From left, President, Church Administrators Society of Nigeria, Pastor Seyi Oladimeji; Vice-President, Pastor Steve Akoni; Secretary, Pastor Ayo Daniels; Registrar, Pastor Segun Adegoke and Treasurer, Mr. Segun Shelleh at the 6th Annual General Meeting of CASON tagged “Uniting the Church Against COVID-19 Disruption” held in Lagos, recently
The Church Administrators Society of Nigeria (CASON) held its first virtual Annual General Meeting recently, where the President, Pastor Seyi Oladimeji announced the need for Nigerian churches to unite against the ills of COVID-19.
Addressing the Shareholders, Trustees and Governing Council Members of CASON at their sixth AGM, which was held online via video conferencing, Oladimeji said, “The outbreak of COVID-19 has disrupted our world and the way we live as well as host church gatherings and other events.
“The future that we spoke about at the CASON 2019 Annual Conference tagged ‘Future of the Church and Church of the Future’ is now a shocking reality. The post-COVID-19 world will continue to witness rapid change and the Nigerian Church must rise to the demands of this time.
“One denomination, no matter how big, does not make the body of Christ. There is a place for big churches and there is a place for small churches. Regardless of denominational and doctrinal differences, the Nigerian Church must perfect its administrative structures and superstructure, and unite against the disruption caused by this global pandemic.”
As its contribution to the commonwealth and common-health of its stakeholders, the CASON AGM featured two guest speakers. Pastor (Dr.) Chris Williams shared medical tips on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in churches in preparation for the reopening for worship centres, while Mr. Gospel Obele discussed the use of data engagement for membership retention during and after the pandemic.
CASON, which founded the process of professionalizing Church Administration as a discipline and career practice in Nigeria, also announced at the AGM the successful takeoff of the CASON/Babcock University Executive Diploma in Church Administration in February 2020 with the pioneer set of students expected to graduate this year. Admission is open for the second set of students.
Trustees and Governing Council Members who attended the virtual meeting alongside numerous shareholders and alumni of CASON included, Pastors Steve Akoni, Ayo Daniels, Segun Adegoke and Sunkanmi Obisesan. Others were Mr. Segun Shelleh, Dr. Kunle Hamilton and Barr. Tomi Vincent.
Mohammed Bello Adoke, former attorney-general of the federation, has described as “evil and despicable” claims by Italian prosecutors, led by Fabio De Pasquale (pictured), that he benefited N200 million “in kind” from the OPL 245/Malabu deal of 2011.
Sergio Spadaro, the Italian deputy prosecutor, had told a Milan court on Thursday that Adoke bought a property worth N500 million for only N300 million with a mortgage — and alleged that the N200 million difference was a “gift” to the former minister from the OPL 245 deal.
Adoke has always maintained that the N300 million traced to his account was a mortgage from Unity Bank and the Italian deputy prosecutor confirmed that to the court.
This would appear to contradict the position of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) — even though the Italians are working with the Nigerian anti-graft agency in the Milan trial.
In Nigeria, EFCC has charged Adoke to court over allegations of N300 million money laundering in the OPL 245 case — but the Italians are now saying it was, indeed, a mortgage.
However, they are also saying Adoke benefitted “in kind” to the tune of N200 million based on the “value” of the property.
In a statement released on Monday on Adoke’s behalf, his lawyer, Femi Oboro of UK-based Gromyko Amedu Solicitors, noted that after initially alleging that the former AGF collected $801 million from the OPL 245 deal, the prosecutors have reduced it to N200 million.
“Our client is thankful to the Italians for their gradual backhanded exoneration of his name which they have been maligning globally since 2015. They first said he collected $801 million as bribe in the OPL 245 transaction. They later reduced it to N300 million which they said was the bribe paid into his account by Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar,” he wrote.
“Now they have said he actually took a N300 million mortgage from Unity Bank but that the N200 million ‘difference’ in the price of the property was a gift to him. Our client is very certain that they will finally arrive at the truth: that he did not take one kobo from the OPL 245 transaction. But to reduce $801 million to N200 million is a major shift in the allegations.”
The solicitors also said the Italians hid a material fact from the court when they said the property in question belongs to Adoke.
