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Church Offering Tears Abuja Catholic Church Apart

Published

4 years ago

April 27, 2021

It is no longer at ease at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Sun City Estate, Galadimawa, Abuja, as offering from church members is already tearing the church of Lord apart.

While it is the responsibility of the Finance Committee of the Church to count the money, the Parish Priest, Fr. Marcel Livinus, has allegedly taken taken over the responsibility the to the reasons best known to him.

A member of the church who pleaded anonymity due said the Parish Priest stopped the church wardens from counting the money undèr the pretext of allowing the Finance Committee committee to take over it duty.

The source said: “The church wardens are like ushers in other churches; they are the ones that collect and count the money. Then they give the record and the money to the finance committee and copy him on the total money collected.

The source said maybe the Parish Priest felt they were stealing the money, but added that since he started counting the money himself, the figures have not really changed, rather the figures are even lower.

She stated: “We were surprised, all of a sudden, he asked us to stop counting the money and no information to the finance council about this and not even the Parish Pastoral Council. He made us feel we are thieves – stealing church money. For crying out loud how much is the money? We are just rendering humanitarian service to the church and God.

“The people counting the money have just been like this. This one just came and changed everything and no one is talking about it as if it is normal. If he is the only one counting, how then can we know what comes in?. Is it not what he gives that we know.”

Asked if the issue was reported to the appropriate authority, she said they only did as the priest instructed, adding that they did not report him to the Committee or council because they did not want to be seen as having personal interest.

It was further gathered that the Parish Priest is alleged to be in a serious relationship with a married woman who attends the church.

According to a source who pleaded anonymity said the Priest in order to cover his tracks sacked more than five security men in less than one year.

The source said, “Many members of the Church that would have helped build and grow the church have all abandoned the church and moved to other churches.

“The church has become stagnant because of this. The poor handling of the Church by Livinus has resulted in the management of the estate not allocating land for the permanent structure.”

Responding to the allegations, the Head of the Parish Communication Committee, Mr. Ifeanyi Valentine, said those behind the allegations were just trying to seek attention and to be an hindrance to the peace the church currently enjoys.

He stated categorically that the allegations that the Parish Priest took over the responsibility of counting church offering was not true, saying it is not his responsibility.

Valentine said: “The Priest have lot of responsibility to run the church, rather than counting money. There is a Finance Committee, they are the one counting the offering. I think that is same thing in all churches.

“It is neither Father’s job to count offering, there is a Finance Council whose responsibility is basically Finance of the church. So, Father has never count offering and will never because it’s not his duty

“I think the person is just trying to seek attention and to be an hindrance to the peace we enjoy in the church.”

Valentine noted that while there was no suspicion of theft or allegations against the church wardens who were counting the money before, the Father only asked the appropriate committee to take over the duty.

He added that there was no truth in the allegation that he sacked the security personnel working in the church.

According to him, The security in the church currently are same set of security even before the Priest they are accusing came to the Church. It’s quite strange where all this false information are coming from.

Valentine explained that the Parish Priest was putting in so much efforts to ensure that the church get the land, saying allegations against the Priest were neither through nor genuine.

Asked if there was a clash of interest in the church, he added, “No. A big No. The church is peaceful, very peaceful, absolutely Peaceful without any clash of interest.

“Be mindful that the church is not a political ground, catholic church is not a one man church where they fight for interest.

“My candid advice to your source is that you tell him or her to stop fighting against the church of God, He or she shouldn’t disturb the peace we enjoy, we are one family of God’s People. Our Parish shouldn’t be used for his or her personal motive.”

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Boundary Commission Rolls Out 2025 Strategic Plan For Boundaries Resolution For Economic Prosperity

Published

23 hours ago

December 21, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

National Boundary Commission NBC has outlined its strategic priorities for disputed areas in 2025, focusing more on boundary resolution that it believes will bring economic prosperity and promote peaceful coexistence, as well as to drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions.

The plan includes deployments of drones, advanced geospatial technologies, Expand Public Awareness Campaigns, Strengthen Grassroots Conflict Resolution Mechanisms mapping tools to improve accuracy and efficiency in boundary management in the country for the coming year.

The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, who was represented by Dr the Director of Internal Boundaries Dr Bulus Emmanuel, at the 2024 end of year media briefing in Abuja, said that the commission had partnered with key organisations to enhance technology integration in boundary management.

He stated that boundaries are instruments of unity, growth, and development to build bridges of cooperation, ensuring peaceful coexistence, as well as means of unlocking the full potential of nation and region.

While rolling out vision for the year ahead, Adaji expressed; “As we look forward to the future, the NBC is committed to expanding its impact and ensuring sustainable management of Nigeria’s boundaries. Our strategic goals for 2025 include:

“Accelerate the Resolution of Boundary Disputes: Strengthen collaborations with state governments, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to expedite dispute resolution and foster lasting peace.

“Expand Public Awareness Campaigns: Roll out nationwide sensitization programs to educate citizens on the importance of boundaries in fostering unity and national development.

“Strengthen Grassroots Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Equip local leaders and boundary communities with tools for resolving conflicts amicably and sustainably.

“Enhance Technological Integration: Invest in advanced geospatial technologies, drones, and mapping tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.

“Promote Regional and International Cooperation: Advance cross-border agreements to enhance security, stimulate trade, and foster regional integration under the AfCFTA.

“Bolster Capacity Building Initiatives: Organize specialized training sessions on maritime law, conflict resolution, and boundary management.

“Operationalize the Extended Continental Shelf: Develop a roadmap for sustainable exploitation of maritime resources in compliance with international laws.

“Strengthen Data Management Systems: Collaborate with NASRDARMFAC (REVENUE MODEL) and other agencies for a harmonized geospatial database amongst others.

He used the occasion to reflect on NBCs achievements; ” The National Boundary Commission (NBC) remains steadfast in its mandate to resolve boundary disputes, promote peaceful coexistence, and drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions.

“The resolution of interstate boundary disputes remained a top priority for the NBC and in 2024, we made significant strides in the following areas: Interstate Boundary Department: Boundary Delimitation and Demarcation,

“The Anambra/Enugu Boundary disputes saw the introduction of an innovative and dynamic approach otherwise known as the “Anambra/Enugu Home grown Formula,” being introduced to resolve the interstate dispute between the sister states leveraging local engagement and political will to advance the demarcation process.

“Benue/Nasarawa Boundary: We successfully revived stalled pillar emplacement projects by harmonizing historical records and facilitating renewed dialogue between stakeholders.

“Kebbi/Niger Boundary: Technical committees were established to evaluate historical documents and execute boundary tracing setting the stage for peaceful resolutions.

“Field and Technical Exercises: Our team conducted extensive verification and alignment exercises on boundaries including Gombe/Taraba, FCT/Nasarawa, the Enugu/Kogi and determination of the Ekiti/Ondo/Osun tripartite point.

“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to ensuring accuracy, fairness, and peaceful coexistence along Nigeria’s interstate boundaries.

NBC also recorded successes in International Boundaries resolution as the Nigeria-Benin International Boundary, Nigeria-Niger International Boundary, Nigeria-Cameroon International Boundary and Community Resettlement Projects were carried out with great success.

Speaking on the Challenges Adaji said, despite these successes, challenges such as limited resources, insecurity in certain regions, and stakeholder resistance continues to pose huddles.

He commended the Federal Government, State governments, traditional rulers, development partners, and our border communities for their unwavering support as well as the Media for their unwavering support and for playing a critical role in disseminating accurate information and fostering.

He assured that, the NBC remains steadfast in its mandate to resolve boundary disputes, promote peaceful coexistence, and drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions

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