The mass communication media will remain strategic partners to NCC – Danbatta

The mass communication media will remain strategic partners to NCC – Danbatta

The mass media, whether print, broadcast, online, or other specialised genres, will remain central and strategic stakeholders to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in its commitment to delivering on its regulatory mandates as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 and other policy instruments.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, stated this on Tuesday in his remarks as he received a delegation of the topmost echelon of the Management of National Economy, a media organisation, that paid a courtesy visit on the Commission at its head office in Abuja.

Speaking through the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Danbatta said NCC remains irrevocably committed to deepening its already established relationship with media.

Danbatta explained that there is no gainsaying the fact that the Commission, by virtue of its regulatory activities in the telecom ecosystem, occupies a strategic position in the official architecture instituted to enhance national economic development.

The EVC said by the reckoning of stakeholders the Commission has performed well, and it recognises the role of the mass media in its successes. He noted that the relationship of the Commission with the mass media has been cordial over the years, and the Commission will never take the media for granted nor act in any manner that may rupture the relationship.

Recalling the significance of media support in the accomplishments of NCC, the EVC asserted that, the positive, prominent, accurate, timely and adequate reporting of the Commission by a broad spectrum of the media agency, eased Commission’s burden in putting its activities in the public sphere and enhanced its effort to enlist the support of other key stakeholders in the telecom ecosystem.

The EVC further stated that the Commission has a deliberate policy of constructive engagement with the media and other stakeholders because it understands the centrality of providing a platform for continuous interface toward positioning and projecting the Commission as a flagship public sector brand in Nigeria and a leading light of telecom regulation in Africa and globally.

Danbatta thanked the media for its superlative response in reporting telecoms notable contributions to GDP, particularly the significance of the sectoral feat in taking Nigeria out of recession.

In addition, the EVC recalled with gratitude the noteworthy media reportage of the processes emplaced for the deployment of 5G services in Nigeria, especially the successful auction of the 3.5GHz spectrum for the roll out of the 5G services. He urged journalists and other communication professionals to amplify Commission’s voice in its publicity and sensitization of the citizens and all stakeholders on the importance of the new generation network towards the economic development of the nation.

The NCC Chief Executive stated that the Commission looks forward, very enthusiastically, to a robust collaboration with all stakeholders in communication practice, in order to ensure goal-oriented reporting of the unfolding national developments in the digital economy sector, because of the derivable benefits to the citizens, businesses and the nation at large.

While thanking the Management of National Economy for the visit, commendation and support to the Commision over the years, Danbatta also expressed NCC’s commitment to sustaining its favourable relationship with the media.

The delegation from the National Economy was led by Chief Mike Okpare, Vice Chairman. His colleagues the delegation are Kirk Leigh, Chief Operating Officer; Fadilah Ismail, Head of Advertisement; Bayo Amodu, Head of Stories; and Cees Harmon, General Editor.

MOPPET INSTANT BABY CEREAL BRINGING WHOLESOMENESS TO NIGERIAN BABIES

MOPPET INSTANT BABY CEREAL BRINGING WHOLESOMENESS TO NIGERIAN BABIES

In a country that is doing everything to curtail capital flight and keep foreign exchange in check, Nigeria has been importing baby food and infant formula that is in billions annually. This singular fact has had a negative impact in the food industry.  This impact can be looked at from two different perspectives be it nutritionally, nationally and economically. With this in view, a new entrant in the baby food market, MOPPET is poised to change the narrative in the infant formula and baby food ecosystem by producing and supplying world-class baby foods to mothers in the country under global best practices.

Moppet Veggies frill by berta baby cereal

Over $1.5 billion is spent annually on importation of milk alone in the country annually! These excludes other baby cereals in the market. This situation has caused a lot of capital flight. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has estimated that Nigeria spends $5 billion to import foods annually out of which $1.5 billion goes to importation of milk and other dairy products.

