By Emmanuel Afonne

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Kubwa, has inaugurated a new archdeaconry in Abuja to further propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Rt. Rev. Duke Akamisoko, the Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, who inaugurated the new archdeaconry (Kubwa North Archdeaconry) with headquarters at the Church of Transfiguration, Arab Road, Kubwa, Abuja, said that the parish deserved its new status.

The new archdeaconry–Kubwa North–with Venerable Emeka Anyaora, as the Archdeacon, comprised six local churches in the area.

They are St. James Gbazango, Kubwa, Church of Epiphany Gbazango Extension, Kubwa, St. John’s Kagini, All Saints Church Guida, Emmanuel Church Kaba and St. Philip’s Church, Jibi.

Akamisoko said the inauguration of the Kubwa North Archdeaconry would bring evangelism closer to the people.

“It is a plus to the diocese; it is also a growth and with this, we now have 18 archdeaconries in the diocese, and this is one of them.

“God will continue to help them to grow and excel in mission, evangelism and other aspects of human relationship as well as work in the diocese.

“We encourage our members to work hard and show commitment so as to attract God’s blessing.

“Anyone that is not committed to the things of God is doing himself harm; those that are committed will be blessed.

“So, I urge everyone to be committed because it can’t go unrewarded.’’

According to the Bishop, the economic challenges in the country are man-made, as God did not design Nigeria to be so.

He urged Nigerians to dedicate themselves to the service of God, no matter the economic challenges.

“God did not put us where we are; with the right leadership, dedication, commitment from leaders and followers, we will get out of this.

“Nigerian leaders must be courageous; have human feelings and think about the people.

“The cost of living is getting high; cost of fuel is also going higher and higher.

“God has blessed this country with all the resources that are available; so, we have no reason to be where we are,” he said.

Director of Administration, Kubwa Diocese, Venerable Adamu Sabo, said the inauguration would galvanise and encourage expansion in the house of God.

“I was the first Parish Priest of this church and I am happy with what has happened,” Sabo said.

Chairman, Clergy Association, Kubwa Diocese, Venerable James Lamja, said that the Kubwa Anglican Diocese was growing from strength to strength.

“I am excited and we thank God for the developmental strides of the bishop.

“From here, the diocese will be going higher; from 17 archdeaconries, we are now 20, with an additional three new archdeaconries.

“This is the beginning of good things to come in this diocese; this is bringing administration to the grassroots and connecting with the diocese,” he said.

Mr Edwin Nwoko, Chairman of the Inauguration Planning Committee, said that the creation of the new archdeaconry would translate to the spiritual expansion of the Church and service to humanity.

He urged members of the archdeaconry to be committed to God’s work.

“We thank God for a successful event and our people are happy.

“We expect spiritual and membership growth as well as prosperity among the people and we expect people coming here to know God.

“We had a short time to plan this, but the members were united and they cooperated among themselves to achieve the result we got,” Nwoko said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Philomina Attah
John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, says silence in the face of social injustice is a crime against the gospel of Christ and the nation.

He stated this in Abuja at the inauguration of the Catholic Social Teaching (CST), programme for Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), and agencies of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports event also witnessed the graduation ceremony of the trainers of CST programme.

Onaiyekan said, beyond evangelism, the Church must inculcate communication on justice and peace, all encapsulated in its social teachings.

He said the belief was the reason why the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria continually urged the government to fulfil its responsibilities and address the people’s needs.

He explained that CST provided a moral compass for living, functioning, and flourishing in society, making it central to evangelisation.

The Cardinal congratulated the graduands, urged them to view CST as essential for service and challenged them to deploy their knowledge to spreading the gospel.

According to the Cardinal, the CST is meant to empower both priests and laypeople to know their rights and speak against injustices in society.

Speaking, Rev. Fr. Uche Obodoechina, the Director, Dept. of Church and Society, said the programme was designed to equip the staffers of the Bishops’ agencies with comprehensive knowledge on CST.

“This initiative has been made possible by the wisdom of the Bishops Conference, ensuring that the teaching and learning of CST by the staff of the bishops’ agencies takes place at the secretariat.

“The next stage is to go into action. We will divide the staffers here into various classes and assign them to teachers.

Over the next two weeks, we will conduct the programmes every Friday until they graduate,” he said.

Obodoechina, the Executive Secretary of the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN), also emphasised the significance of social teachings.

