By Philomina Attah
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has reiterated the Church’s teaching on marriage and its  rejection of the notion of blessing same-sex couples in Nigeria.

In a communiqué issued at the end of their First Plenary Meeting, the CBCN reaffirmed the Sacrament of Marriage as a union between one man and one woman, citing the Code of Canon Law and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first plenary meeting is with the theme, ‘Synodality and the state of the nation”.

The Bishops rejected the interpretations of the “Fiducia Supplicans” declaration that suggested priests could bless same-sex couples.

They also rejected other irregular unions, such as those of polygamists, divorcees, and remarried individuals, in a way that legitimises such unions.

The Bishops emphasised their loyalty to the teaching of Christ and the Pope, stating that priests in Nigeria are not to bless same-sex couples.

“The CBCN’s stance reflects the Church’s longstanding position on marriage and sexual ethics, emphasising the sanctity of traditional marriage and the rejection of practices contrary to natural law.

“The issue of blessing same-sex couples has generated a lot of controversies. Many Episcopal Conferences have taken their position on this matter.

“We re-affirm the age long teaching of the Church on the Sacrament of Marriage as a union between one man and one-woman,” the communique read

It continued: “We reject the reading of the Declaration that suggests that Priests could bless same-sex couples or other couples in irregular situations.

“We, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria affirm our loyalty to the teaching of Christ and the Holy Father the Pope.

“We reiterate that Priests are not to bless same-sex couples in Nigeria.

“Homosexual acts are acts of grave depravity which are intrinsically disordered and, above all, contrary to natural law”.

Expressing solidarity with Nigerians amid escalating insecurity and economic challenges, the Bishops urged the government to prioritise the protection of lives and properties of its citizens.

They called for unity, social responsibility, even as they affirmed that synodality, a core aspect of the Church’s nature, emphasises collective decision-making and active participation.

They also recommended the creation of State Police and the enhancement of agriculture to improve the economy.

The Bishops also emphasised the importance of repentance and called for a sincere change of heart to address corruption and promote good governance.

They encouraged all Nigerians to work together for the common good and expressed hope for a brighter future, especially during the Lenten season.

“The season of Lent affords us the opportunity to start afresh with God as individuals, as Church and as a nation.

“This holy season draws our attention to reparation, reconciliation and sanctification. In prayer, we deepen our relationship with the God.

“In almsgiving, we demonstrate our concern for the needy and the less privileged,” they said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Philomina Attah

The President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has appealed to Christian faithfuls to extend a helping hand to those in need.

Archbishop Okoh, in his message to Christians on Wednesday at the commencement of this year’s Lent, reminded Christians of “the significance of the period and what it holds for our faith and our society.”

He equally urged leaders at all levels of governance to recognise the urgency of the economic challenges facing the nation and to take concrete action in providing support for individuals facing economic hardship.

“Let us come together in solidarity and commitment to create a more inclusive and compassionate society where the burdens of the marginalised are alleviated and their voices are heard.

“On behalf of the national leadership CAN, I extend warm greetings to all Christian faithful on the occasion of Ash Wednesday and the commencement of Lent.

“The observance of Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season presents a timely opportunity for self-reflection, repentance, spiritual growth, renewal, and learning to love and be compassionate like Jesus Christ in our daily lives.

“This is a call to action to support those enduring economic hardships in Nigeria, ” he said.

According to Archbishop Okoh, the ashes placed on the foreheads served as a reminder of mortality, humble origin, and how the body of the first man, our forefather Adam, was formed from the earth.

He reminded Christians of the return of their bodies to dust, urging them to reflect on the purpose and the impact of their actions on the world around them.

“It is a time when we are reminded to grieve for our sins and the sins of our nation and to seek the face of the Lord for forgiveness and restoration.

“During this time of self-examination and sacrifice, we are called to contemplate the ways in which we can contribute to the well-being of others, as Christ, our Lord, will do.

