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Tag: #Peter Obele

  • TRINITY: The Fruits Of The Trinitarian God Can Only Be Reaped If We Learn To Obey God’s Commandments And Cooperate With The Environment We Find Ourselves BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    TRINITY: The Fruits Of The Trinitarian God Can Only Be Reaped If We Learn To Obey God’s Commandments And Cooperate With The Environment We Find Ourselves BY PETER OBELE ABUE

     

    Many have tried to explain the HOLY TRINITY through human images to capture the mystery of how three divine persons work together in harmony to represent one God. Perhaps a plausible but crude explanation can be attempted in the light of how our social systems work or fail to work: Every establishment, call it nation, state, family, or association has an over all ‘leader’ (the father). This leader works with legimately chosen partner(s) (the Son), and these two arms together produce a synergy with ‘the people’ under them (the Holy Spirit).

    We all seek peace, and this peace cannot occur if there is no love and cooperation between these principal actors as we see in the HOLY TRINITY. God the Father and God the Son cooperated to enunciate the Holy Spirit. The people in any nation. State, family, or association can experience the fruits of God’s blessings if the leader and the legimately chosen partner(s)work together in sincerity to make progress come about. Just as the spirit of God is the fruit of the love that exists between the Father and the Son, so will that same love envelope ‘any group’ if true love or collaboration exists, otherwise forget it.

    St Paul says it clearly in Romans 8:14ff that “all who are led by the spirit of God are children of God.” The people who allow themselves to be led by the spirit and thus collaborate with love will indeed reap the fruits of peace and progress. Leaders who do not genuinely collaborate with their chosen officials or partners and are biased, preferring other ‘clicks’, will not experience true peace and harmony in the group. No change can come if there is no cooperation in this trinity of engagement.

    In the Old Testament, we see this same triune activity in the book of Deuteronomy (4:32-40), when God and Moses were working together with “the people” on their way to the Promised Land. Moses pleads with them to “keep God’s statues and his commandments …that it may be well with you.” Even for us today, the fruits of the trinitarian God can only be reaped if we learn to obey God’s commandments and cooperate with the socio-political dispensation or any other environment we find ourselves. The blame game and our making excuses to go separate ways is not the answer to our quest for peace and harmony. May God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit help us.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for 

  • The Vineyard BY Fr PETER OBELE ABUE

    The Vineyard BY Fr PETER OBELE ABUE

     

    Steward is an old English word for Servant. Stewardship signifies the duties of servants to their Masters. God is our Master, the Landowner who has entrusted responsibilities to us his servants. He has made adequate provisions for us in his VINEYARD and with confidence travelled out of town, reposing total trust in us human beings to turn out the results to him in due season. The question therefore is: what is the result of our stewardship in God’s VINEYARD?

    Every era has had its historical way of responding to God’s call to work in his VINEYARD. For the people in ancient Israel, the men of Judah, the very people he first chose as his own: “he expected justice but found bloodshed, integrity, but only a cry of distress” (Isaiah 5: 7). To the people in Jesus time, it was a sheer bridge of contact. Rather than work in the vineyard and produce results, “the stewards took the messengers and beat one, killed another and stone another. Even when he sent his own son expecting they will respect him”, the scriptures say “But when they saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘this is the heir, come let us kill him and have his inheritance’ and they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him” (Matt 21: 38ff).

    This is the story of our lives. This is the history of our relationship with God who has been so good to us, the God who has been so loving and providential to us, who has been so patient with us, refusing to judge us according to our deeds. Him we have totally treated with reckless abandon as we say in popular language. How is our own age responding to God’s call to work in his VINEYARD? How has our stewardship been? We are talking about the sense responsibility here, the recognition that every privilege we enjoy comes with a price tag. How can we continue to act to God and to our fellow human beings like those farm managers in the gospel story of Matt 21: 33-43?

