The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday magazine

  • Church’ll laugh last amid rising insecurity, Adeboye assures Nigerians

    Church’ll laugh last amid rising insecurity, Adeboye assures Nigerians

    Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has expressed confidence that Nigeria will overcome its insecurity challenges, declaring that “the church will laugh last.”

    Speaking on Sunday during his sermon titled, ‘The Master Builder, ’ at the RCCG’s monthly thanksgiving service, Adeboye urged Christians and Nigerians at large to remain calm, assuring them that “evil will not prevail” despite the surge in violent attacks nationwide.

    Addressing millions of worshippers through a broadcast monitored by our correspondent, the respected cleric said the nation’s troubling security situation underscores a fundamental truth—that only God builds and protects His church. He stressed that regardless of the pressure, threats, or intimidation faced by Christian communities; divine protection remains assured, adding that God’s authority surpasses any human or demonic influence.

    Read Also: NGF names Yobe best performing state in primary health care delivery

    Adeboye’s message comes amid repeated attacks on churches across Nigeria in recent years, including kidnappings, shootings and other violent assaults that have left many worshippers injured, displaced, or dead. These incidents have fueled growing fear among congregations and renewed calls for strengthened security and spiritual intervention.

    Despite these challenges, Adeboye maintained that believers must not succumb to fear. “When God opens a door, nobody can shut it. And when God shuts a door, nobody can open it,” he said. “So I have good news for you, my children. Put your mind at rest. The gates of hell shall not prevail. Whether the devil likes it or not, the church is going to laugh last.”

    He affirmed that God’s role as “the Master Builder” guarantees the church’s survival and growth, insisting that Scripture has already spoken victory over Nigeria and its people.

  • Akinnadewo urges Christian, Nigerian leaders to deepen humanitarian efforts

    Akinnadewo urges Christian, Nigerian leaders to deepen humanitarian efforts

    The Bishop of Motalaitu Church of God, Reverend Dr. James Akinnadewo, has called on Christians and leaders across Nigeria to strengthen their commitment to humanitarian service, stressing that righteousness, holiness, and genuine praise are key to enjoying God’s presence and healing.

    He made the appeal during the church’s annual Adoption Thanksgiving service, themed ‘Jehovah the Doctor,’ held at the church headquarters in Oke-Ira, Ogba, Lagos.

    Referencing the biblical passage, “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves…”, Akinnadewo said God remains the ultimate healer and restorer for individuals and nations, but only when people embrace truth and righteousness.

    “In Nigeria, we know the truth, but we are not practicing the truth,” he said. “If we embrace the truth, it will surely set us free.”

    Speaking on the significance of the Adoption Thanksgiving, Akinnadewo explained that it symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice, which restored humanity to a father–child relationship with God.

    “Jesus laid down His life to give us back our place with the Father. Those who receive Him can boldly cry ‘Abba Father.’ We are no longer in bondage but saved by grace.”

    Read Also: Tinubu moves to review university staff pay, condition of service

    He described the spiritual meaning behind the name Motalaitu, noting that it was divinely revealed in 1964 to the church’s founder, St. Isaiah Akinnadewo, symbolizing holiness, blessing, healing, and Christ as the Rock.

    Akinnadewo emphasized that the Church has a responsibility in nation-building. “The government shall be upon His shoulders. It is our duty as Christians to contribute positively to national development. Leaders must do the right thing and serve selflessly.”

    He also reacted to an award presented to him by a South African group during the event, attributing the recognition to the church’s impact through education support, welfare for widows, and humanitarian outreach.

    “By God’s grace, we are taking thousands of youths off the streets—empowering them, training them, sending them to school, and helping them discover their leadership potential,” he said.

    He added that the church funds vocational training, skill acquisition, and education for many young Nigerians, ensuring that no soul is wasted. “We stand in the gap for them—praying, mentoring, and delivering those in darkness into God’s marvelous light.”

    Akinnadewo urged government and national leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens, especially youths who make up over 70 percent of the population. He stressed the need to support education, vocational skills, and economic opportunities for struggling families.

    “A lot of Nigerians are suffering. Leaders must be sincere and act for the good of the people,” he said.

  • MFM Ilorin Mega Region hosts teenage camp

    MFM Ilorin Mega Region hosts teenage camp

    •  By Ayoyinka Jegede

    Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, South-West 3,  Kwara State Mega Regional Headquarters, Ilorin, Kwara State,  has organised a four-day camp programme for teenagers with a view to capturing them for Christ, helping them discover their purpose,  bringing out their potential, and teaching them how to become impactful future leaders.

     The programme, which educates and enlightens teens on the importance of education and why “Education is not a scam,” but an investment in personal and societal progress, also educates teens on the importance of going to school.

    It revealed that education goes beyond the four walls of the classroom, and the value of acquiring education should not be eroded due to the economic situation.

    Read Also: NGF names Yobe best performing state in primary health care delivery

     In her message, titled  ‘ True Beauty and Godly Character, ‘ the wife of MFM Kwara State Mega Regional Overseer (MRO), Pastor (Mrs.) Deborah  Oyewunmi admonished the teenagers to make Jesus Christ the centre stage of their lives.

     She emphasised that true beauty is a reflection of God’s image, which is being a person of excellent character,  virtues,  humility, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

     She appealed to  teens not to wear revealing dresses that can make them prone to rape, nor should they join get-rich-quick Yahoo or ritualists that go all out to acquire wealth through  deadly, illegal  means, stressed  that evil associations surely  lead to untimely death and wastage at the end

     Oyewunmi applauded the General Overseer of MFM worldwide,  Dr Daniel Kolawole Olukoya and his wife, Dr Folashade Elizabeth Olukoya,  who championed Teenage Ministry over 30 years ago in MFM with a view to nurturing and moulding teenagers into Christlikeness, anchoring their lives on the Lord for eternal life in Christ Jesus.

    She said that MFM  worldwide had been guiding and encouraging teenagers to build and maintain a solid relationship with God through the teaching of the Word of God and an unparalleled prayer lifestyle.

  • Lagos traders urged to serve God in truth

    Lagos traders urged to serve God in truth

    Traders at the Ladipo Market, Mushin, Lagos have been urged to serve God in truth.

     An itinerary  evangelist, Pastor Patt Anyaere gave the advice during the end of year party of Akinwunmi Traders Association, a unit of Ladipo Auto Spare Parts Market.

    He said it was good for Christians to show their identity by working for God. He cited the second leader of the Israelites, Joshua, who vowed to serve God wholeheartedly with his family, saying the great man’s life should be an example to all.

    Read Also: Tinubu moves to review university staff pay, condition of service

    The cleric, who said he had spent 30 years working for God, alongside his trading in the same market, submitted that there is reward for those who served God well.

    He warned them against being involved in untoward deals, saying it is a sin to do so.

    He thanked God for sparing their lives in the outgoing year, saying that a great year awaited them in 2026.

  • CCC Ogo Ayo Cathedral celebrates 32nd adult harvest

    CCC Ogo Ayo Cathedral celebrates 32nd adult harvest

    Celestial Church of Christ, Ogo Ayo Cathedral (Shekinah Crusader), will today celebrate its 32nd Adult Harvest & Thanksgiving.

     The theme, ‘Harvest of Appreciation’, inspired by Psalm 100:4, the event will take place at the church auditorium located at Km 2 Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, OPIC, Ogun State, with the service scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. prompt.

    Read Also: NGF names Yobe best performing state in primary health care delivery

    According to a statement from the church, this year’s harvest carries a deeper sense of gratitude, reflecting on God’s preservation, provision, and enduring faithfulness throughout the year. “As one of the most significant annual events in the cathedral’s calendar, the celebration draws both members and the wider community together in worship, thanksgiving, and joyful reflection.”

    The harvest will also feature a rich lineup of gospel ministers and music personalities who are expected to elevate the worship atmosphere.

    Among those set to grace the occasion are Atorise, Shina Peters, Dare Melody, Kayslik, Apekeola, Megga 99, Segun Nabbi, Queen Busola Oke, and Esther Igbekele, alongside several others from the gospel music community.

  • Chapel of Christ the Light, celebrates 2025 harvest thanksgiving service

    Chapel of Christ the Light, celebrates 2025 harvest thanksgiving service

    The Lagos State Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos,  has celebrated its 2025 Harvest Thanksgiving Service, with the theme  “Harvest of Spiritual Overflow”.

    The service brought together government officials, religious leaders, and congregants for a day of gratitude, worship, and spiritual reflection.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who served as the Father of the Day, was represented by the Special Adviser on Christian Affairs, Rev. Adebukola Adeleke. Delivering the Governor’s goodwill message, he expressed profound appreciation to God for the privilege of celebrating another season of thanksgiving.

    He described the Chapel of Christ the Light as a spiritual sanctuary that nurtures faith and inspires service across the state.

    Read Also: Tinubu moves to review university staff pay, condition of service

    Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Harvest Thanksgiving goes beyond physical offerings, noting that the essence of the celebration lies in reflecting on the year’s challenges, victories, fulfilled hopes, and unanswered prayers.

    He stressed that symbolic seeds of patience, unity, compassion, and diligence sown throughout the year are just as vital as material contributions.

    The Governor commended the chapel’s clergy and members for sustaining an atmosphere of prayer and spiritual growth.

    He prayed that the coming year would bring peace, abundance, strength, and testimonies to all families.

    He encouraged Lagosians to keep building a state where faith strengthens governance and unity remains a key driver of development.

  • Adegbite applauds Christian pilgrimage as Christian journalists charged to uphold integrity, courage

    Adegbite applauds Christian pilgrimage as Christian journalists charged to uphold integrity, courage

    The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, came alive on Friday, November 21, 2025, as the Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCoN) hosted its 5th Annual Lecture, Anniversary Celebration, and the official unveiling of its new name and logo.

    The event, themed ‘Socioeconomic Benefits of Pilgrimage to the Nigerian State,’ drew government officials, clerics, media leaders, and Christian tourism advocates, marking a major milestone in ACCoN’s mission to professionalise Christian journalism and deepen the link between faith and national development.

    Read Also: NGF names Yobe best performing state in primary health care delivery

    Delivering the keynote address, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), underscored the spiritual and socioeconomic value of Christian pilgrimages.

    Quoting Psalm 84:5, he described pilgrimage as both a faith-deepening journey and a contributor to national growth. Adegbite broke down the value of pilgrimage into its motives, the activities involved, and the role of tourism in faith-centred travel.

    He emphasized four major national benefits: infrastructure development, opportunities for private travel operators, revenue generation, and the merging of spiritual growth with economic advancement.

    “Pilgrimage offers tangible spiritual and material benefits — from insurance cover to retirement opportunities and even vacation support,” he said.

    Bishop Charles Ighele, Chairman of ACCoN’s Board of Trustees, commended the association for balancing professionalism with fairness in reporting church activities.

    He praised members for “walking a delicate rope — not destroying the Church, yet not ignoring areas needing correction,” and prayed for divine support as ACCoN entered a new phase.

    Earlier in his welcome address, ACCoN President, Adeola Ogunlade described the gathering as a recommitment to the association’s mandate.

    “Our mission as Christian journalists is not merely to report,” he said, “but to edify, clarify, and preserve truth in a world clouded by misinformation.”

    He acknowledged ongoing debates over public funding of pilgrimages but stressed that ACCoN’s focus was on exploring the spiritual, moral, cultural, and economic impacts of pilgrimage rather than fueling controversy.

    Ogunlade also unveiled the association’s future aspirations, including: a permanent secretariat, a Christian media resource library, a conference hall, and an endowment fund for the annual Christian reporters’ award.

    He disclosed that discussions were underway to collaborate with the prestigious Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) to jointly host the awards, a project expected to cost at least ₦1 million.

    With support from the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, the Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN), Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Time to Fly, Oasis of Faith, Divine Majesty Ministry, and Unique Travels and Tours, the event highlighted the rising influence of Christian journalism in national conversations.

    As ACCoN marks its fifth anniversary, members say the association is evolving beyond reporting church affairs to contributing meaningfully to policy debates on faith, culture, and tourism.

  • Rhema Christian Church celebrates Christmas with “Great” Candlelight Carol Service

    Rhema Christian Church celebrates Christmas with “Great” Candlelight Carol Service

    Thousands of worshippers are expected to attend this year’s Rhema Christian Church and Towers glorious Great Carol Service by Candlelight holding on 21 December at the church headquarters in Sango Ota, Ogun State.

    Announcing the details of its much-anticipated programme which starts at 5 p.m. at the Champion Peace Cathedral in Otta, the church described the annual event as one of the most uplifting Christmas gatherings in the region, attracting worshippers from far and near.

    According to the organisers, this year’s service promises a deeply moving expression of the Christmas message, complete with soul-stirring carols, timeless hymns, and musical renditions that illuminate the nativity story.

     The church said the event has earned a reputation as “the best Christmas event of the year” among many who attend annually.

    READ ALSO; Christmas: 20 nice places to visit in Nigeria

    The 2025 theme, “Emmanuel — God With Us”, drawn from Matthew 1:23, anchors the entire celebration. 

    Church leaders said the theme is intended to remind worshippers of the miracle of God’s tangible presence through the birth of Jesus Christ and to strengthen faith in a season often marked by reflection and hope.

    Presiding Bishop, Archbishop Dr. Taiwo Akinola, explained the spiritual weight of the theme, noting that the birth of Christ offers reassurance in challenging times. 

