Text: Galatians 4:21-31

4:21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?

4:22  For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman.

4:23  But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise,

4:24  which things are symbolic. For these are ^[a]the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar

4:25for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children—

4:26  but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.

4:27   For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children Than she who has a husband.”

4:28Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 

4:29  But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. 

4:30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.”

4:31  So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.

STUDY:

Apostle Paul, in today’s passage focuses on the attitude of the Christians in Galatia who had encountered the true gospel preached to them. Though, they were gentiles by nature, they were now believers in Christ Jesus. Paul noticed the sudden change in their attitude from the truth of the gospel they had received earlier. They were beginning to leave the gospel of Christ and gradually turning to another gospel preached by false teachers who added some requirements of the Law of Moses to the gospel, such as circumcision (Gal. 1:6-7).

Beloved, like the Galatians, you are advised to choose freedom by embracing the true gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, the gospel of salvation. You can only obtain total freedom in Christ, not in the Law of Moses. Christ has fulfilled the Law in your place through the sacrifice He made on the cross for humanity (Rom. 3:19-24). Therefore, accept Him today by confessing Him as your Lord and personal Saviour and believing in your heart that He died to set you free from the curse of sin and law. Then you will be free completely.

Prayer: 

Dear Father, deliver me from every bondage of sin and set my life free totally. Amen.

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The annual observance, marked on June 14, 2026, was dedicated to remembering victims of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent attacks that have claimed thousands of lives across Nigeria.

In a message to Christians nationwide, the President of CAN described the occasion as both a time of mourning and a call for collective action against the worsening security situation in the country.

According to him, the Church cannot remain silent while innocent citizens continue to lose their lives and many communities live under constant fear of attacks.

CAN noted that the observance coincided with Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations, stressing that the principles of democracy are rooted in the protection of human life, justice, the rule of law and the security of citizens.

The association stated that the best way to honour the sacrifices made in the struggle for democracy is to build a nation where people can live, work, worship and travel without fear.

The Christian body expressed solidarity with families who have lost loved ones, internally displaced persons and survivors of violent attacks, praying for comfort, healing and justice for all affected.

It also called on authorities to fulfil their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, insisting that the safety of Nigerians must remain a top priority.

While awaiting further legislative action by the Senate, CAN commended the House of Representatives for passing the Community and State Policing Bill on June 11, describing it as a significant step towards improving grassroots security and strengthening community involvement in crime prevention.

The association further urged churches, Christian schools, hospitals and other faith-based institutions to strengthen their security measures through vigilance, emergency preparedness and collaboration with local security structures.

CAN encouraged Christians across the country to remain united in prayer, support victims of violence and their families, and resist fear despite the challenges facing the nation.

The association also offered prayers for President Bola Tinubu and other leaders, asking God to grant them wisdom, courage and the resolve needed to overcome Nigeria’s security challenges.

Buratai made the warning while reacting to the reported killing of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe by armed bandits, describing the incident as a disturbing development with far-reaching implications for national security.

According to him, the murder of a senior military officer by non-state actors highlights the growing boldness and operational strength of criminal groups across the country.

“Let me be clear: if this trend continues unchecked, the next targets may not be soldiers or civilians alone. They could include ministers, senators and even state governors. No leader will be immune,” he said.

The former army chief described the incident as another wake-up call for authorities, stressing that the country’s security challenges have continued to escalate despite repeated warnings from stakeholders.

Buratai recalled that he had predicted in 2021 that insurgency and banditry could remain a major threat for years if decisive steps were not taken to address the problem.

He said the reported capture, torture and killing of General Rabe represents a dangerous turning point in the nation’s security situation.

According to him, criminal groups now possess sophisticated weapons, intelligence networks and operational capabilities that increasingly challenge conventional security forces.

Buratai criticised what he described as a largely reactive approach to tackling insecurity, arguing that strategies centred on negotiations and ransom payments have failed to produce lasting results.

He called for a coordinated military and intelligence operation aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across the country.

The retired military officer pointed to gains recorded in the fight against insurgency between 2015 and 2019, insisting that a similar level of commitment and coordination is needed to confront current threats.

He also proposed the establishment of a unified national security command structure, similar to the Presidential Task Force used during the COVID-19 pandemic, to oversee operations in high-risk areas.

According to him, such a command should have direct authority over all security agencies operating in affected states and report directly to the President.

Buratai further urged the government to intensify efforts to identify and prosecute individuals providing financial or logistical support to criminal groups.

He noted that banditry and terrorism thrive through networks involving illegal miners, local collaborators, ransom negotiators and other enablers who must be brought to justice.

The former army chief maintained that only a comprehensive national response involving military action, intelligence gathering and disruption of criminal financing networks can reverse the current security trend and restore public confidence.

The encounter appeared headed for a goalless draw before Amad struck in the 90th minute, calmly finishing off a well-worked move initiated by Wilfried Singo to hand the Elephants a crucial opening-day victory.

The defeat brought an end to Ecuador’s impressive 19-match unbeaten run, which had lasted nearly two years.

Ecuador created several chances throughout the contest but were repeatedly denied by bad luck and resilient defending. John Yeboah, Alan Minda and captain Enner Valencia all hit the woodwork as the South Americans struggled to find a breakthrough.

Ivory Coast also threatened, with Elye Wahi striking the crossbar early in the second half, while goalkeeper Yahia Fofana produced a number of key saves to keep Ecuador at bay.

Speaking after the match, Amad said the team remains determined to make a significant impact at the tournament.

“We came here to make history. We still have two more matches ahead of us, and we need to approach them with the same mentality and try to win them,” he said.

The victory puts Ivory Coast in a strong position in Group E ahead of their next fixture against Germany, while Ecuador will look to bounce back when they face Curaçao in their second group game.

The four-time world champions made the perfect start when Felix Nmecha scored after just six minutes, registering the fastest goal of the tournament so far.

However, Curaçao stunned the German side midway through the first half when Livano Comenencia found the back of the net to score his country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal, sparking celebrations among the Caribbean nation’s supporters.

The equaliser briefly disrupted Germany’s rhythm, but Julian Nagelsmann’s men quickly responded. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead with a header before Kai Havertz converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time to give Germany a 3-1 advantage heading into the break.

Germany wasted little time extending their lead after the restart, with Jamal Musiala scoring moments into the second half to put the result beyond doubt.

Nathaniel Brown and substitute Deniz Undav added their names to the scoresheet as Germany continued to dominate proceedings, while Havertz completed his brace late in the game to cap an impressive performance.

The victory saw six different German players score, highlighting the attacking quality and depth within a squad considered among the favourites for the tournament.

Despite the heavy defeat, Curaçao secured a memorable milestone through Comenencia’s goal, which marked the nation’s first-ever strike at a FIFA World Cup in their debut appearance at the competition.

The emphatic win puts Germany in a strong position in Group E and sends an early warning to their rivals, while Curaçao will seek to recover in their next fixture as they continue their historic World Cup campaign.

The meeting, which was chaired by the University’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Peter Onwualu, approved the dismissal of the staff following the report of a disciplinary committee set up to look into the various cases of misconduct against the staff members, which was brought before the Council for consideration.

Those whose sack was approved by the university council include Professor Chike Osegbue, of the Department of Political Science, who was found to have abandoned his duties as an academic staff member of the university, without any excuse or justification, our source said. In the Faculty of Law, Professors C. C. Nwabachili and Ifeoma Kakulu were sacked over cases of gross misconduct. Meanwhile, Dr. I. H. Iheukwumere and Mr. Emeka Nwabunnia, of the Department of Microbiology, Uli Campus, were dismissed over cases of sexual harassment and intimidation.

With this action, the University Council has set a new mark of conduct and redirected focus to commitment to value for staff, especially academic staff members of the university, who the Council said are expected to uphold the highest level of professional and ethical conduct as role models.

During the meeting, which was attended by all members of the University Council who were inaugurated yesterday by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and charged to deliver nothing but excellence, they jointly submitted that Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University must set the pace in learning, teaching, and training quality graduates with the requisite skill set that meets the challenges of the present time. The Council further committed to upholding the virtues of integrity, discipline, and honest commitment to academic values.

Meanwhile, the Council also approved the promotion of at least 13 Readers to full professorship. Those promoted include Dr. Uju Susan Muogbo of the Department of Entrepreneurship, Dr. Nonso Mbah of the Department of Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Basil Agoha of the Department of Architecture, Dr. Ikechukwu Gbasouzor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Agary Nwokoye of the Department of Political Science, Dr. Ikechukwu Asika of the Department of English, Dr. Nkiru Chude, Dr. Kennedy Onwuama, Dr. Chinyerem Nwachukwu, Dr. Susan Oguejiofor, Dr. Anthonia Okoye, Dr. Choice Okaforcha, and Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Dim.

The Chairman of Council, Professor Peter Onwualu, while extending the Council’s congratulations to the new professors, also charged them to continue to hold the academic banner to the highest standards

By Ebuka Onyekwelu, Ph.D.

Text: Galatians 4:1-20

4:1  Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 

4:2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 

4:3  Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 

4:4  But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born^[a] of a woman, born under the law, 

4:5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

4:6  And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ^[b]“Abba, Father!” 

4:7  Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir ^[c]of God ^[d]through Christ.

4:8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 

4:9  But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 

4:10 You observe days and months and seasons and years. 

4:11  I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.

4:12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all. 

4:13 You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first.

4:14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 

4:15 What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. 

4:16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?

4:17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them.

4:18 But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. 

4:19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, 

4:20  I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.