Moppet Foods is bringing to the fore baby food formulated for the Nigerian child using organic products, no additives and colorings.  The company carefully picked the best materials and ingredients to make this wonderful food for babies. It has shown high tolerant level and kids loved. The company is investing hugely in research, development and marketing to change the Nigerians perspective and view on local baby food and infant formula.

On the introduction of Moppet into the Nigerian market, the company said “In today’s world of a high level of industrialization, healthy foods are replaced with highly processed, unhealthy, and ready-to-eat meals filled with artificial coloring and preservatives. We think this is not healthy. We need to revive the legacy of fresh and natural food to new-age kids and adults just like in the past. We are here to help you bridge the gap in providing fresh, natural, and nutritious meals to your children as we aim to deliver 100% natural homemade cereals to every Nigerian home.”

Speaking to the media, Roberta Edu, the Chief Executive Officer of Moppet Foods said “Since we launched Moppet Foods last year, today is the 1st Saturday I spent at home with family and also make food. And this is inclusive of all the Christmas and New Year holidays, I was in the factory throughout. I am happy with the growth of the business, the grace to now spend time with family and the future that we have planted in God’s hands together with strategic plans and milestones “

She added that “Our Moppet Veggies is rich in nutrients, made with premium fruits and vegetables…Giving your baby the best combination of taste and value. It is Instant… no cooking required. Delicious, nutrient rich and fresh. Gently produced without additives, chemicals, artificial sugar and salt. Just look at the texture of the finished cereal. Suitable for babies 6 months to toddler years.”

Roberta Oyedokun frills by Berta
Roberta Edu , CEO of Moppet

Roberta also opined that “That Bananas are packed with essential nutrients that babies need to thrive, like folate, vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and potassium. Together these nutrients support the nervous system, skin health, iron absorption and blood pressure. It is also good to know that Bananas contains more antioxidants than many berries, herbs and vegetables…Our Moppet Nutmeal is Banana base with other nutritious grains.”

“We launched Moppet because we were fed up with the lack of fresh, natural and convenient children’s meal options. Eating natural and healthy food has no secret, we all know what it has on all of us. The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison. But in today’s world of busyness where is the time to get hold of that? We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between what’s healthy for your kiddo and what’s easy for you. So, Moppet packs of All-Natural Porridge mix is our way of giving you the win-win alternative that we know parent needs and deserves right now”, Roberta Edu concluded.

Anthony Nwosu.c

NIGERIA’S COLLECTIVE FUTURE RESTS ON ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, CONFERS NNOM AWARD ON THREE SCHOLARS

NIGERIA’S COLLECTIVE FUTURE RESTS ON ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, CONFERS NNOM AWARD ON THREE SCHOLARS

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja conferred the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) Award for years 2020 and 2021 on three Nigerians who distinguished themselves in the field of medicine and science, expressing the belief that Nigeria’s collective future rests on active participation in science and technology.


Conferring the award on the recipients, Dr. Oluyinka Olurotimi Olutoye, Medicine (2020); the late Professor Charles Ejike Chidume, Science (2020) and Professor Godwin O. Samuel Ekhaguere, Science (2021), the President said he was very proud to welcome the new Laureates to the prestigious league of highly honoured citizens.


He said the nation would continue to celebrate and trumpet the scholars’ achievements as a shining example worthy of emulation by the upcoming young men and women in the country.

”Please endeavour, at all times, to serve as beacons of hope and aspiration for the younger generation of Nigerians, reminding them that our survival and collective future as a nation ultimately rests on our being active participants in global developmental efforts, especially in science and technology,” he told the recipients.


The President noted that since the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA) was established 43 years ago, the addition of the three recipients would bring the total number of recipients to only 79, confirming the high standards of the Award and undeniable testimony of the strict adherence to quality and the merit-driven evaluation procedure for selecting laureates.

He added that the integrity of the Award also underscores the high expectations of the nation that the new recipients, like their predecessors, would continue to hold the banners of creativity and intellectual excellence very high.

While congratulating the three awardees, the President expressed the government’s appreciation for the patience of the 2020 Award winners, who had to wait close to two years to receive their Award due to the emergence of Covid-19 in 2020.


