NEWS
Obey Mourns Son’s Death, Launches Ministry against Alcoholism, Drug Addiction
Renowned music icon, Evang. Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, has launched “Freedom from Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Ministry (FADAM)” against alcoholism and drug addiction among Nigerian youths.
This is contained in a statement signed by the General Manager of his music group, Mr Tunji Odunmbaku, which was made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan.
Newsmen report that Obey-Fabiyi had during vacation in UK, received news of the death of his 48-year-old son, Olayinka Obey-Fabiyi, on July 28.
Newsmen report that Obey-Fabiyi had launched the ministry as part of his efforts to join forces in the fight against alcoholism and drug addiction among younger generation in Nigeria and in Diaspora.
Obey-Fabiyi said that the newly launched ministry was aside his popular Decross Gospel Mission and Ebenezer Obey Evangelistic Ministry.
He said the new ministry was launched in UK to turn pains of his son’s death into a solution ministry for parents and families of youths passing through the same experience.
The renowned musician said that the effort was to “massively enlighten and educate youths on the danger of alcoholism as well as drug addiction”.
He said that FADAM would also become an avenue to assist parents as well as families of alcoholic and drug-addicted youths.
According to him, it will allow them to overcome the challenges and make their children better citizens of society.
Obey-Fabiyi expressed sadness over the death of his son, saying that he tried all he could, as a father, to help fight against his weakness, but to no avail.
“The doctors called me six months ago to inform me that Yinka has less than six months to live; this was very painful and bad news that a father must not hear about his son since then.
“l went back to the Holy Spirit to teach me what to do and the result of my communication with the Holy Spirit is the launching of this ministry.
“I have received several condolence messages from all and sundry. l appreciate and thank you all for your love and concern,” he said.
Obey-Fabiyi, then thanked his late son’s friends for their efforts and supports, appreciating Shina, his eldest son, for coordinating all his younger ones for extra and special care for Yinka till the end.
Obey-Fabiyi also thanked the pastors, elders and the entire Decross Family for everything.
“Once again, I appreciate all condolences, but let us rather turn further condolences to prayer support of this new ministry to help those who are in pain of alcoholism and drug addiction.
“Job 22:21 says ‘Acquaint now thyself with God, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.’ Get out of Alcoholism, Get out of Drugs. Jesus Loves you,” the musician said.
Obey-Fabiyi assured fans and music lovers that the incident, though sad, would not in any way affect all his pending performance engagements.
According to him, all engagements and commitments remain valid and unaffected.(NAN)
NEWS
FG Declares Public Holidays for Christmas, New Year
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, Thursday and Jan.1, 2025 as public holidays.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on Monday in Abuja.
According to Ajani, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said that the public holidays were to enable citizens to celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day and the New Year respectively.
“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal.
“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” the Minister.
Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of the season as a time to foster harmony and to strengthen bonds across families and communities.
He assured citizens of the federal government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.
He further expressed confidence in the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration for a better and prosperous economy in 2025.
The Minister, on behalf of the federal government sent warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.(NAN)
NEWS
Hoodlums Attack Etsu Lokoja’s Palace, Raze Properties
Some suspected hoodlums on Saturday attacked the palace of Etsu Lokoja, Chief Emmanuel Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, burning properties within the premises, including a vehicle.
The palace, located on plot 306, New Layout, Lokoja, was allegedly attacked by hoodlums at about 1:00 am on Saturday.
The Nupe Natives of Lokoja Development Union were planning to host the 2nd edition of the Nupe Natives end-of-the-year event, tagged “Lokoja ’24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta,” on Dec.
21, 2024, before the incident occurred.The event was, however, aborted due to the unfortunate attack.
Dauda-Shelika said this on Monday in Lokoja that he heard a big bang on my door at around 1 am.
“I woke up to check through the window, wondering what could have happened.
“Then, I suddenly saw wildfire coming out of my car that was set ablaze by attackers.
“I knew it was an attack on the palace, and therefore I could not come out because of fear of being attacked. So, I managed to come out through the back door and scaled the fence to escape for my life.
“Thereafter, I came out to the road and realised that all my neighbours in the community were on the ground trying hard to quench the fire, but unfortunately the car was burnt as well as other properties inside it.”
The traditional ruler appealed to the government and security agencies to investigate the cause of the attack and bring perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.
He admonished Nupe natives in Lokoja to avoid any reprisal attack but continue to remain peaceful and law abiding and allow the government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation of the attack.
“We are appealing to Gov. Ahmed Ododo and security agencies to please use their good offices to investigate this unfortunate incident and bring to justice whoever is concerned, whether directly or indirectly.
“We also want the government to kindly visit our issues by recognising and grading the stool of Etsu Lokoja, which had been in existence before colonisation,” he said.
He stated that the Lokoja Local Government Area chairman and his security team came for an on-the-spot assessment that Saturday morning, as well as the police and other security outfits.
The National President, Nupe Natives Union Lokoja, Alh. Abubakar Ndashite, said the event scheduled for Saturday was a celebration of Nupe cultural heritage and not any form of coronation as being insinuated from some quarters.
Ndashite, who doubles as the chairman of the planning committee, said the aborted event was to project the Nupe spirit and culture as well as the rich history of the diversely composed Lokoja community and the peaceful and harmonious coexistence among her.
He expressed his displeasure over the aborted cultural event, noting that the union had expended so much on it, and urged the government to bring perpetrators to book. (NAN)
NEWS
Eight Dead, Three Injured in Ohafia Road Crash
The Abia Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of eight persons with two others injured in a road traffic crash that occurred along the Bende-Ohafia Road.
A statement by the Sector Commander, Mrs Ngozi Ezeoma, on Monday in Umuahia said that the crash occurred on Sunday along the Mmuri River axis of the road in Ohafia Local Government Area of the state.
She said the crash involved a Trailer carrying chippings which hit and fell on a Sharon Volkswagen vehicle with 10 persons on board.
“At the time of the crash eight persons had died including a woman standing by the roadside and three were injured.
“The injured victims were taken to the hospital while the dead ones were deposited at the morgue,” she said.
Ezeoma said that preliminary investigation revealed that the crash was caused by dangerous driving and excessive speeding. (NAN)