The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • When mercy speaks

    When mercy speaks

    Taiwo Akinola

    Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need ~ Hebrews 4:16.

    Introduction

    It has been shown over the ages that God’s mercy is a major all-time need of man. Why? Man doesn’t always get what he deserves, but what mercy delivers to him: “it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy” (Romans 9:16).

    Naturally, the journey of life is too cumbersome and very difficult to predict. Sometimes, certain unwholesome events come calling, when they are least expected. Most certainly, it is not the strongest of the species that always survive in life, not the most intelligent, but those who are the most receptive to the mercies of God, “for by strength shall no man prevail” (1 Samuel 2:9).

    Understanding the Subject of Mercy

    In our day-to-day usage of the word, ‘mercy’ is that tenderness of heart which inclines a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he/she deserves. It is the disposition of the mind that tempers justice and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses. Mercy is that platform, which allows favor to flow towards a person or a thing.

    In Biblical parlance, God’s mercy is a distinctive attribute of the Supreme God that does not allow Him to overlook the helpless in his miserable estate (Numbers 14:18). Mercy is God’s prerogative that makes Him embrace the rejected. Certainly, Leah was in this catchment (Genesis 29:31).

    Mercy is the outflow of God’s compassion and forbearance that shuts the doors against harm but conveys blessings to His people who have obtained mercy. God’s mercy is intrinsically connected to His covenant with man. Hence, the golden cover of the Ark of the Covenant was justly referred to as the ‘Mercy Seat’ (Ex.25:17-22; 26:34).

    Mercy is a major requirement in the school of divine assistance and durable wonders (Titus 3:5). It is a ‘Certain Entity’ in the realm of the spirit that follows those who receive it on their journeys of life (Ps.23:6).

    When Mercy Speaks!

    From generation to generation, mankind continues to enjoy God’s mercy one way or the other, only in varying degrees. For instance, the wonders of the Israeli nation is deeply etched in God’s mercy (Rom.9:13-18). It was God’s mercy that supernaturally turned their battles around, to make room for their inexplicable victories, as found in the battle of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:21).

    Even today, it is His mercy we have received that saved us, keeps us, provides for us, heals us, forgives us, and even gives us a hope of heaven.

    When God deals with any man according to His mercy, don’t just write him off yet, because anything can still happen. Such destinies can still gain momentum and be propelled to great ascendence. For instance, by mercy, Esther, the common slave girl became the Queen in Shushan palace. How about that!

    Among the several hundreds of other beautiful virgins across the 127 provinces of King Ahasuerus, God’s mercy singled out Esther for the coronation, and the King loved her “above all the women” (Esther 2:17).

    When mercy speaks, the most disadvantaged becomes repositioned into the most advantageous estate. Mercy is all that’s needed to transit any man from prison to the palace. If you’re in doubt, please ask Joseph, the erstwhile Egyptian Prime Minister (Genesis 39:21). May mercy locate you and speak for you today in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

    In situations where God’s mercy is on the front burner, incurable diseases can vanish miraculously in the twinkling of an eye. The father of the lunatic boy in Matthew 17:14-18 must-have tried every possible means to procure healing for his son, all to no avail. Thereafter, he came to Jesus Christ, pleading for mercy, and the child was cured immediately.

    The mercy of God is the most inerrant solution to pathetic situations in life. Bartimaeus the son of Timaeus was blind for a long time. But, he knew by revelation that it was only mercy from the Lord that could rescue him from this infirmity. Hence, when he learned that Jesus was passing by, he cried out for God’s mercy, and heaven stood at attention to assist him, restoring his sight instantly (Mark 10:46-52).

    God’s Mercy Never Fails!

    God’s mercy is never-failing because it is as eternal as it is everlasting, and it is as dependable as it is reliable. The mercy of the Lord is ever sure and durable (Isaiah 55:3).

    Moreover, God’s promises of “mercy” to men are always firmly propped up by His “truth” (Psalms 25:10). And, you see, Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

    Generally speaking, wise men value a promise by the character of him that makes it. Definitely, under the dispensation of the New Testament, any man can enjoy the fullness of God’s goodness through Jesus Christ today (2 Corinthians 1:20). God is not only gracious in promising, but He is also very faithful in performing whatever He has promised. All His promises and all His providences are sustained and fully guaranteed by Truth. Alleluia!

