FR MBAKA’S PERSISTENT ATTACKS AGAINST EVANGELIST EBUKA OBI – A SERIOUS CAUSE FOR CONCERN*

05/07/25

Evangelist Ebuka/ Fr.Mbaka

WRITER:NENE  DANIELS

These are interesting end times indeed! How else would you explain the words: “I know how to quench his fire, just wait and see!” These rather reckless words of threat are currently trending as expressed by the Catholic Charismatic leader at The Adoration Chapel in Enugu, Father Mbaka, against his fellow Man of God who leads the affairs at Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, ZPMO, headquartered in Okota, Lagos.

The recent outbursts are among a string of repeated threats travelling in same direction over the last few months.

Fr Mbaka
Evangelist Ebuka

Interestingly, Evang Ebuka and Father Mbaka are of same ethnic origin as well as similar religious pedigree with their roots in the Catholic fold. Both lead semi-autonomous congregations and have achieved some extent of fame and success. The comparison stops at that point. While father Mbaka is restricted to Enugu, Evangelist Ebuka Obi has worldwide outreach and apparently the fastest growing ministry in Nigeria today.

The followership of Ebuka and the extent of signs and wonders is a clear issue that could breed envy and strive! In 2023, former governor of Anambra State and a prominent political figure, Peter Obi paid a courtesy visit to Evangelist Ebuka. Apparently this did not go down well with Father Mbaka who was put on leash by the Catholic organization stemming from his controversial positioning with Politicians.

Incidentally, during the travails of Father Mbaka, when the Catholic Institution placed him on disciplinary course, it was only Evangelist Ebuka who publicly stood by him and made a case for speedy reconciliation and restoration. Again in 2015, you will recall that all hell was let loose when Fr Mbaka recklessly remarked that the then President Jonathan was backluck for the country and Buhari the consequential messiah. Evangelist Ebuka was also the only one who gave him succor. But today, the table has turned around. The acrimony now conceived against Evangelist Ebuka by Fr, Mbaka has become deeply rooted and spreading like a wild fire.

Many Christian faithful are taken aback over the series of reckless vituperations and threats issued by Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka against Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi. They view these threats, which have caused significant alarm among the members and supporters of Zion Ministry to be reckless, unacceptable, inflammatory, and unbecoming of a religious leader who is expected to foster peace and unity rather than sow discord within the Christian community. Furthermore, these faithful emphasised that such behaviour is contrary to the role of a Priest, who should serve as a bridge builder within the community and a source of spiritual guidance, not as an antagonist or adversary.

Specifically, opinion leaders believe that since Fr Mbaka is not the handler of Evangelist Ebuka, his role can only be in private capacity and advisory, rather than trying to control. It is not the business of Evangelist Ebuka that Fr Mbaka considers Peter Obi a personal enemy or otherwise. The escalation of tensions between the two is highly unwarranted.

In some of his direct threats, Father Mbaka referred to himself as a “perfect penalty taker,” specifically targeting Evangelist Ebuka. He also ominously stated that he “knows how to quench his fire,” a language interpreted by opinion leaders as serious and dangerous provocation, excessive and deeply troubling. They advise Fr Mbaka to “tread softly” in his public communications, urging him to reflect on the potential consequences of his words if the unthinkable happens.

The antagonistic stance of Fr Mbaka is not the expected reward to an ally, especially given the significant support he has enjoyed from Evangelist Ebuka during his travails. This unwarranted hostility has raised questions about the motivations behind the threats.

Although many Christians believe we are living in the end times, should brothers rise against brothers? Are they not working for the same kingdom? As Paul plants and Apollus waters, is it not God that still brings the increase?

In light of the gravity with which Father Mbaka’s threats are viewed opinion leaders are calling on him to desist from further threatening activities to avoid intervention by law enforcement agencies, who view threat to life as a serious matter. This is true because if Evangelist Ebuka Obi comes to any harm, Father Mbaka will be held fully accountable. While fully confident of God’s unassailable protection, supporters of Evangelist Ebuka reaffirm their commitment to playing their human and legal roles in ensuring the peace and safety of the hardworking Spiritual Director.

