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Tag: #Donatus Akpan

  • Bishop Akpan Charges Priests To Prioritize Building Befitting Place Of Worship Over Rectories, As He Rededicate Holy Trinity Parish

    Bishop Akpan Charges Priests To Prioritize Building Befitting Place Of Worship Over Rectories, As He Rededicate Holy Trinity Parish

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The local ordinary and Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, the Most Rev Donatus Edet Akpan, has charged shepherds of the flock to prioritize building of God’s temple over R
    rectories where they live.

    Bishop Akpan made the charge during the rededication of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja, today December 13th 2024.

    The Bishop commended the Parish Priest, Very Rev Fr Felix Ekpe, for leading the christain faithfuls to remodel the beautiful place of worship, congratulated him and noted that the temple is made decent and sacred.

    In his words “With what Fr Felix has done here, it is a great challenge thrown to us, the shepherd of the flocks begining with me. We should not build rectories as mansions and abandon the temple of God, build a good place of worship and ensure that what is dedicated to God accommodate God”.

    He admonished christains to support priests who wants to build a place of worship, when he said “When any priest demands that we build a place of worship for your use, please don’t hesitate to do so, so that a beautiful place of worship will be put up”

    The Bishop reiterated the sacredness of the temple and assured that “If anyone enters this temple to pray, God will hear the person.
    We must be careful how we handle this temple, it is holy.

    “Two things in this celebration are brought together. One is earthly and the other is spiritual. The physical, we see, the spiritual we can not see. God uses the teachings of St Paul talking about our bodies. If we realize that God talks to us both physical and spiritual, we have become one with God.
    We have to see and use this physical structure in a way that God is happy with us. If we do not have regards for God, you will not have regards to what is dedicated to him. If we desecrate what is dedicated to him, we destroy our very foundation.

    When we visit traditional rulers, we pay homage to them. Some people when they visit the Bishop, including some clergies, they pull their shoes and walk bare footed.

    “They have shown regards towards the person they believe have some authority over them. But if you come to the house of God and walk carelessly, you must try to remember that this place you’re going to is not like every other place. God lives here.

    “When you regard and believe that God is in this temple, when you ask, you must get results for what you ask for. Some people don’t believe, they run into the church, the kind of things they do, they eat chewing gum inside the church during mass, and sometimes their phone rings, you see a faithful Catholic brings out a phone and talking in low tune during mass. They don’t have time to dedicate few hours for God. You have to develop faith in you”.

    He further charges priests to ensure that God’s temple remains sacred”What the pastor does is to ensure that the place of worship looks sacred” he added.

    Commenting on the beautiful edifice, Bishop Akpan said “If you enter a place of worship and it looks like this, surely you will believe that God is there.

    “I congratulate Fr Felix Ekpe for leading you to put this place of worship to look like this. May all who contributed to make this place look like this experience joy and fulfillment. May God reward you all. Like David, who said I live in a mansion and God house looks like a tent. I will build a temple for the Lord, you have done what David did, may God reward you abundantly.

    “This place is made decent and sacred, Fr Felix congratulations. Some human beings are careless. Anything goes.

    “Jesus beats some people who misused the temple. You may not see Jesus physically when you misuse this temple. The beating may follow you to wherever you go. Show regards to what is Holy and dedicated to God. Some people may be reluctant to sweep the temple. Nobody should see him/herself too big to clean the church, make efforts to preserve this temple”.

    He encouraged christains to see God in the temple noted “In places where we have chapel of adoration, a lot of people do not go to the main church to seek God. The chapel is an emergency place for the priest”.

    He admonished christains to see their bodies as the temple of the holy spirit and treat it same as the temple that is rededicated today said “Some people believe that they can do what they like with themselves. As you regard the sacredness of this temple, that is how you should regards your bodies, because it is the temple of God. You cannot do what you like with your body because you will give an account of what you do with your body. Do you realize that you’re God’s temple and the spirit of God dwells in you? You have children, will you not just wake up and kill your child. Your child is part of your body. I commend your efforts and may God reward you”.

    The mass was attended by priests numbering 40, religious, guests and parishioners of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja.

