… Assures Pensioners Of Timely Disbursement of Long-Awaited Pensions

As the Abia State Government continues to prioritize infrastructure development, the Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced the commencement of reconstruction work on the dilapidated Obohia road in Aba with the reconstruction of Ohanku road set to commence immediately after the Easter celebration.

The road which is a critical artery in the commercial nerve center of the state, comes as a welcome news to many in the area which over the years has deteriorated, causing inconvenience and frustration for commuters and hindering economic activities.

Its reconstruction is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, improve accessibility, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

Governor Otti who broke cheering news during the 2024 Chrism Mass at Christ The King Catholic Church (CKC) Aba, revealed plans to use the Cement Pavement Technology for the road construction to enable it last longer.

“Yesterday, work started at Obohia road. After Easter, work will start at Ohanko road and we are doing something a little different in Ohanku road because we are using Cement Pavement Technology so that it will last longer”, he said.

The Governor who noted that he is committed to fulfilling his campaign promises and delivering democracy dividends to the people, used the opportunity to assure pensioners in the state that their long-awaited pensions would be disbursed by the end of the day.

He said; “Some of you (Pensioners) have been owed since 2014. At the end of today (28th March, 2024) , all of you will smile. Check your accounts at the end of business today“.

The Governor while emphasizing the importance of good governance, expressed gratitude to the Church for it’s support to his administration and pledged that he would not take the church of God for granted knowing their significant roles in enthroning good governance in the state.

“I want to thank the CKC particularly for the support you have given me. Thanks for your support. Thank you for being who you have been and supporting the good governance that we have today” , Gov.Otti stated.

The Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, the Most Rev Augustine Echema, in his address, commended Governor Otti’s achievements in all parts of the state, particularly, the commercial nerve center and highlighted the reconstruction of Port Harcourt road as a significant milestone.

He praised Governor Otti as a righteous leader, stating that Abians are proud of their governor for the first time.

“You are doing well so far, so good and I bet you, if you continue like this, you don’t need any other campaign for a second tenure. Your works will speak for you. The things you do will campaign for you. I have nothing else to say than to assure you of our efficacious prayers.

“We Abians for once are proud of our governor.You have done greatly well and the people are happy. When the righteous people are in authority, the people rejoice. Thank you and God bless you”, Bishop Echema said.

The event featured prayers for Governor Otti, his family and the Abia State.

The post Gov Otti Launches Reconstruction of Dilapidated Obohia, Ohanku Roads In Aba first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Dr. Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, has announced the commencement of reconstruction efforts on Ohanku and Obuohia roads, with a pledge to enhance economic activities in Aba through construction of roads.

Governor Otti who made the disclosure while speaking at the Blessed Michael Iwene Tansi Catholic Church Aba, during the Epiphany celebration, emphasized the importance of addressing impassable roads with the aimed of improving transportation and fostering economic activities in the commercial hub of the state.

The Governor while emphasizing his commitment to changing the negative perception of the roads, noted that his administration is determined to transform the previously challenging areas and improve their accessibility.

He said; “In few days, work will start on Ohanku. As work is starting on Ohanku road,work will start in earnest in Obuohia road .So all those places that are impassable, we will change their story.

“Some of the modest things we are doing in Aba and elsewhere is in keeping with our promise and also fulfilling the requirements of government.Governance is about the welfare and security of the people“.

Governor Otti highlighted the ongoing efforts by his administration to reconstruct the long-neglected Omuma road, abandoned for over two decades and added that a dual carriage way with cement pavement technology has been implemented on the road.

“Shortly after we commissioned this road (MCC) we have started on several other roads.Those of you who come from around Omuma road will know that Omuma road has not been used for about 20 years.

“I want to invite you to go to Omuma road and see what is happening there.And we are doing a dual carriage way with rigid pavement technology“, Governor Otti pointed.

While asserting that the people rejoice when the righteous is on the throne ,he added that rejoicing will be the lot of Abia people.

