Religion

CSN Scribe Tasks Journalists to Champion Truth, National Renewal

Published

4 weeks ago

February 13, 2025

By Ade Iyamoye

The Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, has urged media practitioners to be custodians of truth and advocates for moral renewal in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 5th Annual Media Parley in Abuja, Fr. Banjo emphasized that the transformation of Nigeria depends on fostering a civilization of love, integrity, justice, and accountability.

He stressed the media’s role in shaping minds, promoting values, and being a voice for the voiceless.

He called on journalists to use their platforms to expose corruption, combat misinformation, and inspire hope, noting that even entertainment content should reinforce virtues that strengthen the nation.

Fr. Banjo also encouraged the press to draw insights from the communiqués of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in addressing moral and social challenges.

Addressing the “get-rich-quick syndrome” and corruption, Fr Banjo emphasized the critical need for conscience formation in addressing Nigeria’s deepening social ills.

He maintained that tackling these ills starts with the family and conscience formation, even as stressed the urgent necessity of instilling values of honesty and hard work, especially within families, to combat issues like the “get-rich-quick syndrome” and corruption.

He pointed to the family as the foundation of societal transformation, stressing that the current societal reverence for unearned wealth must shift toward celebrating diligence and integrity.

Fr Banjo called on parents, schools, religious institutions, and media to take a deliberate, intentional role in shaping the next generation, using their platforms to foster a culture of truth, respect, and accountability.

The convener of the media parley and National Director, Social Communications, CSN, Very Rev. Mike Umoh introduced and thanked the Secretary General and other Directors present for finding time to attend the event.

He commended the turnout of journalists, thanked them for their collaboration with the Church, even as he urged them to report without bias or fear.

Religion

Pastor Chris Returns to Abuja for Miracle Crusade After 19 Years

Published

1 day ago

March 14, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

Abuja is set for a historic spiritual revival as Pastor Chris Oyakhilome returns for a highly anticipated miracle crusade on March 21, 2025—his first in the nation’s capital since 2006.

Excitement is sweeping across Nigeria, with social media buzzing under #AbujaCrusade2025. Many believers, recalling life-changing testimonies from his last visit, are expecting a fresh wave of miracles and an unprecedented turnout.

For thousands, this crusade is more than just a gathering—it’s a moment of faith, renewal, and divine encounter.

As one excited attendee put it, “After 19 years, God is reminding Nigeria that He’s still in the miracle business.”

Abuja Reports

‘KSJI Nobleship Is a Call to Sacrifice, Leadership’ –Noble Bro Achoda

Published

2 days ago

March 13, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

Noble Brother Emmanuel Odey Achoda has described his elevation to the highest rank of the Knights of St John International (KSJI), as a call to greater sacrifice, leadership, and service to God and humanity.

Achoda, who was officially invested with the prestigious Nobleship by Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama on January 21, 2025, reflected on his over two-decade journey in the Order, emphasizing that the honor comes with higher responsibilities, not privileges.

“This Nobleship has deepened my understanding of humility and strengthened my commitment to faith, service, and humanity.

“It is a reminder that we are all equal before God and must serve with love and sacrifice,” he stated.

Discipline Must Be Restored

While acknowledging the growth of KSJI, Achoda warned against the declining discipline among newer members, stressing that the military-inspired Order must not be reduced to a mere social club.

“Discipline is our foundation. If we lose it, we lose our identity. KSJI must remain a beacon of faith, sacrifice, and service,” he cautioned.

A Legacy of Service

Beyond his commitment to KSJI, Achoda has been instrumental in advancing Catholic missions, from sponsoring church music projects to facilitating pastoral land acquisitions in Old Karmo, Idu, and Gwagwa.

As he assumes this prestigious responsibility, he remains focused on upholding KSJI’s legacy and inspiring the next generation of Knights.

“We must not let the light go out in our time. Our duty is to serve, lead, and uphold the values of our founding fathers,” Achoda declared.

Religion

Uphold Nigeria’s Image, Bishop Adegbite Urges Pilgrims

Published

2 days ago

March 13, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Jesusemen Oratokhai

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has charged Christian pilgrims to Israel and Jordan to be exemplary ambassadors of Nigeria and uphold the nation’s reputation.

Speaking at the departure of the 12th batch of pilgrims in Abuja and Lagos, Adegbite emphasized the sacred nature of the journey, urging them to conduct themselves with dignity and integrity.

“Pilgrimage is a sacred journey, and we must approach it with reverence and respect.

“I urge you all to shun any negative tendencies that might tarnish the image of Nigeria in the holy land,” he said.

Reiterating NCPC’s zero-abscondment policy, he warned against any attempts to abandon the pilgrimage.

He also reaffirmed his faith in Nigeria’s potential, calling it “the best nation on earth.”

Adegbite encouraged the pilgrims to pray for the success of the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and align with the theme of the 2024 Main Pilgrimage Exercise: “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration.”