Rector, Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State Dr Lateef Olatunji has urged secondary school principals under the aegis of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) to be at the vanguard of making computer a core subject in the secondary school curriculum.
Olatunji said this in Offa at the sensitization on use of Computer Based Test (CBT) application in secondary schools.
The rector also used the occasion to present 10 sets of computers each to eight secondary schools in Offa and Oyun local government areas of the state donated by the polytechnic.
The beneficiary schools were: Anglican Comprehensive College, Okin High School, Moremi High School, Federal Polytechnic Offa International Secondary School, and Community Secondary School in Offa local government.
Others were: Faji Community High School, Faji, Ojoku Grammar School, Ojoku and Ansarudeen College, Ipee, all in Oyun local government areas of the state.
Olatunji said the computers were gifted to help prepare the pupils for the realities of the technological age.
“We should also think of and work on equipping laboratories/workshops in secondary schools with functional computer systems to aid acquisition of the required skills.
“Let me state here that it is in preparation of our children against present or future challenges that lack of basic computer skills may pose that this sensitization workshop is being put together. We need to prepare these future leaders against factors that may militate against evolvement of the great potentials in them.”
He added that the workshop was conceived due to the poor performance of candidates in CBT-based examinations like the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
“The need for this kind of sensitization workshop was prompted by recent experience where high rate of candidates’ failure was attributed to basic computer skills lacking in the candidates. That is why the management of the polytechnic in preparation for a possible and sudden changeover from paper test to computer test 100 percent, has successfully commenced conduct of some examinations through computer-based method. I am delighted to inform you that soonest, most of our examination would be conducted through computer-based method.
“It would not be surprising that in the nearest future, a lot of what we do in the offices, businesses, banks, schools etc today, would be taken up by artificial intelligence (AI) thereby leaving the human workforce in a state of hysteria,” he said.
The Association of Lawyers with Disabilities in Nigeria (ALDIN) has urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to address issues that limit their opportunities in the profession.
The group regretted that its members have not been carried along in most NBA’s key activities.
ALDIN wants its members to be represented in NBA conference planning committees.
It called for an amendment of the NBA constitution to get Lawyers with Disabilities (LWDs) more involved in running the association’s affairs.
In a letter to NBA President Paul Usoro (SAN), ALDIN President Mr Daniel Onwe and General Secretary Mr Gaius Ogan noted that physically challenged lawyers have found it difficult to survive.
ALDIN is the umbrella association for all categories of Nigerian LWDs at home and abroad.
It was established to promote social justice and foster the development of persons with disabilities generally.
ALDIN aims at addressing the plaintive issues in the Nigerian society that stymie the development and progress of persons with disabilities.
It does this through advocacy and pragmatic actions leveraging on the expertise of their members as legal practitioners.
ALDIN said it was concerned about a number of issues affecting LWDs and earnestly hope that Usoro’s leadership would address them.
“These concerns had in no small way stultified the capacities – and narrowed opportunities – of LWDs in the legal profession and in life generally,” the group said.
Inaccessible court rooms, public buildings
ALDIN said lawyers with disabilities have been systematically shut out from the practice of their chosen profession.
“Their access to the temple of justice – where they are ministers – is being denied by way of architectural barriers of diverse forms. Those on wheelchair would either crawl on all floors to courtrooms upstairs or be hauled.
“Those on crutches will have to wobble upstairs with excruciating pains. The blind are left in the woods without accessible working materials. The lot of the deaf is in no way any better. Their livelihoods are thus precarious.
“The NBA can add voice to ours to ensure that courts and other public buildings are accessible to all,” the group said.
Employment of LWDs
ALDIN said some LWDs are not disposed to the private practice of law, especially because of the architectural barriers that hamper their access to courtrooms and other public buildings.
“Their employment in the private and public sector is, therefore, necessary.
“The NBA can assist our members in securing sedentary jobs in the public and private sectors by recommending our members where such vacancies occur.
