ACADEMIC WEEKEND start this week Friday to Sunday. 

 Friday: By 3pm, there will be talk on "Time management in achieving academic excellence" and also an open debate on "Campus Relationship"

Saturday: By 12pm, there will be talk on "Catholic Youths and Politics" and Quiz Competition, Impromptu Speeches, and Ultimate Search.

Sunday: Thanksgiving and Award  presentation.


*Living the faith!!!...........

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HAPPY MATRICULATION FRESHERS:

As far as Nigeria is concerned, hundreds of thousand of people dream of admission every year, many try but only a few achieve their dreams. You are one of those few! You are an achiever. Your discipline, focus, hard work, sacrifices and prayers have earned you this resounding success. I wish to use this medium to heartily congratulate you on this special achievement and to encourage you to never let the spirit fade away.

Matriculation is a welcome ceremony into the tertiary education journey. So remember to keep up the good work, bearing in mind that the sky’s the limit to your achievements. We are expecting a special party today, friend! CONGRATS Again.

Welcome to EKSU

Some Pictures below;

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Freshers' week Photo Gallery

NFCS FRESHERS WENT ON A TRIP TO BABA'S HOUSE.

Below are some photos....

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Benue killings: Catholic Bishops call for Buhari’s resignation

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has demanded the resignation of President Muhammadu over rampant killings across the country.

In a reaction to the recent killings in Benue state where suspected herdsmen attacked Saint Ignatius Catholic Church, and killed 19 people, including two priests, the CBCN said Mr. Buhari’s handling of the killings appears to show his connivance with the suspected killers.

According to the statement signed by the president of the CBCN and Catholic Arch Bishop of Benin, Augustine Akubeze, the CBCN wants President Buhari to “stop presiding over the killing field that Nigeria has become”.

“We have received with deep shock, sorrow and utter horror, the gruesome, grisly and dastardly murder of two Catholic priests along with fifteen of their parishioners in the early hours of the morning of Tuesday 24 April 2018. These innocent souls met their untimely death in the hands of a wicked and inhuman gang of the rampaging and murderous terrorists, who have turned the vast lands of the Middle belt and other parts of Nigeria into a massive graveyard. Their unrestrained mayhem has become a metaphor for the untimely death that is now the fate of many of our fellow citizens today.

“That our two priests, Fr Joseph Gor and Fr Felix Tyolaha, along with their parishioners were waylaid in the course of the celebration of the Holy Mass early in the morning, suggests very clearly that their murder was carefully planned. This wicked act cannot be said to be a revenge attack (as is often claimed), for whom have these priests attacked?

“Indeed we have just discovered that on January 3 this year, Fr Gor tweeted: “We are living in fear. The Fulanis are still around here in Mbalom (where they were killed). They refuse to go. They still go grazing around. No weapons to defend ourselves.” Their desperate cries for security and help went unheeded by those who should have heard them. They could have fled, but, true to their vocation, they remained to continue to serve their people right unto death.

“Since the President who appointed the Heads of the nation’s Security Agencies has refused to call them to order, even in the face of the chaos and barbarity into which our country has been plunged, we are left with no choice but to conclude that they are acting a script that he approves of.

“If the President cannot keep our country safe, then he automatically loses the trust of the citizens. He should no longer continue to preside over the killing fields and mass graveyard that our country has become.”

The bishops said the President has failed to heed various calls to act drastically towards ensuring an end to the mayhem. The CBCN blamed part of the problem on the federal government’s decision to appoint heads of security agencies, mainly from one of Nigeria’s major religions.

“Repeated calls from us and many other Nigerians on the President to take very drastic and urgent steps to reverse this ugly tragedy that threatens the foundation of our collective existence and unity as a nation, have fallen on deaf ears. It is clear to the nation that he has failed in his primary duty of protecting the lives of the Nigerian citizens. Whether this failure is due to inability to perform or lack of political will, it is time for him to choose the part of honour and consider stepping aside to save the nation from total collapse.”

President Muhammadu Buhari

“Repeated calls from us and many other Nigerians on the President to take very drastic and urgent steps to reverse this ugly tragedy that threatens the foundation of our collective existence and unity as a nation, have fallen on deaf ears. It is clear to the nation that he has failed in his primary duty of protecting the lives of the Nigerian citizens. Whether this failure is due to inability to perform or lack of political will, it is time for him to choose the part of honour and consider stepping aside to save the nation from total collapse.”

“We are sad. We are angry. We feel totally exposed and most vulnerable. Faced with these dark clouds of fear and anxiety, our people are daily being told by some to defend themselves. But defend themselves with what? The Federal Government, whose primary responsibility it is to protect lives, for its part alleges that those who ask the people to defend themselves are inciting them to take the laws into their hands. But how can the Federal Government stand back while its security agencies deliberately turn a blind eye to the cries and wails of helpless and armless citizens who remain sitting ducks in their homes, farms, highway and now, even in their sacred places of worship?

