Category: Worship

THE Archbishop Metropolitan Sea of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev. Alfred Martins has enjoined Christians to re-examine their level of commitment to the great commission of spreading the gospel.

Martins while addressing the congregants at the Mother of Perpetual Help Feast celebration, confirmation and dedication of the multipurpose building of Archangels’ Parish, Satellite Town, Lagos, said though individuals had different callings, what matters most is that they use their positions to promote the gospel of God’s kingdom.

Martins stated: “Examine the level of commitment you have to the task God has given you, some of us, God has called us as individuals to be tools in bringing his good news to the ends of the earth.

“The question today is; what is your commitment to the level of the task God has given you? I believe that God wants us to compare our commitment to at least three persons in the Bible.”

He further asked Christians to judge their commitment level using Elisha, Jesus Christ and Mary as the yardstick.

“Let us compare ourselves to the level of commitment Elisha took on the task God gave to him. Though we are human beings, let us compare ourselves to the level of commitment Jesus showed in his coming into the world…Let us look at the level of commitment which our mother Mary carried on her own task,” Martins stated.

Responding to journalists on insecurity and other issues, he viewed that the consistent attacks on churches indicate that the government is not living up to its task as it ”certainly needs to rejig the whole process of securing the people all over the nation.”

In addition, Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Achu, called on individuals to embrace the new covenant which he shared as “a new relationship between God and his people mediated by Jesus Christ for all eternity. This new covenant is a promise God initiates out of love and makes with humanity that He will restore fellowship and friendship with all who turn towards him.”

Vice Chairman Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), Mr. Patrick Ndubuaku, in his address admonished the congregation to embrace humility, total submission to God’s will, patience, perseverance, purity, ardent charity, and service, intercession and other Christian virtues.

A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), The Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation (IIF), geared towards reducing the infertility rate among couples has announced the commencement of the third cycle of In vitro fertilisation (IVF) grant termed Project 40at40 amidst high success rate in the two previous cycles.

Project 40at40 was born upon the demise of the Late Mrs. Ibidunni Olajumoke Ituah-Ighodalo whose birthday wish was to give 40 couples, 40 IVF grants on her 40th birthday.

Addressing journalists in Lagos, an elated Chairman of the Foundation, Pastor Ituah Ighodala, said that the Foundation recorded the birth of nine babies including a set of triplets in its maiden cycle, 2020-2021.

In its second outing, 2021-2022, which is still in progress, he said that the Foundation had recorded nine pregnancies, with four couples still undergoing treatment and new birth in June last month.

Ighodalo said that the Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation (IIF) grant was set up to ensure that those dreams become a reality through giving couples in waiting the chance to become parents by assisted reproduction, In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments.

“The foundation, in collaboration with renowned fertility medical partners had administered IVF treatments to 80 recipients since inception. Beneficiaries of the first and second cycle have resulted in 10 babies thus far with many others currently undergoing their gestation period,” he said.

Appealing to donors from all and sundry, Pastor Ighodalo regretted that the cost of treatment keeps escalating every day.

“Currently we spend about N2 million to treat a couple while on the average annually; we spend between N100m-N120m.

“We will like to offer 40 couples the opportunity to go through the treatment in this third cycle as in previous cycles but the reality is that we may not be able to do up to 40 except we get enough financial assistance,” adding that the success of the last two cycles, was made possible by the generous donations and support of well- meaning people, corporations and partners,” he said.

According to the Chairman of the Foundation, being able to help people, support and give them hope was the driving force of the initiative. He also announced the foundation’s new initiatives ‘Ibidunni Life Store’ and ‘Ibidunni Ighodalo Entrepreneurial Network’, a mentoring and digital learning platform for the young to inspire, engage and equip aspiring entrepreneurs on self-leadership, entrepreneurship, and the benefits of creating wealth the right way.

The Executive Secretary of the foundation, Grace Ogunniyi speaking about the registration confirmed that the portal would be open on the 19th of July, she also made a clarion call for support.

“We are hoping to have more babies from the 2021 set and for this new cycle, we’ll like people to also partner with us financially and we are grateful to those who have supported us so far,” she concluded.

