News
Jonathan Challenges Christians On Nation Building …Lauds Achievements Of New Cardinal
President Goodluck Jonathan has admonished the Church to champion the course of nation building through character moulding of the citizenry.
The President gave the charge in Abuja at the 30th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of Cardinal John Onaiyekan’s Episcopal ordination as a Bishop and appointment to the College of Cardinals yesterday in Abuja. “The church, the government and the political actors have the same responsibilities and we believe that the church is at the centre of society building. “Some of the challenges we faced today are because of the character our people have. If the church moulds the people, especially starting from the children, Nigeria will be a better place,” he said.
The president also seized the occasion to appreciate efforts of the church at promoting inter-religious dialogue in the country.
He recalled that in March 2012, the Pope sent a Cardinal in charge of inter-faith dialogue at the Vatican to Nigeria for inter-face in inter-religious co-operations. “There is no doubt that immense progress have been made in this critical area and I am grateful for all the work that had been done by the church. “We all know that no religion preaches or encourages violence. The two major religions in our land preach brotherhood, love and peaceful co-existence which are their foundation. “Those who do otherwise, do not worship God because it cannot be the same person, who worships God that will encourage killing people, who are also created by God. “We believe that God created all of us and anybody who raises weapon to kill the very one created by God cannot be said to be worshipping God.” Jonathan noted that the appointment of Onaiyekan to the position of cardinal was a clear recognition by the Vatican of the immense contributions of the church in Nigeria to the worldwide catholic movement.
“I see his appointment as a recognition for those who work and toil for peace, bringing hope to their people and building bridges for reconciliation among men. I also see it as a great privilege to our country at this time, and in particular to me, since I am serving as the president now.”
He described the cleric as “a simple, humble and totally unassuming man yet a man of great distinction, learning and knowledge who always sees himself as a citizen and of course a messenger and servant of God”.
Jonathan noted that the smooth progression of the cleric in the church hierarchy stood him out as a man of great piety and intellectual strength.
The president expressed hope “that one day, and I pray it will not be too long, we will also celebrate a Papal Father from Nigeria”.
Earlier, in a sermon, Onaiyekan said the circumstances of the birth of Jesus Christ, a ruler of justice and peace, should be a great lesson for the country, particularly in the area of religion.
The sermon was centered on the story of Epiphany and circumstances of the birth of Jesus Christ, “the infant king of Bethlehem”.
Onaiyekan noted that a true religion “must be open to all, embrace peace and devoid of blood shedding. That Nigeria is deeply religious is a precious asset. “It is, however, sad that our image abroad is tainted with fanatism, religious intolerance, killing and shedding of blood. “We must not allow this to continue. We have to strive to live in peace in our nation with our differences of tribe, culture, tradition, language and religion. “We must see the image of God in everybody around us and apply the golden rule that we should do to others only what we can do to ourselves,” the cardinal said.
He said that the congratulatory messages he had received since his appointment cut across religion, tribe, business and politics. He said the thanksgiving service was in commemoration of his 30 years of ordination as a Bishop and his appointment into the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict the XVI.
He recalled that on January 6, 1983, he was ordained Bishop by Pope John Paul II at St. Peters’ Basilica in Rome. Onaiyekan said 14 of them were ordained on the fateful day among which were two Nigerians and four Archbishops.
The Deputy Governor of Kogi, Chief Yomi Awoniyi, who represented Governor Idris Wada at the service, said the occasion was a moment of pride for the government and people of the state.
He said Onaiyekan, who hailed from the state, rose from a humble beginning to the peak of his Episcopal career.
The Coordinator of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Prof Ishaq Oloyede, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar at the service, underscored the need for religious tolerance and cooperation among various religions.
He described Onaiyekan as a “genuine man of God, academician per excellence, promoter of peace and a pride to the nation and Africa”.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
-
Sports2 days agoPlateau Wins Kanemi, As Bayelsa, Bendel Played 1-1
-
Education2 days agoVC Congratulates Igwe on Appointment as Pro-Chancellor
-
Politics2 days agoAlleged Attack On Abure In Benin, LP Calls For Investigation
-
Sports2 days agoLa Liga: Atletico Bring Real Back To Earth
-
Maritime2 days agoCustoms, MAN Consent On 4% FoB Exemptions, Manufacturing Support Measures
-
Rivers2 days agoIAUE Emerges Winner Of National Campus Debate, 2025
-
News2 days agoFUBARA: UNDERUTILISED SEAPORTS DENYING RIVERS ECONOMIC PROSPERITY ……..Hosts NPA Board, Mgt On Courtesy Visit
-
Opinion2 days ago94 Years From A Turning Point