He reiterated the commitment to continue the CST education programme, fostering a deeper understanding of social justice and the Church’s role in society.

“We are creating a ripple effect of knowledge and awareness that will extend far beyond the secretariat, impacting communities and society at large,” he added..

In his keynote address, Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, the Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Bwari, Abuja, emphasized that everyone, regardless of status, has something to contribute to society.

He noted that CST, a hidden treasure of the Church, will address various social concerns, including politics, healthcare, climate change, education, and social inequalities.

Ichoku expressed satisfaction with Veritas University’s collaboration with CRS and CBCN to spread the message.

In a valedictory speech, Mr Joe Nkamuke, who spoke on behalf of the graduands,  assured of their commitment to spreading the CST knowledge they have gained.

“We promise to open the Pandora’s box for others to see,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the programme’s organisers and reaffirmed their dedication to promoting CST principles in society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Philomina Attah

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), says the country’s democracy has been tested by the fires of adversity but had remained steadfast because it is the best form of governance.

Its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a message to mark this year’s democracy day, emphasised the need for the government to lead the country with integrity and put its citizens first.

“As we celebrate 25 years of uninterrupted democracy and the 31st anniversary of the widely acclaimed ‘freest and fairest’ presidential election of June 12, 1993, CAN congratulates the government and people of Nigeria.

“Our democracy has been tested by the fires of adversity, from the struggles of its early years to the present-day trials of insecurity, economic hardship, and social injustice.

“Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our belief that democracy is the best form of government for our nation.

“We urge the government to prioritise the common good, address pressing issues, and ensure that our democracy serves the people, not just the interests of a few,” he said.

Okoh emphasised the importance of integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance, saying that leaders must recognise that power is a sacred trust and that they would be held accountable for their actions.

He also stressed the need for unity and inclusivity, recognising the value of Nigeria’s ethnic, religious, and cultural differences.

“Let us work together to build a stronger, more just Nigeria, where everyone has a voice and equal opportunity.

“As people of faith, we believe that democracy is a gift from God, and we must steward it wisely.

“We pray for divine guidance and wisdom for our leaders, and we urge all Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process.

“Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations yet unborn,” Okoh stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
APA/OIF/ETS

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By Philomina Attah

Mr Obinna Nwaka, Director-General, Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS), has called on Nigerian youth to place their national identity far above their ethnic and religious affiliations.

He also urged them to hold their representatives accountable and unite against opponents of good governance.

He spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 2024 CYMS National Conference which had the theme: “Promotion of Peaceful Co-existence, Ethnic and Religious Cohesion in Our Nation”.

He highlighted CYMS’ role in promoting government policies, good governance and youth inclusion since its establishment in 2018.

Nwaka urged youths to consider the values of self-reliance, youth inclusiveness in governance, local government autonomy and the importance of ethnic and religious tolerance.

The director-general stressed the need for patriotism to curb the destruction of national assets.

He also cautioned against civil unrest and underscored the role of stakeholders in conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence.

He warned against vote-buying and financial crimes, urging leaders to pay attention to the youth by initiating programmes that would make them assets to the society.

He urged youth to unite against those preaching disunity and disintegration, calling for more engagement with youths at the grassroots.

Nwaka expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s achievements and support to the Nigerian youths through some laudable initiatives.

He appealed for constructive criticism of the government and urged Nigerians to put the country above political and personal interests.

He declared the conference an annual event, reaffirming CYMS’s commitment to championing causes that would boost national growth.

Prof. Musa Olaofe, the Chief Imam, Ansar-ud-deen Mosque, Abuja, in a remark, encouraged Nigerian youths to show interest and participate in the country’s politics to protect their interests.

He said that there would not be meaningful development if the youth were left out of governance.

“Do not allow yourself to be used as thugs by the politicians.

“If any politician wants to engage you in war or give you cutlasses to fight, such a person should first of all invite his children to take the lead,” he said.

On his part, Rev. Duke Akamisoko, the Anglican Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, Abuja, said that religious bodies had a lot to do in order to promote peace in the country.

“As religious leaders, we are asked to emulate our Master Jesus, and the teachings of the scriptures, with peace as a cardinal principle.

“I urge the youth to imbibe the teachings of the Holy Books. They should accept the teachings and practice them in their lives,” he said (NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki and Ephraims Sheyin