At this junction, I urge all well-meaning Nigerians, the Christian community and all relevant authorities to take notice of this negative development and ensure that peace prevails. The safety of Evangelist Ebuka Obi and his congregation should be of serious public interest, same as that of every single Nigerian soul.

As the proverbial Peacemaker, I urge all stakeholders and the general public to remain calm and prayerful while urging the two gladiators to embrace dialogue and reconciliation in resolving any differences between them!

Nene Daniels, a concerned Catholic faithful, wrote from Lagos

He gave up His protection so that today, you and I can claim all the promises of His protection.

Gospel Corner

05/07/25

Joel Osteen Ministries

Today’s Word
Today’s Scripture
At last we have freedom, for Christ has set us free! We must always cherish this truth and firmly refuse to go back into the bondage of our past.
Galatians 5:1, TPT

Let Freedom Ring
Today we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which marks July 4, 1776, as the day our Founding Fathers declared our freedom as a nation. What’s interesting is that it wasn’t until 1783 that our nation actually experienced freedom. There were battles raging, but the people were celebrating their decision to fight for freedom. They declared their freedom first, then they stood their ground until they had the victory to live as free men and women.

There may be some opposing forces that you’re fighting today, things that you want to get free from—freedom from an addiction, an anxiety, a lack, a fear. No matter what battle you are facing, let this be the day you declare your freedom, because victory is on the way.

You may have to stand and press through for a little while, but know that freedom is yours the day you declare it. Let freedom ring loudly in your life and embrace

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that it was for freedom that Christ set me free, and whom the Son sets free is free indeed. Thank You that I can take my stand on Christ’s finished work on the cross and press through on the freedoms I am battling for. I declare the victory through Christ Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”


Some people have the impression that angels look like little babies dressed in white togas, flying about with bows and arrows. The passage above tells us they are strong—they “excel in strength.”

SECTION TWO

Do you know how strong angels can be? When Sennacherib, the evil king of Assyria, laid a siege around Jerusalem, Hezekiah prayed to the Lord and the Lord sent one angel to the Assyrian camp.

Just one angel. In one night, the Bible tells us that “the angel of the LORD went out to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers” (2 Kings 19:35 NLT).

Here’s something else about angels: they “do His word.” They do not operate outside the boundaries of God’s Word.

And we have seen in Psalm 91:11–12 that the Lord has given His angels charge over us. The Amplified Classic version says that His angels will “accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways” (boldface mine). I don’t know about you but that gives me such assurance that I am covered under His wings of refuge and protection!

The Word of God also tells us that when the archangel Lucifer fell, one-third of the angels fell with him. That means that two-thirds of the angels are still on God’s side!

Hebrews 12:22 tells us of an “innumerable company of angels.” There are so many angels that they cannot be numbered. We may not be able to see them, but they are all around us, ministering for us.

So don’t be one of those believers who are more conscious of demons than angels. Remember, those who are with us are more than those who are with them (2 Kings 6:16)!

In the Garden of Gethsemane, when the Roman soldiers came to arrest our Lord, He said, “Do you suppose that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will immediately provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matt. 26:53 AMPC).

According to the Amplified translation, twelve legions is more than 80,000 angels! All Jesus had to do was pray and those angels would have been activated. But He did not do so because He had already chosen to go to the cross and to die the death that we deserved.

He gave up His protection so that today, you and I can claim all the promises of His protection. And as joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17), each one of us can summon twelve legions of angels! May you be encouraged as you see His desire to protect you as well as His provision of angelic protection over your life.

