LINATV NEWS: THUNDER STRIKE KILLS CATHOLIC PRIEST IN BENUE

A Catholic Priest, in charge of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church Jootar in Ukum local government area of Benue State, Rev. Father Faustinus Ukenongo Gundu was on Thursday struck to death by thunder.

Confirming the death on Friday, the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, expressed shock over the tragic demise of the priest whom many called albino.

Lina TV gathered that as the rain continued, the late priest reportedly rushed outside to pick a towel he spread outside in his residence when he was caught up by the lightning and became speechless in the rain when he fell down until he was discovered by his servants who rushed him to a nearby hospital where doctors confirmed him dead.

Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Father Akumbul, Phelle Fidelis, in a statement, said the death occurred around 3:25pm at St. Anthony’s Hospital.

Worshippers at the church and residents are still astonished over the incident.

Nigeria @ 63: Niger Gov, CAN urge Nigerians to focus on unity
… As Christians Converge, Pray for Nigeria, Niger

Niger state Governor, Hon. Umar Bago has called on Nigerlites to focus more on what unite us as a nation than what may divide us.

Governor Bago who was represented by the Commissioner for Micro, Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Elizabeth Shaba at the 63rd Independence Day prayer session organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger state Chapter at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Minna said his administration will do everything to ensure rapid development.

According to him “as a state, we will do all we can to ensure we achieve our set goals. But we must focus on our unity as a people. “

Earlier in his welcome address, State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna pray God to continue to “keep us as one indivisible entity where peace, justice, equity and fairness will take the center stage”.

Speaking on what he tagged “let us focus on what unites us more as a people”, Most Rev. Yohanna who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese tasked Christians irrespective of their denomination to embrace unity.

According to him “let us remain supportive in our individual and collective efforts towards nation-building to move our country forward, to propagate unity irrespective of our political, religious and ethnic divides, and to rally round our Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago who has so far shown commitment and resilience to revamp our beloved State.

“Despite all the challenges, we have all reasons to thank God for His mercy and kindness to us a people.

“As Christians we must pray for our nation and for those in authority (our leaders).

“And as we pray and intercede for our nation, I advocate the need for us to reflect more on what unites us as a people rather than what divides us. The oneness of Nigeria remains more advantageous despite the challenges we are facing as a nation”.

He further charged Nigerians to use the Independence Day celebration to have a deeper and sober reflection on what the Nation has gone through in the past decades, saying “I am sure we will have more reasons to thank God”.

Furthermore, he urged on Governor Bago to remain resolute in ensuring that the State experiences the unprecedented transformation especially in the area of security of lives and property.

“Focus on your plan to expand the state’s economy through strategic partnership in order to curb the activities of criminals in the State”, Bishop Yohanna added.

Highlights of the celebration was the prayer session for Nigeria and Niger state in particular.

2023 EID-EL MAULUD:
GOVERNOR UMARU BAGO CALL ON MUSLIMS TO EMULATE PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAW)

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called on Muslim Ummah to emulate the exemplary lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Governor Umaru Bago in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on the occasion of commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said Muslims should reflect deeply on the essential lessons of the life and times of the prophet (SAW)

He said humility, love, tolerance, gratitude, and caring among others were the virtues that characterised his life hence the Holy Qur’an was revealed through him.

The Governor stressed that working in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet would guarantee peaceful co-existence, growth and development of any society.

He said No doubt his lifestyle has remained an inspiration to all adherents of Islam.
“I urge us all to stick to the teachings of the Holy Quran and Hadith for our society to be a better place for all”, he said.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s determination to build a “New Niger” by executing people-oriented projects in the state to better the lots of the citizenry.

Aisha Gambo Danazumi
Lina Tv

WHO, UNICEF, others Partner CAN to End Polio Variant in Niger state

As part of efforts to battle the circulating variant polio virus type 2 (cVPV2) among children in Niger state by the end of December 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other organizations have entered into partnership with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger state chapter to carry out vaccinations in various churches across the state.

Statement signed and issued to journalists in Minna by the CAN media officer, Daniel Atori explained that WHO team made their plans known when the team paid courtesy visit to the State CAN Secretariat on Thursday in Minna.

In his remarks,the Assistant Public Health Officer, WHO, in Niger, Elizabeth Ishaku said the World Health Organization is committed and ready to partner with the CAN to eradicate all forms of polio viruses.

According to her “the partnership is driven by a collective responsibility to protect children in the state from preventable suffering

“We plea for your invaluable support in a matter of utmost importance – the eradication of circulating variant polio virus (cVPV2) from our communities”.

“We remain steadfast to halt the transmission of circulating variant Polio virus type 2 (cVPV2) by December 2023.”

Also, the State Lead UNICEF, Grace Odeyemi,while calling for sustained collaboration, solicited for the leadership of CAN’s guidance and influence, adding that “you have the power to shape the destiny of the followers.

“We ask for your partnership in securing a healthier and brighter future for our children.

“Polio is a relentless foe, it has tested our resilience for decades. But we have not faltered; we have not surrendered. Together, we fought several battles until we won the war against wild polio virus.

“The battle against cVPV2 requires a united front – a bond between traditional, religious and local leaders, health workers, parents, and every citizen who dreams of a polio-free future.”

The State Community Engagement Focal Person, Ministry of Primary Health Care, Comfort Danladi has appealed to religious bodies to aid the End Polio campaign said “the Ministry of Primary Health Care remains resolute to end polio as soon as possible.”

The Chairman Niger State CAN, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna lauded the team,adding that,CAN will continue to support all campaigns that will save lives.

The Chairman who was represented by the Secretary, Pastor Raphael Opawoye added that “health is wealth. A healthy nation is a progressive nation.

“It is our duty as Church leaders to ensure our children get immunized against diseases like polio and others, and we will reach out to our members”.

COV/DANIEL ATORI.

Breaking

The Holy Father Pope Francis has been appointed Rev. Fr. Dr. Habila Tyiakwonaboi Daboh, of the clergy of the Archdiocese of Kaduna, currently Rector of the Good Shepherd Major Seminary in Kaduna, as Bishop of the Diocese of Zaria (Nigeria).

Msgr. Daboh was born on 10 June 1970 in the Zangon Kataf area, in the Archdiocese of Kaduna. After attending Saint Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Makurdi and Saint Augustine’s Major Seminary in Jos, he was ordained a priest on 10 July 1999 for the Archdiocese of Kaduna.

He has held the following positions and carried out further studies: Parish Vicar at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Kaduna (1999-2003); Chaplain of the Federal Kaduna Polytechnic (2001-2003); Licentiate in Church History at the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome (2003-2006); parish priest of the Queen of Apostles in Kakuri, Kaduna (2006-2008); Diploma in Educational Sciences at Ahmadu Bello University of Zaria (2009); Teacher at the Good Shepherd Major Seminary in Kaduna (2006-2008); Rector of St. Peter’s Minor Seminary of Katari, Kaduna (2008-2016); Dean of the Deanery of Dogon Kurmi (2010-2016); Doctorate in Church History from the University of Jos (2019).

From 2016 until now he has been the Rector of the Good Shepherd Major Seminary in Kaduna.

We wish Bishop-Elect Daboh God’s guidance in this new office.