The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday magazine

  • Church empowers 126 women with creative arts training

    Church empowers 126 women with creative arts training

    The Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, in partnership with Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA), has launched a transformative skills development programme aimed at equipping young women with expertise in arts, business management, and content development.

    Supported by the Mastercard Foundation, the initiative seeks to empower participants with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the digital economy while fostering entrepreneurship.

    The training, held at the Caroline Adebiyi Women Development Centre in Ipaja, Lagos, attracted dozens of young women enrolled in courses covering scriptwriting, animation, and creative entrepreneurship.

    In her keynote address, Dr.  Lydia Odedeji, President of the Diocesan Women’s Organisation and wife of the Bishop, stressed the importance of equipping women with valuable skills to strengthen both their households and communities.

    “This is not just about skill acquisition; we are nurturing these young women to become innovators and leaders in various fields of human endeavour,” she said.

    “At this critical moment, our nation needs women who can shine as beacons of light in substance and in character.”

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    Participants, drawn from across the diocese, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to hone their creative talents.

    Esther Omoregie, a recent Law graduate, said the program laid a solid foundation for her career. “The scriptwriting training was particularly valuable,” she noted.

    Another attendee, Oluwatishe Osinaike, shared her excitement: “This initiative has helped me leverage on valuable knowledge to refine my creative writing skills and explore new opportunities.”

    TAFTA, an academy dedicated to equipping youth with practical skills for Nigeria’s growing creative industry, highlighted the program’s broader impact.

    “Over the past three years, we’ve trained more than 42,000 women across Nigeria,” said Chinedu Isagbah, TAFTA’s Director of Programs. “Beyond training, we assist them in business registration and accessing loan facilities to kickstart their ventures.”

    For the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, the initiative aligns with its mission to empower young women as not only homemakers, but spiritual nurturers and agents of positive impact.

    “This program complements our existing vocational skills acquisition center and further reflects our commitment to youth development,” said Kolawole Ariire, a clergyman in the Diocese who represented the Bishop at the event.

  • Honouring real police superheroes

    Honouring real police superheroes

    The Nigeria Police recently honoured and celebrated some of its outstanding officers at the second edition of the Police Awards and Commendation. Precious Igbonwelundu reports.

    They do not leap across skyscrapers or fly through the clouds. Instead, they walk our streets, patrol our neighborhoods, respond to distress calls, and, sometimes, pay the supreme price in the line of duty. In the alleys of Lagos, mountainous hills of the north and the creeks of the Niger Delta, they keep watch under the rain or in the scorching sun with mostly scornful gaze from the very public they keep vigil to protect.

    It was therefore refreshing for these sentinels of safety, who proved themselves worthy of celebration, to be honored at the second edition of the Police Awards and Commendation held in Jabi, Abuja on Thursday.

    That evening at the Police Resource Centre was not only a moment of honour for policemen and women who distinguished themselves through remarkable service but also a reminder that policing, at its best, is about protection through integrity and justice, not intimidation or brute force.

    It was a moment of salute to the men and women whose quiet acts of heroism keep the country from descending into chaos against all odds.

    Gathered in the hall were Nigerians across sectors- political leaders, military and security top brass, civil society organisations, youth associations and the business community- to celebrate patrol officers who braved nightly shootouts; outstanding traffic wardens; detectives who dismantled syndicates with surgical precision, and community officers whose empathy and tact defused volatile tensions before they could erupt.

    In a speech delivered with great pride, President Bola Tinubu, commended the men and women of the police for their unflinching dedication to national security. Tinubu, who spoke through the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, also praised the institutionalisation of the awards, which he said would elevate the culture of merit and integrity in a service “so crucial to the nation’s wellbeing.”

    According to Tinubu, the police through the ceremony, celebrated officers who have gone beyond the call of duty, demonstrated rare acts of professionalism, and continue to embody the values of service, honour and nationhood.

    “I am particularly pleased to note that the success and significance of the first edition of this awards ceremony laid the foundation for the historic declaration of April 7th as National Police Day in Nigeria. The first observance of this important day earlier this year marked a new chapter in the story of the Nigeria Police Force; one that enshrines respect, recognition, and national reflection on the sacrifices of those who risk their lives daily to keep our communities safe.

    “The Nigeria Police Force remains a vital pillar in our national security architecture. From the cities to the hinterlands, from preventing crime to responding in times of crisis, our police officers play a central role in enforcing law and order, upholding justice, and fostering trust between the state and the citizens. The bond between the police and the communities they serve is critical to our collective peace and progress,” said President Tinubu.

    Without mincing words, the President reminded police officers that their power lies not in the weight of their weapons but in the trust of the people they serve.

    He acknowledged the enormous demands of modern policing including the need for smarter tools, continuous training, and robust partnerships with the various communities, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equipping the force to rise to these challenges.

    “We will continue to invest in the provision of cutting-edge equipment, technological support, capacity-building programmes and welfare schemes aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and boosting morale across the ranks.

    “While the Federal Government will continue to do its part, I must also charge every police officer, regardless of rank or posting, to uphold the sacred trust bestowed upon you by the Nigerian people.

    “Be reminded that the power you wield is not for intimidation but for protection. It is not for abuse but for service. You must be guided by the highest standards of accountability and professionalism. Uphold the rule of law, protect the rights of every citizen, and reject all forms of misconduct and corruption.

    “Only then can we build a police force that is truly respected and trusted by the people it serves,” said the President.

    Congratulating the award recipients, Tinubu urged them not to rest on their laurels but spur to greater heights and become an inspiration to their colleagues to emulate their discipline, hardwork, professionalism and integrity.

    “This ceremony is more than a moment of celebration. It is a call to renewed service. It is a call to every officer in the Nigeria Police Force to reflect on the values we must uphold and the future we must build together. The Nigerian people deserve a police force that is responsive, responsible, and respected. Together, we must rise to that challenge.

    “Let us continue to march forward in unity, in purpose, and in an unwavering commitment to build a Nigeria where safety, justice, and peace prevail,” the President added.

    Speaking with fervour and hope, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, described the awards as symbols of a “bold shift from entitlement to merit, from routine to excellence.”

    He praised the painstakingly fair process that led to the night’s recognitions, with nominees emerging from the Force Headquarters to the most remote outposts in the country.

    “Our collation committee, in partnership with Lenders Consult International, ensured that each nomination was scrutinised with fairness and fidelity. The Force Management Team made final selections with integrity and restraint, guided solely by merit and impact. The decisions made were not easy, but they were just.

    “As I look across this room, I see men and women who represent the very best of our nation- officers who, through sweat and sacrifice, courage and character, have risen above the call of duty to serve with honour.

    The officers we celebrate today are not extraordinary because of fame or fortune. They are extraordinary because of their refusal to be ordinary. From patrol officers who brave the night to keep our cities safe, to detectives who crack syndicates with painstaking precision, I congratulate you all. You are the reason our nation can sleep with renewed hope. You are the embodiment of quiet heroism, and tonight, we stand in tribute to your legacy.

    “The officers honoured this evening did not apply for recognition. They earned it through uncommon courage, ethical conduct, exceptional leadership, and unwavering dedication. To all award recipients: you have become standard-bearers of a redefined Nigeria Police Force.

