By Philomina Attah
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, says the greatest legacy parents can bequeath to their children is not material property, but strong values of faith, integrity, and the fear of God.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Media and Public Relations, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Celestine Toruka, and made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

​Archbishop Kaigama stated this during a Requiem Mass held in honour of Late Chief Ezinne Opara at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.

​Late Opara, who passed away on May 7, 2026, at the age of 83, was the mother of Prof. John Kennedy Opara, the pioneer Executive Secretary of NCPC and Chairman of CSS Group of Companies.

​Kaigama urged leaders across all sectors to serve humanity with humility and remain mindful of the transient nature of human existence.

​”Christiana Opara lived well and reached the age of 83.

“The lesson I learnt from Mama Opara was to do good to others and that, as people do good to others, the world will become a better place,” Kaigama said.

​The Archbishop noted that Prof. Opara remained an integral part of the Archdiocese of Abuja, stressing that “whatever affects him also affects the Archdiocese.”

​He further extolled the virtues of Prof. Opara, commending his meritorious service under four Nigerian presidents as the founding head of the NCPC, as well as his current contributions to agricultural development as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CSS Global Integrated Farms.

​Paying tribute to his late mother, Prof. Opara described her as a loving, dependable, and deeply religious woman who served as a pillar of strength for her children.

​”She taught me the fear of God, the importance of relationships, and was a source of remarkable strength to me and my siblings.

“My mother meant everything to me because she taught me all that I have learnt and am able to do today.

“She taught me how to cook, how to love, and how to pray,” Opara said.

​Also speaking at the event, the incumbent Executive Secretary of the NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, highlighted his long-standing relationship with Prof. Opara.

Adegbite described Opara as a man committed to building upon the solid foundation and legacy established at the commission.

​The Requiem Mass drew a prominent gathering of political leaders, diplomats, and senior clergy.

​Among the dignitaries present were the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha; former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku; Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe; and former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen.

​Others in attendance included the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman; the Senator representing Adamawa North, Rev. Amos Yohanna; the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; and the Auxiliary Bishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Anselm Umoren.

​The remains of Late Chief Christiana Opara will be laid to rest on Aug. 7, 2026, at Umuopara Nguru Obetiti, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has noted that preparations for the Osun governorship election also formed part of the commission’s broader plans for the 2027 general elections, describing the state as strategically important in Nigeria’s electoral calendar.

Prof Amupitan made this disclosure on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, where he appealed for the support of traditional institutions in promoting peace before, during and after the election.

According to him, “Osun is special in the democratic structure of Nigeria because it is the last major off-cycle election before the general elections. We now see it as a mirror through which we can measure our preparations for the 2027 general elections.”

He also maintained that the commission has put in place extensive measures to ensure a successful August 15 governorship election in Osun State and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to delivering a peaceful, credible and transparent governorship election in the State. 

The INEC chairman said the commission had prioritised peaceful conduct, efficient logistics, timely commencement of voting, transparent result management and prompt declaration of results as critical components of the election.

According to him, “INEC had also introduced additional measures to enhance voter participation, including the extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection period and the introduction of online voter registration initiatives.

“We have the responsibility and duty to do everything within our power to ensure that the election is peaceful.

“We are doing everything possible in INEC and putting a lot of measures in place, like the extension of the collection of PVCs and the introduction of online registration, to make sure the election is free, fair, inclusive and credible.”

Addressing concerns over political tension in the state, Amupitan disclosed that INEC had been working closely with security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to ensure adequate deployment of personnel and prevent violence during the election.

He stressed that no political contest was worth the loss of human lives, saying, “The blood of any resident of the state is not worth shedding. INEC will do everything possible to ensure the safety of voters and our staff on election day.”

The INEC chairman appealed to the Ataoja to use his influence to encourage politicians and their supporters to embrace peace, noting that the monarch’s voice carried significant weight across Osogbo and beyond.

“We appeal to the Ataoja of Osogbo to help us intervene in order to avoid further regret and the futility of fighting ourselves. Osun is a shining example to other states, but what will they learn if there is violence and bloodshed? INEC is committed to ensuring that a peaceful election is achieved and that the people of the state freely choose their preferred candidate on 15 August,” he added.

Amupitan expressed concern that election-related violence could discourage voter turnout, warning that attempts to intimidate the electorate would undermine democratic participation.

Responding, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, welcomed the INEC chairman and called for a peaceful, free and fair governorship election across Osun State. 

Oba Oyetunji thanked the commission’s leadership for the visit and prayed for wisdom, strength and divine guidance in carrying out its constitutional responsibility.

Earlier, retired Justice Moshood Adekunle Adeigbe, the Asiwaju of Osogbo, described the assignment before the new INEC chairman as significant, particularly because of the importance of the forthcoming Osun governorship election. 

Justice Adeigbe also assured the INEC chairman that the Ataoja’s palace would continue to promote peaceful coexistence and encourage political stakeholders to embrace dialogue despite prevailing security concerns.