Easter Offers World Opportunity To Reflect On Great Sacrifice Of Jesus Christ – ECWA President

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22/04/2025

The President, Evangelical Church Winning All , Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba says the Easter period offers the world an opportunity to reflect on the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ whose death was for humanity to live eternally.

Jesus Christ, he emphasized, was God’s perfect sacrificial lamb, offered once and for all for the forgiveness of the sins of humanity.
The ECWA President made the assertions as part of his message to mark this year’s Easter.

The Message
2025 EASTER MESSAGE FROM THE ECWA PRESIDENT, REV. DR. JOB AYUBA BAGAT TO THE ENTIRE ECWA FAMILY AND BEYOND

On behalf of myself and the ECWA Executive, I bring you warm greetings in the precious name of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, amen!

Easter period offers the world an opportunity to reflect on the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Saviour and Lord. He came into this sinful world, died on the cross of cavalry, he was buried, but he resurrected from the dead on the third day.

Born of the virgin Mary, Jesus was God in human form. Indeed, He lived without sin. Yet, He was unjustly arrested and crucified on the cross of cavalry, shedding his sinless blood for the redemption of our souls. He was God’s perfect sacrificial lamb, offered once and for all for the forgiveness of the sins of humanity. For as the apostle Paul declares, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). And “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). By implication, Christ’s death was for humanity to live eternally.

Prophesying about Christ’s death for the sins of the world, Prophet Isaiah said, “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way, and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:4-6). Furthermore, the apostle Paul adds, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21).

Therefore, anyone who would accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord would have all his sins forgiven as well as have Jesus live in him in person of the Holy Spirit, thus giving eternal life as a free gift from God unto them who believe (Romans 6:23b).

Salvation and eternal life through Christ Jesus is possible because the Easter story did not end with the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus. Jesus rose from the dead on the third day and is alive and reigns forevermore in power and glory in heaven and in the hearts of all those who believe in Him, accepting Him as the Saviour and Lord of their lives. Therefore, for the believers in Christ, Easter implies a time of thanksgiving to God, for loving humanity so much to have sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to come and die on the cross of cavalry for our sins (John 3:16); a time of celebration of the victory Christ won for humanity over the powers of sin, death and Satan. Paul writes, “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Yes, Jesus, who is in every believer in the Person of His Holy Spirit, is far greater than Satan who is in this world causing all kinds of chaos.

Matthew saw Christ’s ministry on earth as fulfillment of Isaiah 53:4 prophecy, which was fully and finally accomplished on the cross. Therefore, rather than despair, we should humbly ask God for healing for our bodies, souls and spirits, and for all those afflicted by sicknesses and diseases of all kinds. Jesus is the answer for all the problems in the world today.

We must therefore reach out to all and sundry and encourage them to humble themselves and seek the Lord Jesus Christ with all our hearts while He may be found, for the salvation of their souls first, and also for healing. Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.”

In the words of the popular hymn, may the Lord our Saviour not pass anyone of us by. Be determined more than ever before, and ask God for grace from this Easter and forward, to live in obedience to our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.

Happy Easter to you all!

#ecwagist247 #Ecwagist

Death Toll Of NNN Retirees Awaiting Northern Governors’ Payment Reaches 111 As Ex Company Secretary Dies

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19/04/2025

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……..34 Retirees On Sick Bed With Diabetes, Hypertension, Ulcer

The Death Toll of New Nigerian Newspaper Retirees waiting for payment of their benefits from Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) reached 111 on Friday the 18th of April 2025 when the death of former Company Secretary, Barrister Yusuf Onuh Abubakar occurred.

Announcing the death of the ex company secretary on the New Nigerian Newspaper official WhatsApp platform Alhaji Idris said “INNALILLAHI WAINNA ILAIHIR RAJI’UN
We lost another Beneficiary in Person of Barrister Yusuf Onuh Abubakar today April 18, 2025 may Allah SWT Grant him Aljannah Firdausi”

Shortly after the announcement, members took to the NNN platform and so many others to mourn and lament the chains of Bureaucracy adopted by Northern Governors Forum before effecting their payments.