    We enjoy the benefit that accrue to us but withdraw the benefits that accrue to the land owner. We cheat, we ignore, we loot and we kill and life goes on. No! this cannot be right! Listen to the advice of Paul to the Philippians 4: 8-9: Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things …and the God of peace will be with you.”

  • CORAfrica Founder, Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue Congratulates Dr Betta Edu On Her Appointment As Minister for Humanitarian Affairs

    CORAfrica Founder, Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue Congratulates Dr Betta Edu On Her Appointment As Minister for Humanitarian Affairs

    The Founder/Chief Strategist of Children of Rural Africa CORAfrica Nigeria, a non governmental and humanitarian organization, Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue PhD, had congratulated the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu.

    In a congratulatory message made available to TheLumineNews, the founder noted that “Your appointment signals a new dawn for our beloved country as we look forward to seeing you bring to bear your expertise in public service to reposition the nation in the path of sustainable development”

    The message reads in parts “I write on behalf of the board, management, and staff of Children of Rural Africa, (CORAfrica), to congratulate you on your meritorious appointment as the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    “Your appointment signals a new dawn for our beloved country as we look forward to seeing you bring to bear your expertise in public service to reposition the nation in the path of sustainable development.

    “As a nonprofit and nongovernmental organization, with the mandate in humanitarian services, CORAfrica is poised and passionately disposed to partner with your ministry to deliver people oriented services especially for the poor indigent children at the rural levels of Cross River State.

    “It is our belief and prayer that the good Lord will surround you with the right people in the discharge of your duties as Minister of the federal republic of Nigeria, in the light of the enormous responsibility associated with your office.

    “I want to assure you of our goodwill, support, and prayers as you settle down to undertake this most delicate and onerous task of delivering service to our numerous vulnerable and underrepresented minorities.

    Once again, congratulations, and God bless you.

    “Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue PhD
    Founder/Chief Strategist”

  • CORAfrica Releases Names Of Successful Persons For The Annual HELP -A-KID Programme, Requests For Their Account Details

    CORAfrica Releases Names Of Successful Persons For The Annual HELP -A-KID Programme, Requests For Their Account Details

    PUBLIC NOTICE

    Successful persons for the CORAfrica Annual HELP-A-KID Programme

    Children of Rural Africa Nigeria (CORAfrica), founded by Very Rev Fr Dr Peter Obele Abue each year pledges to support vulnerable children/ students in our Annual HELP -A-KID Programme in Cross River State.

    The underlisted persons are expected to send their account details on WhatsApp to; 08121032474 for the release of funds.

    CATEGORY 1
    One hundred thousand naira only (#100,000.00) each to two (2) graduates who have successfully finished their studies and wish to start a small business.

    1. Achu Owalu
    2. Ofere Nicholas

    CATEGORY 2
    Thirty thousand naira only (#30,000.00) each to four (10) vulnerable undergraduate students, who are incapacitated and really need support to aid their education.

    1. Ibiang Benedict
    2. Inyambri Blessing
    3. Ogar Precious
    4. Mbi Isaiah Victor
    5. Abua Cordelia
    6. Jude Otubakwu
    7. Veronica Ugbe
    8. Obambon Kelvyn Ayiom
    9. Ugbe Anita Alorye
    10. Mary Agbong

    CATEGORY 3
    Twenty thousand naira only (#20,000.00) each to ten (11) students who have just been admitted into a higher institution and need help to settle a pressing problem in the school.