“We also look forward to the employment of our members by the NBA also,” the group said.
NBA ‘desks’ on disability issues
The association called for the establishment of disability desks at NBA headquarters and branches.
“LWDs are not considered in the allocation of the opportunities that exist in the NBA and the legal profession at large.
“Issues affecting LWDs are relegated to the background either because of negligence or lack of adequate understanding of disability issues.
“We recommend that NBA establish a ‘desk’ to be occupied by a Lawyer With Disability (LWD) – who will be recommended by ALDIN.
“The occupier of the ‘desk’ will be a liaison officer of sorts who will bring to the fore issues that affect LWDs. We recommend that this be replicated at the various branches of the NBA.
“It will help in no small way to address our concerns and enhance inclusivity at the Bar,” ALDIN said.
Conference planning
ALDIN described as enormous the difficulties LWDs face at the NBA annual general conferences, some of which could have been avoided if such lawyers were carried along in the planning process.
The group said: “Virtually nothing about the concerns we have as LWDs are considered in the planning of the conferences.
“We recommend that an LWD – who will be recommended by ALDIN – be a member of the Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP) so that the sensitivities of LWDs will be factored at the planning stage.”
Inclusion in NBA affairs
ALDIN called for a deliberate policy to include LWDs in the running of NBA affairs through constitution amendment.
“Mr. President, in our yearnings for an inclusive Bar, we acknowledge the efforts made by the immediate past administration of the NBA in ensuring that LWDs have some sense of belonging.
“The NBA headquarters was structurally adjusted to allow for access of LWDs and some lawyers with disabilities were sponsored to the NBA Annual Conferences in 2017 and 2018.
“It is our plea that this progress be sustained whilst we look forward to more success stories.
“Mr. President, your manifesto emboldens us to look forward for a more inclusive Bar under your leadership,” the group said.
ALDIN reminded Usoro of his promise in his manifesto, which reads: “Another category of lawyers whose welfare I will work towards ameliorating, from a professional standpoint, is that of the aged and disabled lawyers.
“If I am elected as the NBA President, I will work towards achieving better welfare programmes for these categories of lawyers and generally for all lawyers …
“Persons living with disability and the aged have special needs which unfortunately are not generally catered for in our Nigerian environment.
“These needs include access facilities into buildings, toilet facilities, specialised reading and legal practice materials and aids, customised technology aids and facilities.
“My administration as the NBA President will work at installing these facilities at the NBA Secretariat where the model law office would be located.
“The model law office at the national secretariat would also be made friendly to and usable by agreed persons and persons living with disability.
“These facilities would gradually be expanded and provided at the NBA Zonal Offices in the three zones of the NBA.
“We would also open dialogue with the Chief Justice of the Federation and the heads of various courts in the federation and the states on the required modifications for making the courts and the court facilities accessible to and usable by the aged and persons living with disability.
“More importantly, we shall dialogue constantly with these categories of lawyers to continually understand their needs and how best we can assist in meeting them.”
ALDIN urged Usoro to fulfill his campaign promises.
“Mr. President, we are looking forward to working with you as partners in progress to achieve the objects of your manifesto especially as it relates to LWDs,” it added.
Media scholars have advocated the need to put in place a self-regulatory system and intensify activities aimed at sensitising the media community about the industry standard to avoid high-level of hate speech and partisanship in the coverage of election.
Speaking at a Media Project Stakeholders Meeting organised by the Institute for Media and Society (IMS) as part of the support to the media component of the European Union (EU) Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Project, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda Edetaen Ojo said there is a consensus that there were disturbing levels of hate speech and partisanship in the coverage of the 2015 elections by many media outlets.
He said since then, no concerted effort has been made to address the problem, although various government officials and other stakeholders have repeatedly expressed concern about the challenge posed by hate speech to both the electoral process and public discourse.
He said: “There is a risk that if the media community does nothing to address this problem, government could take legislative measures in response and this would most likely be in the form of criminal law.
