General News
FCTA to begin arresting violators of Abuja Master Plan, says Development Control
The Department of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), says it will begin arresting violators of Abuja Master Plan in addition to demolishing the structures.
Its Director, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, stated this after a foiled attempted demolition of an abandoned three-storey building at Asokoro in Abuja on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that officials of the department had begun demolishing the fence of the building when the owner came with a court order stopping the exercise.
Galadima told journalists that the building was not only abandoned but was also constructed in violation of the approval given for the structure.
“Aside from building contrary to the approval, the structure had been abandoned for a long time and had become a safe haven for criminals.
“If you look at that area, it is purely a low-density residential area, mostly duplexes with one suspended floor or two suspended floors.
“But the structure in question is a massive structure of luxury apartments, which may end up being a hotel.
“There was no approval to that effect. I have gone through all the files. The approval was for a duplex, but they didn’t build it in line with what was approved for them.,” he said.
The director recalled that the former minister had visited the structure for the same reason, adding that notice for removal had been served to the owner.
He added that part of the reason for the demolition, apart from violating the approved plan, was also that the building was abandoned and constituting a security threat to residents.
He also said that the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, frowns at abandoned structures.
“These are why we moved in to remove that structure to give way but while the operation was ongoing, the owner of the property came up with a court order.
“The Order specifically barred FCTA from tampering with the property.
“As responsible citizens, I have to stop the action and consult with the Legal Secretariat of the FCT to advise on the next line of action,” he said.
When asked if the department will go ahead with the demolition if the Legal Secretariat gives its consent, Galadima said “It will come down”.
After some cleanup of operations at Asokoro and Maitama, the director said that the department would sustain the cleanup exercise.
He said that the exercise would focus on dark spots constituting security threats and those constituting hygienic and environmental problems.
“The clean up is a continuous exercise to sanitise and clean the city. Already we have cleaned up Kabusa Junction, Galadimawa Roundabout, Sun City, and Ring Road 2 Corridor.
“So, we’re going all around the city, but this time around, once we clear, we will arrest those violating the Abuja Masterplan,” he said.
NAN)
General News
Clergy Urged To Put Members’ Welfare Above All Else
At a solemn ordination service in Abuja, senior church leaders have called on pastors to make the well-being of their congregations a top priority, following the example of Jesus Christ.
Speaking during the priesthood ordination and installation of a Sub Dean at the Cathedral Church of Advent, Life Camp, Abuja, the retired Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Okene, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Ajulo, described pastors as shepherds charged with the care of their flock. He urged them to shun worldly distractions and focus on meeting the spiritual and material needs of their members.
Bishop Ajulo also encouraged the newly ordained priests to remain faithful to their calling by teaching God’s word without compromise.
In his charge, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, urged the new clergy to preach the undiluted gospel and foster religious harmony wherever they serve. He expressed confidence that their new roles would help promote peace and unity in society.
The service also featured prayers for national leaders and divine intervention in addressing the current global economic challenges.
General News
1,000 Prayer Warriors Storm Ilorin for Tinubu, Nation’s Deliverance
In a dramatic show of faith and patriotism, over 1,000 fiery prayer warriors from across Nigeria will descend on Ilorin, Kwara State, this Saturday, lifting their voices in intense intercession for President Bola Tinubu’s success and Nigeria’s survival in the face of biting economic woes and mounting insecurity.
The spiritual siege, themed “Walking in Domini”, is the maiden convention of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), with its Kwara State Chairman, Evangelist Thomas Adeboye, vowing that “heaven will hear and respond to Nigeria’s cry.”
Aside from marathon prayers, the gathering will roll out free medical outreach to locals across Kwara’s LGAs, a gesture aimed at touching both body and soul.
Adeboye, lamenting Nigeria’s “troubling economic and security realities”, called for a nationwide prayer uprising, insisting that Tinubu has shown the will to revive the nation but needs massive divine backing to succeed.
“Banditry, a collapsing economy, and political tension demand we seek God’s face like never before,” he declared. “We will storm heaven for wisdom for the President and governors to steer Nigeria to safety.”
The convention will also feature awards to distinguished personalities, soul-lifting worship, fiery sermons, and unity-driven lectures—all capped with thunderous prayers for Nigeria’s redemption.
Adeboye urged the President to ensure every policy has “a human face,” stressing that Nigerians must not only endure but also enjoy the fruits of governance.
With the OAIC promising to reaffirm believers’ authority in Christ and rally spiritual boldness in the face of national challenges, Ilorin is set to become the epicentre of a powerful spiritual warfare for Nigeria’s destiny.
General News
Nigerian Anglicans Condemn Lesbian Archbishop of Wales, Deepening Global Anglican Rift
…Church leaders accuse Welsh counterparts of “spiritual decadence” and “abandonment of faith”
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a forceful condemnation of the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales. The move is the latest in a series of developments that have deepened divisions within the global Anglican Communion over sexuality and doctrine.
In a statement from Primate The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the church denounced the election as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a sign of “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation compromises the Anglican Church’s global mission and could obstruct evangelism. He compared the situation to the controversial tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former Presiding Bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, who also faced intense criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive views.
The Primate accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in the “ongoing crisis” around same-sex issues, stating that the election is a “clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
The Church of Nigeria called on Anglicans worldwide to reject “rebels” and “apostates” and to instead support conservative bodies like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba declared. He concluded with a solemn warning that without repentance, the Church in Wales risks losing “complete relevance” and its leaders will face judgment.
