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Christians Pray For Peace, Unity On Palm Sunday

Published

12 years ago

April 14, 2014

Christians across the country yesterday joined other faithful around the world to mark the feast of “Passion Sunday”, also known as “Palm Sunday” with a call on Nigerians to embrace peace.
Unlike in the past, some of the processions in this year were held around church premises to enhance the safety of worshippers.
Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday, according to the teachings of the church, marks the beginning of the Holy Week, the climax of the Lenten season.
It is a commemoration of the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, in preparation for his suffering and death on the cross.
The event is marked with processions by both the clergy and the congregation, seen carrying palm fronts amid praises and songs.
Special church services were held with faithful participating in the traditional processions, carrying palm fronts and chanting hymns, to mark the day.
Head, Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Nigeria, Rivers State, His Eminence, Senior Apostle Victro Sunday Woluchem said the period was necessary for sober reflection and prayers for the peace and sustenance of Nigeria’s nascent democracy.
Speaking in an interview shortly after the Palm Sunday service in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Woluchem that the country needed perfect peace and tranquillity as a vehicle to drive the people into the next level of democratic transformation in all sectors, pointing out that no meaningful progress would be made in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony.
In his sermon, Victor Ahiauzu enjoined members of the church to showcase the benefits of the Lenten season, and its significance in their daily lives both individually and collectively.
Ahiauzu added that Christians used the period of Lent to fast and pray, which according to him is an integral part of Christian faith, describing Jesus Christ as the author and finisher of our faith.
The service attracted members from Oyigbo, Oroworukwo, Nkporlu, Elibrada, among other branches of the church in Rivers State.
Also, in Catholic and Anglican churches across the state, special services were held, with Christians seen carrying palm fronts and chanting hymns and praises to mark the day.
Elsewhere at St. Peter-Clavers Chaplaincy, University of Abuja Staff Quarters, Giri, the faithful were seen in processions before moving to the church hall for service.
In his sermon, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Augustus Essien, advised Christians to imbibe humility, selflessness, peace and love for neighbours, as exhibited by Jesus Christ in his passion and death.
He said Jesus Christ’s passion and death on the cross was a perfect example of God’s love for man in spite of man’s stubbornness and disobedience to his commandments.
He urged Christians to always be guided by peace, “which is the true lesson of Jesus passion and death on the cross”, noting that Nigeria was in dire need of peace.
At the St. Charles Lwanga Parish Apo, Abuja, Christians moved a few metres around the church premises and back into the church hall for the service.
In his sermon, the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Onuma, urged Christians especially those in positions of authority to be selfless in their service to the nation.
He said that the message of “Passion Sunday” was sacrifice, selflessness and endurance, which Christ exhibited for the redemption of mankind.
“God has called you to be an instrument of liberation for the needy, step out of your comfort zone and save others.
“I know it is not an easy task, but if you are determined to do it, God will give you the grace and strength to accomplish it,” he said.
At Christ the King Catholic Parish, Kubwa, Abuja, the situation was the same as faithful were seen gathered at the entrance of the church with traditional attire to mark the event.
The officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Daniel Bot, told Christians to reflect on the teachings of Easter, particularly the lessons of Christ’s passion.
Reading from the Gospel of Matthew 21, Bot said that Christ taught his followers to exhibit humility in all their endeavours.
He said that Jesus Christ as King of the Jews chose to ride on a donkey rather than a horse like his contemporaries did during His time.
“The entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey symbolised his humility and simplicity as a King and this is what all Christians are urged to exhibit in their various callings,” he said.
He said that though it was often difficult for one, especially those in high places, to sacrifice their comfort for others, such service was necessary for the work of salvation to be completed.
Bot said that Easter was very important in the lives of Christians, noting that without Christ’s submission to the will of God, the plan of man’s salvation would have been incomplete.
At the St Matthews Anglican Church, Gwarimpa, the Vicar, Canon Ephraim Akanya, in his sermon, also urged Christians to be sober in their reflections during the holy week.
Akanya said that the biggest message of Passion Sunday was that of peace, adding that laying of palm branches on the streets for Christ to ride signified peace.
He said that in spite of the suffering that Christ went through, he still called on his people to follow the path of peace, righteousness and sacrifice.
Also in Abuja, an Anglican cleric, Rev Samuel Akale, has urged Christians to offer selfless service to God and country as a symbol of their dedication to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Akale, who is the Vicar of St Luke’s Church, Kado, gave the admonition at a service to celebrate Palm Sunday.
He cited the Gospel account of how Jesus sent his disciples to get a colt, tied to a tree, for his triumphal entry, saying it signifies lessons in obedience and chastity.
On chastity, he said: “the donkey that Jesus sat on, no man ever sat on it.”
Akale told the congregation that Palm Sunday reminded Christians worldwide of the story of Jesus Christ’s entrance to Jerusalem before his passion and crucifixion.
Earlier, the congregation had marched through the streets clutching tiny palm fronds shaped like crosses.
The clergy wore red vestments, symbolising bloodshed by the crucified Jesus.
The Holy Week culminates April 20 with Easter Sunday.
In Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr Gregory Fadele, has urged Christians use the holy week to pray for peace and security in Nigeria.
Fadele made the appeal in his sermon at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church, Adigbe, Abeokuta.
He urged Christians to emulate Christ by upholding His teachings on love and sacrifice.
He added that the Holy Week was a time for prayer, reflection and spiritual works.
The priest said that Christians should use the holy week to reshape their life style and shun every act unpleasant to Christ and the church.
In Lagos, a Catholic cleric, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, urged Christians to live in peace and humble lives as taught by Jesus Christ’s symbolic entry into Jerusalem.
Osu, the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, made the appeal while delivering a sermon at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Lekki, Lagos.
The cleric said Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem as the Prince of Peace and not a war-waging king.
He urged Christians to always conduct themselves peacefully as Christ’s followers.
Also speaking, the General Overseer of the Restoration Church, Pastor Joseph Okhiria-Abraham, urged leaders in the country to emulate Jesus Christ’s teachings of service and humility.
“Jesus showed humility even unto death for the benefit of humanity, not minding he was mocked and shamed, he still asked God to forgive those who tortured him,” Okhiria-Abraham said.
He said that the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem, which led to the festival of Easter, showed that when Nigerians believed in Him, they would be victorious no matter the obstacles.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

7 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

7 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

8 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor