Bauchi State Government Vows to Address Healthcare Challenges in 2025

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From Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu BAUCHI

Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to achieving a healthier Bauchi State for all.

Speaking at the 2024 Primary Health Care End-of-Year Retreat, Jatau highlighted the progress made in advancing primary healthcare, including strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to essential health services, and improving maternal and child health services.

Despite these successes, Jatau acknowledged the significant challenges facing the healthcare system, including overstretched resources and inadequate financing.

To address these challenges, he emphasized the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving all stakeholders, including the state and federal governments, development partners, and the private sector.

Jatau also appreciated the federal government and health development partners for their technical and financial support.

The co-chair of the Bauchi State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, assured of the support of traditional institutions in tackling challenges associated with achieving universal healthcare coverage.

Ebonyi Govt Vows To Prosecute Illegal Taskforce Operator

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From Nnenna Mba- Abakaliki

Ebonyi state government have vowed to prosecute illegal taskforce operator caught levying petty traders in the state.

The Commissioner for Information and state Orientation, Jude Okpor, stated this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of state Exco meeting, in Abakaliki.

Recall that the state government on March 20, 2024, while swearing in Members of Ebonyi State Revenue Commission, cautioned against indiscriminate taxation of petty traders, selling farm produce in the market.

However, a suspected agent was seen in a viral video levying petty traders at the International market, Abakaliki, which led to the agent’s arrest by police men.

Speaking, the state Commissioner for Information, Okpor, while emphasizing on the governor’s directive, said “what the Governor had in mind is to protect the low income earners in the state. But you’ll agree with me that human beings are difficult to manage.”

He assured that investigation is still ongoing, adding that if at the end of the exercise the suspect is found guilty, will face the full weight of the law.

Okpor, while stating that the state government will not relent in making sure that the Governor’s directive is being enforced to the later, equally called on the media to help with useful information about suspected agents and their activities in the state.

Certificate Forgery Rocks Anambra Traditional Stool As Ikenga Community Boils

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

The contest for the substantive Traditional Ruler of Ikenga Community in Aguata Local government area of Anambra got messier following the alleged forgery of West African Examination Council WAEC O level certificate by one of the contestants Nze Nonso Ezeokafor .

The alleged forgery had earlier been committed which the Selection Committee discovered as forged which belongs to one Agnes Ogboji .

He later used his passport to pest on another person’s statement of result which the Commissioner for local government and Town Union Affairs Chief Tony Collins Nwabunwanne called WAEC officials who confirmed that the result is fake.

At the Commissioner”s office he was reported to have owned up to the forgery and announced his withdrawal from the race and was ultimately disqualified.

According to the letter of the committee signed by the Chairman Ichie Wilfred Muojekwu and Secretary Mr Onwudebe John Paul entitled outcome of our meeting so far ;

“After verification of all the candidates curriculum vitae by the committee, it was discovered that Nze Chukwunonso Ezeokafor ‘s WAEC result was not correct and he was disqualified ”

“The remaining three candidates are the ones cleared to contest for the post of Igwe Ikenga ”

“The cleared candidates are Nze Obinna Ezenwanne , Nze Okwudili Dim and Mr Obinna Okoye ”

“These three candidates are by the virtue of their WAEC results ,stand approved to participate in the fourth coming debate and election

“All the candidates CV was accompanied by a sworn Affidavit and an undertaking that if any of the information supplied is found to be false they stand disqualified ” the Committee stated.

But despite this development the Anambra state government directed that candidates with valid certificates can contest which made the contest linger for more than a year now .

Reacting to the allegations of forgery the Commissioner for local government and Town Union Affairs Chief Tony Collins Nwabunwanne contended that Nze Nonso Ezeokafor only forged WAEC certificate once which he is aware of but was quick to add that the Community should produce proof of the second forgery and that if found guilty, he would be disqualified accordingly.

Deepening the situation further the disqualified Nonso Ezeokafor is alleged to have obtained yet another certificate and has indicated interest to contest for the Igwe of Ikenga Community hence drawing the anger of the community.