“As we embark on this Lenten journey, our hearts are drawn to the plight of many who struggle to make ends meet, facing financial uncertainty and limited access to basic needs.

“We long for a Nigeria where every individual is afforded the opportunity to thrive, and where our leaders prioritise the well-being of the most vulnerable in our society, ” he added.

The Archbishop enjoined Nigerians to strive in order to build a Nigeria where compassion and support for fellow citizens were central to their values and actions. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

Mr Chidi Udo, Pastor of the Teens Church, Assemblies of God Church (AGC), Surulere, on Monday urged adolescents and teenagers to embrace and maintain a chaste life until they are married.

Udo made the call at the ‘Chastity March’, organised by the AGC in Lagos.

Hundreds of adolescents and teenagers from other districts participated in the road walk which had the theme, “My Price Tag”.

“The increasing rate of sexual perversion and immorality among youths is an epidemic, and we recommend a pure life as the way forward.

“It is against this background that the church organised the ‘Chastity March’ to counsel adolescents and teenagers to refrain from immorality.

“The ‘Chastity March’ is specifically organised ahead of the celebration of this year’s Valentine’s Day to counter the immorality being perpetuated in the guise of love celebrations,” Udo said.

The young people marched from the Church Premises at Clegg Street through Funsho Williams Avenue to the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, Ojuelegba and back to the Church.

They carried placards with inscriptions such as: “True Love Waits”, “Saving it for Marriage”, “Celebrate your Purity”, “Stay Chaste”, “Stay Faithful”, “Don’t Let Lust Destroy Your Future”, “Your Body is a Temple, not a Playground”, “A Moment’s Pleasure, a LifeTime Regret” and many others.

Some parents joined the parade to support the teenagers in spreading the message of chastity and morality.

Speaking during the march, Mr Kaycee Onyegbule, a Youth leader in the Assemblies of God Church (AGC), Clegg Street, Surulere, said that the theme for the programme was taken from 1 Corinthians 20.

He lamented that Valentine’s Day had over the years been taken over by depravity, adding that young people now used the day to experiment with sex leading to all manners of sexual perversion.

Stressing the need to curb the trend, Onyegbule said, “It is important for children to make up their minds to remain chaste early in life and keep away from such.

“This can only be achieved by imbibing religious principles like those taught in this programme.

“African and Nigerian parents detest having children with premarital pregnancies. Premarital pregnancies are not encouraging as the society, Church and Bible are against it,” he noted.

On what the church was doing to curb immorality, Dr Chinyere Udo, the co-Pastor of the Teens Church, explained that the Church ran programmes for the youths to empower them economically and discourage them from being lured into sexual immorality.

Udo said that the Church also reached out to indigent youths around them and supported those who could not complete their education due to a lack of finance.

“The Church also empowers them with vocational skills and start-up fund and support and this usually helps them reject sexual harassment that comes through monetary and material appeals in any form.”

A top member of the Church, Dr Blessing George, noted that the church had a mission to raise a generation that understood the need for chastity before marriage.

George said children are raised to know that marriage is honourable and the bed undefiled.

According to her, what the church is saying is that they should wait for God’s time when they’re married before engaging in sexual activities more so now that Valentine’s Day is around the corner.

“The importance of the road walk is to teach the young ones the importance of being chaste.

“You know that Valentine is around the corner and it’s a season where people go all out showing love to one another but in doing that, they should not be involved in sexual immorality.

“They should realise that Jesus would like them to show love which made our Saviour die on the Cross of Calvary for us and they should not allow lust to destroy their destiny,” she said.

Earlier, Chidinma Isiguzo, President of the Household of Transformation, stated that chastity was important because it helped to build our relationship with God.

Isiguzo declared that people should realise that, “our bodies are the temple of God and whoever goes about committing sexual immorality will regret it at the end of the day’.

“Staying out of sex helps us build a good relationship with God, we know many people have deviated from the original concept of Valentine’s.

“As the day is approaching, many girls will tell their boyfriends to take them out, buy one gift or the other for them and might likely be involved in sexual activities.

