The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday magazine

  • ‘What the church should do in the face of economic challenges’

    ‘What the church should do in the face of economic challenges’

    As Nigerians continue to face the challenge posed by the removal of subsidy on petroleum, the Founder and General Overseer of Calvary Kingdom Church (CKC) International, Lagos, Archbishop Joseph Ojo, spoke with Adeola Ogunlade on the state of the nation, the proposed palliative promised by the federal government, and the need for Nigeria to fix it refineries to beat down the price of petroleum products in Nigeria.

    As things get harder, many are looking up to the church for assistance more than ever before; what help can the church render in this situation

    I think the role of the church has been according to the Bible is to pray for the government – right? We are praying for them. You know when you are trying to give serious fact-led suggestions, they think you are partisan. What we do in a case like that is to maintain our God-given role of praying for those in authority; praying for those in government. Asking that God bless those in authority – I think God knows how to do it. I think the role of the church is to keep praying, that’s our God-given responsibility. For those who are courageous enough to enter politics, may the Lord bless them (I mean the pastors and leaders); but I will maintain my primary role – I will pray for them.

    What about members; what can the church do?

    What the church can do for its members is to help them; give them suggestions on how they can put two plus two to earn four. Suggestions by ways of empowerment and getting them to be self-sufficient and to be self-sustaining also; that’s what the church can do – to look for ways of helping them to think of what to do.

    People are saying that the PFN as a body has been quiet since the inauguration of this administration; as a key stakeholder, what is your take?

    The PFN as a body has not been quiet; before the election, during the election, and after the election. People that are thinking or saying that the PFN is quiet are people that are expecting the PFN to take a stand whether we are for this government or whether we are not for this government.

    As responsible PFN leadership, we cannot do a thing like that. Like any responsible body, the PFN is made up of people from different political parties; definitely, we just have to be careful because we might make decisions that we think will please the majority of the people, which might not go down well with others. So, the PFN is very outspoken but maybe it’s not the way people expect it – that’s why they are saying that the  PFN is quiet but I know our leaders, those of us and the president have been talking, but very positive also. It may not be what people are expecting; they can’t expect PFN to come criticising and condemning. No; we are not condemners, we are reformers.

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    What is your take on the current economic crisis?

    With the current economic situation in the country; I think we are just trying to have hope that things will improve, things will get better. I don’t know how God will do it but, I don’t think that leaders can be so heartless not to listen to the cry of the people.

    God will give them wisdom to find a way out of these really, hard times. Maybe by the time those who think they are green become brown, I am sure God would have heard our prayers because many of them are trying to rely on the reserves that they already put in place. But the reserve will somehow fade; so, I pray that God will touch their hearts and ensure that there are some good policies that should reduce the level of suffering. The removal of the oil subsidy was a good thing but at the wrong time. I think the government should have settled down first, and look at how things are going before implementing a policy as strategic as that. We are just hoping that things will get better; that’s the truth.

    The president in his address recently read out some palliatives for MSMEs…

    It will go back to their pocket, it doesn’t work. The people that will swallow it are like those people that said snakes swallowed how many billions the other time; so they are human snakes; so, it doesn’t work. Policies like that favour those that have already been favoured. It doesn’t work; they are not thinking about the poor masses because palliatives and all these things will end up in their pockets. They have their own people that it will go to – it does not work. That is not the type of policy that someone will think is meant to help the poor.

    What approach would you want the government to adopt?

    The approach I will suggest or wish for is before the removal of the subsidy, which is too late now. All these billions; if they put half of it to revamp our refineries, the prices will come down. I have never seen them talk about fixing the refineries. At least, we have three, or four refineries in this country; we are producing crude oil; we are exporting crude oil, and we are importing refined oil, it’s not good. If they have said, let’s save this money and we will put it to fix our refineries; within one year, there will be a turnaround and prices will come down. If we are refining here, definitely people will buy cheaper; that would have been my suggestion. I have never heard them talk about revisiting our refineries, so what are they actually looking for? They are just getting fatter because if we can fix the Warri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries people will buy petrol cheaper, and all the small refineries that creek people are doing are being destroyed – people trying to use their brains to build small refineries are being pulled down. They are refining gold in Niger and other Northern states; they are not touching them, so they know what they are doing.

    Are you pleased with what is happening in your home state of Edo?

    I am currently in Edo State; though I am from Edo State, I am here now; but because I have not been here for years, I cannot really talk about the politicking in Edo State. The only thing I can say is that I came into this place about five, six days ago – the roads are bad; worse among them are the federal roads. I think the way the government would have done it is not to make it too visible that they are anti-federal so that the citizens of this state will have some leverage. You know most of the federal roads in Benin City are written off – Sapele road, the bye-pass; it will take you almost two hours which would have taken you maybe 30 minutes. For example, I left my house to go to Mama Idahosa’s 80th birthday on Saturday; it took me two hours in Benin to get there. Before, it would not take more than 30 minutes; so, it’s the level of understanding of the government – you don’t play politics that will affect your people drastically; you will use wisdom to manage situations. That is my take on happenings in Edo State.

  • Hakeem Condotti: Starting solo concerts with Asa was awesome

    Hakeem Condotti: Starting solo concerts with Asa was awesome

    Hakeem Condotti is a former banker, CEO and founder of BLK Hut Media. In this interview with YETUNDE OLADEINDE, he goes down memory lane talking about his experience working with Asa, Adekunle Gold, Simi, and Burnaboy. He also talks about bringing back the popular TV show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, the role of gender, culture, and technology.

    Do you have a background in the Media?

    No. Simply put, I am a businessman. I have been an entrepreneur since 2008. I had worked in a bank for a couple of years, worked with Sony in the UK when I did my masters. I returned to Nigeria and found myself working in mobile technology for MTech. From MTech, we were doing content; mainly creating mobile content for the telecoms – MTN mainly.

    That is how I got exposed to content monetization. The artists, musicians, and movie makers all create a lot of content and the traditional ways they were used to were not the most favourable for them then. It was just  Alaba that they were relying on – this was not very forthcoming. The way mobile technology was then, you could turn songs into a ringtone, ring-back tone and get them more popularity, and the artist got paid regularly.

    So that exposed me, and a whole generation of us towards monetizing content, and what that meant and what that could look like.

    What was the experience at that time for you?

    It was interesting!  The whole thing started because all of a sudden, artists started getting paid from avenues that they did not plan for. They started getting paid from people that were not music marketers, they were not Alaba distributors, and they were not marketing people in ways that seemed corporate and more professional. So, naturally, they gravitated toward us in terms of anything that they wanted to do. If an artist wants to record an album before, they would go to Alaba and talk to a distributor. But now they would come to us and say “I have this music that is recorded, I want you to release it. Can you have an album release party for us or can you launch the album and produce  a concert for us?” They saw us as reliable partners that they could work with to help them make more money from their art. So, the trust was there, and that sort of exposed us to the entertainment side of the industry.

    The first album release party done in Nigeria then was Styl-Plus. We did it for them as MTech at Eko Hotel in 2007, which gave us exposure to the entertainment industry.

    Would you say that it was a smooth experience?

    Nothing in life is smooth. Anything in life that is smooth would not be worthwhile, it will not be rewarding. That started the journey and further down the line, it developed into me producing concerts professionally. We did an All-African music concert in South Africa in 2015 and our lineup consisted of 33 African artists from different countries. Afterward, I did the first Asa concert in Eko Hotel in 2016, followed by,  Adekunle Gold’s.

    What was the experience like working with Asa?

    Brilliant!  I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start solo concerts on my own because it wasn’t just about doing the concert and making money. Of course, making money was important but the focus wasn’t that. It was always delivering quality to her fans; always being professional and getting everything right. Asa had one of the best teams;  I still say she has one of the best managers in the industry.

    Every artist needs someone who has got your back and can supervise everything that you are doing – to the best quality. A lot of the industry gatekeepers didn’t think that we could pull it off. I like challenges and I like working with wisdom, credibility, and experience. And also people that can do the work; not just because they have been the ones doing it. So, we don’t do concerts with a lot of people that would normally do it.

    I don’t go to concerts myself because I don’t enjoy the experience. So, when I want to do one, I don’t see the reason why I should work with people that have been doing it the way I don’t enjoy doing it. So, I did mine and even the host that hosted the event said, “How can you do this and you didn’t involve this and that person?” I said, “Let’s see how it goes”. After it, they were all amazed at how well it went. It was one of those pictures etched in their memory and they all gathered outside Eko Hotel talking about the show. I got a lot of calls, people asking who did your sound, lights, and more. It just taught me that doing things properly works. Even though we didn’t make money from it then, we established that we could do things well.  

    Asa had always been doing something in France, but I’ll say that we brought her back with the concert we did for her. She’s always been a huge personality and a huge talent. A lot has happened in the industry that has not made us see her at her best yet. I think Asa still has a whole lot to offer Nigeria. That exposed me to the world of concerts, and I followed that up with Adekunle Gold and Simi’s concerts. 

    Adekunle Gold and Simi are a couple, what do you think of them? Also, Adekunle Gold just released a song Ogaranya that is making waves, let’s talk about that. 