    1. Aleke Simon
    2. Adah Precious
    3. Faith Ogah
    4. Ogar Emmanuel
    5. Sunday Ochuole
    6. Abua Joseph Ulimukah
    7. Etim Grace Sunday
    8. Akpo Cletus Ashitonile
    9. Ettah Bekind Bufa
    10. Blessing Alims
    11. Daniel Precious

    CATEGORY 4
    Ten thousand naira only (#10,000.00) each to ten (10) students who wish to enter college or higher institutions but have no money to buy JAMB form, etc

    1. Ayeni Gregory
    2. Adah Francis
    3. Adie Francis
    4. Emmanuel Ofem
    5. Ikpong Emmanuel
    6. Ogar Gabriel
    7. Mary Ibiam
    8. Ettah Irene
    9. Onigah Margaret
    10. Offor Eno Ekpo

    CORAfrica in the past has built, operated and handed over Ophanages, schools and a health centres both at Idum-Mbube in Ogoja Local Government Area as well as a Primary/Nursery School at Kakum in Obudu Local Government Area, to the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja.

    Between 2022 and 2023, CORAfrica provided educational support for over 1500 Cameroonian Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons in Cross River, Benue, and Taraba States.

    Between 2020 and 2021, CORAfrica provided livelihood support for over 500 Cameroonian Refugees in Ogoja Local Government Area, Cross River State.

    CORAfrica is currently building an ultramodern classroom block for Cameroonian Refugees Children and the vulnerable children in the society, located at Adagom 3, Ogoja Local Government Area; with an enrollment of over 500 pupils with a bus conveying pupils to school and back home after dismissal.

    CORAfrica is also currently building an ultramodern primary and secondary school for vulnerable children in the society, located in Victoria village in Ikom Local Government Area; with an enrollment of over 300 pupils.

    CORAfrica has, through the Economic Empowerment Program (STAP-EEP), provided soft loans for youths, businessmen, and women at St Thomas Aquinas Parish Igoli-Ogoja

    CORAfrica facilitated and equipped a youth resource centre with a provision shop and sacramentals for the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON),

    Elijah Ugani
    Programme Manager
    CORAfrica
    08121032474

  • It’s HAPPY EASTER Because The Empty Tomb Has Become The Sign That Points To A New Direction; The Empty Tomb Has Become The Place Where Our Faith In The Resurrection Of The Lord Jesus Is Born BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    It’s HAPPY EASTER Because The Empty Tomb Has Become The Sign That Points To A New Direction; The Empty Tomb Has Become The Place Where Our Faith In The Resurrection Of The Lord Jesus Is Born BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    HAPPY EASTER!

    Easter is the festival and holiday celebrated by millions of Christians around the world in honour of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death three days after his crucifixion at Calvary. We say HAPPY EASTER because modern day Christians have attached HAPPY meaning to the Easter celebration, making it a commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the death and the rebirth of those born again with Him by the waters of baptism (cf. Romans 6:3-11). Today, Easter has become a movable feast, yearly fixed to correspond with the first Sunday following the full moon after the March equinox and occurs on different dates around the world since western churches use the Gregorian calendar.

    Whearas most biblical scholars agree that Easter was originally a pagan festival, the early Church successfully moved to change this practice through the Emperor Constantine, one of the early Christian leading converts whose main aim was to exterminate the pagan practice, thus making Easter a HAPPY celebration. Easter has become a HAPPY time for families to enjoy the coming of spring with most western civilizations celebrating with egg decorations and Easter bunnies; and still retaining the same spirit of rebirth and renewal, as it has been for thousands of years.

    On Easter night, we gather and sing triumphantly: “Oh HAPPY fault, Oh necessary sin of Adam,” HAPPY fault, because if Adam had not sinned, we would not have had this victory. HAPPY fault, because for the first time, we refer to sin as a victory, thanks to Christ who paid the price in full through his death and resurrection. “What good would life have been to us, had Christ not come as our Redeemer?” He has transformed us, making us a new creation, giving us new life in the Holy Spirit and we celebrate with intense pride and great jubilation.

    Its HAPPY EASTER because the empty tomb has beco

    HAPPY EASTER!

    Easter is the festival and holiday celebrated by millions of Christians around the world in honour of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death three days after his crucifixion at Calvary. We say HAPPY EASTER because modern day Christians have attached HAPPY meaning to the Easter celebration, making it a commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the death and the rebirth of those born again with Him by the waters of baptism (cf. Romans 6:3-11). Today, Easter has become a movable feast, yearly fixed to correspond with the first Sunday following the full moon after the March equinox and occurs on different dates around the world since western churches use the Gregorian calendar.

    Whearas most biblical scholars agree that Easter was originally a pagan festival, the early Church successfully moved to change this practice through the Emperor Constantine, one of the early Christian leading converts whose main aim was to exterminate the pagan practice, thus making Easter a HAPPY celebration. Easter has become a HAPPY time for families to enjoy the coming of spring with most western civilizations celebrating with egg decorations and Easter bunnies; and still retaining the same spirit of rebirth and renewal, as it has been for thousands of years.

    On Easter night, we gather and sing triumphantly: “Oh HAPPY fault, Oh necessary sin of Adam,” HAPPY fault, because if Adam had not sinned, we would not have had this victory. HAPPY fault, because for the first time, we refer to sin as a victory, thanks to Christ who paid the price in full through his death and resurrection. “What good would life have been to us, had Christ not come as our Redeemer?” He has transformed us, making us a new creation, giving us new life in the Holy Spirit and we celebrate with intense pride and great jubilation.

    Its HAPPY EASTER because the empty tomb has become the sign that points to a new direction; The empty tomb has become the place where our faith in the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus is born, The empty tomb represents the fact that Christ is capable and has indeed taken our sorrows, our problems, and our worries away. As Christians on Easter day, we are reminded, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised!” (Lk. 24:5-6). With that resurrection came the death of all our fears. We no longer have cause to be moody or sad for Christ’s resurrection assures us that victory is ours forever. The Lord has teuly risen! HAPPY EASTER indeed!

    me the sign that points to a new direction; The empty tomb has become the place where our faith in the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus is born, The empty tomb represents the fact that Christ is capable and has indeed taken our sorrows, our problems, and our worries away. As Christians on Easter day, we are reminded, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised!” (Lk. 24:5-6). With that resurrection came the death of all our fears. We no longer have cause to be moody or sad for Christ’s resurrection assures us that victory is ours forever. The Lord has teuly risen! HAPPY EASTER indeed!

  • To Be Holy, We Must Do Away With Mindsets That Pitch Us Against Our Fellow Human Beings Or Make Us Put Ourselves First In Every Situation In Life BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    To Be Holy, We Must Do Away With Mindsets That Pitch Us Against Our Fellow Human Beings Or Make Us Put Ourselves First In Every Situation In Life BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    BE HOLY

    Before the time of Jesus, to be holy meant to be “withdrawn” from others. The Jews were not allowed to enter the houses of non-Jews, eat with them or even shake hands with them. They would call others, “dogs” and treat them as such. Come to think of it, the only reason they behaved this way was to keep the laws and traditions of their ancestors, which set them apart as a privileged and higher class set of people.

    It seems that some people still have that mentality of holiness today, thinking of themselves as different or better or even more religious than others, simply because they keep the rules or belong to a particular group. The truth is that only God can determine who is holy. Now, put that alongside what Jesus himself says about holiness and realise that we human beings still have a hard time understanding what it means to be ‘holy’

    Jesus takes holiness a step further by coating it with both personal and social responsibilities. No more “eye for eye” or ‘tooth for tooth” treatments towards those who attempt to hurt us. Instead, he admonishes that we, “turn the other cheek.” No more simply “love your neighbour” but “love your enemy…” (read Mt. 5:38-48). Jesus does not mean we should take it literally and go turning ourselves into those who attack us or calling a feast for those who literally regard themselves as our mortal enemies. That’s not possible, humanly speaking.

    What Jesus means is that, to be Holy we must instead:
    1. Do away with mindsets that pitch us against our fellow human beings or make us put ourselves first in every situation in life.
    2. Avoid writing people off, simply because they do not fit into the mould we have created for them.
    3. Take advantage of any ugly situation and create good out of it. For example in this cashless economic situation in Nigeria, what are you doing to make life liveable to those around you by sharing your cash, food, drink or just anything that will make your neighbor feel relieved.

    Above all, Jesus says we must make more effort at upgrading ourselves before paying attention to others. Our personal sanctification prepares us towards loving other people more than we do ourselves and that is the first step of holiness.
    If we learn to respect our bodies, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit, by avoiding abusive acts with our bodies, we are by that same token, training ourselves to respect other human beings in all ramifications (1 Cor. 3:16-23). Respecting our bodies entail curtailing or avoiding especially sexual acts that for the most part defile us and weaken our spiritual relationship with God. If we do not respect our bodies, we cannot appreciate others and totally commit ourselves to them in a mature, selfless and sacrificial manner.

  • 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.

  • CORAfrica Partners CWO To Commemorate International Women’s Day 2022

    CORAfrica Partners CWO To Commemorate International Women’s Day 2022

    By Elijah Ugani

    Children of Rural Africa, (CORAfrica) in partnership with the Catholic Women Organization (CWO of Ogoja Deanery) held a one day public lecture on the theme #BREAKING THE BIAS: Gender Equality Today for Sustainability Tomorrow; as part of its activities to mark the 2022 International Women’s Day.

    The event commenced with a road walk by the women which took off from Mount Carmel Secondary School, Igoli-Ogoja to the Thomas McGettrick Institute of Technology (old TTC).

    At arrival, the event began with series of lectures on the need and importance for women to rise to the challenge of Gender equality so as to break the bias against women.

    Declaring the event open, the Vicar General Administration of Ogoja Diocese, Spiritual Adviser of the Ogoja diocesan CWO and Founder of Children of Rural Africa, Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue PhD, noted that there is an urgent need for women to raise awareness on the need for gender equality for sustainability of the woman and the girl child.

    Fr Abue pledged CORAfrica’s commitment to collaborate with women organizations such as the CWO.

    In his words “There is an urgent need now more than ever to raise awareness on the need for gender equality for sustainability of the woman and the girl child especially in the face of ritual killings of our girls in Ogoja land and maltreatment of women especially widows in households.

    “CORAfrica as an organization is ever more ready to collaborate with women groups like the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) to help in the basic education, healthcare and economic empowerment of children and families to enable them thrive in thier respective locations.”

    He thanked the Deanery President of the CWO in Ogoja deanery Mrs Grace Modey for helping to organize her members towards a successful celebration of the IWD 2022.

    On her part, one of the speakers, Mrs Ann Modey who spoke on the theme, Breaking the bias through Security and Child education, cited Nehemiah’s prophecy and called on the women to rise to the challenge of ensuring that normalcy returns to Ogoja.

    She posited that the walls of Ogoja has been broken. And that it has never been as bad as it is currently. She decried the incessant ritual killings of female children and noted that children are highly in danger.

    Mrs Modey noted that sometimes women inadvertently act as accomplices to their children in cultism and prostitution through their inactions. She however, charged them to be open to their female children and tell them the truth about sex education.

    In another development, Mrs Anna Agba whose lecture was centered on Breaking the bias through Security and Awareness programmes, admonished women to desist from attitudes that lead to child trafficking as it has the tendency of impacting negatively on the overall well-being of the girl child.

    She listed some of the causes of child trafficking to include: Ignorance on the part of parents, poverty, greed, unnecessary competition among women, illiteracy, school dropout among other reasons.

    She cited a scenerio in Ogoja where a woman who lost her husband had used her three bedroom apartment to keep eight teenage girls and used them as sex workers for men. She lamented the situation and called on the police and law enforcement agencies to be alert in the area to abet such situations.

    In his closing remarks, the National Programme Manager of CORAfrica- Nigeria, Mr Attem Udejor expressed his appreciation to all participants and enjoined the CWO, UNCHR and the general public to always work together in support of CORAfrica activities.

    The event featured presentation of certificates of honor to deserving women who have distinguished themselves in different categories.

    The awardees were:
    1. Hon. Rita Ayim for Women participation in Political Activities and Awareness.
    2. Mrs Grace Modey for Women participation in Church Activities.
    3. Mrs Cecilia Ogar for Women activeness in the Civil Service
    4. Mrs Theresa Omara Achong for Women participation in Community Development and finally
    5. Women caring for Refugees and IDPs given to the UNHCR, Ogoja Sub Office, which was received by the Protection officer of UNHCR Mrs Molestsan Mmone.

     

  • Love In Politics: Do Not Allow Anyone Deceive You Into Dying For A Political Cause; It’s Not Worth It BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    Love In Politics: Do Not Allow Anyone Deceive You Into Dying For A Political Cause; It’s Not Worth It BY FR PETER OBELE ABUE

    LOVE IN POLITICS
    In this era of political wranglings, we are reminded that fighting with a brother or sister is not worth comparing with the bond that once existed over the years. Love is meant to last forever, whearas political position will come and go. Do not allow anyone deceive you into dying for a political cause; it’s not worth it. It is more important that you live peacefully with your neighbour in this world than with rancor, inherit a title that will pass away. Be careful and don’t allow yourself be fooled by someone else. Love is being able to sit down with a brother or sister after a fight to say: “I know I have wronged you. Please, I need your forgiveness. I also feel offended but I am ready to lay down my anger because what we share together is stronger and more important than what we are fighting for.”

    It is this type of love that Christ demands from his disciples: unselfish, disinterested, and unconditional love even of enemies. He said, “love your enemies and do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Lk. 6: 27-28). We are called to exhibit this kind of love to our blood relatives, our political opponents, those we have offended, and those who have offended us. David noticed that Saul, his mortal enemy, was within his reach. His ally and admonisher, Abishai even admonished him saying: “God has delivered your enemy into your grasp this day, lets nail him to the ground with one thrust.” David, however out of Love was able to use his common sense to say to his adviser: “Do not touch him” (cf. 1 Sam. 26ff).

    Much of the rancor we experience with each other is often as a result of listening to bas advice or the evil influence of our supporters. Do not harm anyone just because you are on opposite sides of the political divide. Pay no heed to any adviser who encourages you to kill or hate your neighbour simply because of a quarrel or an argument. This type of love is true and it is what Christ expects of us. After all, Love is not only when you have to be nice to close friends and family. If love was meant for only those who love us, what differentiates us from people of the world who love their friends and hate their enemies. Just like gold in a fiery furnace, the beauty of true love shines through the fiery furnace of our disputes and misunderstanding.Real love entails forgiveness of your opponent(s) who are in disagreements with you.

    There is time for everything. A time to hate and a time to love. Nothing on this earth is worth dying for. If its politics, play your own part and move on, for life goes on. Remember your family and those who will depend on you now and in the near future. Go the extra mile, think of the meaning of love and reconsider that fight you are planning with your so-called opponent. It is not worth it. The Lord says: “for if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?” (Luke 6: 32ff). Our love must truly extend to our enemies if it must have true meaning. Paul reminds us that if we truly believe in the new body that we shall receive after death, then we cannot hate or do wrong to each other in this world and think it is okay. If we believe that one day we shall all sit down together in the house of our Father then we can as well start practising that Love here on earth by the way we reconcile with our enemies (1Cor. 15:45ff).

    The future hope that binds us together is stronger than any earthly positions that divide us. Elections will come and go, positions will come and go, but our actions and their effects would linger for much longer. It does not seem right that brothers and sisters who have been best of friends or community builders together for long or even blood family members should separate and become mortal enemies because of elections. Charity, they say, begins at home. If you must love your neighbour, begin by loving yourself, your life, your sanity, and avoid whatever will bring you a headache.