They said the property was sold by the developer to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2013 when Adoke could not pay up his own equity contribution of N200 million to complete the N500 million purchase price.
The lawyers said the documentary evidence with the Italians has proved the following:
The said property was offered to Adoke for N500 million
Unity Bank gave him a mortgage of N300 million towards it
He couldn’t make his equity contribution of N200 million
The property was then sold to the CBN by the developer
The N300 million mortgage was returned to Unity Bank by the developer
Adoke never took possession of the property.
“It is our client’s instruction that we serve notice to the Italian prosecutors that he will meet them in court at some point because he will not allow these despicable and evil lies go unchallenged,” they said.
THE FULL STATEMENT
The Many of Lies of the Milan Prosecutor
We are Solicitors to Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Federal Republic of Nigeria (hereafter called “Our Client”) and we issue this statement on his firm instructions. Our client’s attention has been drawn to the cocktail of lies dished out to a Milan court on Thursday, the 2nd of July, 2020, by Dr Sergio Spadaro, the Deputy Milan Prosecutor, in the ongoing criminal trial of Shell and ENI over their acquisition of OPL 245, originally granted to Malabu Oil and Gas Limited. Although, our client is not on trial in Italy, it would appear the Italian prosecutors, in their bid to get Shell and ENI convicted, no longer have any regard for the truth and are ready to destroy anyone just to achieve their aim. Unfortunately, they have picked the wrong victim in him.
In his submissions to the court, Spadaro said, among several misrepresentations and mischief, that a property valued at N700 million was sold to our client by Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar, owner of Carlin International Nigeria Ltd, for N500 million. He also said our client paid only N300 million with a mortgage from Unity Bank for the property. He said the difference of N200 million was a gift to our client, suggesting that it was a proceed of crime. It is our client’s contention that these allegations are completely false. The facts have been twisted and material facts have been hidden from the court in the most unprofessional manner.
In the first place, the property in question, which is located at No. 271, Cadastral Zone A06 Maitama, Abuja, does not belong to our client. It is true that he was offered the property for N500 million by Alhaji Abubakar in 2012 when he was Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. It is also true that our client took a N300 million mortgage from Unity Bank, as Spadaro told the Milan court, but it is absolutely false to say our client bought the property for that amount. As all the documents in the possession of the Italian prosecutors show, our client was to make an equity contribution of N200 million to complete the N500 million before he could take possession of the property.
However, as the Italian prosecutors also discovered in their forensic investigation, our client could not come up with the N200 million equity contribution to Carlin International Nigeria Ltd. Indeed, he had to pay interests and penalties on the mortgage because it was not performing. With our client’s inability to pay, Carlin International Nigeria Ltd sold the property to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and refunded the N300 million mortgage to Unity Bank. Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar then retrieved the Certificate of Occupancy from Unity Bank and our client’s mortgage account was closed. Most of the facts were confirmed by the prosecution witness, Mr Ferri Alessandro, in the Milan court.
To our client’s surprise, the Italian prosecutors, led by Dr Fabio De Pasquale, continue to create the false impression that the property belongs to him, thereby concealing the material fact that he never took possession of the house. This lie has now been repeated by Spadaro. This is very unprofessional. Our Client has instructed us as his lawyers to report them to the Italian bar for professional misconduct. Our client also informs us that they have been working hand-in-glove with one Olanrewaju Siraj, who purports to be a human rights activist and anti-corruption campaigner in Nigeria, but who is not better than Abu Lahab in the Holy Quran. Our client thus believes that Siraj will surely face a similar judgment for all his evil deeds against him in the last five years.
Our client further informs us that another despicable lie Spadaro told the court was that the property in question was worth N700 million but was offered to him for N500 million. This is mischief at its peak. In fact, the property offered to our client for N500 million by Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar was just a portion of the larger property that one of his companies bought for N700 million. Ironically, the Italian prosecutors have all the documents and facts in their possession but have chosen to conceal the truth from the court in the most unprofessional manner just to achieve their evil agenda.
