Tag: Easter

2022 Easter: FRSC deploys 1,439 personnel for patrol operations in Delta

Mr Ibrahim Abubakar, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Delta Sector Commander has disclosed that the command will deploy 1,439 personnel for the 2022 Easter patrol operations in the state to have a hitch-free celebration.

He made this known in Asaba on Tuesday that the 1,439 personnel include Regular and Special Marshals.

He said that the command would also be deploying 18 patrol vehicles, two ambulances and one tow truck for the Easter patrol operation.

“We have regular marshals which are 1,439 that are going to be deployed along with Special Marshals to work with them.

“We are also collaborating with other sister agencies like the Army, Nigerian Police, National Security and Civil Defence Corps, Delta State Traffic Management Authority and other agencies; they are going to be fully engaged in the operations.

“The FRSC, Delta Sector Command, is leaving no stone unturned toward having peaceful and crash-free Easter celebrations.

“All FRSC personnel, both regular and Special Marshal are psychologically, mentally and physically ready for the herculean task.

“Necessary equipment like Tow Trucks, Ambulances, Redargon Fireman Axe is fully supplied by FRSC headquarters.

“Preparations are on top gear to erect canopies at various locations to serve as ‘’HELP AREAS”,” he said.

Abubakar said that the corps was targeting on achieving zero records of Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) during the Easter celebration.

“We have rubbed minds with relevant stakeholders on how to ensure hitch-free celebration during Easter and we have mapped out strategies to ensure we have a hitch-free celebration.

“Our target is to ensure that no overloading of vehicles are allowed on the highway, driving without installation of speed limit device and the use of phone are also prohibited while driving.

“Also, those beating traffic and using one-way will be apprehended and eventually their vehicles will be impounded.

“These are the things we have put in place to have a hitch-free exercise and operations during the Easter celebration, ” he said.

Abubakar urged motorists to abide by the rules and regulations of road traffic to avoid incidents that could claim lives and properties.

April 13, 2022
BREAKING: FG announces public holiday for Easter

The Federal Government (FG) has declared Friday 15th, Good Friday and Monday 18th, Easter Monday as public holidays to mark the 2022 Easter celebration.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola declared the public holiday on behalf of the FG.

This was contained in a statement released by Dr. Shuaib Belgore, Permanent Secretary under the Ministry of Interior.

While declaring the public holiday, Aregbesola urged Christians to emulate the attributes of sacrifice, togetherness, forgiveness, kindness, love, peace and patience, which he said were the attributes and practices of Jesus Christ, as exemplified by His ministry on earth.

He, therefore, called on Christians and all Nigerians alike to use the occasion of this year’s Easter Celebration to pray for an end to all security challenges bedevilling every part of the country.

The Minister assured that the Federal Government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the recent attacks by undesirable elements on the highways, airport and the railway are timely brought to an end.

“Security is everybody’s business. I therefore urge Nigerians and foreigners resident in our country to display a high sense of citizenship and public spiritedness at this critical time in the history of our country, by supporting the efforts of all security agencies in bringing peace and security of lives and property of the citizenry,” he said.

While wishing Christians at home and in the Diaspora a happy and peaceful Easter celebration, he also called on Nigerians to join hands with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity for all.

Aregbesola once more assures Nigerians that the nation is inexorably on the path to greatness, despite the present challenges confronting her.

“There will surely be light at the end of the tunnel,” he stated.

April 12, 2022
How we see Lent – Catholics

Many Catholic faithful have joined in the devotion of Lent, which began on Wednesday, saying they will use the season to get close to God, pray and give charity.

They made this known in an interview as they marked Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of 40-day fasting by Christians across the world.

Ash Wednesday is observed by Christians ahead of the Easter celebrations in April.

The faithful opened up on how they see the period of Lent and called for deep reflection, abstinence, prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Mr Martins Uduk, a businessman, said he will dedicate the period for self-examination, fasting, prayer, almsgiving and reconciliation with God and man.

Also, Mrs Mercy Alu, a teacher, said that she:”I will focus on prayer for the nation”.

On his part, Mr Ayo Adeyemi, a civil servant said, “lent is a period of renewal, retreat and spiritual rehabilitation which everybody needs”.

Adeyemi said that he would pray for an end to social vices and other misconducts in society.

He said fasting is good for everyone as it enhances healing, physical well-being and fitness.