    They were not a couple then when I worked with them. However, his album is fantastic. After Asa, I did Adekunle Gold’s concert the following year and then Burnaboy’s. I am quite selective about the kind of artists that I work with. I like talented artists and talented people. It’s easier to work with people when you have the right product. Adekunle Gold was an artist like no other as well. He was very professional, he had a great team, a great manager; he didn’t have a big team and he was always involved in everything. It is different when you are relating with someone and you can gain from them. He wants to deliver the best to the people, irrespective of their fans. They both have that in common. It was Adekunle Gold first and then Simi the following year. They were kind of together then but now really out there as a couple. So, the successes we see today from them are not accidental – it is because of years of hard work. They have put in a lot, invested a lot in their trade and that is what is coming forth for them. Simi is going through her phases, and the way the world is structured, it is always easier for men than women – she hasn’t attained the heights. As you can see, you do not have a lot of female musicians. The journey is never easy, different things happen to different artists – it takes a lot of grace to make things work together – being level-headed, and having a good family structure. Those things worked for Simi and Adekunle; they are both very good people, people you can work with and be at rest that they will deliver their part.

    What about Burnaboy, another artist that is exploding all over the world? What was the experience like?

    That is one experience that I wouldn’t want to talk about. We had to cancel the concert three days to go due to circumstances. That was when he had the issue with Eko Hotel where an artist got beaten up and he wasn’t around to address the police. The day he landed was on a Friday and the concert was on a Sunday, and when the police arrested him. Circumstances happen around artists but one thing you can never take away from Burnaboy is his talent; he also has a solid management structure.

    When we are doing concerts, it’s beyond the concert; we are marketing the artist and looking out for endorsement, ambassadorship, and selling their content on different levels – anything to push the artist’s brand.

    How would you describe the sector now?

    The sector is big but not growing. The artists are growing, they are blowing and doing well. The sector in Nigeria is not doing well. Nigeria is not gaining from it for the simple fact that the investment into that sector is almost like it’s coming from outside. The people that are promoting the artist are not in Nigeria. The artist is earning all this monies internationally and they are investing it wisely internationally, GDP in Nigeria is gaining very little from it. All the streams and global attention, they pay them in dollars. The money is not coming here, the money is going into their account and they are investing it wisely. That is because the structure is not here to encourage them to do things here – it’s a big loss. It’s one of the things that I’m happy and sad about; I’m happy that the artists are doing well and sad Nigeria is not gaining from it. The last government tried to address this but it is a very intricate Nigerian problem. You see artists doing well internationally and we are suffering, the system in Nigeria is suffering. Our artists are filling up stadiums but you cannot do a stadium concert in Nigeria.

    Talking about filling up stadiums, Asake comes to mind. He is doing very well in Europe. How do you see the Asake moves?

    Asake is doing well here as well. He’s very popular and over there he is bigger. He has a couple of unfortunate things that happened at his concert last year in the UK, but he is doing another one this year, this same August, and it’s going to be sold out because there is structure to it, there is a system to it, and guidelines. To be honest, Lagos State tried with regard to safety at concerts and events; if you have done an event outside Nigeria you would understand what I am saying.

    What inspired you to bring back the “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” show?

    In line with monetizing content, we had a project with Sony Pictures UK. They were trying to sell their movies. They have tons of movies that they distribute globally directly in Nigeria to the end users. So, we said why not create an app and we launched that with MTN. We were in that process when they invited us to some of their events and told us the formats that were available. Who Wants to be a Millionaire was available and we pitched for it.

    We all know that it is doing very well in Nigeria and was off-air for a while because of sponsorship. We went to sort it out and after a long round of biddings and propositions, we got it. It belongs to Sony and they guard it very jealously. It’s the longest format running on TV for 20 years plus globally. We have been able to empower people with the celebrity specials we did for charity. For the children’s specials, we have been able to pay school fees for eight children, and we would be doing that continuously.

    Was there any gender input?

    I have a very interesting concept about women in that regard. I think gender sensitivity in the world is an imported problem for Africa, it is not an African problem originally. As Africans, we have our biases for and against women which also should be addressed. But it is not the same tone as the West. For example, culturally and traditionally, some of our tribes are gender-neutral, but because of the influence of the colonials, we missed that perspective. Yoruba is a very gender-neutral language, there is no Yoruba word for son and daughter. No Yoruba word for brother and sister.

    When we started translating our history, the white men started assuming that all our kings were men. A lot of the women who were kings were not recorded. A couple of Ooni’s are now proven as women and if you look at our history, we have a lot of great women warriors.

    Is AI something that we are looking forward to?

    There is currently a strike going on in Hollywood because of AI deployment and we are still kind of far from it here in Nigeria. You can make a movie with just the voice and impression of an actor once you have recorded him once. But here we don’t have fears of AI yet. It’s a matter of time but we are still miles from it. For Who Wants to Be a Millionaire we did a trial run using questions from AI and questions from our researchers, just to compare and understand what is going on.

    How do you combine all this with family life?

