Religion

ASSUMPTA FLYOVER: CAN URGES RELIGIOUS AND COPORATE BODIES TO COOPERATE WITH IMO GOVT

Published

5 months ago

January 24, 2025

The Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) has urged religious and corporate bodies in the state to cooperate with the Imo State government to fully realize the Assumpta Flyover, which is currently under construction.

It said it would not speak well for any religious or corporate body to impede the development initiated by the state government under the guise of protecting its property.

The Chairman of CAN, Imo State Chapter, Dr Eches Divine Eches made the appeal against the background of the refusal of the proprietors of Holy Ghost College Owerri to yield part of the College for the relocation of eltric poles.

The Assumpta Flyover, which is one of the iconic signature projects of Gov Hope Uzodimma, is nearing completion, but some eltric poles on the way will need to be relocated into the premises of Holy Ghost College to ensure easy flow ot traffic.

Although the government can acquire any land for developmental purposes for the good of the citizens, it still followed due process by formally asking the relevant authorities to allow the relocation of the affected poles into the school.

It was, however, learnt that the proprietors of the College bluntly refused, saying that no part of the school land would be touched.

Dr. Eches said the alleged refusal of the proprietors of the school, which is the Catholic Church, did not speak well of the body Christ as it could be labelled as anti development.

According to him, the government has already demonstrated honesty and humility by formally asking for the land in deference to the Church

” I know for a fact that the law empowers the government to acquire any land for the development of the state and the good of the citizens and thereafter pays a compensation. Since they have been civil about it, I think those concerned should be considerate.”

He cautioned against any action that would portray the Christians as being above the law or even challenging the authority of the government.

Said he, ” During the reconstruction of the Owerri-Umuahia Road, many property were pulled down, and the government compensated them. The owners of the property did not obstruct the development. Christians should therefore not be seen as obstructing government ”

Dr Eches, therefore, appealed to the relevant authorities to cooperate with the government by allowing it to use part of the Holy Ghost College for the speedy completion of the Assumpta Flyover.

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Religion

Second batch of Kwara pilgrims for 2025 Hajj return from Saudi Arabia

Published

2 days ago

June 24, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The second batch of 548 pilgrims from Kwara State has returned to Ilorin, the state capital, after successfully performing the 2025 Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims, along with one participant from Ondo State and three accompanying officials, were conveyed by Max Airline and arrived at the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, at precisely 7:01 p.m.

Leading the group were three state officials; Alhaja Khadijat Kuburat Abtawiy, Alhaji Abdullahi Kawu-Shuaib, and Hajia Sanni Ramat from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Ekwutosblog had earlier reported the return of the first batch of 558 pilgrims on Saturday, bringing the total number of Kwara pilgrims who have returned from the Holy Land to 1,106.

Meanwhile, the Max Airline aircraft that transported the pilgrims back to Nigeria departed the Tunde Idiagbon International Airport at approximately 8:52 p.m.

Religion

Widows are not property to be inherited – CAN Chairman

Published

2 days ago

June 24, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Niger State, Bulus Yohanna, has condemned the practice of treating widows as property to be shared among relatives of their deceased husbands.

Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, made the remarks on Monday in Minna during the 2025 International Widows’ Day celebration, organised by the Women Wing of CAN in the state.

He was represented at the event by his deputy, Rev. Joshua Marcus.

According to him, widows are human beings who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, not as assets to be inherited.

“It saddens my heart when I hear of cases where relatives share not only the property of deceased individuals but also their wives.

“Widows are not property to be shared by the relatives of their husbands but human beings who should be treated with dignity, ” he said.

He urged family members of the deceased to desist from actions that further traumatise widows, and instead seek ways to support and uplift them.

The CAN chairman also encouraged widows to embrace self-reliance and focus on raising their children with purpose.

“I urge our widows to be productive, self-reliant and to engage in meaningful businesses if they are not employed. They should focus on the children God has blessed them with,” he added.

Earlier in her address, the State Chairperson of the CAN Women Wing, Mrs Ladi Nuhu, called on widows to remain resilient and intentional about building better lives for themselves and their families.

Speaking on the theme, “Empowering Widows: Building Resilience, Restoring Dignity”, Nuhu advised widows to anchor their hope in God and embrace self-reliance.

“We understand that you need support for your children, but this is the time to stand strong and not give up.

“I appeal to you to draw strength from Isaiah 54:5–6, which reminds us that widows have a special place in the heart of God, “ she said.

Religion

Benue crisis: Go beyond condolence – Taraba Catholic Bishop tells Tinubu

Published

5 days ago

June 21, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese in Taraba State, Most Rev. Dr. Charles Hammawa, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to take decisive action against the perpetrators of the recent mass killings in Yelwata, Guma local government council of Benue State.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Jalingo, Bishop Hammawa lamented the continued bloodshed in Benue despite repeated appeals and high profile visits, including President Tinubu’s recent condolence visit to the state.

“It is disheartening that despite repeated appeals and visits by top government officials, the killings continue unabated. The people of Benue and the entire Middle Belt are not just statistics. They are fellow Nigerians deserving of protection, dignity, and peace,” Hammawa said

While acknowledging the President’s condolence visit, the bishop stressed that words alone are no longer sufficient.

“We appreciate the President’s visit, but condolences and promises, no matter how sincere, are not enough. What is urgently needed is visible, concrete action and a comprehensive strategy to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace in the affected communities,” he stated.

The bishop condemned the massacre in Yelwata and neighboring communities, where over 100 people, including women, children, and the elderly, were reportedly killed. He expressed the Church’s solidarity with the victims and their families.

“In this painful moment, we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Benue. We offer our heartfelt prayers for the souls of the departed, healing for the injured, and comfort for grieving families,” he added.

Hammawa further called on security agencies and all relevant authorities to act with courage, compassion and a firm commitment to justice.

“The state must not abdicate its responsibility. The culture of impunity must end. Those who have committed crimes against humanity must be held accountable, regardless of their identity or affiliation,” he declared.

The cleric also urged religious leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to rise above division and unite in the pursuit of peace and justice.