“In order to address this problem and other breaches of professional standards ahead of the 2019 elections, the media community should make efforts to put in place a self-regulatory system and intensify activities aimed at sensitising the media community about the industry standard.
“I believe that there is a move to update the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage that was developed ahead of the 2015 elections to make it more comprehensive. I am in complete support of such an effort.
“A major challenge with the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage was that it was developed too close to the 2015 elections as a result of which not much could be done to familiarise media practitioners with the contents and standards contained in the Code. It was therefore not possible to fully apply the Code in the context of the 2015 elections and to assess its effectiveness.
“The media community, which collaborated to develop that Code, now needs to urgently revise and update it so that the final document can be read far ahead of the 2019 elections and the necessary sensitisation carried out.”
Gender rights activists have called for more severe punishment for sexual offenders to serve as a deterrent to others.
According to them, there was a high prevalence of domestic and sexual offences, many of which are not reported due to socio-cultural and religious reasons.
Reducing the menace, they said, would require the collective effort of the government, healthcare providers, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, traditional authorities, the judiciary, civil society groups, the family, youth movements, mass media, and other stakeholders.
They made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of a summit at the American Corner in Abuja to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The United Nations set aside every November 25 to raise awareness on the need to eliminate violence against women and to stimulate positive actions towards women emancipation.
The Gender Advocacy for Justice Initiative (GAJI), Youth for Transparency international, Gyunka New Hope Foundation, Auxano Foundation for Empowerment and Development (AFED) and the Help Keep Clean Foundation were represented at the summit.
The communique was signed on the groups’ behalf by GAJI’s representative, Miss Janet Gbam, who is the Principal Partner of Fortitude Attorneys.
The groups said despite the existence of several domestic and international legislations against violence against women and girls, there were still high incidences of abuses.
They identified a strong link between early/child marriage and domestic violence, as underage girls exposed to early marriage are prone to sexual, emotional and physical abuses.
The groups expressed optimism that the law enforcement agencies and all relevant authorities/stakeholders would prioritise the elimination of violence against women.
They urged the Federal and State Ministries of Education to initiate and implement policies to check teachers and lecturers who interact with students (especially females) and to strictly discourage “incongruous conducts”.
They want schools to be better secured to reduce the exposure of girls to risks of abuse, for girls to be taught self-confidence to make them less vulnerable, and for background checks to be conducted on teachers before employing them, and while in service.
The groups urged law enforcement agencies, such as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Police, to step up the prosecution of perpetrators and in sensitising the public.
“All states in Nigeria should speedily domesticate the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 in their respective jurisdictions and/or make relevant legislations to that effect, just as Lagos State and some other states have done.
“Judicial officers should award stiff sentences to offenders to act as a deterrent to others. The media should accord wide publicity to convicted violators of women’s rights and give adequate time to the reporting of such vices, to discourage the crime,” they said.
The NGOs urged religious and traditional leaders to step up awareness on the consequences of early sexual exposure and to orientate men to take responsibility for protecting the females around them.
They called for a review of cultures and traditions that discriminate against women, adding that underprivileged females should be financially empowered to make them less vulnerable.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), ministries of women affairs and relevant authorities were urged to create more awareness on existing laws and reporting procedures and to ensure that reported cases are not treated with levity.
Kano State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje yesterday stated the need for the broadcast industry to re-brand itself in line with the mantra of change propagated by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration while Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed decried the negative role played by broadcast media during the 2015 general elections.
Ganduje and Mohammed spoke at the Kano Government House during the opening ceremony of the 64th Annual General Assembly of Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) hosted by the Kano State government.
The minister who was represented by Jimoh Lawal, a Director in the Ministry of Information, also urged BON to ensure stiff penalties for broadcasters who defy ethics and code of conduct of the profession. He said: “You have a duty to use your airwaves to project and promote national unity. Your reportage should ensure a healthy and united nation. Broadcasters should set agenda to fight corruption, indiscipline and ethnic chauvinism. We need to retrace ourselves and do the right thing
“The role played by the broadcast industry during the 2015 general elections was very disturbing. You should not forget that the frequencies you use are owned by the people and you are holding it on trust. So, you should give everybody equal right and free access to your airwaves.”
