Ethnic, religious cleansing must stop now -CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned that ethnic and religious cleansing which has characterized the nation all these years must stop henceforth.

Displaced Northern Christians eat leaves to survive - Bishop

Christians who fled Boko Haram's attacks have faced "open discrimination" in refugee camps and have been forced to eat leaves to survive, according to a Nigerian bishop.

Night maranders invade Owerri ... As Christmas approaches

Owerri city centre during Clean and Green era 

Armed robbers and petty thieves are having a field day in Owerri metropolis, with tales of attacks at some flashpoints in the capital city as Christmas approaches.

How Donald Trump defeated...

Donald Trump's stunning and “upset” victory over Hillary Clinton in the recent US presidential election should primarily go down in history as the triumph of a political outsider over a corrupt and arrogant media industrial complex, not necessarily as the triumph of a derided billionaire against a woman that was a political insider like no other.

All you need to know about peptic ulcer

Introduction:

Peptic ulcer is one the most common diseases in civilized countries and probably about one and half million living in Nigeria at the present time have suffered from this condition.

Key to a successful marriage

Marriage is a bond, an institution whereby a man and a woman are joined together in Holy Matrimony in a special kind of social and legal dependence for the purpose of founding and maintaining a family. It is a legal relationship between a husband and a wife.

Imo landlords kick against arbitrary tax

Landlords in Imo State are raising eyebrows at summons purported to have emanated from the Customary Courts over alleged default in payment of Tourism and Infrastructural Development Levy.

Eating fruits on empty stomach

If you eat fruits on empty stomach, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities. 

Kano blasphemy killing: Where is justice for Bridget Agbahime?

By Godwin Onyeacholem

Indeed, for any keen observer of governance in post-colonial Africa, Nigeria must be a very depressing address. And this is more so for the simple reason that no country, in many people's reckoning, has done so much as Nigeria in consistently consciously making itself an object of perpetual ridicule in the comity of civilized countries of the world.

Don’t rush to approve the $30bn loan request by the Federal Government

By Rev Echi Nwogu

I wish to call on members of the National Assembly not to rush into approving the $30b loan request of the president for the following reasons:

St. James (Ang.) Church Obi-Orodo marks 30th anniversary

Pioneer members of St. James (Ang) Church, Odunmara, Obi-Orodo in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State have been showered with praises for their perseverance and faith amid persecution they faced while founding the church.

In his address at the 30th anniversary of the church, recently, the secretary of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Mr. Morgan Ohiri, paid glowing tribute to these founding fathers who planted the seed 30 years ago, which is yielding dividend upon which the gospel has become deep-rooted in Odunmara.

He particularly noted the contributions of the late Chief Festus Ohiri father of Eze Samuel Ohiri, in the building of the church.

Others were Mr Emeka Eze, Dr (Mrs) Victoria Metu, Dr. I.C. Ohiri, Barr. J.C. Uwandu, group leaders, as well as the present priest, Rev. Joseph Igbo, who, he said, had helped the church go grow.

In his remarks at the occasion, the traditional ruler, Eze Sam Ohiri, disclosed that his late father who designed the new church building and died after the foundation was laid, charged the family to carry on with his legacies, especially as it concerned the church.

He noted, with glee, the spirit of ecumenism which prevails in the community and advised people who shy away from God's work to rethink as there is blessing in giving to God part of what He gave to us.

The royal father was happy with the success of the occasion and urged youths to sustain the tempo of church activities in the community.

In his sermon at the service conducted by Rev. Can Mick Ndukwe to mark the anniversary, the Archdeacon of Orodo, Ven. S.U. N. Duruji, commended the designers of the new church building for their vision in using an oval architectural design that would stand the taste of time.

While urging Christians to trust in God, he called for constant prayers and encouraged youths to show gratitude to God by financing the church, describing the occasion as a celebration of God's goodness and the beginning of a new generation.

Certificates of recognition were issued to families of forebears and those who identified with the church among those honoured were Sir Enoch Chukwure, Sir Engr. Adol Oparaure and Rev. Nneji Anukam, in addition to the late Elder Patrick Uwandu Nwanyanwu, late Chief Festus Ohiri, late Barr. I.A. Onyeama, and others.

