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FCTA Tasks Clergymen in Fight Against COVID-19

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FCTA, Abuja
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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

Federal Capital Territory Administration,, has tasked clergymen in Nigeria to support the government in the fight against the global novel Coronavirus pandemic.

The Chairman, FCT Task Team on Enforcement, Mr Attah Ikharo made the call during an enforcement exercise on Sunday in Abuja.

Ikharo, while preaching the danger associated with congregational prayers at this period, urged the clergymen to engage their members into worship through online and diverse social media platforms such as WhatsAPP, facebook and instagram.

Attah who was satisfied with the level of compliance by the FCT residents in some of the areas the team visited, rated the success at 96 percent.

He urged them to continue to collaborate with the government and report any worship center and social gathering within their vicinity that failed to comply with the stay at home directive by the government at this trying period.

” Well I think we went round most part of the metropolis, we went round Kubwa, Byanzhi, Gwarimpa and I think the compliance from my own point of view from the churches, I can put it at 96 percent which is total compliance.

“They all work closely with government, they all shot down worship center and so far so good, they are all home praying and doing their prayers. I think for compliance to me is very very high”, he reiterated.

The Chairman who addressed a community at Byanzhi in Kubwa,  stressed that government is not banning Church or Mosque services for ever but it action was just for this trying period and was optimistic that very soon it will be over and people will go back to their live.

According to him, ” We have move round Abuja and all churches and Mosque are closed and the one that is opened is around this place. Please we are begging all of you, is your own area, so please, we are begging all of you, we are not saying any church or mosque is banned for ever, no. Now that we all know that we get problem, we all know Corona. Those of us who are Muslim, do ablution and pray in your houses and those of us who are Christian, make we sing praises prayer for our family and the country”.

In one of the worship centers the team visited in Byanzhi at Kubwa, a suburb of the FCT,  ” Rhema Assembly Church”, the Pastor of the church,  Pastor Prince Onyekachi and three other members were seen playing gospel music and engaging other members of the church  at home through online worship.

While speaking to Journalists, Pastor Onyekachi who commended the government for taking such action noted that, government is after their health and that they don’t have any reason to disobey them.

” So this morning what you met here is not a church service. Most of the people you see here leave here which if you go in there you will see their bags and clothing. So we just came out to make sure we get to the rest members at home through social media which if I get my tablet and open it, you will see the messages that I sent to them this morning which we did from here”, he added.

It could be recalled that FCT is second in the country with recorded cases of 45 with one death after Lagos State which has recorded more than a hundred cases with two deaths.

Religion

Palm Sunday: CAN President Tasks Leaders to Emulate the Humility of Christ 

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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja 

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Sunday,  tasks leaders in Nigeria to always ensure they  emulate the virtue of unity and humility exemplified by Jesus Christ no matter the situation and ensure peaceful coexistence.

His Eminence stated this in his message to Christian faithfuls marking  the Palm Sunday, and made available to media in Abuja, he said in the midst of challenges ranging from insecurity, economic uncertainties amongst others, this period offers everyone a beacon of light and inspiration.

The  statement which His Eminence, personally signed, he said: “As we observe Palm Sunday, a day that holds profound significance in the Christian faith, I humbly extend my heartfelt greetings to all Nigerians.

This sacred day commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, a moment marked by jubilation, hope, and symbolism that transcends time.

“In the midst of our current realities in Nigeria, where we are confronted with a myriad of challenges ranging from social unrest to economic uncertainties and tensions, the essence of Palm Sunday offers us a beacon of light and inspiration.

“The image of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, instead of a war chariot or an exotic means of transportation, and being welcomed by crowds waving palm branches and laying their cloaks on the ground, serves as a poignant reminder of humility for our leaders and the power of peace and collective faith for all citizens.

“In reflecting on the lessons of Palm Sunday for contemporary Nigerian society, we are called to emulate the virtue of unity exemplified by Jesus Christ. Just as the people of Jerusalem set aside their differences to welcome the Prince of Peace, let us set aside our prejudices, grievances, and animosities to foster a spirit of harmony, reconciliation, and understanding among ourselves.