The president recounted that the total lockdown of the country, in 2020, made it difficult for the assessment process to hold then but was later held concurrently last year alongside with the 2021 applications.

Recognising families, friends, associates and well-wishers, who were present at the Council Chambers in State House to share the joy of the awardees, the President enjoined youths in the country to emulate the good works of the laureates by dedicating themselves to ”excellence and strive to contribute their quota to the arduous task of getting Nigeria on the top bracket of outstanding nations.”


The President also congratulated members of the Governing Board of the NNMA under the Chairmanship of Prof. Shekarau Yakubu Aku, as well as members of the Four Specialized Committees of Assessors and External Assessors for their integrity and transparency, and for the excellent work they have done.

”The noble idea of constituting the Assessors Committees, whose membership is not disclosed to the public, ensures credibility that could be emulated by other Government Agencies performing similar functions.

”The fact that transparency and love for the Nation have been the hallmark of your stewardship is well borne out by the fact that the NNOM Award is one of the enduring national legacies that are held in high regard globally and nationally and your decisions have been well acclaimed and controversy-free over the years.


”Let me assure you that the Government and People of Nigeria appreciate your efforts and I enjoin you all to keep up the good work.”

On the request of the Chairman of the Governing Board over the dwindling budgetary allocation to the Agency and how it is constraining the agency in carrying out its mandatory functions, President Buhari promised that the Federal Government would provide special intervention as was done in year 2020 to the NNMA, within limited resources available.

Acknowledging the focal place that NNMA occupy and the calibre of all laureates produced by the Agency, the President assured that the Federal Government would do everything possible to maintain and sustain the Agency.

”I wish to reassure you that this Administration is fully committed to giving the NNMA the recognition that it deserves, by immortalizing its recipients who have taken this country to greater heights both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
”We are a nation keen on fostering excellence across board and we will continue to celebrate those who have attained measurable levels of excellence in their professional life, ” he said.

The Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Sen. George Akume said the three intellectuals emerged winners for the 2020 and 2021 Award after the selection process, from the over 1,200 applications received by the NNOM Governing Board during the period under consideration.

”It is important to state that Prof Charles Ejike Chidume died after he was selected and recommended for approval to Mr. President and he will be given the award posthumously,” he said.

The Minister called on Nigerian universities to rise up to the challenge and continue to lead in innovative research targeted at providing solutions to the myriad of problems affecting the country, especially post COVID-19 era.

In his remarks, the Chairman NNMA Governing Board, Prof Aku announced that recipients of the prestigious award bestowed by Nigeria on its citizens for creative, intellectual and academic contributions that are of national and global importance receive a cash reward of N10 million each.

The recipients of the award are divided into four areas- Medicine, Science, Engineering and Technology, and the Humanities, including Education and Culture, Prof Aku said.

ABRIDGED CITATION OF RECIPIENTS

Prof Olutoye, recipient of the 2020 NNOM Award for science, is credited to have led a team which performed ground-breaking surgical procedures on foetuses before they are born.

In 2016, in a feat that has been hailed as the first by an African, he performed a surgical procedure on a foetus with sacrococcygeal teratoma, which is a tumour that develops before birth and grows from a baby’s tailbone.

Olutoye received his medical degree at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) in 1988 with distinctions in anatomy and pathology, interned at the Lagos State University, before proceeding to the United States for specialised training in surgery.

He is currently the Surgeon-in-Chief at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, United States.

Prof Chidume, recipient of the 2020 NNOM posthumous Award for science, was the Acting President of the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja before his demise on October 7, 2021.

The works of the globally renowned Professor of Mathematics encompass several fields including Nonlinear Functional Analysis, Nonlinear Operator Theory and Differential Equations, Nonlinear Optimisation.

He bagged his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1973, M.Sc in Mathematics in 1977 from the Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario, Canada and Ph.D in Mathematics from the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.