    Conclusion

    Were it not for God’s Mercy that we receive moment by moment, we would have been consumed by woes and wickedness (Lamentations 3:22-23). Hence, supplication for mercy should remain a top agenda on our prayer altars.

    When mercy is still speaking, nothing is impossible. When God’s mercy speaks up for you, it can still be well with you, even inside a well! In all His dealings, God’s people see the Lord’s mercy displayed, and His words fulfilled, whatever situations they find themselves. May His sure mercies continue to speak distinctively for us all, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Happy Sunday!

  • FG seeks to cow churches with CAMA – Akanbi

    FG seeks to cow churches with CAMA – Akanbi

    By Adeola Ogunlade

    General Overseer of God’s Mercy Revival Ministries (GOMERM), Dr. James Akanbi has accused the Federal Government of unfolding a hidden agenda against the body with the recent signing of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Akanbi said CAMA is a confirmation and establishment of the suspicion, which the church has long had about the government that it was looking for every means possible to cow the church.

    Explaining that financial probity and accountability which the law seeks to achieve isn’t bad in itself, the cleric said that the way the government went about the matter shows it has an ulterior motive.

    “The Federal Government has been extremely insincere. That’s the honest truth. And it has gone a long way to establish the fact of the suspicion which the church has against the government which is that it has a hidden agenda against the church in Nigeria,” Akanbi began.

    “Ordinarily, the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 itself shouldn’t have been bad. Nobody is against transparency, or financial integrity and the establishment of a kind of governance procedure that will see to full transparency on financial matters.

    “Nobody is fighting that in any way or accessibility to the figures. And nobody is fighting the fact of looking at the figures and giving advice where necessary. That’s certainly not the problem.

    “The main problem why the church is shouting out and which the church finds very offensive is the removal clause in Section 839 (1) and (2) of the law.

    “Yes, there was some legal procedure put in the law before removal.  But it is vague. And the fact stands that the government cannot be trusted by the church in this regard.

    Read Also: Falana: CAMA 2020 violates rights

    “A kangaroo arrangement can still be made and removal is done with little or no recourse to the proper procedure. Why, for instance, would a sweeping authority be given to the supervising minister to remove? That shows something is very wrong.

    “It’s appears that they are looking for a way to remove the heads, and for me, I will say they are really hunting for some individuals. There are lots of churches in Nigeria. They are looking for key leaders just to be able to cow the church of God,” Akanbi said.

    The GOMERM General Overseer tasked fathers of faith to resist the law vehemently.

    “There is a gang up of hell against the church of Christ in Nigeria. Church fathers, persons like Papa Adeboye, Pastor Kumuyi, Bishop Oyedepo, Dr. Olukoya, the leader of Foursquare, the Methodist Church, the Anglican Church, the Catholic Church, all of them need to come together. This is not a matter for CAN alone. This is not a matter for the Pentecostals alone now. It is a matter for Pentecostals and the Orthodox churches. This is not the time for anyone to go and sit passively somewhere.

    “All of them must come together, book an appointment with the President and go and drop their objections on his table,” he stated.

  • Nigeria @ 60: Cleric flays elite over development

    Nigeria @ 60: Cleric flays elite over development

    By Adeola Ogunlade

     

    As Nigeria celebrates its independence in the next few days from now, national development has not been given priority. Rather, greed, sectionalism have dominated the political space , General Superintendent, Holy Spirit Mission, Bishop Charles Ighele, has said.

    He spoke during a news conference on the state of nation recently in Lagos,

    He x-rayed development in Nigeria from the colonial era to the Fourth Republic.

    According to him, Nigeria’s development is disproportional given the abundant rate of its natural endowment and human resources, adding that the years of military rule coupled with lack of transparency and accountability have crippled the nation’s ability to develop and compete with other developed countries.

    Ighele said, “I would like to look at development from when the British came and development as at when Nigeria was made up of many ethnic groups, empires etc. Let us look at it in terms of development par western standard which has almost become the standard globally.

    “If you look at it from that angle, you would find out that there was development from point zero, from when the British came till about 1960 when they left. When I went to Nigerian Railway headquarters in Lagos sometime ago, you could see the structures put in place by the colonial masters. Then you can compare it to how it is now”, he said.