The first lesson, taken from Exodus 36:1-7, was read by Eze Ohiri, while Mrs. Oluchi Uwandu took the second lesson from Phil. 1:3-11 as the St. James Odunmara Choir sang at the occasion which also featured fund-raising.

Tough times are here, but fear not - Primate Okoh tells Christians

The Primate of all Nigeria (Anglican Communion) the Most Rev.Nicholas D.Okoh has urged Christians not to fear, despite all oppressive tendencies of the devil around them and the tough times they are passing through.

Mama Owerri drills mothers on raising godly children

Members of the Women's Guild of the Anglican Diocese of Owerri ended their 21st Biennial General Conference, recently, in Owerri where mothers were sufficiently drilled on raising godly children.

Pope Francis counsels Donald Trump

Pope Francis has said he will not "judge" Donald Trump on anything other than how his policies affect the poor.

Imo pensioners reject pay cut * Plan mass demonstration early in December

Pensioners in Imo State opened a fresh war-front with the government when they rejected a move to slash their pensions to 40 percent.

The child and family upbringing in a time like this

THE BIBLE SAYS "TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO AND WHEN HE GROWS HE WILL NOT DEPART FROM IT". PROVERBS 22:6

Child upbringing means care and attention given to a child from infancy till the time of adulthood.

Former Minister tasks Ndigbo

Ndigbo all over the world have been advised to recover and restore their lost values as a way forward.

The advice was given by the former Corp Marshal of the

Ten Christian values that need to be revived

We are meant to live by example in everything we do.

1. Love

We all have different opinions on things and different views, but we have to love each other regardless. This includes people from all walks of life, no matter what their skin color is or what situation they are in. People desperately need to see the love of Christ shining through us.

Orlu Diocese celebrates 32nd anniversary

The Anglican Diocese of Orlu, last Sunday celebrated her 32nd anniversary at the Cathedral Church of SS Peter and John, the Divine Nkwerre, Imo State, amidst solemn pomp and pageantry.

Why processed food may cause bowel cancer

Common additives used in every day foods including bread, margarine and sweets may be behind the huge rise in bowel cancer, scientists claim.

Slash your salaries now - Bishop tells Buhari, Federal and State lawmakers

An Anglican Prelate has called on President Buhari and members of the National Assembly to slash their salaries in view of the crippling recession Nigeria is currently passing through and to equally put into practice the “change begins with me” slogan.

Anger as court frees suspects

The release of suspects in the murder of the Christian woman, who hailed from Imo State, has further shown that Nigerians are not the same as a people.

WE CAN'T BE SUCH CHRONIC DEBTORS

EDITORIAL: Christian voice newspaper.


The Debt Management Office reveals that as at June this year Nigeria's total debt stock amounts to a monstrous 16 trillion naira. Out of this staggering amount, External Debt accounts for 18.33 %. 

Relating with the opposite sex and marital decisions

Pastors and public figures too, fall into the group of those mostly accused for disappointing people in marriage. For instance a lady who takes it upon herself to cook and do other domestic chores for the pastor, lecturer or public figure might be doing this with marriage at the back of her mind. 

 Some go as far as buying birthday and Christmas gifts for the person involved, this is dangerous. Some of the men or women under this kind of “gift and hospitality” pressure might be boxed to an emotional corner where they marry the person involved as a way compensating them. 

 Marriage triggered by gifts and compensation do not often last or may not be as colourful and romantic as it ought to be. It is good to set the boundary in time so as to avoid damaging comments like, “After eating my food and accepting all the gifts I showered on him/her, he/she married another man/woman.”

The desire for the opposite sex also has a psychological or rather a developmental root. There is a stage in a child's development where there is an unconscious sexual desire of a child for the parent of the opposite sex. 

 Psychologists call this the Oedipus complex. Parents should take note of this stage and act accordingly to avoid a fixation. A boy or a girl can get to a stage in life where the boy for instance imitates the mother by wearing her clothes and applying her make-ups. 

 Some boys instead of standing to urinate as men stoop like the women to urinate. Serious attention should be given to the children to ensure that they develop in line with their sex so that we will not excuse away their abnormal behaviours as “natural sexual orientation.” 

Parents should be careful to watch the habits and nature of their children to determine their suitability for boarding school. Most of these abnormal sexual orientations are gotten from the boarding school. When a boy and girl of primary school begin to play “mummy and daddy” by mimicking sexual acts, the parents should watch it and reorder the sleeping rooms. Children who sleep with their parents can be curious and may peep!