  • Ongoing: Bishop Akpan Receives Keys Of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja

    Ongoing: Bishop Akpan Receives Keys Of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, the Most Rev Donatus Edet Akpan, has been presented with keys to the edifice of Holy Trinity Parish Ogboja-Ogoja.

    The temple keys were presented by Mr Felix Ibu, who noted that the foundation stone was laid on March 1st, 1964 and when Fr Felix Ekpe, the pastor of the church decided in January 2024, that the church be remodeled, the christain welcomed the idea and today we are here.

    “As the Chief shepherd, I present this key to you”. He said.

    Receiving the keys, the bishop thanked the very Rev Fr Felix Ekpe, for his abstute commitment and handed over the keys to the parish priest to open the church for the worship of Christian faithfuls.

  • Bishop Akpan Admonishes Nigerian Leaders To Acquire Wealth Legitimately And Not Through Fraud

    Bishop Akpan Admonishes Nigerian Leaders To Acquire Wealth Legitimately And Not Through Fraud

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Local Ordinary and Catholic Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, the Most Rev Donatus Akpan, has admonished Nigerian leaders to acquire their wealth through legitimate means and not by fraud.

    Bishop Akpan gave the adminition during a thanksgiving mass in honor of Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, held today Easter Sunday, March 31st 2024.

    In his words “Acquire your wealth legitimately and not through fraud. If you occupy any office and you have influence over your people, make truth your watchword and when your people realize it, they will respect you. Those who don’t like the truth, will run away.
    Truth is what is lacking in our country today.

    “I know in politics, number matters. When majority runs away because of your truth, don’t give up”.

    The Bishop admonished Christians to be heavenly conscious when he said “Set your eyes in things that are above and not on things that are on earth.

    “On this Easter morning when the Lord rose triumphantly from the grave. We are gathered to celebrate because he has overcome death and grace. Since we are united with him, we are over-comers. It is true that he has risen testified by those who are closed to him and he has ordered them to announce it to the world. The women were there, they saw what they couldn’t understand. The ran to the brethren that the corpse of their master was missing. They went and confirmed it.

    “When Jesus was with them, preaching the gospel, he told them that the son of man was going to be crucified and will rise again, but they couldn’t believe him. Today Jesus is alive. All of us have died with him. And have risen with him. He now admonished us to announce this gospel to all ends of the earth.

    “We must not allow the things of this world to prevent us from living the life of Christ and the example thereof. He is the truth and we have to bare witnesses to the truth. As christians, if we find problem with the truth, then we have to find a way to our identity. If we are united with Jesus, we have to know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

    “We who have chosen Christ as our portion must know the truth and stand by it. When we speak the truth, certain people will not like it, never you mind, as far as the truth is pleasing to your master.

    “I know in politics, number matters. When majority runs away because of your truth, don’t give up”.

    Referring to the celebrant, Sen Jarigbe the Bishop said “My dear son and brother, Jarigbe, God wants you to witness among your people. He has given you this exalted office to test you and see how you could use it to the good of the common people.

    “So far, I have been hearing people say that you’re a human being. If the voice of the people which is the voice of God said that you are a real human being, please keep it up”.

    Bishop Akpan used the opportunity to charge the congregation to continue to pray for Sen Jarigbe Agom as he provide the representation needed of him.

  • 70th Birth Anniversary: Bishop Donatus Akpan Commissions Youth House, Charged Youth To Remain Resilient In The Pursuit Of An Ideal Society

    70th Birth Anniversary: Bishop Donatus Akpan Commissions Youth House, Charged Youth To Remain Resilient In The Pursuit Of An Ideal Society

     

    As part of activities to mark the 70th birth anniversary of the Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, His Lordship, the Most Rev Dr Donatus Akpan, the bishop used the opportunity to commission the Youth House for the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria CYON, St Thomas Aquinas Parish Igoli-Ogoja.

    The event was held on Wednesday, July 3rd 2022 at the parish pavilion.

    Commisioning the Youth House, the bishop expressed satisfaction with the commitment and resilience of the youth to have come up with the idea of the house.

    He charged the youths not to lose hope despite the seemingly challenges that ravaged us currently, and insisted that as the
    hope of the future we all anticipate, the youths must be delibrate and resolute about the things that will sustain the yearnings and aspirations that guarrenttees a better society.