Prof Ekhaguere, recipient of the 2021 NNOM Award for science, is a professor of Mathematical Physics.

He created and pioneered the theory of Quantum Stochastic Differential Inclusion (QSDIs) that has greatly improved the entire Science Community’s understanding of those pathological quantum systems whose governing equation involves discontinuous coefficient.

Prof Ekhaguere holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from the University of Ibadan, 1971, DIC in Mathematics Physics from Imperial College of Science and Technology, London, UK in 1974 and Ph.D. in Mathematics Physics from University of London (Bedford College), London, UK in 1976.

PETER DANIEL’S NGO, GLORIOUS LIFE FOUNDATION POWERED KEEP TOUCHING THE LIVES OF INDIGENT PEOPLE IN AKWA IBOM POSITIVELY

PETER DANIEL’S NGO, GLORIOUS LIFE FOUNDATION POWERED KEEP TOUCHING THE LIVES OF INDIGENT PEOPLE IN AKWA IBOM POSITIVELY

 The need to give back to the society has always been the hallmark of Christianity and the peak of humanity. Having said this, the people of Akwa Ibom State, located in the Niger Delta creeks of Nigeria have been witnessing an uncommon charity and donation for almost a decade.   A non-governmental organization (NGO) Glorious Life Foundation powered by A TOUCH OF GREAT GLORY INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES, UYO, Akwa Ibom State has been in the business of touching the lives of the less privileged in the state especially the orphans and widows.

Speaking to the media, the founder and the General Overseer of by A TOUCH OF GREAT GLORY INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES, UYO, Prophet Peter Daniel said “our widow’s empowerment are done in all parts of the state from Ikot Ekpene to Oron. I, my wife and my staff do share these things. We have widows that can’t afford decent wrappers, foods and some cant send their kids and grand kids to school. We have tried within our capacity to provide to them”

On the need for other people to join them, Pastor Peter Daniel said “we are using this to preach the gospel and we are calling on good Nigerians to stand by us and contribute to the upliftment of the down trodden in the society. We are appealing to people of goodwill and good mind to be part of this project”

Prophet Peter Daniel is a God-fearing man, that focus on doing the work of God with the help of the holy spirit and touching the lives of people globally. He is the Founder of Glorious Life Foundation powered by A TOUCH OF GREAT GLORY INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES, UYO, Akwa Ibom State

Emmanuel  Clements

“we are using this to preach the gospel and we are calling on good Nigerians to stand by us and contribute to the upliftment of the down trodden in the society. We are appealing to people of goodwill and good mind to be part of this project”

Safer Kids Online – Implementing Screen Limits and Protecting the Work of Future Leaders

Safer Kids Online – Implementing Screen Limits and Protecting the Work of Future Leaders

With the new academic year now in full swing, children and students across South Africa will be sitting down at their computers to study, complete their coursework, and possibly even write exams online. This is an exciting time, but it is also fraught with worry as digital distractions are rife.

As parents, guardians, and caregivers, it is important to provide the necessary guard rails to ensure that while technology remains an important educational tool, children do not lose focus on their studies, or worse, fall victim to cyber-threats and bullying at this crucial time.

The internet, smart phones and tablets have become an essential part of our daily lives. The same is true for our kids.  Estimates suggest kids and teens between the ages of 8 to 18 spend about 44.5 hours each week in front of digital screens. When used well, digital devices and the internet are powerful educational tools and can inspire a love of learning. Younger people are also more vulnerable to various cyber threats which is why protecting digital progress is so important. The international Safer Internet Day, which takes place every year on 8 February, highlights the need for greater awareness and action to ensure the internet is a better and safer place for all. Parents need to ensure that children are equipped to do the best that they can do, but how do they do it? How do you protect kids from trolls and the cyber-bullies when they need technology for study and research purposes? 

A sensible approach starts with creating a healthy environment that encourages exploration, but with clear boundaries. Clearly, our reliance on technology isn’t going to diminish, but there are ways we can all become better at managing it. Managing technology with intelligence has never been more crucial. Which is why protecting technological progress is at the very centre of the ESET ethos.

