HOLY FATHER DELIVERS CHRISTMAS MESSAGE OF PEACE, LOVE, AND DIVINE REVELATION Calabar, December 25

The Leader of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, The King of kings and Lord of lords, has delivered a profound Christmas Message to the world, calling on humanity to embrace divine love, peace, and true Christian living as the essence of the Christmas celebration.

In his message, the Holy Father described Christmas as more than the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing it as the celebration of divine love made visible. 

He declared that the birth of Christ marked a historic turning point that ushered humanity into the full manifestation of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, setting in motion the eternal plan of salvation now consolidated in this generation.

His Holiness reminded Christians that the Supreme Father God, out of boundless love for humanity, offered Himself as the indispensable Christmas gift through His Beloved Son, in whom eternal life is promised and secured. He noted that Christ’s humility and incarnation redefined the relationship between God and mankind, revealing love as self-giving and sacrificial service.

Highlighting the continuing work of God in the present age, the Holy Father affirmed that the world has witnessed subsequent manifestations of the same God, first as the Son and now as the Promised Comforter, bringing humanity into a new phase of divine reconstruction, eternal dominion, and peace.

Addressing global challenges, His Holiness stated that in a world overshadowed by fear, darkness, and uncertainty, Christ remains the brightest light, embodying love, mercy, truth, and grace. He urged humanity to reflect deeply on the humility of Christ’s birth, warning that hatred, religious rivalry, and the pursuit of materialism contradict the true purpose of Christmas.

The Holy Father expressed concern that many misuse the season meant for love and holiness to perpetuate evil, calling on Christians everywhere to manifest genuine and selfless love, remember the poor and downtrodden, and extend compassion to those in need.

He further encouraged believers to recognize and worship Christ in His present manifestation, affirming that the Holy Spirit continues to guide the children of God in this dispensation. 

He empowered the faithful to boldly proclaim to the world that Christ has returned in glory, authority, and power—not to suffer or be opposed, but to rule and reign eternally over all realms of existence.

The Christmas Message concluded with blessings of peace, hope, and divine assurance, reaffirming the Holy Father’s call for humanity to return to the true meaning of Christmas—love, redemption, and unity under one God.

2026 Nutrition Budget Will Be Properly Tag for Easy Tracking of Performance across Implementing MDAs SA Budget

Iloke Egbe SPC 

The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Budget, Mr Otu Otu Ita has asserted that by 2026 the State Nutrition Budget will be more robust and simplify when compare with past efforts for more clarity when tracking it performance.

Mr. Otu represented by the Director Budget in the office Mr Ubi, Benjamin Williams stated this when he granted audience to the State Technical Committee on Food Nutrition during a working visit to his office, Budget Department, Governor's Office Calabar.

Mr. Ubi informed that a lot of work has already been done and Cross River State is not one of the State lacking in the expansion and inclusive budgeting in respect of nutrition activities. He admitted that His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is solidly behind the advancement of nutrition reports and the support they received from the State House of Assembly. That by 2026 the State Nutrition Budget will have the right tags (Nut) indicating Nutrition in all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies implementing nutrition activities, adding that they are well guided by the State Annual operational Plan.

Earlier, the Chairman State Committee on Food and Nutrition and Permanent Secretary,  State Planning Commission Mr. Kingsley Ndem Eyibio reiterated that Budget tagging enhances transparency and accountability while expressing his appreciation to the budget office for the support and cordiality the committee has enjoyed from the office.

In his words, the chairman said we seek your usual support and collaboration to ensure proper tagging of nutrition activities in the Budget even beyond your office.

On her part the State Coordinator CS-SUNN Mrs Nkem Eyong Ubana informed that as of today, the 7th of November 2025 only few States in the federation were able to do proper budget tagging of nutrition. That some Staff were trained on Budget tagging and appeal that all nutrition activities should be properly tagged. That tagging is one of the Mile stones to achieve in order to avoid having red flags on the State performance template. 

She used the opportunity to appreciate Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria and the State Governor for their support to the committee.

The visit featured questions and answers and group photograph. In attendance were members of the State Technical Committee on Food and Nutrition, officials of Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria, Directors and heads of Departments in the State Budget Office Calabar.