    My main support system is my family – I lost my dad this year. My wife and kids, three girls and a boy. My wife is a fantastic career woman. She is the chief legal officer for Eko Electric.

    What did you see in her?

    It was God’s grace. We were fortunate to be able to meet each other and help each other to grow to what we are now. Family is a big part of what we do together. That peace you have in the house is underrated in terms of what it enables a man or a woman to do out there.

    That means you give her a lot of support. Some men feel that if their wife is strong they may lose her.

    That is a whole different conversation. We will finish today. A lot stems from the experiences that they have had or seen people close to them have. Sometimes something happens to you and because of that, you move to the extreme. But then, nothing beats being able to work together with your partner and having a unified front that you are both working towards the same thing. That way you know that the win is for both of you.

  • Foluke Michael: How Prof Wole Soyinka discovered me in Italy

    Foluke Michael: How Prof Wole Soyinka discovered me in Italy

    Foluke Michael is the CEO, founder and Project Director of Solution17. In this interview with YETUNDE OLADEINDE, the civil engineer talks about her experience working with children, teenagers, youths and artists.

    What was the inspiration behind Solution 17?

    In partnership with the Lagos State Government in 2012, we launched the award-winning ‘Vision of the Child (VoTC)’ under the supervision of 1986 Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka. The project began in 2002 with Art for Good Governance and Democrazy, supported by Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    The maiden edition of VoTC was held in 2012. Thousands of children from over 400 public and private schools in Lagos  State participated between 2012 and 2019. Different themes created by Prof Wole Soyinka were researched, interpreted and developed into poetry, painting, dance, and music by the children.

    VoTC scaled to Solution17 for Sustainable Development Goals in 2018 and Solution17 for Climate Action in 2020. Solution17 utilises a problem-solving and solution-driven approach to championing climate action and amplifying the voice of children and Youth whilst driving change by creating solutions to community problems.

    What were you doing for Professor Soyinka before this?

    I started my career as a civil engineer in 1998/1999 and transitioned into a social enterprise focusing on the youth, artistes, and women. I founded Women Empowerment Youth Organisation in 2000 and the African Cultural Heritage Project (ACHP) in 2001.

    In 2002, ACHP was invited to participate in the prestigious Caterina De’ Medici International Painting Awards in Florence, Italy. On December 13, 2001, I received an email asking our organisation, the African Cultural Heritage Project (ACHP), to participate in the Caterina de’ Medici International Painting Competition and Award in Florence, Italy. I supported and led four young Nigeria Artists to participate in the competition in Italy. Over 65 countries participated;  two Nigerian artists won.

    The news made Headlines in Italian newspapers. When the 1986 Nobel Laureate in Literature was visiting Florence, it was a divine coincidence. Professor Wole Soyinka discovered me in the land of Italy. I met him on arrival in Nigeria. Our conversation in 2002 transformed my life and birthed a series of projects, including Caterina De’ Medici in Nigeria, Vision of the Child, and others.

    The Vision of the Child began in 2012 in about 66 schools in Lagos. The first year featured how children view the environment they live in. The theme for 2013 was A Thousand and One Faces of Corruption. Followed by the Rule of Law and Impunity in the third year, and the fourth year focussed on Chibok Girls, The Road to Sambisa. We concentrated on the City of Lagos in 2016, Lagos at 50. The theme was  Sisi Eko@ 50, Aging Gracefully or Na So So Pancake. By the 7th year, we had transitioned into Project management of Lagos; Enhance the Heritage, Advance the Future. 

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    By the end of 2017, we redesigned VoTC and incorporated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We had over 50 past winners, awarded by Diamond Bank (Now Access Bank) and Lagos State Government. The 50 winners worked on different projects at the VoTC Innovation Hub. The project outcomes enabled us to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals.

    What were the children doing in the projects?

    The journey begins every year with a call for registration. Each participant must submit an essay on a yearly theme created by Professor Wole Soyinka. The entrants researched the topic with the help of their teachers and parents, studied with other students, and submitted their essays, poem, or prose before the closing date. 

    So, we received thousands of essays from all over Lagos. We then review all the essays, call them for the first interviews, and cut down from the thousands to hundreds and then 30. During the interview, the children must create their earlier submissions in painting formats to qualify for the last round. 

    What goes through your mind as you sift through all the scripts written by these children?

    A New Nigeria is possible! The contributions, positivity, passion, and responses from children and youth on our platforms are indications that Nigeria will rise again! The solution providers to national problems are already born. Investment in young people will transform our society. They must be part of the future!

    Can we say this is a form of inclusion?

    Yes, that is it. Policy makers must include young people in decision-making. It doesn’t matter what level of education they are in. Young people must be included, right from the nursery schools.

    It means Nigeria must transition from the traditional education delivery method to solution-based learning. Technology-driven education; Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is the way forward. That is the Policy that our government must put in place. Now!

