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  • Unlocking the Supernatural via the Prophetic!

    Welcome to another impactful week. I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. Today, we shall focus on: Unlocking the Supernatural via the Prophetic!

    From scriptures, we understand that ‘Thus saith the Lord’ is the Grand Commander of the supernatural. For it is written, The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand (Isaiah 14:24). This is because every Word from God is a sworn verdict already settled in heaven and cannot be altered. Thus, we must recognise that God is not in the class of men and as such, He speaks according to Himself not according to us. He speaks according to His greatness, not our smallness. Also, He speaks according to His abilities, not our inabilities. Besides, He does not look for solutions, He creates them. In other words, God creates whatever He says. It is written, …The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good… (Genesis 1:2-3, 31).

    Interestingly, Prophets are God’s spokesmen through whom God unfolds what He wants to do. Thus, when we believe what they say, we simply commit God to perform it in our lives.  For instance, the Bible records that through the ministry of Moses, the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt into a land flowing with milk and Honey. Furthermore, Elijah brought supernatural prosperity and divine supplies to the widow of Zarephath. As a result, she flourished in the midst of famine, while others were famished. Another prophet named Elisha changed the financial fortune of the widow of a prophet, whose creditors came to take away her two sons. In addition, God also sent Elisha to Naaman and he was cleansed of his leprosy (1 Kings 7:8-16; 2 Kings 4:1-10, 5:1-15). In another instance, God spoke to me that the Faith Tabernacle shall be dedicated within a year. Obviously, it was humanly impossible but God’s power built it debt-free.

    But, who are Prophets?

    From scriptures, we understand that:

    • They are Agents of Restoration: As it is written, And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians (Exodus 12:36). As we all know, Israel laboured for 430 years without wages, but through the ministry of Moses the prophet, their dignity was restored (Hosea 12:13).

    They are Agents of Breakthroughs: As breakthrough agents, prophets are barrier breakers. Remember, in Ezra 4:23-24, 5:1-2, the work of the house of the Lord was made to cease by force; but through the intervention of a prophet, the barriers were broken.

    They are Agents of Rescue after the Order of Moses: Through the ministry of Moses, God rescued Israel out of Egypt. God said to him, Come now, therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10). The landmark role of Moses in the liberation of the Israelites underscores the reality of prophets as God-sent agents of rescue for His people.

    They are Agents of Prosperity: As it is written, And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper (2 Chronicles 20:20). ‘Prosper’ in the above scripture connotes abundance, prosperity or supernatural supply. We must understand that prosperity is one of the ministries of every God-ordained prophet. This is why the Bible admonishes us to believe them so as to prosper.

    They are Agents of Divine Rewards: Jesus once said, He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward (Matthew 10:41).

    They are Custodians of Visions: Prophets are vision carriers through whom God’s agenda is unveiled from time to time. As it is written, I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets (Hosea 12:10).

    In summary, there is no doubt that prophets are agents of change through whom God opens new chapters in the lives of His people. Hence, we must recognise that God is committed when He speaks and everything He has spoken prophetically to us this month is already created. All we need to do is to take delivery of them by believing unreservedly, unrepentantly and unashamedly to commit Him to perform them through His prophets.  Nevertheless, you must be born again in order for prophetic utterances to become a reality in your life.

    Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, please get my books: Walking in the Miraculous, Operating in the Supernatural, Releasing the Supernatural and Commanding the Supernatural.

    I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you.

    Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org, Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.

  • ‘Why churches should embrace whistle-blowing’

    Senior Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Femi Ogbontiba has advised church leaders to embrace whistle blowing to aid transparency and accountability.

    He stated this at the launch of two books- The role of Accounting, Stewardship and effective leadership in church Growth and Hope for the Hopeless by Pastor Femi Adeyokunu.

    Ogbontiba, who was the reviewer of the role of accounting, stewardship and effective leadership in church growth, stated that one of the major enemies of church growth is corruption.

    He said if not tackled squarely with adequate measures enunciated in the book, it could seriously hampered the growth of the church.