Our client’s consolation in all this mischief by the Italian prosecutors is that they at least agreed that he took N300 million mortgage from Unity Bank and that the money was eventually returned to the bank. This fact is very important because the impression that mischief makers have been creating about him is that the N300 million was a kickback in the OPL 245 deal. The Italian prosecutors have now documented with the Milan court that, indeed, the N300 million was a mortgage from Unity Bank. They have also acknowledged that he paid interest on the mortgage. They have further acknowledged that the N300 million was returned to the bank. To prove ownership of the property in question is not difficult. The CBN, the owner, is a government institution.
In all these, our client is thankful to the Italians for their gradual backhanded exoneration of his name which they have been maligning globally since 2015. They first said he collected $801 million as bribe in the OPL 245 transaction. They later reduced it to N300 million which they said was the bribe paid into his account by Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar. Now they have said he actually took a N300 million mortgage from Unity Bank but that the N200 million “difference” in the price of the property was a gift to him. Our client is very certain that they will finally arrive at the truth: that he did not take one kobo from the OPL 245 transaction. But to reduce $801 million to N200 million is a major shift in the allegations.
It is our client’s position that to the glory of God, nobody has traced any private jet or Phantom to him. No property, home or abroad, has been traced to him. No bank account has been frozen. The Italians have searched everywhere and they cannot find anything incriminating. That is why they keep making up stories. Money trail is the easiest thing to uncover in the world. You cannot collect $801 million bribe and hide it. You cannot hide N300 million. If indeed he was involved in money laundering, they will have stumbled on the evidence in the last five years when this persecution started.
The documentary evidence with the Italians clearly shows these facts: (1) the property was offered to our client for N500 million (2) Unity Bank gave him a mortgage of N300 million towards it (3) He couldn’t make his equity contribution of N200 million (4) The property was then sold to the CBN as far back as 2013 (5) The N300 million mortgage was returned to Unity Bank by Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar in 2013 (6) He never took possession of the property. All these are indisputable facts. By this press statement, it is our client’s instruction that we serve notice to the Italian prosecutors that he will meet them in court at some point because he will not allow these despicable and evil lies go unchallenged.
Access Bank through the W initiative, has empowered women, owned and managed SMEs by putting together an innovative bundle of offerings designed to support the more than a few aspects of business during the global pandemic.
The W Initiative of Access Bank remains a pioneer proposition to promote women’s economic empowerment in Africa with over a decade of active participation in creating and supporting the Women’s Market across its focus segment. Being the forerunner of the gender-focused initiative in the industry, The W initiative has yet again demonstrated a feat by supporting women especially Women SMEs during these times.
The bundled offerings consist of; the introduction of the W Webinar Series, implementation of a 90 days moratorium and extension on all existing loans to Women owned and managed SMEs without penal charge, introduction of the bespoke business debit card and creation of an e-commerce enabled website to enhance the digital presence for female owned businesses.
Speaking on Access Bank’s innovative for SMEs with a focus for Women owned businesses, Ayona Aguele-Trimnell, Group Head, Women Banking at Access Bank Plc said “At Access Bank, we are mainly committed to drive women’s economic empowerment in the markets we serve. We are also actively involved in supporting women-owned businesses to thrive through this period by leveraging digital platforms to sell their goods and services, providing alternate channels of banking as well as easing the burden of loan repayment while considering the impact of the global pandemic on SMEs.”
She further mentioned that “The Bank has adopted virtual platforms to ensure that Women owned SMEs are given an enabled environment to thrive and continue their businesses despite the global pandemic.”
Access Bank has an unflinching commitment to empower women and contribute immensely to the growth of the women market in Nigeria and beyond for accelerated social and economic growth.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Cable understands that DSS operatives arrived the EFCC headquarters in Abuja Monday afternoon and quietly whisked him away without creating any scene.
His arrest comes a few days after Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), accused the anti-graft czar of gross infractions.
The AGF asked President Muhammadu Buhari to sack Magu over some “weighty” allegations, including the diversion of recovered loot.
In addition to allegedly re-looting the recovered loot, Malami accused the acting EFCC chairman of insubordination and misconduct.
TheCable learnt the EFCC chief travelled to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates without the authorisation of the president during the COVID-19 lockdown.
And when he was questioned, he said he went for an investigation.
He is also alleged to be living above his means.
