From Attah Ede, Makurdi

President of Faith Women Fellowship Ministry International, Evangelist Lydia Idoko has assured Nigerians that God has begun to intervene in the affairs of the nation following persistent intercessory prayers.Speaking on the sidelines during the ministry’s 39th anniversary prayer conference held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, Sunday, Idoko expressed confidence that the country is already experiencing spiritual breakthroughs that will soon translate into visible transformation.

“We believe that God is already intervening in the realms of the spirit. The prayers have gone up, and we are now watching for the manifestation. God is at work and change is coming,” she declared.The event, themed “Prayer, a Lifeline,” brought together women and intercessors from various parts of the country for two days of intense supplication for Nigeria, with a particular focus on national leadership and the welfare of ordinary citizens.Idoko emphasised that prayer is not just a religious routine, but a powerful tool to influence governance and society.She maintained that while spiritual responsibility is key, those in political authority must also play their part by leading with compassion and integrity.“Leadership is a temporary assignment. Our leaders must listen to the cries of the people. If you must leave a legacy, you must care deeply for the people and walk in their shoes. Be transparent, be practical, and let your leadership make a difference in real lives,” she said.Idoko while reflecting on the ministry’s 39-year journey described it as one of resilience, divine encounters, and discovery, crediting the ministry’s longevity to the power of God and the consistency of prayer.“The triumph of these years is not by our strength, it is God’s doing. We have seen His hand in every situation, and that is why we believe He is already doing something new in Nigeria,” she said.Meanwhile, as the conference concluded, Evangelist Idoko called on citizens not to relent in prayer, assuring that while the process may not be immediate, divine intervention is already in motion.During her sermon, the woman of God who spoke on the theme ‘A heart of prayer ‘ drawn from Psalm 55 vs 16-17 emphasized on Christians to have sincerity of purpose and a pure heart free from hypocrisy and deceit.

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

In response to the significant impact of reduced foreign aid for the treatment of individuals living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the Cross River State Government has announced plans to incorporate these individuals into the State’s Health Insurance Scheme, which currently serves over ten thousand people.

Director General of the Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (CR-SACA), Dr.

Charles Iwara, revealed this initiative during a review meeting in his office in Calabar, attended by the Zonal Coordinator of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) South South and other stakeholders.

Dr.

Iwara commended Governor Bassey Otu for revitalizing the health insurance scheme and approving the integration of HIV patients. He also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and NACA’s Director General, Dr. Temitope, for their visionary leadership in establishing a sustainable framework for HIV response amidst challenging funding environments.

“Today, we stand at a critical juncture where our actions will shape the future of healthcare for individuals living with HIV in our State. We are pleased that support has come through our Health Insurance Scheme,” he stated passionately.

He highlighted the importance of accurately identifying and verifying people living with HIV (PLHIV) who would benefit from this integration, advocating for thorough processes to ensure that those who need it most receive comprehensive care without incurring direct costs.

Dr. Iwara also used the occasion to commend Governor Otu for the recent renovations to the SACA office, viewing the improvements as a means to attract more partners to the state’s HIV response efforts.

“A vibrant and welcoming work environment enhances our ability to coordinate effectively and collaborate with partners dedicated to fighting HIV,” he noted, emphasizing how such infrastructure changes can positively impact service delivery.

Earlier, the Zonal Coordinator of NACA South-South, Dr. Nnamso Thomas, who was at the instance of the Director General of NACA, Dr Timitope Ilori, reiterated Dr. Iwara’s sentiments, assuring him of the Federal Government’s support for the implementation of activities in the State.

He praised the Cross River State Governor’s commitment to improving health outcomes and acknowledged the substantial efforts made to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality for all citizens.

While commending the State for this initiative, Dr. Nnamso Thomas called for a collaborative strategy to solidify the integration of HIV patients into the State Health Insurance System as a pathway to sustainable health solutions.

Supported by representatives from organizations such as ECEWS, Heartland Alliance, and the Cross River Community Coalition on HIV/AIDS (CCCRN), the interface showcased a unified commitment to the integration process and the importance of aligning with national health goals.

Discussions also addressed potential challenges in integrating HIV services within the insurance model, with participants sharing innovative ideas for overcoming barriers, including public awareness campaigns and strategies for ensuring continuous funding.

The meeting featured a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Primary Health Care Agency, the State Action Committee on AIDS (CRSSACA), the State Health Insurance Agency, people living with HIV, and various implementing partners. This broad representation underscored a shared commitment to enhancing health outcomes for those affected by the virus.

From Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu

The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Callistus Chukwuma Onaga has called on Journalists to be Communicators of hope and not communicators of confusion in disseminating their information to the public.Bishop Onaga made this call during his homily in celebration of the 59th world communications day 2025 at Holy Ghost cathedral Enugu on Sunday, with the theme “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your heart”.

Onaga while sending the message of late Pope Francis on communications day noted that Journalists are the agents of communication pointing out their importance as the nerve centre of communication.He advised them to use communication to douse tension, make people calm and say what is happening but using the golden rule. “Use your pen to construct, build and not to destroy. Communication should enhance our common goal and not selfish goal”.”We should be prepared to explain hope that is in us. He who has not hope in him cannot communicate hope. Hope is a hidden virtue, hope is a necessary condition. Give people hope with what you communicate. When you want to write, think of what you want to achieve, most times communication does not generate hope but fear, despair, prejudice, hatred”.”Think of how best to heal your society through your reporting. Communicate truth in such a way that people can swallow it with ease. Communicate to brighten people’s lives for a better future. You have the opportunity to recreate the word, you have the potential and you can do it very well. Be a promoter of non-aggressive life, build bridges, avoid ethnic profiling”.”Do not peddle facts that do not exist. Do investigation that will support your facts, avoid exaggeration, Seek to restore life and not to make money or be popular. Stop unnecessary competition among yourself, give people their dues, stop posting falsehoods especially the social media influencers, help to make life hopeful and easier” he said.