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Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has expressed confidence that the state would overcome her present challenges if residents fervently approached God in prayers.
The governor said this at the second edition of ‘Imo Unity Prayer and Praise Convention’ organised by the Imo chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Owerri on Tuesday.
In his remarks, Uzodinma said the event was appropriate as the state had been able to surmount its security challenges thanks to the faithfulness and grace of God.
He thanked CAN for organising the event and urged Imo people to continue to pray and thank God, adding that ” he hears our prayers.
” God has been there for us.
In good times and in challenging times, he is always there.
There is evidence everywhere to show that Almighty God is in Imo.
” There is nothing God cannot do and there is nothing hidden under the earth or below the heavens that God doesn’t know, therefore, it behoves on all of us to continue to serve God and humanity, especially by being fair to our neighbours.
” We were challenged but we didn’t go retaliating.
We put our knees to the ground, we prayed and God answered us.
My administration and people will continue to pray to God,” he said.
Speaking, the CAN Chairman in Imo, Rev. Eches Divine Eches, thanked the governor for allowing God to use him to bring peace, unity and development to the state through his giant strides in infrastructural development.
He called for increased resilience in prayers on the part of residents of the state.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Network of people Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWAN) says it has trained 30 different advocacy groups and organisations in Nasarawa State.
It said on Saturday in Lafia that the training was for the purpose of implementating the Federal Government and Global Fund Multi Billion Naira Resilience and Sustainable Systems for Health Grant Programme in the state.
Addressing newsmen on Saturday after the three day training in Lafia, Programme Manager NEPWAN, Mr Ismaeel Danise, said that the programme was focused on improving the standard of health care facilities in rural communities due to impacts of coronavirus pandemic.
He explained that the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, (NACA), received the grant from Global Fund for continuous implementation programme in 18 states, including Nasarawa State.
“As part of efforts to ensure effective implementation of the programme in the state, leaders of Community Based Organisations, religious bodies, National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Police as well as the media, were trained to ensure optimal service delivery in health sector.
“The training was among others things aimed at ensuring that the participants to step up advocacy aimed at identifying and strengthening the health sector for better service delivery,” he added.
He further said that the they were implementating on issues concerning AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria component of the project in Keffi, Karu, Lafia, Akwanga and Doma local government areas of the state.
Similarly, Dr Ruth Bello, the lead facilitator at the training, pointed out that the COVID-19 had weakened the health sector, hence the need for persistent robust engagements and commitments towards strengthening the system given its important to humanity.
Dr Ruth Bello is also the Executive Director, Nasarawa State Agency for the Control of AIDS.
Also, Mr Philip Lokoko, Nasarawa State Coordinator, Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria, noted that the programme had given hope to people affected by HIV and AIDS in the state.
He added that hitherto, a lot of their members lost hope at the peak of COVID-19 due to lack of adequate attention.
Some participants told newsmen that the programme had given them a new approach to advocate for better health care services, especially at the grassroots.
The Nasarawa State Secretary-General, Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), Imam Muhammad Ali and the state Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Rev. Sunday Emmah who spoke on behalf of other participants, said that they were now better informed.
The High points of the training were questions and answer sessions, discussions, practical demonstrations and inauguration of a five-man health advocacy team to ensure the success of the project.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) have cautioned the public against building on water channels and dumping of wastes in drains to curtail disaster from flood.
The Director of NOA in Plateau, Mrs Keneng Pam-Hworo, said this on Friday in Jos during an advocacy visit to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Jos North.
Pam-Hworo said that NiMET had predicted that flooding during the year would be high and warned against acts, such as farming and building in flood prone areas, that would predisposed them to flooding.
Similarly, the Coordinator of NIMET in Plateau, Mrs Raliya Umar, said the advocacy visit was to intimate the association of the impending flood.
Umar urged the association to inform their members on the need to keep their drains clean and desist from building on water channels.
CAN Chairman for Jos North, Rev. Polycarp Gana, represented by the Vice Chairman of CAN Jos-North, Rev. Charles Duruson, commended NOA for the visit.