    How many years have you done the children’s project, and what are the challenges? 

    As I said earlier, The Vision of The Child began in 2011; the first edition was held in 2012. At some point, we needed to expand, and we needed funding. I remember meeting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2017 to help us with land to build VoTC Academy because he believes in youth development. I pitched the idea to him within 10 mins, and he was fascinated. He immediately contacted Governor Ambode, who promised to follow up and ensure we achieved that feat. 

    We tried hard to scale but never gave up despite some setbacks. I saw a bright future, and we went for it. The major lesson learnt is to focus on the end goal, challenges notwithstanding.

    How does climate change come into the picture?

    In 2017, we incorporated the UN SDGs into all VoTC projects. The infusion of SDGs helped the children to think of solutions and project implementation within their immediate environment. 

     By 2018, we had won the United Nations SDGs Action Award- Innovator Category in Bonn, Germany. The award inspired us to design Solution17 for Climate Action.

    Let’s talk about the experience of going to Germany to receive the award.

    About 740 projects/organisations were nominated globally and from 125 Nations in seven continents for the UN Award. We emerged as one of the 30 finalists three months after the nomination. The news brought so much joy. It was compensation for our work over the years, and we celebrated.

    We were invited to Germany for the award in March 2018, and behold, we won! It was a beautiful evening of celebration. 

    We returned to Nigeria with renewed energy. We went back to the drawing board to create Solution17 for SDGs. Solution17 combines SDG 1-17 to solve one problem at a time. We implemented Solution17 for Good Health and Wellbeing 2018 in partnership with UNODC, followed by Solution17 for CRC@30 with UNICEF in 2019, and Solution17 for Climate Action by 2020. Between 2019 and 2021, the projects were published by United Nations as Good Practise, Success Stories, and Inspiration Breakthrough toward achieving SDGs in 2030.

    We worked across all education levels; nursery, primary, secondary, and university.  

    What are some of the things that you have done with  Solution 17?

    We have built a community of young people turning ideas into solutions. We are currently creating a global movement where our champions can collaborate and partner across borders to develop sustainable solutions for social impact and profit. We are also championing Social enterprise, Climate Action, and Entrepreneurship.

    What are some of the challenges encountered?

     Funding is one of the biggest problems. But it is not big enough to stop us. We are winning.

    Where do you see the organisation in the next few years?

    By 2030, we will have built a sustainable ecosystem where members can access funding, partnerships, training, education, and a marketplace to sell goods and services. It will stand like a mini United Nations,  and all the young people we are working with will have their organisations as agencies, working together with Solution17 to solve problems, creating solutions, solving unemployment, poverty, and other issues. 

    What advice do you have for young Nigerians out there?

     Dear Young people, you have more opportunities in your hand; you have the technology. You are tech-savvy, with unlimited access to the internet and social media. Please use these tools to create solutions. Ignore the harmful content, learn more skills, become an expert in your field, and shoot for the sky.

     Be a positive influencer and a solution provider to Africa. Reposition yourself as a Joseph to your generation. In no time, the kings of nations and African government leaders will chase you and pay for your expertise, services, or products. 

    Prof was 89 recently. Tell us about the man, Soyinka. How did he inspire you? 

    I met him in 2002, 21 years ago. Meeting him itself was an inspiration. When you have a note that says, Folu, congratulations, meet me when you are in Nigeria (I received the note after our artists won the Caterina de’ Medici International Painting Award in Florence, Italy, in 2002). That was a one million dollars cheque! Somebody you have seen through books and television, and you are dreaming to see in the future, and the future knocks on your door in the present!

    So, he inspired me, and secondly, when I finally met him, he gave me access as my teacher, mentor, coach, and father. I worked under his supervision for many years and learnt life lessons, discipline, and a culture of integrity. 

    Then the third was, ‘he allowed me to serve as Festival Secretary for the Lagos Black Heritage Festival, Accountant, and Project Coordinator on various youth projects. 

    He inspired me to write my first book, and I’m working on other books. I went through the school of Prof Soyinka, the best school anyone can attend. I met Prof as a young civil engineering graduate, yet I began as a nursery school pupil from WS’s School of Wisdom and Knowledge. Prof would give you one thousand and one things to do, and you will need to figure out how to do it effectively and efficiently. Prof will dot all i’s and cross the t’s. He pays attention to details. I learnt those qualities from him. Today, I’m a dedicated worker and multi-tasker. He is a great father.  

    How did you cross so easily from science to arts effortlessly?

    My engineering knowledge is why I am this strong. Then, I grew up with 7 boys, and I am the only girl. So, having engineering as my background made me a strong woman that I am right today. Growing up was tasking. I had to struggle with the boys for everything at home. I have a passion for arts, children, and youth development.

