TheNewsGuru

Tag: Marriage

  • How fake news almost ruined my 40-year old marriage – Lai Mohammed

    How fake news almost ruined my 40-year old marriage – Lai Mohammed

    Alhaji Lai Mohammed, immediate past Minister of Information and National Orientation has recounted how fake news peddled on social media almost crashed his 40-year old marriage.

    The ex-minister gave the account in Lagos at an event to commemorate the 90th birthday anniversary of Prof. Wole Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel laureate for literature.

    The text of Mohammed presentation at the event, on the topic, “The Media in the Age of Disinformation” was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.

    Mohammed, the Managing Partner of Bruit Costard, a lobbyist and public relations firm, recalled that one of the pressing challenges he faced in office as minister was  the spate of fake news, misinformation and disinformation.

    Speaking specifically on how the menace almost ruined his marriage, Mohammed stressed that the consequences of fake news, disinformation and misinformation were far-reaching.

    “Permit me to share publicly with you today for the first time, how social media threatened the foundation of my forty-year-old marriage.

    “It was sometimes in 2018 when I came to Lagos from Abuja for an official assignment.

    “As usual, I retire to bed about midnight, but about 3 a. m., my wife gently roused me from my slumber.

    “At first, I panicked, fearing that there had been a security breach, but my wife’s mien belied that possibility, for she was calm and composed,” the ex-minister said.

    He continued: “Solemnly, my wife asked me if I was fully awake as there were some serious issues to discuss.

    “I could not fathom what was that urgent or serious to warrant being woken up at this time of the night.

    “My mind immediately did a kaleidoscope of my rascalities and escapades in the last few months”

    Mohammed said the accusation from his wife which according to him, was “a bombshell” narrated to him in Yoruba language, but roughly translated thus:

    “Daddy, death can come knocking at any moment, please let me also, as your wife, be a signatory to your oversea account in Ali Financial which contains 1.3 billion dollars”.

    The former minister said he could not believe that his wife could take, hook, line, and sinker the fake story in circulation crediting humongous sums of money in overseas accounts to government functionaries/ministers under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    “I spent the next two hours or so, sweating to convince my wife that there is no iota of truth in the allegation.

    “I had to fetch a calculator and reproduce the Federal Appropriation Act for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 in the middle of the night and explain to her why it is simply preposterous for me to have 1.3 billion dollars in a foreign account.

    “I explained to her that there is no year my capital budget exceeded N5 billion, which  then, at about N400 to a dollar, was just 12.5 million dollars.

    “I explained that, even if I managed to divert every kobo of it to my personal account, it will take at least, 104 years to save the sum of 1.3 billion dollars being peddled that I stole,” he said.

    Mohammed added: “My wife insisted that the whole world believed the story and that her friends had as a result, besieged her with all kinds of requests.

    “She said  every effort on her part to deny the existence of this foreign account only succeeded in depicting her in the minds of her friends as a selfish, greedy and uncaring friend.

    “Is my wife truly convinced of my innocence? The answer is in the wind!. “

    Mohammed reiterated that social media remained the platforms of choice for the purveyors of fake news, anti-state groups, anarchists, secessionists, terrorists and bandits.

    He recalled that while in government, his ministry uncovered 476 online publications that were dedicated to spreading fake news against the former administration of Buhari.

    Mohammed specifically, recalled the fake news that the former president had died while receiving treatment in a London hospital and was replaced by a clone called “Jubril from Sudan”.

    According to him,  the challenge of fake news continued up to the campaigns leading to the 2023 general elections where President Bola Tinubu became a target, when videos and speeches attributed to him were manipulated and distorted.

    He said the purveyors of fake news were relentless in their efforts to de-market the laudable policies and programmes of the Tinubu’s administration.

    Mohammed said fake news had become exponential through the use of Artificial Intelligence and deep learning techniques to create highly realistic fake or manipulated videos, audio recordings or images.

    “The consequences of disinformation and misinformation are far-reaching.

