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Nigerians, Churches Groaning Under Economic Pressure — Anglican Bishop

Published

1 month ago

July 13, 2025

The Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese, Most Reverend Simeon Borokini, has expressed deep concern over the worsening economic situation in Nigeria, lamenting its severe impact on citizens and churches nationwide.

The Anglican Bishop stated this while delivering his charge at the first session of the 15th Diocesan Synod, with the theme “Trusting the God of Abundant Grace” held at St. James’ Anglican Church, Oda, in the Akure South Local Council Area of Ondo State.

Borokini noted that the economic hardship is not only affecting the daily lives of Nigerians but is also crippling the operations of many churches, saying the harsh economic realities have left many congregants struggling to meet financial obligations, including tithes and offerings.

According to the cleric, churches do not benefit from any form of government subvention and are solely dependent on the goodwill and contributions of members.

“Churches do not receive any form of financial subvention from the government. Our survival depends entirely on the offerings and donations from our members,” he said.

The Anglican Bishop, however, urged the government to improve the country’s economic situation. The harsh economic realities have left many church members struggling to meet their financial obligations, including support to churches.

He said, “When you are talking about the church, you cannot exclude the government because the composition of the government is the people, and it affects the members. I’m not talking about Anglican members alone but Christians all over.

“And especially, the church doesn’t get any subvention from the government; it is the little collections from the members, and if the money doesn’t circulate, if the members don’t have enough, the church will receive little. So it is affecting the church adversely.

“That is why we are saying that the economic situation of the country should be improved. If there are industries that enable gainful employment, I think the economy of the people will be improved and more people will donate to the church.”

While calling on the Federal Government to urgently address the economic downturn, Borokini urged President Bola Tinubu to focus more on policies that promote industrial development and job creation, especially for the youth.

He also commended the administration’s efforts in tackling insecurity and improving infrastructure, noting that while some progress has been made, more work needs to be done in areas such as employment generation and the fight against banditry and kidnappings.

The clergy appealed to President Tinubu to further intensify the campaign against banditry and kidnappings, Borokini maintained that the President deserved commendation following his assessment and performance in the last two years.

“We will commend him (Tinubu) for the foreign exchange, which is somehow stable. Also the insecurity, especially in the northern part where there is a reduction, maybe because of the Defence Minister and others in charge of security. There is a reduction in insecurity.

“Though we cannot give a 100 percent mark, to some extent, there is a little bit of reduction, and we also want to encourage them should still intensify the security network.

“Not only in the northern part, but all over the country, particularly the menace of herdsmen and kidnappers, because they serve as threats even to travellers and farmers.

“If the security situation is fully tackled, it will improve our economy, and food production will be available for the masses. So the idea of hunger in the land will reduce.

“On infrastructure, we want to commend the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike. Since he has assumed office with the backing of the president, there is a sort of facelift in Abuja, and we see many things in progress.

“Not only in Abuja but also in some parts of the country. Infrastructure should also be intensified so that it will make life easier for the general populace.

“Government should create more employment, especially for our graduates, because if they don’t have anything to do, like the Bible says, the devil finds work for idle hands.

“I’m not saying the government will find jobs for everybody, but they should try as much as possible to create some work that can engage some of our youth. So they should look in that direction.

“In our assessment, we give him 60 percent, and we expect him to still do more so that life will be easy for the generality of the populace.“

Related Topics:#Bishop #Nigeria Nigerians

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Peter Obi’s Son, Oseloka, Speaks On Gay Allegations

Published

11 hours ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

Oseloka Obi, son of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has responded to viral allegations linking him to homosexuality after photographs of him with London-based British-Nigerian Kent Okwesa, circulated online this week.

The pictures, which emerged on Wednesday, showed Oseloka and Okwesa sitting closely at a restaurant in the United Kingdom, sparking a wave of online speculation and gossip.

In a detailed statement, Oseloka dismissed the rumours as malicious falsehoods driven by his father’s involvement in Nigerian politics.

He noted that while he rarely responds to such narratives, the persistence of gossip and unfounded claims made it necessary to address the matter.

“Because of my father’s involvement in Nigerian politics, there has been a persistent curiosity and, at times, malicious obsession with me.

“I have no social media presence and no interest in maintaining one, so I rarely correct these falsehoods. But perhaps it is time I address them,” he wrote.

Oseloka stressed that the photos of him in circulation were being misrepresented, insisting they were ordinary snapshots with friends and colleagues.