Gana assured the two agencies of passing the message to their members.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPWD) is seeking effective partnership with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to enhance the lives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the country.
The Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr James Lalu, disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to the CAN President, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, in Abuja on Thursday.
Lalu said the aim of the visit was to see how the NCPWD could work with the church to promote the rights of PWDs in Nigeria.
According to him, there are many Christians with disabilities across the world.
He said that PWDs needed to come closer to the church, so that they too could enjoy the word of salvation.
“As Christians in disability community, we have different experiences.
There is an incident of a cleric, who was forced to retire because he lost his sight.
“We find it so painful, because, the church is where the less-privileged and PWDs expect to find comfort, just like Jesus Christ gave comfort to PWDs in the Bible.
“We want to partner with the church to enable us undertake advocacy for disability inclusion development.
“We want the church to set aside a day to celebrate PWDs. We want maximum support from CAN and the 36 states including FCT, to sponsor PWDs on pilgrimages, because, it will bring them closer to God.
“We also want churches to support the education of PWDs. It will also be good to build the capacity of the clergy, so they understand the rights of PWDs and know them better,” Lalu said.
He noted that a lot of PWDs, especially those on wheel chairs, did not have access to some churches due to the nature of the church buildings, adding that PWDs should not be left behind.
“We want to be part of the church and participate actively in the activities of the church.
“We are organising a Disability Summit and would want CAN and her Islamic counterpart to participate actively.
“This will go a long way to change the negative perception and narrative of PWDs and change their lives for the better”.
In his response, Okoh expressed gratitude for NCPWD’s visit, saying that it was good and timely, as he just assumed office as the President of CAN.
He said he was not a stranger to disability, narrating a story of how his sister working in a bank later became blind due to eye surgery that went bad.
“I want to offer myself to be patron of the disability community.
I have witnessed disability and lived with it.
I have pastors who have children with disabilities.
“I see this as an opportunity to work with you.
I want to assure you that we will partner with you on the Disability Summit.
“On accessibility, CAN has already done something.
There was a time that CAN gave directive to all churches to design their building to be disability-friendly.
“However, we will continue to gradually introduce these things in the structure of CAN, because, we recognise PWDs.
“On the issue of pilgrimage, we will continue to recommend that PWDs be considered.
And also, you can approach the Christian Pilgrims Board,” Okoh said.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Delta APC governorship candidate, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege has described the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III as an inspiration to many.
Omo-Agege in a statement in Abuja by Mr Ima Niboro, his Director, Communications and Media Strategy Campaign Organisation, lauded the royal father for his role in promoting national unity and enriching the cultural values of Nigeria.
He also lauded the monarch in celebration of his first coronation anniversary as the youngest Olu of Warri Kingdom to lead the itsekiri Ethnic Nation in over 500 years.
Omo-Agege said that as custodian of traditions, values and customs, traditional leaders had everything to galvanize all Nigerians towards peace, stability and progress of the country.
The Delta Central lawmaker, therefore urged traditional rulers to use their influential status to promote good governance and strengthen the unity of the nation.
He said that the revered monarch had always dignified the cultural values of the Itsekiri people with great passion.
“I humbly join our good people to thank God Almighty for graciously keeping you in good health and sound mind to celebrate your first coronation anniversary as the youngest Olu of Warri Kingdom, to lead the itsekiri Ethnic Nation in over 500 years.
“Our people deeply cherish Your Majesty’s distinct place of honour as the symbol of the pristine cultural heritage and values of our Itsekiri people.
“Your special regard for the value of positive human relationships and clear vision of a modern, well-governed and organised society that is driven by the power of godly living and innovation has endeared you to the people in unique ways,” he said.
Omo-Agege was accompanied to the Olu’s anniversary thanksgiving service by his running mate, Friday Osanebi; Delta APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie and other chieftains of the party.