“For over two years now, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, along with many other well-meaning Nigerians, have consistently asked the President to rethink the configuration of his security apparatus and strategy. Along with millions of Nigerians, we have expressed our lack of confidence in the security agencies, which the President has deliberately placed in the hands of the adherents of only one religion.

“On February 8 this year, when we paid the President a courtesy call, we raised alarm over the security of the nation and the spate of violence perpetrated with impunity by people who have neither respect for the value of human life nor regard for the laws of our country, urging him to take the most drastic steps to stem the tide of this evil in our land. Since then, the bloodletting and the destruction of homes as well as farmlands have increased in intensity and brutality. Now, our Churches have been desecrated and our people murdered on their altars.”

The statement said the CBCN feels violated and betrayed by the current leadership’s handling of security situations. It called on Nigerians to defend themselves, while urging the federal government to stop disarming Nigerians, since ‘military operatives cannot protect the people’.

“As leaders, we have consistently asked our people to remain peaceful and law-abiding, even in the face of the worst form of provocation. Today, we Christians feel violated and betrayed in a nation that we have all continued to sacrifice and pray for. We collectively feel abandoned and betrayed.

“We call on all Nigerians to hold their heads high and stand for their fundamental right to life and security. Government should encourage and empower citizens to secure themselves and their environments. This is not the time to disarm people with legally procured weapons of self-defence. These are not normal times since those we pay to protect us have failed to do their duty. Nigeria can return to normal times if we put our heads together with sincerity.”

The catholic bishops are currently meeting with the catholic pontiff, Pope Francis, in Rome.

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The wailing of catholic Bishops conference of Nigeria

Sir: I empathise with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on the loss of two priests and 17 fellow worshippers in a church in Benue State, in the hands of killer herdsmen who slaughtered them like fowls. Reports have it that less than 48 hours’ interval, not less than seven other persons were killed in another church in the same state. The Bishops are, therefore, more than justified, wailing “We are sad. We are angry,” and “We feel totally exposed and most vulnerable” in the face of “these dark clouds of fear and anxiety.” Moreover, they query the wisdom of asking people to defend themselves, when the Army, Police and other security agencies who are trained and employed to protect people are “compromised” or something like that.

The Yoruba say an elderly person who is talking and sweating is wailing. The CBCN wonder what people can use to defend themselves. How many persons are trained and equipped to defend themselves? Yet, such statements as “defend yourselves” are made out of frustration. Sometimes it works when vigilante are formed; Nigeria is in a state of anarchy under the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, with reference to some states and particularly Benue State.

What is the solution? The Catholic Bishops say what I have been saying since 2015. In the words of the Bishops, “It is clear to the nation that Buhari has failed in his primary duty of protecting the lives of the Nigerian citizens. Whether this failure is due to inability to perform or lack of political will, it is time for him to choose the part of honour and consider stepping aside to save the nation from total collapse.” Has Buhari that type of honour and dignity? Did the Bishops think they were talking to somebody like Pope Benedict XVI? Are they not aware that Buhari has supporters’ group that are campaigning blindly for his re-election that will make him stay in power until he is 81 old?

Musicians and other artists should unite and team up with the Third Force being coordinated by the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, to give us an acceptable presidential candidate from North-Central. The South-West has served eight years in Aso-Rock. Ditto the South-South in person of Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan. The North-West is serving its own second term in person of Buhari. Political order and discipline demand that the North-Central should take its turn in 2019, to be followed after eight years by the South-East, then North-East, before South-West again.
Prof. Oyeniran Abioje wrote from University of Ilorin.

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Should Believers Wear Wedding Rings?

Generally, the wedding ring is considered a token of love that unites a husband and wife in holy matrimony, and has gradually become a status symbol for many Christians and Muslims over time.

Interestingly, while this ornament, which is usually made of gold, silver or bronze, is given scant regard in some churches and mosques, it is held in high esteem in others.

But, does the wedding ring have its origin in the Holy Books? How come the wedding ring has assumed such importance that so much sentiment is now attached to it? CHRIS IREKAMBA reports.

The Use Of The Wedding Ring Is Not
Christian In Origin’
(Dr. Cosmas Ilechukwu, General Overseer, Charismatic Renewal Ministries/National Vice-President (PFN)
HISTORICALLY, the wedding ring was first used among the ancient Egyptians to symbolise the infinitude of love. Hence, the ring is usually round without a visibly joining point.

The ancient Egyptians traditionally wore the wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand because they believed that the finger enclosed the Vena Amoris, a special vein leading directly to the heart.