NMA LAGOS MEMBERS JOIN COUNTERPARTS AT NATIONAL LEVEL TO REJECT PROPOSED MEDICAL SALARY STRUCTURE

04/07/25

SHINA J.O

Members Of The Lagos State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have Aligned with their Counterparts at the National Level to reject Federal Government’s proposed salary structure for medical doctors, describing it as unjust, unprofessional, and capable of further destabilising Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the Chairman of the NMA Lagos, Dr. Babajide Saheed, said the proposal undermines clinical responsibility and weakens the structure of professional accountability within the hospitals.

Dr Babajide Saheed Chairman NMA Lagos State

“After extensive review and consultations with stakeholders, we find the proposed structure deeply flawed and potentially damaging to the integrity of our health system,” he said.

The NMA accused the Federal Government of ignoring long-established salary relativity that defines the pay structure between medical doctors and other health professionals based on training, clinical responsibility, and risk exposure.

According to the NMA Chairman Babajide Saheed, abolishing this relativity would result in confusion and conflict over hospital clinical leadership.

He also condemned the proposal’s inclusion of specialist and honorarium allowances for non-doctors, calling it an affront to those who undergo years of rigorous postgraduate clinical training.

“These allowances are specifically designed for clinicians recognised by accredited professional colleges. Extending them beyond that undermines the purpose of specialist certification,” he said.

Quoting a World Health Organisation guideline, Saheed noted, “Specialist remuneration must reflect clinical leadership, depth of knowledge, and risk exposure. This proposal completely ignores that.”

The NMA further objected to the proposed parity between medical doctors and holders of academic doctorates in allied disciplines such as pharmacy and optometry.

“While we respect every healthcare professional, clinical licensure and patient care responsibilities are not the same as academic qualifications,” he stated.

“These allowances are specifically designed for clinicians recognised by accredited professional colleges. Extending them beyond that undermines the purpose of specialist certification,” he said.

“It is misleading and professionally indefensible to equate a Doctor of Pharmacy with a certified medical consultant. No developed health system operates like that—not in the UK, Canada, or Australia.”

Saheed further said the Lagos NMA fully supports the 21-day ultimatum issued by the national leadership of the association to the Federal Government.

LAGOS: Mandatory Health Insurance Enforcement to Commence Early 2026 — Dr. Zamba

Eliza DD

PRESS RELEASE

 04/07/25

LAGOS CHARTS BOLD PATH TO UNIVERSAL HEALTH ACCESS, ENGAGES OVER 800 PROVIDERS AT ANNUAL FORUM

 

Mandatory Health Insurance Enforcement to Commence Early 2026 — Dr. Zamba

 

…Providers Urged to Deepen Quality, Professionalism as LASHMA Unveils Strategic Reforms

 

The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), on Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, hosted the 2025 edition of its ILERA EKO Annual Provider Forum, rallying over 800 health care providers and stakehiolders to deepen collaboration, professionalism, and innovation in the delivery of health insurance services across the state. The high-level engagement, held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, centered on the theme: “Driving Universal Health Coverage through Strategic Partnerships.”

 At the event, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order mandating enrollment into the ILERA EKO Social Health Insurance Scheme. Participants deliberated on operational efficiency, policy updates, and financial reforms aimed at expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare for all Lagosians.

 

Chairman of the Board of LASHMA, Dr. Adebayo Adedewe, who delivered the keynote address, commended the resilience and professionalism of healthcare providers, emphasizing that they remain the foundation upon which the success of ILERA EKO rests. “Your commitment has propelled our shared journey toward Universal Health Coverage,” he said, noting that strategic partnerships were essential to scale impact and build trust.

 

He revealed that LASHMA had implemented several provider-focused reforms, including categorization by performance, provision of essential drugs, and revised fee-for-service tariffs to cushion economic pressures. “We’ve also expanded access by incorporating community pharmacies into the scheme, ensuring continuity of care and broader reach,” Dr. Adedewe stated.

 

Highlighting the political will of the Sanwo-Olu-led administration, Dr. Adedewe announced that Lagos remains the first and only state in Nigeria to prioritize its equity fund for the poor as a first-line charge. “From N1 billion in 2024, Mr. Governor increased it to N3 billion this year, demonstrating true leadership and a firm commitment to equity,” he said.