According to a leader in the town Sir Ekeson Madueke told reporters that;

“Nonso Ezeokafor stands disqualified and that is the position of our town and again how can a man who forged WAEC certificate twice be allowed to contest for the Igwe of Ikenga when he already has integrity problems and the image and reputation of Ikenga Community is at stake ”

“Today our Community is boiling and infact in tomoil because of the roles of some people who are neck deep in sponsoring illegality and anarchy across the land and we the good people of Ikenga Community would not allow that to happen”

“We urge Gov Charles Soludo and the Commissioner for local government and Town Union Affairs to save our town from the impending doom in this peaceful Ikenga Community ” he said.

Hunger Kills 34 Former Civil Guards In Imo – Uzodinma Yet To Pay 5 Years Salary Arrears

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Staff of the Imo Civil Guards who control traffic on major roads in the state capital have cried out over the refusal of the Hope Uzodinma administration to pay them salary since it came on board five years ago, despite several appeals.

This development they said has resulted in the death of about 34 of their colleagues who gave up as a result of hunger, lack, deprivation, and inability to source necessary medication for their ailments.

Some of them who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “we are baffled that our beloved Governor, Hope Uzodinma CON has comfortably closed his heart of humanity over the suffering, neglect and pitiable condition of Imo State Civil Guards, culminating in the non payment of 5 years arrears of salaries and allowances, despite the fact that many of our staff are still working. Many, in an effort to survive, have regrettably become beggars on the streets and those in government owned establishments as security guards are demonically oppressed and frustrated.

Former Governor Emeka Ihedioha paid us last in June, 2019, and prior to that date, we have existed since 2004, under former Governors Achike Udenwa, Ikedi Ohakim and Rochas Okorocha who changed our name from Imo State Orientation Agency to Imo State Civil Guards”.

“We are frustrated, we need help from Ndi Imo, let our people help us to take care of our responsibilities once again particularly this Christmas season, it is 6 Christmases we have not celebrated with a grain of rice just because the government displaced us, we are virtually Internally Displaced Workers in Imo State.

Police Impostor Arrested with Pump Action in Anambra

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By Izunna Okafor, Awka

A man claimed to be a Sergeant and serving member of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos has been arrested in Anambra state by the gallant officers of the Anambra State Police Command.

The 50-year-old suspect, who hails from Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, was apprehended on Wednesday by the operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad of the Nigerian Police Enugwu Ukwu.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the State, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, who disclosed this in a statement to newsmen on Wednesday, said an automatic Pump Action gun was also recovered from the suspect.

He said the police peratives spotted the suspect while on surveillance patrol along the Onitsha—Enugu Expressway by UNIZIK Temp Site in Awka; while during interrogations, he claimed to be a Sergeant and a serving member of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos — a claim he later denied his earlier claim.

According to the Police Spokesman, “In the early hours of today 18th December 2024, Operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad of the Nigerian Police Enugwu Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State arrested one Chidi Ekwesiri (M) aged 50 years from Umunya, Oyi LGA and two others. They also recovered one automatic pump action gun and a Police uniform from the suspects.

“The Operatives spotted the suspect while on surveillance patrol along the Onitsha – Enugu Expressway by Unizik Temp Site. During interrogations, the suspect claimed to be a Sergeant and a serving member of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos but later denied his earlier claim. He also confessed that the gun was given to him by a yet to be identified man at Ukpo.

“Further information from the suspect led to the arrest of two other suspects who are currently undergoing Police interrogation.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has directed the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka for a comprehensive investigation. The suspects will be charged to Court on conclusion of the investigations.”

Librarians Urged to Embrace Modern Technology, As NLA Holds 2024 Conference in Anambra

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By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Librarians have been urged to embrace modern technology, diversify their skills, and build capacity to remain relevant in the ever-evolving information landscape and to align with the ever-changing trends in Library and Information Services globally.

This formed the crux of deliberations at the 2024 Annual Conference/AGM of the Nigeria Library Association (NLA), Anambra State Chapter, which recently held at the Ekwueme Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State capital.

Themed “Repositioning Library and Information Services: Diversity, New Technologies, Capacity Building,” the two-day event, brought together prominent librarians, information scientists, IT specialists, computer experts, students of Library and Information Science (LIS), media professionals, and other key stakeholders.

