Religion
Kogi Religious Council Tasks FG on Rising Insecurity
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Inter-Religious Council, (KOSIREC), has called on the Federal Government to set up an effective committee that will fight against rising cases of kidnapping, banditry and other criminalities across the country.
The Religious Council at its meeting in Lokoja Tuesday, said that the committee should be mandated to meet the people both in open and secret places, urban and local warring parties in the spirit of building a better Nigeria.
The Kogi State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Bishop John Ibenu made the call while speaking on the state of the nation during the forum.
Ibenu suggested that the Committee should include the religious, youth and leaders of thought representatives who could link up with extreme groups, saying ” force alone cannot solve all our problems”.
“As we are all aware, the nation is passing through a very trying period that nobody needs to enumerate one by one. When we consider the news of Kidnapping, Banditry, Regional crisis, Food security/Plight of farmers, Economic challenges among several others, we can only turn to God for mercy, forgiveness, and help.
“Comparatively, Kogi State is far ahead of the Northern States when we speak of security issues. At this point, we cannot continue to dwell on the problems but we need to come together for Brainstorming and Critical Thinking both for our State and the Nation at large. There is nothing wrong if the solution to the myriads of the problem of the Nation comes out of Kogi State.
“The atmosphere is toxic, the social media is toxic, political tones are toxic and several utterances are counterproductive to the peace we seek just as we can see. we need to intentionally and humbly tone down all the ungodly rhetoric, condemn what needs to be condemned and open genuine doors for dialogue,” he said.
Ibenu however, called on Nigerians to be fervent in prayers, preach the fear of God and support the government genuinely to overcome the present challenges.
In his remarks, the Kogi State Chairman, Jama’tu Nasril Islam, (JNI), Ambassador Usman Bello, sued for peace and unity among the people to put an end to the incessant killings in the nation.
He said everybody should be a stakeholder over insecurity bedeviling the country adding that through collective efforts, insecurity will be a thing of the past in Nigeria.
” Government alone cannot do it. The people must come together for the government to defeat this individuals causing pains in our land. We thank Kogi State Government for their relentless efforts in safeguarding the lives and properties in the state. We are however, using this opportunity to urge them to do more” he stated.
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said that there is no rancour over the ascension to the throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, as being widely speculated.
Makinde stated this while hosting his deputy, Bayo Lawal, and Muslim faithful within the government who paid him an Eid-el Firtri homage at visited his Ikolaba residence on Wednesday in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the nomination of the next Olubadan has been enmeshed in controversy since the death of Oba Lekan Balogun on March 15.
NAN also reports that a meeting of the Obas-in-council, to be presided over by Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, had been fixed for Thursday, where the nomination of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is expected to be ratified.
The meeting was scheduled few hours after a peace meeting initiated by some Ibadan elders, with Ladoja promising to withdraw the case instituted in court against the elevation of his fellow high chiefs to obaship status.
A new twist to the obaship controversy, however, emerged on Tuesday when the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, declared that the Olubadan-designate, Olakulehin, was not medically fit to ascend the throne.
The governor, however, warned those whose stock-in-trade was to look at things that will divide the state and its people to look for something else to do.
Rather, he said that they should focus on things that would enhance unity in the state.
Although Makinde said that the Ibadan Obas-in-Council had yet to meet on the nomination of the next Olubadan, he, however, added: “When they eventually make their nomination, they will come to me and I will either say ‘Yes’ or ‘No”.
He also seized the opportunity to call on the people of the state to come out en masse to vote during the local government election, slated for April 27.
The governor assured the residents of the state that the outcome of the council election would reflect their wishes.
He equally urged Muslims to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan in their respective daily activities.
Earlier, the deputy governor, who led the state government’s delegation to the Eid praying ground at Agodi, implored all Muslim faithful to sustain the peaceful and harmonious co-existence being enjoyed in the state.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Sheikh Abubakar Agbotomokekere, enjoined all Muslims to sustain abstinence from all vices, as they did during the Ramadan period.
Agbotomokekere called on the residents of the state to support government with prayers for the growth and development of the state and the country as a whole. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Mr Emeka Obegolu, has urged Nigerians to build a united nation, where business community can thrive and contribute to national development.
Obegolu said this in a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja to celebrate 2024 Easter festivities.
He called on the government and relevant stakeholders to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Reports that Easter, also known as Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, is a significant Christian festival.
It is celebrated to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ, three days after his crucifixion on Good Friday.
This festival represents the triumph of life over death and encompasses the crucifixion, burial, and subsequent resurrection of Christ.
Obegolu urged entrepreneurs and business owners to seize the opportunities presented by Easter to recommit themselves to excellence and innovation in their respective fields.
He reiterated the importance of supportive policies, infrastructure development and access to finance for sustainable business growth.
Obegolu also stressed the significance of fostering collaboration and partnerships among businesses, encouraging networking, knowledge-sharing and joint initiatives.
“By doing so, a solid foundation can be established for economic progress and job creation, ultimately contributing to national development.
“On behalf of the Executive Council and members of ACCI, I extend warm wishes for a joyful and blessed Easter celebration to all Nigerians.
“And l encourage everyone to embrace the true spirit of Easter, characterised by love, forgiveness and hope, as we work together towards building a prosperous and united nation. (NAN)
Pope Francis called on the faithful to rejoice and hope in spite of the personal and global political crises at the celebration of the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.
These crises are “boulders of death,” the head of the Catholic Church said in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Specifically, he mentioned the ruthlessness of hatred and the cruelty of war, which break the longing for world peace, but also selfishness and indifference.
The 87-year-old said Easter would roll away those boulders.
Around 6,000 people attended the celebration to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ in St. Peter’s Basilica.
According to Francis, Easter should encourage people and give them hope: “This is the power of God: the victory of life over death, the triumph of light over darkness, the rebirth of hope in the midst of the ruins of failure.
”After Holy Week, the Easter Vigil is a cause for joy, he said.
“Sister, brother, may your heart burst into joy on this holy night!” the pontiff said in his homily.
On the night before Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his death on the cross.
At the beginning of the celebration, the Easter candle was carried through St. Peter’s Basilica in a procession in complete darkness – the darkness is intended to symbolise life without faith.
The candles of the priests and faithful were then lit from the Easter candle to the cry of “Lumen Christi,” Latin for the “Light of Christ.”
During the celebration, Francis baptized eight adults: four Italians, two South Koreans, a Japanese man and a woman from Albania.
The pontiff performed the ceremony sitting down.
Francis read his sermon himself, but his voice was hoarse.
On Good Friday, he had surprisingly decided not to take part in the Stations of the Cross service in order to preserve his health.
On Sunday, he plans to preside over the Easter Mass and give the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, Latin for to the city and the world. (dpa/NAN)
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