Acknowledging the support of the Blessed Michael Iwene Tansi Catholic Church during the electioneering period, Governor Otti who said he came to join the church in the first Sunday of the year mass,expressed gratitude to the Parish Priest, Rev. Father Kelechi Anyanwu, the Parishioners for their support and prayers and urged them to sustain their prayers for him”.

He assured the community of his dedication to governance which he said is focused on the welfare and security of the people.

In a homily, the Parish Priest of Blessed Michael Iwene Tansi Catholic Church, MCC Road, Aba, Rev. Father Anyanwu Kelechi explained that Epiphany is a Mass conducted every first Sunday of the year which not only signifies the time the wise men visited Jesus at his birth but concludes the Christmas activities.

He used the opportunity to commend Governor Otti’s leadership, and lauded the ongoing streetlight projects and road repairs among other development initiatives is the Governor in Abia.

The Mass which included prayers for Governor Alex Otti, the Abia State Government, and Nigeria, was attended by dignitaries including the wife of the Governor ,Mrs. Priscilla Otti, members of the State House of Assembly, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba.

The post Gov Otti Announces Commencement Of Ohanku, Obuohia Road Reconstruction first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Speaking through the deputy governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu at the commendation/handing ceremony held at Christ the King Catholic Church, Elu Ohafia, Gov Ikpeazu commended Hon Uchendu for his understanding the benefits of investing in the vineyard of God and championing the propagation of the Gospel.

Dr. Ikpeazu said it takes a grateful and appreciative heart to reciprocate God’s numerous blessings and protection through life journey.

He further noted that building places of worship remains the greatest gift any one can render to God and lauded the Deputy Speaker for being a worthy representative of his local Government area and State examplified through his attraction of democracy dividends and provision of basic amenities.

He urged him not to relent in championing the advancement of the gospel by winning and drawing more souls for God while appreciating the Church’ for sustaining it’s prayers for the state and nation which has helped in sustaining and ensuring peace and security.

In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu stated that because of God has always been there for him through thick and thin, he decided to build the church edifice in appreciation of all He has done for him and thanked the Governor,Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and his Deputy for all their encouragement that has kept him going in his legislative duties.

Earlier in his Sermon, the Bishop of Umuahia Catholic Diocese, the most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji described the church as not only a place set aside for Christians to encounter Christ said the word we hear is meant to shape our our lives and plans alongside Gospel values and extend the love learnt in the church to the outside world.

Bishop Ugorji who noted that service is a day of Thanksgiving to God the Alpha and Omega as well as to appreciate the Deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu for being selfless in his decision to build a church edifice in another village rather than his own for spiritual worship and handed over to the Catholic Church in appreciation of his advancement in the political career.

The service which featured blessing of different sections of the church and alter attracted the presence of the commissioner for public Utilities, Chief Kingsley Imaga top govt officials , legislators,the clergy, traditional rulers and other notable personalities.

The post Gov. Ikpeazu Commissions Church Building, Lauds Deputy Speaker first appeared on National Ambassador News.

The Umuahia Diocesan Council of Catholic Men Organization (UDCCMO), in their 2021 CMO Day Celebration,has honoured 35 men of the association with the award of “Ezinna and Nnaoha”, having stayed over twenty years in marriage successfully.

The event which took place at the Mater Dei Cathedral Umuahia, had members of the Catholic Men Organization (CMO), from various deanary in attendance.

In his address, the President of UDCCMO, Sir Titus Ahaoma Agomuoh, said this year’s celebration is unique because it is taking place in the Centenary year of the diocese, as well as the year of St.Joseph, as declared by Pope Francis.

According to him, the 2021 UDCCMO celebration, is an annual event,that creates the platform to interact and acquaint attendees of the activities of the Men,as well as their goals and objectives.

Sir Agomuoh stated that the UDCCMO is a statutory body which comprises the CMO of the sixty seven parishes in Umuahia Diocese,made up of all married men in the church, as it helps to promote the social, spiritual and economic well being of its members, stressing that the organization also involves in the mental and physical development of her members through seminars, cultural,sports and educational activities.

