The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, Most Rev. Michael Ukpong, has charged the Catholic media practitioners to help disseminate the Church doctrines among the youths.

Ukpong gave the charge on Wednesday, when a group, known  as the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), paid him a courtesy visit in his office at the Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia.

He described the knowledge deficit  among the Catholic faithful as worrisome, saying that the phenomenon was more prevalent among the younger generation.

The cleric said that the prevailing delinquencies and societal ills could be attributed to ignorance and the lack of knowledge.

“All these challenges that we are witnessing are as a result of ignorance and the lack of knowledge,” he said.

Ukpong further appealed to the CAMPAN members to enhance their activities, in order that the church would feel their impact more.

“The association can do better to make greater impact in the church.

“You can also help to ensure that the activities of the church go viral in the social media because that is now the global trend,” the clergyman said.

He advised the National President of the group, Mr Chimdi Oluoha, to ensure that he excelled in his assignment in order to bring honour rather than shame to his home diocese.

He promised that the church would do the best within the available reaources to support him to succeed.

Earlier, the Abia Chairman of CAMPAN, Mr Hyacinth Okoli, said the visit was to invite the bishop to the 2024 World Communications Day celebration, scheduled for Sunday.

Okoli, represented by his vice, Mr Chikezie Onyeabor, also formally presented the new National President to the bishop during the visit.

Reports says that Oluoha, who was the immediate past Abia Chairman of the group, was elected at the association’s 2024 Convention held in Isele-Ukwu, Delta State, last week.

In a brief remark, Oluoha promised to discharge the duties of his office diligently and efficiently to take the association and the Church to higher height. (NAN)

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)