Connect with us

News

Christians Pray For Peace, Unity On Palm Sunday

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf

Published

on

Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.

The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP  Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.

CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.

The students, led by  Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.

According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.

The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.

Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.

He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.

Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.

The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.

He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.

CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.

He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.

Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.

The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.

The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.

According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.

The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.

Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.

He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.

CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.

Continue Reading

News

College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates  For 2027 Polls

Published

on

The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.

International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.

Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.

He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.

Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.

He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.

“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.

Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.

Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.

He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.

According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.

Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.

The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.

Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.

By: John Bibor

Continue Reading

News

Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping

Published

on

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.

Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.

The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.

He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.

Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.

On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.

The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.

Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.

On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.

He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.

The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.

Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.

By; King Onunwor

Continue Reading

Trending