The thanksgiving service, which was held at Foursquare Gospel Church, Warri was graced by the Gov. of Delta Ifeanyi Okowa, former governor, Chief James Ibori and Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori.
In his sermon, former President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, stressed the need for all to thank God at all times.
Oritsejafor urged Nigerians to appreciate God, no matter the difficult situation they faced.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, has commended Nigerian women for their drive in enhancing empowerment for economic development.
Eyong gave the commendation on Friday, in Abuja when she received a delegation from the National leadership of the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigerian (WOWICAN)
According to her, involving non government agencies and having other interreligious partnerships for women empowerment is a wise decision to grow an association and the country at large.
She noted that interrelationships also promoted peace in a nation and enhanced growth and development.
“Partnering traditional rulers and getting to the grassroots is very necessary for effective and efficient services, child education, challenges in capacity building and cooperative management, personal hygiene are critical and would be looked into,” she said.
She urged the women not to allow their children and wards get involved in electoral violence and malpractices such as rigging, vote buying and selling which had a long term negative effects on the society.
She said that UN Women had developed a new five-year plan from 2023 to 2027, known as “Our Strategic Notes,” adding that the plan was done in a unique way.
“We went round the six geo political zones and had town hall meetings; we met with the women and ensured they spoke out, expressing themselves.
“They told us what they wanted, how they wanted it and why.
We seek to know the issues and how they could be curbed”.
She noted that a holistic involvement programme which was multifaceted, multidimensional was developed as women’s needs were not the same and thus should be captured as presented by affected persons.
Eyong also said that her office had collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and other relevant agencies in how to tackle gender issues.
She said that the UN women would partner them in all they had listed for empowerment and curbing gender based issues as it concerned national development.
She further told them that the Federal Government had approved two major programmes initiated by the UN Women with other UN donor in support.
Eyong listed the programmes as rural women economic programme and the market women transformative initiative.
“The first which is the rural women economic programme, as we all know agriculture is the country’s backbone, we want to ensure food security and reinforce women capacity.
“We will inform and educate them of the market generally, hygiene and how to sell their produce anywhere by stating the details, price, quantity and location as companies and other countries will be involved in the trade.
“The second, which is the market women transformative initiative, food wastage and storage is a key factor resulting to poverty and all farmers should note and have a way to go around this.
“These farmers need to be transformed from informal to formal ways of carrying out their activities,” she said.
She assured them that the UN Women was with them for any women empowerment programme leading to national development.
“We are a credible partner and will like to work with you and the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) including the Muslim women.
In his speech, Osalobo Osemhenjie, Programme Specialist, Women’s Leadership and Participation, said women involvement and participation was critical as the general elections approached.
“We are going to different institutions, strengthening women leadership capacity.
This will enable them observe elections to mitigate Gender based violence and other election violence.
“We also collaborate with the media, political candidates, political parties, traditional rulers and the National Centre for Women Development,” she said.
Earlier, Deaconess Victoria Ihesiulor, National President, Women Wing of the CAN commended that UN Women , stressing that they had come to seek for partnership in women development programmes.
She sought for continuous assistance by the UN Women in gender equality globally, women’s empowerment and the girl child education.
“Our education programmes have helped out over 5,000 vulnerable families with educational materials, as well as adult literacy for educationally disadvantaged single mothers who are victims of rapes or had been abandoned.
“We have equally helped 3,500 educationally disadvantaged mothers to read and write at the basic levels.
Other areas she listed included economic empowerment to address challenges of capacity in business management for women.
The women also specially invited the UN Women representative to their national convention coming up in October in Enugu.
She said WOWICAN had membership strength of over 48 million women and girls across Nigeria.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Prelate Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Samuel Kanu-Uche, has urged Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic, and religious affiliations to work together in peace and unity for the progress of the country.
The Prelate gave the advice at the church’s 48th and 13th biennial conference, with theme “Prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ’’ being hosted by the arch diocese of Benue in Abuja.
He said the challenges facing the country could even be better solved if Nigerians, Muslims and Christians, pray and work together, adding that people of all faiths need to work for the sake of humanity.