    “They undermine democratic processes, sow discord within communities, and pose significant threats to public health and safety.

    “Today, even the media is at the risk of losing its credibility because of the proliferation of fake news on the Social Media

    “Therefore, the media, as custodians of the public trust, must take decisive action to combat the scourge of disinformation and misinformation,” he said

    Mohammed said that social media platforms and other intermediaries accountable for their role in amplifying disinformation and misinformation should be held responsible

    According to him, they should be checkmated through robust regulatory frameworks to curb the spread of false information while safeguarding freedom of expression.

    He admonished social media platforms to prioritise the integrity of information over profit motives and take proactive measures to detect and remove harmful content from their platforms.

  • 7 solid reasons why you should write your will at 40

    7 solid reasons why you should write your will at 40

    Writing a will might not be the most exciting topic, but it’s crucial for your peace of mind and your loved ones’ future.

    At 40, you’ve likely built a life with a career, a family, and some assets. But here’s the thing: whether you have a lot or a little, a will ensures your wishes are followed.

    Think about all the hard work you’ve put in for your family. Shouldn’t you decide what happens to your belongings? Writing a will now saves your family from stress later.

    Life is unpredictable, but preparing now gives you control. With a will, you prevent any confusion or arguments among your loved ones.

    Here are several compelling reasons why you should consider doing so:

    It protects your children’s future
    As a parent, ensuring that your hard-earned assets are passed down to your children in the manner you wish is paramount.

    Drafting a will at 40 allows you to specify how you want your assets to be distributed, safeguarding your children’s inheritance from potential disputes or interference by other relatives.

    2. It ensures fair distribution of your assets

    Regardless of the size of your estate, a will provides clarity on how your assets should be divided among your beneficiaries.

    Without a will, there’s a risk of assets being distributed according to legal statutes, which may not align with your intentions.

    3. It informs your loved ones

    Having a will ensures that your family members are aware of your assets and how you want them managed after your passing.

    This transparency can prevent confusion and conflicts among family members and minimize the chances of assets being overlooked or lost.

    4. It curbs family disputes

    By clearly outlining your wishes in a will, you can reduce the likelihood of disagreements and disputes among your family members.

    Writing a will can help prevent potential conflicts and preserve family harmony during a challenging time.

    5. It makes provisions for your spouse

    Contrary to popular belief, spouses do not automatically inherit all assets without a will.

    By specifying your wishes in a will, you can ensure that your spouse is provided for and receives the assets you intended them to have, thereby offering financial security in the event of your passing.

    6. It helps you appointing a guardian for your children

    Writing a will at 40 allows you to designate a responsible guardian for your minor children in the event of your death.

    This crucial decision ensures that your children will be cared for by someone you trust, sparing them from potential uncertainty and upheaval during a difficult time.

    7. It helps to preserving your legacy

    By taking the time to create a will, you are actively protecting your legacy and ensuring that your wishes are carried out after you’re gone.

    This thoughtful planning not only provides peace of mind for you but also offers reassurance to your loved ones that their financial future is secure.

  • After failed first marriage, actor Emeka Ike, wife welcome baby girl

    After failed first marriage, actor Emeka Ike, wife welcome baby girl

    After his failed first marriage, popular Nollywood actor Emeka Ike and his wife, Yolanda Pfeiffer, have welcomed a baby girl as he celebrates his birthday today.

    Taking to his Instagram page on Thursday, the actor shared the news of the arrival of his newborn.

    The proud father shared pictures of the bouncing baby while appreciating his wife.

    He also revealed the child’s name as Chidera Comfort Thando Ike.

    The actor added that the new child’s arrival is a double blessing and comfort to the family.

    He wrote, IT’s A DOUBLE BLESSING FOR ONE LOSS ????????????

    The good LORD has filled the huge vacuum that Mama COMFORT Okwuchi Ike left behind, with another COMFORT Chidera T Ike ????

