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COVID-19 lockdown: Livelihood Is As Important as Lives, NGIJ tells FG

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BUHARI CONGRATULATES FBN ON 40 YEARS OF CROSS-BORDER BANKING IN UK

By Ifeoma ikem

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists on Wednesday tasked the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government to stretch further and expand palliative measures putting into consideration the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on a vast majority of poor Nigerians, especially in cities.

The Guild maintained that livelihood was as important as lives, as poverty and hunger can drive people into vices that may terminate their lives.

Mr Israel Bolaji, NGIJ Vice President, Information and Strategy, said this in a statement released to the media on Wednesday.

Bolaji said a statement from the Federal Government indicating that Nigerians with over #5000 in bank account and those who buy over #200 recharge cards will not be assisted should be revisited.

The Guild described measures set in place so far, by the government, towards assuaging the economic effects of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, as sparse and inadequate.

Bolaji said, “Before the coronavirus pandemic and the eventual lockdown, Nigerians especially the urban poor struggle to eke a decent living, with multiple statistics indicating abject poverty in the cities.

Even the average mid-income earners can not afford anything beyond the very basic, at most, as the increasingly high cost of living, sadly, accords a very low purchasing power to a decent sum.

Practically speaking, what can #5000 do when averagely the PHCN and water bills, family feeding, children school fees, transportation and accommodation at the very lowest gulp over #100,000 monthly in the city?

With #5000 in your bank account in a city like Lagos or Abuja, how can a family of five feed for more than a week, and that excludes all other essential bills.

According to Bolaji, now that the right of poor Nigerians to fend for themselves had been taken away by the Federal Government due to the lockdown, it therefore, becomes the responsibility of Government to help out with more people and not just a disputed few.

He appealed to governments at all levels to remember to protect livelihoods of the people and not just lives, as the nation fights hard to curtail the spread of the pandemic.

He expressed disdain to the fact that though billions of naira had been donated to Nigeria, from both local and international philanthropists and bodies, towards easing the strain caused by the lockdown and the pandemic as a whole, very little economic support has been offered to the people.

Bolaji argued further that the federal and state governments had allegedly made more money from the Coronavirus pandemic donations, than any other country in Africa, and despite this money, Nigerians are allegedly lacking the basic amenities that support general wellness.

He said, “You can’t even begin to imagine the plight of Nigerians, who have been observing the lockdown for weeks now, with increased prices of food commodities, inadequate preparations, and very little input from the government.

“Though many Nigerians have cried out on social media, about hunger, increase in food commodities price, electricity, and water challenges, in this time, their cries seem to have fallen on deaf ears. Can you imagine?”

“We call on the Nigeria Government to assist Nigerians financially, nationwide, no matter how small even if they have to cut down on other ostentatious expenditures.”

“Globally, hunger and hunger-related diseases like kwashiorkor and tuberculosis kill about 8.4million people every year and so there is more pandemic when it comes to hunger

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Mum Saved My Destiny!’ – Gospel Star Frank Edwards Remembers How His Mother Stopped Him from Signing $320,000 Deal

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Mum Saved My Destiny!' – Gospel Star Frank Edwards Remembers How His Mother Stopped Him from Signing $320,000 Deal

‘Mum Saved My Destiny!’ – Gospel Star Frank Edwards Remembers How His Mother Stopped Him from Signing $320,000 Deal

Renowned gospel singer Frank Edwards has taken to social media to honor his mother on Mother’s Day, sharing a powerful story of how she saved him from what could have been a career-altering mistake. Edwards, now a global gospel sensation, revealed how his mother’s wisdom and spiritual foresight prevented him from signing a $320,000 (now worth N492 million) music contract that would have cost him control over his entire catalogue.

Reflecting on the defining moment in his career, Edwards recalled being offered the lucrative deal by a music group eager to acquire the rights to his work. As a young and ambitious artist, the financial offer was tempting, but his mother saw what he could not. Despite having initially supported his music career by giving him N150,000 to set up his studio, she took drastic steps to ensure he did not sign the contract.

“The very first time in my life years ago, I was to close a $320,000 deal from a group that wanted to almost own my entire catalogue. You said NO! And I quote you: ‘The 150,000 naira I gave you to start that studio is bigger than that money, just give it time. They are not of God,’” Edwards wrote.

In a shocking revelation, the gospel star admitted that his mother went as far as seizing his international passport to stop him from traveling abroad to finalize the agreement.

“In fact, you took my international passport away from me just to ensure I don’t travel to close that deal. I was laughing because I didn’t need to travel to close it, but then I listened to you. After you said that, I was thinking, ‘How is 150,000 Naira bigger than $320,000?’”

Years later, Edwards now fully understands the wisdom behind his mother’s decision, acknowledging that her unwavering faith and guidance set him on the right path.

“Now I understand. There is so much to say! But like I said, this space is not enough! Happy Mother’s Day, mum!!! Thank you for everything. Thank you for an impenetrable wall of fire! Thank you for always telling me the mind of God about the things I’m doing. None of your words fell to the ground because you truly hear from God,” he wrote.

Today, Edwards stands as one of the biggest gospel artists in Africa, with full control over his music and a flourishing career. His testimony serves as a reminder of the power of a mother’s love, wisdom, and divine guidance.

Fans and fellow celebrities have since flooded his post with praises and admiration for his mother’s discernment, emphasizing the importance of spiritual direction in the entertainment industry. Many have also hailed Edwards for honoring his mother’s sacrifices, proving that sometimes, faith and patience lead to far greater rewards than instant gratification.

 

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GRACE EFOBI: FROM CHOIR STAR TO GLOBAL GOSPEL SENSATION! 

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GRACE EFOBI: FROM CHOIR STAR TO GLOBAL GOSPEL SENSATION! 

Nigerian-UK Worship Powerhouse Celebrates 15 Years in Music, Promotes New Hit ‘Jigidem,’ and Gears Up for April 2025 Release!

 

Grace Efobi, the UK-based Nigerian contemporary gospel artist, has continued to soar in the global gospel music scene, marking 15 years of professional music ministry with an unwavering passion for God’s kingdom. Born and raised in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, her journey began in the church choir, where her voice first captivated hearts. Today, she stands as a seasoned recording artist with 10 powerful tracks to her name.

 ‘JIGIDEM’ TAKES CENTER STAGE! 

Efobi’s latest release, Jigidem, is making waves across digital platforms, blessing listeners with its soul-stirring melodies. Featuring the sensational Rheta Ritche Jacobs, the song is a divine anthem of hope, faith, and strength in God.

 NEW MUSIC ALERT: ‘YOU REIGN’ DROPS APRIL 2025!

As she continues her remarkable journey, Efobi is set to release a brand-new single, ‘YOU REIGN,’ in April 2025. The song is a powerful declaration of God’s supremacy, the resurrection of Christ, and His infinite greatness. With her signature heartfelt delivery and lyrical depth, You Reign promises to be a worship anthem for generations.

A WOMAN OF IMPACT

Beyond the music, Grace Efobi is a devoted wife, mother, and proud grandmother, balancing her family life with an unshakable commitment to spreading the gospel through music. Her unwavering faith and dedication continue to inspire many across the globe.

💬 Stay connected with Grace Efobi:
📌 Instagram: @graceefobi
📌 Facebook: @graceefobi
📌 TikTok: @graceefobi
📌 YouTube: @gefobi7@googlemail.com

With her voice as a vessel of worship, Grace Efobi’s legacy in gospel music is only getting stronger! 

#GraceEfobi #Jigidem #YouReign #GospelMusic #WorshipAnthem #KingdomSound

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‘I Cry Because of the Burdens People Carry’ – Pastor Jerry Eze Opens Up on Emotional Prayer Sessions

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‘I Cry Because of the Burdens People Carry’ – Pastor Jerry Eze Opens Up on Emotional Prayer Sessions

‘I Cry Because of the Burdens People Carry’ – Pastor Jerry Eze Opens Up on Emotional Prayer Sessions

Renowned Nigerian televangelist and founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, has revealed the deep emotional weight behind his tearful prayer sessions, sparking conversations among his followers.

Speaking during an interview to mark the fifth anniversary of his popular online prayer platform, NSPPD (New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations), Pastor Eze explained that his tears are not mere theatrics but a reflection of his overwhelming compassion for the countless people who seek divine intervention.

“The Bible says we do not have a high priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities,” he stated. “I have always known myself to be a very compassionate person, and coming into ministry, I realized that compassion is an inevitable tool for the miraculous.”

According to him, his inbox is flooded daily with heartbreaking messages from people facing unimaginable hardships, making it impossible for him to remain indifferent. He recounted a particularly devastating story: “How do you make this kind of prayer? You see a woman who lost her husband, tried to remarry, lost the second one, and after everything, tried to marry a third time only to lose him too. How do you not feel that?”

Pastor Jerry Eze’s tearful prayers have become a signature aspect of his ministry, drawing millions to his online services. His explanation has further solidified his reputation as a pastor deeply moved by the struggles of his congregation, with many testifying to miraculous turnarounds after his intercessions.

While some critics have questioned his emotional displays, his followers see them as a sign of genuine empathy and spiritual burden. As NSPPD continues to grow globally, Pastor Eze remains committed to his calling, declaring, “What God cannot do does not exist!”

 

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