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  • Nigeria’s Spiritual Leader, Olumba Obu Appoints Envoys To Russia, Venezuela, 105 Others

    Nigeria’s Spiritual Leader, Olumba Obu Appoints Envoys To Russia, Venezuela, 105 Others

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    The spiritual leader of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, has appointed 107 envoys to various countries, including Russia, Venezuela, DR Congo, as part of efforts to preach peace and expand the global presence of the faith.
    The appointments, which include postings to several conflict-prone and strategic nations, come ahead of the silver jubilee of His coronation as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, scheduled to hold in April 2026 at the world headquarters of the church in Calabar, Cross River State.
    Sources close to the BCS leadership said the appointments were announced last Sunday during a well-attended gathering of faithful, guests and dignitaries, where the spiritual leader personally reeled out the names and destinations of the pastoral envoys.
    Many of those appointed are described as accomplished professionals, including academicians, senior clergymen, legal practitioners, bankers, politicians, medical experts and business leaders, selected to strengthen both the spiritual and administrative structures of the church abroad.
    Among those posted to Russia are a former Rivers State Commissioner for Transport and businessman, Mr Ibinabo Michael West, who will serve as National Administrator, while Justice Osai Ahiakwo, a legal practitioner and public affairs analyst, is appointed Bishop of Russia.
    Professor Bassey Eyo Bassey of University of Calabar has been assigned to Venezuela, while a former Cross River State Commissioner for Tourism, Archbishop (Ntufam) Ekpenyong Iso, will serve in Poland.
    Female vicars were also included in the postings. London-based Ronke Aluko was assigned to Botswana, MCS Imaobong Umoh to Argentina, while Her Eminence Lovina Umo-Effa, a noted politician, will serve in Algeria, reflecting what the church described as an inclusive leadership approach. Amongst many other women priest is a Ghanaian legal practitioner, Edith Mensa posted to Morocco as National Administrator.
    According to church sources, the deployment of the envoys aligns with Olumba Obu’s role as head of the Unified Universal Theocratic Council and is strictly spiritual in nature, with no political undertone.
    The mission, they said, is to preach peace, evangelise and promote unity across nations.
    An official of the church, Apostle Alexander Effiong, explained that 60 of the appointees will function as National Administrators, while the remaining 47 will serve as Bishops in their respective countries.
    He described the move as divinely inspired and critical to global harmony.
    Addressing the envoys in Calabar, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu charged them to respect the laws of their host countries, establish the church formally and focus on soul-winning by emphasizing on peace and forgiveness. He urged them not to be discouraged by financial or logistical challenges, assuring them that divine provision would accompany their assignments.
    Archbishop Fidelis Onah who is posted to Central African Republic said, “I have already made findings about logistics, economy, security, and other issues about the country. I will soon establish contact with our embassy there..”
    Founded in 1956 in Calabar, the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star has grown from what adherents describe as “a mustard seed” into a global spiritual movement with a membership said to exceed two million, and with major cathedrals in cities such as Rochester and Dallas in the United States, London, and parts of South Africa, while innumerable worship places dot all South South, Southeast, Southwest, Abuja and
  • Over 100 soldiers’ widows, othersbenefit from military health outreach in Calabar

    Over 100 soldiers’ widows, othersbenefit from military health outreach in Calabar

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    More than 100 persons, including widows of fallen soldiers, benefited from a free medical outreach organised by the Nigerian military as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) in Calabar, Cross River State.
    The outreach took place at the Millennium Park, Calabar, venue of the traditional military parade and the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
    Dressed in black attire, the widows and other beneficiaries were screened for various ailments and provided with free drugs, while those requiring further care were referred to military medical facilities for specialised attention.
    Many of the widows expressed appreciation for the introduction of the medical outreach, describing it as a thoughtful intervention that helped ease the burden of medical expenses and the stress of accessing hospital services.
    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Helen Effiom, whose husband, a Staff Sergeant, was killed during a Boko Haram operation in Borno State five years ago, said life had been extremely challenging since his death, especially as she struggles to raise four children alone.
    A medical officer from the Nigerian Navy Medical Unit, Sub-Lieutenant Akpan, said the beneficiaries were screened for tuberculosis, malaria, high blood pressure and eye-related conditions, all at no cost.
    According to him, those with serious health issues were referred to military health facilities for further evaluation and treatment.
    Earlier, Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, alongside the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Akon Ikpeme, laid wreaths at the Cenotaph in honour of fallen heroes.
    Otu assured that his government will continue to extend welfare supports to members of the legionnaires as well as the hose still serving.
    Also present at the ceremony were service commanders in the state, the Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers’ Council, religious leaders, top government officials, and members of the Nigerian Legion.
  • Kano Govt Vows Sanctions Over Scissor Left In Woman’s Body