A beneficiary who pleaded anonymity said “these deaths are unusual and very painful, some of us are diabetic and some with several underlining illnesses which requires money in managing them. We have been begging Northern Governors to pay us, but it will sound as if the payment is going to come in one hour or the next day, then there will be total silence”

“Does it mean these deaths do not matter to the Governors? Yes, there are positive developments recently, but all we get is your matter is concluded. No penny has dropped into our accounts. What kind of Bureaucracy are they observing that hasn’t ended even with the death of 111 souls, oh God help us before we all perish” she exclaimed, crying uncontrollably.

Last week Sunday, the first son of Aliyu Mai Borno ex-CBN Governor, Aliyu Modibbo Yola died at Federal Medical Centre Yola.
He was on the NNN desk and was later transferred to Yola, Adamawa State his home town as state Editor NNN after the death of his father, Alhaji Aliyu Mai Borno a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN whose portrait is on N1000 note.
Last week Saturday, the death of Ado Umar at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital Tudun Wada Kaduna brought the total number of beneficiaries awaiting payment from Northern Governors to 109.

Investigation suggests that the number of beneficiaries in dire need of medical attention is 34 out of which 31 are diabetic, hypertensive and with ulcer.

Northern States Governors’ Forum under Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State raked in 7 billion naira after selling New Nigerian Newspaper properties in the name of paying NNN beneficiaries but until now no penny has been paid out of the 2.5 Billion naira owed the retirees.

Meanwhile recent interactions of New Nigerian Newspaper Elders Forum with the Northern States’ Governors Secretariat suggests that efforts may have been underway to pay the retirees however no specific time frame was stipulated

NULGE Worries Over Non-implementation Of N70,000 Minimum Wage To LG Workers In Kaduna

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16/04/2025

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.. Says Minimum Wage Is Binding On States And Other Employers Of Labour

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara has decried the deplorable condition of Local Government workers in Kaduna State as a result of poor remuneration.

Comrade Aliyu Haruna made the remarks while receiving the Executives of NULGE, Kaduna State Chapter, who paid him a solidarity visit in Abuja.

He noted with concern that despite the concerted efforts made by the Union, Kaduna State was still among the States yet to implement the new minimum wage of #70,000 to the Local Government workers in the country.

The President stressed that the new minimum wage is binding on the State Governments and other employers of labour, since it was already a law, assuring that the National Executives would work with the State Chapter to pursue the issue with a view to bringing relief to the workers.

The NULGE National President acknowledged and appreciated the vital role and contribution of the Kaduna State Chapter toward the smooth transition and emergence of the new National Executives.

NULGE President being presented with a congratulatory portrait by Kaduna State Chapter President, Comrade Rayanu Isyaku

Earlier, the President of NULGE, Kaduna State Chapter, Comrade Rayanu Isyaku Turunku, said the solidarity visit was a demonstration of allegiance and support to the new National President and his team.

He also briefed the National President on some of the teething problems confronting the Union and its members in Kaduna State, notable among them, is the non implementation of the new minimum wage of #72,000 announced by the State Governor since last year .
This, he said, has provoked tension and depression among the Local Government workers in Kaduna State as most of them are still earning the old minimum wage of #30,000, or even less in some Local Governments.

Nigeria, EU Deepen Ties On Solid Minerals

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16/04/2025

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By Martha Agas

The European Union (EU) and Nigeria have indicated interest in boosting trade and investment in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

This follows a meeting on Tuesday, where EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, led a delegation to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, in Abuja

At the meeting, Mr Mignot said the EU is eager to deepen trade and investment ties in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

He emphasised the EU’s commitment to forging trade relationships that are both fair and sustainable for all parties.

He added that he would consult member states and encourage European firms to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria’s mining sector.

The ambassador praised Nigeria’s mining reforms, especially those focused on value addition and enhanced security at mining locations nationwide.

He explained that the visit aimed to better understand Nigeria’s mining landscape and identify areas for collaboration and mutual benefit.

In response, Alake welcomed EU support in reforming Nigeria’s mining industry and making it more transparent and attractive to investors.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to engage EU states and investors to unlock the country’s mineral wealth for shared prosperity.

Alake said the strong EU-Nigeria relationship provides a solid foundation for concrete projects in the solid minerals sector.

He described Nigeria as a key source of critical minerals for the global energy transition, including high-grade lithium.