Featuring a rich lineup of activities such as keynote lectures, paper presentations, cultural performances by LIS students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, investiture/special recognitions, and the AGM, the conference served as a melting pot of ideas aimed at repositioning Library and Information Services (LIS) for improved relevance and efficiency.

This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that the well-attended event also highlighted the urgent need for librarians to adapt to modern tools and technologies to meet the dynamic demands of today’s information-driven world.

Delivering the keynote lecture at the conference, the Director, Human Capacity Development and Training for African Library and Information Association (AfLIA), Dr. Nkem Osuigwe, emphasized the importance of collaboration, capacity building, and technological adoption in repositioning the LIS sector. She beamed light on the role of librarians in contributing to digital knowledge, particularly through platforms like Wikimedia, which houses the world’s largest online encyclopedia.

While noting that librarians must lead the charge in creating digital content and leveraging emerging technologies to ensure relevance in a rapidly changing information landscape, Dr. Osuigwe encouraged participants to make it a point of duty to engage actively in producing digital content and adopting innovative tools to enhance service delivery.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Library Association (NLA), Anambra State Chapter, Dr. Ngozi Perpetua Osuchukwu, noted that the conference and its theme were auspicious, as they reflected the ever-evolving nature of librarianship. She explained that the event provided a unique opportunity to reimagine library services to suit modern realities through the adoption of new technologies, capacity building, and diversification of skills.

She further highlighted that libraries are not static institutions but dynamic spaces that must continue to evolve to meet users’ needs.

“Librarians must continually build their capacity to ensure they deliver world-class services, leveraging tools such as Artificial Intelligence, digital resources, and innovative IT solutions,” she stressed, also reiterating the importance of capacity building, skill diversification, and collaborative efforts among professionals to transform the LIS profession.

In her goodwill message, a Special Guest at the event and Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, commended the Nigeria Library Association for its commitment to promoting education and knowledge dissemination. While highlighting the various transformation going on in the state education sector under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, she also encouraged librarians to continue supporting the education sector with diligence, while also urging them to take advantage of available tools and resources to strengthen service delivery.

On his part, the MD/CEO of Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), harped on the role of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, in transforming information management. He pledged the Agency’s readiness to collaborate with the Association in building the technological capacities of librarians across the state.

Earlier, while declaring the conference open, the Chairman of the Occasion, Professor Ifeka Okeke of the Department of Library and Information Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, extolled the critical role of library services in every sector. He urged librarians to embrace current trends in technology to meet the information needs of their users effectively.

Extolling the impact of libraries across various sectors, the erudite professor further called on the government, groups, individuals, and other stakeholders to support library development, noting that functional libraries remain key to knowledge advancement and societal growth.

Also speaking, the University Librarian of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Ngozi Stella Anasi, who re-emphasized on the need for librarians to remain proactive in updating their skills to keep pace with global changes in the LIS profession, stated that the success and advancement of any library depends on the ability of its professionals to adapt and innovate.

The event also featured the investiture and special recognition of deserving individuals for their outstanding contributions to libraries and education. Among the awardees was Dr. Chibueze Lawrence Ofobuike, Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area, who was recognized for his renovation of the Umezinwa Branch Library in Nkpologwu and donation of computers and educational materials in 2023. Dr. Ofobuike, it was noted, has also been a regular visitor to the library and actively supporting summer reading programs for children in the community.

Also honored was Hon. John C. Obika, a former Councillor of Nkpologwu Ward and current Supervisor for Environment in Aguata L.G.A., for his advocacy for children’s literacy, for being a friend of the library, and for his consistent support for community library initiatives.

Mr. Ezeobi Chukwuemeka Daniel, a medical laboratory scientist and Provost of the Anambra State College of Health Technology, Obosi, was also recognized and honored by NLA for upgrading the College Library with modern facilities, and transforming it into a state-of-the-art resource center.

Prof. Ifeka Okeke and Dr. Nkem Osuigwe were also honored for their significant contributions to librarianship and human capacity development in Anambra State and beyond. While Prof. Okeke was particularly celebrated for his selfless services, mentorship and promotion of LIS professionals among others; Dr. Osuigwe was recognized for her advocacy for open access, digital tools, and capacity building across Africa, being the person behind all AfLIA’s initiatives on building and training librarians all over Africa, and being an ardent supporter of LIS in all ramifications, especially on Wikimedia, advocacy, open access and copyrights.

