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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 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.
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