    The Bishop used the opportunity to commend the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Dr Peter Obele Abue for his innovations and thoughtfulness to assist the youths realize their dreams.

    He thanked the parishioners for coming together to celebrate him and maintained that “what God approves will always come to pass. He attributed the success of the event to God’s approval.

    The bishop appreciated the parish’s solidarity and every gift, especially the talents in the youths as displayed during the special rendition, drama and dance.

    He used the opportunity to encourage parishioners to continue to support the Church as much as they can. He acknowledged the rapid development going on in the church and held that “I have seen the development in your Church. I see you have quality men and women.
    You have a quality pastor and Assistant.

    “I thank God for the gift of my life. I thank all of you. I thank all my brother priests. Continue to pray for me that the Lord will grant me the grace to look after you”

    Speaking during the event, the Parish Priest and Vicar General Administration of the Diocese, Very Rev Fr Dr Peter Obele Abue, held that “this initiative which is being inaugurated on this 70th birthday of our dear Bishop reminds us all of the dire need of empowerment programmes that benefit underrepresented populations in our society. Above all, the need for such initiatives to be spearheaded by the youth themselves. We hope such programmes could be replicated across the leaps and bounds of our diocese and the country in general”.

    On his part, the Parish President, Mr Adie Julius welcomed the Bishop to St Thomas Parish and noted that “70 looks good on you”

    He noted that “as we celebrate with you this day, we your children of the great St Thomas Aquinas Parish deem it fit to invite you to bless and open our youth house.

    “It may please you to know that our digital Parish Priest, Rev Fr Dr Peter Obele Abue and his amiable Assistant Rev Fr James Aburu for the love and wellbeing of their parishioners, initiated the STAP EPP (St Thomas Aquinas Parish Economic Empowerment Program).

    “STAP-EEP is a programme whereby parishioners will access funds to engage in small business enterprises and the cultivation of Agricultural ventures geared towards a targeted population (Parishioners) especially youth and women. The programme will also encourage Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship, promote small businesses and shall be run by the CYON of the parish.

    “The AIMS and OBJECTIVES of the programme is basically to build an economic and financial support base for parishioners, encourage entrepreneurial framework and create an avenue for revenue generation for the parish through direct investment projects. Proceeds or profit from these investments shall be remitted to the parish development account where projects are implemented and further support given for diocesan projects.

    “The Programme is divided into Four (4) basic ares:

    SMALL BUSINESS LOANS FOR PARISHIONERS
    Parishioners who are already engaged in legitimate businesses and have need for expansion will be given soft loans on demand. The interest rate charged is 2% flat rate to encourage more participation with stringent measures for repayment. Proceeds accruing from this shall be re-deployed to the Parish development fund for projects. The term soft loan shall span between 6-10months depending on their needs. Under this loan granting system, we shall encourage Cassava cultivation for those parishioners who are interested and are disposed for farming. Interested members are expected to cluster in five and shall be funded through input financing. Farm inspectors shall supervise and ensure that the farms succeed.

    “ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SKILL ACQUISITION
    This category engages parishioners in the area of training for small business management while the youth shall be trained free of charge to acquire vocational skills in various areas such as baking of snacks, art works etc. Skills Acquisition training will be done in collaboration with ODAIP ventures.

    “FOOD STUFFS STORAGE
    This is a parish direct investment project which will involve sourcing for raw food stuffs, storing them up during harvest and disposing them at the market when prices have appreciated.

    “RELIGIOUS ARTICLES/PROVISION STORE
    A Bookshop (religious articles) and Provision store has already been opened and shall be operated and supervised by the Parish CYON. The store shall carter for children and adults needs by providing a market for the sale of religious articles, provisions, drinks and food items”.

    The event featured cutting of birth anniversary cake, presentation of gifts, group photograph, dance presentation and drama.

    In a vote of thanks, the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev Fr James Aburu, thanked the bishop for finding time to identify with the parish as he marked his 70th birth anniversary.

    He thanked all priests who despite their pastoral schedules found time to identify with the parish. Special mention was made of the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue, who is futuristic is in his thinking, and the leadership he has provided. He thanked all parishioners for the sacrifices made and for coming out to celebrate the bishop.

