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Cleric Urges Widows To Shun Social Vices
The General Overseer and Leader of Zarephat Foundation, Deaconess Victoria Amakiri, has urged widows of the foundation to marry Jesus Christ spiritually through their conduct and also obey God’s command, shun social vices, grief, unhappiness and loneliness, adding that they should be happy, prayerful and committed to God during the period of trials, as such is the only way out of temptation.
She said the economic situation in the country coupled with depression and temptation were capable of luring them to men, but stated that though their physical husbands were not here on earth, their spiritual husbands (God) is always present especially to those who will abide.
Amakiri, who gave the charge during the end of year thanksgiving/widows appreciation ceremony organised by the foundation recently in Ahoada, stated that the foundation is borne out of a divine mandate from God and commissioned since 2015 as a non-denominational widows outreach with the vision to uplift widows’ status, change their mentality and prepare them towards the coming of Jesus Christ and ensure that they make heaven at last.
Amakiri enumerated some of the achievements the foundation has recorded since 2015 to include giving financial assistance, rehabilitation of flood victims, provision of scholarships, among others.
According to her, “a lot have benefitted, as some who were kicked out by their husbands’ brothers were brought back into the fold. “Some were sexually harassed, some as customs demand were forced into marriage, some were denied rights to potion of farmlands and some gave birth here in this foundation. Medical bills were paid to sick and unhealthy ones. “What we do is preach the word of God, encourage them and give them physical blessing, food, clothes and shelter”, she said.
The philanthropist identified lack of space and limited number of chairs, money and foodstuffs as major challenges facing the foundation and therefore pleaded with well-meaning Nigerians, government, private and religious bodies to come to their aid.
The chairman of the occasion and Executive Secretary of Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area, Dr. Innocent Osam, represented by his wife, presented foodstuffs and some cash to the widows.
The Patron and Head of Department of Physics, Rivers State University, Dr. Arabo Amakiri extolled the foundation, and asked the widows to avail themselves the opportunities of accessing some free loans in the bank which he made available for them. According to the university teacher, the loan is for petty traders who are willing to engage in small scale businesses.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.