On the major challenges the project has encountered since inception, the Secretary of the Foundation said besides funds, that the challenges include acceptance of egg/sperm donors, distance for those outside Lagos State, age limit of 54 years and lackadaisical attitude towards medication on the part of some participants.

This initiative is a posthumous realization of the founder’s wish with her husband, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo championing the cause to ensure that his late wife’s dream is fulfilled. The project, in its third year, customarily commences on Ibidunni’s posthumous birthday anniversary – the 19th of July 2022.

Celebrating the essence of redemption, the Convener of Eternal Gospel Believer Association Africa Zion (EGBAAZ), Rev David Taiwo, spoke to ADEOLA OGUNLADE on the African Zion Redemption Festival, the state of the Nigerian church, and other sundry issues. Excerpts.

Your Background

I got born again in 1980 at the Christ Apostolic Church. Precisely, God told me to go to Christian Pentecostal Mission (CPM) for Bible School in 1988. After finishing Bible School, God again told me to go to CPM to work, and I learned a lot about pastoral work.

What is EGBAAZ all about?

The vision of Egbaaz is a vision from past to present and for future generations, which is to hold firmly, because it is a heritage to be appropriated, build, propagate and to be promoted, throughout the world, because it is the vision found from the word of God, concerning the destiny of man which is hidden.

It is not a denomination but an association of believers with various Christian backgrounds, a common goal of reviving the mandate of our fathers of faith and helping others fulfill our God-given destiny.

God told me that it is a debt to EGBA people and Africa if they don’t set up a missionary foundation tabernacle, for their heritage to fulfill their destiny to the nation of Africa and the entire world, to take what they have received to other nations, to terminate the appointment of the gods of the land and establish the kingdom of heaven on earth.

What is the state of the church today?

We are in the end time and there was a prophecy over 100 years ago that Nigeria will be a corrupt nation, but over time, revival will spring forth, and that is what we are praying for, that revival will sweep through our land.

God reserves Nigeria for a purpose. We are unrelenting in promoting unity within the body of Christ and raising missionaries for kingdom advancement. Though, my worry is that the church today has become a problem solving centre and not a place to raise kingdom sons and daughters ready for heaven.

Why is the church a mere problem-solving centre and not a place where men are prepared for heaven?

The church is focusing on the problem of the people and that is why there are many programmes that focus on war. That is why people are moving from one mountain to another and God is against it. People go to church with the sole aim of their problems being solved and issues about salvation, holiness, steadfast walk with God, devotion to God and his words are relegated to the background.

Why do revivals tarry in Nigeria?

Individually churches and people might be claiming revival but the revival that will spread through the land is coming and we need to mobilise more Christians for this great awakening. Like the Bible tells us in Matthew 24 and Luke 21, Christ’s coming is imminent and the church must be awake and must not be ignorant of the devices of the enemy. We are crying for the church to return to the old landmark. Mere religiosity will not take anyone to heaven.

Why should the church focus more on the redemption message?

This is important because that is the only hope. Before Christ came to the world, religion was here on earth but religion cannot save because the law of nature from the day of Noah cannot save man not to talk of divine law.

When Jesus came into the world, he did not touch the people’s religion, though they were the ones who kept touting their religion because they thought he wanted to affect or change their religion. Therefore, it is a redemption that Christ did for us and that is what has given us the victory, and Christ’s victory gives us deliverance.

It is the redemption that gives us the liberty to live for God here on earth. Without Christ’s redemption, we will be competing with other religions.

So many people go to church but they are not saved, sanctified, not imbued with the power of the Holy Ghost and are not transforming.

Christianity is a principle that changes the course of destiny and helps us to discover our identity and helps us access our inheritance. Christianity produces sons and kings. Religions do not really transform man. Man is the target of the devil; our arch-enemy, the devil can give you the whole world so you can remain his captive. The devil tempted Jesus and told Jesus to turn stone to bread, bow to him and he would give Christ, the whole world. The devil can give man everything and he is doing this to renegotiate their destiny. Man is the image of GOD and God, mindful of having children, he created everything for us.

Nigerians would soon be going to the polls and the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket has generated a lot of reactions, what is your take?

We will invite all the aspirants to come, we will pray for them. The bible says that it is the man that proposes, and God disposes. God will choose for us. Muslim-Muslim ticket is not an issue. God can use anyone. God used Cyrus to bring Israel back to the Promised Land. He was a king of the gentile.  Jesus said that let all righteousness be fulfilled. To satisfy the diversity in Nigeria, one would say that both religions should be represented at the helm of affairs. See it as a humanistic idea. Christians-Muslims must be included but to see it beyond that, you will not worry yourself.

Ours is to pray that God will choose for us. Some people are vessels of honour and some unto dishonour. Some are vessels of killing and some are vessels of deliverance and saving. God will choose the one he will use. It has to do with what God wants to do at a particular time. Let us come to God’s side.

David Adegboyega, a sound character coach and nation-builder, has embarked on a 50- year mission of raising a new generation of Nigerians to whom he said corruption would not be an option. He hinges the mission on engaging the Nigerian teenagers/youths and adults on cultivating sound character. The ex-banker and author of ‘‘Sound Character: Maxim for a Successful Future’ shares his drive, passion and vision for a corruption-free Nigeria. Excerpts:

 

Tell us about your career before your present vocation on sound character

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- year with First Bank has 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 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 the higher institution, 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 a 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. You can listen to it here https://youtu.be/YyNlWK6T4k4

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

Character is the inner form that makes anyone or anything what it is. It is the essential content a person is made of, the inner reality and quality in which thoughts, speech, decision, 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 conducts. Sound Character attributes show you as a person of value and positive influence on the 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 a 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.

How do you relate the issue of character to the increasing rate of moral decadence in Nigeria and some other countries of the world today?

The quest for success by all means has made a lot of people disregard the issue of character. The rate of moral decadence is on the rise because we have disregarded sound character qualities. Therefore, we need to re-focus our minds to achieving sustainable success which can only come through sound character. For example, if you are getting money through the wrong means, that cannot continue for a long time but if you devote that same energy to building wealth the right way, you will be able to excel and even pass it on to the next generation.

How can Nigeria succeed in its fight against corruption, violence and other social disorders that are indicators of character defects in the perpetrators?

The way we can succeed is to focus on the teenagers and younger today and over for the next 50 years. One may say but they are seeing wrong examples all around! The truth is that we can get a critical mass well-formed and they will go on to influence others. Please check out the role William Wilberforce played in bringing an end to slave trade. That will give a clear example of the potency of sound character against all odds. We must deploy all the four pillars of society (the home, education, religion and the media) to commit to sound character. This is what I have committed to doing; leveraging these 4 pillars.

What informed your interest in coaching and mentoring basically teenagers on sound character development and lifestyle?

My interest is informed by the vision of a new Nigeria. Day 43 of my book titled: ‘Sound Character: Maxim for a Successful Future’ has a picture of Nigeria drawn with sound character. I believe that is prophetic, particularly, when I recall the prophecy in 1986 by Pa Sydney Granville Elton, a great apostolic and prophetic vessel that God sent to Nigeria. He said: “Nigeria and Nigerians will be known all over the world for corruption. Your name Nigeria will stink for corruption but after a while a new phase will come-a phase of righteousness. People from the nations of the earth will hold to a Nigerian and say, we want to follow you to your nation to go and learn righteousness.” This prophecy came a year before he died. I, of course, didn’t know about this prophecy when I started following my passion. But things are getting clearer now. In fact, responding to this interview made me realise that Pa S.G. Elton lived in Ilesha, and relating that to the fact that the sound character book was first printed at Ilesha by the magnanimity of my uncle-in-law, Dr. Modupe Amiel Fagbulu, is telling me that what I am doing will be instrumental in the fulfillment of the second part of that prophecy; that Nigeria will enter a phase of righteousness and people will follow us to Nigeria to learn righteousness. This is a great vision I commit my life to play my part and urge you to play yours.

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 character with cartoon illustrations. It is intended that this is used daily on 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 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 on the assembly where teachers and even the students have a roster for reading and explaining the book on 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 proprietress . 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.

With its approval by Lagos State Ministry of Education and endorsement by some corporate firms and individuals, to what extent has the book impacted the children in several schools where it is used for learning?

Let me answer this by sharing some testimonials from some of the students that have interacted with the book: “Sound Character taught me to ‘dare to be different’ by not walking with the crowd or doing what they do; but to stand out…” “Sound Character keeps me calm under pressure and steers me clear from sexual immorality. It has empowered my determination…”. “Sound Character teaches me to always accept responsibilities anywhere I find myself. It has taught me how to be prudent with money.” With this, you can see that it is a very impactful book. It is not only useful to young people but also to adults.

Lastly, how can parents on their part, use the book for parenting?

Raising children with sound character is the highest calling of parents, and may be their most difficult one. Hence, this book helps parents interact with their children daily. They can use it daily after their family devotion or discuss it with the children/wards as they drive them to school. The book creates a tension-free atmosphere to address the issue of character. The only time when some parents talk to their children about character issues is when they misbehave. But this book gives parents a preventive approach in raising children with excellent character that they can be proud of now and in the future.

A Canada-based Nigerian pastor, Tinuola Babafemi, has concluded plans to establish a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Nigeria to tackle the menace of hunger in the country.

Babafemi pastors the House of Praise and Prayer Ministry.

HOPAP has been at the forefront of tackling the menace of hunger in some parts of the world.

Babafemi said that the 2022 statistics from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), indicate that 811 million people still go to bed hungry each night.

“I want to make sure that no one is hungry in the World.

“The report said after steadily declining for a decade, world hunger is on the rise, affecting 9.9 percent of people globally. From 2019 to 2020, the number of undernourished people grew by as many as 161 million; a crisis is driven even largely by conflict, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

He observed that insecurity and other factors have contributed to the high rate of hunger in Nigeria, saying FAO has emphasised the need for bold action against hunger before things get out of hand.

“Unless bold actions are taken to accelerate progress, especially actions to address major drivers of food insecurity and malnutrition and the inequalities affecting the access of millions to food, hunger will not be eradicated by 2030.”

Babafemi disclosed that through HOPAP’s  ‘Project Feed 5000,’ the ministry would be reaching out to as many as possible, especially, the less privileged with her food bank, making sure that no household goes hungry. “With these moves, HOPAP is on its way of supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, goal three of Zero Hunger.”

MRS. Felicia Abosede Oyeleke has been re-elected as Lagos West Diocese guild of stewards’ president

At the investiture ceremony held recently at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Oyeleke was sworn in to lead the guild for another period of two years.

In her first term, Oyeleke broke the jinx as the first woman to lead the Guild in the history of the diocese.

Also, twenty-two (22) other officers were sworn in to manage the affairs of the guild for another period of two years at the investiture of the President and induction of executive officers of the Guild of Stewards of the Diocese ceremony.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West of the Anglican Communion, The Rt. Revd. Olusola Odedeji in his message at the ceremony, urged the stewards not to relent in their service noting that God is their reward.

“Please do not mind the scoffers.  You are not being paid for what you do, but you are being lifted by God in your various endeavours. God is the one paying you. While we are doing God’s work, God is settling our homes. You’re on the payroll of God,” he said.

Oyeleke in her appreciation message said: “I feel fulfilled. This is my second term in office. I’m so grateful to God almighty for making this a reality and to everyone for accepting my leadership

“I will consolidate on the successes of my first term. I will create a more friendly environment.

She further said: “Projects such as insurance, empowerment programme including hat-making, tye and dye, financial empowerment, others, purchasing of a bus to aid movement around parishes and others will be carried out.

Emmanuel Oyemomi is the Rector, Baptist College of Theology, Lagos. In commemoration of the college’s 25th anniversary, the rector speaks with Adeola Ogunlade on the nation’s educational system as well as the impact of theological education in raising new leaders for Nigeria. Excerpts.

CAN you give us an overview of the education sector in Nigeria?

Going back the memory lane, as far as Nigeria is concerned, I don’t think we have a solid plan. What we have is a legacy and what the impact of theological education has brought into the nation. Some great institutions that are renowned for academic excellence have become the cream of the whole world-Oxford, Harvard etc. History made us know that they started as seminaries but these institutions later metamorphosed into other areas of education. J.C. Pool, the first principal of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomosho, Oyo State was offered a license for a chartered university by the then President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe which was rejected. The same seminary later became the first degree awarding institution in Nigeria.

As far as this nation and Africa are concerned, writing and education are not our heritage; treasures not documented and whatever education is in Nigeria is heritage is the aftermath of theological education in Nigeria. All the schools the government took over started as mission schools and the government was not maintaining the legacy of the mission schools. When you talk of academic integrity and soundness, we find them among the mission schools across the country; they are functional.

Government keyed into education and made it a political matter to fight religion. This is through legislating against the schools. History was also doctored out of the curriculum. Several subjects have been removed as well.

The nation has lost its bearing in terms of education with consistent strikes by ASUU which affect the future of the students.  We are yet to get our bearing in education. Awolowo ensured that education became a natural priority to benefit the citizens but the reverse is the case today. It is sad that we don’t value education just as it is in a deplorable state today.

What would you describe as the impact of theological education in the country?

The impact of theological education is multifaceted.  It made possible the establishment of many churches today; it also gave birth to proliferation of schools. These are the immediate impacts in the 1950’s when primary schools were virtually free.

If children were very intelligent, the missionaries gave scholarships to them. At that time, Africans did not have much value for education.  The missionaries hired standard six graduates and so many lives were uplifted. Missionaries hired them for several jobs in public spaces.

How can theological education help those in leadership positions?

Theological education must be given a space to shape leaders. We need to watch the track records of our leaders. Our leaders even boasted that our votes meant nothing to them. We have a crop of leaders who have no track records and all they do is to manipulate.

Theological education has been ostracised. In the last few years, theology education has been waged war against.  It is a threat/war against the source of peace which is God. Theological education can have a great impact on our leaders which is a study about God. It is education that gives a transformation to be godly. In theology education, you are taught how you must have concern for fellow human beings, when utilized, the impact is best.

Theological education indicates that God is indivisible, and most people with sound theological education act right.

Theological education can train people who will lead the people.

Theological education has produced leaders for the country who are functioning in various places.

Theological education has helped people to be versatile but they are being massacred due to selfishness, nepotism, and tribalism in the country. God authenticates theological education as we will all return to God.

What is the vision of Baptist College of Theology, (BCT) Lagos?

The impact of BCT, in Lagos, has been enormous. The goal is to produce godliness, character formation, and spiritual formation for Christian ministry. The College also provides sound spirituality to mould people’s lives for 25 years.

It has continued to raise giants for the lord. We have provided for a lot of people around the world, not only in Nigeria. We have our graduates in all states in Nigeria. Some of our products have become prominent persons within the denominations and also in government. Several of our students have been trained and they are using their God-given training to help the government and be supportive. We have our products across the globe. Most of them are in key places across the world. This shows that the training we provide is first class.

BCT Lagos has been accredited by the Association for Christian Education in Africa.

In Nigeria, it has also been a campus for NBTS. We secured full accreditation, the first college to stand on its own; we have secured full accreditation and have a partnership with several global bodies – having a strategic focusing programme to train people to know more about God. The college has 360o impartation. We have trained over 1,500 graduates since our inception. Our calendar of activities is stable and is not disrupted in any way. We just graduated 72 this 2022 to join the workforce to make an impact. We have also planted almost 20 churches since our inception.

Some of our graduands in the public sector/private sectors develop skills for others and equip them. We also train the working class who after graduation are advancing the kingdom of God and contributing to the nation’s growth. Our graduates are the salts of the earth. We also have our trained pastors working with the federal government and contributing their quota.

The college turns 25 this year and we are showcasing it through several activities.

THE Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG Youth Province 1, Living Seed Church (The Bridge) in collaboration with Dare Adeboye Foundation has recently commissioned a new library at Sogunle Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event brought together clerics and members of the RCCG and officials of the Ikeja Local Government Executive Council.

The new library features books, furniture, and computers. The computers were a notable addition because the pupils previously had to visit another school for every computer period. In addition to the digitized library, the church also renovated the toilets and restored an abandoned classroom

Speaking at the event, The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Honourable Mojeed Alabi Balogun represented by the Supervisor for Education, Honorable Pelumi Ologonje was delighted to commission the project.

He noted that such projects as well as individual support were key to the enhancement of society.

In his speech, Lead Pastor of RCCG, The Bridge, and Assistant Pastor In Charge of Corporate Social Responsibility, RCCG Youth Province 1, Pastor Leke Adeboye, emphasized the importance of education.

According to him, “education is the most important thing. Even Jesus came to educate the 12 disciples so that they can educate the rest of the world. When you educate a child, you have equipped them for life. You can take everything I have away from me, but you cannot take away what is inside my head.”

The headmistress of the school, Mrs Edith Ehirim expressed profound joy and gratitude for the intervention by the church.

THE Assistant General Overseer, Admin. & Personnel of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), who doubles as Continental Overseer, Middle East, Pastor Johnson Odesola, Adeboye has charged youths to make a frantic effort to get their Permanent Voter’s Card for them to vote come 2023.

Odesola said this in an interview with journalists recently during the monthly thanksgiving service for teenagers and young adults held at the RCCG headquarters, The Throne of Grace, Ebute-metta, Lagos.

Theme: “Meant for the top”

The cleric, described the youths as bold and courageous, stressed the need for them to go out and get their PVC so that they can participate in the next year general election.

“Nigerian youths must get involved in governance right from the local government level from where delegates are chosen and vote for party and not individuals,” he said.

Odesola decried the position of leaders in the nation who have grown thick-skin to criticism and would do anything they have on their mind as he called on Nigerians to have a strong will to change the situation of the country in the 2023 elections.

He lamented the state of nation where the government cannot guarantee security of the citizens and with the excuse that it has no adequate equipment and personnel to protect its citizens, it is invariably shifting the responsibility of protection to the citizens themselves that they should do whatever they can do to protect themselves.

MASTER Emmanuel Nwadishi and Miss Momola Oluwade Makinwa of God’s Glory Abides Nursery & Primary School, Lagos e, came first with 115 points at the maiden Primary Schools Bible Competition (PSBC, organised by The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN).

Six schools in Lagos State participated in the competition with the theme: “My 100 best-loved Bible stories,” where pupils put their knowledge of the Holy Bible into practice by answering questions thrown at them from various chapters of the Bible.

At the end of round three, which was the final, God’s Glory Abides Nursery and Primary School, Mile 12, Lagos, represented by Master Emmanuel Nwadishi and Miss Momola Oluwade Makinwa, came first with 115 points.

Those who participated in the preliminary, Royalty of Christ Kiddies School, Shangisha, and Toddlers School, also received gifts. The royalty of Christ Kiddies School, Shangisha, presented choreography.

The Production and Programme Manager of BSN, Mrs. Grace Benjamin, said the competition became necessary due to so much moral decadence in the society.

She said, aside from the distribution of Bibles, BSN is also involved in organising programmes that would make pupils interact with the word of God.

Mrs Benjamin, who represented the General Secretary of BSN, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, noted that by the time little ones were exposed to Bible reading and teaching, the knowledge they would acquire would reshape and make them better children at home, school and the society, and by so doing Nigeria would be a better place for everyone.

“We want to catch them young because they will grow to become teenagers, young adults, adults, and leaders tomorrow. If we give them a better foundation, they will grow up to be good children.

“The Bible tells us to train a child in the way he should go so that when he grows, he will not depart from it.”

She advised parents to make good use of the opportunity by allowing their children to participate in the Bible competition for them to be acquainted with the knowledge of God.

“This year, we wrote to about 50 schools, but only a few turned up. But next year’s competition will be bigger and better because many schools will participate. We will announce it in social media, newspapers, radio, TV, and other media.”

The Proprietor, God’s Glory Abide Nursery & Primary School, Mrs. Adeyemi Olusola, expressed gratitude to God, who made her school come first in the competition. She explained that her school went through rigorous preparations to equip the pupils before the competition.

“It was not easy; we did not relax, but kept reading and studying the Bible. We thank God for giving us victory at last,” she added.

Olusola commended BSN for holding the event, adding that it would help teach and reshape the younger ones and make them better leaders in future.

Emmanuel Nwadishi and Miss Momola Olusola Makinwa were excited about not disappointing their school in the competition: “We are happy for taking the first position. We thank the organisers of the competition and urge them not to relent.