In 2016, the senate declined to confirm the appointment of Magu as EFCC chairman after a DSS report indicted him of corruption.
The report read: “Magu is currently occupying a residence rented for N40m at N20m per annum. This accommodation was not paid [for] from the commission’s finances, but by one Umar Mohammed, air commodore retired, a questionable businessman who has subsequently been arrested by the secret service.
“For the furnishing of the residence, Magu enlisted the Federal Capital Development Authority to award a contract to Africa Energy, a company owned by the same Mohammed, to furnish the residence at the cost of N43m.”
I have been inundated with phone calls by those who felt my last week outburst against my party’s guber candidate was rather harsh. Rather than controvert my submissions, they tend to pander to undue sentiments to rein me into dropping my gauntlet. This I found somewhat awkward. Between conscience and Party, I will opt for my conscience over party. While party plays a temporary platform for acquisition and abuse of power, conscience defines the content and character of a man in his interaction with fellow beings and human emanations. While I am in constant touch with my conscience, my party abandoned me as it sold away my right of being heard in its negotiation to gift a “stranger” the party’s ticket. That is a bad omen for our collective sufferance and a sad commentary for democracy. It is a contradiction that leaves a gaping hole in the heart of proper democratic practice.
I have read all manner of responses to my principled stance. Some called me a mole, others said I am a spy, yet others called me unprintable names. For those who know me, they are aware that I am not an Oshiomhole’s lackey. In 2016, as an appointee of the then Governor Oshiomhole, I raised serious queries about the Obaseki project. When I joined others to form R-APC before i joined the PDP in July 2018, I was not a mole. As a member of the APC, I criticised the internal inconsistencies in the party and challenged the lacklustre leadership of Chief Oyegun-led APC then. During the 2019 elections, I was a regular guest on television programmes to interrogate the under-performance of the Buhari-led APC government. At those times, naysayers didn’t see me as neither a mole nor spy, but a good party man who kept PDP in the front burner of national discourse.
My current position is informed by a number of factors. First, it is utterly wrong for a party to surreptitiously surrender its apparati, privileges, structures and “ideological” stratophere to a new entrant as though there were no persons in the party. Within 24 hours, scheduled primary elections were postponed, and all processes leading to the scheduled event were disrupted. If the urge was dictated by altruistic intention to feature Godwin Obaseki on account of strong and result-driven leadership, or performance, one could have understood, but anywhere I turned, the motivation was that Godwin Obaseki has state funds to fund the campaigns. Should that be a selling point if truly we are serious-minded opposition?
Only three months ago, the state chapter of the PDP lambasted Governor Obaseki’s lacklustre leadership in the state, and scored him F9 in all the critical sectors of the Edo economy; health, education, human capital development, infrastructure, and economy. The party mocked his job creation initiative that had yielded no positive result other than recruiting his driver and a few domestic staff. We raised queries about his style of governance that dwells so much on Memorandum of Understanding without concrete implementation. In 2017, I wrote eloquently about the plans of the government based on those espoused ideas, but three years later, they remain a pipe dream, some kind of “OBUBUYAYA” as often said in local parlance, yet, you still want me to support such a leadership because he was gifted the party’s ticket? My conscience bleeds.
What has changed from the abysmal scorecard of the Obaseki’s governance barely three months ago? For me, that was a holistic appraisal of a regime that has become too combative for the wrong reasons, thus putting the state wrongly in the news as one troubled, restive environment. The PDP also challenged his academic claims in 2016 up to the courts until the court said the party filed out of time.This time round, I was expecting the PDP to direct Governor Obaseki to join another party, to create a stronger opportunity for the PDP to fly with older, loyal party members, since his exit from the APC will weaken part of its internal structure. Instead, the party swallowed all its initial vomit, embellished them in a contradictory and double standard manner, and grabbed Governor Obaseki’s trousers by the pocket. It was dollar rain, but it hurts the very soul of the party.