    “Carry this honour with humility, and with the fierce determination to do even more. Wear your honour not as a trophy, but as a torch to light the path to greater honour for those who come behind you.

    “And to those not awarded tonight, let this ceremony stir your ambition. Excellence is not a finish line; it is a daily standard. We expect nothing less,” said Egbetokun.

    He also led the gathering in observing a moment of solemn silence for the fallen heroes- those who paid ultimate price in the line of duty. Although their names were not read aloud, their absence was deeply felt, especially a woman Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Udoh Cecilia Aniedy, whose award for Community Policing Advocate of the Year was received by her daughter because she passed on in May.

    According to IGP Egbetokun, “Their courage, their duty, and their lives will never be forgotten. They stood when others ran,” adding that they were the eternal sentinels of peace, and their names are etched into the soul of the NPF.

    To his officers and men, the IGP challenged them to embrace innovation, harness digital intelligence, adopt global best practices, and train relentlessly in order to confront evolving threats of terrorism, cybercrime, kidnapping and organised criminal networks.

    “The future of policing in Nigeria must be smarter, faster, more trusted, and unapologetically people-focused. We cannot win this fight alone. Our greatest resource is the trust of the people we serve. Without legitimacy, there is no effectiveness. That is why community partnership remains the cornerstone of our operations. We must return to the roots of our mandate: to protect with courage and serve with compassion,” he stated.

    The police chief also applauded sister agencies, intelligence partners and all security stakeholders for standing with the force, reiterating that no single agency can secure the country in isolation.

    “To the people of Nigeria, from the creeks of the Delta to the plains of the North, we say: We are your sentinels- not perfect, but resolute; not without flaws, but without fear. Your safety is our mission. Your trust is our shield. The transformation of the Nigeria Police Force is not a slogan. It is a daily commitment, and you, the Nigerian people, are our most important partner in that journey.

    “This occasion is not about laurels alone. It is about legacy. It reminds us that the business of policing is not transactional; it is transformational. That, our mission is not to be feared, but to be trusted. And that in the theatre of public safety, character is our most powerful weapon.

    “Finally, I take this opportunity to urge every officer- from Constable to Commissioner- to return from this occasion to duty, with renewed vision and deeper resolve. Let this night not end here. Let it mark a new beginning in our journey towards excellence.

    “Let history record that in this moment, in this very hall, the Nigeria Police Force recommitted itself to greatness. Let the enemies of peace know: we are prepared. Let the allies of justice know: we are ready. And let every citizen of this Republic know: as long as the Nigeria Police Force stands, you will never stand alone.”

    Appreciating the police on behalf of all heads of sub-national governments, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, specifically commended the IG for ensuring many past leaders of the police were at the event.

    “IGP, I want to thank you for ensuring that your predecessors are here today with us in their numbers. That shows the power of proper coordination and the recognition of the Nigeria Police as a family. Indeed, I must thank President Bola Tinubu for Dr. IGP Kayode Egbetokun as IGP during this time.

    “When insecurity became the order of the day, all forms of criminality ravaged the country, and under your watch, the police rose to the occasion. They stood up against insecurity, making sacrifices every day, paying the supreme price with their lives, and bringing and taming the cankerworm called insecurity, criminality, insurgency, terrorism…” stated Senator Uzodinma.

    He congratulated the honorees for earning the recognition, noting that nothing was greater than being singled out for applause by the leadership of the police as a result of their commitment to duty and outstanding performances.

    “We in Imo State are indeed very appreciative, and grateful to the Nigeria Police with all our sister security agencies. From practical experience, we got to a time in Imo State where we thought that it was the end of the world. Imo State was almost overwhelmed by the activities of criminals, kidnappers, and terrorists.

    “But police with their brother and sister agencies, worked so hard. I can’t even remember the number of police officers that died trying to save Imo State.

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    “So, wherever any of the security agencies are doing something, or want to do something, we go there to support them. In this case, I am here to show solidarity to the Nigeria Police.

    “So I want to thank you, and I will continue to thank you, and urge all of us to collaborate with Nigeria Police. Democracy can only thrive if our police force is strong. Democracy can only be protected if the security agencies are strong,” he added.

    Similarly, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, who was represented at the event by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, commended the pragmatism, foresight, and thoughtfulness of the IGP for hosting the ceremony, noting that the gallantry, selflessness, courage, patriotism and outstanding performance of the awardees have been clearly and adequately recognised.

    “We are proud of you. Please note that from this event you have become a beacon of inspiration to all others, police officers and other Nigerians who look up to you. Therefore, do not rest on your oars, keep up the good job.

    “Let me particularly use this opportunity to commend the existing synergy and collaboration between the Nigeria police and the Armed Forces of Nigeria. I must place it on record that the current IGP has taken this collaboration to the next level. This is what is really needed because the crime that we are trying to fight is something that affects each and every one of us,” he said.

    Retired IGP, Sunday Ehindero, who spoke on behalf of the icons of the police, commended the IGP for institutionalizsing the process of publicly rewarding and appreciating excellent service.

    As the ceremony drew to a close, it left behind more than the glow of recognition. It planted the seeds of a new ethos- one where excellence is expected, service is sacred, and every uniformed officer is both protector and symbol.

    In a country often caught in the crosswinds of insecurity, corruption, and public mistrust, the Nigeria Police Awards stood as a lighthouse guiding the nation towards a future where safety and justice are guaranteed. That evening, Nigeria looked its real superheroes in the eye, shook their hands and simply said “Thank you for your service.”

  • Ojude Oba: Melting pot of creativity, culture and tourism

    Ojude Oba: Melting pot of creativity, culture and tourism

    It was another spectacle of culture, dance, fashion, as Ijebu-Ode indigenes gathered at this year’s Ojude Oba festival. Ozolua Uhakheme reports.

    Most major streets of Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, particularly Awujale Street and other adjoining roads were literarily over-run by fun seekers and revelers at this year’s Ojude Oba Festival, where matching looks, colourful fabrics, and statement sunglasses ruled the day.

    The spectacle at the all-red carpet floor of the Awujale Pavilion was awesome; women and men dressed in velvet, red, gold, purple, multiple-coloured traditional attires, as well as gele (head gear) of different designs, shapes and colours filled all the available seats. They defied the scorching sun to celebrate the rich heritage of Ijebuland. Imagine any popular fabric – be it damask, lace, aso-oke, sanyan or alaari, Ojude Oba is home to all.

    The cultural event, which means The King’s Forecourt, is held annually in Ijebu-Ode, three days after the Eid-el-Kabir (Ileya) celebration. Each year, it is renowned for its grandeur, colourful pageantry and celebration of Yoruba heritage, unity, and pride.

    Last Sunday, the crowd at the pavilion (inside and outside) was unprecedented. Beginning from 9 in the morning, revelers- young and old, including nursing mothers, started battling their ways into the pavilion, thus heightening competition for space among participating age groups, Balogun/Eleshin (warlords and horse riders) on equestrian parade who took turn to pay homage to Oba Sikiru Adetona, Awujale of Ijebuland.  