    Ighele, who doubles as Chairman, Financial Accountability Council of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, further said “having looked at that, look at 1960-66, the first coup then the military era from 1966-1979, and then the Shagari era, then the military till 1999 and democracy from then till now. When you look at how things have grown in terms of development, you cannot say that we are developing.

    If we are developing, let’s take the educational sector for example, then how come the quality of English that I speak is better than that of University graduates of today. When you look at all the sectors, you will see that we have only developed in the area of how to acquire personal wealth and corruption. When you talk about development, it is not rocket science to me. But unfortunately, the elites that rule Nigeria do not understand what development is. And that is where the problem is.”, he said.

    Read Also: Ariya Eko: Celebrating Nigeria @ 60 with musical festival

     

    He explained that there are certain factors that make up for development, which, if neglected, no nation can develop. The factors, according to the cleric include labour, capital, entrepreneur and land.

    “These are the factors that bring about productivity of a people. If you want things to improve in terms of productivity, then you look at these factors; they are the basic pillars of development”.

    Our leaders need to understand them,” adding that, “the way I see things, it is just the elites who have what to celebrate. How does a nation which has gone down like this celebrate poverty, insecurity, basic amenities, lack of electricity? Ghana and Rwanda have reasons to celebrate but as far as I see it, there is nothing to celebrate.”

    Proffering solution on the way forward, the general superintendent submitted that the country needs a new set of elites with “proper orientation”.

    “And these things are not difficult at all. Russia used to be a pure feudalist nation but some nationalists came up with ideas that birthed socialism. And there was capitalism in the U.S. along with other countries. These are elites that loved their nations. We need new sets of elites who will love this nation”.

    He said “People want to be rich, so the values are wrong. You see those among the worse going into politics and the educated joining them. We need a reorientation. It happened in Rwanda and Ghana where they had President Rawlings who put a new social order, and they built the political order based on that consensus.

  • ‘Spiritual cleansing ongoing in C & S’

    ‘Spiritual cleansing ongoing in C & S’

    By Adeola Ogunlade

     

    The District Chairman and General Leader, Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church, Surulere Sub-Headquarters, Ayo Ni O, Special Apostle Sunday Funsho Korode has said that the church is carrying spiritual fumigation in their practices as their vision is to prepare men for heaven.

    Korede said this in an interview recently in Lagos, said that the kingdom of God is our focus. Our vision is to make heaven. Bible is our road map. We are Pentecostal in dispensation and evangelical in ministry. We want to cater for the people who are in charge of our spiritual lives.

    He said that we are also concerned about wellbeing of our members. We have tried to give proper orientation to our people. We are also getting the people know that we are Christ-centric in our practice and that all forms of ritualistic expression and anti-Christ practices is not allowed in the church”.

    “Some also start another church because of selfish interest, greed and lust for position and power. Some are already entrenched in idolatry but because it is not normal to advertise such openly they move out of the church to start another group. The veering away gives them an opportunity to wear the garment of the angel of light”, he said.

    He lamented unfortunately, the fact is that freedom of worship is guaranteed in the constitution. You can wear the garment and shout like a masquerade and nobody will query you. Some of the brand identity of the C$S are available in the market place. People have access to these things; they buy them and use them to start deceiving people.

    He said “a number of things people get into like the use of coconut. Candle and the burning of the strange incense are not allowed in the church. It is important to let our people know that we are de-emphasizing those things. We pray into water and pray with the oil just like many Pentecostals now do”.

    He continued: we also want to involve in getting the body of Christ to be one and also be involved in inter-faith activities. These are things that have been put in place by our former leader. We are just building on them. We have help, education, women and a number of other ministries that have been established to address all the areas of concern in the church.

    Korede posited further that the vision is also to ensure advocacy at the political and social realms by moderating the excesses of our political leaders”.

  • Understanding God’s plan for me from his book!

    Understanding God’s plan for me from his book!

    By Dr. David Oyedepo

     

    Welcome to the concluding part of this teaching! I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. This week, we shall focus on: Understanding God’s Plan for Me from His Book!