    Kano Govt Vows Sanctions Over Scissor Left In Woman’s Body

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    The Kano State Government has assured that any surgeon found culpable in the death of Aishatu Umar, in whose body a surgical scissors was allegedly left after an operation, will be sanctioned accordingly.
    The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, Dr Mansur Mudi Nagoda, gave the assurance while confirming that a full investigation had been ordered into the incident involving the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, Kano.
    Aishatu Umar reportedly died in the early hours of Monday, around 1:00 a.m., months after undergoing surgery at the facility. Her husband, Abubakar Muhammad, said she fell ill several months ago and underwent surgery at the urology centre in September.
    According to him, his wife began experiencing persistent and severe abdominal pain shortly after the operation. He alleged that despite repeated visits to the hospital to complain, she was repeatedly given pain-relief medication without further medical investigation.
    Muhammad said no X-ray or scan was recommended, as doctors reportedly told her the pain was a normal post-surgical experience. He added that the pain persisted for about four months.
    He said she was later taken to Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital and subsequently Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where tests and scans were eventually conducted. According to the family, the results revealed that a pair of surgical scissors had allegedly been left inside her abdomen during the September operation.
    Efforts were reportedly underway to conduct a corrective surgery to remove the object, but Aishatu Umar died before the procedure could be carried out. The husband has since accused the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre of gross medical negligence.
    Describing the incident as devastating, Muhammad said the family was deeply troubled by what he called a grave professional lapse, and called on the state government and relevant regulatory bodies to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.
    Reacting, Dr Nagoda said the Hospitals Management Board had ordered an immediate, transparent and impartial investigation to ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding the case, assuring that appropriate action would be taken if negligence is established.
    As of the time of filing this report, the management of the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre had not issued an official response to the allegations. The deceased is survived by her husband and five children.

  • Sweden-Based Akwa Ibom Philanthropist Marks Parents’ 30th Anniversary with Massive Community Outreach

    Sweden-Based Akwa Ibom Philanthropist Marks Parents’ 30th Anniversary with Massive Community Outreach

    By Eyo Charles
    Several communities in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have benefited from a large-scale humanitarian outreach organised by Sweden-based philanthropist, Mrs Gloria Eseme Veigurs, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the death of her late parents.
    Mrs Veigurs, who hails from Ikot Isong village in Etinan LGA, has lived in Sweden for over 35 years, where she is married to a Swedish national and blessed with children.
    Despite her long stay abroad, she has continued to maintain strong ties with her roots through regular community and humanitarian interventions.
    The latest outreach, held in her home community, featured the distribution of assorted gifts and empowerment items to individuals and groups across Etinan and neighbouring areas, as part of activities marking the remembrance of her parents.
    According to Mrs Veigurs, she initially planned to empower 30 beneficiaries in December 2025, in line with the 30-year memorial of her parents.
    However, news of her homecoming attracted a much larger crowd than anticipated, prompting an expansion of the exercise to accommodate more beneficiaries.
    “I felt that uplifting the lives of at least 30 persons with durable gifts would be meaningful, although I have been doing similar things before now,” she said. “The turnout exceeded our expectations, but we still ensured that everyone went home happy.”
    She explained that several container loads of clothing, footwear, bags, household appliances and electronic devices were shipped from Sweden, cleared at Nigerian ports and transported to Ikot Isong village for distribution.
    In all, over 107 trunk boxes of assorted items were shared, with additional consignments still expected from Lagos.
    Two beneficiaries, Mr Akpan John, 59, and Mrs Etido Etuk, 60, expressed gratitude to Mrs Veigurs for her generosity.
    Akpan said the gifts of clothing and shoes would be cherished for long, while praying for God’s continued blessings upon her life and family.
    Similarly, Mrs Etuk described the outreach as a source of renewed joy. “This Christmas and New Year have brought happiness to me and many others. She has not forgotten where she comes from, despite being well-established in Sweden,” she said.
    Commending the gesture, the head of Ekpuk Nung Anwanga in Ikot Isong, Chief Eto Sampson, praised Mrs Veigurs for returning home after decades abroad to honour her parents.
    He described the initiative as evidence of good upbringing and invoked blessings on her for remembering her people with such an array of gifts.
    Mrs Veigurs, her husband, children and grandchildren are now back to Sweden after spending nearly one month mostly in Etinan, Nigeria.
    .
  • Truck Ploughs Into Bystanders, skills 12 On Abuja-Lokoja Highway

    Truck Ploughs Into Bystanders, skills 12 On Abuja-Lokoja Highway

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    No fewer than 12 persons were killed on Sunday when a speeding truck rammed into bystanders at Gada-Biyu village along the Abuja–Lokoja highway.

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Felix Theman, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview yesterday.q

    Theman said the crash, which occurred at about 11:47 a.m., involved a truck fully loaded with coal coming from the Lokoja axis, as well as three other vehicles — an 18-seater Sharon bus and two Volkswagen Golf cars.