“This is the reason we’re sending this message across that they should avoid doing that because their body is the temple of God,” she said.

Another Pastor, Rev. Bright Unuane, noted that the teenagers are the future of tomorrow, the church and society at large, therefore must live right and not go astray.

Unuane added that the programme was part of efforts to groom the young ones in holiness to nurture them accordingly, whereby they could take over from the present leadership in future.

Adolescents and teenagers from local churches in Alapere, Ketu, Mile 12, Ojodu, Mende, Iyana Oworo, Oworonshoki, Bariga, Ikate, Ebute-Metta, Gbagada and Ogudu participated in the Chastity March. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Christiana Fadare

By Philomina Attah

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has urged families to prioritise the moral development of their wards to combat the escalating cases of insecurity and societal ills in the country.

Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, Deputy Secretary-General of CSN, emphasised the pivotal role of families in guiding their wards away from anti-social and criminal activities during a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Banjo asserted that if families fulfill their responsibilities, the prevalence of insecurity and societal challenges would significantly decrease.

While acknowledging that it isn’t the constitutional role of the Church to lead the fight against insecurity, Banjo highlighted the Church’s ability to appeal to people’s conscience through gospel preaching, dialogue, and prayers.

Regarding the church’s efforts to address kidnappings and crimes, Banjo clarified that the Church doesn’t control the military and security agencies.

He emphasised that the primary responsibility for securing lives and property lies with the government, while the Church complements with prayers and engagement with leaders in various sectors.

Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh, National Director of Social Communications, CSN, stressed the importance of collaboration between the media and the Church to foster a morally upright society.

He outlined events planned by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) throughout the year for the promotion of peace and unity, urging Nigerians to support these programs.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Nomhwange, CSN Director of Mission and Dialogue, emphasized the significance of dialogue in addressing societal challenges and fostering cohesion among different religious and ethnic groups.

He called for increased support for vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Idris Abdulrahman

By Philomina Attah

The Archbishop of Abuja Diocese of the Catholic Church Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has extolled John Cardinal Onaiyekan for his contributions to national unity.

Kaigama made the commendation in Abuja on Saturday, during a mass to celebrate Onaiyekan’s 80th birthday, organised by the Church to honour him.

According to him, Onaiyekan is known for his desire to preach for peaceful and harmonious coexistence and genuine inter-religious dialogue in Nigeria.

“His inter-religious initiatives are well known today in Nigeria and beyond, and his honest desire for peaceful and harmonious coexistence, and genuine inter-religious dialogue has taken him to different parts of the world.

“The man Onaiyekan is an intellectual colossus, a loyal son of the Church and a patriotic Nigerian. No wonder, the Pope honoured him by making him a Cardinal,” he said.

Kaigama, who described Onaiyekan’s commitment as exceptional, said his dedication to the cause of the Church and his love for Nigeria and Nigerians was what had made him to be known for his characteristic passion and patriotism, especially when he speaks publicly.

“God has blessed Cardinal Onaiyekan with unusual strength and ability to combine so many things at the same time, such as managing a big Metropolitan such as Abuja.

“Being President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and the President of what used to be the Association of the Episcopal Conferences of West Africa, as well as the Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar.

“He performed his duties in all these positions with great admiration and excellence.”

Kaigama also appreciated the Catholic faithful for their immense contributions towards the occasion.

“I wish from the bottom of my heart to thank our Abuja Archdiocesan family for making sacrifices during these hard times to contribute towards the making of this occasion.

“To the Archdiocesan Committee for the 80th birthday of His Eminence, under the dynamic and creative leadership of Fr. Chris Inegbenoghu, and the very capable hands he employed to serve on this occasion,” he said.

The Lagos Catholic Archdiocese, Mosgr Aniagu, in a sermon described Cardinal Onaiyekan as unbelievably a humble man who allowed God’s will to guide him anywhere he entered.

Aniagu, who was Onaiyekan’s course mate, said that he discharged every office assignment given to him with distinctions.

