Catholic Community Celebrates her Sons, Daughter at Silver Jubilee

January 21, 2019 Comments Off on Neni Catholic Community Celebrates her Sons, Daughter at Silver Jubilee

By Chioma Ndife The entire Catholic Community of Neni, Anaocha LGA, Anambra State has organized a grand reception in honour of her priest sons, Rev. Frs. Hilary Ekwenibe, Leo Madubuike, Evaristus Ifeanacho and daughter, Rev. Sr. Ngozika Madueke as they clocked in God’s vineyard. The silver jubilee which was held at the mother parish, St. John’s Catholic Church on December ...

Rev Fr Eugene Okoli Celebrates 25th Priestly Anniversary

January 21, 2019 Comments Off on Rev Fr Eugene Okoli Celebrates 25th Priestly Anniversary

By Chioma Nnagbo The Umuinem born priest, Rev Fr Eugene Okoli fondly called Mkpume, on 30th December, 2018, celebrated his 25th priestly Anniversary at St. JohnBosco Catholic Church, Umuinem, Ufuma in Orumba North LGA of Anambra State. Describing the celebrant, during the concelebrated Holy Mass to mark the Silver Jubilee, the homilist, Fr. Jovita Okoye, said that Fr Eugene is ...

Southeast PDP and Peter Obi: My Take

January 18, 2019 Comments Off on Southeast PDP and Peter Obi: My Take

By Okey Enekwe I was afraid earlier that our people from Southeast would not support Atiku’s running mate and our brother, former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi. With the help of God, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party is the next President of Nigeria, come next month. The indicators are very ...

FIDES KITCHEN – TOASTED RICE

January 18, 2019 Comments Off on FIDES KITCHEN – TOASTED RICE

By Chioma Nnagbo How do you cook your Jollof rice? Do you parboil your rice first? Have you ever tried toasting your rice before cooking? I tell you the flavour, the texture, the colour and aroma is out of this world. Interestingly, you need just one ingredient to make this work. RECIPE 4 cups of Rice 1/2 cup of butter ...

Count your Blessings

January 18, 2019 Comments Off on Count your Blessings

Fr. Pat Amobi Chukwuma One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten…uncountable! Can you count your blessings from God since your nativity? Most often we do moan over the few curses that come our way. Rarely do we reflect on the innumerable blessings God gives us. No wonder the Holy Scripture says, “In times of prosperity, adversity is ...

#10yearschallenge- Susceptibility to Greatness

January 18, 2019 Comments Off on #10yearschallenge- Susceptibility to Greatness

By Amarachi Okpunobi Social networks has always been the fastest medium to get information whether true or untrue to spread like wild fire. It starts like a candle lightening and takes up almost all the timeline of the users and get flooded by the comments of users. Just recently, I bumped into the trending #10yearschallenge. I saw both young and ...

Peter Obi, Nigeria’s Game Changer

January 18, 2019 Comments Off on Peter Obi, Nigeria’s Game Changer

By Uche Amunike Choosing Peter Obi as the Vice Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, was a great delight to Nigerians all over the world. He had indeed been tested and trusted in the area of governance with particular reference to saving a sinking economy and fighting corruption while as governor of Anambra State. Atiku Abubakar couldn’t have ...

We Must Unite to Sack Buhari

January 18, 2019 Comments Off on We Must Unite to Sack Buhari

By Jude Atupulazi It is time for us to launch our own version of ”Jihad” against President Muhammadu Buhari. I say ”our own version” because I’m not aware of the Christian name for Jihad. But I’m well aware that despite the various interpretations/perceptions of the word, the central theme is getting rid of something undesirable. The Muslims call it a ...

Savio-Bosco Emerges as Victor Ludorum in Nsude 2019.

January 18, 2019 Comments Off on Savio-Bosco Emerges as Victor Ludorum in Nsude 2019.

By Princess Chinecherem Efobi It was really a very long and competitive week as the eight seminaries in Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province converged at Sacred Heart Seminary, Nsude for the 5th Edition of the Provincial All Minor Seminary Games from 6th to 13th January, 2019. Savio-Bosco comprises of St. Dominic Savio Seminary, Akpu (Junior), and St. Johnbosco Seminary, Isuaniocha. This is ...

The Lebanese Saint Who Unites Christians and Muslims

January 17, 2019 Comments Off on The Lebanese Saint Who Unites Christians and Muslims

Image from the Shrine of St. Charbel. Credit: Hannah Brockhaus / CNA. By Hannah Brockhaus St. Charbel Makhlouf is known in Lebanon for the miraculous healings of those who visit his tomb to seek his intercession – both Christians and Muslims. “St. Charbel has no geographic or confessional limits. Nothing is impossible for [his intercession] and when people ask [for ...

DRC Bishops Question Presidential Election Results

January 17, 2019 Comments Off on DRC Bishops Question Presidential Election Results

Felix Tshisekedi, who has been declared the winner of the 2018 DRC presidential election. Credit: Luis Tato / AFP / Getty Images. The bishops of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are among several major observers casting doubt on the results of the nation’s Dec. 30 presidential elections. “The results of the presidential election as published by the CEN [National ...

Nigeria’s Democracy at a Crossroads under Buhari

January 17, 2019 Comments Off on Nigeria’s Democracy at a Crossroads under Buhari

Last Sunday, the nation was thrown into a frenzy following the news that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, was to be tried at the Code of Conduct Tribunal at the instance of the Federal Government of Nigeria for allegedly failing to declare his assets and for operating domiciliary accounts. This development, coming barely a month to ...

I’m not Campaigning for Candidates of Other Parties – Obiano

January 17, 2019 Comments Off on I’m not Campaigning for Candidates of Other Parties – Obiano

Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano, has denied reports that he is campaigning for candidates of other political parties in the forthcoming general elections. Obiano who kept mum on his rumoured support for President Muhammadu Buhari, said in a press release signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C Don Adinuba, that his support for candidates of the ...

CWO Amawbia Deanery Fetes Less Privileged Members, Priests, Others at Christmas

January 16, 2019 Comments Off on CWO Amawbia Deanery Fetes Less Privileged Members, Priests, Others at Christmas

By Ifeoma Ezenyilimba No fewer than 36 less privileged members of Catholic Women’s Organization (C.W.O), Amawbia Deanery, were recently feted with various gift items during the 2018 Deanery C.W.O’s Annual Christmas Celebration for the needy. Speaking at the event which was held at the celebration which was held at St Felix’s Catholic Church, Nise, Awka South L.G.A, Anambra State on ...

The Ezechukwus of Amesi Celebrate Father’s 85th Birthday in Grand Style

January 16, 2019 Comments Off on The Ezechukwus of Amesi Celebrate Father’s 85th Birthday in Grand Style

By Ifeoma Ezenyilimba Old age they say, is a blessing from God. In gratitude to God for the special gift of their lovely husband, father, grandfather and father in-law, the Ezechukwus of Amuwo Village, Amesi, Aguata L.G.A, Anambra State on December 26, 2018, celebrated the patriarch of the family, Nze Boniface Uwaezuoke Ezechukwu on his 85th birthday. Speaking shortly before ...

Back to School

January 14, 2019 Comments Off on Back to School

By Paschal Chisom Obi Yesterday morning, as I strolled down the street of Abuja for my usual early Monday morning exercise, I observed that the street were busy unlike before. I saw smiles on the faces of young students as they resume for a new term. As they match to their various schools, some were carrying their lockers and chairs ...

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