  • Sandy Onor, Others Receives Papal Honours From The Roman Catholic Church

    Sandy Onor, Others Receives Papal Honours From The Roman Catholic Church

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis I, has bestowed Papal Honours on the Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District who doubles as the Cross River State PDP gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 general election, Ntufam Prof Sandy Ojang Onor for his commitment to the Catholic faith in particular and humanity at large.

    His Lordship, the Most Rev Dr Donatus Edet Akpan charged the recipients to see the honor as an invitation to serve humanity and defend the faith they professed.

    The Bishop held that God sought the prophet Isaiah’s disposition to his apostolic mandate, when he asked, “whom shall I send and who will go? And Isaiah answered, here am I send me”. Continuing, he charged them to affirm their willingness to serve the Church in this new capacity.

    Speaking further, the Bishop maintained that the call to serve in this capacity transcends beyond human thought and cited the scenerio at Jesse’s house where the prophet Samuel had thought that he could anoint one of the handsome looking young me he met, but God did not choose any of them, he rather found favour in the last born David the shepherd who was in the field looking after the flock.

    He used the opportunity to inform those whose names were dropped from the Papal honours that the decision was strictly that of the Church. “The committee in the Diocese recommended the names that we sent to Rome, I will be stupid to request for explanation why some names were dropped”
    He however encouraged the congregation to see the approval of the awardees as an act of God.

    Sen. Sandy Ojang Onor was among the ten persons inducted into the Knighthood of Saint Gregory the Great SGG, while four other persons were inducted into the Knighthood of St Stephen.

    Two senior priests of the diocese, Very Rev Frs Atemgweye Unimna and George Chokpa were conferred with the Mosignori.

    Speaking during the reception organized in his honour, Senator Onor posited that it’s very difficult to sperate the relationship between the church and the State as they are inextricably interrelated and cannot function without the other.

    He further stated that “the church is worried that we now have a completely failed state and promised on his honour to lead Cross River State out of the woods if elected Governor come 2023”

    Indeed, Senator Sandy Ojang Onor has beyond Politics, proven his loyalty to the things of Christ and the course of humanity.

    The difference between the Papal honours of Knighthood and the normal Knighthood of St John International and St Molumba is that in the Papal honours, the diocese nominate base on one’s contribution to the Church, confirmed by a body in Rome and conferred by the Pope (Papal honours), while in normal Knighthood, you have to indicate interest, attend the necessary lectures, write examination and on successful completion, you are inducted, this is strictly a diocesan affairs.

     

  • Ogoja Diocese Centenary Celebration: Sen. Sandy Onor Receives Papal Recognition

    Ogoja Diocese Centenary Celebration: Sen. Sandy Onor Receives Papal Recognition

    By Caterpillar Media Team

    The Holy Father and Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis 1, has specially recognized distinguished Senator Sandy Onor on the occasion of the Centenary celebration of the Catholic Church in Ogoja Diocese on Friday, 14th May 2021 at St. Benedict’s Cathedral for his selfless, passionate, tremendous contributions and humble devotion to the growth of the Roman Catholic Church in the diocese.

    The Award was conveyed to the Bishop of Ogoja Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus E. Akpan by the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, His Excellency, Arch Bishop Antonio Guido Fillipazzi and was presented to the senator by the Catholic Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. William Avenya.

    The Papal award is the highest category of awards presented during the centenary celebration and the lawmaker was considered for this award after a careful review of his antecedence.

    Reacting to the award while filing questions from journalists, the elated and cerebral Sen. Sandy Onor averred that “we take this award very seriously as an honor from the priests who are representatives of God and as an honor from God.

    “The consequence therefore is that we are expected by the Church to do more whatever we are doing to get the recognition of the Church. The recognition shows that we are on the part to gaining salvation or else, at the end of the day, all is vanity”

    Speaking further, the lawmaker congratulated the Church, the Clergy and all the laity that worked to bring the gospel to where it is today, “I want to congratulate the Church, the forerunners, the Clergy and all the laity that worked with them at the time when it was so difficult. They are examples of faith and works, for faith and works goes together”

    Sen. Onor used the opportunity to stress that, the award is a call for those of them in leadership to redoubled their efforts to make the country work. “And for those of us who are in power today and for the country, it makes us redouble our efforts to make the country works, Nigeria is a beautiful place.