    My family and l are COMFORTED and can’t ask for any better, this solemn times ???

    Thank you to my beautiful wife for taking the pains, of this wonderful gift ????????

    I THANK YOU GOD!

  • Major gestures I took for granted – By Francis Ewherido

    Major gestures I took for granted – By Francis Ewherido

    During my university days, I became friends with some fellow students. Some of these friendships graduated to brotherhood.  In fact, my mum called me one day and said, “Emma and Deno are no longer your friends; they are your brothers. Misunderstanding can arise between brothers, but do not allow anything to separate you.” Deno housed me in the late 80s for about 10 months after I came back to Lagos before I got my own accommodation. He and Christy, his wife, were already dating before I went to stay with him. Of course, after marriage, my visits continued. Without GSM then, you were never sure the person you were visiting would be home. If he was not home, I stayed with Christy until he came back. She would prepare ukodo for me (pepper soup and plantain/yam). We stayed until Deno came back. After GSM came, I would call Deno and tell him I was coming on a certain date and time to drop documents. He would simply tell me that, “I nor go dey house, but Christy dey.” “Ok, just tell am to prepare my ukodo.” I would go, drop or pick the documents, eat my ukodo, gist for some time and leave.

    Like Deno, I met Emma 40 years ago. We relocated to Lagos after we left the university. When Emma met Ezinne, I was among the first persons he told. I was involved throughout the courtship and eventual marriage. Incidentally, Emma and I got married two weeks apart. We were also neighbours. Without GSM, we visited each other without notice. Till date, Emma pops in without notice. Ezinne is like my younger sister, so I can go to their house and “harass” her in my usual style. Emma does not need to be home. When I returned to Nigeria in 2022, after being away for nine months due to ill-health, it took her time before she came to see me. I adapted one Lenten hymn for her: “Ezinne, what have I done to you? How have I offended you, answer me?” She gave me her trademark laughter and apologised, attributing her action to work pressure. All the women named here have become big sisters to my wife. Only Ezinne is her age mate and she calls Ezinne, “senior house girl.” Find out from her how that came about, if you are curious.

    Ese and I met during registration of new students at the University of Nigeria. Once we knew we were Urhobos from Bendel State, the friendship started. Ese had been living in Lagos with the elder sister. After NYSC we reunited in Lagos. Somewhere he introduced me to his fiancée, Agatha. There was no GSM at the time Ese got married, so I rode my luck a few times to visit. On two occasions, I met only Agatha, but it was not an issue. When Agatha was a branch manager at the bank near my office, I visited her a few times either alone or with my wife.

    I met Holy Mary, as I call her, in 1986. She came for the priestly ordination of my eldest brother, now Bishop Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, with her mother. My brother mandated me to take care of them, which I did to Mary’s satisfaction. That was the beginning of our friendship. When I relocated to Lagos after my NYSC, I met Jim, her fiancé. She left Jim in no doubt that I was special to her and Jim also treated me specially. After their marriage, I visited them without prior notice because there was no GSM. They spend more time in Awka now, but when she calls, that is at least one hour talk. Thereafter, I will speak with Jim. He is also an Arsenal fan and we’ll do our own talk.

    Beatrice and I met in 1990, when we were working in Victoria Island. She is Isoko and we became very close due to my Isoko links. We spoke mainly Isoko. She loved my Ozoro accent. When I came back after my health ordeal, Beatrice came to see me. Once she stepped in, she hugged my wife, dropped her bag, stood over me: “Me n’uzo na” (let me see the head) and started running her hand through my head, examining the scars and the contours. I smiled and said to myself, “omote r’Adaghara (Adaghara’s daughter)! Only someone like Beatrice can do this and in front of my wife for that matter.” As far as my wife was concerned, it’s a brother and sister affair.

    Oga Chris was my former boss, I went to his house for the first time in 1999. He introduced me to his wife, “meet your brother.” She is a Deltan. My bond with Oga Chris soon extended to her and later, my wife. When we were away for those nine months, his wife was among the friends who came to check on our children.

