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Why I built mosque in Adamawa –Catholic Bishop
The Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese in Adamawa State, Bishop Dami Mamza, was recently in the news after unveiling 86 housing units, 12 classrooms and a mosque, among others, that he built for internally displaced persons at Sangere-Marghi village of Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
He recently spoke with BILLY GRAHAM ABEL, and gave reasons for the unusual display of love and generosity.
While regretting the collapsing security situation in the country, Bishop Mamza dismissed calls by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, for government to negotiate with bandits, describing Gumi’s relationship with bandits as suspicious. He also urged the Federal Government to engage the services of mercenaries to help address the country’s security situation.
You recently did something unusual: you built houses, schools and a mosque for Muslim IDPs in Adamawa. Why gave rise to the unusual move?
It started in September 2014, when the first three local governments in northern Adamawa were overrun by Boko Haram insurgents.
I was at the Catholic Bishops conference in Warri when I received a call informing me that Michika, Madagali, Mubi and later on, Gombi, had been overrun by Boko Haram, and that our church was flooded with internally displaced persons. I quickly returned to Yola. But I had instructed the Coordinator of Justice, Development and Peace, Yola Diocese, Rev. Father Morris Kwoiranga, to open the doors of the cathedral in order to accommodate as many people that were in need of shelter and food. We had to close down our schools. We opened up our old cathedral, our pastoral centre and so many institutions that we have within Jimeta to house as many internally displaced persons as possible.
They came in their numbers, looking for shelter and food. I instructed that any money available, even if it belonged to somebody, should be used to provide food for the IDPs. That was how it all began.
At a certain stage, we had about 3,700 IDPs residing within St. Theresa Cathedral. But again, there were people that were living within the town but lacked the capacity to support themselves. Take for example, a person who earns N40,000 only at the end of the month but has about 50 IDPs from his village residing in his house because he is the only person from their village that they know. So, such people were coming in to get food or financial support. Since then, after every two weeks, for about three years, we have been inviting these displaced persons to what became a routine food distribution exercise.
Based on our records, about 7, 500 households were beneficiaries of the food distribution for these three years. Every two weeks, we distribute over 500 bags of maize. We have been doing that faithfully without fail until northern Adamawa was recaptured. Even after that, we continued with the exercise, depending on the needs.
Then we have those in camps. We were responsible for their feeding. We feed them three times a day, provide them with shelter and take care of their medical bills. We had to open a clinic here and requested for some volunteer medical practitioners, doctors and nurses to help in providing some services.
We had groups like the Daughters of Charity, who came all the way from Port Harcourt, and provided medical services. That is what we have been doing in the last seven years working with the IDPs.
When most of the local governments in northern Adamawa were recaptured, most of the IDPs gradually returned to their communities. Those that were left at our camps were those who have their houses at the fringes of the Sambisa Forest and these are communities where the Boko Haram insurgents are still active and the communities are still susceptible to Boko Haram intermittent attacks.
I remember that about 17 of our IDPs that returned were killed in 2015. When some of the IDPs in our camps heard about their deaths, they changed their minds about returning home. The 86 families have been with us since then.
What brought the idea of the housing units?
One night in 2019, I started thinking, how long would we sustain the situation of the IDPs and take care of them? Besides, we were having donors fatigue and the IDPs were on the one hand tired of living at the camps. So, I thought to myself whether it would be possible to build simple houses for them to live in as their own homes. Then I asked myself, where do I get the resources to do this? I had no money, no land, nothing. So, I decided to approach government for a land with the thought in my mind that even if it is a round hut that we would build, it would go a long way in easing their pain. The governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, graciously offered about 10 hectares of land for the resettlement of these IDPs at Sengere, Marghi. After that, I consulted with my main sponsors, Missio, a German-based Catholic organisation, which supports humanitarian causes across the world and in support of the Catholic Church too. They have been the ones supporting our IDPs. About 99 per cent of the feeding of our IDPs has been funded by them. I wrote a proposal and they were so impressed. In January, 2020, the entire management of Missio came to Adamawa State, and they were able to have an interaction with the governor.
I took them to the site in Sangere, Marghi. There was a school there, but none of the classes had roofs, and all the children of the IDPS were in our school, a very good school. I asked them whether it was possible that they support a school project of 12 classrooms. They had already approved funds for the housing units. But then, if we build houses for them, and if their children have no access to school, then we might be raising another set of children that would be illiterates. That was how we started the building of the houses and the school almost at the same time.