    “When we look for result and work as diligently as our forefathers worked, all other things will be added unto us. Congratulations to all of us”.

    Other awardees during the celebration include but not limited to the Former Senate Leader, Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba OFR CON SAN, former Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi, Brigadier General Anthony Ukpo, Rtd, Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Bishop *John Ayah, Nigerian Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonaya Onu, former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN and others.

    The Arch Bishop Emeritus of Abuja Diocese,  Cardinal John Onayekan, the Local Ordinary and Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji and Bishop of Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. William Avenya were among the religious leaders that graced the occasion.

  • Director of Communication, Ogoja Diocese Gives Insight Into The Centenary Celebration.

    Director of Communication, Ogoja Diocese Gives Insight Into The Centenary Celebration.

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Director of Communication of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Eroh in this interview, gave insight into the much talked about centenary celebration of the diocese of Ogoja.

    Below is the except of the interview.

    Rev. Fr. Emma Eroh is the parish priest of St. Joseph parish, Okuku and the Director of Communication of the Catholic diocese of Ogoja.

    Fr. Eroh gave a run down of the growth of the church from 1921 to date with the impacts created by the Church to include schools, hospitals and parishes spread across the diocese of Ogoja.

    On the significant of the centenary celebration, Fr. Eroh held that “The Centenary is the commemoration of the arrival of the missionaries in Ogoja in 1921, when our ancestors first received the good news and provided a fertile ground for the planting of the Catholic Church, from which it has grown into a diocese and in fact it has given birth to diocese of Abakiliki in 1978. We are celebrating these great moments and achievements in the entire diocese.

    “There are series of activities streamlined to mark the centenary. It was kicked off on the 2nd of February, 2021 with the lighting of the centenary candle by His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Akpan, Bishop of Ogoja Diocese.
    March next month, we will have a diocesan and parish retreat. His Lordship will be visiting various parishes in the 10 deaneries that makes up the diocese.

    “The climax will be in May, where they will be baptism of 100 candidates and confirmation of 100 candidates all drawn from across the diocese.

    “On the 12th of May, His Lordship will visit the correctional centre, orphanages, the refugees settlements, old catholic schools and aged catholic members who can no longer come to church.

    “The 13th of May will feature the wedding of 100 couples, while the the 14th of May will be a centenary lecture by Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji, (Bishop of Umuahia Diocese) and Vice President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), lunching of a book that chronicled the achievement of the diocese as well the conferment of the tittle of Monsignori to deserving priests and papal and diocesan awards to some of the lay faithfuls who have contributed to the growth of the diocese.

    “The hallmark of the celebration will feature the ordination of Priests.

    On the growth of the church since inception, Fr. Eroh noted that “there have been a great transformation from that little seed sowed. St. Benedict Primary School, Igoli was established and parishes created, we have 89 parishes and 12 quasi parishes, what we call the Roman Catholic Mission (RCM).

    “The first indigenous priest was ordained in 1965, now His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Ukpo Rtd. (The Emeritus Archbishop of Calabar). Today, we have over 120 priests in the diocese.

    “The Bishop in his ingenuity in collaboration with the priests, is developing the land for the building of a new cathedral as unanimously agreed by priests and lay faithfuls. In terms of health and education, we have hospitals and schools spread across the diocese. In communication, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Ukpo, the pioneer priest of the diocese, berthed the Message Newspaper.

    “Bishop Donatus came in with the new vigor and his drive for agriculture has led to the formation of Ogoja Diocesan Agricultural Investment Programme (ODAIP)”.

    When asked to juxtaposed the disposition of our fore fathers to the gospel with today’s Christians.

    Fr. Eroh averred that “We must thank our fore fathers who received the message and gave away their traditions to imbibe it and passed it on to their children. We must commend Christians in Ogoja diocese, that this seed that was planted has grown and is still spreading like wild fire up till now. Though there exist some challenges of Pentecostalism, were some Christians are in dare need of instant miracles and prosperity and other traditional practices, but we are not where we used to be”.

    When asked what Monsignori means in the church.