 

In her opening remarks, Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, disclosed that enforcement of mandatory health insurance in Lagos State would begin in earnest in early 2026, following the Governor’s Executive Order issued in July 2024. “We want all residents to be aware and onboard before enforcement begins,” she said, urging residents to embrace the scheme as a financial protection tool.

 

Tunbosun Ogunbanwo

Dr. Zamba stated that the agency now has over 865 empaneled providers and has made critical structural reforms, such as transitioning service authorizations and claims vetting from third-party administrators to an in-house team. “This has led to faster turnaround times and improved oversight,” she said.

 

She also revealed the rollout of biometric verification systems in partnership with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), which enables real-time identity confirmation and reduces fraud. “This technological innovation helps us ensure that enrollees receive timely, targeted care,” she noted.

 

Emphasizing collaboration, Dr. Zamba noted that the forum was not just a review of progress but an avenue to gather feedback. “This is your platform to share insights, highlight challenges, and co-develop solutions with us. Together, we can build a more resilient health system,” she said.

 

Chairman of the Healthcare Providers’ Association of Nigeria, Biola Paul-Ozie, commended LASHMA for setting the pace nationally and encouraged the agency to further incentivize providers through tariff reviews and product innovation. “We must work together to improve enrolment and quality delivery,” she stated.

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, stressed the importance of mutual understanding between LASHMA and service providers. He noted that the forum enables a balanced view of the challenges on both sides, ensuring continuous improvements in the scheme’s implementation.

 

Dr. Ogboye urged providers to see health insurance as a win-win for both patients and practitioners. “It guarantees payment and sustainability for providers while protecting patients from financial hardship. Let’s commit to making it work for the benefit of all,” he appealed.

 

 

Paul-Ozie emphasized the role of ethics and professionalism among providers. “We must eliminate discriminatory practices and ensure that enrollees are treated with the dignity they deserve. Health outcomes depend on how faithfully we deliver care,” she added.

 

President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria and Country Director, PharmAccess, Njide Ndili, described providers as the “anchors of Universal Health Coverage” and hailed LASHMA’s pioneering incentive-based quality framework. “Globally, Lagos is the first to reward providers based on SafeCare quality levels—this is a major milestone,” she noted.

 

Ndili highlighted trust as the linchpin of enrolment growth, urging providers to maintain high standards. “When citizens are confident in care quality, they’re more willing to prepay. Trust drives participation—and participation drives sustainability,” she affirmed.

 

The highpoint of the occasion was the unveiling of the Ilera-Eko Provider Signages and presentations awards of excellence to outstanding providers for quality of service, clinical excellence, audit compliance, data quality, outstanding enrolment drive, most improved facilities amongst others.

 

As the forum ended, stakeholders resolved to strengthen partnerships and uphold the shared vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage for Lagosians. With enforcement on the horizon and reforms well underway, ILERA EKO continues to serve as a model of inclusive, sustainable health insurance in Nigeria.

 

 

God controls the fish. He knows where your provision is,and He knows how to get it to you.

Gospel Corner

04/07/2025

Joel Osteen Ministries

Today’s Word
Today’s Scripture
But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”
Luke 5:5, NKJV

He Controls the Fish
As Jesus was preaching along the Sea of Galilee, so many people pressed in on Him that He got into Peter’s boat and pushed out from shore in order to keep speaking. When He was finished, He told Peter to launch into the deep and he would catch a great haul of fish. Peter had fished all night and caught nothing. He was a professional fisherman and knew when and where to fish. Peter could have thought, “Who is this man to tell me how to fish?” But he responded, “Jesus, this doesn’t make sense. Nevertheless, because You say so, I’m going to do it.” He went out and caught so many fish that his nets began to break, and when his partners in another boat came to help, both boats were so loaded down that they almost sank.