    I made more friends, more like big brothers, later. I would call Olorogun and tell him that I am coming over the weekend to collect items. He would simply say, “I am leaving Lagos for Ovwodokpokpor (Delta State) on Thursday. Meet Nuvie (His wife).” On Saturday, I would go there. The wife treated me specially the way her husband did, so I couldn’t just collect the items and leave. If Arsenal was playing, she switched to the football channel. Now this was the problem. Olorogun has security men at the gate, but he lives alone in the main house with his wife. I didn’t want the security guards to wonder why I was spending so much time alone with madam when oga was not in town. For the sake of the security men, I always went with my wife or one of my children. Chief Simeon is another big brother. I call the wife big sis. I am home with the wife, whether or not he is home. I would call another big bros, “Presido, you dey house? I dey your neighbourhood.” He would “order” me, “Go house go wait for me, madam dey house. I go dey house in 30 minutes.” There are a few more of these special relationships.

    I grew accustomed to this trust until I had a shocker.  I told a young couple I would come to visit them. I have known the wife for a long time as a spinster, but the husband only recently. As a rule, I want to know and possibly be also close to husbands of married women who are my friends, just as my female friends have to know my wife. I told them the time and kept to it. The husband went out and was caught up in the notorious Lagos traffic. I decided to wait for him. All of a sudden, I heard a bang on the door and someone frantically trying to open the protector. Then he stormed in sweating profusely. I had thought he was rushing because he kept an older person waiting. Then he saw my wife. His demeanour changed: he was apparently embarrassed and deflated because he thought I was home alone with his wife. I was soooo pissed off.

    Then I remembered my friends who trusted me when I was alone with their wives. I have been taking their trust for granted. I dedicate today’s article to Deno Bayagbon, Emma Esinnah, Ese Omosivwe, Chief Jim Ogugua, Dan Aghwadoma (Beatrice’s husband), Oga Chris, Olorogun Jacob Diedjomahor, Chief Simeon Ohwofa, Prince Austin Enajemo-Isire and a few others. Your trust has a new meaning to me.

  • We are wife materials – Deaf women cry out

    We are wife materials – Deaf women cry out

    Women living with hearing impairment in Niger have appealed to men who are looking for life partners, to seek their hands in marriage, as the condition will not prevent them from building a healthy family.

    The women spoke through their leader, Hajiya Salamatu Hammed, during the celebration for this year’s World Hearing Day on Sunday in Minna.

    Hammed urged men not to neglect deaf women, saying “we are marriage materials like any other woman.”

    She, therefore, called on all eligible men to feel free to approach any deaf woman for marriage, adding, “we are like any other woman who gives birth to normal children.”

    She called on all tiers of government to employ interpreters at all public health institutions in the state to enable people with hearing problems have access to quality health care.

    According to Hammed, “I was not born as a deaf child, but I started having problem after an operation during delivery which affected my voice. I can hear but lost my voice as a result of the operation carried out on me to bring out my baby.”

    She said that none of her children have the hearing problem, confirming that those women with hearing impairment can still give birth to normal children.

    In his presentation, an expert on Audiology, Dr. Sidi Maku, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, in the state Ministry of Health and Hospital Services, lamented the neglect of persons with hearing challenges in the country.

    Maku said people with hearing impairment are few but neglected, praying God to grant succour to those with the problem.

    “You may not appreciate until you see someone who cannot hear, so that is why we are here to celebrate it. The deaf may not know anything happening around them,” he said.

    He warned that hearing impairment can be caused by listening to loud music or slapping toddlers on their ears.

    According to him, “using feathers, cotton board to clean the ears can also lead to the defect.

    “Hereditary from parents is also a cause.”

    The Expert said “it is possible for deaf parents to beget children without hearing problems.

    Maku, who was a former Commissioner for health in the state, revealed that the state has only three active audiologists  for its Ear Nose Throat ( ENT) clinic.