Ganduje described the theme of the Assembly, ‘Managing Change: The Role of Electronic Media,’ as well-thought, relevant and timely, “considering the much clamoured change in our country.
“I have every reason to believe that whenever we talk about change, we all mean change from the bad old days when things virtually stopped working, when things were done in total disregard to the rule of law, when things were done with impunity,” he said.
“When the wellbeing and security of lives and property of the citizens didn’t matter anymore, when the nation’s public funds and treasury became personal wealth of some selected few men and women who lost their conscience, when the nation was almost at the verge of becoming bankrupt and when the whole nation was almost thrown into turmoil.”
Ganduje observed that the broadcast media, on account of set-up and influence, have played significant role in shaping public opinion, adding that “what remains now is for us in the government and you in the media to ensure the fulfillment of the promise for a better Nigeria, a promise of change.”
The governor urged the broadcast media to intensify the fight against insecurity and corruption which he described as “the dual cankerworm that almost dealt a deadly blow in the peaceful and corporate existence of our country.”
Also speaking during the occasion, chairman of BON, Sola Omole, maintained the need for digitalisation of broadcast stations across the country in line with international best practices in the broadcast industry.
He, however, rued the fact that public-owned broadcast media in the country generally operate with obsolete equipment as “owners of such medium should adequately fund them to enhance their operation.”
n his welcome address, Kano State Commissioner for Information and immediate past President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Muhammad Garba, appealed to the Senate to desist from tampering with freedom of information, while condemning the recent proposed bill on social media.
The need for enhanced maritime security across Africa was the thrust of the second Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Conference held in Lagos.
With about 20 countries and a total of 247 ýparticipants, including naval personnel, the two-day event highlighted the need for co-operation and teamwork among the sister navies.
Organised by the Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with the International Quality and Productivity Centre (IQPC), delegates reviewed the security challenges bedevilling African maritime environment with a view to proffering long-lasting solutions.
Top among the challenges was lack of right platforms such as OPVs, to fight the activities of pirates, oil thieves, illegal bunkerers, illegal fishers and sea robbers, thereby boosting economic activities on the African Continent.
With the theme “Facilitating Co-operation Across Africa and Focusing on Naval System and Coastal Surveillance to Enhance Maritime Security”, the conference also provided opportunity for associate sponsors to exhibit their security and defence equipment designed for the protection of oil and gas assets.
Admiral Cunha
In attendance were the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice-Admiral Ibo-Ete Ibas, Commander, Angolan Navy Admiral Augusto Da Silva Cunha; Commander of Ghanaian Navy, Vice Admiral Biekro; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Adebule; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Aliyu Ismaila and Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Security and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Haruna Jauro.
Others included Chief of Naval Transformation, Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade; Rear Admiral Goddy Ayankpele, Flag Officers Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) and Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Rear Admirals Jonathan Ango, Edmund Egbedina and Henry Babalola respectively, and chairman, conference planning committee, Rear Admiral Begroy Ibe-Enwo.
Delegates highlighted the need for information sharing among neighbouring countries to effectively combat maritime crimes, just as they deliberated on enhancing regional policing with combined forces.
The participants acknowledged the importance of collaborative partnership among the various stakeholders for integrated approach in tackling the challenge of maritime security in Africa, even as they noted the need for progressive change at all levels in maritime security issues since
•From left: Vice Admiral Ette-Ibas, Ismaila, Dr. Adebule and Director Navy, Defence Ministry, Alkani Abduraman
present methods were deemed to be unsatisfactory and ineffective.
Maritime nations were advised to develop and optimise bilateral and multi-lateral agreements to mitigate maritime threats as well as establish Maritime Security Zones which should be implemented with commitment.
