Nation
Catholic Bishop Tasks Nigerians On Less Priviledged
As Christians celebrate the Yuletide, Bishop Emm-anuel Badejo of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo has urged Nigerians to share kindness with the less privileged.
Badejo gave the advice in a statement yesterday.
Badejo also advised all Nigerians, including political, economic, social, religious and traditional leaders to do good and bring good news to all around them.
He said that the jubilation, singing and dancing, lights, colours, hope, joy, and even the exchange of gifts that normally characterise this period must focus on Jesus and on those around us, especially, the less endowed.
“Let us reach out and share what joys and good things we can according to our capacity because that is the spirit of Jesus and of Christmas.
“God gave his son, Mary gave her life, Joseph gave his freedom, the angels gave their adoration, the shepherds gave their time and even the owner of the manger gave what he could then,” he said.
He said that to celebrate the season, people should give to others as much as they had received from God.
“Give your best out of love and not just of what is left. None must come empty-handed, everyone can give something for prisoners, the sick, the aged, the lonely,” the bishop said.
He said that the current happenings around the world, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturn, insurgency, violence and kidnappings should not stop the cellebration and rhythm of the Immanuel, meaning : “God with us.”
Badejo also advised Nigerians to thank God that Christmas can not be locked down by any power.
“It is the fulfilment of God’s promise to send us a saviour to save us from our sins and that is truly a cause for joy.
“Let us celebrate Christmas and rejoice like many before us did and like many after us will, but all according to our means,” Badejo said.
“Let the media bring good news to all. Let families and relatives bring good news to one another because this is much needed in our violent, sad, unjust and depressing world.
“Make the world better through your wealth, position, status and talent and you will experience the mercy of God which Jesus has brought. We all will benefit from a happier country,” he said.
The bishop called on all who lived on the fringes of society to change their ways because Jesus loves everyone and would always give peace.
“Terrorists, kidnappers, robbers, killers, whatever may be your crime, Jesus loves everyone and you too can do good for your country and for humanity. You deserve the joy and peace of Christmas,” he said.
He added that it was not too late for Nigeria to become the place of cosmic harmony which prophet Isaiah described, if only we all sustained the spirit of Christmas.
The Alliance Française Port Harcourt in conjunction with the Embassy of France Nigeria over the weekend joined the globe to campaign against the 2025 gender- based violence (GBV) with the theme: “16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Voice”
The event which took place at the event Hall of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt was in collaboration with the Female in Gaming Network, ( FIGN) and partnership with Nexal a body that seeks to promote online safety and responsible digital behaviour.
The Tide reports that the project which was aimed at promoting digital safety and girls inclusion in Gaming, with the initiative tagged ‘Gameover Gender- Base Violence’was part of the global campaign against gender- based Violence.
The activity which experienced a flavour of festivity was full of fun and excitements as participants took part in tournaments on popular digital games such as Mario kart and EAFC 25, with an intent to creating safer and more inclusive digital spaces.
The Director of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal said that these activities were designed to encourage inclusion of girls, team work and fair play on online gaming spaces, saying that the gaming world reflects these inequalities, where female players are often under represented.
According to her the main objectives of the initiative was to provide a supportive environment for girls and female in gaming network.
“GameOverGBV” is a project created to reshape this landscape by offering an innovative inclusiveness of girls on online digital Gaming community and digital environments that provide opportunities for creativity, learning and connection, but also fight against Gender-Based Violence Digital Gaming,”she said
She however, explained that the Digital Game, sport competitions, was launched to strengthen social and digital skills through games, workshops, and raise awareness among all young participants about respect, equality and digital citizenship.
The Tide News reports that in Port Harcourt, the competition brought together 100 young participants from three major universities: University of Port Harcourt, ( UNIPORT),Ignatius Ajuru University of Education(IAUE) and Rivers State University (RSU)as well as students from four selected secondary schools, Oginigba comprehensive Secondary.School, Vine lnternational, Virgo predicanda lnternational, and Excellent Montessori Secondary school.
“This is an approach where girls and boys can learn, play and collaborate in a more respectful and safe space for young women, while ensuring a safe, enjoyable and respectful digital environment. It also expose young women to cyberbullying, exclusion, sexist comments and online hate,” Mrs. Lacal said.
Earlier, a game developer Sophia Nei and her. team had engaged participants in an interactive session with the theme: “Can Video Games Be Safe Spaces For Girls?”
However, Mrs Nei and her team educated the girls on the benefits and violence on online digital gaming and urged them ( participants)to learn to say ‘No’ to Online hate, sexist and cyber bullying, while encouraging them(students) to stand up for themselves by reporting such issues to the appropriate authority.
Highlight of the competition was the awarding of prizes to winners by the Director of Alliance Française, Mrs Marina Lacal.
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