Like some other common Christian practices and traditions, the use of the wedding ring is not Christian in origin. Generally today, couples exchange wedding rings made of metal of durable quality, as a testimony to their expectation of a lifelong relationship that is based on unconditional love, enduring faithfulness and unending friendship.

The use of wedding ring is not commanded in the Bible, and there is no indication that it was ever practised in the New Testament. The use of finger ring in the Bible was as a symbol of authority. For example, when the Pharaoh of Egypt promoted Joseph to a position of authority, he put a signet ring on Joseph’s finger, as a sign of his new authority in the land.

The signet ring was also used as a token of dignity and social status. When the prodigal son returned home, the father commanded that a ring be put on his finger to signify his full restoration as a son with full honour and privileges thereof. It is widely accepted in many denominations as a beautiful reminder that the marriage covenant is a lifetime commitment between a man and his wife. This in itself is a symbol of the covenant between Jesus and His church.

The ring reminds the couple that they swore an oath of fidelity and perpetual allegiance to their spouses. Besides, it reminds others that one is married and is not available for any romantic relationship with another person.

The wedding ring does not determine the quality or durability of the marriage relationship, as this absolutely depends on the individual couples concerned.

‘Wedding Ring In Islam Has No Basis’
(Arc. Taofeek Olawunmi Agbaje, President, Jama-at-ul Islamiyya of Nigeria / Overseas)
I SEEK refuge in Allah against the devil (ash-shaytan) the accursed. In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Compassionate. May the peace and blessings of Allah be on our noble Prophet Muhammad, his household, his companions and the generality of those that follow his footsteps. 

The wedding ring in Islam has no basis. It’s not part of the requirement for conjugal solemnisation. It was rather an innovation, which was introduced to copy the Western culture/practice.

Wedding in Islam is conducted as “Nikah,” the prerequisites of which are proposal and acceptance between the prospective groom and bride; endorsement and approval by the parents/guardians of both the bride and the groom; “Mahr” (dowry), which is a right (compulsory gift) from the groom to the bride. (Although there’s a standard, but it could also be anything reasonable within the limit of Islam requested by the bride from the groom); and two witnesses that are trustworthy.

However, some people will defend the place of ring, even though it is obvious that it’s not in any way a part of it, on the premise of an instance, when one of the Prophet’s companions (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) requested the hand of a lady in marriage. He was to present something for the lady as dowry, on which occasion he confessed not having anything. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) requested him to search his house that even if it is a metal ring he could get, that will suffice than nothing…

It is this narration that some people are using to justify the exchange of rings. But principally, it is not tenable and should be discouraged, at least not as part of the wedding process.

‘Wedding Ring Is Not Bad But Using It To Bind Couples Is Not Accepted’
(Brother Felix Ekundayo Adedokun, Vice President, God’s Kingdom Society GKS (The Church of the Living God)
WE wear wedding rings like others, and it is an ornament that should be worn in moderation, such as your earrings and brackets. It can also enhance your beauty, but not in excess.

Marriage is an institution ordained by God, whether in the church or a customary court. Matthew 19:6 says, “What God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” We wear the wedding ring as a beauty piece. The marriage is bonded by God and witnessed by people around not by the wedding ring, which is like any other ornament. What God has joined together let no man put asunder.

It is God Almighty, Who weds couples, and not the wedding ring. The issue of the wedding ring is not bad, but using it to bind the couple is not accepted. We wed members with God’s words from the Bible, the wedding ring is an ornament or a decoration like your earrings, and like other things, excess is bad.

‘Wedding Ring Is An Ancient Egyptian Practice’
(Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Osu, Director, Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos)
IN our society, wedding rings are important to couples planning to wed. Many couples are known to invest so much in procuring very exclusive rings, which are sometimes seen as status symbols. The sheer cost of engagement and wedding rings suggests they have very important meanings for couples.

During engagement parties, it is the norm for a prospective bridegroom to place the engagement ring in the middle finger (third) of the left hand of his fiancé. This ordinarily symbolises that the lady in question has been taken and was no longer in search of a husband.

On the day of the wedding proper, the couples exchange the wedding ring as physical evidence that they belong to one another. The couple would say, “Take this ring as a symbol of my love and fidelity from this day forward till death do us part.” Some would say that the roundness of the ring means that their love has no beginning and no ending. The band with no end represents eternal life and love, and its opening representing a gateway to worlds unknown.

But basically, the ring as worn by the couple, should be a visible sign of their love and commitment to one another and to show to the world that they belong to someone. It is believed that if a married person refuses to wear the ring, it shows that the marriage is in crisis.

Historically, the origin of wearing the wedding ring on the ring finger of the left hand is an ancient Egyptian practice. They believed that the finger enclosed a special vein that was connected directly to the heart.

