NEWS
Bayelsa Receives US-based Gospel Preacher.
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has said the practice of Christianity was increasingly becoming more challenging and losing its grip on society in contemporary times due to dilution of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, made the assertion during a visit on him by the General Overseer of the General Church of New Jerusalem, United States of America, Right Rev. Peter Buss, at Government House, Yenagoa, at the weekend.
The Deputy Governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, noted that most Christians were not only neglecting the Great Commission of making disciples for Christ but also self-seeking.
He opined that the contemporary church was fast losing its respect and impact in society as a result of its seeming promotion of materialism and miracles to the detriment of morality and salvation of souls.
Ewhrudjakpo, expressed concern over the influence of the Internet and social media on the body of Christ, pointed out that the leadership of the Church had a huge responsibility to ensure that messages from the pulpit were recalibrated to positively affect humanity.
According to him, because of the level of enlightenment and conflicting ideas about whom God is, true Christianity appeared to be losing grounds than it was gaining.
Advising Christians, particularly the clergy, to emulate Apostle Paul in their Christian race, he urged the Church not to lay more emphasis on miracles and prophecies at the expense of the gospel of salvation.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo who expressed gratitude to Rt. Rev Peter Buss for the visit, prayed that his activities in Bayelsa would bring an uplift not only to the General Church of New Jerusalem but to the entire Christian community in the state.
“Can we say that Christianity is living up to expectation? That is a question, we all as Christians should use in interrogating ourselves. Is Christianity gaining more grounds or losing its grip on society?
“Is the message of Christianity today still the same as the one Christ preached? Is it message of the Cross or message of the Crown? If it is message of the Crown, people will be looking at the glory or gain without looking at the pain.
“People will not want to work through Calvary to get into the Crown of glory. Christianity, for me, is more challenged now than the period of the Apostles.
“It is more challenged now because of the effect of social media, conflicting ideas about who God is and more challenged because of the level of enlightenment and the comfort human beings enjoy now.
“Salvation is neglected on the altar of prosperity and miracles. The message of the Church is now coated with materialism and miracles. Are we trying to materialize God? ” he asked.
The General Overseer of the General Church of New Jerusalem, USA, Right Rev Peter Buss, said he and his team were in the state for a number of programmes including a Christian seminar and elevation of the Resident Pastor, Rev Kuroakigha Ebute-Metta to a higher rank.
Rt. Rev. Buss, who was accompanied on the visit by the Regional Pastor in charge of West Africa, Rev. Martin Kofi Ceyamfi of Ghana, explained that the General Church of New Jerusalem was founded on the sound doctrines of the Bible with passion for saving souls.
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of copies of different Christian books authored by the Cleric to the Deputy Governor.
From Yagana Ali, Yola
The Adamawa State Health Supply Management Agency has introduced sweeping reforms in the state’s healthcare delivery system, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of quality medicines to health facilities across the state.The agency’s Executive Secretary, Dauda Deri disclosed that the new system allows the state to procure drugs directly from certified pharmaceutical manufacturers, cutting out middlemen and guaranteeing quality, safety and affordability.
The new system enables the state to receive supplies directly from manufacturers, ensuring that every batch of drugs can be traced and any problems swiftly addressed.This development is a significant step towards eliminating substandard medications and improving the overall quality of healthcare in the state.Deri emphasized that the centralization of drug procurement with reliable data has not only improved efficiency but also reduced costs, making medicines more affordable for both the poor and the general public. Governor Fintiri’s prioritization of healthcare has been instrumental to the agency’s success, and the state’s swift establishment of the Health Supply Management Agency has been recognized nationally.The agency’s recapitalization has also revitalized the pharmacy profession in the state, with pharmacists who previously left the state for better opportunities returning to Adamawa. The government has provided all necessary working tools, encouraging pharmacists to join the civil service.With newly built hospitals, upgraded facilities, and a steady supply of quality drugs, the Adamawa State Health Supply Management Agency is setting a new standard for healthcare delivery in the region. The agency’s efforts are expected to improve the health and well-being of the people of Adamawa State, and its success serves as a model for other states in Nigeria.From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
A US based Film Director, Taiwo Oduala has commended the unprecedented achievements and humanitarian services being rendered to the less privileged by philanthropists and corporate organisations.Oduala gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Lokoja.
The Nigerian born film director, who hosts the Afro Awards in Los Angeles, America, said life is all about service to God and humanity, no matter how low or highly placed in the society. He said that the love for mankind that some individuals and organizations are displaying across the globe gave birth to the Afro Awards four years ago.The founder and executive producer of the Afro Awards, said the awards were solely aimed to recognize and honor individuals, who have demonstrated exceptional humanitarian excellence in various fields.”The first event was held on Nov. 6, 2022, at Regal La Live, 1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, California and hopefully by Oct. 24, we shall be holding the 4th edition of the award.”The Afro Awards has hosted and honored over 5,000 individuals since its inception, recognizing their contributions to humanitarianism and philanthropy in American and African communities alike,” he said.According to him, the 2025 event promises an unforgettable evening of glitz, glamour, and powerful recognition of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to humanity, leadership, arts, entertainment, and global excellence.He added, “AFRO Awards is an international celebration dedicated to honoring the achievements of individuals and organizations that exemplify humanitarian values and excellence in their respective fields.”Looking at the past honorees including global icons, philanthropists, and change-makers, we believe the AFRO awards will continue to stand as a symbol of unity, inspiration, and cultural pride.”
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
His Royal Majesty, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, the Akinrin of Ekinrin in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi state has commended Governor Usman Ododo’s Leadership Style with a promise to complement government’s efforts in maintaining peace and order in his domain.
He said Governor Ododo’s administration has been impactful and demonstrated a high level of human face leadership capacity. His Royal Majesty gave the commendation while speaking at the one-year anniversary of his receipt of the staff of office as a first-class traditional ruler.”One year ago, the Akinrin of Ekinrin was honored with the staff of office by Governor Usman Ododo during a colorful ceremony attended by a large crowd at the Kogi State Government House’s Glass House in Lokoja, Kogi State. Myself and my subjects remain eternally grateful to the Governor and will continue to be solidly behind your people-oriented administration”When God says yes, no individual or group can say no. I, Oba Johnson Kolade Otitoju, the Akinrin of Ekinrin, am profoundly grateful to God for this gesture. On behalf of the Ekinrin community in Ekinrin-Adde, I also extend my gratitude to the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for elevating the Ekinrin throne to its first-class status.”The two significant events—the grading of the stool and the presentation of the staff of office—are truly memorable. To God be the glory.”I would like to thank all the friends of Akinrin and the Ekinrin community, both in Ekinrin-Adde and beyond, who have congratulated Oba Akinrin and the Ekinrin community. Thank you, good people!”Let me reiterate what I often say: our unity is not only our strength; it is also our path to progress and the ultimate reason we are here. I encourage all of you to love one another, for God is love. Congratulations to everyone in Ekinrin-Adde”
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