The CMO president further stated that the organization equally helps and encourages her members who have not received the sacrament of matrimony to do so,as well as, honour those who have distinguished themselves in marriage.

In an interview, the chairman of the Planning Committee for the 2021 celebration, Chief Ben Egeonu, said the UDCCMO celebration,is a day set aside to celebrate the men in the diocese and to give award to men who have been working for the church and their respective families.

Egeonu stated that the emphasis of the celebration is basically on the success of the family, adding that when there is peace in the home,it would radiate and reflect in the church and society at large.

He said the church awarded 13 men with the Ezinna award while 22 men were honoured with Nnaoha award, adding that the honour was simply to recognize the men who have stayed over twenty years in marriage regardless of the difficulties, as well, encourage them to be united and strengthened in their marriage.

The Planning Committee Chairman, however, enjoined those who are having misunderstanding in their marriages to thrive to maintain peace and harmony.

Interacting with some of the awardees, the Head of Sales in Golden Guinea Breweries Plc,Umuahia, Sir Christian Mbawuotu Oguibe(KSM), who was honoured with the award of ‘Nnaoha’, promised not to relent in his service in the church.

According to him,he has been an active contributor to the growth of the church, from a youth leader, to the knight of St Molumba and then to the award of Nnaoha, stressing that the award is a call for more service.

Comr Ugbaoja Stephen Ezikpe(ACAI), expressed joy over the honour done him.According to him, he has been actively involved in the service of God, as far back as 1983. He promised to do more for the kingdom of God, as well, continue to remain a voice to the less privileged and a mediator of peace.

Warrant officer Patrick Okeke Ogbonnaya rtd and his counterpart Achoromadu Peter, who were conferred the Ezinna Award, enjoined fathers to always carry our out their family responsibilities and shun any vices that can bring crisis into the home.

They disclosed that they did not pay for the award, but their tireless contributions to the church both physically and spiritually paved way for the award given to them.

They promised to work hard and give their best in anything that concerns God and the church.

Other Nnaoha awardees were Chief Sir Benjamin Esomonu, the core Investor of Golden Guinea Breweries,Plc,Umuahia, Chief Okechukwu Nzenwa, High Chief Sir Blaise-Pascal Agwu among others. While the Ezinna awardees were Bro Onwuegbu Godwin Otuchi, Bro Michael Offor,Bro Fidelis Eke Kalu among others.

The post Catholic Church Honours Men Married For Over 20 Years first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has extolled the Catholic Church for complementing the efforts of the state government in healthcare delivery by setting up a specialist hospital to cater for the health of the citizens.

Dr Ikpeazu who made the commendation during the official opening ceremony of Mercy Specialist Hospital, Daughters of Mary, Mother of Mercy, Ahiaeke Ndume, Umuahia acknowledged that many hospitals built in various parts of the state in particular and the nation in general are eloquent testimony of the Church’s involvement in enhancing the quality of life of the people.

He stated that the hospital would go a long way in assisting the government to realize its dream and tackling the health challenge of Abians disclosing that his administration since inception has accorded healthcare delivery top priority as one of its five cardinal pillars.

The governor represented by his deputy, Sir Ude Oko chukwu assured the Catholic church that she would reciprocate their efforts of not leaving every thing in the hands of government but will partner her in provision of certain infrastructures like roads, electricity and social amenities.

The governor lauded the Catholic bishop of Umuahia , His Grace, Lucius Ugorji for his encouragement and support to the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Mercy in realizing the project within the stipulated time in addition to dedicating their lives to the service of God.

In his remarks, the state commissioner for Health, Dr. John Ahukanna represented by Director, Medical services, Dr. Jamike Enwereji assured that government would do all that’s necessary to make the hospital functional and urged them not to hesitate in seeking for government intervention in areas of need.

