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Catholic Bishops Kick Against Decisions of Nairobi Conference on Population
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Wednesday criticised the outcome of the recently concluded International Conference on population and Development (ICPD +25) in Nairobi.
The bishops at a press conference in Abuja, with the theme; ”Towards Integral Human Development,” stressed that the church stood for life, the natural family of man and a woman, and the natural way of regulating births.
The Most Rev.
Hyacinth Egbebo, Episcopal Chairman, CBCN, Family and Human Life Committee Bishop of Bomadi, said sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights” is a coded language (euphemism) for contraception, abortion, and sterilisation’’.Egbebo said that The Holy See objected to the summit where contraception, abortion, transgenderism and contraception were projected as a global rights of women.
He said all that was projected at the conference was against the sanctity and dignity of human life from conception to natural death.
”They are against our faith as Catholics.
“The killing of an unborn child and wilful disruption of women’s natural rhythm of fertility cannot be accepted as normal.
”We continue to affirm that human life is sacred and belongs to God; it begins at conception a fact which is universally-known by the scientific community.
”Therefore, any action taken after fertilisation has occurred summarily destroys a living human life a person with his or her own rights to life.
”Lesbianism, Tayism, bisexuality, Transgenderism, Gueer and Gender Indeterminism are disordered sexual orientations, and are not accepted by the Catholic Church as a normal way of life.
”The philosophy and practices are against our concept of being made in the image and likeness of God,” he added.
The Archbishop of Kaduna, the Most Rev. Matthew Ndagosa, said that human sexuality was not a disease to be controlled.
”It is therefore, curious that instead of helping to address the genuine health needs of Africa and other developing countries, women’s bodies are medicalised, mechanised with different gadgets, and accused of being the cause of the world’s “population” problems.
”Everyone knows that ”overpopulation” is a myth: the world is not overpopulated.
”Concerned citizens can clearly see the political and economic drivers of the persistent focus on Africa and other developing nations by the Western vested interests.
Ndagosa said the church did not attend “this infamous convention on account of its dangerous agenda which included:
”Attacks against all that the Church holds dear such as: natural family and its values, respect for the dignity of human life from conception to natural death, respect for the dignity of every human being, love for children, two genders of male and female. ’’
Another curious feature of the conference was that all those who were perceived to be in opposition to their set unholy agenda, especially, pro-family and pro-life groups, were effectively and systematically excluded from participating,” he said.
The conference held from Nov. 12 to Nov. 15, and attended by 160 countries stressed the need for intensified efforts for the full, effective and accelerated implementation of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
The agenda includes universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights for zero unmet need for family planning information and services and universal availability of quality, accessible, affordable and safe modern contraceptives.
The conference also advocated access to safe abortion to the full extent of the law and avoiding unsafe abortions, as well as the provision of post-abortion care in national Universal Health Care strategies, policies and programmes,
It also called for access for adolescents and youth, especially girls, to comprehensive and responsive information, education and adolescent-friendly comprehensive services to be able to make free and informed decisions and choices about their sexuality and reproductive lives, to protect themselves from unintended pregnancies. (NAN)
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Two Students Die in Kogi Road Crash – FRSC
The Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), has confirmed the death of two students in a ghastly accident involving two trucks and two tricycles along Felele road, Lokoja, Kogi.
,Mr Samuel Oyedeji, the FRSC Sector Commander in Komi, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Friday in Lokoja
Oyedeji said that eight persons were involved in the accident while two students died and four injured while two escaped unhurt.
He said that the injured were rushed to the hospital for medical attention while the corpses of the two passengers, one of whom was a student of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) and the other Kogi Polytechnic student.
Oyedeji said that one of the two trucks’ break failed and lost control thereby rammed into the two tricycles.
Oyedeji advised motorists to always ensure that their vehicles were in good condition before embarking on a journey.
An eye witness, who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, said the accident occurred about 10 am.
He said it included a female student of FUL, and another female student of Kogi Poly by name Abu Taiwo Abimbola of the Department of Science Laboratory and Technology.
“A heavily loaded articulated vehicle heading for Abuja axis along Felele, in Lokoja lost control and rammed into a Keke tricycle that was carrying passengers heading to town.
“A female student of the Federal University of Lokoja and another female of Kogi Poly, Lokoja died while other passengers were seriously injured.
“An identification card of the late female student of Komi Poly by name Covenant Omolola Isaac of Department of Geology was recovered from the accident scene.
“The bodies of the two female students were deposited at the Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, by some Officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission,”.
