News
Shrove Tuesday Celebrated At Our Lady’s Parish In Kaduna
By Amina Anebi, Kaduna
Over two hundred worshippers gathered at Our Lady’s Parish Independence in Kaduna to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, marking the end of the pre-Lenten season with traditional observances, including confessions, the burning of Holy Week palms, and acts of charity.
Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, precedes Ash Wednesday and signals the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and spiritual reflection observed by many Christian denominations. The term “Shrove” comes from the old English word “shrive,” meaning absolution following confession.
The celebration in Kaduna was led by the Kaduna North Dean and Parish Priest, Very Reverend Father Anthony Okelue, who urged the faithful to embrace the spirit of repentance and charity.
“I urge you all to come closer to God as we embark on 40 days of prayer and fasting. By reflecting on our wrongdoings, we should celebrate with those who have less. That is the essence of this day—giving to the less privileged,” Father Okelue said.
Shrove Tuesday is widely observed by Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Western-Rite Orthodox Christians, and Roman Catholics. The day is traditionally marked by self-examination, repentance, and preparation for the solemn season of Lent.
One of the most recognisable customs associated with Shrove Tuesday is the eating of pancakes, a practice rooted in the need to use up rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period begins. Church bells are also rung to remind people to repent before Lent.
In many Christian traditions, churches burn the palms distributed on the previous year’s Palm Sunday to prepare the ashes used for Ash Wednesday services. Elsewhere, in countries where Shrove Tuesday is known as Mardi Gras, the day is celebrated with carnivals and feasts before the fasting period begins.
The Roman Catholic Church also marks Shrove Tuesday with the Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus, a devotion reflecting on the suffering of Christ.
Father Okelue encouraged worshippers to see Lent as an opportunity for spiritual renewal. “This is a time for reflection, prayer, and giving. Let us approach it with sincerity and a heart for others,” he said.
As the faithful in Kaduna observed this centuries-old tradition, the emphasis remained on confession, repentance, and charity—values that define the essence of Shrove Tuesday.
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda and the Director, Development Control, Galadima Muktar, to appear before it on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Both are to explain why the development of an unnamed property, which is said to be objectionable, is allowed to continue despite glaring signs of distorting the Federal Capital Territory’s building codes.
In a petition to the House calling for swift action to halt the trend on Wednesday, Samuel Ajayi, a private citizen, claims that allowing the building to go on will distort the Federal Capital Territory masterplan.
The house is said to be located in the Gusape Cadastral zone of the FCT.
Reacting to the petition, the Chairman of the Committee, Mike Etaba directed that both the Executive Secretary of FCDA and Director of Development Control should appear before the Committee to sort out the issue.
“At this point, it is a complaint until we establish the facts therein. Every Nigerian’s voice must be heard, while all public officers must be made accountable. We shall ensure a fair hearing for all the parties,” Etaba assured.
In a related development, the Committee has summoned the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, to appear in person before it on Tuesday to explain the circumstances surrounding an abandoned contract for the construction of Okpai shoreline protection and landing jetty in Delta state.
This is sequel to a petition by Lynpat Solicitors against Orbit Marine and Energy Services Limited for abandoning the project.
“NDDC holds the key to this case, and the MD must come in person to clear the air. If he fails as he had done before, we’ll take further actions against them,” Etaba warned.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Jaba Youth Forum, a prominent tribal association in Karu Local Government, Nasarawa State, proudly extended its heartfelt congratulations to Hon. Abubakar Aliyu Madaki following his election as Chairman of Karu Local Government Council.
The delegation, comprising executive members and representatives from all 11 electoral wards, visited the chairman’s office in Karu to express their support and commitment to his administration.
During the visit, Hon. Madaki expressed his gratitude for the association’s gesture, acknowledging the significant presence of the Jaba community in various parts of Karu, including Gunduma, Anguwan Jaba Panda, Ang/Wayo and other Jaba communities. He assured them of his unwavering support and pledged to nurture a strong relationship with the group.
“The Jaba community plays a vital role in the development of Karu Local Government. Your support is deeply appreciated, and I promise that this partnership will be valued and strengthened. We are one family,” Hon. Madaki affirmed.
Speaking further, Hon. Madaki took the opportunity to commend the efforts of Hon. Bawa Rabo Enam, the former Revenue Chairman of Karu Local Government. He acknowledged Bawa Rabo’s influence and contributions, not just in Karu or Nasarawa State, but across Nigeria.
“Bawa Rabo is a highly respected figure whose contributions cannot be overlooked. His impact is widely recognised, and we cherish his role in our community,” Hon. Madaki stated.
He also offered prayers for Hon. Bawa Rabo’s continued success in his political career, emphasising the importance of democratic rights and fair representation for all citizens.
Addressing the Jaba Youth Forum, Hon. Madaki encouraged the group to uphold their reputation as law-abiding and peaceful citizens. He urged them to avoid divisions based on tribal or religious differences, stressing the need for unity in fostering local and state development.
“For Karu and Nasarawa State to progress, we must rise above ethnic and religious politics. Our focus should be on the collective growth and prosperity of our people,” he urged.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Mr. Victor Tanko, the President of the Jaba Youth Forum, expressed deep appreciation to Hon. Madaki for granting the Association an audience despite his busy schedule.
“We are truly grateful for this opportunity to meet with you, Sir. Your time and attention mean a lot to us,” Mr. Tanko said.
He also commended the chairman for his achievements in tackling traffic congestion along the Masaka-Maraba road. According to him, the significant reduction in gridlock is a testament to Hon. Madaki’s proactive and effective leadership.
Mr. Tanko reassured Hon. Madaki of the forum’s commitment to supporting his administration. He pledged that the Jaba Youth Forum would collaborate with his government throughout his tenure and beyond, working together to ensure progress for the people of Karu.
“The entire Jaba youth community in Karu Local Government formally congratulates you once again on your well-deserved victory,” he added.
Lastly, Mrs. Felicia Jacob, a member of the forum, offered prayers for Hon. Madaki’s success in office. She also took the opportunity to advocate for the inclusion of women in his administration.
“Women should not be left behind. We request more opportunities for women in governance to ensure balanced development,” she urged.
The meeting concluded on a high note, with a shared commitment to unity, development, and continued collaboration between the Jaba Youths and Hon. Madaki’s administration.
A building under construction at Oriwu Street in the Lekki Phase 1 area of Lagos State has collapsed, trapping several people under the rubble.
The state police command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the incident happened at about 4 pm.
Hundeyin added that 14 persons had been rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital for medical attention.
He wrote, “Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have been mobilised to the scene of the collapse of a building under construction at Oriwu Street, Lekki Phase 1 which occurred at about 1600hrs today.
“A total of 14 persons have so far been rescued and taken to Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment.
“Meanwhile, operatives of the Command remain on ground to provide security for the ongoing rescue operation.”
Details later…