News
Abia secures $125m loan to implement 2024 budget
By Francesca Hangeior
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, says the state government plans to secure loans to implement the 2024 Budget, adding that already, the Islamic Development Bank has approved $125 million for the state.
Otti disclosed this Monday during a chat with journalists in Umuahia, the state capital.
He added that the African Development Bank has also approved some funds for the state.
The governor said, “Two days ago, the Islamic Development Bank approved the sum of $125m for us under AB Seed, as well as the African Development Bank, AfDB. All is yet to be drawn until after perfection.
“We have received offers of loan from commercial banks, but we have not drawn on any of them. We do not want to draw loans until we need them and will repay when we have liquidity, and we will pay later.”
On wage awards or salary increase, the governor assured workers that his administration had not withdrawn its promise on that, stating that there is already a committee in place on the matter.
“We had promised that by the end of this month, we will resolve the lingering pension issues. In our executive council meeting today, we had some resolutions, and soon, pensioners will be settled,” he said.
According to him, the local government accounts are not tampered with, stating, “Mayors are grading roads and building health centres. I don’t know where else they are getting the money from.”
On infrastructure, the governor said, “Abia will continue with our massive road rehabilitation, light up Abia, improvement in the health system and the resolve to retrieve education system that has been going down”, adding that 170 primary schools and 51 secondary schools have been earmarked to be rehabilitated so that at the end of the year, all schools will be fully rehabilitated.
He said the state government has designed the best models for Abia schools so that “the Abia standard schools will look a certain way.”
He added that trained teachers will teach students what is relevant in the 21st century, including the internet, renewable energy, and digital technology, among others to make Abia students competitive in line with global practices.
However, the state government, he said, would ensure the quality and skills necessary to teach the students by ensuring the right training for the teachers, stating “We have received lots of support from multilateral agencies. We are not alone. ”
On health, he said, “We will continue to improve healthcare delivery in the state”, stating also that in terms of food security, the state has a lot of initiatives to deal with hunger and is working round the clock to ensure that all lands in Abia will be cultivated this planting season.
News
Pastor Damina Takes strong stance on Church Controversies: Salvation, Hell, and the Truth About Tithing
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In a thought-provoking appearance on TVC’s “Your View,” Pastor Abel Damina, founder of Abel Damina Ministries International, made waves by asserting that Christianity is the only faith that guarantees eternal salvation.
The televangelist, known for his unconventional views on heaven and hell, challenged prevailing beliefs by declaring that hell is not a fiery place, but rather a state of “utter darkness.” His teachings have ignited heated debates, attracting both fervent supporters and vocal critics who question his interpretations of scripture.
During the discussion, Damina emphasized that individuals across various religions ultimately seek salvation, a deep relationship with God, and forgiveness for their sins. However, co-panelist Dr. Maureen YK countered his claims, asserting that one cannot dismiss other spiritualities as ineffective without firsthand experience of their practices.
Many followers of other religions remain spiritually unsatisfied and in search of true salvation
In a passionate defense, Pastor Damina shared insights from his 40 years of ministry experience, arguing that many followers of other religions remain spiritually unsatisfied and in search of true salvation.
Touching on the contentious topic of tithing, Damina clarified a recent video where he appeared to promote non-payment of tithes. He stressed that God is not a transactional deity and referenced Galatians 3:13 to assert that Jesus has already fulfilled the law’s requirements, making mandatory tithing irrelevant. He encouraged voluntary and cheerful giving, free from compulsion.
He stressed that God is not a transactional deity and referenced Galatians 3:13 to assert that Jesus has already fulfilled the law’s requirements, making mandatory tithing irrelevant
As Damina’s teachings continue to stir controversy, his bold perspectives challenge traditional Christian beliefs and invite deeper conversations about faith and spirituality.
News
First Lady denies leading national prayer
The First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday, refuted reports that she will be leading a seven-day national prayer for Nigeria.
This followed a report last week that Mrs Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mrs Nuhu Ribadu, will spearhead a national prayer session to tackle the country’s numerous challenges.
The reports quoted the Director-General of the National Prayer Forum, Segun Afolorunikan, announcing the event in Abuja.
Afolorunikan had said the initiative, coordinated with Christian and Muslim religious leaders, intends to seek divine intervention for the country’s socio-economic and security issues, under the theme ‘Seeking the Intervention of God in Nigeria’s Affairs.’
“Christians will meet at the National Ecumenical Centre for a week of intense prayer, with prayer warriors from various denominations focusing their efforts on the nation’s adversities,” said the convener.
However, the First Lady has denied knowing any such arrangement saying a call for prayer must be done “willingly, conscientiously and correctly.”
Mrs Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Busola Kukoyi, conveyed this in a statement she signed Saturday titled ‘First Lady of Nigeria Oluremi Tinubu, CON refutes organising national prayer.’
It read, “This is to clarify and inform the general public that the First Lady of Nigeria is not organising a national prayer.
“The news making rounds in some conventional and social media platforms is unfounded and misleading.
“Consequently, anyone who might have come across the purported news of the joint National Prayer for Nigeria should disregard it as false.”
Kukoyi said the First Lady, a Christian and strong advocate of prayer and praying for Nigeria, believes that prayer is an act that must be done willingly, conscientiously and correctly.
“She also believes that praying for Nigeria is the responsibility of every Nigerian, irrespective of religious belief, political affiliation, tribe or tongue.
“Members of the public are advised to verify the authenticity of any news or event involving the First Lady of Nigeria or her office through official channels,” the statement concluded.
News
25 Shops destroyed as fire guts building in Ilorin
A building of 25 shops has been gutted by fire in the early hours of Saturday in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.
According to the state fire service, the incident occurred at Adeta roundabout at about 02.39 hours.
A statement in Ilorin on Saturday by the spokesman of the service, Hassan Adekunle, said the firefighters, upon arrival, found a block of about 25 shops engulfed in flames.
“Thanks to the swift action and bravery of the Kwara State fire service officers, only three shops suffered damage, including a soft drinks and alcohol shop.
“Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire was caused by a power surge,” the statement disclosed.
The Director of the State Fire Service, Prince John Falade Olumuyiwa, expressed sympathy for the affected shop owners, offering prayers for the restoration of their losses.
He also urged the public to prioritize safety and ensure all electrical appliances are unplugged when not in use.
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