The Masses Advocate

Benin City Archdiocese Overflowing with Faith, as Sacred Heart Devotees Celebrate Annual Feast with Joy and Thanksgiving -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Benin City  – The Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Archdiocese of Benin City recently held a vibrant and well-attended celebration for the 2025 Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Devotees from across the archdiocese converged at Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road, for a special Thanksgiving Mass on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, marking a powerful display of faith and unity. The Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Godwin Ibe, Assistant Parish Priest of St. Paul Catholic Church, Benin City, alongside the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. James Ogbeiwe, and other prominent figures within the Sacred Heart Association.  The atmosphere was filled with reverence and gratitude as members from various parishes offered special thanksgiving gifts, joyfully singing the belove...

Edo PDP Caretaker Committee Slams "Factional" Chairman Aziegbemi Over N100bn Loan Criticism, Backs Governor Okpebholo's Infrastructure Drive -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Benin City, Edo State – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, led by its Caretaker Committee, has vehemently distanced itself from statements made by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, whom they label as a "factional acting chairman." Aziegbemi had publicly condemned Governor Monday Okpebholo's recent approval to secure a N100 billion loan for infrastructural development. The Edo State House of Assembly had on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, approved Governor Okpebholo's request to obtain the N100 billion facility from First Bank of Nigeria Plc, structured as a contractor financing arrangement.  This means the state acts as a guarantor for contractors to access funds directly from the bank for their projects. Aziegbemi's "Reckless and Dangerous" Loan Allegations On Wednesday, June 25, 202...

No Politics for Priests: Nigerian Catholic Bishops Reinforce Ban on Clergy in Public Office Abuja, Nigeria – The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has re-emphasized its directive to all Catholic priests and religious in Nigeria, unequivocally warning them to steer clear of partisan politics and refrain from holding public office without explicit church authorization.  This renewed admonition, outlined in a significant document issued on October 1, 2024, underscores the Church's unwavering commitment to maintaining its spiritual focus amidst Nigeria's complex political landscape. The CBCN's stance is firmly rooted in Canon Law, specifically citing Canon 285 §3, which prohibits clerics from engaging in activities unbecoming of their state, including partisan political involvement, and Canon 287 §2, which forbids clerics from assuming public office without proper ecclesiastical authorization. To ensure compliance, the bishops have outlined a clear framework of pro...