    He added that all the three surgeons are based in the state capital.

    The Medical Doctor said that over 270 million people suffer from hearing impairment globally as a result of neglects, adding that Nigeria has only 176 ENT surgeons.

    He further revealed that the entire Northern Nigeria has one ENT clinic, while the other three centres are in Enugu, Aba and Kaduna.

    He decried the inadequate health personnel in the sector and appealed for donations from corporate bodies and well-to-do individuals to assist persons with hearing problems.

    “To purchase a hearing aid before was N300,000 but now it is about N30 million for a complete hearing aid for one person,” he said.

    The event, put together by the Women Advocate for Gender Solutions and  Mentorship (WAGS-M), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), was tagged “Changing Mindsets,  Let’s Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All.”

    At the event, free screening exercise was conducted for ENT people and free drugs given out by the organizers.

  • “How to succeed in marriage”

    “How to succeed in marriage”

    Pastor Gift Lemuels, host of a radio programme, “Tell Your Story”, has said that forgiveness was a key virtue toward ensuring a successful marriage.

    She stated this at the inaugural “Tell Your Story” live radio event held in Abuja on Monday.

    Lemuels, who is also the Pastor of Cloud Global Revival Ministry, said that marriage was an institution ordained by God and as such, its success should be guaranteed by both parties.

    She said that the capacity to seek and grant forgiveness was one of the most significant factors contributing to marital satisfaction.

    The cleric added that individuals planning to get married must identify their purpose before tying the knot or else there could be regrets from either of the parties after marriage.

    “A lot of people just feel like once I find love, I go. But it’s very difficult to sustain such relationship.”

    Lemuels urged couples to try all they could to guard against divorce, especially when children were involved.

    “Shine your eyes before marriage. But if there are issues, challenges that come up, you must find a place to work together especially when children are involved. Resolve the matter and forgive for the sake of the children.”

    She also advised women to contribute financially to marriages to ease the burden men carry.

    “Women need to add value to the relationship. A woman can be whatever she aspires for,” Lemuels said.

    She further said that the “Tell Your Story” programme is aimed at providing an avenue for people to tell their stories and experiences of their lives to encourage others.

    “We believe that everybody has a story to tell. We believe that everybody whether young or old has something to say. It could be stories of pain, joy and testimony.”

    Also speaking, Co-presenter of the show, Mr Kenny Idedevbo, urged couples to live with each other in an atmosphere free of rancour.

    “Couples should have a forgiving heart; examine things on a balanced way; live an exemplary life devoid of rancour.”

    He, however, said that the yard stick of what the society called marriage was “nothing to write home about”.

    “Our marriage system should not be money driven but should be based on the core values of trust, love, patience, perseverance and forgiveness.”

  • 62-year-old miraculously delivers baby boy in Lagos

    62-year-old miraculously delivers baby boy in Lagos

    A 62-year-old woman, Mrs Fummi Akinade, has been successfully delivered of a baby boy in a private hospital in Lagos after 31 years in marriage without a child.

    The baby, it was learnt, was conceived through In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and delivered on Tuesday via caesarian section at 37 weeks.

    The baby was born at the StrongTower Hospital and Advanced Fertility Centre, a Lagos-based private medical facility.

    Akinade disclosed on Thursday in Lagos that she married in 1992 but never had a child.

    Akinade said that she went through a series of gynecological treatments, including three previous IVF procedures that failed.

    She said that the fourth IVF became successful.

    She said that her husband had been supportive, adding that both of them remained optimistic that God would give them a child.

    “This is my fourth IVF attempt, but the others were not in this hospital.

    “When someone is looking for fruit of the womb,  the person will be moving from one hospital or gynaecologist to another, undergoing series of gynecological investigations and treatments,” she said.

    Akinade said that all through the years she was looking for a child, she had strong faith in God.

    “Even when I felt it was aready too late to be possible, God in His infinite mercy made it possible for me in my lifetime. I return all glory to Him.