Digital distractions

What might seem harmless at first glance; studying while watching TV, texting, or checking social media, can impair learning and result in lower exam scores.

A study conducted by Dr Larry Rosen, a psychology professor at California State University showed that 80% of high school students surveyed reported frequently switching between studying and technology. The same survey showed a direct correlation between digital distractions and a decline in marks.

Disconnecting devices is not a solution, but limiting what sites, services and platforms can be accessed is.  If we want students to learn and perform at their best, smart phones and other online distractions must be managed.

The benefits of removing distractions while studying are almost incalculable. Most students incorrectly believe that they can perform two challenging tasks at the same time. They may like to do it, they may even be addicted to it, but there’s no getting around the fact that it’s far better to focus on one task at a time.

One method of controlling access to digital technology is to physically remove it and allow for periods throughout the day when it can be used. Research suggests children study most effectively for around 45 minutes. It’s important that those precious minutes are productive and free of distractions. Welcome breaks can then be used for quick updates and catch ups, but a relatively strict routine needs to be adhered to. It’s too easy to get lost in Reels and TikToks beyond the allocated time.

Parents should also make use of a decent internet security platform, which should be a prerequisite on mobile phones and laptop computers anyway. ESET’s own Internet Security solution allows for screen and browsing limits to be set in place and allows parents to manage the access from their phone.

The solution ensures that students can focus on what they need to start the school year on the right foot but continue healthy habits for safe online behaviour right up until exams.

With other cyber threats like identity theft, malware attacks and the potential loss of any data stored on a device should it be stolen or hacked, it is imperative that any device connected to the internet have suitable security protection.

Guiding children through constant technological change is hard enough as it is, which is why using tech to your advantage wherever possible is an absolute must. It’s safe to say your kids will thank you for it in the end.

By Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET South Africa

UZODIMMA CALLS FOR UNADULTERATED LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT IN THE STATE

UZODIMMA CALLS FOR UNADULTERATED LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT IN THE STATE

His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has admonished the Council of Elders on the need for unadulterated leadership and development in the State as he Inaugurated members of the Council of Elders at Concord Hotel, Owerri, Imo State.

“The course of the development of our state, the protection of our people, the provision of leadership must be borne by a mind that is not adulterated “ Gov. Uzodimma admonished.

Governor Uzodimma charged them on the commitment to serve even to insults “if you must serve well”.

The Governor called on the Elders of the State to arise to their responsibilities and be part of the checks and balances of the democratic system which the Shared Prosperity Government has allowed to truly thrive unlike past administrations.


“No Government will seize lands, acquire the general wealth of the people, loot the treasury because if he’s challenged but all these happened in the past because no one challenged him.” Uzodimma emphasized.

NUJ Anambra State Council Visits MD ABS, Dr Nworah On Familiarisation Tour.

NUJ Anambra State Council Visits MD ABS, Dr Nworah On Familiarisation Tour.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council has paid a courtesy visit to the MD/CEO, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Dr Uche Nworah to familiarize with him and thank him for his support towards the union.
The newly elected executive led by the Chairman, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu extolled Dr Nworah for his numerous efforts towards ensuring that journalists in Anambra state are equipped with skills to execute their job.

Recounting the many efforts of the ABS MD/CEO, Dr Odogwu said the visit was not just to say thank you but to also appreciate him for having good working relationship with staff of the establishment, giving his staff enabling environment to operate, and for turning the face of ABS to become a world class medium.

Responding, Dr Nworah noted that he was able to accomplish so much because of the supportive working relationship he has with Governor Willie Obiano and pointed out that all accolades should go to the governor for having the interest of ndị Anambra at heart.

Dr. Nworah further urged the executive to pay more attention to the areas of capacity building, convergence journalism and training which will help the members of the union to soar higher and meet international standards.

