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Lent: Priest tasks faithful on self-denial, prayer for nation
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By Francesca Hangeior
The Catholic Priest-in-Charge, Saints Peter and Paul Church, Tedi, Ojo, Lagos, Rev. Fr. Anthony Thompson, has urged the faithful to exhibit self-denial and charity and pray for the nation during the Lent season.
Thompson spoke during a Mass celebrated in the church to mark Ash Wednesday as Nigerian Catholic faithful joined others across the world to celebrate the beginning of the season.
The Mass offered a faithful opportunity for faith renewal in God.
At Saint Peter and Paul, people came in early to take part in the 6.30 a.m. Mass and the administration of ash on the forehead.
Speaking during the Mass, Thompson described the lent period as a public and regular fasting and prayer season used to ask God for the forgiveness of sin for the common good.
He said that the ash administration on the forehead was a show of one’s commitment to the rules and observation of the period.
“The act of self-denial is expected of you, especially during this time, as one of the observances that will earn you quality Christian character.
“The quantity and quality of your food intake should be reduced to correspond to the season and build in your personal traits devoid of materialistic drive.
“Savings made from a reduction in your excessive intake and luxurious lifestyle during this period should be donated to charity without making such almsgiving public.
“This is the right time to pray for your country for God to grant its leaders grace to lead the people right.
“Fast and pray for the development of society.
“Atonement for one’s sin and that of others during this period draws the attention of heaven for forgiveness and blessings,” he said.
The preacher said there were various benefits and rewards attached to the individual and community that participated in the yearly ritual.
He said that the scriptures enjoined the faithful to cater for the poor in society.
“This is the period to exhibit that directive more, to give them a sense of belonging,” he said.
He noted the insecurity in the land and asked the faithful to make it a daily prayer point for God to wipe it out.
News
Finally, IGP approves hunger protests across Nigeria
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The Nigerian police has finally approved the planned nationwide protests and outlined conditions for participants.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed this on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja.
He urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
The police boss said this was to ensure the protest was peaceful.
Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.
“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.
“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”
The police boss said the information expected from the organisers also include measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.
By providing the information, he said, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
He said the police needed to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
Mr Egbetokun said the police will “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.
“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.
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Reps North-West Caucus Beg Youths, Citizens In The Region Not To Join Planned Protest
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Reps Applaud FCT Minister, Wike On AICL Improved Revenue, Infrastructure
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