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Naira swap, fuel crises: Church admonishes FG, CBN

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Naira swap, fuel crises: Church admonishes FG, CBN

By Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have again been enjoined to take holistic steps to stop the suffering and hardship Nigerians are currently going through as a result of the currency swapping and scarcity of petroleum products, just as the people were enjoined to continue to pray for God’s intervention in these affairs of men for succor and comfort.

The ECWA Fate/Tanke District Church Council (F/T DCC) gave the charge in a communique issued at the end of a maiden stakeholders’ prayer retreat held at Reverend D. C. Porter’s Campground, Shao.

In a communique signed by its Chairman, Reverend Dr Raphael Shola Omotosho and Reverend Dr Joseph Agboluaje, the Council shared with concern, worry and passion the difficulties the citizens, including the Church, are going through with just few days to the conduct of the General elections.

The meeting attended by over 290 members across board comprising Council Executives, Ex-Officio members and the representatives of the Local Church Councils (LCCs), all pastors and their wives; all serving Elders; all Fellowship Leaders at DCC, LCC and LC levels and all the Executives of Church Choirs in ECWA Fate/Tanke DCC, harped on the trio prayer policy of burn fire; catch the fire and spread the fire, with prayer sessions essentially focusing on thanksgiving, prayers for ECWA and and the forthcoming general lections.

The stakeholders’ prayer retreat also took a cue from ECWA Executives and ECWA President Rev’d Dr. Stephen Baba Panya’s cardinal strategy for repositioning ECWA spiritually and reinvigorating/energizing of members to worship and serve God in spirit and in truth to glorify Him.

This year 2023 that ECWA will elect its leaders at different levels, and which equally doubles as an election year for the Nigerian Nation, it “admonished Christians to rely on God for divine direction in electing our leaders after the God’s heart, to avoid misrule, and disappointment that could lead to despondency, confusion and elongated sufferings of the Church and the citizenry”.

The Council resolved to focus on three major themes of worshiping God in the spirit and in truth, pray without ceasing and pursue evangelism with zeal, vigour and commitment to bring all to the knowledge of Christ.

It explained that since God does not hire a man He cannot fire, office seekers and occupiers in both spiritual and secular realms in Nigeria should be strictly guided with this and make dedication, hard work, contentment, focus, faithfulness and accountability their watchwords so as not to incur the wrath of God.

The body stressed that in view of the inalienable fact that security is everyone’s business, Ministers of God, and Church Members should take their personal security seriously and accentuate their prayers with watching, taking due cognizance of the tense situation we find ourselves in this country today.

It emphasised that “all the arms of F/TDCC, Pastors, Pastors Wives, Elders, Men, Women, Youth Fellowships as well as Choir Executives should know, appreciate and pursue their unique and special responsibilities in building a glorious Church with due commitment and equanimity as the Lord directs”.

It advised members as recognised stakeholders in ECWA project to exercise restraint and watch their utterances about ECWA and its God-guided and directed operations and speak on these in a manner that His Holy name will be glorified.

The Council enjoined members to prioritise the development of Rev’d & Mrs. D C Porter’s Camp Ground, Shao, and demonstrate due commitment to this onerous goal, as it has been designated to host all major events of F/T DCC.

It urged all ECWA Churches to conform to and strictly abide with the mode of worship of ECWA which distinguishes it from other Churches and that it should be in line with the dictates of ECWA books.

In his Retreat teaching, Rev’d Dr. B M Owojaiye who spoke on the Theme: “Occupy Till I come”: Luke 19:13 congratulated Fate/Tanke District Church Council for the novel idea and the first of its type in recent years and described the prayer retreat as apt, timely and appropriate and called on other DCCs to borrow a leaf from the bright idea that birthed the proactive action.

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EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE

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The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

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Dogara Celebrates Eid El-Adha, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Sacrifice, and Compassion

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Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has extended heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of Eid El-Adha.