In a vote of thanks, the auditor of the union, Mrs Ifenyinwa Iloanya and the Vice chairman, Mrs Ngọzi Obileri, prayed God to take Dr Nworah to greater heights.
The team later visited the ABS film village where construction work is currently going on.

By Chidinma Ikeanyionwu (ABS reporter)

WE WILL CONTNUE TO STAND, FIGHT FOR JUSTICE AS A COUNTRY, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI AT AU

WE WILL CONTNUE TO STAND, FIGHT FOR JUSTICE AS A COUNTRY, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI AT AU

President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said Nigeria will continue to pursue peace and progress in Africa, and other parts of the world, by consistently pushing for justice, fairness and inclusiveness in global affairs.


In a sideline meeting with the Prime Minister of Palestine, Mohammad Shtayyeh, at the ongoing African Union meetings, President Buhari said the country remains unwavering in supporting democracy, development and good governance, particularly in ensuring the rights of individuals and institutions.

“As a country we are doing our best, and we will continue doing our best to ensure justice and fairness,” he said.

The President assured the Palestinian leader that Nigeria will be “consistent” in pushing for peace and progress, while upholding the tenets of justice.
In his remarks, the Palestinian leader noted that the situation in the Middle East, particularly relations with Israel, had deteriorated over the years, adding that the world needs to know the facts.

Shtayyeh thanked President Buhari for his leadership role in the continent.
“Your Excellency, we thank you for your wisdom. We need it more now.
“Please continue to stay well and healthy, because we need your wisdom,” he said.

NIGERIA RE-ELECTED INTO THE AFRICAN UNION PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL (AU-PSC): ADDIS ABABA

NIGERIA RE-ELECTED INTO THE AFRICAN UNION PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL (AU-PSC): ADDIS ABABA

The Federal Republic of Nigeria has been re-elected into the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) for another three (3) year mandate (2022-2025), to represent the West African region. Nigeria pulled 44 votes in the first round to secure the statutory 2/3 votes required to win the election.

His Excellency, Victor A. Adeleke is the Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union and represents Nigeria in this important Council at the Permanent Representatives level.

The election of the 15-member Council held on 3rd February, 2022 during the 40th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (Ministers of Foreign Affairs) in Addis Ababa. Also elected for a 3-year mandate alongside Nigeria, were Cameroon, Djibouti, Morocco, and Namibia. Elected for a two (2) year mandate were Burundi, Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ghana, Senegal, and Gambia.

Nigeria is the only country that has sustained the membership of the PSC since the inception of the Organ in 2004, following the Decision of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government dedicating a Seat of 3-year term to Nigeria at every PSC election. This is in recognition of Nigeria’s sterling contributions to the maintenance of peace and security in Africa and beyond. It is in consonance with the AUPSC Protocol and without prejudice to the 2/3 votes standard requirement.

The PSC is a standing decision-making organ of the African Union charged with responsibilities of: conducting early warning and preventive diplomacy; facilitating peace-making; establish peace-support operations; and, in certain circumstances recommend intervention in Member States to promote peace, security and stability. The PSC works in support of peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction as well as humanitarian action and disaster management. It is mandated to institute sanctions; and implement the AU’s common defense policy. The PSC also ensures the implementation of key conventions and instruments to combat international terrorism; promote coordination between regional mechanisms and the AU with respect to peace, security and stability in Africa.

Going forward, Nigeria’s objectives in the AU-PSC will remain guided by the renewed commitment of the Administration of H.E. President Muhammed Buhari, towards accelerating the ongoing implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Governance Architecture (AGA) in-line with the core objectives of the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Agenda. As Africa continues to respond to old and emerging conflicts on the continent, particularly that of unconstitutional change of government, Nigeria targets collaborative efforts towards improving on gains made in proffering African Solutions to African problems premised on the overall objective of African ownership and leadership to durable peace in the continent.

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Permanent Mission to the African Union & UNECA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Why I Will Not Be Silent – Fr. Kelvin Ugwu

Why I Will Not Be Silent – Fr. Kelvin Ugwu

Sometimes I may appear hard on some issues, so many people might misunderstand my intention, but what I talk about here are born out of experiences.