God controls the fish. He knows where your provision is, and He knows how to get it to you. It may not make sense or seem logical. But God loves to do things out of the ordinary, so you’ll know it was His hand.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that there is promotion, healing, restoration, and abundance when I walk in humility and obey Your word to me. Thank You that You control the fish. Help me to humble myself and do the thing You’re asking me to do when I don’t understand. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

SECTION TWO

Whether you know it or not, there is a battle for our minds. The enemy sows lies and negative thoughts in our minds to get us discouraged and defeated. But God has given us a powerful weapon to win over the enemy’s mind games!

As you meditate on Bible promises that proclaim God’s truth over your life, you are already beginning to win the battle for your mind. It’s not a coincidence that Jesus was crucified on Golgotha, which actually means “Place of a Skull” (Matt. 27:33). Your breakthrough has to begin in your mind first.

This battle for your mind is not waged externally. Our weapons in this battle are not physical or tangible. Our weapons are the weapons of right believing, and they are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds that have kept us bound. These are strongholds that can only be utterly torn down by rightly believing in the truth of God’s Word.

The devil can only sow wrong thoughts in your mind, but he cannot control what you believe! When you start to believe right, every lie and wrong thought will melt away like butter on a hot, sunny day.

Lies can imprison and defeat you only to the degree that you don’t allow God’s truth to come into your situation to liberate you. Listen closely to what Jesus said: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31–32). What this means is that whatever stronghold you are trapped in today, truth from Jesus will set you free!

Strongholds are wrong thoughts and lies that have been perpetuated in your mind over weeks, months, or even years. These entrenched wrong beliefs cause you to live in bondage to addictions and in a state of fear, guilt, anxiety, or chronic depression.

God’s Word tells us in no uncertain terms that the warfare takes place in our minds and is won by us “pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God” (2 Cor. 10:4–5).

The place where the enemy launches his attacks against you is in your thoughts and imagination. I believe that once you are aware that there is a war for your mind, and that it is between wrong beliefs and right beliefs, you have already won half the battle!

Keep hearing, keep believing, and keep renewing your mind with the truth of God’s grace and love for you. And whatever stronghold you may be trapped in today, the truth from His Word will set you free!

WHO launches 3 By 35 Initiative Pushing To Raise Health Taxes For Saving Millions Of Lives

02/07/25

ELIZA DD

The “3 by 35” Initiative targets tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to cut deaths and boost health and development funding

The World Health Organization (WHO)  has launched a major new initiative urging countries to raise real prices on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035 through health taxes in a move designed to curb chronic diseases and generate critical public revenue. The “3 by 35” Initiative comes at a time when health systems are under enormous strain from rising noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), shrinking development aid and growing public debt.

Images of Alcoholic Drinks

The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks are fueling the NCD epidemic. NCDs, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, account for over 75% of all deaths worldwide. A recent report shows that a one-time 50% price increase on these products could prevent 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years.

“Health taxes are one of the most efficient tools we have,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Control, WHO. “They cut the consumption of harmful products and create revenue governments can reinvest in health care, education, and social protection. It’s time to act.”

The Initiative has an ambitious but achievable goal of raising US$1 trillion over the next 10 years. Between 2012 and 2022, nearly 140 countries raised tobacco taxes, which resulted in an increase of real prices by over 50% on average, showing that large-scale change is possible.

From Colombia to South Africa, governments that have introduced health taxes have seen reduced consumption and increased revenue. Yet many countries continue to provide tax incentives to unhealthy industries, including tobacco. Moreover, long-term investment agreements with industry that restrict tobacco tax increases can further undermine national health goals. WHO encourages governments to review and avoid such exemptions to support effective tobacco control and protect public health.

Strong collaboration is at the heart of the “3 by 35” Initiative’s success. Led by WHO, the Initiative brings together a powerful group of global partners to help countries put health taxes into action. These organizations offer a mix of technical know-how, policy advice, and real-world experience. By working together, they aim to raise awareness about the benefits of health taxes and support efforts at the national level.