In his Eid message, Dogara described the festival as one of the most profound moments in the Islamic faith — a sacred season that embodies the enduring virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and total devotion to God, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He noted that beyond its spiritual significance, Eid El-Adha serves as a powerful reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and love for humanity.

According to him, the celebration offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal, urging Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, peace, and mutual understanding. He observed that the true essence of Eid lies not merely in celebration, but in the willingness to serve others selflessly and uplift the less privileged.

“Eid El-Adha reminds us that greatness is found in sacrifice, service, and compassion for one another. It is a season that calls us to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, extend kindness to those in need, and renew hope for a better and more united nation,” Dogara stated.

The former Speaker stressed that the lessons of Eid should transcend religious and ethnic boundaries, especially at a time when Nigeria needs collective commitment to peace, justice, and national cohesion. He called on citizens to rise above division and work together in the spirit of patriotism and shared destiny.

“As we celebrate this sacred festival, may the spirit of sacrifice inspire us to build bridges of understanding, promote harmony across our communities, and work collectively for a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.

Dogara further prayed that the blessings of Eid El-Adha would bring joy to families, healing to communities, and progress to the nation. He encouraged the faithful to use the occasion as a time for spiritual renewal, deeper devotion to God, stronger family ties, and renewed commitment to the common good.

“As families gather in prayer and celebration, may this Eid remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to serve with humility, love, and sincerity. May the Almighty accept our prayers and sacrifices, bless our homes with peace and happiness, and guide our nation toward greater unity and prosperity,” he concluded.

Dogara wished all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid El-Adha celebration filled with divine blessings, love, hope, and renewed faith in the future of Nigeria.

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Ukhomunyio Community Seeks Edo Government Intervention Over Insecurity

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A group of concerned stakeholders in Ukhomunyio Community, Okpella, Edo State, has called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to strengthen security presence in the area following recent security concerns and incidents of violence.
In a statement jointly signed by community stakeholders, the group said that the once-peaceful Ukhomunyio Community had in recent weeks experienced growing tension and insecurity.
The statement was jointly signed by Sam S. O. Afemikhe, Roland Ediawe, Dr Henry Idogun, Kasimu Sunday, Mark Adogah, Friday Ododeh, Omoreige Usman, Dr Victor Balogun, and Prince Haruna Ahmed.
The stakeholders urged the government to deploy more security personnel to the community and surrounding areas to help maintain peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
“We therefore call on the Edo State Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to immediately intervene by strengthening security presence within Ukhomunyio Community and surrounding areas,” the statement said.
They also called for a thorough investigation into recent incidents of violence and disturbances linked to the annual Olimi Festival.
According to the statement, the community recently recorded tragic incidents involving residents of Kalaba and Imioko villages, while some persons were reportedly abducted during the attacks and later reunited with their families.
The group described the incidents as unfortunate and contrary to the community’s peaceful traditions.
“We strongly condemn these acts, which are completely alien to the long-standing peaceful tradition of our community,” the statement added.
The stakeholders further expressed concern over violence that erupted during the recent Olimi Festival, saying some individuals allegedly used firearms during the celebration.
They said the violence resulted in casualties and injuries, with some affected persons currently receiving medical treatment.
“The Olimi Festival has historically been a symbol of unity, peace, celebration, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and Okpella in general,” the group stated.
According to the statement, the festival had historically symbolised unity, peace, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and the wider Okpella community.
The group also appealed to authorities to ensure that all investigations and security operations are carried out lawfully and fairly to avoid escalating tensions within the community.
Beyond strengthening security, the stakeholders called on authorities to prevent further violence and restore peace and confidence within the community.
They warned that continued insecurity could affect economic and social activities in the area, including operations linked to major industries.
As part of efforts to support investigations, the group announced a N1 million reward for credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying those behind the recent incidents.
Another N1 million reward was offered for information that could help authorities identify individuals connected to the violence during the Olimi Festival.

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