    The horses were typically big, strong, and well-trained. They were meticulously groomed and prepared for the parades, ensuring they look their best and comfortable. The saddles were often ornate, reflecting the Balogun’s (Eleshin) ceremonial colour code for the festival.

    One of the most anticipated features was the parade of Regberegbe (age-grade groups), which started in the late 17th century and has grown in leaps and bounds. With different colourful hand-made fans, the gorgeous women of Egbe Arobayo Obirin Asiwaju kicked off the procession of age groups, followed by Egbe Obayori Ololade Okunrin. No fewer than 89 Regberegbe male and female age groups were listed for the homage that lasted three minutes each. The parade was more than homage to the Awujale of Ijebuland, as it also highlighted the creativity of the Ijebu in terms of fashion and style. This was followed by equestrian displays and homage by the Balogun families, Osi Balogun, Otun Balogun and Balogun of Ijebu Ode.

    One other exciting attraction at the celebration was the unique dressing of cancer survivor, Farooq Oreagba, who, last year, attracted global attention, following his iconic appearance that went viral and positioned Ojude Oba as both a cultural and fashion statement. No doubt, these new additions have added international flair to the event.

    At this year’s edition, Oreagba, once again held his crown as the festival’s style king. He turned heads the moment he arrived on horseback. Confident, calm, and full of swag, Oreagba brought the same energy that made him a viral sensation and social media favourite. Gradually, the renowned investment banker is emerging as the unofficial face of Ojude Oba Festival.

    Deliberately, there was the determination to promote everything Ijebu and Yoruba culture. All through the celebration, two frontline apala and fuji musicians, Musiliu Ishola Haruna and Alhaji Saheed Ligali-Mukaiba thrilled the crowded pavilion. This was not only deliberate but intentional to promote the rich Yoruba heritage, particularly its intangibles like folklores and music. At intervals, the musicians serenaded the crowd with songs eulogising Ijebu such as Ema fi jebu sere ooo…..Ewe Soo omo alare….

    The attractions at Ojude Oba are not limited to fashion and style. The visual art is not left out. Yusuf Dongo, an Ijebu Ode-born young sculptor, showcased a metal horse sculpture that pays tribute to the genius of the Ijebu people. The piece, which took three years to complete, is mounted near the entrance to the pavilion paying tribute to the history and traditions of Ijebuland.

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    According to the sculptor, “Ojude Oba is the perfect platform to exhibit this masterpiece. I want both indigenes and non-indigenes to connect with the rich culture, tradition, and history of Ijebu through my work. It’s also a great space for dialogue, networking, and connecting with like-minded creative.”

    In his message, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State who also rode on horseback into the pavilion, described Ojude Oba as one of the most culturally significant festivals in the country, saying: “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ogun State, I warmly congratulate His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, and all sons and daughters of Ijebuland on the celebration of this year’s Ojude Oba Festival.”

    He highlighted the festival’s enduring role as a symbol of cultural preservation and unity, lauding Oba Adetona for his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the growth of Ijebuland.

    “This vibrant festival remains a proud symbol of our cultural heritage and unity. We salute Kabiyesi’s visionary leadership and the enduring spirit of the Ijebu people, whose contributions continue to enrich Ogun State.  May the splendour of Ojude Oba endure through generations,” he added.

    Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State stated that festivals like Ojude Oba are strategy drivers of local and international tourism, which stimulate hospitality, transport, fashion, entertainment, trade, creating jobs, boosting local enterprise, and attracting both domestic and foreign investment.

    He noted that the economic ripple effects of Ojude Oba extend far beyond the borders of the African continent, contributing meaningfully to the GDP of the country’s state, and by extension to Nigeria’s economy. “This is why it is heartening to see how intentional we have become about documenting, preserving, and celebrating our identities, both as European people and as Nigerians with a shared destiny.

    “Cultural diplomacy reveals the soft power through which we can reposition Nigeria’s image globally and unlock economic opportunities through tourism. Ojude Oba has set the golden standard for what a modern African cultural festival should look like.

    Meticulously planned, elegantly presented, and ethnically impactful, this is a template that other regions across the country can emulate in reviving their own festivals, not just for cultural preservation, but for prosperity and peace building,” he added.

    The governor who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, urged all stakeholders, traditional institutions, private sector players, governments, agencies, and especially the rich and resources of this festival: “We must project Ojude Oba beyond our borders, positioning it as a global product capable of drawing thousands from across the world, year after year. Together, let us deepen partnership, drive purposeful participation, and harness the power of our cultural economy to advance sustainable development in our community,” he said.

    Beyond its glamour, colour, and vision, Ojude Oba is a powerful symbol of unity, heritage, and continuity. It is also an eloquent demonstration of the immense potential our tradition holds, not only as a cultural treasure, but also as a dynamic vehicle for socio-economic development.

    Head Public Affairs, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Diran Olojo, observed that this year’s festival is much bigger than last year’s edition, saying Ojude Oba is not a local event anymore but an international festival.

    “We are very proud of our more than two decades contributions to the growth of this particular project. It’s a complete ecosystem. I was thinking about the tailors, designers, tie and dye makers, makeup artists, people who sell fabrics and food and drink vendors. It’s an amazing seeing throng of people that have been positively impacted by this project,” he said. 

    On why FCMB is supporting the festival, he said: “We can’t let it die. We’re Africans. We need to be proud of our culture.  And this is a beacon of that. I’m actually very proud of what Ojude Oba has done with this concept. And I can see that a few other pockets of concepts like this are springing up across the Southwest, which tells you something. Other people are now emulating this concept. And if they can grow it to this level too, it’s all good. It’s our culture.”

    Olojo who felt elated by the growth of the festival, disclosed that part of the gains of FCMB from the festival is the brand equity, which is a promotional investment. “Once you think about it, you think FCMB. And I’m sure you know our antecedents. We are very proud of our heritage. We can’t abandon the concept. We are very proud of the more than two decades that we have been contributing to this concept. I’m sure you know the antecedents of FCMB. We can’t separate Ojude Oba and FCMB,” Olojo added.

    However, given the increasing size of the crowd at the festival each year, a bigger venue may be considered soon.  He hinted that from a venue perspective, Ojude Oba seems to be outgrowing the venue. “So shifting it might be difficult. But, they might actually expand this venue because of the throng of people coming in now,” he said.

  • ‘Why Christians must get involved in politics’

    ‘Why Christians must get involved in politics’

    Myriads of challenges are bedeviling the country; insecurity, killings, maiming, kidnapping, sexual violence among  others. What in your view is the solution?

    The level of insecurity in this country is totally unacceptable. Some people have said it is communal clashes but that is not true.

    It is an invasion by Fulani herdsmen who want to drive indigenous owners of land out of their lands and forcefully take over their patrimony. This is what is happening in Benue,  Taraba, Plateau and  various parts of the nation and the  federal government should know the truth about this and do something decisively about it. These ragtag Fulani herdsmen carrying guns cannot withstand the highly organised army. It means something is wrong somewhere. There are inside agents that are colluding, conniving with the Boko Haram, ISWAP, Fulani herdsmen.  The Federal Government should change the architecture and the structure of our national security.

    They should remove all the compromisers that are in place now, in position of power and influence that are determining what goes on and they should put people that are truly patriotic, who will flush out these marauders that are afflicting, killing, maiming, raping our people in Nigeria.