Similarly, the Senator representing the Abia central senatorial zone, Chief T.A. Orji and the member representing Umuahia central in the state House of Assembly, Engr. Chinedum Orji who were both represented by former T. C Chairman, Umuahia North, Alhaji Suleiman Ukandu lauded the Catholic church for their interest in health sector and noted that the specialist hospital would go a long way to help government address the health needs of Abians due to importance it attaches to health.

In her address, the Matron of the hospital, Rev (Sis) Mary Cordelia Ihekoronye went on memory lane about the idea behind the project but thanked God that it has seen the light of the day.

Rev Ihekoronye said that it was their effort to complement government that the hospital was established to cater for the health needs of Abians.

She further stated that the specialist hospital was fully equipped with laboratory services, radiology, cardiology surgery, cancer Screening and Treatment, Gynecology, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis among others and thanked those who supported them in realizing the project while calling on government and well to do in the society to help them equip the hospital adequately.

Earlier in his speech, the chairman on the occasion and a major donor to the realization of the project, Dr. Edward said he was moved by the passion of DMMMM in providing healthcare services, hence his decision to partner with them and urged people to avail themselves of the efficient health services of the well equipped hospital

The post Ikpeazu extols Catholic Church on healthcare delivery first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Ezeokafor may have responded to a statement credited to Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello who had while fielding questions from journalists on the recent visit of members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) to President Buhari said that the Bishops were not happy because Buhari was fighting corruption, hence denying most corrupt officials from bringing tithes from stolen wealth to the bishops.

The Awka Catholic Bishop, who spoke on Sunday while taking delivery of a 48 en-suite building donated to the diocese by its members living in Lagos at the retreat centre, Okpuno Awka said Bello should have addressed the issues raised by the CBCN rather than trying to scandalise the church which he said did not dwell on the doctrine of tithing.

“Tithe is not a doctrine in the Catholic Church, it is private to the individuals and you know it is an old testament way of life for believers.

“You cannot get at the Catholic Church talking about that. Truth is that if we tell people to bring 10 per cent of their income and they all bring it as a matter of law, this Diocese will be heaven.

“The Catholic Church does not want to multiply the sins of the people because if you make tithe a law and they don’t bring it, it becomes a sin, just as in the case if Ananias.

“We see the statement of Governor Yahaya Bello as just trying to distract the people, the church has told the president the truth, if he likes let him listen.

“Let them address the issues that were presented during the visit; need for equitable appointment, need for equal security for all Nigerians, the need to protect both the farmers and the herdsmen.

“Nobody should talk about tithe here, how much is the person paying, the Gov in question is not even a Christian so he is not even competent to discuss it.

“Let us tell ourselves the truth, these politicians should stop being selfish, their interest is what is important to them, they are ready to hit whatever will stand in the way of their selfish interest,” the Bishop said.

The post Awka Catholic Bishop tackles Kogi Gov, Bello, says Church not run on tithes first appeared on National Ambassador News.

He further said: “At every step, I have tried to foresee these problems because I have the experience as a former military officer who commanded three out of the four divisions of the Nigerian army, in Lagos, Ibadan and Jos.’’

“The impression created that I was sitting in an air-conditioned office and home enjoying myself while these things happen, is dishonest.’’

The President told the bishops that he would not be tired of recounting remarkable progress recorded in the areas of security, economy and the fight against corruption.

Buhari on Thursday said the policy on cattle colony proposed by Federal Government in response to the frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers was not meant to colonize any part of the country.

The President received leadership of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) led by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari said the intention of the government was to create grazing locations for cattle rearers, which had now been misconstrued as another form of colonization.

He regretted that the well-thought out policy, conceived after wide consultations with stakeholders, had been largely misunderstood by a section of the public.

The president, however, assured the bishops that the federal government would continue to explore opportunities and support initiatives to ensure peace and stability in restive areas.

While condemning recent spate of killings in Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, and Zamfara states, Buhari said security operatives would ensure prosecution of perpetrators and those found with illegal arms in the affected areas.

“We have done very well on security in the North East, when you compare what the condition was before we came in and what it is now.

“On the economy, particularly agriculture, I am very pleased that God answered the prayers of Nigerians who prayed for bountiful harvest.