    We understand from Scriptures that the only book containing the plans of God for the redeemed is the Bible. Therefore, the Bible is God’s manual for His product; Man. It is an expression of the mind and consequently, the thoughts of God towards His creatures. It is written, For I know the thoughts (plans) that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not Of evil, to give you an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11, Paraphrased). Then, if God has plans for us in the Bible, we need to see them by searching them out. Therefore, to see or understand them, we need vision. Scripture says, Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he (Proverbs 29:18).This implies that vision is one of the most vital forces in the journey of life. That is, it is one of the requirements for a successful life journey. The question now is, ‘What is vision?’ Vision is accessing God’s plan for our lives (Jeremiah 1:5, 29:11). Until one accesses God’s plan for his/her life, it remains an adventure in frustration (Proverbs 29:18). Therefore, the journey to a world of outstanding success begins with understanding God’s plan (Isaiah 48:17-21). Thus, our disregard for the content of the Book will keep us wandering about in the wilderness of life. To pose to be smarter than what the Book says is to end up a captive. For it is written, And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned (Isaiah 29:11-12). The truth is, until we are saved, the seal is not removed. The Bible is the mirror of life (James 1:22-25). It shows us what we are, what we have and what we can do; it is God’s prophetic agenda for the redeemed. It is God’s thoughts and purpose in print and He unveils them time and again to whosoever is interested. If we want to make something good out of our lives, we have to take the Word of God more importantly than our necessary food. As it is written, This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Joshua 1:8).

    What does His Plan for Me in His Book look like?

    • By Redemption, we are Redeemed to Walk in Dominion: Redemption has repositioned us for dominion. Thus, we are not to be harassed by the wicked forces of life. The Bible says, And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6); and where is this heavenly place? Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Ephesians 1:20-21). The heavenly places are far above the domain of principalities and powers. I got this revelation of my repositioning in 1979 from the ministry of Wigglesworth and I got so intoxicated. Thereafter, one of my brothers asked me to go represent him in a meeting and I was excited. After preaching, I said, ‘How many of you are witches here? Stand up!’ They stood up en masse and when I saw that, I asked them to sit down. I asked again, ‘Wait a minute, I am not saying somebody called you a witch; you know you are a practicing witch, stand up?’ They stood up again and I called one of them. I asked, ‘Tell me what you do with the devil?’ She said, ‘Anytime we want to suck blood, we get on the highway; cause a vehicle to somersault and then we suck the blood of the victims’. I asked again, ‘What of when people like us are coming?’ She said, ‘When we sense a higher power on the highway, we clear off the highway’. Redemption has ordained us to walk in dominion because, For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever (Genesis 13:15).
    • We have been Redeemed as Priests and Kings to Reign on the Earth: As it is written, And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth (Revelation 5:9-10). So, every seed of Abraham is either a king or a nation because Christ has redeemed us from the curse of slavery (Galatians 3:13-14).
    • We are Redeemed to be a Blessing and not a Burden to our World: God swore a blessing on Abraham saying, And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice (Genesis 22:18). As seeds of Abraham, we are automatically partakers of the sworn blessings. For it is written, And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29).

    In summary, we must understand that God’s plan for every man only becomes accessible after one is born again. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, get my books: In pursuit of Vision, Following The Path Of The Eagle, The Breakthrough Power of Vision and Understanding Divine Direction. I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have three services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. respectively. Also, you can join our live services via Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @Davidoyedepomin, Instagram: davidoyedepomin, YouTube: Domi Stream, Hebron 95.9 FM, Winners World App, Impact Africa TV (on Startimes and NigComSat), Domi Radio and via the Church Satellite. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: dphprints@gmail.com.

  • Agunbiade is keynote speaker of HPCU 2020 opening ceremony

    Agunbiade is keynote speaker of HPCU 2020 opening ceremony

    Leading US educational Institution, Higher Place Christian University (HPCU) Atlanta, Georgia, has announced Nigeria’s Dr. Babajide Agunbiade as keynote speaker during its forthcoming Fall Commencement Ceremony scheduled to hold at its main campus in Alpharetta, Georgia, United States on October 10, 2020.

    Agunbiade, who will be speaking on “Not too late to connect with your purpose,” is a businessman, investor and subsea engineer with over 20 years’ experience in the offshore industry.

    As Business Development Director for Houston- based National Oilwell Varco, the largest oilfield equipment manufacturing company in the world, he has been responsible for several major and groundbreaking projects across Africa and the Gulf of Mexico.

    He leads business development activities in the design and engineering of subsea production systems with a particular focus on the flexible pipeline system and has won and completed nearly $2bn offshore projects.

    Agunbiade, who was formerly principal Engineer at General Electric Gasification Business Group, is a prolific investor and an accomplished philanthropist and businessman.