“We have lithium, cobalt, and copper in viable quantities. This year, we’re expanding exploration to uncover more reserves,” he stated.

He revealed that even limited exploration suggests over $700 billion in mineral deposits, representing vast investment potential.

To attract investors, Alake listed incentives including tax waivers on equipment, full profit repatriation, and improved security through dedicated mining marshals.

He added that streamlined licensing procedures are in place to ease operations for serious investors.

However, he stressed that local value addition is mandatory for securing a mining licence in Nigeria.

“Investors must plan for local processing. That’s how we generate jobs, transfer technology, and maximise economic benefits,” he said.

The minister also highlighted efforts to ensure mineral exports are traceable, curbing illegal mining and smuggling.

“With international cooperation, we can drastically reduce cases of stolen minerals ending up in unauthorised hands,” he explained.

He cited lithium smuggling as an example, warning it deprives Nigeria of full economic and technological value.

Alake noted that pre-shipment inspections have begun, and satellite monitoring from pit to port is underway to sanitise the sector. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Nigeria: Bring Your Wealth Of Experience To Bear On Developmental Purposes – Kanwan Katsina Tasks LG Chairman

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15/04/2025

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The Kanwan Katsina and District Head of Ketare, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara has congratulated the newly sworn-in Chairman of Kankara Local Government, Hon. Kasimu Dan Tsoho Katoge, by the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda.

In a message issued on behalf of himself, his family, and the people of Ketare District, the traditional Ruler expressed optimism that the new chairman will bring his wealth of experience especially as a former member of the Katsina State House of Assembly and One time Vice Chairman of Kankara Local Government to bear in driving development across the area.

The Kanwan Katsina pledged his full support to the new Administration, assuring Hon. Kasimu Dan Tsoho of the cooperation of traditional leaders, ward heads, and the people of Ketare District.

He expressed confidence in the chairman’s ability to deliver on his mandate and move the local government forward.

Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara prayed for divine guidance and success for the new chairman in the discharge of his duties.

The royal father also applauded the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal, the Sarkin Fulanin Joben Katsina, who is an indigene of Kankara Local Government for his effective representation and impactful developmental initiatives in Ketare District and across Kankara Local Government.

The traditional ruler prayed for continued peace, unity, and good health for the people of Ketare, Kankara Local Government, Katsina State, and Nigeria as a whole.

Nigeria: Medical Practitioner Gives Free Basic Diagnostic Tests To Kaduna Residents

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11/04/2025

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A medical practitioner, Abeku Vaku Deborah, has engaged no fewer than 150 residents of Kaduna state, North West Nigeria, through her free medical outreach for basic diagnostic tests and screening.

During the medical outreach in Narayi, a suburb of Kaduna, the State capital Wednesday, Pads were given to women, while HIV tests were carried out on some residents who were in attendance.

This is just as the residents were also tested for blood pressure, blood sugar, hepatitis B and malaria for free.

While fielding questions from journalists, Deborah disclosed that the medical outreach was part of her determination to impact lives for healthy living.

” Haven worked in rural areas for about 10 years now, I have seen how people suffer to pay for medical bills, some will tell you that they dont have money, and that is why they didn’t come earlier.

“And knowing that prevention and early detection is better than cure, I decided to help by carrying out basic diagnostic tests and screening for people based on the available resources.

” With the outcome of the outreach I am happy that I was able to reach out to over a hundred and 50 people, both young and old.. indeed Iam happy and fulfilled.

” It is not yet an NGO, but I am hoping it evolves into one giving the fact that there are two more projects coming up before the year runs out.

“It was an initiative I developed with the help of God to serve humanity, impact lives and enable people to live healthy,” Deborah explained.

On how she sourced money for the outreach, Deborah disclosed that the free medical outreach became reality through the support of some individuals and her personal money.

Family Planning: EngenderHealth, Others Expand HIUD Access in Kebbi, Plateau

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10/04/2025

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By Justina Auta

EngenderHealth, a leading global health organisation, has partnered with various stakeholders to expand access to the Hormonal Intrauterine Device (HIUD) in Kebbi and Plateau states.

Dr Kabiru Atta, EngenderHealth’s Country Representative, shared the success of the HIUD scale-up project during a national dissemination meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the project, supported by the CHAI Catalytic Opportunity Fund (CHAI-COF) with funding from UKID, had achieved more than 10,000 Couple Year Protection (CYP) within its 11-month duration.