I have been receiving calls from all quarters, read the boring intervention from the national headquarters of the PDP on the APC campaign council. I found the tenor utterly nauseating. What you accuse the APC of doing including adding up names of persons who have queries to answer also apply to the PDP. You complained about Ize-iyamu’s allegations, but you have forgotten it was a PDP government that sent campaign funds to him for the 2015 election. You point one finger forward, three others are pointing backward at you. That is the immorality, lethargy and subterfuge of Nigeria’s party-based democracy, where often times, the opposition is at sea, to decipher what the real issues should be. Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s comportment, diligence at delivering responsibilities, sense of organisation and marksmanship, are direct opposite of Governor Obaseki’s combative style, laced with blackmail, pretentiousness and over santimoniousness.
Democracy talks about constructive engagement and collective bargaining. It preaches inclusion not exclusion. It reinforces participation, involvement and collectivity. Governor Obaseki is the opposite of what an ideal democratic situation should be. His politics is destructive, exclusive, and demonising. He acts alone, intoxicated by the sheer banality of being called the leader of the party, and glamourises in the vainglorious euphoria that he owns life and death. He demolishes houses, terrorises the populace, intimidates opponents and radicalises the youths as a mark of magisterial presence. He dishes out ingratitude in place of gratitude, a simple thank you becomes abominable in his elocution, as he gleefully spends tax payers money to fight imaginary wars. Such a candidate cannot enjoy my support. I had thought the party would interrogate him on all fronts before it gifted the tickets to him, but alas, in an age of money politics, the pockets speak louder than the mouth.
Directing my Chairman, ward 5 Okpella to suspend me or scouting for my polling scores in the 2019 election, would not suffice because my votes and those of my supporters cannot be suspended. For Edo’s combustible politics of late, occasioned by the intemperate response by Governor Obaseki, it is only human to have a man with subliminal humility and peace to assume the leadership of governance in the state. This is why Osagie Ize-Iyamu fits my endorsement. The man for whom Oshiomhole went above board to call Ize-Iyamu unprintable names has since shown his true colours. Pretenders cannot hide their traits for too long, something must betray their real self. Dr Pius Odubu served the state for eight years, Obaseki, a succeeding government refused to pay his legitimate severance allowance.
He fought against Dr. Odubu’s nomination as NDDC chairman, ditto for Victor Ekhator, both of them proud Edo sons. When Honourable Samson Osagie lost his appointment in the Space Technology agency, the Obaseki group celebrated. Till date, 14 duly elected lawmakers are still roaming the streets because the conquistador in Osadebe Avenue won’t allow them to be inaugurated. Where is the place of the Edo collective in the scheme of affairs in Nigeria. Insecurity has taken over the state, whereas security vote has continued to increase geometrically. The roads in my limestone community of Okpella have remained mere eyesore, begging for completion from where Oshiomhole took them, yet, Okpella contributes hugely to the internally generated revenue. Thrice, Governor Obaseki came to promise my people, raised their hopes, and dashed their hopes without qualms. Is that a candidate that should earn my vote? Tufiakwa!. I will come your way again.
Signed…
PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA
MEMBER, PDP
WARD 5, OKPELLA.
FORMER HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION AND ORIENTATION, EDO STATE.
Fidelity Bank Plc has announced that two of its Board members: Mr. Ernest Ebi, who has been serving as chairman, Board of Directors, and Mr. Seni Adetu, who has been serving as an independent non-executive director, having successfully completed their tenure in accordance with the bank’s internal governance policy, will be stepping down from the Board.
Under the Chairmanship of Ebi, the bank recorded significant growth across key financial metrics with both Messrs Ebi and Adetu playing significant roles, complementing management effort in the delivery of these milestones; in service of the long term vision of the bank. The bank’s market share position has also been materially strengthened over this period.
The board is also pleased to announce that the retiring Chairman will be succeeded by Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, who is currently the Executive Vice Chairman at Alpha African Advisory. He has over 40 years of experience in investment banking and the financial services sector, working with reputable global investment banking and asset management firms. He provides overall leadership at Alpha African Advisory and has direct oversight over the capital raising division.
Prior to joining Alpha African Advisory, he was the inaugural CEO, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), a Federal Government-backed institution, established to resolve the problem of non-performing loan assets of Nigerian banks after the 2008 global financial crisis. Chike-Obi was Founding President at Madison Advisors, a financial services advisory and consulting firm in New Jersey, specialising in hedge funds and private equity investment advice. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Lagos (First Class Honors) and an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
Ebi will, however, continue in the role until the in-coming Chairman assumes office as part of the process of ensuring a smooth and successful transition. The changes being announced further attest to Fidelity Bank’s high governance standards and best practices in compliance with internal succession policies.