Meanwhile, the President of the National Association of Science Laboratory and Technology Student, Kogi Poly chapter, Mr Caleb Kelvin, has issued a press statement over the demise of the female student.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of our cherished member, Abu Taiwo Abimbola, who tragically lost her life earlier today in a road accident along Felele road, Lokoja.
“This devastating loss has left all of us in shock and deep sorrow.
“Abimbola, was more than just a member of our association; she was a beacon of hope and inspiration to everyone around her.
“Her kindness, dedication, and passion for education made her an exceptional part of our community. leaving behind a legacy of love and excellence.
“As we mourn this heartbreaking loss, we extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and loved ones. We pray for strength and comfort for them during this incredibly difficult time.
“In honor of her memory, the association will be organizing a tribute and memorial service to celebrate her remarkable life.
“Details of the event will be shared in due course, and we encourage everyone to join us in paying our final respects.
“Taiwo Abimbola will forever remain in our hearts. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in perfect peace Amen,” Caleb said. (NAN)
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Minister Lauds Police, NPTF over Synergy on Capacity of Personnel
The Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam has commended the synergy between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) in enhancing the capacity of police personnel.
Gaidam gave the commendation on Friday in Abuja during the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a modern and smart Divisional Police Headquarters in Mpape area of Abuja.
The project include the construction of rank and file quarters for personnel of the force.
Gaidam, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Police Affairs, Mr Yusuf Argungu, said it would enhance the security of lives and property in the area.
According to him, with the Police Divisional Headquarters, citizens commuting every day for their daily activities will be protected from the danger of kidnapping, “one chance”, armed robbery and other related crimes.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force to continue to promote synergy with citizens, and other security agencies to uphold the responsibility of law enforcement and prosecuting offenders.
“The Federal Government is poised to ensure the emergence of a world-class police force that is inclusive, intelligence-led, technology-driven and community-based.
“This is to have a police that is alive to its constitutional responsibilities and committed to implementing the ongoing comprehensive police reform.
“The idea is to revolutionise the policing landscape of the country by fostering inclusivity, community engagement, intelligence-driven operations and technological integration,” he said.
In his remark, the Executive Secretary of NPTF, Mr Mohammed Sheidu, said the execution of the project was more than just bricks and mortar.
He said the project represents the collective resolve of NPTF and other stakeholders to provide the Police with modern infrastructure.
According to him, the idea is to enhance the operational capacity of the force and improve the welfare of its personnel.
He said the commitment, guidance and collaboration was instrumental to the vision of modernising police infrastructure and improving the welfare of its officers
Sheidu said the Divisional Headquarter would feature state of the art facilities, while the rank and quarters would provide decent and comfortable housing for police personnel.
He said the focus was to foster an environment where police personnel could strive both personally and professionally.
“ I want to emphasise the importance of the initiative to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation at large.
“We are entrusting you with the responsibility to deliver a world class facility that meets the highest standard of quality and excellence.
“We urge you to work efficiently and diligently to ensure timely completion of the project expected to be delivered in four months. (NAN)
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National Art Theatre’s Festival of Unity Begins in Lagos
The annual Festival of Unity organised by the National Arts Theatre has begun, with stakeholders praising the new management for ensuring continuity of the event.
The 2024 edition has the theme: “Rebranding Boundless Opportunities: Celebrating Unity and Inclusivity”.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday in Lagos, Mrs Tola Akerele, General Manager and Chief Executive of the National Arts Theatre, said the programme aimed to unite the nation through diverse cultures.
”And we believe this necessitates the continuation of the programme and its theme,” she said.
Akerele emphasised that Nigeria has immense potential to showcase to the world and that the National Theatre remains committed to promoting this.
“Our diverse cultures are what we will use to celebrate ourselves together in unity, and it’s essential for us to do this.
“The new management has rebranded the event to attract more activities, with a focus on exploring boundless opportunities in the culture and entertainment industry.
“We will have more initiatives and programmes to engage stakeholders in the industry, and by next year, we will hit the ground running,” Akerele said.
Report says that the event kicked off with a colourful display of talking drums and energetic dances from various troupes.
Upcoming musicians also had the opportunity to showcase their talents in music, dance, comedy, and drama shows, entertaining the audience.
Mr Jide Ogunlana, immediate past Secretary of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), praised the National Theatre’s initiative, saying it had been all-embracing in the past and would continue to contribute to the development of Nigerian culture.
“The National Theatre’s annual Festival of Unity aims to foster unity among different Nigerian cultures, and stakeholders believe this year’s edition will be a success.
“With its rebranded theme and focus on promoting Nigerian culture, the event is expected to bring people together and showcase the country’s immense potential,” Ogunlana said. (NAN)