By Samson Adeyanju 

The President of the Catholic Women Organization Abuja Archdiocese (CWOAA), Dr. Mrs. Nnennah Mabel Ilukwe, has called on women to embody genuine love through service, sacrifice and unity, as the group marked this year’s Mother’s Day celebration.

Speaking at the event held on April 19 under the theme “True Love in Action,” Ilukwe described motherhood as a vocation rooted in selflessness, compassion and unwavering support for family and society.

“Mother’s Day is not just about celebration but about recognising the contributions of mothers and addressing the gaps that hinder true equality,” she said, noting the steady progress women have made across various sectors despite lingering challenges.

She linked the theme to the broader global push for women’s rights, referencing the ideals of equality, justice and safety for women in both public and private spaces.

According to her, true love goes beyond words and must be expressed through consistent acts of kindness, presence and sacrifice.

Drawing from biblical teachings, including 1 Corinthians 13 and Luke 6:37, Ilukwe emphasised forgiveness, patience and truth as essential virtues for building strong families and communities.

She urged women to remain committed to truth, inclusiveness and mutual support, adding that love must be demonstrated through everyday actions such as caring for others, offering forgiveness and standing for what is right.

The CWOAA leader also used the occasion to call for unity among members following the recent archdiocesan elections that produced her as president. She described the period as a time for reconciliation, healing and collective growth.

“I operate an open door policy and urge all of us to join hands in love as we build together,” she said.

Ilukwe expressed appreciation to husbands, children and the Church for their support, stressing that their roles remain vital in strengthening families and advancing the mission of women within the Church.

The Mother’s Day celebration brought together women from across the archdiocese to reflect on their roles and renew their commitment to living out love through action, guided by the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

By Samson Adeyanju 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Saturday issued a strong rebuttal, dismissing as false and provocative claims that the Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar was invited to serve as “Royal Father of the Day” at the proposed Ecumenical Chapel foundation ceremony at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

In a press statement, CAN said it viewed the circulating reports and social media posts with serious concern, stressing that no such invitation was ever extended to the Sultan.

“We state, firmly and without equivocation, that no such invitation was extended to the Sultan by CAN. This claim is false,” the association said.

The body clarified that the controversial material did not originate from its office but was released by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, distancing itself completely from the narrative.

Beyond denying the claim, CAN accused unnamed actors of deliberately twisting facts to inflame religious sensitivities and stir unnecessary tension.

“Beyond its inaccuracy, the narrative appears deliberately framed to provoke religious sensitivities and manufacture controversy where none exists. Such distortions are reckless and unacceptable,” the statement added.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to both the sanctity of Christian worship and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse religious groups, warning that misinformation must not be allowed to undermine national unity.

“Truth must never be sacrificed on the altar of sensationalism,” CAN said, insisting that any suggestion linking the Sultan to the ceremonial role was entirely unfounded.

It urged the media and the public to act responsibly by verifying information before dissemination.

“Verify before amplifying, question before believing, and prioritise facts over virality,” the statement advised.

Reiterating its position, CAN maintained that the report was the handiwork of mischief makers and should be disregarded in its entirety.

By Emmanuel Eko

The Concerned Nigerian Network in Diaspora (CNND), and the Rebuild Nigeria Movement Worldwide (RNMW), have announced plans to carry out thorough consultations and assessments before endorsing any political party or candidate for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on behalf of both organizations, former president and founder, Ambassador James Erebuoye, emphasized the need for caution and strategic decision-making following the experiences of the 2023 elections.

According to Erebuoye, several errors made by platform administrators and coordinators during the last electoral cycle nearly fractured the network, which he noted took over two decades to build across Nigeria and the diaspora.

“We will undertake proper diligence before deciding which political party or candidate to support in 2027, and we will also guide our eligible voters accordingly,” he stated.

He called on coordinators within both organizations to prioritize unity, peace, and discipline among members, warning against the dangers of religious intolerance and tribal divisions.

“This is about our one and only country, Nigeria. We must not allow religious bigotry or tribalism to derail our collective mission,” Erebuoye said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, he described the process as a critical national assignment, urging members at home and abroad to remain committed and organized.

“Our goal is to mobilize not less than 20 million votes for the right presidential candidate we collectively decide to support,” he added.

Erebuoye also stressed the importance of defending Nigeria’s democracy, describing it as a serious responsibility that requires the active involvement of all members. He further called for intensified efforts to combat corruption, which he said has hindered the nation’s development for decades.

Addressing national security concerns, the CNND and RNMW founder urged the Federal Government to take stronger and more decisive action against terrorism and banditry.

“No amount of condolences can bring back those who have lost their lives. The priority of government now must be to secure citizens and put an end to these attacks,” he said.

He outlined a three-point priority for the government: tackling insecurity, eliminating entrenched corruption networks, and then focusing on economic recovery.

Erebuoye noted that improving security would naturally enhance economic growth, attract investment, and boost tourism.

“No foreign investor or tourist will be attracted to a country plagued by insecurity. Fixing the economy will be much easier once the security challenges are addressed,” he concluded.

The statement reflects growing political mobilization among diaspora networks as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.