The Bible Society of Nigeria [BSN] has completed the translation of additional 77 Chronological Bible Stories [CBS] in Nigerian Sign Language for the deaf.

In a statement issued to The Nation, by The Manager, Media, and Public Relation, BSN, Benjamin Mordi said that this feat was achieved in June 2022. The Sign Language Bible, which is in video format and available on memory stick, is designed to meet the scriptural needs of the hearing impaired. The Bible stories, though expensive, are distributed free of charge to the deaf community.

He noted that the first 77 Chronological Bible Stories for the deaf were dedicated in 2014. 33 more stories were added in 2017, an additional 35 in 2021 bringing the total number of CBS to 145.

“With the completion of additional 77 Bible stories, we now have 222 Chronological Bible Stories in the Nigerian Sign Language.  Translation work is ongoing as we are now set to commence the translation of the New Testament for the deaf”.

“Only about 10% of sign languages have access to Scripture globally. This makes the estimated 70 million people living with hearing impairment one of the largest unreached people groups on the globe”.

Mordi added: in 2019, 11 Sign Languages used by about 2.8 million deaf people received portions of Scripture.  BSN is committed to breaking any known barriers that make the word of God inaccessible to the people. The sighted, the blind, and the deaf now have unhindered access to the word of God in Nigeria.

The Presiding Shepherd of Harvest Centre, Prophet Wale Ojo David has stated that better days await Nigerians as the country is about to sing a new song songsong songs.

David said this in a statement issued in The Nation yesterday in Lagos.

God, he claimed, promised us as a nation, new g songs of glory through his grace. Hence, no more sorrow again, as the peace of God will launch into every way, street, salesmen, and corners of our country.

He cautioned traders, dealers, sellers, merchants, salesmen, and women against stockpiling of goods and creating artificial scarcity that brings inflation.

David assured us that there would be respite soon in the prices of goods in the market

David further assured that the power of the Almighty God would come with fire to vindicate us; henceforth all bandits and gunmen shall be exposed for destruction and some will turn in for repentance.

“God has raised the instruments of progress for Nigeria in a new form; therefore, we need to intensify prayers beginning with the local government, state government, and federal level”, he said.

David called on ministers of God to set aside three days of prayers for God for Nigeria’s emancipation as it is going to be a platform for Africa’s freedom.

As 2023 election draw closer, The President of Pentecostal Ministers’ Forum, Bishop Chidi Anthony spoke with Adeola Ogunlade, on Christian participation in governance and the prophecy of God regarding Nigeria’s greatness.

YOUR friend Bishop Isaac Idahosa was recently unveiled as the running mate of the NNPP presidential candidate; if they win, how is he going to combine the ministry and office of VP?

Based on what you said; if he wins as a pastor, Osibanjo is a pastor though not a general overseer. But, I know Bishop Isaac Idahosa; he has other pastors and branches. If eventually, he becomes the vice president, it is not a big deal. Doesn’t Nigeria have a presidential jet? He can be shuttling – minister in his church once or two twice a month; I don’t think that will be a problem. Moreover, before God made David the king of Israel, the first thing He did was to make him a shepherd. So, maybe the reason God is preparing Bishop Isaac Idahosa; give him wisdom, if he can control such a crowd in the church, maybe that is part of the training; if he becomes the vice president that will not be a problem.

But many are saying he does not have the political experience needed; do you agree?

As you said – if he has experience; in terms of experience, I think if he does not believe in himself he would not have accepted to be running mate to NNPP flag bearer, Kwankwaso. So, he believes he can fit very well in such an office; but I’m afraid that the timing is too short. This is not the actual time – that is the truth. I know where Nigeria is heading and I know whom Nigerians are about to vote for. My spirit has never lied to me and God cannot lie. I don’t want to mention names but maybe in your next interview you really want me to tell you who will emerge as Nigeria’s next president; I will tell you. For now, God is just nurturing Isaac Idahosa to gather experience on what politics is like, and at least to know one or two, three connections. I know very soon God is going to take him to his dream destination where he wished to be; but for now, I don’t think I see NNPP winning the election in Nigeria. I’m not cursing anyone; I value him, he’s still my friend and I’m praying for him and I give him his honour; but the truth is, the timing is wrong.

Where is the melting point for Christians and politics, because many consider it to be dirty?

You see, the Christians have this mentality before that politics is meant for unbelievers. When you want to go into politics, they said, you’re a child of God and that it is not meant for believers. And we grew up with such a mentality. But thank God for the church of the 21st century. Our eyes have opened; we now found out that politics is not what they say it is.

They say politics is a dirty game: no, politics is not a dirty game. It is the people that play the politics that are dirty. I thank God for what is happening today; you can see Christians have woken up and many ministers are preaching and urging people to go and get their PVCs. Yes, I also, even being the President of the Pentecostal Ministers’ Forum (PMF); there was a time in my church that I told them that if you don’t have your PVC don’t come to church. And when we went for our PMF meeting, I also made the pastors understand that they should also convey the message to their individual churches.

Yes, Christians need to wake up, and I thank God for today, and as you can see when God wants to rescue a nation, He will put confusion in the camp of the enemies.

A prophecy has been given to this nation called Nigeria: that a nation that is seen to be corrupt will soon become a righteous nation. The nation that lacks and people die of hunger shall be a nation that will increase in wealth. That was a prophecy given for a very long time. And I see the prophecy coming to manifestation now. Everything you see that is happening today; It is happening because God has ordained it. This is a time God is about to rescue this nation.

You said Christians have woken up; how active is the Church going into the 2023 elections?

Before now, you would hardly see pastors go to their churches and ask their members to go get their PVC; I can’t remember because in those days as a pastor, you didn’t involve yourself in politics and allow members to vote their conscience – that’s what they told us. But, today they have made us understand that if we do not get involved, they will turn this nation into an Islamic nation.

That aside; what is your view on the general insecurity in the land; considering what is happening across the country?

Based on the insecurity in the nation; the thing is increasing day-by-day, and like the popular adage that says ‘he who pays the piper calls the tune”; the National Assembly said that ransom should not be paid for the release of anyone being kidnapped – they can say those things because they have never found themselves in such situation. When your loved ones are being kidnapped, all you will be praying for is that you let them take whatever they can at least for such a person to be alive and come back to their loved ones. We are in a failed nation, where you and I know that the major thing any government should think of is how to safeguard the lives and properties of its citizens. But, here in Nigeria, the military will ask you to defend yourself; governors will ask you to defend yourself. The last time, a governor in the northern state said that all the citizens should get a gun and that the government should do whatever it can to issue licenses. The question here is is it everybody that is able to buy a gun? That means our security system in this nation has failed or how can someone tell you that you should not pay any ransom: you will not pay a ransom and they will get your loved ones and watch your loved ones being killed?

So, do you feel the government is wrong on this?

Assuming the government said if anybody gets kidnapped, they will do everything to get that person rescued unharmed, then the call for Nigerians not to pay ransom will hold water. Most times, governments do little to rescue kidnapped victims. You and I know the one’s bandits kidnapped during the Kaduna-Abuja bound train attack – many of them are still not yet released, and somebody is saying you should not pay the ransom? Since the security system in Nigeria has failed and when your loved ones are kidnapped nothing will happen; so I think that the law has no effect and can never have any effect. So, I’m praying that our loved ones will not be kidnapped, but if anybody finds himself in such a situation; the family needs to do something to ensure that such a person is released – that is my opinion as a bishop and president of the Pentecostal Ministers’ Forum.

Tell us about the Church’s annual programme; Pool of Bethesda?

The event is the church’s biggest programmes of the year. A lot of people who came here with sicknesses went back home healed. People went home smiling; going home with salvation, liberated from captivity, and they smiled home with testimonies. Even as I’m talking to you; the Pool of Bethesda 2022 in Kings in Christ is still a topic in town now, and I know that the church cannot recover so fast from it, because it is a programme that affects people of all kinds and parts of life. So, we’re expecting the 2023 Pool of Bethesda in March of next year.

Going by the gloomy economic climate in Nigeria, those who wish to make progress must take decisions which enable them to move in terms of career and geographical locations.

This was the view of a business coach, Gbenga Ogunbowale at a business seminar held at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Aba Ibeji, Odo Ona Kekere, Ibadan.

Ogunbowale, who is the Co founder and CEO of Grand Master, an online platform that connects grant seekers to funding, informed his audience that to excel as an entrepreneur, since paid jobs are no longer readily available, one must imbibe five habits of of successful entrepreneurs.

The first, he noted was the need to have a mentor. Sometimes, he said “your mentor can be that person you are very familiar with but who have made a success of whatever he or she is busy doing.”

The Tony Elumelu Fellow noted a mentor may even be your junior in age but he has superior experience at doing something in a manner that it translates into money .

Aside mentorship, Ogunbowale said resigning from a job for another or going into business is one sure way of making more money judging by our current financial climate.

Although he acknowledged that not everyone is cut out for business, he observed that the practice of joining the Joneses in the same business is not a guarantee for success rather, he opined that successful entrepreneurs succeed because they dared to be different.

He listed the five habits as daring to be different , learning new skills, being impact driven, trying something else if what you are presently engaged in is not fetching you your desired income and seizing opportunities such as are available from grants and government agencies.

The Pastor of the Church, Dr Damilola Lewis, explained that the rational for organizing the seminar was because the church has an army of young members and struggling adults whose lives and financial straits, he feels will be positively impacted by the seminar.

The chairman of the organizing committee, Bayo Arohunmolase said most attendees were greatly impacted judging by their comments and activities after the seminar as some were already thinking and taking steps to register their own businesses while some are already preparing their project proposals with the intent to seek funding grants.

The Zonal Pastor of Christ Embassy Lagos Zone 5 and Chief Executive Officer of Loveworld Incorporated, Pastor Deola Phillips, has led hundreds of Church members on street campaign to raise awareness of a Healing Streams Live Services Programme of the church.

The City walk on Sunday around Lagos lsland was aimed at sensitising the public about the programme, which will hold on Friday July 29th to Sunday July 31st from 3pm daily.

Dressed in various coloured T-shirts, worshippers took off from the Christ Embassy Loveworld Arena, Lekki to the main junction leading to the Church at the area.

While addressing newsmen during the walk, Phillips said: “We are here in celebration of the name of Jesus’ Christ. We will be having healing streams for three days. The last edition, we had 6.7 billion people around the world that logged in to our sites.

“We are here today to tell the world Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. His name still has powers and we are inviting you to participate in our ministry.

Philip added “You can participate in the comfort of your home, in our churches and centres and right there on your device. You can log on to our channels and you will be connected to the power of God right from your home”.

“In the previous programmes, the deaf are hearing, the blind are seeing. This is an opportunity for God to bring joy into your life. Take advantage of this moment to receive healing and your life will not be the same”.

“We decided to make it 3pm in order to be convenient for everybody. We want people to participate properly with our man of God, Pastor Chris Oyakhilomhe. The healing ministry is so powerful in his life.

Also speaking, Geoffrey Diene said: “We have to celebrate the power of God. We will be streaming the programme in all our media platforms. No matter what you are feeling, log on, there are some that are expecting financial miracles. It is also advisable for people to go to our centres because you will meet our officials that will attend to you.”

Sound Character is an inspirational book that has made so much impact in the lives of several primary and secondary school students across Nigeria since its first publication in 2005. Spiritual and financial partners with the God Father and Family Church International, Akure, Pastor David Adegboyega, the author of the highly compelling educational book spoke to Adeola Ogunlade on the making of the book and how Nigeria transformation is hinged on character transformation.

What were you doing before your present vocation?

I worked at Media Perspectives Limited for 17 months and then joined First Bank on 18 March 2008 till 25 March 2022. In view of the passion to raise a critical mass of young Nigerians to whom corruption is not an option, I took a bow from the bank to focus on this passion.

My 14 years with the First Bank have prepared me for this journey to transform Nigeria. To transform Nigeria will take us the next 50 years because the decline we see today happened over the last 50 years. I call this the #50YearChallenge. For that to happen, we must work with the teenagers and younger ones today and for the next 50 years, so we do a bottom-up cleansing of the people.

What informed your passion for sound character cultivation?

As I mentioned above, the need to raise a new generation of Nigerians to whom corruption will not be an option informed my passion. Also, the need to engage young people on how to manage freedom because I have realised that freedom is a combination of two words ‘free’ and ‘dom’ which means that you are free but within a ‘dom’ain. The question is what determines the domain? While in secondary school, the teachers, assembly, lights out in the dormitory, weekly hairdo for the girls, etc. helped to define the domain of their freedom. But by the time our young people enter higher institutions, they find freedom so there is a need to engage with them on how to make the best of it.

My passion is fueled by the vision of a new nation, and that means new people and that means the young ones of today because they are really the tomorrow we dream of. I love the song by Timi Dakolo ‘Great Nation’. A part of it says: “We’re all we have, we’ll defend our land, we believe in this nation, and we know we’ll get there.” That song inspired me to work with HarnessMusic to create the sound character theme song.

What are sound character and its significance to a healthy society or nation?

Character is the inner form that makes anyone or anything that it is. It is the essential content a person is made of, the inner reality and quality in which thoughts, speech, decisions, behavior, and relations are rooted. Character is a combination of qualities that make up a person, and it could either be good or bad. It is the invisible part of a person that governs conduct. Sound Character attributes show you as a person of value and positive influence on society. Sound Character attributes include godliness, patience, hard work, integrity, obedience, humility, responsibility, perseverance, and biggest of all, love. The greatest significance of sound character is that it helps us manage freedom. And, don’t let us think this only pertains to young people. Everyone is constantly challenged by freedom, and the antidote to managing freedom is sound character. The few sound character qualities highlighted above are enough to transform society or nation. Take ‘patience’ as an example. Just imagine for a moment how our roads will be if everybody is patient with the other road users. Imagine arriving at a junction where four roads meet, and where the traffic light is not working. Can you just imagine everyone being patient and allowing others to go in their turn? This sounds like Utopia! But we can make it happen if we dare. If you dare to be, you will become. Sound character impacts the four pillars of society which are the home, education, religion, and the media. Imagine when these sound character qualities hold sway in all any of these pillars.

Tell us about your book, ‘Sound Character: Maxim for a Successful Future’, that many public and private schools have infused in their curriculum.

The book contains daily nuggets on sound characters with cartoon illustrations. It is intended that this is used daily during the assembly to speak with the students while parents can use it at home during their family devotion. It is a very handy book with incisive nuggets.

Altogether, about 40,000 copies have been printed and distributed. Several well-meaning individuals and organizations have made this happen. The first person to blow my mind on the possibilities of the book is the Wife of a former Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, who branded 10,000 copies to celebrate Nigeria’s 52nd Independence Day Anniversary in 2012. First Bank, where I used to work, did 17,000 copies. Hon. Jide Jimoh, then Chairman, Yaba LCDA (now Honourable Member of the House of Reps, Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency) did 1,000 copies in 2014. A fashion SME, Brand Collections by Nene, did 1,200 copies in 2022, while my wife and I have done over 5,000 most of which have been given out. Several schools including some Federal Government Colleges have bought the books. The most interesting is a school by name Immaculate Grace School in Ojokoro area of Lagos; where the books have been used for the past 10 years everyday at the assembly where teachers and even the students have a roster for reading and explaining the book at the assembly. Recently, Sceptre Comprehensive College in Ketu area of Lagos shared a testimonial of a student returning some amount of money because they are being taught sound character. I was thoroughly awed.

The book has impacted across the country through the support of volunteers such as Seyi Okewale when he served in Wamba LGA of Nasarawa State, Ayo Emmanuel Ojo when he served in Onitsha, Anambra State, John Ikhatalor when he served in Jos, Plateau State. Chinyere Okafor also gave me the opportunity to impact students at Ago-Iwoye in Ogun State. I can go on and on but we are only just getting started.

How does the book aid the intellectual, moral & social growth of children?

The philosophy behind the book is that what we put into education today will reflect in our society tomorrow. Children are tabula rasa, meaning clean slates; they do not have any preconceived ideas giving us a good chance to ingrain the desired values in them. The sound character book aids the intellectual, moral, and social growth of children as they daily interact with the quotes and cartoon illustrations. The illustrations tell a thousand stories that children can interpret in their own way, and own the meaning. This is even more powerful than when someone tries to explain the meaning to them. I have amazing testimonials from proprietors and proprietresses. The book also has versions for parents where they can write for their children on sound character; their handwriting then becomes their voice when the child is thousands of miles away from home. There is also a 31-day calendar version which can be hung on the wall in each classroom or bedroom. All these help to reinforce the sound character message.

TAKING a cue from the corporate world where serious organisations priorities training and retraining of staff, ministers of World Evangelism Inc.(WEBIC) returned to the classroom recently to sharpen their spiritual skills.

They are obeying the directive of the Spiritual Head, who is also the Founder/General Overseer, Prophet (Dr.) Samson Ayorinde to assemble once in a quarter to learn more about spirituality and leadership skills.

As early as 9 am that Saturday morning, virtually all the ordained ministers from all the branches in Lagos State turned up at the Youth Church in the church’s headquarters for the event.

Participants clutched their note pads and other electronic gadgets to jot down notes as they listened to the Resource Persons. Those in attendance were Senior Pastors, pastors, Sunday school teachers, Prayer Warriors, and other leaders in the church.

Coincidentally, the date of the seminar fell within WEBIC 2nd Half Year Fasting and Prayer

The event, WEBIC National Conference, had the theme: ‘One fold, one shepherd..’

Speaking at the event, Ayorinde went down memory lane to tell participants how God gave him the vision to start the church.

He said he was an atheist and student of Architecture, Ahmadu Bello University(ABU), Zaria Kaduna State. “I had that audible noise in 1986 at ABU, saying go and preach my word. I got Gideon’s Bible. I started reading it.”

According to Ayorinde, “a Christian student friend whom I have resisted his preaching was surprised when he came into my room, met me reading the bible. I told him I would like to be born again. He led me to accept Jesus

“A few days later, I was speaking in tongues. I converted a Muslim student who also went back home to convert his parents.”

Ayorinde told the participants that the training they went through on July 16th would prepare them for the restart of the crusade.  “Don’t be distracted. Stay focused. Stay put. Distraction is inevitable. I was called to go into mass evangelism (Crusade). I didn’t want to start a church, but God said I must. In obedience, we started World Evangelism Bible Church.”

Quoting John 15:1-7, he admonished the participants to abide in their calling. He urged them to avoid murmuring and dispute.

“Let us settle our differences amicably because the Lord is coming back soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Resource Person for the training, Rev. Joseph Owoseni, spoke at length on the topic, “The Good Shepherd “Quoting from Ezekiel 34 and John 10:11, he said a shepherd must be able to meet the needs of his sheep (flock).

Relying on the import of Ezekiel 34, Owoseni said God would remove and curse a shepherd who couldn’t keep his flock, adding that there are challenges ahead of the church, but as pastors, we must not bow under pressure. He said God doesn’t joke with his flock. Any shepherd who fails in his duty, the Almighty will replace him.

Oover the fifteen-plus years, I have known Pastor Femi. I discovered in him a deep determination to apply all of his energies to achieve the tasks God placed in his hands. He did not spare himself to do God’s work. Even down to the end of his life, he put duty above comfort, and sought to be a faithful soldier and steward.”

These were the words of the Founder, West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS), Gary Maxey, as the Provost of West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS) Lagos, who passed away on Saturday May 28th, 2022 was laid to rest on the 1st of July 2022.

The burial rites which lasted for five days commenced with a service of songs on June 29th, 2022, at West Africa Theological Seminary, Ipaja, Lagos.

Speaking at the Christian wake, the Bishop Theologian and the Bishop of the Ilesha Anglican Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Professor Dapo Asaju, urged Christians to emulate the exemplary life lived by the late Provost of WATS.

Asaju said, “character of a true believer is to find refuge in our Lord Jesus Christ; Heaven is our home, our dwelling place. This is why children of God are not afraid of reaching the final destination.”

Speaking at the outing service on July 3rd at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Lagos Diocese, Igbogila Circuit, Archbishop of Lagos Methodist Church, Nigeria, The Most Revd Dr. Isaac Ayobami Olawuji urged Christians not to be afraid of death.

The attendance of the event by church leaders across denominations, representatives of the Local Government Councils, international bodies, the media, WATS Board of Trustees, Governing Council, and past Provosts both physically and virtually attested to how worthy the late Martins was.

He was unquestionably a Christian figure and one of the most powerful Provosts to have served in WATS extended network around the globe and his platform as the Provost/ of WATS and the Alumni of President of Yaba College of Technology till his last breath allowed him to affect more lives, no doubt WATS Administrative Block has been named after him to keep his memory.

Martins’ passion and selfless endowment singled him out as a Masters’ student at WATS to become a member of the WATS Governing Council before he served as the Director of Communication and Development before he rose to enviable position as WATS Provost.

He was passionate about the greater glory of West Africa Theological Seminary. His vision and dream were to see WATS become the most cherished theological institution in Africa like Harvard University in the future.

The heart of Martins’s service at WATS was the priority of payment of staff salaries, his passion for raising scholarships for leaders in training; and his commitment to institutional development at WATS.

In his tribute to Pastor Martins, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege said that the demise of a great man is always an irreplaceable loss not only to his immediate family but to humanity at large. The news of the passing unto glory of your late Provost, Pastor Oluwafemi Oluwagbemiga Martins on the 28th of May, 2022 was a rude shock, but then what can we do? He has gone the way ordained for all mortals.

THE Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ilesha, Osun State, The Rt. Rev Dapo Asaju has announced the plan of the diocese to build an Anglican heritage centre with buildings to be named after faithful Anglican parents.

Asaju said this in a statement issued recently, that the need for such a heritage centre had become necessary to record the great work of faith of the Anglican parents of Ilesha indigenes.

He called on all Ijesha Anglicans worldwide to join the diocese to build the centre.

The statement reads, “All Ijesa Christians with Anglican Roots (Irrespective of the denomination they are worshipping in currently ) are called upon to immortalise the Anglican heritage of their families by participating in building a heritage Centre and CampGround, with buildings to be named after their faithful Anglican parents (dead or alive). This will include Anglican parents of Pastor E.A.Adeboye and Pastor W F Kumuyi, among others.”

The centre according to him would immortalise Anglican parents of Ilesha, Osun State indigene

Ilesha is the home town of many top pastors in Nigeria. They include Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Pastor Williams Kumuyi, Prophet Samuel Abiara and a host of others.

In a statement on Monday, July 4, Bishop Asaju said the need for such a heritage centre had become necessary to record the great work of faith of the Anglican parents of Ilesha indigenes.

He called on all Ijesha Anglicans worldwide to join the diocese to build the centre.

The statement reads, “All Ijesa Christians with Anglican Roots ( Irrespective of the denomination they are worshipping in currently ) are called upon to immortalise the Anglican heritage of their families by participating in building a heritage Centre and CampGround, with buildings to be named after their faithful Anglican parents (dead or alive).

This will include Anglican parents of Pastor E.A.Adeboye and Pastor WF Kumuyi etc.”

Asaju, also a professor, said he and some senior clergy in the diocese had prayed on the yet-to-be-purchased acres of land in Ilesa,  for the proposed ‘Ilesa Diocese Anglican Heritage Camp Ground’.

He added that The heritage centre would have the following facilities: 5000 sitting capacity Auditorium (Archbishop Ephraim and Mrs Oluranti Ademowo Hall), Prayer Mountain and a Youth Centre.

“There will be a hospital, hostels (male and female), sports centre, gymnasium, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship centre.