News
Mrs. Ndukuba, Others Urge Christian Women To Get Involved In Politics
Christian women have been charged to be actively involved in practical politics and leadership.
In her address at the ongoing Church of Nigeria Standing Committee Meeting (Evo 2022), the wife of the Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Mrs. Angela Ndukuba emphasised that “Christian women should stop shying away from being involved in practical politics to help correct the ungodly ways unbelievers has turned politics into in our nation.
“If we have more God fearing politicians and leaders, we can then enjoy the sort of conditions that allow us to live quiet and Godly lives.
“It is our responsibility as Christians to serve God with our substances and give cheerfully to the work of God.
“Our lives must be offered to God with full allegiance, knowing that obedience to God and His commands are evidence that we trust Him”.
Also speaking, wife of the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Mrs. Blessing George-Ariolu encouraged women to “come together as one and pray against the issues bedevilling us as a people”.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Evo Diocesan Bishop’s wife, who also doubles as the President of the Diocese of Evo Women and Girls Ministries, Mrs. Chinyere Ordu, said that the women’s ministry in Evo Diocese was blessed at a time like this.
According to her, “we are hopeful that in the process of hosting this epoch making event, we shall entertain Angels and thereby give God our Father much pleasure”.
Also, wife of the Archbishop of the Province of Niger Delta,Mrs. Blessing Enyinda, noted that the theme of the Standing Committee Meeting, which is “the Christian’s Dual Citizenship and Responsibility”, was timely, adding that “regardless of what part of the world in which a Christian lives, he has a dual citizenship”.
Highlight of the event was a session of special song rendition by the Evo clergy wives and the presentation of gifts to the primate’s wife.
Similarly, Rivers StateGovernor, Chief Nyesom Wike has urged the Anglican Church in Nigeria to use its 20million-member population to enthrone good governance come 2023.
Wike said this during his address at the ongoing Church of Nigeria Standing Committee Meeting in Port Harcourt at St. Andrews’ Anglican Church,Rumuobiokani in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, last Wednesday.
The Rivers governor stressed that if the church as an agent of change can mobilise its members in next year’s general election, the country would have peace.
He further called on the Anglican Communion to see the call as a wake-up call, and do the needful.
“This is the wake-up time. We must do something to change the system, if not, let us stop crying”, he said.
He maintained that, if the church does not like the killings and political injustice, among others, in the country, it must consider the need to mobilise for 2023 general election as urgent.
To buttress his point, he noted that the economy of the church would not improve, if that of the country remained stagnant.
The Rivers State chief executive maintained that time to stand aloof was gone, and added that the time to act was now.
“The church has stood by us via continuous prayers. What is required now is active participation. The government is still not willing to support electronic transmission of election results”, he said.
He also argued that with the emergence of good leaders via credible electoral process, the country would change for the better.
Wike, who turned ‘preacher’ during his address, reminded the audience of the scriptural decree of the people rejoicing when the righteous rule.
“Good leaders respect the rule of law. Good leaders work with legislators to promote human rights. A true leader will enhance the electoral process”, he said.
To further aid the church in the propagation of the gospel, he made a pledge of N300million as donation.
The governor’s call was in line with the theme of the meeting, “The Christian’s Dual Citizenship And Responsibility”, where the Primate, Most Rev Henry Ndukuba,charged Christians on the need to comply with their civic responsibilities and not be heavenly minded alone.
By: King Onunwor
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.