In his opening and closing remarks, Ibas reminded participants of the strategic nature of African maritime domain with enormous potential that have been persistently challenged by a myriad of threats.
The CNS noted that the threats constitute serious challenges with adverse consequences on collective maritime governance and economic well-being of member nations, even as he pointed out the need for the enthronement of constructive, proactive, sustainable and holistic maritime security architecture.
“Regrettably, these threats constitute serious challenges with adverse consequences on collective maritime governance and economic well-being of nation states, particularly in Africa. “As discomforting as these threats would appear, they are not insurmountable. Accordingly, Africa needs to be committed in embracing core attributes such as the elimination of sea blindness.
“Deriving from this sub-regional agenda, Nigeria, acting through her Navy, has remained committed to the activation of the zone’s activities in terms of staff, equipment and operational assets.
“In addition, the Nigerian Navy, along with its Zone E counterparts, has successfully obtained the permission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to host regular meetings of Heads of Navies of Zone E states.
In his remark, the special guest of honour, Ismaila noted the necessity to step up surveillance activities along the Gulf of Guinea to allow safe movement of goods, services and passengers in the entire region.
He noted the general lack of enthusiasm to the development and facilitation of information sharing through naval systems and surveillance infrastructure.
Ismaila said the second conference in Africa was significant as it symbolises a strategic collaborative initiative between the Nigerian Navy and other international maritime stakeholders.
“It also presents a potent strategy required to mitigate the increasing vulnerabilities in African waters, especially the Gulf of Guinea.
“The economic opportunities that abound in these waters have witnessed increasing interests across a broad spectrum of profitable commercial activities.
“With such prospects amid immense resources, many observers believe that it presents incredible and exciting market potential for international businesses.
“These economic prospects are, however, threatened by the common challenge of rising insecurity in our collective maritime domain. It, therefore, makes sense to posit that any initiative by the Nigerian Navy to build credible capacity that will guarantee our collective maritime defence and security must be encouraged and pursued with vigour.
“This understanding is critical to maritime security. Regrettably, there is still a general lack of enthusiasm to the development and facilitation of information sharing through naval systems and surveillance infrastructure.
“In my view, this lack of interest in maritime domain surveillance capitalisation has limited the capacity for collaboration and information sharing among maritime stakeholders in Africa.
“This is more so as maritime criminals are highly mobile, thus making the crime itself very fluid and non-territorial; hence the need for co-operation among nation states.
“Intelligence sharing within the maritime security community would guarantee meaningful and responsive objectives as a requirement for Maritime Domain Control (MDC). Therefore, putting in place a co-operation mechanism for maritime security stakeholders is a long way to go.
“Let me also add that the collaborative initiative of the NN and IQPC is laudable and must be given the necessary support. We at the Ministry of Defence with the support of your government are doing what is necessary to enhance the asset capitalisation of the NN in order to improve its operational efficiency,” he said. For Jauro, such conferences were a necessity if the war against maritime criminals must be won.
He reiterated NIMASA’s commitment to the safetyý and security of merchant shipping.
Jauro said: “In NIMASA, our commitment to safety and security of merchant shipping is unwavering. This is why we have remained committed to the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the Nigerian Navy which established the Maritime Guard Command (MGC) based in our head office with a navy captain as commander.
“Indeed, we cannot claim any measure of success if it was not for the full backing of the Navy. Considering that we are not permitted to bear arms in enforcing our mandate, we have continued to strengthen our partnership with the navy towards eradicating these criminals which results are already positive.
“The MGC has been able to arrest several vessels and persons engaged in one form of illegality or the other in our maritime environment.
“These evils do not only negatively impact on the economies of littoral states but also hinder effective harnessing of the potential of the maritime sector while causing grave reputational damage to the sub-region. This trend must be reversed to ensure our collective prosperity.”
While reiterating the importance of the West African sub-region to global economy, Babalola in his presentation stated that it is a pivotal international shipping route connecting the Far East to countries in the North and South of the Atlantic.
