PURE RELIGION: GOD'S EXPECTATION FROM MAN

Whoever is determined to live his life beyond the status of a nominal religious person must understand the scope and depth of pure religion. As written in James 1:27 - 28, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God is this: To look after orphans and widows in their distress and keep oneself unstained by the world." In other words, pure religion means showing empathy  over the distress of those in need, and keeping-off anything that is tantamount to corruption. It is love in action for the common good.

He that loves is in the pure religion's equation hence the command, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself." (Deuteronomy 6:5; Luke 10: 27, NIV).

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4 - 7, NIV). In other words, love is virtuous, and there is no corruption in it.

Love springs, primarily, from Holy Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22 - 23). It is these fruits of the Holy Spirit that facilitate transformation and keep a person from conforming to the pattern (corruption) of this world which the Bible cautioned against, saying: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2, NIV).

Pure religion is understanding what God's perfect will which is rooted in love is all about. It is about cultivating the seed obedience and, and bearing the fruits of the holy spirit to make the world go round for all. This understanding is a witness to justice which knocks out all excuses or claims of ignorance by man.

God's will and his power is made manifest; first, through nature,  and secondly, by the teachings of His Word. Kindly spare a few minutes read Romans 1:16 - 32, NIV) with me to get the details. It is a long read, but reproduced here for ease of reference.

Here we go: "16 For I (Apostle Paul) am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

"God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

"21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

"24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen.

"26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

"28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them."

From the reading above, the understanding of God's will, and the implications of not practicing pure religion is clearly stated in black and white. God is a loving welfarist, and an uncompromising disciplinarian; hence must be served as such. 

The world, and Nigeria, in particular, has no shortage of those needing urgent help. There are so many struggling indigens, orphans, widows and widowers everywhere. Interestingly, there is, equally, no shortage of churches,  mosques, and other places of religious practice in the Country, and most cases preaching hope and prosperity but the system is continually gasping for air. Evil is multiplying, and people are crying everywhere. 

There are many leakages that have tended to raise questions about the quality of the religions we profess. Is religion a problem, or the people practising it? Is there any hope for the genuinely weak amongst us, given the proliferation of religious institutions in the Land? These are pertinent questions that beg for answers!

As religious adherents or welfarists, we should never hesitate to extend helping hands when we are in the power to do so, and strive hard to resist, or run away from any seduction or motivation for, the spoils (things) of this world. May God help us to key into that which pleases him always.

*(Modest Thoughts with Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, 20th August, 2025)*

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE ON THE PASSING OF NANA LYDIA YILWADA

Dear *Professor Nentawe Yilwada,*  

the entire management and staff of *Prime Diamond Initiative for Community Health (PDICH)* wishes to commiserate with you and your family over the  the passing of our dear mother, *Nana Lydia Yilwada.* 

We are comforted by the fact that mama was a devoted believer whose life was a shining example of faith, humility, and love. This she exhibited by her commitment to family values and her abiding trust in the teachings of Christ, an  enduring legacy to all who knew her and heard about her.

We want to extend our heartfelt  prayers and to say our thoughts are with the entire Yilwada family and all who mourn her loss. 

May the good Lord grant you comfort, strength, and peace. May mama's beautiful soul find eternal rest in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour. Amen. Adieu Mama

Signed 

Chinasa Izuorgu.

ED. PDICH

ASPAN Celebrates World Photography Day with Week-Long Events, Inaugurates New Executives

By Our Correspondent

Yola, Adamawa State – The Adamawa State Photography Association of Nigeria (ASPAN) has joined the global community in celebrating World Photography Day with a week-long series of activities themed “My Favourite Photo.”

The celebration featured community and professional engagements, including a street cleaning exercise, radio and television discussions, a road walk, and a seminar. It was rounded off with the formal inauguration of the association’s newly elected executives.

