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Nigerian Catholic religious Sister Uti wins $1.2 million Opus Prize
Sister Francisca Ngozi Uti, the founder and executive director of the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) in Abuja, Nigeria, has been named the laureate of the 2024 Opus Prize — a $1.2 million award recognizing transformative humanitarian work.
In her address during the Nov. 14 award ceremony at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit university in Silicon Valley, the Nigerian member of the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) said that words could not express her joy.
“Did I ever imagine being nominated as the laureate? Honestly, no. Words seem inadequate to capture the depth of my joy. My heart overflows with gratitude,” Ngozi said.
“I never dreamed that the work my team and I have been doing in these remote communities would gain recognition not only within our state but beyond our nation’s borders crossing the Atlantic and reaching as far as the United States of America.”
Ngozi thanked the Opus Prize jury, saying: “You believed and still believe in the work that my team and I do to alleviate the suffering and trauma of those marginalized through no fault of their own.”
By choosing CWSI as the 2024 Opus Prize winner, “you have placed a significant responsibility on us; to whom much is given, much is expected,” Ngozi said. “CWSI will not betray your trust. I accept this award on behalf of all the women, girls, and men who have partnered with us to bring about positive change in their lives and communities.”
“I remember especially the women and girls who have endured hardship and are now striving to rebuild their lives,” she added.
Reflecting on her ministry over the years, Ngozi credited her father for ensuring she received an education despite societal limitations.
“Thank you, Papa. Your sacrifice was not in vain,” she said.
She also paid homage to HHCJ foundress Mother Mary Charles Magdalene Walker. “From her life of courage, resilience, and faith, I learned to entrust myself to God, allowing him to lead while I follow,” she said.
Ngozi also thanked the staff of CWSI, HHCJ leadership, and all those who have contributed to her mission.
“To the past and present staff of CWSI who have made countless sacrifices out of love for God and humanity, I am deeply grateful,” she said.
Ngozi went on to congratulate her fellow Opus Prize finalists, including Jesuit Father Zachariah Presutti, founder and executive director of Thrive for Life Prison Project in New York, and Cătălin and Bianca Albu, the general manager and senior manager, respectively, for programs at Jesuit Refugee Service in Romania.
“This recognition is not just for me or CWSI. It is for every woman and girl whose resilience and courage inspire our mission. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity and support,” Ngozi said.
CWSI seeks to help women become politically aware, socially responsible, and economically independent for greater autonomy and parity with men.
The Abuja-based entity also advocates for the inclusion of women in government roles and for legal provisions to combat gender-based violence in five Nigerian states.
The late Bishop Paride Taban was the Opus Prize 2023 laureate. The bishop emeritus of South Sudan’s Diocese of Torit was honored posthumously for founding the Holy Trinity Peace Village Kuron, where people from warring South Sudanese tribes live in harmony.
“Bishop Taban’s Holy Trinity Peace Village Kuron will receive the $1 million prize that recognizes social entrepreneurship championing faith-filled change,” the Opus Prize Foundation and Villanova University announced last year in a press release.
This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA
Enugu State Government has hailed the Government of the Republic of Finland for the arrest of the Finland-based leader of the criminal gang, Autopilots, Simon Ekpa, describing him as a common criminal, con man, and terrorist, who has no interest of Igbo people at heart.
The government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery, saying that Enugu State was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Friday.
“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.
“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.
“This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region.
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“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work. He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra,” the government said.
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“Men Need To Submit Too”, says Pastor Olumide, Quotes Bible Passage To Back His Statement (Video)
A pastor has stated that submission in a marriage is not a requirement for women alone.
Pastor Olumide Emmanuel explained that a Christian marriage is not based on “culture” but on the teachings of the kingdom and as a result, men should respect their wives’ opinions and superior judgment and submit when appropriate.
He said: “Men, I will tell you for free, respect a woman’s sensitivity if you want to do well in life.
“Ask any married man that will be honest with you, there are things that if we did not listen to our wife we’d be in trouble by now. And there are times that we didn’t listen, we enter trouble.
“So if you’re a young person now, don’t let Africa kill you. ‘I’m a man of this house, I’m a man of this house, you can’t tell me what to do’. Forget that nonsense.
“Marriage is not an African culture, it’s a kingdom culture and in the kingdom the bible says, submitting yourself one to another. Mutual submission is a kingdom agenda for the marriage.
“So there are times you need to submit to your wife. Submit to your woman.”
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The black market dollar to Naira exchange rate on Friday 22 November 2024 can be accessed below.
NewsOnline Nigeria has obtained the official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates. Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market. As of now, you can purchase 1 dollar at a certain rate now, however, it’s important to remember that the rate can shift (either upwards or downwards) within hours.
How much is a dollar to naira today in the black market?
Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):
According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players bought a dollar for N1710 and sold it for N1750 on Friday, November 22, 2024.
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate N1730
Selling Rate N1740
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Buying Rate N1745
Selling Rate N1750
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.
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