STUDY:

In our text today, we see Paul’s disappointment at the fact that the Galatian Christians who had joyfully accepted to follow Christ at his preaching, after some time, had turned to seeking the righteousness of the Law. They had quickly forgotten that the righteousness of the Law could not save them; only faith in Jesus Christ could do (Gal. 3:26). The Apostle Paul corrected them from trying to subject themselves to the formal observance of the Law. He then encouraged them to grow up in their faith in Christ Jesus which would make them enjoy the full benefits of the blessings of Christ (Eph. 1:3-6).
Beloved, as Christians, we are no longer bound by this formal observance of the Law. We are admonished in Colossians 2:20-23 to grow up into maturity in Christ, and we can do this through the study of His Word, prayer and constant obedience to the Holy Spirit. Growing into maturity in Christ will make you a spiritual and knowledgeable Christian. Being a religious person is different from being saved. A religious person only observes religious principles and formal systems.

He could even be energetic in church activities, but lack the personal relationship with Christ. He could be full of activities, but without the Holy Spirit. Personal relationship or encounter with Jesus marks the beginning of your relationship with God. Salvation brings you into true freedom to serve God, without feeling it as a burden. Your heart is filled with the joy of Heaven, as Jesus becomes real to you each day.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, help me to grow daily in my relationship with you. Amen.

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Text: John 15:5-11

15:5  “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

15:6  If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.  

15:7  If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

15:8  By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

15:9 As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 

15:10  If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

15:11  “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

STUDY:

In today’s text, we see Jesus instructing the disciples to abide in Him so as to be fruitful. A branch would always do well as long as it constantly takes nourishment from the parent body-the vine. A branch will always wither and will be eventually cut off if it fails to remain connected to the vine (vv. 5-6). This illustration by Christ emphasizes the believers’ constant need to live in obedience to His word. To abide in Christ is to mark His footsteps, and in them, plant our own. It is to know His will and follow Him accordingly.

Dearly beloved in Christ, any Christian who wants to grow in Christ must be ready to live by His Word every day. It is important to follow Jesus Christ by deliberate search of His will and doing His will at all times. This is expected to be made manifest in all your daily relationship with everyone around you. Learn to reflect upon Christ’s word in order to know how to behave and respond in every situation. Let His principles become your guide each moment. Abiding in Him will make people glorify God and be drawn to Christ through your life. Always fill your heart each day with His word of life.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, help me to abide in your word each day of my life. Amen.

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Text: Galatians 3:23-29

3:23  But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed.

3:24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 

3:25  But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

3:26  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

3:29  And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

STUDY:

Our text today tells us that we are the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. It stresses further that as many as have been baptised into Christ have put on Christ (vv. 26 & 27). Paul, in this passage, describes the law as our schoolmaster that prepared us for an encounter with Christ. The Law was introduced to keep man under control and make him do the right things. However, the coming of Jesus Christ created the way for unhindered fellowship with God as His children. Believers in Christ are no longer alienated from direct and personal effective relationship with God. They have been redeemed through Jesus Christ.

Child of God, as a believer in Jesus Christ, you have access by faith in Jesus Christ, to the Father. This is a position you must never compromise to the enemy. The devils aims to make you lose sight of your status. But, always remind yourself that you are a child of God and the result of this is that you have liberty from the power of sin which hinders man from serving God; you have deliverance from the grip of Satan; and you have been empowered through the Holy Spirit. Your knowledge of Christ frees you from the burden of the Law and sin (John 8:32).

Prayer: 

Father, strengthen me to take my position as your child every day of my life. Amen.

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Tenerife, part of Spain’s Canary Islands, has become a major entry point for tens of thousands of migrants attempting to reach Europe via dangerous Atlantic routes.

Addressing hundreds of migrants at the Las Raices reception centre, a former military barracks, the Pope said humanity shares a common journey.

“In a sense, all of us are migrants, for we are all pilgrims on our way to our heavenly homeland,” he said, urging greater compassion and support for displaced persons.

He called for more humane treatment of migrants and stronger action against trafficking networks exploiting vulnerable people.

“Let us help make this journey more humane for everyone by contributing in whatever way we can,” he added.

The US-born pontiff is expected to conclude his visit with an open-air mass in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Earlier in the trip, he visited Madrid and Barcelona before arriving in the Canary Islands, where he also travelled to Gran Canaria.

During a stop at the port of Arguineguin, the Pope condemned global “indifference” toward migrants and paid tribute to those who have died at sea, casting a wreath into the ocean.

“Human dignity has no passport,” he said, warning against traffickers and what he described as the “monsters” who exploit migrants, as well as the global indifference that allows suffering to continue.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), nearly 1,200 people died or went missing last year while attempting the Atlantic crossing to the Canary Islands, one of the world’s deadliest migration routes.

The Pope also criticised Europe’s tightening migration policies, saying the continent cannot claim to defend human dignity while allowing the Mediterranean and Atlantic to become “unmarked graves.”

He said the tragedy should compel nations of origin, transit, and destination to act more responsibly in addressing poverty, conflict, and trafficking.

Migrants at the centre described the visit as encouraging, with one survivor from Morocco saying the Pope’s presence came at a “critical moment.”

From the Canary Islands, Pope Leo XIV is expected to return to Rome and speak to reporters aboard his flight. He is also scheduled to visit Lampedusa, another key migration route into Europe, on July 4, further highlighting migrant welfare as a central theme of his papacy.

AFP