Many countries have expressed interest in transitioning toward more self-reliant, domestically funded health systems and are turning to WHO for guidance.

The “3 by 35” Initiative introduces key action areas to help countries, pairing proven health policies with best practices on implementation. These include direct support for country-led reforms with the following goals in mind:

Mobilize domestic public resources to fund essential health and development programmes, including universal health coverage.

Strengthen multisectoral alliances by engaging ministries of finance and health, parliamentarians, civil society, and researchers to design and implement effective policies.

  1. Cutting harmful consumption by reducing affordability;Increase or introduce excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to raise prices and reduce consumption, cutting future health costs and preventable deaths.
  2. Raising revenue to fund health and development;
  3. Building broad political support across ministries, civil society, and academia;

WHO is calling on countries, civil society, and development partners to support the “3 by 35” Initiative and commit to smarter, fairer taxation that protects health and accelerates progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

Images of Sugar Sweetened Beverages

Today, think, talk, and act knowing that it is not about you or your works—it is about Jesus and Him alone, and step out into His blessings for you!

Gospel Corner

03/07/25

Joel Osteen Ministries

Today’s Word
Today’s Scripture
When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
Luke 19:5, NLT
He Knows Your Name

Zacchaeus had climbed a tree to get a glimpse of Jesus as He passed by. Amidst the waving, shouting crowd that had gathered to get His attention, Jesus suddenly stopped and looked up at Zacchaeus. Now all the eyes were on him. Zacchaeus thought, “Oh no! He knows I’m a crooked tax collector. He’s going to condemn me for cheating people.” But Jesus stunned him by saying, “Zacchaeus!” He thought, “How does He know my name?” Can I tell you that God knows your name? You may have never spoken to Him, but He’ll speak to you. He doesn’t hold your faults against you. No, He calls your name.

What’s significant is that the name Zacchaeus means “pure one.” Jesus could have called him “scum” as the crowd did, but He called his name, “Pure one!” He was not calling him who he was but who he could become. That was the turning point in his life. Zacchaeus quit being dishonest and started making decisions that honored God. Don’t go by what people call you; go by, and live by, what God calls you.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that You see beyond what I have been to what I can become, and You call me by name. Thank You that You call me forgiven, redeemed, a precious treasure, a masterpiece, and Your child. I declare that Your kindness and goodness has turned me from my sin. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

SECTION TWO


How were you first impacted by Jesus? Was it through the law or was it His grace in your life that touched your heart?

We all began our relationship with the Lord because we were impacted by His love and grace. Let us then continue in that grace.

Paul warned the Galatians against turning back to the law after beginning in grace. He said, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace [unmerited favor] of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (Gal. 1:6–7).

Paul takes this very seriously. He calls any gospel apart from the gospel of grace (God’s unmerited favor) a perversion. Attempting to be justified by the works of the Ten Commandments is a perversion of the gospel of Christ.

Paul asked the church in Galatia point-blank, “Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh [self-effort]?” (Gal. 3:2–3).

Paul was saying to them, “You began by believing in His grace, why are you now depending on your works? That is foolishness! You should be continuing in His unmerited favor!”

These are strong words by Paul. Don’t start with grace and end up with the law. Don’t start with the new covenant, only to turn back to the old covenant!

There are those who say that they are not justified by the law, but believe that they should keep the law for sanctification. My friend, both justification and sanctification come by our faith in Jesus’ finished work alone.

When you are established in the new covenant of grace, you will experience a tremendous sense of confidence and security in Christ. When your confidence is in His unmerited favor and not your performance, you will not feel as if you are constantly jumping in and out of His favor and acceptance.

It is unfortunate that some believers have put themselves back under the old covenant without realizing it. Sometimes, they feel that God is on their side, but at other times, they feel that God is far away from them. Sometimes, they feel that God is satisfied with them, but at other times, they feel that God is angry with them.