“We are celebrating God today because He has been gracious in the life of Onaiyekan.

“We thank God for his life these past years and we wish him well in the years ahead,” he said.

Responding, the celebrant, Cardinal Onaiyekan said that he saw all the messages towards his 80th birthday celebration as farewell, adding that he is paradise ready.

He said that his primary project was to prepare for paradise which he had achieved already in life.

He thanked the Archdiocese of Abuja for the honour to celebrate him, adding that he looks forward to the future which might not be long from now. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Philomina Attah

Rev. Tom Takpatore, the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Garki, Abuja, has called on Nigerians to seek divine intervention as a means of finding solutions to escalating security concerns and economic challenges in Nigeria.

Takpatore emphasised this during an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the 2024 White Robe Sunday service in Abuja.

The 2024 edition of the annual event, themed “Super Abundance,” featured members adorned in white regalia, engaging in prayers, praise, worship, and thanksgiving.

The senior pastor highlighted that the current deteriorating conditions in the country required more than just government intervention.

According to Takpatore, addressing issues such as insecurity, economic downturn, and poverty necessitates collective prayers from righteous Christians.

He asserted, “It will take the collective prayers of righteous Christians to bring the country out of these predicaments.”

Pastor Adenike Takpatore, also sharing her perspective, expressed confidence that Nigeria would witness rapid development and peace in the new year.

She disclosed that the annual program was specifically organised to seek the divine intervention of God in 2024 for Nigeria.

Takpatore further revealed that the church, as a unified body, has been actively fasting and praying for the Church of God, the peace of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the nation at large.

The religious leaders believe that turning to divine intervention is crucial for navigating the challenges the country currently faces.

(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, as he marks his 80th birthday on January 29.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Cardinal Onaiyekan was the Archbishop of Abuja from 1994 to 2019 and also served as president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), and Bishop of Ilorin Diocese in Kwara.

Tinubu described him as an exceptional religious leader that used his calling to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, fight for the downtrodden and spoke out against ills in the society.

He said that the Cardinal also used his office judiciously by showing good examples through unbending pursuit of peace and unity in the country.

While thanking Onaiyekan for his sacrifices and efforts in peace-building in Nigeria, Tinubu assured him that his hope and prayers for a glorious and united Nigeria would manifest.

The President wished His Eminence more prosperous years in the Lord’s Vineyard.(NAN)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, has called on the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) to offer valuable economic suggestions to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Bagudu delivered this plea during a two-day National Conference organised by the SCSN in Abuja.

The conference, themed “Matters Arising from 2023 Elections and Associated Socio-economic Challenges,” convened leaders to deliberate on crucial issues affecting the nation.

Bagudu emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive economy.

He encouraged participants to scrutinise ongoing programs, providing alternative ways to enhance them and boost domestic production.

Bagudu reassured the council that constructive input would be valued, emphasising President Tinubu’s openness to dialogue and constructive criticism.

Prof. Salisu Shehu, Deputy Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), expressed concern about the increasing prevalence of LGBTQ issues among the youth in Nigeria.

In his presentation, titled “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) in Nigeria: Their Challenges to the Muslim Communities and the Nation from the Islamic Perspective,” Shehu advocated for a robust advocacy campaign against the perceived menace.

Shehu stated, “LGBTQ is a monumental unprecedented sexual pervasion that has the potency of destroying humanity in its entirety. It is going to decimate the human species, truncate procreation, and quicken the overall annihilation of human communities.

“So, there is nothing that has come to the human race that is an evil greater than the LGBTQ.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola, Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), echoed strong opposition to LGBTQ, condemning countries that promote it.

Akintola emphasised the importance of respecting Nigeria’s culture, civilisation, and sovereignty, rejecting any influence supporting LGBTQ within the nation.

The event, which attracted notable Islamic leaders and scholars, concluded with an acknowledgment of the vital role the SCSN plays in contributing to the nation’s economic discourse and societal values. (NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Deji Abdulwahab.