    “Two major factors that kept motivating me all along are my husband’s support and one particular book that I usually read,” Akinade said.

    Akinade advised  couples desiring children  not to give up but trust in God while seeking the right medical attention.

    She identified finance as a major challenge encountered while looking for fruit of the womb, saying that fertility treatments were expensive.

    She called on governments to subsidise the cost of  IVF and other  fertility procedures for the sake of poor couples.

    “Fertility treatment is quite expensive – whether  IVF or whatever. A lot of couples out there are childless and do not have the financial capacity to go for them,” she said.

    Dr Ayodele Ademola, a Consultant Gynecologist, who delivered the baby, said that a woman  above 62 years could still conceive through IVF or other innovative methods of assisted pregnancy.

    Ademola, also the Medical Director of the hospital,  said that many couples without children could still have, with the right medical care.

    According to him, the major challenges most people have with IVF are the financial involvement and the fear that it can fail.

    “Even if the IVF fails, there are other innovative methods of assisted pregnancy to offer, including surrogacy – that’s bringing another person to carry the pregnancy in situations where the woman is unable to carry it.

    “Aside the surrogacy approach, there are other advanced methods.

    “Our motive is to achieve that desired result and ensure that the woman is happy, satisfied and gets value for the money spent.

    “Regarding the controversy about whether old women can conceive, there are advanced innovative methods through which they can be helped to have babies,” Ademola said.

    According to Ademola, StrongTower Hospital started carrying  out IVF procedure since 2014 and has recorded successful stories.

  • Govt holds mass wedding for over 300 couples in Kebbi

    Govt holds mass wedding for over 300 couples in Kebbi

    No fewer than 300 divorces, widows and indigents got married to their loved ones at a maiden mass wedding sponsored by Kebbi State Government.

    The maiden wedding took place at the Abdullahi Fodio palace in Gwandu Emirate, Birnin Kebbi, on Sunday.

    The wedding was organised by the state government under Hajia Nafisa Nasir Idris, wife of the state governor, through her pet project, Nafisa Nasir Development Foundation (NANAS).

    Gov. Nasir Idris, who presided over the wedding, advised the couples to be friendly and confidants of each other.

    Represented by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Usman-Ankwe, the governor announced that such mass wedding would be held periodically to assist the less privileged men and women to be joined as husbands and wives.

    Idris said his administration provided N21 million as dowry for the 300 brides from the 21 local government areas of the state, with each bride getting a dowry of N70,000.

    A cross section of bridegrooms during the wedding.

    The governor added that the administration also provided room furniture and foodstuffs to all the couples to consolidate on their marital relationship.

    He made it clear that the mass wedding had been solemnised after wide consultations with Islamic scholars in consonance with the practice of the Noble Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (SAW), who authorised his followers to enter into marriage allegiances for the good of the society and bearing blessed offsprings.

    Idris advised the couples to respect the institution of marriage, saying that the grooms must protect the rights and privileges of their wives, while the brides must remain loyal and supportive to their husbands.

    While commending his wife (Nafisa) for striving hard to actualise the mass wedding which was the first of its kind in the state, the governor observed that it would go a long way in reducing the number of divorcees and assist indigent men to be married.

    In her speech, the wife of the governor and the founder of NANAS Foundation, expressed immense appreciation to her husband for providing the necessary moral and material support that made the mass wedding possible.

    She also advised the couples to respect one another and protect each other’s rights and privileges, and live a decent life as husband and wife.

    Nafisa informed the married couples that her foundation in collaboration with thenstate government would teach them skill acquisition on various trades to enable them engage in profitable ventures for self-reliance.

    The wife of the governor announced that before the wedding took place, all the couples were screened of health issues and found to be in sound state of health.

    She thanked all stakeholders involved in the organisation of the event, specifically mentioning the Chairman of the main organising committee, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, and the guest preacher, Shiekh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa from Kano State, for their invaluable contribution to the success of the event.