    Engineering gave me a platform to earn money, which I used to finance and implement my dream projects many years ago. I later returned to the University of Salford in the UK to acquire MSc in Project Management. Learning as a Civil Engineer and Project Management Expert contributed significantly to my success story in Art and Social Development! I have taken more courses in startups, entrepreneurship, design thinking, and tech. I can’t stop learning.

    AI is the main thing at the moment; what does this mean to you?

    AI is the latest boom! AI is transforming the traditional way of accomplishing tasks. AI allows machines to model, or improve upon, the human mind’s capabilities. We see AI capability in self-driving cars and the proliferation of tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Bard. It’s becoming part of everyday life — many companies across every industry are investing in AI. He is a member of Solution17 community. This is one of the advantages of investing in youth. In a few weeks, we will utilise AI, Technology, Innovation, and Literary Art to create solutions on CANVAS to generate awareness and drive climate action and collaboration on youth-focused initiatives for COP28 in the United Arab Emirates.

  • GOMERM 24th power conference holds Aug 14

    GOMERM 24th power conference holds Aug 14

    God’s Mercy Revival Ministries (GOMERM) is set to begin its 24th Annual Power Conference in Lagos from August 14th to 20th.

    The weeklong conference with the theme “THE UNLIMITED GOD: From Minimum to Maximum” holds at the Mercy Revival Centre, at 25/33 Alake Lakoko Street, Ileepo Bus Stop, Ikotun, Lagos. 

    The conference features a “Building the Builders International Ministers Conference” during which pastors and church leaders from different denominations will gather for special seminars by 2:30pm every day while revival services start by 5:30pm. Aside from a youth conference which is also part of the weeklong celebrations, an Impartation service will wrap up the conference on August 20 by 9am.

    According to a statement by GOMERM’s Director of Public Relations, Pastor Femi Kolawole, anointed men of God who will minister at the convention include Dr. James Akanbi, GOMERM’s General Overseer; Pastor J.F. Odesola, Continental Overseer at the Redeemed Christian Church of God; Archbishop Osa-Oni, Presiding Prelate, Vineyard Christian Ministries; and Bishop Abraham Olaleye, General Overseer, The Pentecostal Congregation.

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    Others include Reverend Samson Ajetomobi, President/Founder, Men of Issachar Vision; Pastor John Oluwadare, General Superintendent, Christ Redemption Bible Church; Reverend David Amosun, Senior Pastor, Victory Tabernacle Church; and Dr. Francis Bola Akin John, President, International Church Growth Ministry (ICGM) among others.

    “As a ministry, the power conference is an opportunity to thank God for his faithfulness to us in GOMERM since the church was founded in 1999. We also believe that God will be revealing Himself in His unlimited dimension and is set to reverse irreversible cases in the lives of people and enlarge everyone during the conference,” Pastor Kolawole said.

  • RCCG’s His Love Foundation to fete 1000 students

    RCCG’s His Love Foundation to fete 1000 students

    His Love Foundation, a CSR arm of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has rolled out plans to feed one million primary school pupils in Lagos.

    This comes as a progression of their recent efforts, during which the foundation successfully provided meals to 8,954 children in 118 schools within Lagos for the third academic term.

    According to HLF, 106,728,606 people have been fed globally through its various feeding initiative and in the 28 daily feeding centers in Lagos.

    Speaking on the initiative, the Assistant Continental Overseer, and the Intercontinental Overseer CSR, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, noted that the foundation is committed to providing quality eduction and addressing hunger issues among young children.

    Read Also: RCCG begins 71st Convention

    He said: “HLF/RCCG CSR firmly believes in providing every child with access to quality education, recognizing that addressing hunger is pivotal to achieving this goal.

    “The School Feeding Initiative serves as a testament to the organization’s commitment to uplift communities, following the mandate of compassion and support found in the biblical book of Matthew.

    “Guided by this divine inspiration, the initiative aims to nourish not only the bodies but also the minds of the young generation, empowering them to exceed expectations and make a meaningful impact on society.

    Read Also: RCCG’s retreat seeks to ‘uplift beyond spiritual growth’

    “HLF/RCCG CSR acknowledges the urgency to fill the void of hunger and extend support to vulnerable segments of society. Aligned with the theme of RCCG’s 71st Convention, “Beyond Expectation,” the initiative aims to break perceived limitations and create a transformative impact on the lives of a million students in Lagos.”

    “The firm belief is that hunger should not hinder a child’s ability to learn and thrive. By providing daily nutritious meals to 1,000,000 students, the initiative aims to break barriers and pave the way for a brighter future where no child is left behind.”

  • Gospel minister Manelli receives award

    Gospel minister Manelli receives award

    For her invaluable contribution to the course of womenhood and mankind, Gospel minister and founder of Gospel Academy, Manelli Hawley has received the prestigious I Am Super Woman award.