“We need to work together for unity and peace of the country.
“We are to understand one another with love and respect, as our various religions teaches love and peace.
“We have serious security issues confronting us, we cannot be trading blames; we have a lot to do to curb this.
“What Nigeria is experiencing are signs of what has been recorded in the Bible for the second coming, we should be vigilant and ready, pray and be alert,’’ the prelate said.
He urged government to ensure fairness equity, justice and rule of law in the nation
“ Let there be peace, unity tolerance and let there not be dominance by any tribe or religion, because if there is, there will be resistance and there will be reactions, resulting to problems,’’ Kanu-Uche said.
For the forthcoming elections, the Prelate advised Nigerians to vote for integrity and not party, stressing “doing this will protect our future and that of the children and those yet unborn.
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He said that the conference was his last as his successor would be elected before his exit in November and thanked God for sustenance all through his tenure.
Deputy Gov of Benue, Benson Abounu,the Methodist Prelate,Kanu-Uche and his wife.
In his address at the occasion, Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue, prayed for unity and peace in Nigeria.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Benson Abounu, declared the conference open and urged the clergy and laity to pray for a return of peace in the country.
He said that there was need for leaders to be sensitive to things that worry the masses.
”Show sensitivity as far as our ethnic and tribal leanings are concerned, sensitivity as far as our religions and interest are concerned.
“Also, as far as our social engagements are concerned and our social cultural issues and interest are to be taken into consideration.
“No religion should have dominion over another; no ethnic group should have dominion over others.
” No social class should have dominion over the other as Nigeria belongs to everyone.
“Any choice anyone is making, he or she should put into consideration the aforementioned,’’ Kanu-Uche said.
He advised the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to fashion out a new leadership structure where all Christians could come together as one in order for Christians to have one voice.
Also, the President of CAN, Rev Daniel Okoh, represented by Apostle Abiodun Sanyaolu, Assistant Secretary General of the Christian Council of Nigeria, commended the prelate for his support to the church and association.
He advised the church to be prayerful and steadfast as the siege was on, adding that the church needs to march forth.
The CAN president said that only prayers and commitment were the solution to challenges being faced in the country.
In his address, the former Senate President, David Mark, advised Nigerians and the church to continue to pray for peace in the country.
“These conference will preach peace to Nigeria and ensure there is peace, I am sure all religion preaches peace and none preaches violence.
”As Christians and Moslems, we are the two major faiths and we need to do what pleases God and would develop our nation,’’ he said.
Most Rev Joseph Job, the Methodist Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, urged Christians to prepare their minds on issues bordering the nation, through prayers
He advised that as the general elections draws near, it was the duty of all Nigerians to first create an enabling environment to enable the elections, which would be achieved through prayers.
Also the Archbishop, Archdiocese of Benue, Most Rev. Oliver Aba, said the conference was aimed at discussing the growth of the church and the nation.
“ We pray for Nigeria, the church we must work as a team to achieve these, as our generations yet unborn will ask what we did to salvage the country from collapsing.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Archbishops of Methodist Churches in some West African countries including Ghana, Togo and Mali were in attendance at the conference to felicitate with the church and
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have signed a pact to de-escalate religious tension in the country ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The accord was signed during the International Religious Freedom Summit organised by the Global Peace Foundation and 70 international human rights and religious freedom groups in Washington D.
C.
This is contained in a statement signed by the immediate past President of CAN, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, issued on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr Saad Abubakar, who doubles as the President-General of NSCIA, was represented by Prof. Yusuf Usman, former Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme.
The apex Christian body was represented by Ayokunle.
Ayokunle said the two organisations agreed to encourage Muslims and Christians in the country to shun violence, embrace dialogue and remain committed to building resilient communities that are free from fear.
He added that the two religious bodies also promised to embrace a vision of common humanity and speak publicly on hope for Nigeria’s peaceful and bright future.
Ayokunle said that the pact was part of the determination of religious leaders to work together and lead Nigerians out of all current crises in the country.