Because of the freedom the university and higher institution offer our young people, some of them rush to make marriage proposals. The advice of my lecturer in those days can be quite helpful to some extent: “You may marry from your class but do not marry your classmate.” Before you propose or agree to marry somebody, think twice.

Can I wait for this boy to finish his schooling and get a job? Will I not get older by then and miss some serious people who are financially and socially ready to marry me? Will this relationship allow me to concentrate and finish my studies and come out with good grades? Can I keep the relationship pure by avoiding kissing, cuddling and sex for up to four to five years or even more?

Sudan shuts down Christian school

An evangelical Christian school in Sudan with more than 1,000 pupils has been closed after it was raided by authorities.

Iraqi Christians bubble again after liberation from ISIS

Iraqi Christians bubble again after liberation from ISIS

After more than two years of ISIS occupation, a church in Qaraqosh held its first service on Sunday.

Bishop Maduwike dedicates Ugirike new church

It was a two-pronged celebration for St. Simon's (Ang) Church, Ugirike in Ikeduru Diocese penultimate Saturday as it marked its 100th anniversary, an occasion that was used for the dedication of its ultra-modern church building built by legal

Bishop hits Christian lawmakers - For keeping silent

An Anglican bishop has expressed dismay at the silence of Christian legislators, especially in the National Assembly, over the bill on Sharia which has gone far without contention or protest in the Senate and House of Representatives.

CATOL opens Okwu Uratta chapel...in Pix

Last Sunday, a new chapel birthed in the Diocese of Owerri as powered by the Cathedral Church, CATOL. There was an open air crusade leading to the planting of the new chapel.

The service in Pictures

During church service

Diocese of Owerri goes tough on burials

The Anglican Bishop of Owerri, Rt. Rev. Cyril C. Okorocha, PhD has urged Christians to give their parents befitting life and not befitting burials as he rolled out sanctions for both the priest and laity in his diocese who breaks the rules guiding the burial process of a deceased member.

Crime victims frustrate police efforts to check crime

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahiazu, Mbaise

, Imo State, Superintendent of Police (SP) Danjuma Ragga, has expressed regrets that many crime victims are reluctant to stand for their cases in court.

Opinion: Ohaneze: please wake up

I woke up today in my usual writing mood thinking of Ohaneze, a good idea that sits there unutilized for years. What is it actually doing? What is it there for? Not only does it have all stalemates around it, Ohaneze often is all sound and fury signifying nothing because of undeclared intentions.

The plight of Imo pensioners

Waiting for their Pensions

Once, the major attraction in working in government ministries, departments and agencies was the unfailing certainty of payment of bulk-some gratuities and monthly pensions after meritorious service. Indeed, the parameter for assessing the quality of any employment was whether it was pensionable or not.

Archbishop Okoh blasts Nigerians

Most Revd Nicholas Okoh, Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion

The Primate of the Anglican Church, Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, says the ongoing fight against corruption is an indictment on all Nigerians.

Enough of crisis in FMC

Editorial

A ceasefire in FMC is a must now. That's our firm editorial stand this week. And we urge all to back this stand and help make it happen.

Relating with the opposite sex and marital decisions

A relationship is a cordial association with somebody for some specific purposes.  It could involve sharing ideas, experiences and possessions.  People relate when they have common projects to take together.

Anglican Synod tells FG to act fast, says Nigerians are suffering

The Anglican Church, Ijumu Diocese in Kogi State has called on the Federal government to stop paying lip service to development and show sincere commitment to its promises to diversify economy, boost agriculture and provide modern tools that will make working enjoyable and easy.

Man loses court case for refusing to make a cake with the phrase “Support Gay Marriage.”

 Amy and Daniel McArthur of the Ashers Baking Company. Photograph: Liam McBurney

The Court of Appeal in Belfast has ruled against the owners of a bakery who appealed their case after they were accused of discrimination for refusing to make a cake with the phrase “Support Gay Marriage.”

CJN pleads for judiciary

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has called on Nigerians not to lose faith and confidence in the Nigerian jCJN pleads  for judiciaryudiciary.

Egbu Diocesan Synod kicks off Thursday at Eziobodo

 

The St. Mark's Anglican Church, Eziobodo Ihiagwa Archdeaconry in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, will Thursday, host the Third Session of the Seventh Synod  of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu.

