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Enact laws on marriage list, dowry reduction, a Nigerian Pastor, Apostle John Okoriko urges State Govt

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*We are working on recommendation – A’Ibom Council of Chiefs

The reasons and causes of delayed marriages in Akwa Ibom State and other states in the NIGERIA were identified on Sunday by the founder and president of Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Apostle John Okoriko.

Apostle John Okoriko, was one of the guest contributors in a panel discussion with the topic ” The negative impacts of exorbitant marriage list on Akwa Ibom State”, organized by the marriage committee of the Solid Rock Kingdom Church Headquarters, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

Apostle Okoriko in his contribution, said, tradition and culture hindered young ladies and men from getting married, noting that the exorbitant and high price of items required by some families in their marriage lists as tradition and culture, not only caused delay in marriages but health issues like depression, high blood pressure, mental stress and corruption.

The clergy advised that tradition and culture that promote exorbitant marriage list need to be discarded, saying because Akwa Ibom girls are not sale.

He recalled that, because of tradition, poor families years ago, instead of using money to train their wards in schools, instead were using resources gotten from borrowing, upright sale of lands and properties in building tombstones because of tradition and culture.

Apostle Okoriko called on christian families in the state to ensure that items in marriage list in the state are reduced to encourage marriages among young ladies and men in the state.

He called on Akwa Ibom State Government, to send executive bill to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for uniformity in marriage list, minimal required items and reduction in dowries. This, according to him, would reduce prostitution rate, looting of public funds to satisfy would-be father-in-laws and other crimes in the state.

The paramount ruler of Eastern Obolo, HRM Edidem, John Harry Etotor said greed and covetousness among parents caused delay in their children marriages.

The monarch recalled that in ancient days, men married their wives as a result of closeness to the father-in-laws, being hardworking and honest, noting that civilization, quest for wealth acquisition brought high cost in marriage and exorbitant marriage list.

He said, as a member of Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs and vice chairman of roles and ethics committee, that the council is concern about the high cost of marriage in the state, and that the committee is working on a recommendation to the Akwa Ibom State Government on marriage list issues.

HRM Edidem John Etotor, however, noted that ladies should not look for a man with wealth, cars and other earthly things before getting married. Urging men not to wait until they acquired all the wealth before getting married, seeing these as reasons for delayed marriages in the state.

Other panelists were Elder David Maurice Mkpokporo, Mary Richard Nnaewi, Elder Juana, Uduak Ukoh, Emmanuel Ukoh and anchored by Nkereuwem Ntuk, further identified poor economic situation in the country, unemployment, idol worshipping like “awa adia” and slaughtering of sheep, goat etc, for first daughters by some families, peer group influence, search for ready-made men and ladies, father-in-laws quest for prosperity and unnecessary tradition as some reasons for marriage delay in the state.

They harped on the Biblical standard, practice and teaching as the solution to the exorbitant marriage list in the state.

The Resident Pastor of Solid Rock Kingdom Church Headquarters, Uyo, Pastor Etop Nathaniel Okoko in his contribution, encouraged ladies to always intervene and talk to their parents to reduce the high dowries in the state.

He called on government, community leaders, family and village heads, churches to play their roles in marriage stability in the state.

In his homily, Pastor Etop Nathaniel spoke on the topic: “Follow a warrior” and took his text from Matt. 15:14.

He admonished christians to always follow a warrior, describing a warrior as someone who has found a path, an achiever, good leader, God-fearing individual, saying people we follow can influence our lives positively or negatively.

The cleric, said, sometime in Israel, they lack warriors until God caused a warrior to emerged among them, that some people because of ignorant and fear, failed to act as warriors.

He assured christian that God knows what they are passing through and would send them warriors.

According to Ikpaisong Reporters, the service featured song renditions, prayers, testimonies, ministration and distribution of free Bible translated in Ibibio language.

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Tinubu Appoints Grace Henry as First Female Chair of Nigerian Legion

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Grace Henry as the new chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, marking a historic first as both the first woman and the first non-commissioned officer to lead the country’s foremost veterans’ organization.

The announcement was made on Thursday in Abuja via a statement by Abdul Lauya, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications to the chairman.

According to the statement, Henry’s appointment was formalized through a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and takes effect from June 7.