    Ogbontiba stated the book, which comprises 198 pages divided into 13 chapters, provides a simple descriptive and analytic argument based on bible teachings on the role of a good church leader as simplified by Jesus Christ.

    Pastor Brown Oyitso, who was the chief launcher at the event, also recommended the books for church leaders, especially those in charge of church growth and accounts for better management.

    According to him, the importance of investment in human capital is critical to church growth.

    Provost of the RCCG Theological School, Dr. Babatunde Adebibu, who reviewed the second book, stated it is a must- read for all Christians as the author writes perceptively using simple bible verses to drive home his points.

    According to him, the book ‘Hope for the Hopeless’ exemplifies the bases of Christianity which is- giving hope to the hopeless by bringing them closer to Jesus Christ.

    Read Also: Church marks 20 years power conference

    Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Felix Ohiwerei, described the author as a fine gentleman and a wonderful pastor.

    He said the books are guides for all Christians because of their contents and the author’s wealth of experience.

    “The author is a practitioner at the highest stage. Books by such authors as this need to be read and read again.

    “What the classroom teaches is different from what one learns from real life experiences. These are books that are full of life experiences.

    “He is a fine gentleman and a wonderful pastor, a dutiful husband and outstanding father. God has blessed him.”

    RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Joseph Obayemi applauded the efforts of the author whom he described as faithful servant in the Lord’s vineyard.

    According to him, both books are spiritual manuals that will be very beneficial to spiritual minded individuals in the country.

    Obayemi enjoined all Christians irrespective of economic status to get copies of both books for their benefits.

    Adeyokunu expressed appreciation to the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye for his fatherly and spiritual support in making the books a reality.

    According to him: “Over the years, I have learnt through the various teachings and leadership styles of Daddy G.O Adeboye which I have been privileged to watch directly. It forms the platform for the conception and execution of these works.”

    He said proceeds from the sales of the book would be used to finance the ‘ The Fiends of Joseph Foundation’ an NGO whose aim is to minister salvation to prisoners, restore hope to the hopeless, youth empowerment through acquisition of skills and many other humanitarian assistance to the less privilege in the society.

    Describing the book as a timely intervention in knowledge gap, former First Lady of Cross Rivers, Onari Duke said: “Without doubt, it is coming very timely. More than ever before, we need to project new knowledge and mindset among youths and adults. Also it will give people in leadership more grip on accountability, stewardship and effective stewardship.

    “It is a one-stop resource material. The book will be a veritable resource tool to people of all strata both believers and non-believers.”

  • Relationship with God the ultimate, says Adventist cleric

    Relationship with God is the ultimate achievement in life with lasting benefits, President of Lagos Mainland Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria, Pastor Ibraheem Jimoh has told Akute members in Iju District, Lagos.

    A statement by Public Relations Consultant of the church, Dave I. Emelike, said Jimoh spoke while delivering a sermon titled “testing time” during the organisation service of the church.

    He noted that trusting and depending on God particularly when the nation in passing through many challenges will make Him send angels to protect them.

    He said when Christian face trials like Job, they are bound to be victorious.

    Jimoh reminded them that Job was a man after the heart of God because of his good work and trust in God.

    The cleric charged the congregation to take care of their sons and daughters as well as pray for them as Job did for his children.

    He congratulated them on their ability to meet the requirements that made the organisation of their church possible, asking God they are fully prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ.

    Read Also: Love, unity antidote to insecurity, says cleric

    The Treasurer of Lagos Mainland Conference, Elder Adeyemi Adedokun implored the members of the church to always look unto Jesus and Jesus alone.

    He assured them that Jesus will not let them down.

    The activities that took place  during the occasion include: review of the fundamental beliefs of Seventh-day Adventist Church, forming of nucleus, acceptance of membership by votes of nucleus, special prayer for members, dedication of church officers, orientation of new Elders and Deacons, request to receive the church into the sisterhood of churches of the next local conference session among others.

    Addressing the newly elected Elders and Deacons, the Evangelism and Sabbath School Director of Lagos Mainland Conference, Pastor Aduranire Sofowora, urged them to be of good behavior within and outside the church.

    He said that they must show good leadership qualities at all times and urged their wives to always support them.

    The Executive Secretary of Lagos Mainland Conference on his part, charged the members to take the study of their Bible serious to enable them stand strong.

    He also encouraged them to learn very well, the fundamental beliefs of the church.

    Iju District choir led by Elder Francis Chidera added colour to the event with the spirit lifting and melodious songs.

  • Nigerian student unveils Beginners’ Handbook for campus Journalists

    A final year student journalist of the Obafemi Awolowo University,  Ile Ife, Adejumo Kabir has unveiled a book on best practices of campus journalism.

    The book, titled “Campus Journalism Beginners Handbook” according to its author Mr Adejumo Kabir, is a guide that will help student journalists report their campuses better and prepare them for journalism after school.

    In the foreword of the book, the Executive Publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, noted the author had done the broad practice of journalism in Nigeria a great service by putting together and publishing what, to his mind, is the first practice guide on the hitherto “hidden” genre of campus journalism.

    Another top Media Career Specialist, Lekan Otufodunrin also wrote that the opportunities available for campus journalists of this generation are much and there is a need to ensure that those engaged in the art maximise their potentials.

    Read Also: Student who committed suicide didn’t have poor results, says OAU

    Kehinde Ayantunji, Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists in Osun, said the book is an intelligent investment and a huge consolation about the predicament of the Nigeria youths particularly the educated ones in tertiary institutions.

    Kabir is a freelance journalist for Premium Times with dozens of investigative journalism awards to his name at the national and international level. He was named finalist at the 2018 Africa Check Awards (Student category) in South Africa.

    Early this year, he launched the Campus Press Hub; an initiative offering training and consultancy services on best practices of campus journalism to students across Nigerian institutions.

    This book is the second handbook guide for campus journalists after a book titled: “The Road Before the Fourth Estate” co-authored by Kunle Adebajo and Kanyinsola Olorunnisola, who are now both graduates of University of Ibadan.

  • Slain policemen: Questions the Army must answer

    Nobody makes a fine corpse; whether hero or villian. Consider the sad case of Inspector Mark Edaile and Sergeants Usman Danzumi and Dahiru Musa; their eyes quickened with grief as their startled spirits fled their bodies, perhaps.

    The three policemen and members of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, met a gruesome end as they were hacked to death by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 93 Battalion Takum, along Ibi-Wukari Road in Taraba State.

    The trio, who were on a covert mission to arrest a suspected kidnap kingpin, Alhaji Hamisu Wadume, died from gunshot wounds while other members of the team were injured in an incident that the Nigerian Army said was a case of mistaken identities.

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has, however, rejected the Army’s claim, stressing that the deceased officers duly identified themselves yet they were gunned down by the soldiers.

    Troops of the 93 Battalion reportedly opened fire on a white bus, marked LAGOS MUS564EU, conveying the undercover policemen and suspected notorious kidnapper, Wadume. Also killed was a civilian while other policemen sustained serious injuries, Deputy Commissioner (DCP) and Force spokesperson, Frank Mba, said, in a statement on Wednesday night.

    According to the statement by Mba, the affected officers led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Felix Adolije, of the IRT, reportedly came under attack in the process of moving kidnap kingpin, Wadume, to the Command Headquarters in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba.

    Read Also: Soldiers mistook attacked policemen for kidnappers, says Army

    Mba said that in the ensuing chaos following the shooting, Wadume, who had been on the police’s wanted list, escaped.

    So, what really happened? That was the question on everybody’s lips on Thursday as the police and families of the slain officers reeled from the shock of their gruesome execution and Wadume’s subsequent escape.

    To douse the flames of dissent ignited by the incident and insecurity in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, met with security chiefs at the State House in Abuja.

    At the meeting with the President were: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Gabriel Olonishakin; Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Ibok-Ete Ibas; Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Yusuf Buratai and the representative of Inspector-General Mohammed Adamu.

    Air Marshal Abubakar, who briefed State House reporters after the meeting, said, on the killings in Taraba, “a committee will be setup under the defence headquarters to critically look into the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident.”

    As the situation degenerates into an impasse, a joint army and police committee has reportedly been inaugurated to probe the killing of the officers

  • ‘How to improve our education system’

    The Executive Director of Lekki British School (LBS), Mr. Christian Idehen, has urged the federal and state governments to devise a revolutionary approach to education to ensure a secure future for the coming generation.

    Mr. Idehen a scion of the late founder of the school, Dr. (Ms) Abiodun Laja, said with governments’ proactive support for education, schools will be able to develop and excellent academic methods and standards of teaching.

    Idehen, who was speaking at an interactive session with reporters in Lagos recently, described his late mother as an educationist par excellence who took calculated risks and showed the example of courage, perseverance, determination and the knack to turn impossible situations to possible.

    Read Also: ‘Every generation has its educational challenges’

    He said the new management of the school was committed to simultaneously providing an environment in which individual “is assisted to discover his or her academic potential in learning, sport and personal development.”

    “Our main objective is to allow each child to develop his or her unique talents within a disciplined and caring traditional British school environment,” he said.

    According to him, “we are continuously developing our relationship with the major colleges and professional bodies globally such as Cambridge, Lambton College, Canada and the University of Kent, among others”.

    Mr. Idehen assured the parents and students of the school that the enduring legacy left by his mother would be built on.

    He said: “We will be a failure if we maintain the legacy already built. We are going to go beyond whatever she was able to do”.

    He said the new directors were determined to approach the administration of the school with the same determination with which the late founder exhibited.

  • Biafra: Be wary of Kanu, IPOB terrorists – Group urges Nigerians abroad

    Nigerians living abroad have been asked to avoid Nnamdi Kanu and members of his outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

     

    Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (NDMG), which gave the warning, said the activities of IPOB outside the shores of Nigeria needed concerted efforts by all critical stakeholders to protect the image of the country.

     

    The group at a press conference held at the Enish Restaurant, Finchley, London on Wednesday, said the activities of IPOB are despicable and an affront to Nigerians all over the world.

     

     

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group recently convened an emergency general meeting of its executives in London United Kingdom to review the recent posturing of the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)

     

    The activities of IPOB are despicable and an affront to Nigerians all over the world to the way and manner the image of the country has been dragged in the mud before the eyes of the international community.

     

     

    Angela Boroh, President of the group, who spoke on behalf of NDMG, called Kanu and his members to desist from acts that would tarnish the image of Nigeria in the interest of peace and tranquillity.

     

    Her statement reads below.

     

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group is dismayed that a group of Nigerians masquerading under the umbrella of IPOB would denigrate so low as to constitute themselves into a nuisance outside the shores of Nigeria.

     

    While this is condemnable, it must be stated that Nnamdi Kanu and his militant members of IPOB abroad have exhibited a high level of disrespect for the constituted authority in Nigeria with the recent attack of a high ranking member of the National Assembly in Germany. The latest threat to attack Nigerians living abroad and those traveling abroad from Nigeria is also another indication of the despicable attitude of Nnamdi Kanu and his co-travellers.

     

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group advise well-meaning Igbo Sons and Daughters in the Diaspora to distance themselves from Nnamdi Kanu and his terrorist group IPOB at the risk of been labelled terrorists. All well-meaning Igbo Sons and Daughters in the Diaspora must rise to this challenge and condemn the actions of IPOB that has brought shame to Nigeria our beloved country.

     

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group wishes to inform the world of its total and unflinching support for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, under whose leadership of the country Nigeria has experienced tremendous growth and development.

     

    Read Also: Fed Govt to focus on youth empowerment

     

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group identifies with the leadership style of President Muhammadu Buhari that been translating the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians into tangible realities in the past four years. This much can be seen in critical sectors of the Nigerian economy that were hitherto moribund as a result of leadership failure by previous administrations.

     

    The Nigerians in Diaspora salutes the courage and commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari in his quest to take Nigeria to greater heights.

     

    The war against corruption as instituted by the administration of President Muhummadu Buhari is highly commendable and an indication that Nigeria can be great again. The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group believes that with if the present efforts at ridding Nigeria of corrupt practices are sustained, Nigeria would indeed move to the next level of sustainable growth and development.

     

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group is also aware that the various diplomatic shuttles by President Muhummadu Buhari has resulted in economic prosperity for Nigeria as a country and it is our considered opinion that more of those diplomatic shuttles are necessary for Nigeria to consolidate its position in the comity of nations in the world.

     

    The war against terrorism and other militant groups in Nigeria is another area the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has performed creditably well. Consequently, the Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group applauds the various security agencies involved in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

     

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group wishes to call on all well-meaning stakeholders in the Nigerian project to extend their support to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in this critical point of our existence.

     

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group also wishes to advise Nnamdi Kanu and his gang to desist from acts that would tarnish the image of Nigeria in the interest of peace and tranquillity.

     

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group also uses this medium to advise well-meaning Nigerians in the Diaspora to go about their normal business without fear from attacks by members of IPOB.

     

    That Nnamdi Kanu and his members should act as a matter of urgency desist from any act that would cause economic or physical harm to any Nigerian in the Diaspora.

     

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group herby declares its absolute confidence in the unity of Nigeria and believes that no organization, despite the multiple evidence of funding from a terrorist network can cause the disintegration of Nigeria.

     

  • Ogun set to support pig business

    In line with its determination towards developing all agricultural sectors in the state, Ogun State government has expressed its readiness to establish pigs market and abattoir in the state.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye, made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at a programme tagged: “Africa swine fever resist,” organised for stakeholders in pig business by National Veterinary Research Institute, Zaria, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

    Read Also: Ogun elders applaud Abiodun on committees

    Ogunleye said it had become imperative to create the facilities considering the increase in the demand for pork meat, saying that the market would help the farmers display their products as well as creating access for buyers.

    She commended the farmers for their cooperation with the researchers from the research institute, as this would prevent the spread of the disease and find lasting solution.

    In his remarks, the leader, National Veterinary Research Institute, Research team, Team, Dr. Adeyinka Adedeji, described Africa swine fever as a contagious disease which causes high rate of mortality, noting that it could plunge farmers to serious debt and send them out of business.

  • 10 Turkish sailors abducted in Nigeria released

    Ten Turkish sailors who were kidnapped by gunmen last month in Nigeria, were released on Friday.

    The sailors were captured on board the Turkish-flagged Paksoy-1 cargo ship in the early hours of July 16 following an attack in the Gulf of Guinea as they sailed from Cameroon to Ivory Coast.

    Read Also: Police recover N6m from kidnappers in Niger

    The ship is operated by Kadioglu Maritime and had 18 crew on board when it was attacked by pirates according.

    A spokesman for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) said the Turkish foreign ministry and intelligence had been dealing with the matter.

    Details on how their  release came about were not immediately available.

  • ‘Be good ambassadors of your school’

    A former Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), Professor Peter Okebukola, has urged the pupils of De-Dynamic Schools, Ota, Ogun State, to be good ambassadors of their school.

    Okebukola made this call at the 6th valedictory ceremony of the school held on the premises of its college in Ota.

    The former NUC chief, who was the guest speaker on the occasion, was represented by Ambassador Adebola Labiran.

    Read Also: Students urged to focus on excellence

    ”I want the graduands to know that education is life and it is like a tree that grows after its roots are watered.

    ”You should do away with the word impossibility. You should be determined and work to get to your goals. More importantly, you should always pray to God and be good ambassadors of this school.”

    The Executive Director of the school, Mr Jide Bello, thanked parents for their support and loyalty which he noted had helped to build the school to its enviable height in the last few years.

    He noted that all the graduating students came out in flying colours in the recently released results of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.

    The event witnessed musical presentation by the school’s band, poetry recitation, production of hair cream by the school’s JET Club and presentation by the pupils on the merits and demerits of social media.