Disclosing this to newsmen in Owerri, the Chairman of the 2016 Synod Planning Committee, Sir Osita Igwilo, said that the four-day convocation of delegates from within the diocese as well as invitees from outside, kicks off on Thursday, November 3, with courtesy visits to the traditional rulers of Eziobodo and Ezi-Okele,  Eze Lucky Okoro, and  Eze Richard Osuji, respectively. 

The theme of the synod, according to him is “The fourth Man in the furnace (Dan 3:25) – X-raying the saving power of God in every situation and circumstances: The experience of the three Hebrew Men”.

He said that the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Enyinnaya Okorafor, will deliver his charge and presidential address on Friday while Chief Osita Chidoka, former Minister of Aviation, will deliver the Synod lecture on Saturday. 

Other events include awards of honour after which the synod would be rounded off on Sunday, Nov. 6, with a thanksgiving service and fund raising activities for the diocesan projects.

Meanwhile the Chairman of the Synod Planning Committee, Sir Igwilo, has led a delegation of the Committee to the palace of the Traditional ruler of Eziobodo autonomous Community, Eze Lucky Okoro.  He said the delegation was in the community to appraise their level of preparedness to host the 2016 synod. 

In his brief response the traditional rule, Eze Okoro commended the Diocese for rotating synod hosting rights among the 15 Archdeaconries in the Diocese, thus making it go round the parishes in the Diocese. Eze Okoro said this arrangement has become a challenge to the host parishes, giving rise for expansion and development of the Church stations in benefiting areas. 

He explained that though the Community has not hosted synod before he assured the delegates that they were doing everything possible to make a success of the 2016 synod, stressing that the community was putting in place all necessary logistics for a hitch free synod. 

On the question of access  road to the synod venue, Eze Okoro said the Imo State government and the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) management have been approached and were well disposed to assist, he said.

Cabal behind FMC protest?

Cabal behind  FMC protest?

The recent protests embarked upon by some members of the Joint Health Services Union of Nigeria, (JOHESU) following the re-instatement of the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. (Mrs) Angela Uwakwem, may have been the handiwork of a cabal who do not wish the hospital well.

The indication emerged following Christian Voice investigation which showed that majority of the workers are against the ongoing agitation for the removal of Dr. Angela Uwakwem.

Many of the workers believe that Dr. Uwakwem had done more than  any other Medical Director in the FMC in repositioning the hospital for efficient healthcare delivery.

They saw no genuine reason for anyone to treat her this way after all her efforts. These workers described Dr. Uwakwem as a highly principled woman who is committed to the transformation of FMC to a great healthcare delivery institution and wondered why she is being persecuted.

They called on those championing the protests to sheathe their swords and embrace peace so as to reduce the suffering of the patients.

Dr. Uwakwem had earlier noted that the protesters were doing much harm to Imo people and Nigerian in general as they had chosen to abandon their primary responsibility of saving lives for selfish and political purposes. 

She said, in an interaction with newsmen, that authorities of Federal Ministry of Health and the federal government decided to re-instate her after acknowledging the good work she has done at FMC Owerri .

 Uwakwem told newsmen that she was being persecuted for her uprightness and not allowing people to loot the centre.

She regretted why some members of her staff she had protected are now calling for her head hiding under JOHESU not minding the glaring developmental strides she spear-headed that brought innovation and real change in the hospital to enviable heights.

JOHESU, Southern Nigeria zone had, on Tuesday, converged in Owerri to protest the recall of Dr Uwakwem, claiming that the reinstatement was against public /civil service rule. It directed its members to embark on indefinite strike. 

The union alleged that there were revelations of 18-count charges against Dr. Uwakwem before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), adding that the charges should have been discharged before her reinstatement.

He alleged that Dr. Uwakwem was to appear before the EFCC to face the charges bothering on financial misappropriation on October 11, 2016 but that the case was adjourned to November 15, 2016, owing to the absence of the presiding judge.

Meanwhile there are hints that the federal government may axe staff of the hospital that have refused to report to work following Dr Uwakwem's recent re-instatement as the government is reported to have already issued a press release warning such staff on the consequences of their action.

Our correspondent reports that stern-looking security operatives have taken over the premises to forestall any restiveness among some members of staff that are opposed to the CMD's reinstatement.