    The cheerful London based, South African who has contributed positively to the gospel genre as well as mentoring young artistes in not only sharpening their skills but providing an environment of love and spiritual encouragement.

    Read Also: Gospel artiste spreads faith with new track ‘I Believe’

    Though a recipient of many awards, Hawley popularly called Sister Manelli ia grateful for this award and blurted: “I Am a Superwoman is an event that is so beautiful. I am so blessed to be part of it. It was wonderful, I have met so much beautiful women and everybody was amazing. I really felt so blessed to be part of it. I would say a big thanks to Dr. Pauline Long for inviting me. It was like a surprise and to my mentor HRM Florence Okonkwo. I adore them these two women. I am learning a lot from them. They are so amazing in my life. I feel so blessed to have them in my life. It is rare to come across these two people in life.

    Read Also: Gospel Icon Africa berths with a mission to reward talents in Christ

    I feel great to be called a superwoman. It encourages. At the end of the day we feel empowered knowing that we feel great about what we do.”

    The talented musician Manelli Hawley hails from Umlazi, Durban. She was raised in a Christian background and her first experience of gospel music came through her mother’s sisters who were gospel singers. It was that environment, coupled with a fervent desire to know more about God that led Manelli to heed her calling to be a musician from a tender age. This would see her become a member of various gospel groups and eventually decide to leave Durban for Johannesburg to pursue her calling at a higher level. In her journey, she has worked with Ray Phiri and Stimela as backing singer, and also Sharon, Rebecca Malope among others. Later her family relocated to England which led to changes that would culminate in the release of her debut album in 2013.

  • Achudume canvasses nation-building as Mbang is laid to rest

    Achudume canvasses nation-building as Mbang is laid to rest

    For Nigeria to attain the dream of its founding fathers, those in positions of authority must re-dedicate themselves to nation-building and shun all forms of corrupt practices.

    The Senior Pastor of the Victory Life Bible Church, Apostle Lawrence Achudume made this known in his homily entitled ‘Rebel In Cassock’ at a programme tagged ‘Night Of Praise’ in honour of the late Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Mbang CON, at the Shelter Afrique Estate, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, on Monday.

    According to him, the late Prelate was very passionate about seeing his country develop, noting that he used his radical approach to Christianity to drive home the need for the liberation of the citizens from hardship.

    ‘Mbang used his radical approach to Christianity to advocate for freedom from the oppressed and social development for the citizens’.

    Apostle Achudume who observed that Nigeria hasn’t changed posited that the country needs more of the likes of Mbang to champion the causes of the masses.

    The VLBC Senior Pastor while going down memory lane said that the radical nature of  Dr. Mbang actually attracted him to the late Prelate in the 80s, while he served as the President of the Christian Union and NFES.

    He added that they both became very close as they maintained a father-son relationship, recalling how he would always tap from Dr. Mbang’s wealth of experience and wisdom each time he visited him from Abeokuta.

    Apostle Achudume described late Dr. Mbang as a rebel in the cassock who was very contented, humble and lived a very simple life right till he breathed his last.

    ‘Mbang was a rebel in the cassock and didn’t seek for fame or wealth but for freedom and liberation of humanity’, adding that his strong desire was to see a one Nigeria.

    Read Also: First Lady tasks youths on nation-building

    Apostle Achudume noted that the late Dr. Mbang was a dogged fighter who had confronted leaders like General Ibrahim Babangida, late General Sanni Abacha and ensured that General Abdulsalami Abubakar conducted elections to usher in democratic government within a year.

    He Added that his blunt stance on national issues, and forthrightness brought him into contact with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as they both became very Good friends.

    Apostle Achudume while appreciating the children of the deceased eminent cleric led by Sir Ini Mbang, for organising a series of programmes in honour of their father, urged them to continue to uphold his sterling legacies.

    Dignitaries present at the event include the Deputy Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Senator. Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, Archbishop Idem Okon, Archbishop Sunday Uko, His Eminence Udo Ekpeyong,Bishop Arabia Umanah, Bishop Imoh Otong, among others.

  • NLBC celebrates Eburajolo’s retirement from Kewalram-Chanrai Group

    NLBC celebrates Eburajolo’s retirement from Kewalram-Chanrai Group

    The New Light Baptist Church (NLBC) has showered encomiums on the former President and Chairman of Council Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Victor Eburajolo, who retired from Kewalram-Chanrai Group as the Group Deputy Managing Director.

    The 110-year-old conglomerate has interests in automobile, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness and agro-allied sectors.

    At the retirement ceremony organised by New Light Baptist Church (NLBC) over the weekend, members of the Church described him as a leader par excellence, God-fearing, humble and extremely generous.