The outgoing Chairman expressed pride in the results that the bank achieved during his time as Chairman. ‘I feel that the management team has consolidated on our plans to become one of the fastest-growing banks in the country, strongly rooted in technology only comparable with the best in the world. I am confident that my successor will continue on that path to take the bank to its next stage of growth and advancement. I wish my successor, the management team, and the entire staff of Fidelity Bank the very best for continued success”, he said.
Heritage Bank Plc said it has closed down an Experience Centre- EC (branch) at Allen Avenue; Ikeja over “unconfirmed case” of Coronavirus for deep hygiene clean up after an employee took ill last week.
The bank in a statement made available to the press and customers, noted “in line with our emergency response plan and following regulatory practices, we have taken immediate steps to close down Allen Avenue, Ikeja Experience Centers- EC (branch) for thorough disinfections of the affected location.”
Contrary to rumour, the bank disclosed that whilst the suspected staff awaits her medical test from the Covid-19 Test Centre in Yaba, she had not exhibited any symptoms related to the virus.
“Neither of the suspected person or others in the EC had exhibited any symptoms,” the bank said in the statement.
Specifically, the bank stated that staff were advised to self-isolate for 14days forthwith which was in consonance with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The bank stated that the EC will undergo “thorough disinfections,” further affirmed, “Customers and staff safety remains paramount; hence we will recommence business with new set of relief employees, as the current staff self-isolate.”
In the interim, the bank advised customers, “please visit other ECs or branches in Ikeja where you can conduct your daily transactions. Otherwise, you can use our alternate e-channels for seamless service deliveries.
“Heritage Bank remains resolute to continually serve you seamlessly despite prohibitions imposed on physical contact through our bouquet of electronic products which have been made available on notable mobile stores and our website (www.hbng.com).”
The bank noted that it would continue to intensify ongoing efforts via its intranet and other channels to keep staff and customers up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 information and provide clear direction and guidance expected of workers and customers.
“We have setup a COVID-19 Support Centre to offer COVID-19 safety tips to all our customers during this period, in support of the efforts of the Government and relevant bodies. Please send any information relating to the COVID-19 pandemic via these channels: E-mail: HeritageBankCovid19Support@hbng.com and contact number: 01-2369099,” the bank stated.
First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s leading financial inclusion services provider, has graduated 28 successful candidates in its inaugural FirstBank Management Associates Programme (FMAP), virtually held on Tuesday, 30 June 2020 via the Zoom video conferencing application. The programme which commenced in 2018 had a total of 48 candidates selected from thousands of entries and applications received nationwide.
FMAP is a 24-month fast-track comprehensive developmental programme targeted at young, dynamic, self-motivated and highly driven individuals that possess the right skill set and excellent leadership potential among Junior and entry-level cadre staff. Entries and applications for the programme enrolment was also extended to the public
Speaking about the programme, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, CEO, FirstBank said “It is an intensive skill development programme structured to enhance acute thinking, financial, methodical skills of staff. The bank would continue to reinvest in its human capital to create a kind of leadership needed for future growth and development
“This is part of the Bank’s strategic objectives of infusing and developing leadership at requisite levels across its staff hierarchy, aimed at building the next generation of leaders who will be groomed to drive the Bank’s vision of being Africa’s Bank of first choice”, he concluded.
At the end of the programme, successful candidates are moved to middle management, becoming Management Associates irrespective of their grades at the point of entry.
Cross country postings and secondment opportunities is also offered to such staff to provide them with global exposure and network.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has spoken out after a video surfaced this week of a medical doctor who testified to receiving healing from COVID-19 after receiving prayers from Nigerian Pastor TB Joshua.
During an interactive press briefing organized on Wednesday 1st July 2020, a panel of top WHO officials was questioned on the miracle by Cameroonian journalist Simon Ateba of Today News Africa.