    And again, some people said, it is not the Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria that are doing it, it is the Fulanis that have come from neighbouring African countries like Chad, Niger and others, now if that is the case, then it means Nigeria is under foreign invasion and the Nigerian Armed forces should be very ruthless with them because the primary duty of the Nigerian Armed forces is to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria and ensure that no foreign invaders come to trouble our people. So, let the Nigerian armed forces wake up and flush out all these evil people that are oppressing, killing, maiming, raping our people and driving them out of their patrimony. But you see the Nigerian Army cannot rise up except the Commander in Chief gives them clear command.

    We appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President has done a lot of good things for Nigerians but  first and foremost, deal with this insecurity  decisively. The President should take another look at the security reports that are being presented to him  because in most cases they are false narratives that make victims become culprits and culprits to become the victims.

    For example, now food security is under threat when farmers cannot go to work on the farm because of fear of herdsmen. When those who go to work have to pay tax to be able to plant their crops, they are to pay tax to be able to harvest their crops, it means they become slaves on their own land. This is not acceptable.

    When these people invade villages , they kill, they burn houses, they drive the owners of the villages out and they change the names of the villages to their names, that is like there is no government in place and that’s Banana Republic  and the some people will be giving false report to the Commander in Chief.

    What about the specific killings of Christians in their states?

    It is true to a good extent because the three states  that I mentioned, Benue, Plateau, Taraba, are predominantly Christian states and these invaders focus on these three states as well as other Christian states. That is not acceptable and we want an intervention. As for me, I do not advocate that all Nigerians should carry arms because that’s a call for anarchy rather the government should rise up and deal with this evil people that are inflicting our people with all manners of evils in Nigeria but let me say that the people that  are being kidnapped and raped are not limited to Christian, they include other people but take note of this, those who are doing the killings , the maiming, the raping, Christians are not among the Perpetrators, No! It is on the other side and they claim they are doing it as a Jihad because they felt Nigeria belongs  to their great grandfather and they must conquer it from the north to the sea and that is not acceptable because it is a lie.

    Nigeria is not a conquered territory, Nigeria is a sovereign state, sovereign country under a sovereign government . The government should rise up and flush the marauders  out and protect the people and the land of Nigeria.

    How has PFN significantly, positively contributed to the growth and development of this country?

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    In many ways. First, fundamentally the Bible says righteousness exalts a nation, sin is a reproach to any people , so we teach ourselves and our people to live a life of righteousness that is acceptable before God. You see when light shines, it drives darkness away.  Nigeria would have been filled and taken over by darkness but for the presence of the saints of God.  I used the word saints because every believer that is born again is the saint of God.

    PFN promotes righteousness- leading people to Christ, from sin to righteousness, from devil to Christlikeness and we are doing that on a daily basis. Before,we were few in number and negligible but now we are over 65 million in PFN and is growing, and apart from turning  people to righteousness, we teach them to live a Godly life because if you are a true child of God you won’t steal, you won’t engage in corrupt practices, you won’t live in sin and you will fear God and do God’s will. PFN is an agent of transformation and we have been transforming people’s lives spiritually and in all facets including homes/marriages.

    Apart from that, in the education sector, we have so many primary and secondary schools that are based on Christian faith where the young ones are being taught the ways of righteousness and Godliness right from their childhood. We give  them the best education and mental development and not just that, we teach our students moral values, spiritual values, we teach them to be Godly and fear God.

    We are raising our children to be great leaders of this nation not only in primary and secondary schools even in our tertiary institutions.

    As the National President of PFN, I took a cursory look across the nation to access what we have done and I counted 27 private universities that are faith based, that are within the fold of PFN. In our universities there is no room for strike, you can tell from the day your ward enters the university  when he will graduate and that doesn’t  change.  There is zero tolerance for cultism. Cultism is never heard in our faith based tertiary institutions and universities. There is zero tolerance for hard drugs.

    I am a proprietor and Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University.  You can’t hear of strike, no cultism. There is zero tolerance for promiscuity, sexual abuse, sexual harassment whether among staff or among students, no! We raise our students in an atmosphere of Godliness and we give them the best form of education and educational exposures with our partners abroad across Europe , North America, Canada and others. We use our influence to do exchange programmes between other universities and Nigerian universities and our children  are coming out top and they have good jobs and are living  Godly lives with positive major contributions. We also train them in entrepreneurial skills which make them self-independent.  Again, in the midst of the economic hardship of Nigeria, we have welfare packages and palliatives to  encourage our people. We don’t stop at palliatives, we create jobs, the schools that we establish, we employ qualified teachers and administrators in hundreds of thousands  of our schools across the country.  In our universities, we have managements, lecturers, non-academic staff and we create jobs on our campuses.  We employ architects, civil mechanical, electrical and different types of engineers. We employ builders, artisans, bricklayers, carpenters and others.

    We are driving the economy and a lot of our universities have farms where foods are produced.  We teach our students to be job and wealth creators, not just carrying papers around looking for jobs. Those who graduated from our universities are self-employed not only self-employed, they are also employers of labour. That gives joy. We are positively contributing  to Nigeria’s economy day after day in a huge way.

    But some people are complaining that church members can’t afford these faith based tertiary institutions due to the high tuition fees. What’s your view on this sir?

    That’s a false narrative. Those who give license to  private  and government universities are not fools.  They know that private university establishment is a high capital intensive project.  If you don’t truly love this nation and our youths, you cannot get into the business of private universities because it is an investment that doesn’t yield instant result.  It is only after a long hurl. Take for  example our university, Precious Cornerstone University,  is about eight years old and we are still  pouring  huge money into it on a monthly basis not because we are taking  money from it.  No! Even the master plan that we developed  for NUC that NUC approved in the financial projection, they projected  that  we will break even when we are about fifteen years on ground  but before that fifteen years we will be pouring money on landed properties, buildings, facilities, lecturers, non-academic staff, NUC requirements and others. As you can  see,  we give full and partial scholarships in faith based universities across PFN. In fact, in our own university, Precious Cornerstone University, almost half of the students are on scholarships  between my wife and I. We sponsored at  least 50 of the first  set in full scholarships. We were paying through the nose. We invested in infrastructure, we invested in lecturers and non-academic staff and we still have to pay for 50 students and that’s  a lot but it’s our pleasure to see them graduate with a smile on their faces, so we are making intense contributions, those who accuse the churches of using faith based universities to make money, let them go and start one and let them see how easy it is to raise a university  and we’ll come and learn from their secret of success and  how they could recover their money in two, three years.

    Also, in Precious Cornerstone University, the first set of our students came from the twenty four states of the federation. When I walk on our campus and I hear students speaking different languages, such as Efik, Benin, Hausa and others, it gives me joy.

    In PFN, what’s the Directorate of Politics and Good Governance all about? Is it that the church is romancing with politicians?

    No! If the church had been romancing with the politicians I would not be speaking as I am speaking now. I am speaking  as a man of God.  I love politicians,  they are part of our flocks that we watch over, they are Nigerians and they deserve to be loved , they deserve to be protected and to be cared for like any Nigerian but we are not compromised at all .We are ministers of God and we seek the truth to power.We want the government to rise up and do the needful.