This reporter gathered that the 2024 NLA Anambra Conference/AGM was not only impactful but also engaging, as it provided a platform for networking, learning, and recognizing excellence, while expectations are already high for the next edition and for greater advancements in the LIS profession, both in Anambra State, Nigeria, and beyond.

AFI Splashes Millions on Beneficiaries in Southeast, Reassures Commitment to Bettering Society

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By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, was recently agog with activities and merriments, as the South-Eastern region of the Adorable Foundation International (A.F.I.) held its end-of-year bash and empowerment programs for the year 2024.

Held at the A.F.I. Regional Headquarters in Awka, the well-attended event, which brought together a large crowd and stakeholders, was a blend of charity, entertainment, and inspiration, with many individuals leaving with smiles on their faces and hearts full of hope.

A.F.I., it was gathered, is a non-governmental organization with its objectives and vision primarily centered on societal transformation and poverty alleviation through delivering of better livelihood, empowerment and assistance to the less privileged of all ages, classes, tongues, tribes and drug addicts. The Foundation, which is one of the most renowned in the region, has revived many hopes and contributed significantly to bettering society through its various initiatives and yearly activities.

Speaking in an interview with this reporter shortly after the event, the Southeast Coordinator of A.F.I., Mayor Chigozie Nwizu-Attueyi (popularly known as Duke), explained that the event was part of the foundation’s commitment to empowering the less privileged, giving back to the society and touching lives through meaningful and impactful programs.

He noted that the initiative aims to appreciate and encourage its members and also put smiles on the faces of families, considering the prevailing economic realities in the country, and especially during this festive season when many struggle to make ends meet. He also expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the joy evident among beneficiaries.

According to him, “This is not about giving out millions; it is about making an impact, no matter how little, in the lives of those who need it the most, and being there always for them with the little we can. It is also our way of contributing to society and showing love to the masses.”

While emphasizing the importance of consistent charitable gestures, the Utuh-born philanthropist further stressed that the Foundation remains focused on empowering individuals, fostering peace, and addressing societal challenges.

When asked his motivation behind his philanthropy, especially given the common speculation that most philanthropists these days usually nurse political ambitions, Attueyi unequivocally stated that his philanthropy and charity works have no political undertone or any selfish ambition attached to them.

“I wish to repeat this for the umpteenth time: I am not interested in any political office, whether elected or appointed. I have been blessed by God, and my charity work is purely a way of giving back to society and showing appreciation to God for His blessings in my life.

“I am not running for any political office, and I have no interest in any form of political appointment. This is something I have been doing consistently for more than ten years now, and each year, it gets bigger. And I will continue to do so,” he emphasized.

He further explained that philanthropy, for him, is a calling, while the joy it brings to others is his greatest reward.

“I feel so elated helping people in any way I can, to better their lives,” he added.

The A.F.I. Southeast Coordinator also used the opportunity to call on members of the public who are privileged in one way or the other to always extend a helping hand to the less fortunate in society.

“We all have a role to play in making society better. Even the smallest act of kindness can go a long way in transforming lives and building a better community. And one thing about philanthropy is that the more you give, the more God gives to you,” he admonished.

While congratulating and commending the A.F.I. members for their dedication and commitment in championing the Foundation’s goals and initiatives, the A.F.I. Coordinator also expressed optimism about the foundation’s future initiatives, noting that plans are already underway for more impactful programs in 2025.

 

Among the prominent dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Nnewi South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Van George Ezeogidi; his Idemili North counterpart, Hon. Stanley Nwkoka; the Majority Leader, Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme; the President-General of Utuh Community, Chief Ignatius Ofordi; a business mogul, Chief Chima Awuzie, among others, who, in their separate remarks, all lauded the Foundation and its Regional Coordinator, Attueyi, for the various impacts so far made, while also reassuring of their solidarity.

Held in collaboration with 100% Entertainment, the event, which was a mix of entertainment and philanthropy, featured the distribution of bags of rice and financial support ranging from N30,000 to N200,000 each to 49 members and beneficiaries drawn from the five Southeastern states and beyond. The event also saw the Host distribute educational materials to school children, in addition to cash rewards offered to some others.