    Fr. Eroh held that “Monsignori is a title of honor conferred on deserving senior priests who have live creditable and impacted positively in the lives of Christians, and must be at least 65 years of age. It is conferred by the Pope through the nomination of the Bishop. Some of our very senior priests will be conferred with the tittle”.

    When asked to comment on the allegation of using TTC Ogoja as a take off for the proposed state Polytechnic, the communications Director stated that “I can confirm to you that there is no dialogue between the state government and the diocese in terms of turning TTC into anything Polytechnic.

    “What I can categorically say is that TTC is about being turned into an Institute of Health Management and Technology, work has gone far, consultation has been made, Provost has been appointed along with an Acting Registrar.

    “A Post Graduate Diploma programme affiliated to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka is going on there at TTC.

    “We were going for a full flesh university, but when we checked our resources, we realized we were not going to be able to run a university, we were advised to begin an Institute that will later metaphors into a full flesh university”

    Fr. Eroh used the opportunity to call on Catholics especially and all Christians across the globe to join the diocese of Ogoja in this auspicious celebration. He assured that the celebration will be live streamed for those who will not make it to attend and in observance of the Covid-19 protocols.

  • Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba Buries Wife Amidst Tears, Says He Should Be Bury Beside His Wife If He Dies

    Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba Buries Wife Amidst Tears, Says He Should Be Bury Beside His Wife If He Dies

    By Admin

    The leader of the 7th senate, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, after losing his mother, mother in-law, aide, and house to hoodlums this year, buried his late wife on Saturday, and said he should be buried next to his wife if he dies.

    Ndoma-Egba who lost his wife, Amaka to accident in November, made this kniwn on Saturday in Akparabong, Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State during the interment service of his wife.

    “Whenever I die, bury me beside my wife”, Ndoma-Egba told the officiating minister and Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, Rev. Fr. Dr. Donatus Akpan.

    Ndoma-Egba was former Senate Leader and Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District.

    He averred that  “my wife was devoted to service of humanity and she did not only established public infrastructure such as schools and the Catholic parish where she was buried. She developed many individuals. No one comes to our house as a none graduate and leaves without being a graduate”.

    The former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission also noted that many sorrowful things have happened to him this year and people have asked God why. “I can’t question God because He has blessed me many times in a year and he never questioned why the many blessings. I am grateful for that Amaka, though she lived a short life but it was a fulfilled life”.

    Delivering his sermon, Bishop Akpan said: “No one can escape death. Some would say why wouldn’t she had live longer than died”. He described late Amaka as a peaceful individual who treated people with honour and showed no disdain to people who go close to her.

    Condolence messages also came from the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Nigerian Senate President, Armed Lawan, Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Ben Ayade, Sen. Sandy Onor,  senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, and several others.

    The interment service was attended by many dignitaries including the former governor of the state, Donald Duke and his wife Onari, the deputy governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu, and many members of the state executive council among many others.

    Amaka, born 54 years ago was betrothed to Ndoma-Egba when he was a commissioner in the state.

     

  • Catholic Diocese Of Ogoja Commends Sen. Sandy Onor For Project Facilitation

    Catholic Diocese Of Ogoja Commends Sen. Sandy Onor For Project Facilitation

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Catholic Diocese of Ogoja has commended the senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Sen. Prof. Sandy Onor, for facilitating the renovation of Holy Child Secondary School Ikom.

    The Diocese in a letter of appreciation signed by the Executive Secretary, Catholic Education Board, Rev. Fr. Justine B. Udie and sighted by The Lumine News, indicates that the diocese prayed God to bless the senator abundantly and continue to sustain and grant him success in his political carrier.

    The letter reads in parts “I am directed by the bishop of Ogoja, His Excellency, Most Rev. Donatus Edet Akpan, to write and express our deep and sincere sentiments of gratitude to you for your kind gesture towards one of our catholic schools (Holy Child Secondary School) Ikom. The school is one of the beneficiaries of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) 2109 SKC project.

    “We just discovered lately that this project was facilitated by you. This appreciation though belated, is an expression of our deep thanks to you. We cannot quantify the great benefits this kind gesture of yours will bring to our educational system in the entire diocese.

    “We pray that the good Lord bless you abundantly and continue to sustain and grant you success in your political carrier. We remain united with you in prayers always”