    About the Department of Politics and Good Governance in PFN, I set that up to be able to educate the masses of Christians, particularly the Pentecostals in this nation.  By available statistics, we have over 65million Pentecostals in Nigeria.  There is no President that has won national elections with 65million votes. It has never happened. So we now felt that if our people are properly educated to get involved in politics from the grassroots by joining the political parties  of their choice, by joining the dominant  political parties in their  states and get involved from  the grassroots.

    Up till now what happens is that we are voting for the politicians, but we were not actively involved in politics because we’ve been taught that politics is a dirty game and we are avoiding it . The best that we have been doing is to get our voter card and vote for whom? Vote for the people who brought us to where we are and who are interested in keeping us as an underdeveloped nation and our youths are trooping out of the country in droves No!

    We want to get involved  because we are the salt of the earth.  For our impact as salt  to be effectively felt, we are telling  our people,  Christians to get involved in politics  from the grassroots, from their ward levels and be involved in dominant parties in their states.  When it is time to pick those that will be delegates, we encourage Christians to be there, when it is time to pick those that will be head in local governments, state levels and National Assemblies, Christians should not be behind the fence saying  they are praying.  Christians have been praying, we will continue to pray,  yet let them get involved. Don’t sit on the fence by getting your voter’s cards alone. Be the person that will be voted for.

    We establish the Directorate of Politics and Good Governance in PFN to enlighten our members and to let them know of the need to actively participate in politics from the grassroots, and we put somebody  there who has experience, a truly detribalized Nigerian who hails from Edo but  lived in Oyo State and won political position on Oyo State.  He is an insider in what goes on in the political world before God called him;  Pastor Femi Emmanuel. He is educating Christians not only to pray but to actively  participate in politics from the grassroots because  we have  been edged out for too long and it is time to get involved.

    I gave Pastor  Femi Emmanuel the task of teaching and educating us and they have set structures from the  national to zones, from zones to states from states to all the 774 local government areas and CDAs , now they are going to ward levels educating Christians on how to get involved peacefully in politics and political structures of this nation in order to influence the governance of this nation from inside and not from outside.

    You just concluded the 2025 PFN National Executive Retreat in Uyo with the theme ‘PFN Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’. What were the key resolutions?

    First, we resolved to intensify prayers and fasting for Nigeria. The challenges the nation faces go beyond human ability—we need divine intervention. All our delegates from across the country are returning with a renewed commitment to pray for Nigeria.

    Secondly, we encouraged active political participation among our members—not just voting, but getting involved from the grassroots. While I, as a father to all, cannot engage in partisan politics, I urge our members to step out, contest, and lead with integrity.

    Thirdly, we agreed that we must embody the change we preach. If we speak against corruption, tribalism, and nepotism, we must live above them. We are the light and salt of the nation, and through love and righteousness, we believe Nigeria will overcome its current challenges.

    You also mentioned PFN at 40. What is the significance of this celebration?

    PFN at 40 is a major milestone. Under the same theme—“PFN Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”—we will host a grand dinner and award night on October 27, 2025. We’ll gather 500 eminent Nigerians, including past PFN leaders, governors, lawmakers, and Christian business leaders, to honour their contributions to the nation and the fellowship. It will be a moment to reflect, celebrate, and look forward.

  • Lagos summit urges parents to partner with God, revive communal child‑raising

    Lagos summit urges parents to partner with God, revive communal child‑raising

    The call for parents to exchange guilt for grace and embrace God as an active partner in raising the next generation rang loud at the Godly Parenting Summit 2025 (GPS2025), held at Marcellina’s Place, Isaac John Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The event was packaged by Star Station Inc. and themed “Parenting with God the Father,” the day‑long gathering blended worship, workshops and panel dialogues in a relaxed “family‑room” setting, designed to foster honest conversation and practical support.

    Opening the summit, Ifeyinwa Ify” Okafor, the convener and founder of the Godly Parenting Community—traced the movement’s journey from a post‑COVID Zoom group to an international community spanning 17 countries.

    “Parenting is one of life’s most important yet least‑trained roles,” she said.

    Okafor added: “Our goal is to make every caregiver feel seen and supported. Whether your child is biological, adopted or entrusted to you, you shouldn’t raise them alone.

    Read Also: Nigeria on path of economic renewal, global respect – Idris

    She revealed plans to plant local chapters across the world and lobbied for a National Parents’ Day to mirror the UN‑backed Global Day of Parents (June 1).

    In her keynote address, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Guinness Nigeria, Chioma Momah framed parenting as a divine assignment that requires spiritual partnership.

    “Parenting is not easy. It’s one of the most demanding jobs with the least formal training,” Momah noted. “But God, the ultimate parent, is willing to guide us. We must intentionally pray, study the Word, and seek divine wisdom about our children.”

    Momah, shared her personal journey of balancing career and parenting. She credited intentional career choices and divine guidance for enabling her to spend quality time with her children in their early years.

    Momah acknowledged rising single‑parent households but insisted God “steps in to fill the gap” when caregivers lean on Him. To parents haunted by past mistakes she advised: “Retrace, don’t replay. Let grace rewrite the story.”

    A gospel music Artiste, Ayo Vincent took the audience on a journey on how to teach our children to hear and follow God’s voice. She reminded us that we can only do this if we, too, recognise God’s voice.

    Citing examples from Scripture, Vincent referenced the young Samuel who responded to God’s voice under Eli’s mentorship. She countered the cultural belief that children are too young to engage spiritually, asserting:

    “The devil doesn’t think your children are too young. So why should we?”

    She encouraged parents to begin spiritual training even from the womb, not just with music or poems but through scripture reading and prayer, stressing that spiritual foundations are best laid early.

    The Chief Operating Officer of First Green Company Limited,  Mr. Victor Akinyede, delivered a heartfelt and stirring message, calling on fathers to embrace their divine assignment as co-laborers with God in parenting.

    He urged fathers in particular to surrender their children to God’s plan. “We’ve been invited to participate in God’s divine plan,” he said. “Yes, it is exhausting at times, but you are not alone.”

    Through relatable anecdotes and scriptural references, Mr. Akinyede emphasized that children learn by imitation. Drawing from a humorous social media video, he described how children mirror the actions of their parents, noting, “We are all copycats—that’s how we learn. So we must be careful what we do in front of our kids. It sticks.”

    International lawyer Ndidi Edeoghon put numbers behind Momah’s appeal, citing National Bureau of Statistics figures that show nearly one‑third of Nigerian families are headed by single mothers—50 percent from divorce, 40 percent from widowhood.

    “Our question is no longer whether communal support is needed but how fast we can reconstruct it,” she said.

    Fashion entrepreneur and self‑care coach Olufunmi Ogunniran invoked a Yoruba proverb, “Two birth a child, 200 raise one” to champion intentional community.

    Speaking candidly, Strategy Advisor and Reputation Expert, Ebitimi Ajegbo shared a deeply personal experience as a young mother of three children and the emotional complexity that often accompanies motherhood.

    She opened up about being physically present at the panel but mentally preoccupied with her baby’s wellbeing. Her internal questions—“Has the baby eaten?” “Is she asleep?” “Is she okay?”—highlighted the constant mental juggling many mothers endure.