    They said he is known for his ability to meander at the top and bottom levels, adding that he could be provoked but anger does not last.

    According to them, he made a success of the assignment given to him because of his antecedents and character.

    The wife described her husband as a wonderful and great supporter of the family, saying that he does not want to see them in problems.

    The wife said he does not want to hear someone cannot go to school due to financial incapability.

    “He is a wonderful husband, wonderful dad to his children. He supports us very well. 

    “He does not want to see us in problems. He can be tough and harsh sometimes. 

    “He does not want to hear someone cannot go to school because he cannot pay school fees. He is nice. You have been a wonderful family,” she said. 

    The celebrator admonished Nigerian leaders to take their responsibilities more seriously. 

    Read Also: Victor Eburajolo: I try to lead by example

    He explained that the country will be a better place if they prioritize responsibilities over powers to be amassed.

    He also urged leaders to take people by the arm to bring about a new generation of leaders.

    While differentiating between the boss and leader, Eburajolo said the leader is more concerned about the success of his organisation, taking everybody together but the boss is more interested in his powers.

    “If only those who are in positions of leadership now can take their responsibility more seriously than the powers they have, the country will be a better place. 

    “Let us take people by the arm to bring them up so that we can bring about the generation of leaders.

    “I have tried to differentiate between the boss and the leader. The leader is more concerned about the success of his organisation, taking everybody together. But the boss is more interested in his powers, while the leader is more interested in his responsibilities,” he said.

  • When 30,000 worshippers gathered for SCOAN Living Water Service

    When 30,000 worshippers gathered for SCOAN Living Water Service

    Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos neighborhood of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) last weekend came alive, as over 30,000 worshippers gathered to partake in the Living Water Service.

    The event, which was the second since the passing of the church’s late founder, Prophet TB Joshua, created an electrifying atmosphere within the church’s huge auditorium, the adjoining extensions, and indeed the streets, as it received pilgrims from over 40 countries across the globe.

    Living Water Service is usually a sober spiritual moment for a personal encounter with God once on the Altar to fetch the living water in a 50ml improvised cup on the basis of one’s problem as brought before God. It’s neither a moment of laying hands on any worshipper by the pastor nor evangelists, as usually seen during normal deliverance time on Sunday services.

    Declaring the Service open, Pastor Evelyn Joshua thanked God for the grace He gave for the event.

    And quoting copiously from scriptures on Jesus Cares, the woman of God said: “God is with us in this Arena of Liberty. Jesus cares for you by seeking sinners, the rejected, lost souls, and all that are heavy laden to give them rest and salvation. You are here to have an encounter with Him, to give you freedom, hope, and new direction for the joyful fulfillment of your destinies. Prepare your hearts and sanctify yourselves because today is your day, the day you have long been waiting for…”

    According to a worshiper, who gave her name as Ruth, “The crowd you witness today, is a testimony that Papa T B Joshua is alive and that this church is of the Lord.”

    Another, Princess Mobolaoluwa Olotu, stated: “A lot of people have seen that God of TB Joshua is still in SCOAN and vigorously alive,” while Angelina Forson, an overseas pilgrim, said, “The moment I rolled my body on the altar of prayer, I felt a healing sensation from my neck downwards and that was the end of my chronic cervical spondylosis that had put me in anguish for years.”

  • CAC prophet hails appointment of monarch as chairman Ekiti council of traditional rulers

    CAC prophet hails appointment of monarch as chairman Ekiti council of traditional rulers

    The planter of the Christ Apostolic Church, (Adamimogo Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain) World-Wide, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, has congratulated the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro on his emergence as the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers.

    Prophet Alo said the appointment of Oba Ilori-Faboro was a testament to his forthrightness and belief in a just and peaceful society that allows community development.

    The cleric who is an indigene of Ido Ekiti in a statement made available to newsmen noted that the monarch over the years demonstrated his commitment to a better Ekiti State where peace and tranquillity thrive.

    The statement reads: “I congratulate and felicitate with our revered king, Oba (Captain) Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti on his appointment as the Chairman of the council of Obas in Ekiti State.

    “Kabiyesi sir, it is my prayer that God will bestow on you all what you need to succeed in this new task, may your tenure bring about the positive changes needed in developing our communities”.

    The man of God also appreciated the governor of the state, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji for counting the e first-class traditional ruler worthy of the exalted position.

    “We really thank the governor for his wisdom on the work that he has been doing in Ekiti. I pray for more wisdom and knowledge to do more and for God’s protection for him and his family.

    “Oba Ayorinde’s time is coming at God’s appointed time and I pray He will grant unto him all that he needs to have a successful tenure. His time will bring good luck to Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti Obas, and the entire People of Ekiti State.

    “Wishing him a long life too. Once again, congratulations sir, and have a fruitful tenure in Jesus’s name,” he said.