    According to him, the truck, allegedly travelling at high speed, suddenly lost control and veered off the road, crashing into bystanders who were waiting by the roadside to board vehicles.

    He said 12 persons died on the spot, comprising four adult males, two adult females, four male children and two female children. Many of the victims, he added, were residents of Gada-Biyu.

    Three other persons sustained varying degrees of injury in the affected vehicles and were promptly rescued to Abaji General Hospital for medical treatment.

    The FRSC commander disclosed that the truck driver and his conductor fled the scene immediately after the crash, apparently to avoid being attacked by an angry crowd.

    He said the corpses of the deceased had since been released to their families for burial at Gada-Biyu, attributing the crash to excessive speed, loss of control and dangerous driving.

    Theman further revealed that the sector command would engage the management of the transport company involved, noting that this was the second reported accident linked to the same truck on the Abuja–Lokoja highway.

    He added that the Yangoji Unit Command of the FRSC had been directed to relocate roadside passenger-loading points at Gada-Biyu to safer locations to prevent a recurrence.

     

  • Frequent Flyers Association Raises Alarm Over Alleged Baggage Theft on Ethiopian Airlines Kano Route

    Frequent Flyers Association Raises Alarm Over Alleged Baggage Theft on Ethiopian Airlines Kano Route

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    The Frequent Flyers Association has raised alarm over what it described as persistent incidents of missing, tampered with and stolen baggage involving passengers flying Ethiopian Airlines to Kano, Nigeria.
    In a statement issued in Kano on Monday, the association said the incidents were most prevalent on flights transiting through Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Airlines’ main hub, and had affected its members over an extended period.
    According to the group, both hand luggage and checked baggage belonging to frequent and loyal passengers have repeatedly arrived short-landed or with valuable contents missing, leading to heavy financial losses and emotional distress.
    The association noted that traders were among the worst hit, as many rely on Ethiopian Airlines for the timely and secure movement of goods critical to their livelihoods, which have now been severely disrupted.
    It lamented that despite several formal complaints lodged with the airline through different channels, no effective or lasting corrective measures have been put in place, adding that the situation has continued to deteriorate.
    The group said the recurring nature of the incidents had raised strong suspicions that some individuals within the baggage handling chain may be deliberately exploiting loopholes to steal passengers’ belongings.
    Describing the trend as unacceptable, the association said the alleged negligence amounted to a serious breach of international aviation standards on the protection of passenger property and a failure of Ethiopian Airlines’ duty of care.
    The association called on the management of Ethiopian Airlines to immediately institute a transparent investigation into the matter, while urging relevant aviation regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies to intervene urgently.
    It warned that failure to take decisive action would compel the group to escalate the issue to international aviation bodies and draw global attention to the experiences of passengers travelling on the Kano route, while demanding accountability and compensation for affected travellers.

  • Saraki To Chair 23rd Daily Trust Dialogue as Olubadan Serves As Special Guest

    Saraki To Chair 23rd Daily Trust Dialogue as Olubadan Serves As Special Guest

     

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, will chair the 23rd edition of the Daily Trust Dialogue, scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja.

    The organisers, Media Trust Group, said the annual high-level forum will this year interrogate the theme, “Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: What is Working and What is Not,” against the backdrop of over two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999.

    A statement signed by the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed I. Shekarau, disclosed that Saraki, a former two-term governor of Kwara State, has accepted to preside over the dialogue, bringing to bear his extensive experience in governance, legislation and public policy.

    Saraki served as governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011, represented Kwara Central Senatorial District from 2011 to 2019, and was President of the Senate between 2015 and 2019, making him one of the most influential political figures of the Fourth Republic.

    Before venturing fully into politics, the Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin trained and practised briefly as a medical doctor in the United Kingdom, having obtained his MBBS degree from the London Hospital Medical College, University of London, in 1987, and worked at Rush Green Hospital, Essex.

    He later transitioned into banking and public finance, serving as a director of the defunct Société Générale Bank before his appointment in 2000 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo as Special Assistant on Budget.

    The statement further announced that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, will attend the event as Special Guest of Honour, adding traditional authority and statesmanship to the dialogue.

    Oba Ladoja, who was crowned the 44th Olubadan in September 2025, previously served as governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007, and represented Oyo South Senatorial District during the short-lived Third Republic from 1992 to 1993.

    A graduate of chemical engineering from the University of Liège, Belgium, the monarch also boasts a long private-sector career, having worked for over a decade with Total Nigeria before investing in shipping, manufacturing, banking, agriculture and transportation.

    Media Trust Group noted that the 23rd Daily Trust Dialogue will be a multi-layered engagement, preceded by a countdown featuring special production, publication and broadcast of curated content reflecting defining moments of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

    The forum is expected to draw political leaders, policymakers, academics, professionals, industry players and other stakeholders from within and outside government to dissect governance outcomes and democratic performance since 1999.

