NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Pope Francis: A mighty Iroko has fallen – Kaigama

Pope Francis: A mighty Iroko has fallen – Kaigama

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By Philomina Attah

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, has described the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday as the fall of “a mighty Iroko”.

He said it was a loss that resonated across the world.

Kaigama, in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, reflected on the Pope’s profound spiritual and pastoral legacy.

“He showed us the face of Jesus Christ, the face of mercy, the face of love.

“A great man, very great, in our local parlance, I will say a mighty Iroko has fallen; it shakes the whole world; the whole world is mourning,

“Christians and non-Christians and for all of us, it is a passing away of a great one; his legacies are many, uncountable.

“He traveled through the whole world, pronouncing and showing love and mercy.

“He was a very humane Pope and very attentive to the needs of the ordinary person.

“So, he will be remembered for this; like Jesus Christ, he touched those who are sick; he identified with the prisoners, those who are dismissed by the society.

“So, he was a very humane Pope and very attentive to the needs of the ordinary person.’’

Kaigama urged Catholic faithful in Abuja and Nigeria to pray for the eternal repose of Pope Francis, emphasising the need for unity and hope as the Church entered a period of transition.

He also spoke on his expectations for a new Pope.

We want a good pope, a holy pope, a pope that is there for the people; wherever he comes from and whoever he is does not matter.

“We just pray that God will give us a good pope, a holy pope, a pope that will lead the flock unto salvation.”

According to him, during this interregnum, the Vatican’s Camerlengo oversees daily affairs, but no major decisions are made until a new pope is elected.

“A camerlengo, a chamberlain, oversees the activities of the Catholic Church for now; his task is to oversee the practical running of the Vatican for now.

“But as for the church, no major decisions are taken; we just wait; when the cardinals assemble and a new pope is elected, then life continues.

“So, we can say we are on hold for now; but the church still keeps moving,’’ he said.

Kaigama called on the faithful to intensify their prayers, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide the Church through the challenging moment.

Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Catholic Church and the first from Latin America, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88 in his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta.

His death was officially announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, at 9:45 AM, following a period of declining health after a severe bout of pneumonia.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Francis was elected pope on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI.

His 12-year papacy was marked by humility, a focus on the marginalised, and a drive for reform within the Church.

Francis championed social justice, environmental protection most notably through his encyclical “Laudato Si” and interfaith dialogue, seeking to make the Church more inclusive and responsive to modern challenges.

Throughout his tenure, Pope Francis implemented significant reforms, including overhauling Vatican finances, updating liturgical books, and simplifying papal funeral rites.

He was also known for his outreach to the LGBTQ+ community and his advocacy for migrants and refugees.(NAN)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki and Chijioke Okoronkwo

CAN urges sacrifice, healing for Northern Nigeria at Easter

CAN urges sacrifice, healing for Northern Nigeria at Easter

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By Sarafina Christopher

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), representing the 19 Northern States and FCT has called for a renewed and strategic approach to securing lives and property in the North.

CAN made the call in a statement by Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Chairman of CAN 19 Northern States and FCT on Thursday.

The statement which doubles as an Easter Greeting, is tagged: “2025 Easter: A call to Renewed Sacrifice, National Healing, and the Role of Women in Rebuilding Northern Nigeria”.

The statement which is coming as Christians across Nigeria and around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, also called for adequate compensation and rehabilitation for victims of insurgency and violence in the area.

Hayab made case for increased commitment to girl-child education as a foundation for societal progress and the implementation of inclusive policies that uphold justice, equity, and human dignity.

According to him, it is also of utmost importance to establish and support community-based peacebuilding and trauma-healing initiatives, especially for victims of violence and displaced persons.

The CAN chairman who expressed heartfelt Easter greetings to the Christian faithful in particular, and Nigerians in general.

“The Easter season, beyond its profound spiritual depth, presents a powerful opportunity for reflection on the redemptive sacrifice of Christ.

“His sacrifice was grounded in love, compassion, and a deep commitment to the common good of humanity.

“Easter reminds us that even in the face of pain and despair, hope can be reborn.

“It is a celebration of triumph through sacrifice and an invitation for all of us to awaken our collective conscience.”

Hayab said that more than ever before, Nigerians must rise above selfish interests, fear, and disunity, especially as the country, and the northern region in particular grapples with insecurity, moral decline, and leadership challenges.

He stated that in 2025, the northern wing of CAN is emphasising the critical role of women in the journey towards rebuilding the society.

Women, he said, have long stood as the unseen architects of homes, the moral compass of families, and the uncelebrated shapers of communities.

“Both historical and biblical accounts show us that when women are empowered, entire societies experience transformation.

“From the bravery of Queen Esther to the wisdom of Deborah and the unwavering devotion of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, the role of women in defining moments is unmistakable,” Hayab said.

He added that in the present realities of Northern Nigeria, what is need are women who not only nurture life but also shape futures.

He spoke of the need for mothers to raise sons grounded in discipline and daughters prepared for leadership and impact.

“Denying girls access to education does more than limit individual potential.

“It threatens our collective future. A girl who is denied education today may become a mother tomorrow who lacks the capacity to guide her children away from violence, ignorance, and moral collapse.

“It is our shared responsibility to empower women and girls through accessible education, structured mentorship, and real opportunities.

“We must raise daughters who lead with wisdom and integrity. We must invest in women who turn their homes into spaces of peace, their communities into beacons of learning, and their leadership into vehicles of selfless service,” he added.

Hayab urged parents to treat the education and moral upbringing of their children as sacred duties, adding that sending children to school and ensuring they stay until completion is a noble sacrifice that yields lasting rewards.

The CAN chairman advised leaders to be willing to prioritise the well-being of their people above personal interests.

He advised communities to choose unity instead of division, truth in place of convenience, and peace over conflict.

“As we celebrate this Easter, we must also acknowledge the sorrow and grief brought on by the ongoing violence in some parts of Northern Nigeria particularly in Plateau and Benue states.

“This tragic incident is a reminder on the need for urgent action against all forms of criminal activities in northern states and Nigeria at large.

“While communities must play their part, government at both the state and federal levels must not remain indifferent.

“May the risen Christ renew our hope, restore our values, and strengthen our resolve to build a more peaceful Northern Nigeria and a greater nation.

“We wish all Nigerians a joyful and meaningful Easter celebration. May God bless the women of Northern Nigeria and may He continue to bless our country,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Easter: FG declares Friday, Monday public holidays

Easter: FG declares Friday, Monday public holidays

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By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Federal Government has declared April 18th and 21st as public holidays to enable Christians celebrate Easter.

 

This is contained in a statement by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

Ajani said that the public holidays were to mark the celebrations of Good Friday and Easter Monday, respectively.

 

She acknowledged that the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo extended his heartfelt congratulations to Christians across the country on the joyous festivities.

 

Tunji-Ojo  emphasised the importance of embodying the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, having to die for the redemption of man.

 

He called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.

 

The minister further reassured citizens of President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to foster national growth and development.

 

Tunji-Ojo encouraged Nigerians to extend love and goodwill to their neighbours through acts of kindness and generosity.

 

The Minister wished all Christians a blissful Easter celebration as he extended warm holiday greetings to all citizens.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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