Speaking on behalf of others, some of the beneficiaries, including Lady Ifeoma Onuogu, Mr. John Nweke, and Lady Ngozi Isabella, expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, which they described as a lifeline during difficult times. They noted that the support they received would go a long way in easing their burdens while also helping them celebrate the festive season with greater joy.

Among others, the high points of the event include chanting of solidarity songs by A.F.I. members and beneficiaries in their joyful appreciation to the Foundation and its leadership; as well special musical performances and cultural displays by some music troupes, which all jointly made the event exciting, colorful, entertaining, and memorable.

More photos from the event:

Anambra South Forum Dismisses Allegations Of Marginalizing Nnewi South. Insists On Merit Not Mediocrity

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

The Anambra South Forum ASF has dismissed the demands by some Nnewi South leaders that they should be allowed to produce the next Senator for Anambra South Senatorial District.

It further contended that the Senatorial seat of the District should not be reduced to a mere compensatory position adding that the would be representative should be one that would carry the area along and not one that would go to speak for Nnewi South local government alone .

Contained in the resolution signed by it’s Convener Elder Samuel Ezenwafor from Orumba North, Mr Frednand Okoli Secretary Orumba South, Mrs Monica Nwachukwu member Nnewi South, Mr Andrew Chukwuma member from Nnewi North , Mrs Uchenna Nwankwo member Aguata, Engr Stephen Nwosu member Ekwusigo and Comerade Chigozie Orji member Ihiala local government area it stated ;

“That political parties are free to nominate their respective candidates without the inducement of any pressure group”

“That the exhulted position as high as Senator is not one that should be reduced to a mere compensatory entitlements”

“That the issue in focus is the socioeconomic upward mobility of Anambra South Senatorial District and should not be sacrificed on the altar of mediocrity”

” That what Anambra South wants at this point is to sustain the developmental strides already going on in the area under the stewardship of Gov Charles Soludo which needs a Senator that can deliver to the District and not to a local government area”

” That we urge the good people of Anambra South Senatorial District to discountenance this agitation as it smacks of mediocrity and not meritocracy”

” That in line with the Supreme Court judgement of then Vice President Atiku Abubakar while contesting in Action Congress AC it ruled that the nomination of a political party candidate is an internal affairs of the party hence extraneous influences cannot change the party’s nominations which indeed means that no political party is mandated to dance to the whims and caprise of pressure groups or agitations when it is not even encapsulated in the party’s constitution”

“To this end, we urge all and sundry to see the position of the next Senator to represent the good people of Anambra South Senatorial District as one that can deliver the wishes and aspirations of the entire Anambra South Senatorial District and not the sectional ambitions of some people who claim to be speaking for our brothers and sisters in Nnewi South local government area”the group stated .

Chidoka rues loss of N17.4 trillion over non creation of 6th state in S-East

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By Chuks Eke

Chief Osita Chidoka, former Minister of Aviation and Chancellor of Athena Center for Policy and Leadership has lamented the monumental loss of huge amount of money estimate at over N17.4 trillion associated with non creation of an additional state in the Southeast geo-poliitical zone to bring the number of states in the zone at par with number of states in other geo-political zones in the country.

He said it is quite unfortunate that the Southeast zone has only five states in its fold, while four others have six, just as one zone alone in the North has seven states.

Chidoka who spoke at Otu Oka-Iwu (Association of Igbo Lawyers) event, wondered why the federal government cannot redress the imbalance by creating one more additional state in the Southeast zone to bring the number of stayed to six, adding that such an imbalance has forced the zone to be losing an estimated sum of N17.4 trillion over the past 29 years when the states were last created in the country.

According to Chidoka, “due to the absence of a sixth state, which would have contributed significantly to federal allocations and local government revenue, this staggering figure, adjusted for inflation and devaluation, highlights the region’s ongoing economic and political marginalisation, with profound implications for representation, federal receipts, and governance”.

He emphasised that the Southeast has suffered significant financial losses, amounting to N17.4 trillion due to the lack of a sixth state, which would have brought in additional federal allocations and expanded local government revenue.

“The absence of a sixth state in the Southeast is not just a political oversight but a direct financial loss for our region. Over the past 29 years, the Southeast has lost over N17.4 trillion, which could have fueled economic development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced our political representation in the National Assembly,” Chidoka stated.

