#imostate

The aircraft was flying from Kaduna toward Port Harcourt but diverted to Owerri. During landing, it hit the runway, flipped over, and came to rest upside down. Four people were on board; all survived, though two were reported to be in critical condition.

Airport emergency services responded quickly, preventing fire and evacuating the occupants. Nigeria’s Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has opened an investigation to determine the cause.

A detailed breakdown of the incident, emergency response, and investigation process can be found here

Being poor can have severe consequences on one’s life, including: Limited access to basic needs like food, water, shelter, and healthcare. Reduced opportunities for education and personal growth. Increased stress and anxiety. Decreased self-esteem and confidence. Limited social mobility and opportunities. Increased vulnerability to exploitation and marginalization. Poor health outcomes and…

Global Updates

AHIARA DIOCESE WLCOMES AUXILIARY BISHOP – MGSR. NWOBI

The people of Mbaise have received with joy the newly appointed auxiliary Bishop, Msgr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi ahead of his Episcopal Ordination Tuesday 19th December, 2023 by the Archbishop of Owerri and the Metropolitan of Owerri Ecclesiae Province who is also the Ahiara Mbaise Apostolic Administrator, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji Archdiocese, Bishop Lucius Ugorji. Receiving the auxiliary bishop-elect to the Apostolic Administrator at Mater Ecclesiae Cathedral, Ahiara Mbaise, the Cahirman of the Episcopal Ordination and the Dean St. Cyril's Deanary Ahiazu Mbaise who also doubles as the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church Ogbe Ahiara, Fr. Celestine Ekennia said it was a day of joy and Mbaise nation welcomes him wholeheartedly. He recalled that from childhood, the auxiliary bishop has shown great zeal in serving in God's vineyard and expressed gratitude that God has deemed it fit to elevate him. Speaking, the former Diocesan Administrator, Msgr. Theo Nwalo remarked that the diocese started like the mustard seed and glorify God that it has become a very big congregation. The traditional ruler of Nnarambia Ahiara and the cathedral landlord eze, Eze (Dr.) Pius Onyekwere said he could not hide his joy that the dream has come true in his time and that Mbaise is agog and set as a family for the ordination. On his part, the traditional ruler of Eziama Oparanadim, community of the Bishop-elect Nwobi, Eze Louis Nwokeke thanked God for the choice of his kinsman, pointing out that it was a Christmas gift to Mbaise nation. He reaffirmed that just as the name of the new bishop sounds - 'Okezuo,' he will carry all along without discrimination or segregation. The Superior-General, Daughters of Providence for the deaf and dumb, Sister Mary-Clara Chidnma Onyeoziri said God has been gracious to Mbaise in the choice of Nwobi whom she described as humble and unassuming. Appreciating the people and those who came from far and wide for the reception, the Bishop-elect, Msgr. Nwobi said he was overwhelmed by the honour done him and applauded the diocesan Apostolic Administrator, Archbishop Ugorji for his support and guidance. He exalted Most Rev. Wilfred and Fr. Henry O. for coming from far away to join in episcopal ordination and prayed God for his divine blessings and protection. The new bishop urged people of Mbaise to work with one heart and co-operate for peace, progress and sustainable development, reminding all that God is the refuge and stronghold of the faithful. The event which attracted priests, religious, laities, traditional rulers, community leaders, catholic solidarities and other faith based organisations' members observed a solemn moment as the new bishop to went in to pray at the tomb of the pioneer late bishop, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Victor Chikwe. Meanwhile, as part of activities marking the Episcopal Ordination of the Auxiliary Bishop Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, the Novelty Football Match between Ahiara Diocesan Priests and Owerri Archdiocesan Priests at Sacred Heart Parish Nguru Centre has ended goalless just as gala night commenced immediately after at Mater Ecclesiae Ahiara Catholic Cathedral.

Anyanwu D.C. Ahiazu Mbaise LGA Sun-17-12-23.

THE GLOBE

Global Updates

ADVENT: BE MODEST, DON’T IMPERSONATE – FR. OPARA Do not think too high of yourself, be modest and do not claim whom you are not. Fr. George Opara of Holy Ghost Catholic Church Umuevu Okrikanweke Ahiazu Mbaise LGA gave the injunction in his homily marking the 3rd Sunday of Advent which coincided with the Harvest of Divine Favour: Family and Solidarity Harvest in the parish. Preaching on the theme: “Who are you?” the cleric noted that many like to place themselves higher than their status and stressed need to be humble, upright, firm and unbiased. He remarked that John the Baptist was sincere and truthful, and never lied about himself or claimed to be Christ or mightier than Christ. The clergyman observed with chagrin that many today would have bragged of whom they are, what they can do, the powers and authority they have but John was straight forward, simple and forthright. Fr. Opara bemoaned the craze for acquisition of titles that adds nothing to human righteousness and called for redress to minimize poverty, hardship, worries, anxieties, hypertension and other stress related diseases. In his text taking from John 1:6-8,19-28, Fr. Opara recounted: “When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask John the Baptist, ‘Who are you?’ he not only declared, but he declared quite openly, ‘I am not the Christ.’ ‘Well then,’ they asked ‘are you Elijah?’ ‘I am not’ he said. ‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We must take back an answer to those who sent us. What have you to say about yourself?’ So John said, ‘I am, as Isaiah prophesied: a voice that cries in the wilderness: Make a straight way for the Lord.’ Now these men had been sent by the Pharisees, and they put this further question to him, ‘Why are you baptising if you are not the Christ, and not Elijah, and not the prophet?’ John replied, ‘I baptise with water; but there stands among you – unknown to you – the one who is coming after me; and I am not fit to undo his sandal-strap.’” Continuing, he said: “We should fellow the example of John – humility. Shun personal aggrandisement. Do not pride. Do not claim what you are not. Do away with impersonation. Come down from your prestigious high standing and be yourself. Keep to your level. Do not boast. Do not exaggerate. Eschew flamboyance. Be simple and Frank. No candle lights itself. Somebody must testify for you. John testified for the light, Jesus Christ. Wherever we are, bear witness for Christ like John. It is important to be humble. If you bring yourself low, God will lift you up. Jesus said in ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:11‬ ‘Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.’ All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return (Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:20‬). We are preparing for Christmas – getting ready to welcome Christ. ‘Be happy at all times; pray constantly; and for all things give thanks to God, because this is what God expects you to do in Christ Jesus. Never try to suppress the Spirit or treat the gift of prophecy with contempt; think before you do anything – hold on to what is good and avoid every form of evil. May the God of peace make you perfect and holy; and may you all be kept safe and blameless, spirit, soul and body, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. God has called you and he will not fail you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 )’ Let your good works speak for you. Remember, you must render account of your stewardship on earth before God the creator.”

The First Reading was taken from Isaiah 61:1-2,10-11 “He has sent me to proclaim a year of favour from the Lord,” Responsorial Psalm – Luke 1:46-50,53-54 “My soul rejoices in my God,” Second Reading “1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 “May you all be kept safe for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Gospel Acclamation Isaiah 61:1 (Luke 4:18) “Alleluia, alleluia! “The spirit of the Lord has been given to me. He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor. Alleluia!” Gospel – John 1:6-8,19-28 “There stands among you the one coming after me.”

Anyanwu D.C. Ahiazu Mbaise LGA Sun-17-12-23