    Also speaking, Head of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability at TGI Group, Yosola Onanuga addressed the strain that mass migration places on families.

    Her counsel to migrant parents: “Whatever you surrender to be present for your child, God will restore in another way.”

    Family‑life coach, Charles Aigbona offered the male perspective: guilt can be constructive if it drives improvement. His counsel was to:

  • Momah unveils new books: A celebration of faith, parenting, wisdom

    Momah unveils new books: A celebration of faith, parenting, wisdom

    Author and parenting coach, Chioma Momah is set to launch two new powerful books ‘The Not Perfect Parent and Wisdom of Women from the Bible in July.

    The launch, coinciding with Momah’s birthday, marks a significant milestone in her career as a prominent voice in family life, personal development, and faith-based living.

    In The Not Perfect Parent, Momah offers a refreshing perspective on parenting, reminding parents that “perfection is not the goal — partnership with God is.” Drawing from her experience as a mother, coach, and faith-centered professional, the book provides practical advice for navigating the complexities of parenthood with grace, understanding, and faith.

    Momah’s message is clear “parents don’t need to have all the answers, but they should trust in God’s guidance along the way.

    Her second release, Wisdom of Women from the Bible, Momah reflects on the lives of remarkable women from biblical history, highlighting the timeless lessons they offer for today’s woman. Through personal reflection and spiritual insight, the book provides encouragement and wisdom for women striving to live purposeful lives in today’s challenging world.

    Read Also: Five countries Nigerians can visit without a visa

    “Both books have garnered glowing endorsements from respected figures. The Not Perfect Parent features a foreword by renowned entrepreneur Tara Fela-Durotoye, known for her influence in the empowerment of women. Meanwhile, Wisdom of Women from the Bible includes a foreword by Apostle Obii Pax-Harry, a global spiritual leader who is highly regarded for her ministry and mentorship of women”, she said.

    As part of this exciting literary milestone, Chioma Momah will also be relaunching her beloved children’s book series, further expanding her reach in nurturing young minds with faith-based teachings.

    “Both titles will be available for purchase at Roving Heights Bookstores, on Amazon, and digitally via Selar for local delivery and access. For more updates or to engage with Chioma Momah directly, readers can connect with her on social media @chiomahmomah”, she added.

    Chioma’s new books promise to be essential resources for parents, women, and anyone seeking spiritual growth in their personal and family life.

  • 2027: Tinubu’s re-election is divine mandate -Prophet Wale Ojo

    2027: Tinubu’s re-election is divine mandate -Prophet Wale Ojo

    Renowned cleric and founder of Harvest Centre Mission, Prophet Wale Ojo David, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 is divinely ordained, warning that any opposition to his mandate is a misalignment with God’s purpose for Nigeria.

    Speaking during a press briefing at the ministry’s headquarters, Prophet Ojo said his message was not rooted in personal sentiment but in divine revelation received through spiritual insight and the Word of God.

    “I am a servant of the Most High,” he said. “I speak not from human strategy or political alignment but from a place of spiritual clarity. The counsel of God stands above all human calculations.”

    He urged all political parties and presidential aspirants to seek divine guidance, stating that only through unity and obedience to God’s will can Nigeria experience its full potential in peace, progress, and national restoration.

    The prophet declared that since 2021, it has been revealed to him that Tinubu’s presidency is part of God’s plan to usher Nigeria into a season of productivity and unity.

    Read Also: Firm becomes sole distributor of Rwanda’s iconic chili in Nigeria

    “Come 2027, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will defeat all opposition—not through political machinery alone, but by the power of God’s counsel,” Ojo asserted. “Religious and ethnic divisions will be overcome, and the nation will experience a new wave of unity and national celebration.”

    He added that no coalition, prediction, or political strategy against Tinubu would succeed, emphasizing that “no plan or agenda can override what God has established.”

    Calling on Nigerians—both at home and abroad—to rise above fear and doubt, Prophet Ojo encouraged citizens to embrace the vision with hope, faith, and purposeful action.

    “Efforts to resist this divine path are not only futile but a departure from Nigeria’s true ordained purpose. Under Tinubu’s continued leadership, the country will enter a new era of restoration, freedom, and jubilation,” he declared.

    As the political temperature begins to rise ahead of the 2027 general elections, Prophet Ojo’s bold declaration has added a prophetic dimension to the national discourse, stirring reactions across religious and political lines.

  • A’ Ibom, C’ Rivers ministers team up to advance gospel outreach

    A’ Ibom, C’ Rivers ministers team up to advance gospel outreach

    In a landmark move to strengthen Christian evangelism across Nigeria, gospel ministers of Akwa Ibom and Cross River origin have formed a new association — AkwaCross Ministers in Diaspora — aimed at uniting and supporting South-South ministers serving outside their home states.

    The association held its maiden crusade and inauguration of its national executive officers in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, from June 6 to 17, 2025.

    The event was presided over by the association’s President-General, Bishop (Dr.) Sandy Elijah, who is also the General Overseer of Mt. Zion Missionary Church, Sapele.

    Speaking at the event, Bishop Elijah highlighted the mission of the association — to mobilise ministers from Akwa Ibom and Cross River States in diaspora to spread the gospel more effectively.

    Citing Matthew 9:37, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few,” he called for renewed commitment and collaboration among members.

    “The idea of AkwaCross Ministers coming together regularly will greatly enhance gospel outreach and unity across regions,” said Bishop Elijah.

    “We must embrace new methods, expand our workforce, and partner with other churches to fulfil our calling.”

    He further quoted Mahatma Gandhi, saying: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

    Read Also: Kalu seeks Albert Einstein partnership to reform Nigeria’s healthcare

    Ministers were encouraged to take an inventory of churches affiliated with Akwa Ibom and Cross River indigenes in their areas and foster greater awareness of the association.

    AkwaCross National Executive Committee include Bishop (Dr.) Sandy Elijah – President-General; Archbishop Utibe Ataga – Vice President-General & Senior Lecturer at the University of Benin; Apostle Ekemini Mbosowo Akpan – Warri Chapter President; Apostle Godwin Umoren – Treasurer; and Bishop-Elect (Mrs.) Ataga – Financial Secretary.

    Others are Apostle Ediomo Emmanuel – Public Relations Officer I; Apostle (Dr.) Peter Samuel – Public Relations Officer II; Pastor Inimbomabasi Isaac Jonah – Welfare Officer III; Pastor Paul Uga – Assistant Secretary; Prophetess Pastor Esther Atsomagba – Welfare Officer I; Prophetess Inyene – Welfare Officer II; and Evangelist Vera Akpan King – Director of Programmes.

    The association plans regular outreach programmes, inter-church partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives to support ministers and local congregations across Nigeria.

  • Why Christians must get involved in politics —Wale Oke

    Why Christians must get involved in politics —Wale Oke

    Bishop Francis Wale Oke, is the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Presiding Bishop of Sword of the Spirit Ministries, also known as Christ Life Church. He spoke with AYOYINKA JEGEDE at the conclusion of the PFN 2025 National Executive Retreat held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. With the retreat themed “PFN Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” Bishop Oke shared his insights on pressing national issues — including insecurity, killings, kidnappings, and the broader challenges facing Nigeria — and proposed decisive actions for lasting change.