“This loss is unsustainable, and it is time for us to come together and take the necessary steps to stop these ongoing losses.”

Chidoka, former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC called on Southeast leaders to unite and follow the constitutional process for state creation. He reminded the region that the process, as stipulated in Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution, involves the following steps:

1. A formal request for the creation of a new state, supported by at least a two-thirds majority of the Senate, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and local government councils in the affected area.

2. Approval through a referendum, where at least two-thirds of the people in the affected area must support the creation of the new state.

3. Approval by a simple majority of all states and their respective Houses of Assembly.

4. Final approval by a two-thirds majority of both chambers of the National Assembly.

“Now is the time for the Southeast to formally request the creation of the sixth state, following the prescribed constitutional process. This is the only way to stop the representation and federal allocation losses,” Chidoka added.

He urged Southeast leaders to play national politics, putting aside internal divisions, and work together to secure the region’s future. “We must stop crying about the absence of the sixth state and instead focus on what is required to make it a reality. The Southeast must place the burden on the Nigerian state to officially recognise our need for equitable representation, resources, and political power”.

The event also featured the presence of Senator Ned Nwoko, who made a passionate case for creating Anioma State as the sixth Igbo state, expanding Igboland and contributing an additional 9,000 square kilometres to the Southeast. Senator Nwoko emphasised the need for the Southeast to strengthen its territorial and political influence by creating a new state fostering greater unity and development.

Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, also spoke at the event, highlighting the political will required to secure the creation of the sixth state for the Southeast. He called for concerted efforts and commitment from the region’s political leadership to ensure that the demand for the new state is taken seriously and given the momentum needed for successful implementation.

“Chief Osita Chidoka’s call for action on creating the sixth state is a change in narrative and request for action on the Southeast leadership. Leaders in the region must now take the necessary steps to ensure the creation of the sixth state, reversing decades of underrepresentation and underdevelopment”, said Obegolu.

Clerics Charged To Uphold Accountability, Contentment and Servant hood

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..As Bishop Owen Ordains Anene, Others as Deacons

By Uzo Ugwunze

Clerics have been charged to embrace the principles of Accountability, Contentment, Servanthood among other virtues as ministers of God as they go about their calling and ministry in God’s Vineyard.

Clerics Charged To Uphold Accountability, Contentment and Servant hood
Clerics Charged To Uphold Accountability, Contentment and Servant hood

The charge was given during the Diaconate ordination of Rev. Stanley Nonso Anene who is also the Director of Administration, University of the Niger Teaching Hospital, Ogidi and three others: Rev. Obi Chinedu Samuel, Rev. Nkwoeze Amos Onwe, Rev. Unegbe Lotanna Uche at the All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha.

In his homily themed “A faithful Steward 1Cor 4:1-2”, Ven. Angus Umeh who was also the Retreatant to the newly-ordained Deacons reminded clerics that they were mere servants managing what does not belong to them saying that they will give account of their stewardship over God’s heritage.

“True leadership is servanthood, and Servanthood is an attitude exemplified by Jesus Christ “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:6-7). Serving others is the very essence of ministry. Rank is given you to enable you to better serve those above and below you. It is not given for you to practice your idiosyncrasies”.

“A Deacon as a minister of the gospel must be contented, not after filthy lucre or worldly riches, respectful, considering other people’s feelings, accountable, ready to own up their mistakes, transparent, generous, have integrity, faith, show gratitude, diligence and ready to assist the priest who he serves under,” said Ven. Umeh.

The Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo while performing the ordination charged them to maintain their calling and uphold the tenets of the Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria as they perform their pastoral duties.

However, Rev. Stanley Nonso Anene after thanking Bishop Nwokolo and the officiating ministers for founding him worthy to be elevated as a Deacon pledged to humbly carry out his duties as a servant. ” All my life have been that of a servant because I have discovered that my purpose in life is to serve God and humanity. I will continue to be a servant leader”.

The duo of Mr Godwin Anene and Mrs Mercy Anene, the father and wife of Rev Nonso Anene respectively thanked God for the new platform to work in God’s Vineyard pledging to support him in every way possible towards fulfilling his ministry and calling.