    Organisers also confirmed that the event is open to members of the public, in keeping with the Dialogue’s tradition as a platform for inclusive and robust national conversation.

    Established in 2004, the Daily Trust Dialogue has, over the years, hosted eminent Nigerian and African leaders, and remains Media Trust Group’s flagship contribution to policy discourse, democratic deepening and sustainable socio-political and economic development in Nigeria and across Africa.

  • Ngwu Heads Journalism and Media Studies

    Ngwu Heads Journalism and Media Studies

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    Dr. Ukam Ivi Ngwu, formerly of the Cross River State University is now the acting Head, Department of Journalism and Media Studies in the Faculty of Communications and Media studies in the University of Calabar.
    This follows the a letter of appointment signed by the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, confirming his appointment.
    The appointment is for a period of two years at the first instance with effect from 1st January, 2026 to 31st December, 2027.
    By the appointment, Dr. Ngwu is expected to discharge his duties diligently by effectively administering the department to ensure optimal productivity.
    The release also states that the Prof. Offiong administration will not hesitate to sanction any Head of Department who fails to turn in results within the given time line or who breaches University regulation.
  • Emirate warns female against bearing titles

    Emirate warns female against bearing titles

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    The Zazzau Emirate Council has cautioned women dignitaries in Kaduna State against bearing unapproved titles.
    In a statement, signed and issued by Abdullahi Aliyu Kwarbai, Media and Publicity Officer of the emirate, approval must be obtained from the Emirate by those that intend to confer any titles on women.
    The statement stressed that the council will henceforth not condone such act.
    “By this notice, the Emirate wishes to call on women parading with titles bearing the name of Zazzau Emirate to henceforth stop doing so.” It cautioned.
    The Zazzau emirate frowned at the unofficial use of traditional titles associated with the name of the emirate.
    They disclosed that the only title they recognized is Jagqban Matan Zazzau, and only  Hajiya Maryam Abdullahi Aliyu was turbaned as such by the Late Emir Alhaji Shehu Idris, according to the statement.
  • How Thunder Directed At His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu in 34 Ambo Bowed – Omini

    How Thunder Directed At His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu in 34 Ambo Bowed – Omini

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    Over the years, followers and adherents of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star have recounted countless extraordinary manifestations attributed to Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, whom they revere as a supreme spiritual authority. These accounts, often shared by both adherents and non-adherents, describe what they consider evidence of His supernatural and all-pervading nature.

    Devotees claim that influential figures who themselves are spiritual authorities from the Far East, Near East, the West and beyond have, at different times, have acknowledged His authority, some reportedly declaring Him their spiritual Head.

    One such account was recently recalled by Patriarch Christ Shepherd Innocent Omini, a ranking member of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, First Heavenly Order. Omini, who served closely with Leader Olumba Olumba Obu for several years, narrated an incident he said occurred at No. 34 Ambo Street, Calabar, Nigeria.

    According to Omini, the incident followed a visit by three prominent traditional rulers in Calabar who had come with their aides to seek spiritual intervention over a long-standing traditional dispute that had made peace elusive among their communities.

    “They were ushered into the presence of the Sole Spiritual Head of the Universe,” Omini recalled.

    “At the time, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu was present, kneeling before His Father.”

    After the monarchs presented their plea, Omini said Leader Olumba Olumba Obu spoke briefly and directed them to meet His Son, stating that He was the One who would grant peace.

    The delegation, he noted, appeared uncomfortable with the instruction, reportedly unsettled by the fact that the Son was physically much younger than they were and perhaps doubting His spiritual stature.

    Nevertheless, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu scheduled a meeting for 3:00 p.m. the following day, which the traditional rulers agreed to attend.

    At the appointed time, His Holiness was reportedly waiting for them. Instead of proceeding to a conference room, He requested that they first return to thank the Father for the restoration of peace.

    Some of the chiefs reportedly questioned the request, noting that they had only just met the Father the previous day and had not yet discussed the peace process. Despite their reservations, they followed Him back to the vestry.

    Omini claimed that as soon as they left the initial spot, a violent thunderstorm suddenly hovered over the area, missing its target. The thunder reportedly moved toward No. 39 Ambo Street, a three-storey building where His Holiness once lived with other brethren, before returning to the vestry where the monarchs stood. At that point, the thunder abruptly ceased.

    Leader Olumba Olumba Obu was said to have turned to the monarchs and exclaimed in Efik language, “Odudu!” — meaning Power.

    After the incident, His Holiness reportedly declared to the traditional rulers that peace had been restored among them, describing it as “overflowing peace.”

    The account remains one of many testimonies shared by adherents, who view such events as affirmations of divine authority and spiritual power.