    “The birth of Jesus Christ assures us that we are never alone. God’s presence is our strength, our comfort, and our victory,” he said.

    The Archbishop added that the evening would not only be centred on worship but will also carry a prophetic dimension. 

    He emphasised that the church expects a time of spiritual renewal and supernatural empowerment. “As we celebrate Christ, we will invoke divine light to break every form of obscurity and usher God’s people into a brighter, more impactful year ahead,” he stated.

    In preparation for the event, the church’s Praise and Prayer Department has been coordinating music rehearsals and worship segments expected to feature prominently during the service. The department’s head, Pastor Tofunmi Opaleye, described the carol service as “a cherished highlight of the season.”

    Pastor Opaleye said the service has grown into a beloved annual tradition marked by warmth, unity, and heartfelt worship. 

    “Over the years, the Carol Service by Candlelight has become a time when families reconnect, friends reunite, and our community gathers to honour the birth of Christ,” he said.

    He further encouraged residents of Otta and neighbouring communities to attend the celebration, emphasising that the event is open to everyone—regardless of age, background, or denomination. 

    “We are inviting families, friends, and worshippers from across the region to join us for this special night of worship,” he urged.

    In addition to the musical performances and readings, the church revealed that special gifts will be distributed to children below the age of fifteen. Organisers say this is part of their tradition of spreading joy and creating memorable experiences for young attendees.

    The candlelight procession, a key highlight of the service, is expected to once again fill the cathedral with a soft, glowing ambience.

     Church officials say the symbolic lighting of candles reflects the message of Christ as the Light of the World and remains one of the most anticipated moments of the evening.

    Local residents who have attended previous editions say the atmosphere is usually electric yet deeply reverent. Many describe the carol service as a blend of worship, community bonding, and festive celebration that sets the tone for Christmas.

  • Oasis of Faith opens registration for 2026 holy land pilgrimage to Israel, Jordan

    Oasis of Faith opens registration for 2026 holy land pilgrimage to Israel, Jordan

    Oasis of Faith Intercontinental Ltd., a firm licensed by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), has announced the start of registration for its 2026 Holy Land Experience, a 10-day spiritual tour of Israel and Jordan scheduled for March 17–26, 2026.

    The pilgrimage will be led by Rev. Dr. Israel Kristilere, Pastor of Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos.

    Participants will visit major biblical and historical sites in Israel, including the Sea of Galilee, Cana of Galilee, Gethsemane, Mount Zion, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jericho, Mount Carmel, the Dead Sea, Via Dolorosa, and the Empty Tomb.

    In Jordan, the tour covers Amman, Ancient Gadara, Mount Nebo, the Jabbok River, the Red Sea, Madaba, Petra, and other significant locations.

    According to the organisers, the package includes visas for both countries, return airfare, hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis, meals, air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees, border charges, and a detailed tour programme.

    Kristilere added that the pilgrimage is open to Christians within and outside Nigeria, including those travelling from the UK, Europe, the US, and Canada. Registration forms cost ₦10,000 and will be available until February 10, 2026.

    The organisers advised intending pilgrims to register early as spaces are limited.

  • Catholic Church hosts annual unusual praise night in Lagos

    Catholic Church hosts annual unusual praise night in Lagos

    …Chioma Jesus, Chinyere Udoma, others for ministration

    The Catholic Church of Divine Mercy, Lekki, Lagos, will host its annual Unusual Praise night on December 12 at Tafawa Balewa Square, starting from 5 pm.

    Gospel artists, including Chioma Jesus, Moses Bliss, Sunmisola, Mr. M and Revelation, Chinyere Udoma, Sir Jude Nnam, Ada Zion, Bidemi, BJ Sax, and other ministers, will be performing.

    The event, themed “Bless the Lord, oh my soul (Psalm 103:1),” will feature emerging Catholic ministers, spiritual connections, and a soul-lifting experience, concluding with the Holy Mass.

    According to a press release by the Church, the programme serves dual purposes: evangelization and empowerment.

    It seeks to reach souls for Christ through praise and worship while fostering deeper spiritual engagement.

    The event also includes Unusual Entrepreneurs, an economic empowerment initiative offering seed funding and mentorship to candidates looking to start or grow small businesses. Since its inception, the programme has empowered over 610 individuals.

    Over the years, Unusual Praise Night has grown to become one of the largest Catholic praise events in Africa, featuring performances by renowned gospel artists such as Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, Sinach, Nicole C Mullen, Olumide Dada, Dunsin Oyekan, Mahalia, Mercy Chinwo, Sr. Agatha Ozah, and Joe Praize.