According to him, much of the crisis in Nigeria have religious context, as such it is important to mobilise Muslims and Christians to ensure peaceful coexistence.
He commended the Sultan for his consistent advocacy for peaceful coexistence in the country.
According to him, the pact will help to build a stronger Nigeria that is able to tackle its challenges, including lack of security, accountability and corruption.
“The Declaration we signed lays out a number of principles that we believe all Nigerians can readily affirm.
“It states that all people are endowed by the Creator with inherent value and fundamental rights.
“Regardless of nationality, ethnicity, culture, region or the many other differences that often divide us, and that the essential freedom and dignity of every person must be respected and protected.
“The Declaration also calls for collaboration amongst the various traditions and faith communities in Nigeria, in order to advance the wellbeing of all and resolve conflicts peacefully.
”
He said that both NSCIA and CAN vocally rejected and condemned the use of violence and coercion to spread political or religious views and identities or demean ethnic, regional, or tribal affiliation.
Ayokunle added that the pact demanded for peaceful, free and fair elections in 2023.
He added that both religious bodies agreed to push for more judicial integrity and fairness and engage leaders to tackle insecurity, reprisal attacks, kidnapping, sexual violence and organised crime.
Other areas of concern, according to him, include food security, education, sustainable livestock production, hostile business environment and unemployment.
“Certainly, individuals will have different opinions as to the causes of and solutions to all of these problems.
“But far more importantly, we must share a fundamental commitment to the unity of Nigeria and to work collaboratively toward solutions through peaceful and respectful means,” he added.
Ayokunle said that religious leaders have a duty to shepherd their communities in a way that promotes peace.
“We call upon all religious and political leaders and all people of faith to develop and promote solutions that are grounded in the shared values of our common humanity,” he added.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN), Cross River chapter has urged the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to ensure that pesticides imported into Nigeria are of standard.
The association said this in a communique signed by its Chairman, and secretary, Mr Ejor Bissong and Mr Shittu Olawale, which was made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Calabar at the end of its meeting.
The association also called for the prohibition of substandard pesticides in the country.
It said unless something was done to salvage the situation, Nigeria was likely to lose patronage of its cocoa produce at the international market due to poor quality cocoa beans.
It called on government at all levels to ban the use of fake pesticides which was known to have negativity impact on the quality of cocoa beans and the price of Nigerian cocoa at the international market.
“Members of CAN should get copies of approved standards made available by SON, right methods of application of pesticides like the European Union (EU) standard or even the Japanese standard and adopt them.
“Both Federal and state governments should set up a taskforce that would monitor the quality of cocoa beans produced by farmers in the states to meet standard required at the International market.
“We need to move away from conventional cocoa to organic cocoa that is certified because the quality of our produce determines the country’s national image.
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According to him, there is the need for accr
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
A group, Yoruba Muslim Youths Organisation (YMYO) has urged the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to allow Nigerians to make their choice in 2023, without persecution.
This is contained in a statement by Coordinator, YMYO, Alhaji Muritala Abdulsalam in Ibadan on Tuesday.
Abdulsalam was reacting to attacks by CAN against the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2023 poll.
He said rather than issue a blanket condemnation on the APC ticket, CAN should compare the qualities of the candidates with those of other political parties.
Abdulsalam urged CAN to allow Nigerians to vote for candidates based on merit and not religious sentiment.
“What Nigerians are yearning for is good governance and unity.
Does the constitution recognises that an adherent of a particular sect be the president and running mate?
“CAN should focus on good governance and accountability, rather than on the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“CAN as a body of eminent Christian leaders, should not abdicate its primary responsibility by delving into politics.
“CAN is not a registered political party in Nigeria, why are the leaders getting more and more involved in politics,” he said.
Abdulsalam added: “What have the so-called Christian leaders in many of the states who had held sway as governors and even in the presidency done to the body of Christ over the years?
“What have they done differently from other rulers who have so far administered this nation.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