He said: “It has also become a veritable sea route for international trade and commerce, especially now that the Arab Gulf passage is more costly and risky, due to conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa. Additionally, the sub-region is endowed with abundant deposit of hydrocarbon as well as home to a substantial bio-diversity of marine resources. In fact, four per cent of global oil extraction comes from this region.
To the Director, Ocean Explorers, Lieutenant Festus Erubore (rtd) said his knowledge has been broadened on the specific equipment needed by African navies in tackling peculiar maritime challenges.
”As a company that provides unique opportunities in maritime security surveillance; pipeline surveillance protection and interdiction; port facility security; port and vessel hardening; safeguarding hazardous material in a maritime environment; early detection technology; diving and salvage operation as well as high sea communication device, we are grateful to the navy for its ingenuity in organising this year’s OPV Africa conference” he said.
There is a need for proper guidance and counseling in higher institutions.
The advice was given by medical students of the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during the presentation of a research report conducted on students of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH) in Igboora.
The research was part of the community and primary healthcare programme organised by the medical students in Ibarapa.
Presenting the report on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and Sexual Risk Behavior (SRB) among students, Michael Dike, a 600-Level student, said ACE could lead to risky sexual behaviour.
He said the condition could come with traumatic moments that could have negative effects on health and wellbeing. The condition, he said, could be experienced before the age 18.
According to him, the ACE effects include physical and emotional abuse, feeling of neglect and household dysfunction.
Proffering solutions to the condition, the medical students recommended proper guidance and counseling in schools. They said there was need for teacher-student relationship to engender mentorship and solve students’ curiosities.
They also advocated for a forum, where students could be enlightened on sex education and peer pressure. They said efforts should be made by school managements to ensure recreational activities as part of the curriculum.
Receiving the report on behalf of the management, the Provost, Prof Gbemiga Adewale, praised the medical students and their coordinators for choosing the college for the study. He pledged the management’s commitment to the implementation of the report. The provost said a committee would be set up to look into the report to fast-track its implementation.
The newly elected House of Representatives member, Hon. Zakari Angulu-Dobi, representing Abuja South has promised to pursue the prolonged desire of natives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for Abuja to be recongnized as a State in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Angulu-Dobi who made this known while speaking with journalists in his hometown at Dobi in Gwagwalada area council of the FCT, advised residents of the FCT to have positive change in mind, that there will be job opportunities for any qualified resident and native of the FCT, that it is not going to game as usual, where opportunities were only given to those who have people in government,
According to Angulu-Dobi, the members representing the FCT are also going to struggle to make sure that the FCT is recongnized as if it was one of the states in Nigeria and that all necessary opportunities given to other states, will also be accorded to the FCT.
“We will also going to struggle in the National Assembly, that like in every city in the world where they have a Mayor, Nigeria should not be different. Let the truth be told. We are not saying that a Mayor should be given to Abuja just for only the indigenes. We are saying that as far as you are residing in the Abuja, you are qualified to be Mayor of the Abuja.
“But let there be a structure that will take care of the state, and by doing so, it will give the opportunity to have mayoral council as a state legislative structure. It will also reduce the crisis and political problems we have in the FCT. Again, like coming Saturday, which is April 11, every other state will be exercising their rights to vote for a governor and members of the House of Assembly.
“But, I want the country to tell me what Abuja people would be doing. Of course, nothing. So, is the country been fair to the people of the FCT? No. So, we want justice, equity and fairness to all and that is what we are seriously going to struggle for. Again, we are going to ensure that the programmes and policies of land allocation in the FCT, is reviewed. Reviewed in the sense that, the original inhabitants of the FCT are taking into serious consideration. They are given due respect, because this is their place,” he said.
The lawmaker further said that if indigenes are to be relocate or resettled, they should be given adequate compensation, as it is required in the constitution, assuring residents of the FCT that he believed they are going to achieve their desires presently, because of the kind of President Nigeria has gotten, which he described as someone who is not corrupt and has the fear of God and love for the masses.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), John Olusola Baiyeshea, has been ordained a Reverend of United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA) in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The former counsel of University of Ilorin and three others, David Abolarin, Samuel Adesina and Sola Babatunde, were chosen as priests in a colourful ceremony.
