In a bold move reflecting empathy and support for his congregation, Pastor Oye Baruwa, better known as Baba Talitakumi, of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Talitakumi Parish in Ijoko, Ogun State, has announced the suspension of tithes and offerings collection.

Citing the burdensome impact of the removal of fuel subsidies and skyrocketing food prices, Pastor Baruwa expressed concern for his congregation’s financial well-being.

“Stopping the offering doesn’t mean I will not eat. God will still send help,” he emphasised.

With heartfelt conviction, Pastor Baruwa stressed the essence of true blessings and denounced the practice of coercive giving, highlighting the plight of members struggling to make ends meet.

In an effort to alleviate financial strain, Pastor Baruwa introduced a monthly food distribution programme, where church members and the community can purchase essential items at reduced prices.

“On June 22, a bag of rice worth N80,000 will be sold for just N20,000, aiming to ease the burden of high food costs”.

Encouraging fellow church leaders to prioritise congregational welfare over wealth accumulation, Pastor Baruwa underscored the importance of divine provision and genuine pastoral care.

Despite facing criticism and accusations, Pastor Baruwa remains resolute in his commitment to supporting his congregation, citing past instances during the COVID-19 pandemic where offerings were suspended to ease financial stress.

Assuring the continuation of church projects, Pastor Baruwa expressed gratitude for unexpected support, reaffirming his faith in divine provision and the well-being of his congregation.

The Rivers State Government has greenlit a budget of N19.5 billion for the reconstruction of the State Assembly Chambers, which were demolished during the height of the state’s political crisis.

The decision was reached during the State Executive Council Meeting held on Friday evening at the government house in Port Harcourt.

Dr. Rowland Obed-Whyte, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Special Projects, confirmed the approval, revealing that Monier Construction Company Nigeria Limited (MCC) secured the contract at a cost of N19,566,621,284.24.

The project is slated for completion within nine months.

The new Assembly Complex will boast 34 en suite offices across a two-story building equipped with an elevator, gallery, meeting rooms, and a conference hall.

Obed-Whyte further clarified that the project specifications encompass the renovation and refurbishing of remaining structures within the House of Assembly Complex.

Upon completion, the Rivers State House of Assembly building is poised to become one of the premier Assembly complexes in the nation.

The approval for the reconstruction of the demolished Assembly chambers is part of a comprehensive review undertaken by the State Executive Council.

Other approved proposals include the renovation and upgrade of four zonal hospitals, along with other healthcare infrastructure developments in the state, and the construction of the Kalaibiama/Epellema road and bridge in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.

The four Zonal Hospitals earmarked for renovation are situated in Ahoada Town (Ahoda East LGA), Degema Town (Degema LGA), Omoku Town (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA), and Bori Town (Khana LGA).

Also, healthcare infrastructure projects involve the renovation of Bonny General Hospital, the upgrade of Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Rumuigbo, and the construction of a new General Hospital in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor LGA.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Executive Council for approving the termination of existing contracts and awarding fresh contracts to expedite the completion of healthcare projects, amounting to N26,350,310,714.88.

The new contractors are expected to mobilize swiftly to commence construction, enhancing healthcare delivery across the state.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has imposed a hefty fine of ₦150 million on Multichoice Nigeria, the parent company of DSTV and GOTV, for contesting the court’s jurisdiction.

Additionally, the tribunal has mandated the company to grant a one-month free subscription to its Nigerian subscribers.

Led by Thomas Okusu, a three-man panel delivered the verdict on Friday following a legal battle initiated by Barrister Festus Onifade.

Onifade’s lawsuit challenged Multichoice’s abrupt subscription fee hike, citing insufficient notice given to customers, which he argued violated consumer rights.

Earlier, the tribunal had restrained Multichoice from implementing subscription fee increases without adequate prior notice, responding to Onifade’s claims. The barrister alleged that Multichoice’s eight-day notice period for the price hike was inadequate and unjust.

During proceedings, Multichoice’s legal team argued that previous rulings had resolved price regulation matters, attempting to dismiss the jurisdiction of the tribunal.

Conversely, Onifade emphasized the inadequacy of notice rather than the price hike itself, prompting the tribunal to affirm its jurisdiction and rule against Multichoice.

The court has scheduled July 3 for the hearing of the plaintiff’s substantive suit, indicating a continued legal battle between Onifade and Multichoice over consumer protection and pricing policies.