“At this critical juncture in our nation’s history, as we navigate through turbulent waters and strive towards a more prosperous and equitable society, let us draw strength from the enduring message of Palm Sunday. Let us remember that in times of adversity, faith can move mountains and bridge divides, and love can conquer all.

“Witnessing the unfolding events in our nation, let us heed the call to action embedded in the spirit of Palm Sunday. Let us be beacons of hope and agents of positive change in our communities, extending a hand of friendship to our neighbors, showing kindness to the marginalized, and upholding justice for the oppressed.

“As we embark on this journey of reflection and renewal during the holy season of Palm Sunday, may we be guided by the timeless teachings of Christ, and may we emerge as a stronger, more united Nigerian society, bound together by the common values of peace, justice, and solidarity. May the blessings of Palm Sunday be upon you and your families.”

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Ash Wednesday: Be Sensitive to Plight of Nigerians, Cleric to Political Office Holders 

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Rev. Fr. Christian Oji, the Parish Priest, Holy Family Parish Ologo in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State, has appealed to political office holders to be sensitive to the plight of Nigerians.

Oji, who made the appeal in his Ash Wednesday sermon, advised politicians to use the lenten period to end the current economic hardship facing Nigerians.

The priest said that the political class appeared to be insensitive to the people’s sufferings, adding that the challenges facing the country were not natural but man-made.

“This is as a result of wrong policies, corruption, wickedness and insensitivity of many political office holders.

“I call on our leaders to have a rethink and come back to Christ, who is the giver of knowledge to seek wisdom to rule Nigeria.

“They should do everything humanly possible to change the face of Nigeria because people are really suffering, while the country is going down.

“Unless they take action now, something drastic may happen in future but we don’t pray for that.

“I call on them to rise and emulate Christ by making efforts to change Nigeria,” the clergyman said.

He also spoke on the meaning of the Ash Wednesday, being the beginning of Lent.

According to him, the event signifies that we are nothing but ash and ash we shall return.

“It is a period where churches all over the world come together to make preparations to undergo 40 days retreat bearing the cross with Christ.

“Ash Wednesday as the beginning of Lent, runs through 40 days before Easter, and today serves as the beginning of those 40 days of intensive retreat among Christians to reflect the passion of Christ.

“It signifies that we are nothing but dust and we are going back to dust, and it also makes us understand that apart from Christ we are nothing.

“Therefore, Christians are expected to engage in spiritual activities of fasting, praying, abstinence and alms giving,” Oji said.

He said that the message of Ash Wednesday and Lent was for humanity to give their lives to Christ.

“With the spate of insecurity, economic hardship, it is time that Christians came together to pray fervently for God to take control of this country.

“We should pray to God to intervene and deliver this country from going into self-destruction,” he said. (NAN)

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Christmas: CAN Youth Wing calls for Sober Reflection

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The Youth Wing, Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), has called on Nigerians to use Christmas as a moment of sober reflection to redirect all thinking and actions towards nation building.

The Chairman of YOWICAN, Enugu State, Mr Chekwube Ani, made the call in a Christmas message made available to newsmen in Enugu on Sunday.

According to Ani, Christmas should not be a time of festivities alone.

It should be a moment of deep sober reflection.

He said: “We should take out time in this season to evaluate ourselves and the society to see how much we have appreciated and promoted the salvation work of God.

“The gift of Jesus, whom we celebrate His birth during Christmas, is for reconciliation and salvation of mankind.

“This gift of Jesus was borne out of love and is for all men, John 3:16. Therefore, let us take this season to reconcile with our maker and demonstrate love to one another as God did to us.

“As we celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ this year, let us be mindful of who we celebrate; what He represents and what He does.”

Ani also appreciated Gov. Peter Mbah, for the massive work done in security, health, education, agriculture, road construction, water project, tourism and other infrastructural works ongoing around the state.

He said: “We pray for Grace to sustain this great work. Also, we urge the people of Enugu State to support the government for more dividends of democracy.

“Congratulations to His Excellency, Peter Mbah, on his recent victory at the Supreme Court. Indeed, our tomorrow is here with great expectations.” (NAN)

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