Those inaugurated include:

• Chairman – Mr. Monday Philip
• Vice Chairman – Prince Abubakar Hong
• Secretary – Mr. Philip Bishi
• Treasurer – Miss Ogyem Palke
• Organizing Secretary – Mr. Ibrahim Salau
• Public Relations Officer (PRO) – Mr. Joseph George
• Auditor – Sir Isinga Innocent Titus

Speaking during the inauguration, the Adamawa State Commissioner for Entrepreneurship Development, Alh. Hammanjoda Gatugel, represented by the Director of Entrepreneurship, Mal. Ibrahim Usman, praised ASPAN for combining creativity with community service. He described photography as “a powerful tool for storytelling, entrepreneurship, and social impact.”

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Mustapha, congratulated the new executives and encouraged them to channel their craft toward education and social change. “Photography is more than just taking pictures; it is a language that speaks to the heart and mind,” he said, urging ASPAN to support youth empowerment through creative initiatives.

ASPAN Chairman, Mr. Monday Philip, in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to members, partners, and government stakeholders for their support. He assured that the association, under his leadership, would project photography as not only an art form but also a business and a tool for social development.

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, PANKSHIN APPOINTS NEW ACTING VICE CHANCELLOR

The Governing Council of the Federal University of Education, Pankshin, under the chairmanship of Hon. Funsho Ekundayo Olumoko, has announced the appointment of Dr. Jere Ndazhaga as the new Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution.

In a statement signed by Charles Nda Homsuk, Mnipr, Chief Information Officer (CIO), Information and Public Relations Unit, his appointment, which took effect on August 14, 2025, is for a period of three months and follows the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Dr. (Mrs.) Christiana Fwenji Zumyil.

Dr. Ndazhaga is expected to oversee the affairs of the University as Chairman of Senate, Convocation, and Congregation, while also serving as a member of the Governing Council. The Council noted that the appointment was in recognition of his outstanding scholarly contributions, administrative competence, and unwavering commitment to the institution.

In its statement, the Council commended Dr. Zumyil for her leadership, devotion, and immense contributions to the growth of the University, particularly during its transition from a College of Education to a Federal University of Education. She has since handed over to the most senior Chief Lecturer, ensuring a smooth transition.

Born on November 3, 1962, in Oguma, Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State, Dr. Ndazhaga holds several academic qualifications, including a Doctor of Education degree from the Hong Kong Institute of Education. With over three decades of experience in the education sector, he has published widely in journals, books, and conference papers. He is also a registered member of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria and other professional bodies.

To formally usher him into office, a special prayer session was held at his office, led by Rev. Ephraim Ngwang, Chaplain of the Chapel of Redemption, Federal University of Education, Pankshin. He prayed for divine wisdom, courage, and guidance for the new Acting Vice Chancellor.

Since assuming duty, Dr. Ndazhaga has held a series of meetings with stakeholders, including members of the Governing Council, Deans, Directors, and representatives of staff and student unions such as COEASU, SSUCOEN, NASU, NAAT, and SUG.

The University congratulated him on his appointment and expressed optimism that his leadership would further advance the institution’s goals.

DEPARTURE OF A RESPECTED MATRIARCH: A CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

Ayuba, Yilgak'ha

Death is not new but each case presents unique shocks. Personally, the death of any person decreases me. It is in this light that, i extend my deepest condolences to all Yilwatdas, the Church, and our nation over the demise of mama Lydia Goshwe Yilwatda.

At 83, the deceased was a well respected and resourceful matriarch whose life was a blessing to many. She birthed the present National Chairman of ruling All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and other children who are doing well in their respective areas of calling! 

May the family and those whose lives she has touched, be comforted even as prayers are being said for the repose of her soul! 

*(Ayuba, Yilgak'ha, 18th August, 2025)*

IMO GOVT BANS NURSERY, JSS3 GRADUATION CEREMONIES, STOPS YEARLY CHANGE OF TEXTBOOKS

The Imo State Government has introduced sweeping reforms in the education sector, scrapping graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, nursery, and Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) students, while also banning the yearly change of textbooks in both public and private schools.