Baiyeshea described their choice to serve as “a matter of absolute privilege for us”.
The newly ordained reverends were senior pastors of the church.
Before performing the ordination, President of UMCA, Rev Paul Awojobi urged members of the congregation that was predisposed to any secret sins that could disqualify then would-be reverends to come up with such.
Rev Awojobi added that ordained child of God should “not be self-willed; not so angry; not giving to wine; not a striver; not given to filthy lucre but a lover of hospitality; a lover of good measure; sober; just; holy and temperate.”
In his message entitled: “I will build my church,” the guest lecturer, Rev Sunday Chini said their ordination was meant to assist in the building of the church.
Admonishing the new reverends, Rev. Chini said that ministry work is not avenue to amass wealth, but opportunity for the extending the frontiers of the kingdom of God on earth.
“If you are concerned about the church you will relate with all members equally. Jesus Christ came into this world because of the church. Everyman that wants peace in his life should not take any step that will trouble the church. But if you are looking for confusion and challenges in life then begin to take step to affect the church negatively,” the lecturer said.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Ilorin-based lawyer said in the reckoning of man they were the least qualified.
His words: “On behalf of my colleagues and our wives, I stand here for the first time after our ordination to address the congregation of the people. Beyond that it is a period of very sober reflection for us. We just imagine ourselves coming into the church; hide in some corner just to worship God; jump out after service and go to our houses. Come again next Sunday make be during the week if there is programme you come again.
“Just quietly hideaway and go; but God said no. We don’t know how it happened. God is awesome and He just used his people to fish us out from our hiding places and bring us where we are today. The journey really started seven years ago. It is what God orders that He makes all through. So we have become reverends by his will not by our own qualifications at all. Because, if it were so we wouldn’t have been considered at all. As there are by far several more qualified people on ground, but God has chosen to visit us.
“Our response majorly and mainly is to appreciate God in our lives and in the life of the congregation. We want to thank you all for your patient and waiting since morning.
We acknowledge the presence of our lord Jesus Christ in the order of the church and who has assured us that he would build the church and the gate of hell will never be able to prevail.
Actually, one thing I would have taken away from the occasion of today is that whereas some people may wear their own promotion on their shoulders wherever they go by way of pride to showcase their pride all over the place. Our own is hanging on our throats. In fact, it is hanging on our necks, but I know by his grace and your prayers we shall not be strangulated.
We want to thank our elders and leaders of faith; people whom God has used ahead of time to go ahead of us as good examples for us to follow.
“We were privileged to be trained for five years at the theological college. That is the most difficult aspect of the training we ever had in all the schools we attended. Professors, engineers and lawyers are there but not enough for that place.
We needed to put that aside. Not because you are a lawyer and a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN). When you get there you will discover that there is more than the position you carry. We thank you for supporting and raising us.”
Eleven local government chairmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have solicited support from two artisan groups for the re-election of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
The council bosses, through an initiative organised by the Association of Local Government (ALGON), Oyo State chapter, donated to two artisan associations – the National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) and the National Union of Tailors (NUT), tools in an empowerment programme to boost their productivity.
The event, which featured the distribution of items, such as breast drill machine, spraying kits, blow lamps, gloor turches, gas guages, socket wrench sets, sewing machines, tool boxes and generators, was attended by an official of the State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Busari Adebisi; the National Vice- President of NATA, Comrade Dele Odewale; the National Vice-President of the NUT, Chief Rasheed Ibitade; the Chairman, ALGON, Oyo State branch, Mr. Yekeen Popoola; the Chairman of the Oyo State Water Corporation, Mr. Bosun Ajuwon, among others.
The Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government, Mr. Mobolaji Najimudeen, said they felt the need to empower the artisans with tools to boost productivity.