He added that with support from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Rotary International, and others, more than 2,000 HIUDs had been distributed to healthcare facilities in both states.

“In addition to the distribution of commodities, 46 master trainers were trained, leading to the training of 224 health workers across secondary healthcare facilities and high-volume primary healthcare centres in Kebbi and Plateau states.

“After these trainings, the next critical need was commodities, and the Federal Ministry of Health, our key partner, played a vital role.

“They ensured a steady supply of over 2,000 hormonal IUDs to the facilities, with additional supplies from Rotary International.

“By combining these trainings and the provision of commodities, we were able to achieve more than 10,000 Couple Year Protection in both Plateau and Kebbi states, helping women safeguard against unwanted pregnancies,” he said.

He said these efforts helped achieve the 10,000 CYP milestone, providing women in both states with greater access to family planning options.

“In terms of sustainability, EngenderHealth also supported state governments in budget appropriation for family planning commodities.

“Plateau State allocated N23 million for procurement, while Kebbi State allocated N300 million.

“Kebbi’s government is also awaiting approval for an additional N190 million for procurement.”

Dr Nicholas Baamlong, Plateau State Commissioner of Health, stated that the HIUD project had significantly strengthened the capacity of health workers to deliver reproductive health services across all Local Government Areas in the state.

Represented by Dr Mafwalal Bunah-Masok, Director of Public Health at the Plateau State Ministry of Health, Baamlong reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining the project and maximising its long-term impact.

“Building the capacity of health workers ensures the continuity of services. With trained personnel in place, the government’s role is to continue supplying the necessary commodities to keep service delivery going,” he said.

Similarly, Alhaji Yunusa Musa-Ismail, Kebbi State Commissioner of Health, noted that the project had tackled unplanned pregnancies, reduced maternal mortality, and improved women’s health outcomes in the state.

“Many of our women have truly benefited from this programme.

“Before it started, unplanned pregnancies were common and led to the loss of lives. But now, with widespread awareness on HIUD, couples are embracing family planning with confidence,” he said.

Dr Mohammed Abdulkadir, Deputy Sexual Reproductive Health Desk Officer at the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, reiterated their commitment to ensuring family planning commodities remained accessible at health facilities.

Mr Emmanuel Ajah, Country Director of MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices, represented by Moses Odenyi, emphasised the importance of ensuring women could access family planning options and make informed choices about their reproductive health.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dissemination meeting was organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministries of Health in Kebbi and Plateau States and EngenderHealth.(NAN)

Revival Of Moribund Ajaokuta Steel’ll Drive Key Industrialisation In Nigeria – Audu

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09/04/2025

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By Martha Agas

The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, has said that the revival of the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Plant would be a key driver of industrialisation in the country.

This is contained in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Lizzy Okoji, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Audu was reacting to the appointment of Prof. Nasir Abdulsalam, as the new Managing Director (MD) of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL).

Expressing confidence in the ability of Abdulsalam, the minister noted that the new MD was well-acquainted with the steel sector, having previously served as his Technical Adviser before his appointment.

He described the new leadership at ASCL as crucial to achieving the President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ for economic diversification.

According to him, reviving Ajaokuta Steel Plant is a collective project. It is not something the minister, permanent secretary, or managing director can achieve alone.

”All hands must be on deck as it requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders to realise Mr President’s vision for the revival of the company and the broader steel sector.”

The minister disclosed that significant progress had been made in attracting investors to various units of the steel company through a collegiate approach of reviving the plant.

He explained that this approach would involve concessioning each unit to investors with the core competence to operate them effectively.

”I assure you that the revival of Ajaokuta Steel and the entire steel sector is well underway following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in Moscow, Russia in September last year.

”We are on the verge of carrying out the technical and financial audit of the complex and other critical processes with a view to bringing in investors and suitors from the various options available.

”This is through a privatisation process as directed by Mr President. Our role is to consolidate these gains and present viable options for Mr President’s approval,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu recently approved the appointment of the new Managing Director, effective April 3, as part of efforts to revamp the steel industry and advance Nigeria’s industrialisation drive. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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