Born on October 5, 1964, Henry brings with her over 25 years of military and administrative experience. She retired from the Nigerian Army in 2000 and most recently served as Director of Corporate Affairs at the Legion’s headquarters in Abuja. She is also the current National Coordinator for Female Military Veterans of Nigeria.

She succeeds retired Major General AbdulMalik Jibrin. Her appointment is widely seen as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion and equal representation within the military veterans’ community.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in her leadership and urged her to leverage her experience to reposition the Nigerian Legion, which serves as a vital support system for the nation’s ex-servicemen and women.

Her appointment is expected to usher in a new era of reforms and revitalization for the Legion amid growing calls for improved veteran welfare and institutional development.

The Nigerian Legion, a statutory body established to support the welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents, plays a critical role in the rehabilitation, reintegration, and economic empowerment of military veterans. It also promotes national unity through remembrance events such as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day and collaborates with various agencies to uphold the dignity of retired military personnel.

In response to certain media reports describing her as “one of the most powerful non-commissioned ex-service personnel,” Henry distanced herself from the characterization.

“She wishes to make it clear that leadership is not about grandstanding or media posturing,” Lauya stated. “There is no such thing as being ‘most powerful’ under her leadership.”

Henry emphasized that the Legion remains a unified body, representing all veterans—commissioned and non-commissioned—without bias or division. She condemned any effort to create artificial hierarchies within the organization and called on the media to refrain from spreading unverified claims.

“She remains committed to the principles of unity, service, and integrity,” the statement added. “Ms. Grace Morenike Henry belongs to all and to none in particular. Her mission is to serve all Nigerian veterans equally and selflessly.”

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Former Kwara Governor Cornelius Adebayo Dies at 84

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Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, a former governor of Kwara State and one-time senator, has died at the age of 84.

Lagos Lately TV confirmed his passing through a close family associate, who disclosed that Adebayo died early Wednesday morning in Abuja.

Born on February 24, 1941, in Igbaja, Kwara State, Adebayo’s political journey began with his election as senator under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in 1979. He later served briefly as the state’s governor in 1983. Between 2003 and 2006, he held the position of Nigeria’s Minister of Communications.

A respected advocate for democracy, Adebayo was a leading voice in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which pushed for the actualization of MKO Abiola’s June 12, 1993 presidential mandate. Notably, he declined an appointment to serve in General Sani Abacha’s military government in 1993, standing firm in his democratic convictions.

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Fear of Assassination: Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Picks Three Potential Successors—Excludes Son

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Amid rising tensions and fears of targeted attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly named three possible successors, excluding his son, in preparation for a worst-case scenario during the ongoing conflict with Israel.

According to a Saturday report by The New York Times, the 86-year-old leader, who is said to be operating from a secure underground bunker, privately selected three senior clerics to take over leadership if he is killed. The decision follows a wave of high-profile assassinations allegedly carried out by Israeli forces, which has heightened concerns at the highest levels of Iran’s leadership.

Crucially, Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba—who has long been rumored to be his heir apparent—was not included among the chosen candidates. This marks a significant departure from previous speculation suggesting a dynastic transition was in the works. The Jerusalem Post also confirmed the report, adding that Khamenei has made additional contingency plans by appointing replacements within Iran’s military hierarchy in anticipation of further Israeli attacks.

Traditionally, Iran’s Supreme Leader is selected by the Assembly of Experts, a powerful clerical body of 88 members. However, Khamenei’s move suggests he may be attempting to influence the succession process in advance, seeking to ensure ideological continuity and maintain regime stability amid external threats.

Experts believe the choice of three clerics rather than a single successor points to internal disagreements and the urgent need for contingency planning as the situation escalates. While the identities of the chosen individuals remain undisclosed, sources say they are trusted hardliners closely aligned with Khamenei’s vision.

Regional Impact and Rising Concerns

The reported development comes at a volatile time in the Middle East, with recent Israeli strikes targeting senior Iranian and Hezbollah figures. Analysts warn that any sign of instability in Iran’s leadership could further destabilize the region.

“This is not just theoretical succession planning — it’s being done under the very real threat of attack,” a regional intelligence source told The New York Times. “The regime clearly views the risk of a leadership vacuum as imminent.”

Khamenei’s decision underscores the high level of concern within Tehran’s leadership circle as it braces for potential escalations and prepares for scenarios that were once considered unlikely.

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