“The truth is simple: Peter Obi’s son appears in photos with his friends and colleagues, nothing more. If people wish to invent otherwise, I hope they sleep soundly knowing they are spreading lies,” he added.

He further emphasised that neither he nor his father is perfect, but attested to his father’s integrity and commitment to Nigeria’s future.

“My father has my vote, not because he is my father, but because he is the right man for the job. If others wish to go low, invent scandals, or attack me to wound him, they are free to do so. But we will go high, and we will continue to focus on the future of Nigeria.”

Concluding, Oseloka urged Nigerians to redirect their attention from idle gossip to the pressing socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Read the full statement below:

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FULL LIST: PenCom Bars Seven Mortgage Banks From Processing Housing Loans

Published

12 hours ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has barred seven Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) from processing applications under the pension-backed equity contribution scheme for residential mortgages, citing their non-compliance with housing loan guidelines.

In a letter published on PenCom’s website, addressed to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs), the organisation instructed them to immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications submitted through the affected institutions.

The blacklisted mortgage banks are:

• Jigawa Savings & Loans Limited

• FHA Mortgage Bank Limited

• Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited

• AG Mortgage Bank Limited

• Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Pic

• First Trust Mortgage Bank Limited

• Mutual Alliance Mortgage Bank Limited

“Following the cited letter, the commission instructs that PFAs, including Closed Pension Fund Administrators and Pension Fund Custodians, immediately stop accepting or processing equity contribution applications submitted by the following Primary Mortgage Banks… Please be guided,” the circular read in part.

Explaining the decision, PenCom’s spokesman, Ibrahim Buwai, told The PUNCH that the sanction was imposed because the affected institutions failed to generate the mortgages for which funds had been approved.

“The whole purpose of giving access to RSA holders is to enable them to own houses through mortgages,” he said. “It was discovered that some of the primary mortgage institutions were not generating mortgages. If that is the case, it means they are not complying with the regulations. That is the reason for their blacklisting.”

PenCom introduced the equity contribution for residential mortgages in September 2022, allowing Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders to withdraw up to 25 per cent of their balances to fund equity contributions for home ownership.

According to the commission, 24,582 RSA holders had accessed the scheme as of the first quarter of 2025, with disbursements totalling ₦149.84bn.

RSA holders who submitted applications through the barred mortgage banks are now advised to reapply with other eligible PMBs. Those who have made upfront payments were urged to contact the affected institutions for the next line of action.

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VIDEO: How ‘Close Friend’ Leaked Cat Secret To Security During My House Invasion — Sunday Igboho

Published

13 hours ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has opened up again on the July 1, 2021 midnight invasion of his Ibadan residence by security operatives, including the Department of State Services (DSS).

Speaking during a visit to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, at his palace in Ondo State, Igboho alleged that the attack was carried out with the intent to take his life.

“When my house was invaded, they wanted to kill me but failed. Some said my intestines were shattered, others said my leg was broken, but there was nothing of such. They fired guns at me very well, but the prayers of you my fathers on me were answered.”

According to him, the DSS operatives forcefully gained entrance into his residence and pointed a gun at his Personal Assistant so he could lead them to his room.

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Death of cat after friend’s betrayal

While recalling the invasion, Igboho said one of his trusted friends betrayed him by leaking sensitive information about his cat to the operatives.

He disclosed that the so-called ‘trusted’ friend had told the agents not to let the cat escape, which led to the security operatives killing the animal.

“When I opened the door of my room for them, they saw my cat on the bed. One of my friends that I entrusted with secret had told them not to let the cat go. So they killed the cat and wrapped it with clothes like a corpse. They destroyed everywhere in the house and killed one of my brothers alongside one other person and they left,” he narrated.

Appeal to the Olowo

Speaking at the palace of the Olowo, Igboho said his absence from the country had lasted about five years and that he was eager to return to contribute to tackling insecurity in the South-West.

“But why I came to meet you Kabiesi is that till when will I be doing that. Nigeria is my motherland. This is about five years since I’ve been chased from here. Tinubu is your son, you can convince him to free me. If not for the wanted tag on me, I would have come to Nigeria to face the insecurity facing the South-West region. I would have entered the bush and faced them,” Igboho pleaded with the monarch.

Monarch’s response
In his response, Oba Ogunoye described Igboho as a beacon of hope for his generation and future ones, urging him not to be discouraged by the challenges he has faced.

The monarch enjoined Igboho and his supporters to remain law-abiding amid ongoing challenges.

He assured him of continued support and called for peace and cooperation across South-West communities, noting that no region can achieve sustainable development without security.
(TRIBUNE)