“People have taken advantage of Federal Government policies and programmes to return to the farm and they have not regretted.’’

On the fight against corruption, Buhari reiterated that government would be guided by the law in the investigation and prosecution of graft-related cases.

According to him, people are being prosecuted systematically with evidence.

“If a permanent secretary has five houses in Abuja, two in Kaduna and one in Borno and Sokoto and he can’t account for the properties and there are bank transactions linking him to the properties, the prosecuting agencies will not have difficulties to make progress on the case,’’ he further stated.

On the question of Federal character, he said that no ethnic group or political zone had been deliberately marginalised in the appointments made so far.

According to him, he will take a second look at areas on which issues have been raised, when a compendium of all government appointments is submitted to him.

In his remarks, Archbishop Kaigama said the Catholic Church in Nigeria would continue to support the Buhari administration and make its contribution to nation-building through prayers, admonitions and assistance to needy.

“As the voice of the people, we shall continue to highlight the plight of our people and play our prophetic role of sensitising the government, thus promoting good governance, national unity and cohesion,’’ Kaigama said.(NAN)

The post I am aware of problems – Buhari first appeared on National Ambassador News.

The move, according to a statement that was released by the Vatican, is the latest step in a saga that has damaged the reputation of the Catholic Church in Peru.

It comes a week before Francis is due to make his first visit as pope to the country and Chile as victims of sexual abuse said that he has not done enough to stop root it out.

The credibility of a commission he formed in 2014 has been severely damaged by the defections of senior members who accused the Vatican of dragging its feet.

The Vatican said the pope had appointed an administrator to run Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV), whose founder Luis Figari, a layman, is due to go on trial in Peru for the sexual abuse of minors later in the year.

However, Figari has denied wrongdoing.

An internal report by the group in 2017 concluded that Figari, who founded it in 1971 and headed it till 2010, and three other high-ranking ex members had abused 19 minors and 10 adults.

Most of the cases took place between the 1970s and 2000.

The report, published on the group’s website, describes Figari as a charismatic, authoritarian and cult-like leader who publicly humiliated members as part of his strategy to control them.

Peruvian authorities opened an investigation into Figari in 2015 following the publication of a book into the alleged abuse written by Peruvian investigative journalists Pao Ugaz and Pedro Salinas.

Salinas once belonged to the ultra-conservative Sodalitium, whose members include businessmen, writers and politicians from Peru’s upper classes and was founded as a part of a backlash to the “Liberation Theology”, which took sides with the poor.

The Vatican statement said the pope had been following the group’s situation “with worry” for years and had taken the action “after a detailed analysis of all the documentation”.

It said the pope was concerned about “the gravity of information regarding the internal system, (religious) formation (of members) and economic and financial management”.

The Vatican move came a month after a lawyer for victims said a public prosecutor was seeking pre-trial detention for Figari and three other former leaders of the group.

The Vatican, which officially recognised the group in 1997, however, in 2017 prohibited Figari from having any contact with members.

The takeover of the SCV was similar to the action the Vatican took against another conservative group, the Legionaries of Christ.

An administrator was appointed to run the Legionaries after its founder, the late Mexican priest Marcial Degollado, was discovered to have been sexually abusive with a secret family.

The Vatican said the SCV would be run by a Colombian Bishop Noel Buitrago.

The post Sex abuse: Pope orders takeover of Catholic body first appeared on National Ambassador News.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Hamen Donald, told the court that one Mr Moses Adie reported the matter at `A’ Police Division, Mararaba on Aug. 24, at about 9.50 a.m. on behalf of the church.

“In February, the defendant agreed to sell a plot of land to the church at the rate of N4 million in which the church paid one million as first instalment into the defendant’s account.

“The church, having paid the first instalment, the defendant absconded to an unknown destination with the money without notifying the church until he was traced through tracking and arrested,’’ Donald said.

According to him, the offence is punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code Law.

The defendant denied committing the offence when the charge was read to him.

The Judge, Mr Ibrahim Shekarau, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety in like amount.