    The Chairman, organising committee and former Deputy Governor of Kebbi, now the National Organising Secretary of APC, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, announced that the 300 couples joined in wedlock were selected from all the 21 local government areas of the state based on Islamic jurisprudence.

    Islamic scholars, comprising the Director General, Hisbah Board, Kano State, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim-Daurawa; Prof. Mansur Isah-Yelwa; Sheikh Mustapha Yawale-Jega; Sheikh Abubakar Yusuf-Yauri; and Sheikh Umar Isah-Magaji, enlightened the gathering on the commandments of the Noble Prophet SAW on marital relationship between husband and wife, which must be adhered to.

    The Islamic clerics prayed Allah to reward the governor and his wife for embarking on a noble venture of mass wedding which, according to them, has significant impact in reducing immorality and cleansing the society of social ills.

    The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Iliyasu Bashar, who served as the Waliy (Guardian) to all the 300 brides, gave out their hands in marriage with prayers for blissful married life.

  • Pastor raises alarm over divorce rate in Nigeria

    Pastor raises alarm over divorce rate in Nigeria

    A clergyman, Pastor Ayobami Moses of Christ Dominion Church, Ilorin, has expressed concern over the high rate of divorce among couples in the country.

    Moses, who expressed the worries in an interview in Ilorin on Friday, said the rate of divorce among couples nowadays had become alarming.

    According to him, young couples now consider divorce as the best solution to any minor disagreement in their marriage.

    Moses urged couples to learn to fix things through dialogue and endurance rather than resorting to divorce.

    “They should stop rushing to the courts for divorce. There is no perfect marriage anywhere,” he said.

    The cleric said that most reasons adduced by estranged couples for seeking for divorce in Nigeria were oftentimes frivolous and not worth it.

    He said that that little misunderstanding could be resolved amicably between couples in order to save their marriage.

    Moses counsels couples to endeavour to study and know their partners very well in order to solidify the bond between them.

    The cleric also advised Nigerians to stop copying the Western world in everything they did, saying that European culture is different from that of Africa.

    He noted that divorce and separation had ruined the lives of many children, as they were the ones who usually bore the impacts of divorce.

    “Couples must always consider the future of their children before they approach the courts for divorce,” Moses said.

  • Same-sex marriage prohibited in Nigeria – Police

    Same-sex marriage prohibited in Nigeria – Police

    The Nigeria Police on Thursday said the practice of same-sex marriage in Nigeria was strictly prohibited and punishable under the laws of the country.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said this in a statement in Abuja.

    Adejobi said the clarification followed recent post on social media, where some individuals, identified as queer were visibly encouraging and associating themselves with activities perceived to be unnatural in light of Nigerian Laws.

    “The Nigeria Police hereby wishes to enlighten the public on the legal aspects concerning unnatural offences and same-sex marriage within the country.

    “In accordance with the Nigerian Criminal Code Act applicable in Southern States, unnatural offences are prohibited under Sections 214 to 217,” he said.

    According to him, these sections specifically criminalise acts considered unnatural, such as having carnal knowledge of a person, or permitting a person to have carnal knowledge of one against the order of nature.

    He said having carnal knowledge of an animal was also punishable under the law, adding that those found guilty would face legal consequences as outlined by the law.

    “This is re-echoed by Section 284 of the Nigerian Penal Code applicable in the Northern part of the country.

    “Similarly, it is imperative to note that same-sex marriage is strictly prohibited in Nigeria.

    “The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014 criminalises the solemnisation, operation and public display of same-sex marriages,” he said.

    Adejobi therefore, called for understanding and adherence to the laws as any violation would be met with due legal processes.

    He said the police would remain dedicated to maintaining law and order but urged the public to report suspicious activities related to unnatural offences or same-sex marriage.

    The Police spokesman said provision of such information would aid the police to enforce the law.

    He called for collective efforts kick against same-sex marriage and enjoined parents and guardians to take note and support the police in the fight against the inhuman activities.