All these feelings are based predominantly on their own evaluation of how they have performed, how they feel about themselves, and not how God sees them. Because there is no new covenant scriptural basis for such evaluations, they end up arbitrarily deciding if they are deserving of God’s blessings and favor in their lives or not, when in fact, they actually have access to His blessings all the time, simply because of Jesus and His finished work at the cross.

Today, think, talk, and act knowing that it is not about you or your works—it is about Jesus and Him alone, and step out into His blessings for you!

LAGOS STATE COMMENCES ENFORCEMENT OF BAN ON CATEGORIES OF SINGLE USE PLASTICS.

PRESS RELEASE

WRITER: DICTA D D

The Lagos State Government has announced the immediate commencement of the enforcement of the ban on Single Use Plastics

Styrofoam Packs Waste

The Commissioner for the Environmental and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab who made this known during a press conference on commencement of the enforcement of the ban on Single Use Plastics held at the Ministry’s Conference Room insisted that there is no going back on the 1st of July 2025 set date for enforcement.

He stated that the State was very explicit on the ban of certain categories of single use plastics excluding pure water sachets and pet bottles as explained when the ban on styrofoam food containers was announced in January 2024

He added that if after 18 months moratorium, the producers have not been able to embrace alternatives to single use plastics, it simply means they have no intention of complying with the ban.

Wahab explained that by January 2025, after series of meetings and representations from concerned stakeholders which included (Manufacturers Association of Nigeria ( MAN) Restaurants and Food Services Proprietors Association of Nigeria ( RFSPAN) and (FBRA)Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance representatives) amongst others, the state gave another grace of 6 months which expired on first July

He said the state government took the bold decision to ban styrofoam food containers and single use plastics of less than 40 microns explaining that the decision was majorly because of the safety and well being of residents which the government will never compromise.

Tokunbo Wahab: Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Lagos State

According to The Commissioner, Lagos as a coastal state realises the enormous dangers that styrofoam packs & SUPs of less than 40 microns cause our drainage channels and ecosystem causing blockades and compelling government to channel funds that should be deployed for provision of other social services to clearing of debris from our drains

Plastic Waste In Drainage channel

The ban of single use plastics was first effected in Bangladesh in 2002 as well as in other major cities and as at 1st of August, 2019, such bans have been introduced in over 70 countries of the world with varying degrees of enforcement whilst 33 countries have imposed a charge per bag policy.

GAPS IN GLOBAL FUNDING: STAKEHOLDERS ADVOCATE FOR IMPROVED DOMESTIC SUPPORT

02/07/25

Writer : SHINA DANIEL

Major Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector have called for More collaboration through increased local funding to close the gap In Malaria, HIV And Tuberculosis Intervention with the dwindling foreign donations in recent times

They made this call On Tuesday first of July during the Opening of the 2025 retreat of the
Nigeria Country Coordinating Mechanism 2025 and 70th General Assembly in Lagos State with the theme “Partnering to improve health systems outcomes in an evolving global health financing landscape .

A Cross Section of Participants @ CCM Retreat & 7oth General Assembly In Lagos State

The retreat has in attendance  members of the National Assembly, The civil Society  Groups,other Partners who are expected to address the challenges,assess strengths and weaknesses of the current Grant implementation framework and propose actionable solutions for Improved performance in the next three days .

Cross Section Of Participants

The Global Fund supports Nigeria ‘s fight Against HIV ,Tuberculosis And Malaria by providing essential medicines, diagnostics tools, strengthening health systems through training and lots More

The recent withdrawal of United State and reduced allocation to Nigeria by the European government,a huge gap capable of eroding previous gains from the interventions .