I had an experience that broke my heart. It was after that experience that I told myself not to be silent anymore on religious abuses and bad governance. I sincerely pray and hope that after reading this, it won’t spoil your mood much.

In May 2016 when I was still working in Lagos, a parishioner ran to me requesting I come to pray for her neighbour who was seriously sick. I could read all over her that this neighbour of hers must be dying, so I hurriedly followed her.

When I entered the sick woman’s house, everywhere was dark. In Lagos, most buildings have windows in which opening them are as good as closing them because of their proximity to the wall of the next building. Most people use torchlight or candlelight in their rooms even on a sunny day.

With the aid of candlelight, I saw the woman sitting on her bed. I could see PAINS written all over her. And when I say pains, I mean the one that makes you understand that the word “pain” cannot truly describe real pain. She was wearing nothing. Her stomach was big, about the size of a slim woman carrying nine months’ pregnancy. But I was told she was not pregnant. This got me confused.

I was told she delivered a baby girl in January through Caesarean Section (CS) in a hospital in Port Harcourt. Her problem started after the operation. Nothing happened to the baby though, but the woman left the hospital with the feeling that everything was not alright. Few days after, the stitches loosened; she went back to the hospital, and it was sown again.

Few weeks later, she started feeling serious pains, her stomach started protruding, so she went to the hospital. Scans and tests were conducted, but nothing was discovered. According to the doctor, nothing was wrong with her medically. But since she complained of pains, she was given painkillers. When the problem persisted, her sister brought her to Lagos.

As expected, since the doctor already said she was medically fine, everyone and including herself started feeling her problem was spiritual. She sought spiritual help from many angles. People started suggesting names of those considered as “powerful” ministers and “powerful” churches.

Her sister took her to a church in Lagos for prayers and deliverance. She was being carried every day for prayers. She was practically in the church every day. The pastor will pray and pray, tell her to drink Goya oil, ask her to fast and do so many things I just don’t want to state here. Every day, her situation got worse.

By the time I met her, it was almost getting to five months since the CS. By this time, her stomach had protruded so much that you can’t differentiate it from a nine-month pregnant woman. Yet, she was not pregnant and there was no medical explanation for it. The pains I saw on her face, I can’t even wish my ‘enemies’ such pains.

After praying for her, I told them to go to a better hospital for another scan, and that they should do it immediately. With the help of her sister, she was taken to Gbagada General Hospital in Lagos. They carried out a fresh scan. After the scan, the result shocked everyone.

It was discovered that there was something foreign in her lower abdomen around the intestine. According to the doctor, a piece of cloth was forgotten in her stomach after the CS. This piece of cloth had already decayed inside, mixed up with the intestine, and had destroyed some delicate tissues. There was no other way for her except an operation in which the chance of survival was slim.

The operation was done. It was successful. But the woman went into a coma. I prayed for her, visited her, but she never woke up from that coma. That was how she died.

This broke my heart greatly. I cried.

In tears, I thought of the sacrifices women go through to give birth. I thought of the careless hospital and doctor that did the CS. I thought of the same hospital telling her that she was medically well, almost like telling her that her problem was spiritual. I thought of the churches and pastors she visited, the number of Goya oil she drank for four months that even got the situation worsened. I thought of many things. It was from that day I told myself, I may not be able to do much, but I won’t be silent over abuses in the name of healing or miracle and bad government.

You may attack me when I talk about so many things online, you may hate my gut and blackmail me. . .you may think you are more spiritual, but I know that one day you will search your heart, one day you will remember all I have been saying, one day you will learn that my advocacies are not about catholic versus the others.

I am a strong lover of God. I pray countless times in a day. I believe in God, in miracle, in his mighty powers. . . But, I also believe in the God who gives reasoning and common sense to deal with practical issues. God of reasoning is not at war with God of faith. That is why some of you are not balance. You have faith, but you don’t have sense.

Fr. Kelvin Ugwu