Shekarau said that the surety should present two of his recent passport photographs and must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

He adjourned the case until Jan. 16, 2018, for hearing.

The post Man 57 in court for allegedly duping church N1m first appeared on National Ambassador News.

They include 30 so-called “Matryrs of Natal”, including priests and lay people, who were killed in 1645 in a wave of anti-Catholic persecution by Dutch Calvinists in Natal, Brazil.

Another group of 3 indigenous martyrs from Mexico – Cristobal, Antonio and Juan – known as the “Child Martyrs of Tlaxcala” will also be canonized.

Aged between 12 and 13, the children were among the first indigenous Catholics of Mexico who were ‎killed between 1527 and 1529 for refusing to renounce their faith and return to their ancient ‎traditions.‎

Among the new saints will also be two European priests. One of them is Spanish Piarist Father, Manuel Míguez González, the founder of the Daughters of the Divine Shepherdess, or the Calasanzian Institute.

He died in 1925. The other is Italian Cappuchin priest, Fr. Angelo da Acri, who died in 1739.

Source: Vatican Radio

The post Pope Francis ready to declare 35 new Martyrs first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Kukah accused European and American politicians and diplomats of publicly “pandering” to Islam at the expense of Christianity.

The result, he said, was the ascendancy of Islam and evangelical Christianity in Nigeria and the decline of Catholicism.

He told Catholic News Service in an Oct. 10 interview, in Liverpool that the widespread loss of Christian faith in the West was “absolutely” among the causes of the diminishing influence of the Catholic Church in his own country. The interview was also published by http://blackchristiannews.com/ and the Crux.

“From my own experience, I find that the British high commissioner, the ambassadors from European countries, the American ambassador — they are pandering more to Islam than to Christianity, because most of them have turned their backs on Christianity,” Kukah said.

“The Arab world is pouring money into Nigeria and the Pentecostal pastors in America are doing the same, and the Catholic Church is now becoming the weakest in terms of access to resources,” he said.

“For me, as a bishop of the Catholic Church, I can see very clearly that our influence in the public space is gradually reducing, and that is largely because of our capacity to mobilize resources,” he said.

It had become no longer possible, he said, for the bishops to appeal to historically Catholic nations for financial help with church projects.

“We can’t go to the Irish ambassador or the Spanish ambassador and say, ‘This is (needed) for the Catholic Church,’” Kukah said. “People are not interested.

“In Ramadan, the ambassadors of Islamic countries are very keen to come to the Muslim celebrations in a way and manner that the Irish or any of these ambassadors are not likely to do for (Christmas) midnight Mass or the Easter celebrations.”

He said that, in his experience, most Catholic ambassadors would prefer to be seen publicly at a Muslim celebration than attending a Christian ceremony.

“Before our election, John Kerry came to Nigeria,” he said. “John Kerry, when he was secretary of state, left the U.S. and came straight to see the Sultan of Sokoto. It was a visit that nobody could explain.”

“John Kerry claims to be a Catholic. This is the perfect example. He landed in Abuja. The American Embassy is in Abuja. There is a cardinal in Abuja, and a very visible cardinal for that matter, but it doesn’t cross the mind of John Kerry to even see out of courtesy the cardinal. He takes another plane to Sokoto and goes to the palace of the Sultan, the head of the Muslims,” he said.

“The reaction of the Nigerian Christian community was very interesting. They thought Kerry was pushing the Islamic agenda,” Kukah said.

“This was ahead of the elections, and they thought he was giving the Muslim candidate a leg up.

“In a country like Nigeria, influence is peddled, and we are not there at the table,” the bishop continued, adding: “We have not trained our people for roles in public life … we are still very shy of the public space, and we are not aware of how much things have moved on.”

Kukah, chairman of the interfaith dialogue committees of both the Nigerian bishops’ conference and the regional conference of West African bishops, was in England on a speaking tour.

NAN

The post Catholic Church loses its public influence: Bishop Kukah first appeared on National Ambassador News.