In his Keynote Address, The Chairman House Committee on HIV/Aids, Tuberculosis And Malaria Control Honourable Amobi Godwin Ogah
commended the CCM Nigeria for inviting Members of the Nigerian Parliament to this annual CCM Nigeria retreat which marks a watershed in our advocacy for mutual collaboration and partnership that will ensure universal health care for our country, Nigeria

HON.AMOBI GODWIN OGAH: Chairman Senate Committee On HIV/Aids, Tuberculosis And Malaria Control

He noted that forum was a right step to the needed cooperation to drive increaseddomesticfundingforHealthcare for Nigerians

” This new collaborative effort between the legislature and CCM is borne as a result of the patriotic call by myself and the members of ATM Committee that Nigerians, who we represent must know how Global Fund resources are managed and disbursed to recipients, and that these recipients must equally be made to account for every kobo received in order to ensure better outcomes in the response against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Nigeria. Since these funds are meant for Nigeria, we in the Parliament has resolved that these funds must indeed be managed and disbursed by the constituted body responsible for its administration, that is the CCM Nigeria for effective and proper oversight of the fund and the recipients by the parliament”


“While I also commend CCM Nigeria for their commitment thus far in coordinating Global Fund resources, we in the Parliament believe that much needs to be done in the area of transparency and accountability. As the representatives of our people, the parliament has the mandate to oversight every money, be it foreign loans, grants, aids, donations or locally appropriated funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in the country. Therefore, I call on CCM Nigeria to provide the platform for effective oversight by Parliament on the recipients of Global Fund resources in Nigeria. I recall about one and half year ago when the committee decided to investigate what the recipients of Global Fund resources have done with the funds received. We were shocked to discover that some of these organizations do not have verifiable addresses while the entire process was met with a brick wall as they all kept passing the bulk.

I believe it is in the interest of CCM to open up their processes to the parliament as many Nigerians view their operations and activities as that of a secret coven.
Before now, I and the Committee of ATM have called at various forums for the mobilization of increased domestic funding for the response against public health threats in the country and for building capacity of our health care delivery and for resilient and sustainable systems for health and less dependence on foreign grants, like a lone voice in the wilderness. And today little did we know that the US Government will suspend their support to African health systems Which informed our advocacy for the Nigerian government to take the initiative in addressing the funding gaps that will arise from the actions of the US government.

We are happy to note that this advocacy resulted in the Nigerian government providing guaranteed funding of about 200 million US dollars for the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

I must say that the House committee on ATM is highly disappointed at the program managers of Malaria and HIV in the country as little or nothing is been done to address glaring inadequacies in the sector. Malaria continues to ravage and impoverish the teeming populace of our country and have reached epidemic proportions, yet we in the committee of ATM are not aware of what government is doing to redress this setback. We have called for the treatment of malaria to be made free at all primary health care centers across the country, while we moved a motion last year on the need to conduct a baseline survey of fake anti-malaria medicines in the six 6 geo-political zones of the country. That motion suffered serious setback because key malaria stakeholders did not deem it fit to collaborate with parliament in riding our country of fake and sub-standard malaria medicine.
However, the committee is proud of the robust partnership with TB stakeholders, who have shown a willingness and desire to engage with the parliament. Significant progress has been recorded in the area of Tuberculosis and I am proud of the great collaboration that was engendered by the various Tuberculosis stakeholders with the Parliament.

Honorable Amobi Urged stakeholders to ensure that they  do the best for Nigeria and Nigerians.

“We believe that what is what doing, is worth doing well, and we are going to hold every organ or agency under our purview accountable. It is therefore, incumbent on us as leaders to ensure utmost accountability and transparency in the disbursement of these funds to programs and organizations that will impact the lives of our impoverished constituents. We must also ensure strict adherence to establish guidelines and protocols for disbursement and also ensure that recipients of global fund resources are made to account for every kobo received.
I and my colleagues are curious to understand the workings of the CCM Nigeria in the area of management, disbursement and oversight of Global Fund resources for the country, because we believe these funds belong to Nigeria and CCM Nigeria is the management agency for the fund. This scenario is what this retreat is expected to unravel. I also want to re-echo the view “