An Octogenarian, Mama Kudirat Ogunyemi, said she was happy to witness another Ash Wednesday although she won’t be fasting due to her age and some health challenges.

Ogunyemi, however, said she would pray always and give alms as much as she could.

“Let us assist the needy, repent and get involved in fervent prayers, evangelise, preach the salvation of Christ for our salvation because that is the purpose of the period of lent,” she said.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis in his message to Christians urged them to persevere in generously doing good in the world, bolstered by prayer and by fighting evil in their own lives, including an addiction to digital media,.

“Lent is a propitious time to resist these temptations and to cultivate instead a more integral form of human communication made up of ‘authentic encounters’—face-to-face and in person,” the pope said in his message for Lent, which begins March 2 for Latin-rite Catholics.

“Let us ask God to give us the patient perseverance of the farmer and to persevere in doing good, one step at a time,” and to know that “the soil is prepared by fasting, watered by prayer and enriched by charity,” the pope wrote.

Christians must persevere in generously doing good in the world, bolstered by prayer and by fighting evil in their own lives, including an addiction to digital media, Pope Francis said.
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The pope’s Lenten message is titled, “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all,” which is from St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians.

March 2, 2022
Loving Amanda Movie makes history, hosts groundbreaking ‘virtual cinema’ this Easter

Loving Amanda, a heartfelt romantic screen adaptation of the best-selling novel of the same title by author and film producer Laju Iren, is the newest addition to an extraordinary line-up of Nollywood movies slated to debut this Easter.

In a bold, trailblazing move, Laju Iren Films will present a virtual experience that is second to none for the full-length film which features A-List actors like Blossom Chukwujekwu, Teniola Aladese, Chinonso Arubayi, inspirational speaker, Adesunmbo Adeoye and many others.

“We’re pioneering a new kind of release with Loving Amanda,’ said Laju Iren, Executive Producer, Laju Iren films, ‘one that we truly believe will serve our audience well, and mark a turning point for the industry.”

More often than not, when a film comes out, it goes straight to cinemas, television or a streaming platform which viewers can either subscribe to or watch for free.

Since she began her film making career in 2020, Iren has done quite well with some of these options, with the last season of her website series, During Ever After, reaching nearly half a million views on Youtube.

But for Loving Amanda, the independent film maker, is going through a daring route she refers to as a ‘virtual cinema’ experience.

The much-awaited feature will be released through a ticketed online system where users from all over the world can pay and watch the film during the Easter Holidays, specifically from Good Friday, April 15th, to Easter Monday, April 18th. Users can pre-order their tickets from anywhere in world from March 1st on lovingamandamovie.com.

The bestselling author, turned film maker said: “It’s almost like going to cinemas, the quality is the same, only that this time you can do it from the comfort of your home and watch the film over, and over again throughout the Easter weekend. This is such a win-win for us, our audience in Nigeria and in the diaspora, as everyone, everywhere can see the film at the same time. They don’t have to pay a monthly subscription or wait until it is released in a cinema in their own country.”

“As independent film makers, it also gives us the financial freedom, to creatively and professionally continue to make the inspiring stories that our audience has come to love us for.”

Directed by the award-winning director of the Ghost and The Tout Too, Michael ‘Ama Psalmist’ Akinrogunde, and based on the bestselling book with the same name, Loving Amanda is a romantic story that tells the story of a young woman’s journey from brokenness towards love, healing and redemption.

“It was such a mind-blowing experience working with such a talented cast and crew to translate this heart-warming story from print to screen. The story and passion behind the execution of the project provided me with moments of self-reflection, and learning. I truly believe that viewers will not only find Loving Amanda entertaining, but that this beautiful film will also resonate very strongly with them, as it did with me” said Akinrogunde in a press release.

Iren added: “It’s the same novel that readers all over the world fell in love with, the same story that has kept it on bestseller lists for several weeks running since the book was first published in 2018. But in many other ways, there is a fresh brilliance that viewers will experience as they watch the story come alive, and meet the characters they’ve grown to love, as well as some surprising new characters in the flesh. At Laju Iren Films, we believe in inspiring stories, creatively told, and this project reflects our dogged commitment to that. Everyone is expectant, but Loving Amanda the movie is bound to exceed expectations once it is released.”

The Virtual Premiere is set for Easter weekend, and can be streamed by viewers from anywhere in the world who purchase available tickets from March 1st on lovingamandamovie.com.