    Myriads of challenges are bedeviling the country; insecurity, killings, maiming, kidnapping, sexual violence among  others. What in your view is the solution?

    The level of insecurity in this country is totally unacceptable. Some people have said it is communal clashes but that is not true.

    It is an invasion by Fulani herdsmen who want to drive indigenous owners of land out of their lands and forcefully take over their patrimony. This is what is happening in Benue,  Taraba, Plateau and  various parts of the nation and the  federal government should know the truth about this and do something decisively about it. These ragtag Fulani herdsmen carrying guns cannot withstand the highly organised army. It means something is wrong somewhere. There are inside agents that are colluding, conniving with the Boko Haram, ISWAP, Fulani herdsmen.  The Federal Government should change the architecture and the structure of our national security.

    They should remove all the compromisers that are in place now, in position of power and influence that are determining what goes on and they should put people that are truly patriotic, who will flush out these marauders that are afflicting, killing, maiming, raping our people in Nigeria.

    And again, some people said, it is not the Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria that are doing it, it is the Fulanis that have come from neighbouring African countries like Chad, Niger and others, now if that is the case, then it means Nigeria is under foreign invasion and the Nigerian Armed forces should be very ruthless with them because the primary duty of the Nigerian Armed forces is to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria and ensure that no foreign invaders come to trouble our people. So, let the Nigerian armed forces wake up and flush out all these evil people that are oppressing, killing, maiming, raping our people and driving them out of their patrimony. But you see the Nigerian Army cannot rise up except the Commander in Chief gives them clear command.

    We appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President has done a lot of good things for Nigerians but  first and foremost, deal with this insecurity  decisively. The President should take another look at the security reports that are being presented to him  because in most cases they are false narratives that make victims become culprits and culprits to become the victims.

    For example, now food security is under threat when farmers cannot go to work on the farm because of fear of herdsmen. When those who go to work have to pay tax to be able to plant their crops, they are to pay tax to be able to harvest their crops, it means they become slaves on their own land. This is not acceptable.

    When these people invade villages , they kill, they burn houses, they drive the owners of the villages out and they change the names of the villages to their names, that is like there is no government in place and that’s Banana Republic  and the some people will be giving false report to the Commander in Chief.

    What about the specific killings of Christians in their states?

    Read Also: Nigeria on path of economic renewal, global respect – Idris

    It is true to a good extent because the three states  that I mentioned, Benue, Plateau, Taraba, are predominantly Christian states and these invaders focus on these three states as well as other Christian states. That is not acceptable and we want an intervention. As for me, I do not advocate that all Nigerians should carry arms because that’s a call for anarchy rather the government should rise up and deal with this evil people that are inflicting our people with all manners of evils in Nigeria but let me say that the people that  are being kidnapped and raped are not limited to Christian, they include other people but take note of this, those who are doing the killings , the maiming, the raping, Christians are not among the Perpetrators, No! It is on the other side and they claim they are doing it as a Jihad because they felt Nigeria belongs  to their great grandfather and they must conquer it from the north to the sea and that is not acceptable because it is a lie.

    Nigeria is not a conquered territory, Nigeria is a sovereign state, sovereign country under a sovereign government . The government should rise up and flush the marauders  out and protect the people and the land of Nigeria.

    How has PFN significantly, positively contributed to the growth and development of this country?

    In many ways. First, fundamentally the Bible says righteousness exalts a nation, sin is a reproach to any people , so we teach ourselves and our people to live a life of righteousness that is acceptable before God. You see when light shines, it drives darkness away.  Nigeria would have been filled and taken over by darkness but for the presence of the saints of God.  I used the word saints because every believer that is born again is the saint of God.

    PFN promotes righteousness- leading people to Christ, from sin to righteousness, from devil to Christlikeness and we are doing that on a daily basis. Before,we were few in number and negligible but now we are over 65 million in PFN and is growing, and apart from turning  people to righteousness, we teach them to live a Godly life because if you are a true child of God you won’t steal, you won’t engage in corrupt practices, you won’t live in sin and you will fear God and do God’s will. PFN is an agent of transformation and we have been transforming people’s lives spiritually and in all facets including homes/marriages.

    Apart from that, in the education sector, we have so many primary and secondary schools that are based on Christian faith where the young ones are being taught the ways of righteousness and Godliness right from their childhood. We give  them the best education and mental development and not just that, we teach our students moral values, spiritual values, we teach them to be Godly and fear God.

    We are raising our children to be great leaders of this nation not only in primary and secondary schools even in our tertiary institutions.

    As the National President of PFN, I took a cursory look across the nation to access what we have done and I counted 27 private universities that are faith based, that are within the fold of PFN. In our universities there is no room for strike, you can tell from the day your ward enters the university  when he will graduate and that doesn’t  change.  There is zero tolerance for cultism. Cultism is never heard in our faith based tertiary institutions and universities. There is zero tolerance for hard drugs.

    I am a proprietor and Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University.  You can’t hear of strike, no cultism. There is zero tolerance for promiscuity, sexual abuse, sexual harassment whether among staff or among students, no! We raise our students in an atmosphere of Godliness and we give them the best form of education and educational exposures with our partners abroad across Europe , North America, Canada and others. We use our influence to do exchange programmes between other universities and Nigerian universities and our children  are coming out top and they have good jobs and are living  Godly lives with positive major contributions. We also train them in entrepreneurial skills which make them self-independent.  Again, in the midst of the economic hardship of Nigeria, we have welfare packages and palliatives to  encourage our people. We don’t stop at palliatives, we create jobs, the schools that we establish, we employ qualified teachers and administrators in hundreds of thousands  of our schools across the country.  In our universities, we have managements, lecturers, non-academic staff and we create jobs on our campuses.  We employ architects, civil mechanical, electrical and different types of engineers. We employ builders, artisans, bricklayers, carpenters and others.

    We are driving the economy and a lot of our universities have farms where foods are produced.  We teach our students to be job and wealth creators, not just carrying papers around looking for jobs. Those who graduated from our universities are self-employed not only self-employed, they are also employers of labour. That gives joy. We are positively contributing  to Nigeria’s economy day after day in a huge way.

    But some people are complaining that church members can’t afford these faith based tertiary institutions due to the high tuition fees. What’s your view on this sir?

    That’s a false narrative. Those who give license to  private  and government universities are not fools.  They know that private university establishment is a high capital intensive project.  If you don’t truly love this nation and our youths, you cannot get into the business of private universities because it is an investment that doesn’t yield instant result.  It is only after a long hurl. Take for  example our university, Precious Cornerstone University,  is about eight years old and we are still  pouring  huge money into it on a monthly basis not because we are taking  money from it.  No! Even the master plan that we developed  for NUC that NUC approved in the financial projection, they projected  that  we will break even when we are about fifteen years on ground  but before that fifteen years we will be pouring money on landed properties, buildings, facilities, lecturers, non-academic staff, NUC requirements and others. As you can  see,  we give full and partial scholarships in faith based universities across PFN. In fact, in our own university, Precious Cornerstone University, almost half of the students are on scholarships  between my wife and I. We sponsored at  least 50 of the first  set in full scholarships. We were paying through the nose. We invested in infrastructure, we invested in lecturers and non-academic staff and we still have to pay for 50 students and that’s  a lot but it’s our pleasure to see them graduate with a smile on their faces, so we are making intense contributions, those who accuse the churches of using faith based universities to make money, let them go and start one and let them see how easy it is to raise a university  and we’ll come and learn from their secret of success and  how they could recover their money in two, three years.