So, when you wear the ring on that finger, it is assumed that your heart has been joined to the one who places the ring in your finger. Such does not suggest divorce, as is now being practised by some. Thus, the wearing of the wedding ring is an ancient adaptation.
However, I want to state here that the ring is just a symbol. It does not on its own make or mar a marriage. Rather, it is the effort of the couples, their spirit of commitment, tolerance and dependence on God that determines the success or otherwise of the marriage.

‘The Practice Was Brought Into Nigeria
By Christian Missionaries’
(Baba Aladura, Elder (Dr.) Israel Akinadewo, Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Lagos State/Prelate, Motailatu Church, Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide)

THE use of wedding rings, in the solemnisation of marriages, has enjoyed a universal acceptability, even beyond religions. While the use of wedding rings was not mentioned in the Bible, something similar transpired between king Pharaoh of Egypt and Joseph.

According to Genesis 41:37-57, the king was so elated at the correct interpretation of his dream by Joseph, that he had to remove his ring, and insert it on Joseph’s finger. ” This, the king of Egypt did, purely to show his appreciation to Joseph and his invaluable contributions toward saving the entire nation from impending hunger.

However, while the use of ring for marriages has no mention in the Bible, historians have said that it came from the ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece. According to Carrie Fox (2010), in his History of the Wedding Ring, while the exact origin is unknown, historians believe that ancient Egypt started the tradition.

This practice, according to him, was as a result of archeological discoveries, some dating back more than 3,000 years ago. This use of the wedding ring, he said, is viewed by the society as a symbol of endless love between man and a woman.

Therefore, having become an acceptable practice by the society, the wearing of this ring, on the appropriate finger (depending on the tradition and culture, but mostly on the fourth finger), will firstly show at a glance that the man/woman with the ring is married.

Secondly, it reminds the parties of the vow existing between them, thereby guarding against infidelity, and thirdly, it strengthens the love between the couples.

While the adoption of the use of wedding rings by the church was said to have started in the ninth Century AD, it has no biblical reference/support and the Bible did not speak against it either. It is like someone saying that because your local name is not found in the Bible, then it has become unbiblical.

However, the use of the wedding ring is purely a romantic mindset from the secular world, which was brought into the church for spiritual blessing. Christian missionaries brought this practice into Nigeria and it became acceptable to the society.

While some religious organisations, which are not disposed to the use of wedding rings cannot be faulted, those who use them believe that it cements the more the bond between couples, and that when there is love in a family, the society will be the better for it.

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Cardinal Onaiyekan laments spate of unabated violence in parts of Nigeria

Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has decried the unabating violent clashes in some parts of the country particularly the recent Benue massacre that have claimed scores of lives and stressed the need for Nigerians to unite against evil forces.

This is even as he has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to channel part of the resources for the rebuilding of the northeast to rebuilding churches that were destroyed in the northeast as well.

The Catholic Archbishop stated this at the dedication of a 3000 ultra modern complex built and donated to St. Augustine Catholic Church, Otukpo, Benue state by the immediate past President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark, on Saturday.

“We must, as a people of Nigeria, unite against these forces of evil to liberate ourselves. These carnage and bloodletting orchestrated by hatred and wickedness cannot be a way of life. We must all join hands to stop this spate of killings,” Onaiyekan stated.

Onaiyekan who noted that in Adamawa State alone, over 2,000 Catholic Churches were destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents, charged the President to consider the rebuilding of these churches.

“As Christians, we pray for peace, justice and love. We have no room for hatred or vengeance. Vengeance is for God. Let us do everything that promotes peace and harmonious relationship with our neighbors.”

In his homily, Cardinal Onaiyekan commended Senator Mark for contributing to the work of evangelism promising that the church will continue to preach peace, unity and harmonious relationship between and among Nigerians.

Remarkng, Sen. Mark expressed appreciation to God for the enablement to contribute to the propagation of the gospel and the need to salvage mankind and make the society a better place.

He posited that the church building was his modest contribution towards spreading the gospel of God even as he expressed the hope that the worship centre would help curtail evil in the society and transform perpetrators for good.

“I feel fulfilled that this church project is a reality. As long as I live, I will serve God and humanity. I am a ready instrument for God to use to transform our society,” Mark stated just as he prayed for a peaceful, united and progressive society where every one is free to pursue his or her legitimate ambition in any part of the country without fear of attack or molestation.

Also speaking, host Bishop, Michael Apochi expressed appreciation to Senator Mark for the gesture believing that the house of worship will help promote peace, unity and curtail the ills in the society.

Four other Catholic Bishops; Peter Adoboh (Katsina-Ala), Wilfred Anagbe (Makurdi), William Avenya (Gboko) and Michael Gokum (Pankshin) and about 50 Priests joined in the dedication of the new church.

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