“On Monday, a very popular pastor in Nigeria, T.B Joshua, released a video of a medical doctor in Cameroon who was said to have been cured of the virus through prayer,” Ateba stated, asking the panellists for their reaction.
In the video he referenced, Dr Kameni Pierre – a gynecologist and obstetrician – receives prayer after affirming he was positive to coronavirus during an ‘Interactive Prayer Session’ organised by Emmanuel TV.
After ‘vomiting out’ the disease during prayer, the medical doctor held up his medical report days later confirming he was diagnosed negative to COVID-19.
In response, Dr Michael Ryan, the Executive Director of WHO Health Emergencies Programme, affirmed the readiness of WHO to collaborate with bodies like The SCOAN to advance the cause of the war against the deadly virus.
“Certainly, spiritual leadership is very important in times like this,” Ryan stated, praising the role of faith-based organisations in providing accurate information to communities.
Speaking further, the WHO Director General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus added that faith and science should “go together”.
“We know many religious leaders who would really advise their followers to follow their faith and at the same time use science. The two do not contradict; they go together… We will call on all religious leaders to be in this fight and save lives,” he stated.
Ghebreyesus had earlier echoed TB Joshua’s prophecy where he declared 2020 “the year of humility” in which “God would humble us with our challenges”.
“If this virus is teaching us anything, it is humility,” the former Ethiopian Minister of Health asserted.
Emmanuel TV’s popular YouTube videos, many of which show similar case of miraculous healing through prayer, have accumulated over six hundred million views.
A young Nigerian, Miss Adjwoa Awe, 15 years of age has been honoured with The Diana Award for going above and beyond in their daily life to create and sustain positive change.
The award was announced on Wednesday 1 July; during the 2020 Diana Awards Virtual Ceremony held to celebrate all the awardees amazing achievements and introduce them to the rest of the world.
Awe is being recognized with the highest accolade a young person can achieve for social action or humanitarian efforts – The Diana Award.
Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Award is given out by the charity of the same name and has the support of both her sons, The Duke of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex.
Awe, a student of Olashore International School had an active role in the development of several new projects in her community. Her activism began with the development of ‘Our Voices Have To Be Heard’, an initiative committed to raising awareness of child rigshts and prevent abuse. Recognising the further needs of her community, she and her schoolmates followed this project with ‘Healing Every Living Person’, to combat poverty by equipping young people with skills through entrepreneurial training. This brought a tremendous impact in Awe’s community with 100 new subscribers to the programme. Awe’s kindness and leadership have provided essential skills for her community and inspired others to take similar positive action.
Speaking on the award, the CEO of The Diana Award, Tessy Ojo stated, “We congratulate all our new Diana Award recipients who are changemakers for their generation. We know by receiving this honour they will inspire more young people to get involved in their communities and begin their own journey as active citizens. For over twenty years The Diana Award has valued and invested in young people encouraging them to continue to make positive change in their communities and lives of others.”
Reacting to development, the awardee’s parents, Olugbenga and Linda Awe expressed their appreciation, thereby stating, “We are proud of the impact our daughter is making in co-creating sustainable livelihoods. She has our continuous support. We also commend her school Olashore International School Iloko-Ijesha in creating the conducive environment for her as she nurtures her dreams.”
WHAT IS THE NOMINATION PROCESS?
Award recipients have been put forward by adults who know the young people in a professional capacity and recognised their efforts as a positive contribution to society. Through a rigorous nomination process, these nominators had to demonstrate the nominee’s impact in five key areas: Vision, Social Impact, Inspiring Others, Youth Leadership, and Service Journey.
There are 13 Diana Award Judging Panels representing each UK region or nation and a further three panels representing countries outside of the UK. Each panel consist of three judges; one young person, an education or youth work professional, and a business or government representative. The panels have an important main purpose: to determine which nominations from each UK region/nation/country will receive The Diana Award.
Nominations are judged using the Criteria Guide and Scoring Guide which have been created to measure the quality of youth social action.
Being the most prestigious award any young changemakers below 25 can receive, the Diana Award develops and inspires positive change in the lives of young people through three key programmes which include; a mentoring programme for young people at risk, a youth-led anti-bullying ambassadors campaign and a prestigious award which publicly recognises young people – The Diana Award.