    Also, in Precious Cornerstone University, the first set of our students came from the twenty four states of the federation. When I walk on our campus and I hear students speaking different languages, such as Efik, Benin, Hausa and others, it gives me joy.

    In PFN, what’s the Directorate of Politics and Good Governance all about? Is it that the church is romancing with politicians?

    No! If the church had been romancing with the politicians I would not be speaking as I am speaking now. I am speaking  as a man of God.  I love politicians,  they are part of our flocks that we watch over, they are Nigerians and they deserve to be loved , they deserve to be protected and to be cared for like any Nigerian but we are not compromised at all .We are ministers of God and we seek the truth to power.We want the government to rise up and do the needful.

    About the Department of Politics and Good Governance in PFN, I set that up to be able to educate the masses of Christians, particularly the Pentecostals in this nation.  By available statistics, we have over 65million Pentecostals in Nigeria.  There is no President that has won national elections with 65million votes. It has never happened. So we now felt that if our people are properly educated to get involved in politics from the grassroots by joining the political parties  of their choice, by joining the dominant  political parties in their  states and get involved from  the grassroots.

    Up till now what happens is that we are voting for the politicians, but we were not actively involved in politics because we’ve been taught that politics is a dirty game and we are avoiding it . The best that we have been doing is to get our voter card and vote for whom? Vote for the people who brought us to where we are and who are interested in keeping us as an underdeveloped nation and our youths are trooping out of the country in droves No!

    We want to get involved  because we are the salt of the earth.  For our impact as salt  to be effectively felt, we are telling  our people,  Christians to get involved in politics  from the grassroots, from their ward levels and be involved in dominant parties in their states.  When it is time to pick those that will be delegates, we encourage Christians to be there, when it is time to pick those that will be head in local governments, state levels and National Assemblies, Christians should not be behind the fence saying  they are praying.  Christians have been praying, we will continue to pray,  yet let them get involved. Don’t sit on the fence by getting your voter’s cards alone. Be the person that will be voted for.

    We establish the Directorate of Politics and Good Governance in PFN to enlighten our members and to let them know of the need to actively participate in politics from the grassroots, and we put somebody  there who has experience, a truly detribalized Nigerian who hails from Edo but  lived in Oyo State and won political position on Oyo State.  He is an insider in what goes on in the political world before God called him;  Pastor Femi Emmanuel. He is educating Christians not only to pray but to actively  participate in politics from the grassroots because  we have  been edged out for too long and it is time to get involved.

    I gave Pastor  Femi Emmanuel the task of teaching and educating us and they have set structures from the  national to zones, from zones to states from states to all the 774 local government areas and CDAs , now they are going to ward levels educating Christians on how to get involved peacefully in politics and political structures of this nation in order to influence the governance of this nation from inside and not from outside.

    You just concluded the 2025 PFN National Executive Retreat in Uyo with the theme ‘PFN Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’. What were the key resolutions?

    First, we resolved to intensify prayers and fasting for Nigeria. The challenges the nation faces go beyond human ability—we need divine intervention. All our delegates from across the country are returning with a renewed commitment to pray for Nigeria.

    Secondly, we encouraged active political participation among our members—not just voting, but getting involved from the grassroots. While I, as a father to all, cannot engage in partisan politics, I urge our members to step out, contest, and lead with integrity.

    Thirdly, we agreed that we must embody the change we preach. If we speak against corruption, tribalism, and nepotism, we must live above them. We are the light and salt of the nation, and through love and righteousness, we believe Nigeria will overcome its current challenges.

    You also mentioned PFN at 40. What is the significance of this celebration?

    PFN at 40 is a major milestone. Under the same theme—“PFN Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”—we will host a grand dinner and award night on October 27, 2025. We’ll gather 500 eminent Nigerians, including past PFN leaders, governors, lawmakers, and Christian business leaders, to honour their contributions to the nation and the fellowship. It will be a moment to reflect, celebrate, and look forward.

  • RCCG LP35 graduates BMC 2025 cohort, awards grants

    RCCG LP35 graduates BMC 2025 cohort, awards grants

    The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lagos Province 35 with headquarters at Christ Church, Gbagada, Lagos, has graduated the 2025 cohort of its Business Master Class (BMC) program, a dynamic initiative equipping entrepreneurs with business skills, knowledge and faith to ensure they remain competitive, relevant, and thrive in today’s economy. 

    The graduation ceremony, at the Power House Auditorium, celebrated the growth of participants and awarded business grants to five promising startups, including a grand grant winner.

    Over several months, the BMC programme provided participants with comprehensive training in business development, leadership, financial management, and ministry integration.

    The prograym culminated in a pitch session where participants showcased their ventures to a panel of judges, resulting grant recipients and one grand grant winner.

    Ibukun Akano, CEO of Pelmars Cake Treat, was named the grand grant winner for her outstanding business pitch focused on expanding confectionery distribution through strong management and operational structures.

     “I’m super excited and thankful to God and the organizers, this program helped me achieve something I struggled with which is writing a business plan and pitching to investors. With this grant, I plan to expand and build solid structures for sustainable growth.”

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    Other grant winners were recognized and awarded for innovative projects spanning sectors such as eco-friendly packaging, tech solutions, education, fashion design and creative arts, each demonstrating strong potential for social impact and economic growth.

    Pastor Ben Akabueze, Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG Lagos Province 35 and BMC convener, emphasized the church’s commitment to holistic empowerment.

     “God is a God of knowledge and innovation, and this program equips people with the power to create wealth. It’s not just about giving wealth, but giving the power to get wealth and knowledge is central to that.”

    He urged graduates to embrace gratitude and responsibility as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.

    He said, “Appreciate the sacrifices and opportunities that have brought you here, use your knowledge intentionally, and I look forward to hearing your testimonies.”

    The Chairman, RCCG LP 35 Empowerment Committee and Assistant Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG Lagos Province 35 CSR, Pastor Emeka Obiagwu expressed the program is designed to provide practical insights to address core business challenges and equip participants with strategic tools, actionable knowledge, and mentorship to drive sustainable business growth.

    He added that the team of facilitators comprises of highly experienced industry professionals and subject matter experts, each bringing a wealth of expertise to support participants on their entrepreneurial journey.

    He noted that the program also features facilitator-led sessions, peer mentoring, personalized business advisory support, seed grants, and a structured post-training mentorship phase.

    This year’s BMC also featured panel discussions by Pastor Richard Olubameru,
    Chairman, Haggai Mortgage Bank, Mrs Omorinsola Ipaye,Managing Director, Efunpo Pharma Ltd and Mrs Dele Tejuoso, CEO, WifiCombat Academy and networking opportunities, fostering connections between entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors.