The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Deeper Life reclaims land for varsity

    Deeper Life reclaims land for varsity

    Deeper Life Bible Church (DLBC) has announced reclamation of its over 40 hectares for Anchor University permanent campus from trespassers and encroachers.

    The Chairman of the Land and Building Committee of DLBC, Pastor Alfred Ogene, made this known to reporters yesterday at the DLBC headquarters.

    He said the university’s unique and purposefully-planned permanent campus, as presented in the plan to the National University Commission (NUC), while seeking approval, was to be constructed on a more than 40 hectares situated at Maba town, along the Lagos-lbadan Expressway in Obafemi-Owode Local Government of Ogun State.

    He said: “These over 40 hectares were part of the vast expanse of land belonging to DLBC, progenitor of Anchor University, in the town and its environs.

    Ogene said building of the university permanent campus has, however, not begun as envisaged.

    The Vice Chancellor, Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos, Prof. Samuel Bandele, said illegal structures, machinery and other personal possessions on the parcel of land should be removed by their owners, “as failure to do so can lead to their demolition.”

  • Gospel artiste P. Daniel lifts souls with Mapariwo

    Gospel artiste P. Daniel lifts souls with Mapariwo

    Gospel artiste, Daniel Olawande, aka P. Daniel has released his hit praise and worship song titled: ‘Mapariwo.’

    Mapariwo which means ‘I Will Shout,’ extols the goodness of God, the power of praise in the lives of people, and a shout to the Lord in thanksgiving.

    According to P. Daniel, ‘Mapariwo,’ is a song of praise and thanksgiving to God for His wondrous work, in the life of His people.

    P. Daniel said the song was received in the place of prayer, during the Young Ministers Retreat (YMR), which is held every December, at Redemption Camp.

    He said the song was a call to response and the need to always acknowledge the power of God adding that the song was a song to thank Him for His wondrous works in the lives of His people.

    On the energy and enthusiasm P. Daniel brought into the song’s performance at the Young Ministers Retreat in Redemption Camp, he said: “Passion comes from the Holy Spirit who is the Lord of Harvest. A passion to see men shout up God in thanksgiving”.

    According to P. Daniel, praise and worship songs must be aligned with scriptures, with references to God, and not only to make people happy. When that happens, he said, it brings tremendous benefits.

    He added that a thankful man will be full of God, and receive more from Him.

    P. Daniel said the song is targeted at everyone, to thank God promising that a follow-up song to Mapariwo is coming.

  • BSN holds Founder’s Day lectures, honours Chukwu, Olajide, others

    BSN holds Founder’s Day lectures, honours Chukwu, Olajide, others

    The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has concluded plans to hold its 14th Founder’s Day Annual Lecture on Wednesday, February 8, at the AGIP Recital Hall, Muson Centre, Lagos.

    ln a statement signed by the Manager, Media and Public Relation, The Bible Society of Nigeria, Benjamin Mordi, the event is tagged: ‘Credible Elections: A Desired Paradigm Shift and Pathway to Responsible Governance.’

    Among the activities lined up for the event include the ‘Awards of Selfless Service to God and Humanity’ to The Managing Director, of Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr Johnson Chukwu; the Executive Director, of Sidmach Technologies, Mr. Mike Olajide; the Principal Partner, Adedolapo Fayomi & Co. (Chartered Accountants), Mrs. Adedolapo Fayomi, and the General Superintendent, The Acts of Apostle International Church, Prophet Dr. Z.B. Adeboriota,

     Also expected at the event are a former Head of State and Patron of The Bible Society of Nigeria, General Dr. Yakubu Gowon who is the Father of the Day, the Olu Akpata of Akpata, Kogi State, Oba (Dr.) Fredrick Balogun, as the Royal Father of the Day, and captains of industry, as well as other distinguished personalities. The Guest Speaker is Barrister Monday Ubani, a human rights activist and social commentator.

  • Extend deadline for cash swap, CWI tells CBN, Presidency

    Extend deadline for cash swap, CWI tells CBN, Presidency

    The Christian Welfare Initiative (CWI) has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to extend the deadline for the cash swap of new notes to the end of February.

    It said the 10-day extension approved by President Muhammadu Buhari for the policy was not enough for Nigerians.

    The faith-based organisation stated this on Monday during a parley with reporters in Lagos.

    CWI’s General Secretary, Engr. Adeyombo Adewale said: “We note with disappointment, the untold hardships the citizens of this country are made to go through because of some policies of our government concerning access to fuel and the change of some denominations of our legal tender, the Naira. We reckon that our policymakers need to generally pay more attention to details and seek ways to ensure that the welfare of the citizens is not compromised in any way.”

    He noted many Nigerians are yet to lay hands on the new notes, stating that not extending the February 10 deadline will aggravate suffering in the land.

    The body also backed the aspiration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    It also supported the re-election bid of Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu can fix the nation if elected.

     Adewale said CWI, founded by the late Archbishop Magnus Atilade, will sustain the ideals of the former South West Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

  • Go out and collect your PVC, CAN tells Christians

    Go out and collect your PVC, CAN tells Christians

    The Director of Strategy, Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Rev Babalola Joseph has said that CAN is mobilising its members to come en mass and collect their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) and participate actively in the forthcoming election.

    Joseph said this in an interview with The Nation last week at the 2023 Prayer for Nigeria, organised by the Peace in Nigeria Prayer Group, held at the Light of Life Ministry, Baruwa, Lagos.

    Tagged: ‘New Nigeria, New Experience,’ featured prayers, bible teaching, prophetic ministration, and award presentations to church leaders, security operatives, medical personnel, and the media for their contribution to nation-building.

    The cleric said that the church believes firmly that God will choose for us at this time, as this is not the best of Nigeria. We also have a civil responsibility to go out and vote in this coming election.

    According to him, the church is participating actively in this forthcoming election as members have been encouraged to go and get the encouraged PVC.

    “We, at a time, encouraged our members to bring in their PVC to church for inspection and we appreciated those who have gotten theirs. For those who have not gotten their PVC, we are encouraging them to go and get their PVC at a good time.”

    Joseph reinstated that God would intervene in the matter of Nigeria and justice will prevail.

    “We are about to choose new leaders. We are praying to God to give us leaders. God’s will will prevail. None of the aspirants can on their own do it but God can do it and he knows who he can use among them to fulfill his will upon Nigeria,” he said.

    Also, speaking at the event, the Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Baruwa Chapter, Pastor Onike Taiwo stressed the need for Christians to come and vote in the forthcoming election saying that it is a biblical injunction.

    Earlier, the convener of the prayer group, Rev Johnson Oludele Adekola said that the annual prayer programme is about the quest for a new and better Nigeria.

    He said that when we pray and do the right things, Nigeria will be great again.

    “For us to have a better Nigeria, we must obey the law of the land and serve the people of the land with selfless love, peace, and strength.

    “Are we not being disgraced in our nation? We have crude oil but our refineries are not working, we have the Kanji Dam and other sources of energy, we have no light, we have leaders but no truth, we have churches but corruption everywhere and our people are being disgraced in neighbouring countries,” Joseph said.

  • ‘How grace found me is beyond comprehension’

    ‘How grace found me is beyond comprehension’

    The Senior Pastor of General Assembly International Christian Church, Pastor Tunde Kanimodo, recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of his ministry.  In an interview with Adeola Ogunlade, he spoke about his journey from a staunch Islamic background to a pastor; calling into ministry, raising mature Christians as God’s generals. Excerpts

    How do you feel seeing the church recently clocked 5; the mark of grace?

    I feel so good and happy. My heart is full of gratitude to God for seeing the church clock five. The church clocking five is grace. Some people started ministry at the same time as me but couldn’t continue. With the little, we have done and how far God has helped us within these five years, I’m full of joy.

    Share with us about your background, including your rebirth encounter

    This is an awesome request that I like, particularly about my rebirth encounter.

    I had an Islamic background. We were staunch Islamic believers in my family. It was grace that found me. Before my encounter with Christ, I was a hater of Christianity and Christians. In Islam, we were indoctrinated to see all Christians as kefirs (unbelievers). By the grace of God, I will be 55- years- old this year, and till now, I have never tasted pork for you to know how deep I was in the Islamic faith before I met Christ. Muslims don’t eat pork. Muslims believe that it is only unbelievers like Christians that eat pork. How grace found me and converted me to a Christian is beyond my comprehension. My journey of conversion to a Christian began during my national youth service in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. I left home for youth service as a faithful Muslim. I went for the national service with my Quran, tasbih (Muslim prayer rosary), and other Islamic materials to help my growth in the Islamic faith. Unfortunately, I found myself residing with a Christian family in Port Harcourt.

    Tell us about your experience as a staunch Muslim residing with a Christian family.

    Whenever the family wanted to pray they would seek my indulgence to join them in the prayer, telling me that both Christians and Muslims pray to the same God. So, I started joining them in their prayer but would still observe my ablutions (Islamic prayers). One fateful night I joined the family in a night prayer in their living room. After the prayer, I returned to my room, slept off, and had an unforgettable mysterious encounter that led me to Jesus Christ. I saw myself in a dream surrounded by chariots of some masked people that looked like Nigeriens with bows and arrows in their hands. There were over one thousand masked people with bows and arrows in their hands. I asked myself, how would I escape this? Suddenly, I screamed, Jesus! And I saw my hand lifted and turned to fire. I moved the hand down, swung it right and left, and saw the chariots with their riders catch fire. When I woke up I was amazed.

    After your rebirth, how did you eventually receive the call to ministry?

    After my rebirth encounter, I started attending church activities. Along the line, I became a worker in my former church. But I never envisaged becoming a pastor despite that I was committed and dedicated to service in my former church. For several years, I was the coordinator of a particular programme in the church. I was three times chairman of the national convention of the church. I was zealous in the work of God probably because of my Islamic background. In Islam, you don’t joke with the work of God. Later, I began receiving the promptings of a call to ministry, but never took them seriously. Severally I argued with the Holy Spirit that I don’t have to start another church to work for God. I showed the Holy Spirit some examples of men of God doing great works for God without running a church. Yet, several men of God, including my senior prophet kept telling me the messages that God gave to them about me to start a ministry. This confirmed the promptings I have also been receiving in that direction. But for me, I was more content serving under a church than facing the troubles of leading another church. Eventually, I prayed about the promptings and messages and we started the ministry five years ago.

    What is the mandate of your calling, and the gifts God endowed you for it?

    The mandate of the General Assembly International Christian Church is to raise generals for God. When we say generals, we are talking about mature Christians who can stand out in all ramifications; standing in the gap in all situations for the body of Christ. So, our mandate is to raise mature Christians that will trouble the kingdom of darkness to expand the kingdom of God. The gifts God endowed us for these mandates are the gifts of the teaching of the word of God, prayer, and the fire of God through the Holy Ghost in Christ Jesus. These are the gifts helping us.

    How will you describe the journey of the church so far in these five years?

    The journey so far has been awesome though with some ups and downs at the start. It was very rough when we started. We started the ministry on leased property. By the time we got to the roofing of the church structure, we had no money to continue. So, I had to sell the only car I had then to enable us to roof the structure. I understand nobody crosses over to the city of greatness without crossing the border of sacrifice. My Siena car was about 11 months old then. So, I had to sell that car to enable us to continue the building. The beginning was indeed rough but today we are very grateful to God.

    Later the Lord gave me a better car. Though we had a small beginning, we refused to remain small. We continue growing higher every day. It was indeed hard at the beginning but grace was sufficient for us. Grace makes it easy and simple for us in this journey so far. We bless God for that.

    Who are those you look up to as your mentors or role models in ministry?

    My mentor is Prophet Peter Olowoporoku. I was brought up in ministry under his tutelage. He is a man of God I love so much. I look up to Baba E.A Adeboye as my grandfather in ministry. I also look up to Bishop David Oyedepo and Apostle Joshua Selman as my mentors. I particularly love  Apostle Joshua Selman so much.

    If Christ tarries, what are your plans or vision for the church in the next five years when it will mark your 10th anniversary?

    If the Lord tarries, our vision in the next five years is to accomplish what the Lord told us to raise generals for Him. We want to raise as many generals as possible. We are presently in our temporary place of worship. Our vision in the next two years is to get a befitting and massive place of worship with a very encouraging capacity to expand the kingdom of God.

  • WATS appoints Gava as new provost

    WATS appoints Gava as new provost

    The West Africa Theological Seminary (WAT) Ipaja, Lagos has appointed an associate professor of the New Testament Dr. Daudu Gava as its new provost.

    WATS, a non-denominational theological institute, was established in 1989 by Prof. Gary Maxey, an American missionary in Nigeria.

    Gava’s appointment is coming eight months after the death of the school’s former provost, Pastor Oluwafemi Martins.

    His appointment brings to seven the number of provosts that have served in the institution since its inception.

    Gava was presented to the WATS community during a brief but impressive ceremony on Wednesday. 

    Chairman of WATS governing council Dr. Emmanuel Oluwayemi, the Vice Chairman, Dr. Kelvin Tapere, the Director of Administration, Dr. Tosin Awolalu who has been acting since the transition of Pastor Martins and a host of other lecturers and council members were at the presentation ceremony.

    Oluwayemi expressed appreciation to God saying  “tough times don’t last but tough people do. Leaders solve problems and see solutions because every problem has a solution. Today, God has answered our prayers because he has given WATS a new provost”.

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq sacks provost

    He expressed confidence in the ability of the new provost stating that “God has sent him at a time like this in history to put WATS on the path of progress.”

    According to Oluwayemi: “The arrival of the new provost is timely as the number seven represents perfection.”

     He said Gava has been a friend of WATS and also an adjunct faculty member for over ten years. “Indeed, God does his own things in his own way in his own time and the time is now for WATS.”

    While presenting Gava to the WATS community, he said, “On this first day of February 2023, the Governing Council Chairman officially unveils Dr. Daudu Gava as the new provost of WATS”

    The founder of the school, Prof Maxey who could not attend the event expressed joy at the coming of Dr. Gava.

    In a message read on his behalf, he regretted he could not be at the event due to ill health.

    He however noted that “WATS has steadfastly passed through eight long months under the interim leadership of Dr. Tosin Awolalu, after the very unwelcome passing away of our beloved provost, Pastor Olufemi Martins.”

    Maxey expressed gratitude to Dr. Awolalu for his steadfast leadership during this period saying, “ I for one will never forget it.

    “But today is the most proper and appropriate time for ALL of us to sing and celebrate with the appointment and the assumption of office by our new provost, Dr. Dauda Gava.

    “I wish to register my 100% backing of this development. I have known Dr. Gava for well over ten years, and have been with him in Lagos, Adamawa State, and the United States of America. I have seen him display a very firm love for WATS, and a long-standing desire to be part of this institution.”

    While noting that Dr. Gava has a challenging task ahead of him, he said, “We believe in you. Our prayers and our constant support are with you.”

    He called on the WATS community to pray for him and give him all the backing he needs to succeed.

    The General Secretary of the EYN Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, Rev Daniel Mbaya who was also at the event expressed his excitement for the WATS community.

    He noted that “Dr. Gava is one of the few outstanding men EYN  is releasing to WATS as a partnership with WATS to promote the agenda of advancing God’s kingdom as practiced by EYN and WATS.”

    He urged the WATS community to support him through prayers and other possible ways.

    The EYN GS noted that “Dr. Gava has become the link between the North and the South which has opened the ground for partnership between WATS and EYN for leadership training and Kingdom advancement.

    The new provost in a statement expressed his delight to be in WATS as God’s doing.

    He said, “it is a new time and a new beginning for WATS”.

    While conceding that leadership is not an easy task he expressed confidence that everything will be done appropriately to enable the Seminary to stand for its vision and mission.

    He promised to work closely with the Governing Council Chairman for the progress of the school.

    He thanked Dr. Awolalu for a job well done during his tenure as Acting Provost.

    The Vice Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Dr. Kelvin Tapere closed the event with a short prayer and encouraged all stakeholders in the school to join hands to make the institution better.

  • Monique and the Atobiju cultural group

    Monique and the Atobiju cultural group

    Great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty. Magical music never leaves the memoryMany great works of art, poetry, and music are inspired by astral memories.

    The desire to do noble, beautiful things here on Earth is also often a carryover of astral experiences between a person’s earth lives”. As a Journalist, I was able to get the attention of Monique for the past five years I have been attending her live stage performance just to interview her one on one.

    Here we are finally on 27th of November 2022 at Solution Arena 156, Ikorodu road, Onipanu, Lagos Nigeria, Monique Temitope Lawal Popularly known as MONIQUE is a versatile artist that has audience on social media and other live stage followers, fans which is nothing less than 1 million, 500,000 audiences.

    MONIQUE is a registered and well recognised member of GOMAN a National Musical Association of Nigeria who has received many awards for her amazing voice and performances both as a solo artist and also as a Group. Monique is the leader of Monique and the Atobiju Cultural Group who has performed far and wide nationally, internationally and intercontinentally.

    Monique has been in the Music industries in Nigeria for more than a decade and she is an International Icon when it comes to diaspora recognitions.I was there again at the event organised by Victory International Church tagged: AMAZING GREATNESS where the audience of Monique and the Atobiju Cultural Group thrilled everyone including the invited international guest artist and other Cultural group that attended the Musical Concert in Lagos Nigeria which lasted days from December 6th -11th December 2022.

    It was an unending joy, musical performance award recognition for Monique and Atobiju Cultural Group, performing alongside well known other international solo artist to mention few such as Beejay Sax, Bishop TV Adelakun, Wisdom Chigozie, Evangelist Dr. Bola Are.

    Read Also : Monique B: I just want to create feel-good music

    As if that was not enough, immediately this performance gave birth to another International performance of Monique and the Atobiju Group in Ghana for two days after the online traffic followers craving and yelling for this group to come and replicate the same thing in Ghana Monique as a recognised group has done numerous solo performance, group performances and collaborations as a featured artist on international arena to mention few was the recent album track tagged: ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE which was recorded in Manchester United Kingdom on 27th of December 2022 as a guest artist of Dr. minister Omotayo Paul Oniya of OLD4C Music UK The audio track and video performance of this live stage recording blown up Monique’s fans all over the world.

    To find out more please kindly go to her YouTube page and other social media fans page to enjoy and testify to all of this. Well done Monique and the Atobiju Cultural Group.” People in day-to-day life tend to skim the surface of things and be polite and careful, and that’s not the language I speak. I like talking about feelings, fears and memories, anguish and joy, and I find it in music”.

  • Benue lifts CAN guest house project with N50m

    Benue lifts CAN guest house project with N50m

    The Benue State Government has announced a donation of 50 million naira for the construction of a 30-room accommodation at the State Secretariat of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue State Chapter.

    Governor Samuel Ortom announced the donation Monday, January 23rd, 2023 at the commissioning of the multipurpose Secretariat of CAN in Makurdi which was funded by the Benue State Government.

    He expressed optimism that the building would be completed before the expiration of his tenure to provide accommodation for Christian leaders visiting the state as well as serve as a source of revenue generation for the Christian body.

    The governor, who lauded CAN under the leadership of Rev. Akpen Leva for prudent utilization of the funds earlier provided for the Secretariat project, stated that the construction of the edifice was a deliberate move to give dignity to the state which has a predominantly Christian population.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to religious tolerance and harmony and commended the unity that exists among the various Christian blocks in the state.

    According to Ortom, the ascendancy of two traditional rulers, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, and  Och’Idoma, Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo who are both Christians was a product of the dedication of Benue State to God.

    He further expressed gratitude to the President of CAN, His Eminence, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh for graciously honouring the state to dedicate the secretariat.

    In his address, the President of CAN, Most Rev. Okoh, who dedicated the secretariat, described the event as historic, stating that the edifice shall remain a rallying point that enhances our movement toward Christian unity.

    The CAN President declared that “The Church in Benue State has come to stay and it shall continue to break new grounds, the coalition of the forces of evil shall not be able to stop the move of God in this state.

    “Instead of tears, God will bring joy, instead of extermination, helplessness, and devastation, God will bring restoration and abundance to his people in this state. There will be an upsurge in faith and revival like never before in Benue State. This is the beginning of the season of testimony and it shall never cease.”

  • ‘I’m committed to expanding gospel through music’

    ‘I’m committed to expanding gospel through music’

    Daniel Elijah Oluwatosin popularly known as Elijah Daniel Omo Majemu is an exceptional vocalist, worship leader and Convener of Worship Encounter speaks with Adeola Ogunlade on his entry into gospel music, challenges, and how he has stood out as a gospel singer.

    What inspired your entry into gospel music?

     The Church I was attending while growing up inspired my entry into gospel music. My mum was a chorister in that church, this allowed me to get engaged in church musical activities.

    Tell me the challenges you face as a gospel music minister.

    There are so many challenges we are facing, they include rejection, envy, and jealousy. It is surprising that at times you get to some places and the appreciation will be so poor. With no support, it’s just the Grace of God.

    How have you been able to stand out in the sector?

     I have been able to stand out because of the special mandate that God Has given to me.

    Your songs are original and soul-lifting, how did you come about those songs?

    Any song that comes out of my mouth is inspired by God.

    Do you see gospel music as a career?

    Yes, I see gospel music as a career

    What is your dream for the future?

    My dream for the future is to expand the gospel of Christ through my music and touch lives all over the world with my style.

    Do you put so much energy into your songs?

    Yes, I put so much energy into my songs because I don’t know the ones that will bless my fans so I put my energy into them all.

    How many hours do you spend rehearsing your latest album?

    At times in a day, I spend 9 hours on rehearsals, and sometimes, I spend up to 4 to 5 hours

    Do you see singing as a talent and at what point did you notice that God wanted to use you as a gospel artiste?

    Yes, I see it as a talent but the level of Grace at which God has given it to everyone is different. It was when I started having an understanding about a few things in life and ministry, I had to just take my music ministry so seriously, and ever since, God has been so faithful.

    Are you in competition with any of the gospel artistes?

     I’m not in competition with any gospel artiste

    Are you thinking of collaborating with some of the A-list gospel artistes?

    Why not? If God allows me to meet them and if He is telling me to bring any A-list gospel singers on board I will gladly do.

    What is your advice to up-and-coming gospel artistes?

    My advice to upcoming gospel artistes is that they should not get discouraged, they should stay focused and be consistent in what they are doing. Acknowledge God in all their ways. Let God himself order their steps, and let the goal be right.