About 95 per cent of the IDPs are Christians, with about five per cent Muslims. We also got funds to build a church. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, we could not have money for the mosque building. But we sourced it from our local contributions within the Catholic Diocese of Yola. Because how would the Muslims IDPs feel if they don’t have a place to worship? That was how we built and commissioned the facilities. The school cost roughly about N30 million, we have spent about N107 million on the houses, and about N5 million for the mosque.
Many people, both Christians and Muslims still wonder: why did you build the mosque?
I know building this mosque has generated a lot of comments, some positive, some negative, from both Christians and Muslims, But my message is very simple. We have no option but to live together as brothers and sisters in one family, more importantly as Nigerians.
When I was taking care of the IDPs, I never discriminated. When I built the houses, I never discriminated. When building the schools, I never discriminated. So why should I now discriminate based on worship centres? To me, it is a matter of justice. I have built a church for one group, I should also build a mosque for the other group. I believe that would go a long way in strengthening the bond of unity in the housing units and it would also serve as a lesson to other religious leaders in the country that religion is a matter of choice. That, if, for instance, one decides to convert to another religion, no one should threaten, intimidate or terrorise you.
I believe we serve the same God, and when they all go in to pray, they would pray for Nigeria and for me, irrespective of their places of worship. There are people who felt that I should not have done that as a Catholic priest, but it is my choice and decision. The problem in our country is that, we use religion as the basis to determine relationships, association, etc. In as much as, conversion from one religion into another is not respected, we would continue to have problems.
It only means that there is no freedom of worship and Nigeria is still a secular state. Let’s put Nigeria first and live together in peace and unity.
How would you advise the government to address the security crisis in the North-East and other regions?
The security situation in the country has gone very bad and is getting worse on a daily basis. In fact, the North-East and places like Adamawa State have been more peaceful than places in the North-West. Our government needs to rise to its own responsibility and do the right thing.
Unfortunately, our politicians are more concerned about 2023 polls than the security situation of the country. If our politicians do not put security issues first before their ambition for 2023, I wonder whether if Nigeria does not exist, who are they going to rule over? There is an urgent need for government at all levels to take the issue of security very seriously. Now in Nigeria, everyone is afraid and no one can sleep with their eyes closed. Our government needs to do more than it is doing right now.
The military also need to do better. I think something is wrong somewhere with the way security issues are handled. They are always complaining about lack of equipment, but the annual budget for defence speaks to the contrary because it is always huge. So something is wrong.
The North-East Development Commission should be embarking on projects like the one we just did, but we don’t know what they do at all. They are just there in Abuja doing nothing. As a matter of fact, why is the headquarters of the commission not here in the North-East but there in Abuja? But the bottom line is that, we are not feeling their impact. I can’t see anything being done by them. There are many international bodies and groups working here and we are feeling their impact.
Sheikh Gumi wants government to negotiate with armed bandits, and some Nigerians have supported the suggestion. What is your take?
There is no sincerity in Sheikh Abubakar Gumi’s position or what he is suggesting as a solution.
Nobody knows the heart of Gumi or why he is doing what he is doing. What he is suggesting will take us nowhere. There is definitely a link between Sheikh Gumi and the bandits. What is the link? How did he get into contact with them? This is the question that should be investigated and answered.
He is not the only Sheikh in Nigeria or Islamic cleric, yet he has taken so much interest in the cause of the bandits and going about offering explanations to justify the actions of the bandits. I don’t see any sincerity in the actions of Gumi and I’m very suspicious of the role he is playing. Only God knows what he is doing. In the first place, he has not condemned what they are doing. He’s only blaming the government for not giving them this or that. No matter how irresponsible a government is, no one has the right to go about taking other people’s lives and you cannot come our as a religious person to support the actions of the people who go about taking lives.
You cannot support someone going into banditry, killing, maiming, abducting and traumatising people and you as a religious leader would stand to rationalise and explain their actions. Are they the only people without jobs in Nigeria? Are they the only people with grievances against the government and against what is happening in the country? I have a problem with what Gumi is doing. Many Nigerians have a problem with it.
If you don’t agree with Gumi’s methods, what alternatives would you proffer?
I would advise the Nigerian government to hire mercenaries. We have reached a point where our government should say we can no longer handle this problem alone and we should be sincere and with all sense of humility to it. The governor of Borno State, Prof Zulum said we should look for mercenaries, because even our military that are fighting this war, there is no sincerity in them. We cannot say that they are not trying, but it is obvious that there are issues.
I have a relation, a soldier, who was wounded by Boko Haram insurgents some few weeks ago. He was abandoned and had to be treated by the family. So, we don’t know what is happening here in our country.
The lingering leadership crisis rocking the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as more than 80 party aspirants under the umbrella of the Enugu G80 formally declared their total support for the State Working Committee led by the Chairman, Dr. Johnpaul Anih.
The endorsement followed an extraordinary virtual meeting of the coalition held on Monday, August 3, 2026, where members unanimously resolved to recognize the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led executive as the authentic leadership of the party in Enugu State.
The G80, described as a coalition of over 80 aspirants drawn from different political blocs within the party, said its decision was reached after a careful review of the circumstances surrounding the leadership dispute and extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders.
According to the communique adopted at the meeting, the coalition concluded that the executive led by Dr. Johnpaul Anih remains the only leadership produced through a valid state congress conducted on May 4, 2026, in compliance with the party’s constitution and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The group maintained that the legitimacy of that congress cannot be displaced by any parallel arrangement or externally imposed structure.
The forum further announced the unconditional endorsement of the Anih-led executive, describing the decision as one driven by justice, equity, constitutional order and respect for internal democracy.
As part of the resolutions, members agreed to dissolve their individual political structures into the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led leadership in order to build a united and formidable platform capable of strengthening the party across the 17 local government areas of Enugu State.
The aspirants also pledged financial, moral and political support to the State Executive in its ongoing efforts to consolidate the party and defend what they described as the democratic mandate freely given by party members during the state congress.
Addressing the forum, Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, who briefed members on the outcome of recent engagements with Dr. Johnpaul Anih and other stakeholders, urged party faithful to remain united in the interest of the party and the advancement of democratic values.
The coalition disclosed that it would immediately forward an official letter to the National Leader of the party, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, formally communicating its endorsement while urging the national leadership to respect the outcome of the validly conducted congress and restore constitutional order within the Enugu State chapter.
In the letter signed by the group’s coordinator, Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, NDC Senatorial aspirant for Enugu West Zone, and Chief Charles Solomon Ako, NDC House of Reps aspirant for Igboetiti/Uzouwani federal constituency, the G80 appealed to the national leadership to reaffirm the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led State Working Committee as the legitimate leadership of the party in Enugu State, reject attempts to create or sustain parallel executive structures and ensure that all party organs recognize the executive produced through the congress.
The coalition also called for the harmonisation of candidates produced by the two factions in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution, insisting that any harmonisation process must be anchored on the executive that emerged from the validly conducted congress.
In a strongly worded warning, the G80 cautioned individuals and groups against actions capable of undermining the unity and stability of the party in Enugu State.
The coalition declared that it would resist every attempt to impose parallel leadership structures, insisting that only executives produced through constitutional processes possess the legal and moral authority to administer the affairs of the party.
The group further maintained that respect for internal democracy remains indispensable to the survival of the NDC, arguing that allowing unelected structures to supersede validly elected executives would erode members’ confidence and weaken the party ahead of future elections.
The latest endorsement adds to growing support for the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led State Executive, coming barely weeks after party stakeholders, State Working Committee members and local government chairmen unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the leadership, citing its grassroots mobilisation efforts and commitment to strengthening the party in Enugu State.
…2027, The Last Chance To Unite Nigeria, Peter Obi
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress ( NDC), Mr Peter Obi has warned that the 2027 general elections is the last time and opportunity to unite Nigeria noting that all hands must be on deck to change what he called the sad narrative of the Nation.
This is coming as the member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency Prof Lilian Orogbu raises fresh alarm over an alleged plot to use fake security operatives to manipulate the coming elections stating that it would be resisted .
Peter Obi who was at the empowerment scheme convened by Orogbu in Awka Anambra state Capital lamented that NIgeria paints the picture of a meal spoilt by too much salt adding that he has been going about asking for the vote of Nigerians to guarantee the unity of the Country.
“Nigeria is like a meal spoilt by too much salt and a lot has collapsed in this country and wherever you go they tell you to be careful and don’t go there and when people get sick they have no hospitals to obtain treatment rather they go to church to pray because death is by the corner”
“We need leaders who are responsible, who have integrity and I challenge any of my contestants to come up for accessment and I can tell you that non of them is better than me”
“And that is why I have been going about the country asking for the support of Nigerians so that we can restore our country and this is the last chance to unite Nigeria and I want to unite Nigeria and that is why I am in the race for Presidency.
Speaking also Hon Liliana Oby Orogbu warned that the masses would not tolerate any act by some desperate politicians to use thugs dressed in security uniform to manipulate the electoral process adding that the masses would resist such plots .
“We are aware of the plans of some people to manipulate the coming election and we learnt that they are going to use thugs dressed in security uniforms to rig the election but our people have become wiser and it would be resisted .
Also speaking Sen Victor Umeh carpeted those according to him who have been going about campaigning that people should not vote for Peter Obi contending that such persons are not in their right senses .
“When the campaign proper begins we shall come down to Anambra state and the South East to campaign and we shall engage them and let us see why we should not support Peter Obi in the coming election ” he said.
State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress ( NDC) Hon Ikem Uzoezie described the trio of Obi , Umeh and Orogbu as most qualified for the positions that they are contesting for urging the Anambra electorates to vote massively for them .
The highlight of the occasion was the distribution of refrigerators , power generators , sewing and grinding machines , motorcycles , buses and cars to members of Awka North and South Federal Constituency.
Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun, husband of former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has died at the age of 62.
He passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in Lagos State, according to a statement issued by the Adeosun family on Thursday.
The statement, titled “Announcement of the Passing of Mr Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun,” was signed by Rev. C. A. Adeosun on behalf of the family.
Describing the late Adeosun as a distinguished businessman and devoted Christian, the family said he lived a life marked by integrity, generosity, hard work, and unwavering commitment to God, his family, and his community.
“It is with profound sorrow, yet in total submission to the will of Almighty God, that the Adeosun family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, and brother, Mr Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun, who was called home to glory on Wednesday, 5th August 2026, in Lagos,” the statement read.
The family said they were drawing strength from their Christian faith during the difficult period and requested prayers as they mourn their “irreplaceable loss.”
Funeral and burial arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Anthony Adeosun is survived by his wife, former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun, his children, and his siblings, including Kuramo Capital founder Adewale Adeosun.
The family also expressed gratitude to everyone who has offered prayers, condolences, and support, praying that his soul rests in perfect peace.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mamman Giwa, has condoled wife, children and family members of late Insp. Ikechukwu Obodo, who died after being knocked down in a hit-and-run motor-pedestrian accident.
Obodo was knocked down in a hit-and-run motor-pedestrian accident along Bissala Road in Enugu on July 5.
Giwa gave the condolence on Wednesday during a visit to the wife of the deceased officer through a delegation led by ACP Oliver Odimega, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations.
The commissioner described the death of the officer, who is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree holder, as a deeply tragic loss to the Nigeria Police Force, his family, friends and colcolleagues.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and for God to grant his loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The state police boss assured the bereaved family that the command remained committed to ensuring the arrest and prosecution of the fleeing driver.
Giwa noted that the police share in their grief over the painful and untimely loss of the Inspector, whose life was cut short under such unfortunate and avoidable circumstances.
Police preliminary report released by the Spokesman of Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said: “Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was travelling to his duty post at about 7p.m.
“The commercial bus conveying him failed to stop at his designated bus stop near Pascan Jake Bus Stop on Bisala Road, dropping him a few metres ahead instead.
“This led to an altercation between him and the bus driver after they alighted and in the process, an unidentified speeding vehicle struck the officer and fled the scene, while the bus driver also drove away immediately.
“Passers-by alerted operatives of the New Haven Police Division, who promptly evacuated the victim to Parklane Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
“His remains were thereafter deposited in the hospital mortuary for preservation and post-mortem examination.”
He said that contrary to circulating rumours, investigations have not established that the late officer was struck by a government or security convoy vehicle.
Ndukwe, however, said that efforts to identify and arrest the fleeing driver remain firmly on course.
Enugu State Government-owned airline, Enugu Air, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, signed a strategic partnership agreement with Jands Travel Business School (JTBS), an Enugu-based private travel, leisure and hospitality training institution, to promote Enugu State as a destination for leisure, business, investment and innovation.
The agreement was signed at Ifennia Court, Independence Layout, Enugu, ahead of the 2026 edition of the Domestic Tourism Festival (DTF), organised by Jands Travel Business School.
The three-day festival is scheduled to hold at Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu, from September 4 to 6, 2026, with the theme, “Innovation and Technology for Peaceful Domestic Tourism.”
The event is expected to attract about 2,000 delegates, including more than 300 travel agencies from across Nigeria, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality operators, investors and international guests.
Activities at the festival will include tourism exhibitions, business networking, cultural displays and performances, among others.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, which was attended by representatives of Enugu Air led by its Chief Operating Officer, Ugonna Agubuokwu, and members of the Jands Travel Business School Board of Trustees led by its Chairman, Chief Ben Etiaba, Etiaba described the partnership as an honour and an opportunity to promote tourism and aviation in Enugu State.
He said the agreement went beyond a Memorandum of Understanding, describing it as a shared vision aimed at building bridges between education and industry, tourism and aviation, as well as aspiration and opportunity.
“Tourism has become one of the world’s fastest-growing economic sectors. It creates jobs, stimulates entrepreneurship, preserves culture, strengthens national identity, and contributes significantly to economic growth.
“Yet, for tourism to thrive, it requires reliable transportation, skilled professionals, innovative partnerships and visionary leadership,” Etiaba said.
He said the forthcoming Domestic Tourism Festival would provide an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while showcasing Enugu as a destination for leisure, business, investment and innovation.
Etiaba added that the partnership between Enugu Air and Jands Travel Business School demonstrated what could be achieved when government initiatives and private-sector institutions worked together.
He said the collaboration aligned with the vision of transforming Enugu into a leading destination for commerce, tourism, investment and ease of doing business.
According to him, improvements in infrastructure, security and connectivity across the state had created a solid foundation for partnerships that could drive tourism and economic growth.
He also commended Enugu Air for embracing the partnership at an early stage of the airline’s operations, saying its support for tourism and human capital development demonstrated its commitment to the development of Enugu State and Nigeria.
“I am confident that this partnership will become a model of successful collaboration and will contribute meaningfully to the growth of tourism, aviation and economic development in our state and our nation,” he said.
On her part, the Director of Jands Travel Business School, Mrs Chioma Obi, expressed appreciation for the partnership, saying it would help drive the development of tourism, aviation and hospitality in the state.
She said the collaboration reflected the shared commitment of both organisations to promoting tourism, improving connectivity and positioning Enugu as a preferred destination for tourism, business and investment.
Obi noted that the Domestic Tourism Festival, now in its third edition, had become a growing national platform for tourism development, bringing together government agencies, private-sector organisations, travel professionals, investors, academia and development partners.
She said last year’s edition attracted 1,287 participants, while the 2026 edition was expected to draw more than 2,000 delegates, including over 300 travel agencies from across Nigeria, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality operators, investors, media organisations and international guests.
“Enugu Air is more than an airline—it is a gateway to our destination. By becoming the Official Destination Airline Partner of DTF 2026, Enugu Air will help make travel to Enugu easier while connecting directly with hundreds of travel professionals, tourism stakeholders, corporate organisations and decision-makers from across the country,” she said.
Obi added that the partnership would strengthen Jands Travel Business School’s mission of showcasing Enugu’s tourism potential, attracting investment and creating new opportunities for businesses within the tourism value chain.
Also speaking, the Chief Operating Officer of Enugu Air, Ugonna Agubuokwu, expressed delight over the partnership and commended Jands Travel Business School for its efforts to promote tourism.
He assured the organisers that Enugu Air would work to ensure the success of the September festival.
“As an airline, we are honoured to be at this event. We all know what tourism brings to our economy. It promotes growth and development, tells the story of who we are and, above all, generates revenue.
“On the strength of this event, we shall use it as a gateway to showcase our routes and domestic destinations. That is why we are happy to be part of this great event,” Agubuokwu said.
He promised that the September 4–6 festival would be a major success for both Jands Travel Business School and Enugu Air.
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