The policy directive was contained in a memo dated August 15, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Bernard Ikegwuoha, with reference number MOEPS/COMMR/2025/VOL. 1/155. The circular, titled “Policy on Education for Public and Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Imo State”, was addressed to parents, guardians, and school proprietors.

According to the new policy, only Primary 6 pupils and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) students are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies, in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education structure.

“This policy aims to ensure that students, parents, guardians, stakeholders, and schools focus on the academic achievements of students at the end of their primary and secondary education cycles,” the Commissioner stated.

The government also moved to check what it described as the exploitative practice of schools introducing new textbooks annually. Professor Ikegwuoha directed that textbooks must now have a minimum lifespan of four years to allow siblings and other students to reuse them.

He warned proprietors of faith-based and private schools against deviating from the approved list of textbooks, stressing that stability in curriculum materials would improve learning outcomes.

“Proprietors are warned to desist from frequent changes of textbooks every academic year, as this practice can be financially burdensome for parents and undermines the quality of education,” the memo read.

The Commissioner further noted that enforcing textbook stability would not only reduce costs for families but also ensure uniformity in teaching and learning across schools in the state.

“By adopting the approved textbooks and allowing them to be used for the stipulated period, schools can promote a more efficient and effective learning environment,” he added.

The new education policy takes immediate effect.

Education or Exploitation?: The Need to End Compulsory Textbook Purchases in Nigerian Schools"

WALBE ORGAK 

Across Nigeria today, one of the silent burdens crushing parents is the compulsory purchase of textbooks for their children every academic session. Many schools, both public and private, insist that pupils and students must buy brand-new books, regardless of whether older editions are still useful. This exploitative practice has become a source of financial hardship for families already struggling with tuition and other school levies.

The troubling reality is that parents are often left with no choice. School authorities present the purchase of new textbooks as mandatory, with threats that children will be denied participation in classwork if they do not comply. This unfair policy turns education into a profit-driven venture rather than a service aimed at nurturing the future of young Nigerians.

Even more alarming is the manner in which these textbooks are used. Students are instructed to write notes, assignments, and even test answers directly into the books. Once written on, these textbooks lose their resale or reuse value, preventing younger siblings or other students from benefiting from them in subsequent sessions. This deliberate wastage only serves the interest of book vendors and schools who profit from repeat sales.

For parents, the cost implication is staggering. In many schools today, the price of compulsory textbooks equals or even surpasses the actual tuition fees. For families with two or more children in school, the financial strain is unbearable. Sadly, this is happening in a country where millions are already battling economic hardship, unemployment, and high inflation.

The government cannot afford to fold its arms while Nigerian parents are subjected to this exploitation. The Ministry of Education and relevant regulatory bodies must step in to put an end to the mandatory purchase of new textbooks every session. Policies should be introduced to encourage reusability, ensuring that students write in exercise books instead of defacing expensive textbooks.

Beyond regulation, schools themselves have a moral responsibility to ease the burden on parents. Establishing book banks or school libraries where students can borrow textbooks for the academic year is a workable solution. This system has been successfully adopted in other countries, and there is no reason Nigeria cannot follow suit.

Parents, too, must rise above silence. Through strong parent-teacher associations, they can collectively resist exploitative policies and demand more transparency from school administrators. A united front is the only way to push back against a practice that has been normalized at the expense of families.

Technology also offers a modern alternative. Schools can gradually embrace e-learning platforms where textbooks are provided in digital format at a fraction of the cost. Such an approach not only saves parents money but also prepares students for a future driven by technology and digital knowledge.

The truth is simple: education should be a right, not a financial trap. Forcing parents to buy new textbooks every session is unjust, exploitative, and contrary to the principle of equal access to education. If nothing is done, many children from less privileged backgrounds will continue to drop out, widening the gap between the rich and the poor in our society.

It is time to draw the line. Nigerian parents deserve relief from this textbook exploitation, and students deserve an education system built on fairness, sustainability, and accountability. The government, schools, and parents must work together to stop this practice before it destroys the very foundation of learning in our country.