February 23, 2022
Because of Easter I can face Tomorrow, By Stephen Ojapah

Stephen Ojapah MSP

And because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future. And life is worth a living just because He lives (Bill and Gloria Gaither).

Carlton Young says this gospel hymn “is one of the five most requested… to be included in many hymnals.” Based on John 14:19—“because I live, you also will live”—the hymn’s theme is effectively supported by a soaring melody in the refrain. The words were written by two of the longest-lasting performing couples of Christian contemporary music, Gloria (b. 1942) and William J. (b. 1936) Gaither. Because He Lives was awarded the recognition of Gospel Song of the Year for 1974 by the Gospel Music Association and the American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP). “Because He Lives (1971) was written in the midst of social upheaval, threats of war, and betrayals of national and personal trust. It was into this world at such a time that we were bringing our third little baby. Assassinations, drug traffic, and war monopolized the headlines. It was in the midst of this kind of uncertainty that the assurance of the Lordship of the risen Christ blew across our troubled minds like a cooling breeze in the parched desert. Holding our tiny son in our arms we were able to write: ‘How sweet to hold our newborn baby, and feel the pride, and joy he gives; but greater still the calm assurance, this child can face uncertain day because He lives” Bill and Gloria said.

Bill Gaither began as a teacher of English, literature and journalism in 1959 in his hometown of Alexandria, Indiana USA. His future bride, Gloria Sickal, taught French and English in the same high school. They started to sing together and were married in 1962. By 1967, the couple left the teaching profession to become full-time recording and performing artists. Gaither Studios has helped many well-known contemporary Christian artists to produce their albums, including Ray Boltz, Sandi Patty, The Cathedrals, The Talleys, Michael W. Smith, Rich Mullins, Lisa Bevill, Bob Carlisle, Sheila Walsh, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Tommy Sims, Jessy Dixon, Lynda Randle, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, and the Gaither Vocal Band. “Because He Lives” begins with the empty grave on Easter Sunday. Stanza two is about hope, even in uncertain days, because of the singular significance of the Resurrection event. Stanza three takes us to heaven where we will “see the lights of glory and… know [Jesus] reigns.” This gospel song has undoubtedly offered hope for many people because of its connection between the Resurrection and a “life… worth the living.”

Easter is a perfect Metaphor for Hope, the type that knows no bound or limit. The type that no chain can bound, and no sin can enslave, Easter is the most profound experience of the Christian religion. When all seems to be lost, suddenly light appears no matter how long the tunnel lasts. On Good Friday, all His disciples ran away and left Him alone, the last of his disciples that managed to stay with him eventually denied him three times. Christ was left alone, he couldn’t convince them to hang in there because of what they were witnessing. May be if they were sure Easter was going to come, they would have stayed. The drama of life does not unravel itself all at once. Learn to be patient with the horrible situations around you because there is still light at the end of the tunnel. Nigeria and Nigerians need to learn this at this point of our national life. Everything seems to speeding in the wrong directions, and moving all at once. In the last one week alone, bandits and kidnappers have killed over 67 persons across the country, and kidnapped 39. There are over 1,500 people in the hands of Kidnappers, Boko Haram and Bandits. The kidnappers have made over N500, 000,000 from the payment of ransom from their victims in the last one year. What a country, what a cloud of Good Friday that has remained for too long in the skies of our country Nigeria. With faith we declare that this too shall pass away. The Joy of the resurrection will once again envelop our land.

With the power of the resurrection, a true Christian is armed with the ability to cope with the most bizarre and seemingly ‘hopeless’ situation. Because He lives we are able to face the future with courage no matter how bad and sour it appears. Some weeks ago, a devout Catholic Family from Portland Indiana in the USA requested I offer Masses for the repose of the soul of their cousin. Chad Sifring. When I wrote an email to condole with them over the dead of their cousin, late Chad’s cousin Tina Dirksen replied with some details about Chad’s father Gene; a story I found incredibly inspiring. With their permission I requested to publish part of the email Tina Dirksen sent to me: “Chad and two other siblings had Myotonic disease which means a breakdown of their muscles. His mother died at 48. Another brother died at 9 months. Gene, my godfather, is the father of the family. He had 3 kids in wheelchairs. His daughter married a man with a partial mental handicap and so Gene takes care of him as well. Gene is on a heart transplant list. His wife had the genetic disease and so he also had to care for her and the children as the disease worsened. He has and is doing a wonderful job giving them whatever responsibility they can handle, bringing them to enjoy whatever they can enjoy, and he does have about 7 grandchildren, who do not have the disease, whom he watches over as often as he can so that he and his disabled children can enjoy them. When Gene married his wife, he was not aware of the disease. He is 74 now and is the most devoted man to his family. He truly is an inspiration for everyone.. He bought a big van so he could hall Grandma, 3 wheel chairs, and his daughter’s husband all in one vehicle. He would take them for drives, to baseball games, basketball games, or out to eat. All of the handicap people are happy and seem to be grateful people. I have not heard them complain and they make us laugh with their stories and comments.”

Myotonic dystrophy is a type of muscular dystrophy, a group of long-term genetic disorders that impair muscle function. Symptoms include gradually worsening muscles loss and weakness. Muscles often contract and are unable to relax, other symptoms may include cataracts, intellectual disability and heart problems. In men, there may be early balding and an inability to have children. There are people in life that have made heaven while here on earth because they approached life’s extraordinary situation in a very ordinary way, giving hope and courage to all those who look up to them. I personally believe Gene is one. His devotion to his three handicapped children may be a normal behavior for many, but for millions of other people it is really an experience worth reflecting over. As we go through our own life’s most challenging situation. Let us know that it is possible to face it because Christ lives. Happy Easter to you all.

Fr Stephen Ojapah is a priest of the Missionary Society of St Paul. He is equally the director for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism for the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, a member of IDFP. He is also a KAICIID Fellow. (omeizaojapah85@gmail.com)

April 4, 2021
Fear of kidnappers mar Easter travels in Kano State

Commercial Transport operators in the motor parks within the Audu Bako Secretariat park also known as Dogon Banki area in Kano Municipal Local Government Area, Kano State, have raised complaints of low turnout of passengers for Easter Travels.

This they said is largely caused by the fear of the high level of kidnappings on the highways in the Northern part of the country.

After visiting the Kano-line and Dogon Banki motor park on Good Friday, our correspondent, who was told that travellers may increase in number on Easter Sunday, reports that there were only a few passengers boarding to travel on.

In an exclusive interview, an official of the Ali Kofa said the park expected a huge turnout of passengers compared to last year considering the fact that the Covid-19 travel restrictions are no longer there as it was the case in 2020.

“We thought that by today (Easter Sunday) passengers would increase but the park is still scanty.

“Turnout of passengers last year’s Easter was also very low but it was understandable because it was because of the Coronavirus, I don’t know why people are not traveling. I think they are afraid of Kidnappers,” Ali said in Hausa.

Movements from Kano to other Northern parts of the country used to be massive during festivities due to the large population of the State, which is motivated by the predominant business and commercial potentials Kano is known for.

April 4, 2021
Pope Francis celebrates Easter Sunday Mass

Pope Francis celebrates Easter Mass for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and offers the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from St Peter’s Basilica on Sunday.

The services will be held in a smaller circle because of the anti-coronavirus restrictions in place and as a preventative measure against infection.

Before the pandemic, Easter Mass was usually held in St Peter’s Square in front of tens of thousands of pilgrims.

With the morning Mass on Sunday at 10 am (0800 GMT), Francis is scheduled to again have to celebrate in St Peter’s Basilica, as he did last year.

Easter is the most important feast of the year for devout Christians.

The week leading up to Easter Sunday includes many different services that mark the final days of Jesus’ life before his crucifixion.

Already on the previous days, only between 100 and 200 faithful were admitted to the services.

With the “Urbi et Orbi” (To the city and the world) blessing, the pope remits for the faithful the punishment for their sins if they have already redeemed them beforehand, for example in confession or through prayer.

The blessing is usually given at Easter and Christmas and when a new pope has been elected.

April 4, 2021
Easter: Don’t lose hope in coronavirus times, Pope tells Christians

Pope Francis called on the faithful at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, not to lose hope in the protracted coronavirus crisis.

“In the hour of darkness when humanity is grappling with the pandemic and other ills, Christians need to take to heart the Easter message of the angel not to be afraid,’’ the 84-year-old head of the Catholic Church said in St Peter’s Basilica.

One message of Easter, he said, is that it is always possible to start anew.

“Even from the shambles of human history, God has created something new from the rubble of our hearts,’’ the Pope said.

“God can create a work of art from the ruined remnants of our humanity, God can prepare a new history.’’

“In these dark months of the pandemic … listen to the Risen Lord as He invites us to begin anew and never lose hope,’’ the pope said.

About 200 faithful and clergy joined in the service.

Only a limited number of people were allowed to attend as a precaution to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Christians commemorate the resurrection of Jesus during the Easter weekend.

At the beginning of Saturday’s vigil service, the pontiff carried the Easter candle – the light of Christ – into the dark St Peter’s Basilica.

For devout Christians, Easter is the most important feast in the church year.

April 4, 2021
Easter: CAN tells Christians to rejoice for God will surely roll away banditry, herdsmen attacks, others in Nigeria

The Christian Association of Nigeria has pleaded with Christian faithfuls across the country to exercise patience in the face of tribulations, especially as regards the security situation troubling the country.

In a statement on Friday, CAN president, Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, encouraged Nigerians not to be discouraged while assuring them that God will roll away the many challenges facing the nation.

He that rolled away the stone from the grave shall roll away insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen’s attacks, ritual killing, armed robbery, unemployment and other challenges we are facing presently in this nation in the name of Jesus Christ.

The Christian body encouraged Nigerians to impact others positively while leaving the best life, praying that Jesus will roll away insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, herdsmen’s attacks, ritual killings, armed robbery, unemployment and other national challenges.

The statement read, “Rejoice in Hope: All Shall Be Well. I rejoice with all Christians all over Nigeria and the world at large for the grace God has given to us to celebrate the Easter of this year. We thank the Lord that we are not under complete lockdown this year as it was last year. Blessed be the name of the Lord who has shown us His mercy in Nigeria.

“Though we have many challenges in the nation today ranging from different types of insecurity to social and economic challenges, I urge all the children of God to rejoice in hope. We must not be disillusioned as the disciples were when Jesus was arrested, crucified and buried.

“They were overwhelmed by grief and doubted His resurrection. They locked the door against themselves for fear of those who killed Jesus because they felt they would descend on them too.

“This is the time for us to exercise patience in tribulations and to continue instant in prayer. With hope in God who can never fail his children, with patience and continuous prayers, a glorious morning of resurrection would come.

“As they joy rejoiced at last when they saw the resurrected Lord, may you equally see the glory of God and be filled with everlasting joy in Jesus’ name. He that rolled away the stone from the grave shall roll away insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen’s attacks, ritual killing, armed robbery, unemployment and other challenges we are facing presently in this nation in the name of Jesus Christ. Do your best to let your lives touch others positively and the Lord would reward you abundantly in Jesus’ name. Happy Easter. May Hallelujah be your song forever in Jesus’ name.

April 3, 2021
Easter: IGP orders AIGs, CPs to ensure tight security of public spaces

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has ordered all Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), State Commissioners of Police (CPs) to ensure there is tight security of all public places and critical assets.

This is in line with the IGP’s resolve to ensure Nigerians are safe during the Easter celebrations.

In a series of tweet on the police handle, “All State Commissioners of Police and their supervising Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) have been ordered to ensure adequate deployment of police personnel – both covert and overt operatives, and other operational assets to areas of security interest within their respective areas of responsibilities (AoRs).

“They are also to ensure confidence-boosting, proactive and high visibility patrols are carried out along the highways, motor parks, train stations, airports, worship centres, banks, and other financial institutions while taking adequate measures to provide a peaceful,crime-free, and enabling environment for religious, cultural and other socio-economic activities to thrive”.

IGP Adamu in addition directed the Commissioner of Police and their supervising AIGs to ensure proper supervision of the men assigned for these assignments.

He said they must be professional and courteous to law abiding citizens but firm and ruthless to criminals. To this effect, the IGP Monitoring Unit and X-Squad have been given marching orders to monitor and police activities of police officers policing the highways to ensure respect for the rights of citizens and operational conformity with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Rules of Engagement (RoE) of the Force.

While felicitating with Nigerians, and the Christian community in particular, on the commemoration of the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the IGP commended the citizenry for their support and calls on them to continue to cooperate with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies by providing timely information that would help in the prevention and detection of crime.

He assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Police will continue to do all within its powers to provide safety and security to the teeming Nigerian population, while once again wishing them happy Easter celebrations.

April 2, 2021