    He is an alumnus of the same institution, where he obtained a Ph.D. in Leadership & Business.

    Dr. Agunbiade holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial & Production Engineering from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, an MBA in Business Management from the American InterContinental University, Houston, Texas, as well as being a Ph.D. Scholar in Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University amongst other.

    Other speakers at the commencement ceremony are Accountant and philanthropist, Dr. Courtney Epps, who will be speaking on “Social Business and Why Giving changes Everything”; the Senior Pastor of The Church Without Walls International in Hammond, Louisiana, Dr. Marlin Daniels, who will be speaking on “Words of inspiration” and the duo of the president and vice president of the university, Dr. Uyi Abraham and Dr. Faith Abraham.

    Abraham is an award-winning coach, keynote speaker, serial entrepreneur, and best-selling author who has 20 years of experience in mentoring people on business and success principles.

    He is also the founder of Vonza – a company that makes it easy for entrepreneurs to start and run a profitable online business.

    Dr. Faith Abraham, on the other hand, is the founder of Life Mastery School & Beauty and Brains Academy with a vision to empower women to walk in confidence, master their money, and destroy limiting beliefs to live the life they deserve.

  • Group trains religious leaders, others on gender -based violence

    Group trains religious leaders, others on gender -based violence

    Our Reporter

    Women at Risk International Organisation (WARIF) in partnership with Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation has commenced the third cycle of the WARIF Gatekeepers Project.

    This project aims to eradicate gender-based violence (GBV) through the training of gatekeepers across Local Government Areas in Lagos.

    These gatekeepers, who consist of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and Law Enforcement Agents, will now include Religious Leaders of all faiths from the community.

    The project was launched in 2017 with the successful training of 1000 traditional birth attendants across 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos State who served as first responders to cases of rape and sexual violence.

    The second cycle the following year was an equal success with the inclusion of law enforcement agents as secondary gatekeepers; these officers were trained on the right protocols to address cases of sexual violence as well as the importance of sensitivity when addressing the affected survivors.

    Cycle 3 of the Gatekeepers Project recognises the role and importance of religious leaders in rural communities across Nigeria.

    It emphasised the large circle of influence these community leaders hold in their respective places of worship, in their communities.

    With the inclusion of these leaders, an anticipated increase in the level of awareness is expected with a significantly higher number of cases of sexual violence being reported.

    WARIF believes this goal will be readily achieved with the inclusion of these new trustworthy and respected tertiary Gatekeepers and will make an impact on a wider reach of men and women in the society at large.

    READ ALSO: Group calls for more investment in women’s health

    Sponsored by ACT Foundation, the project saw the fostering of good relationships between the TBAs and law enforcement agents in previous engagements, ensuring survivors received the assistance needed, and cases were reported in a timely fashion.

    Speaking on the inclusion of religious leaders in this cycle, WARIF’S Founder, Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, stated: “Following two successful cycles of the gatekeepers community-based project, sponsored by ACT Foundation, community leaders such as the Traditional Birth Attendants and Law Enforcement Officers were engaged and trained on becoming first responders in cases of gender-based violence.

    “This led to an increase in the awareness of this menace in their respective communities and a documented increase in the number of cases reported to the WARIF Centre.

    “We anticipate the addition of religious leaders who are respected community mediators as our tertiary gatekeepers in this project will lead to an increase in awareness, a change in the prevailing mindset of the community, and a subsequent reduction in the number of cases of violence against women and girls reported.”

    A total number of 600 gatekeepers will be trained in this cycle who will be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to raise awareness, support survivors of rape and refer these cases immediately WARIF for treatment and to the Law Enforcement, for the apprehension of the perpetrator and prosecution.

  • Bishop shuts  pastoral activities at Makurdi catholic church

    Bishop shuts  pastoral activities at Makurdi catholic church

    By Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

    Following the desecration of the Holy Eucharist and the looting of sacred vessels at St. Peter’s Low-Level Makurdi, the Diocesan Bishop, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, has suspended all pastoral activities in the parish indefinitely.

    The suspension, which took effect on September 15, 2020, followed two sacrilegious attacks on the parish on 12th August and 13th September this year by yet-to-be identified persons.

    The decree sanctioning the suspension of pastoral activities states that “The parish henceforth will be closed from celebration of the Holy Mass and all other pastoral activities in line with Canon 1211, with effect from today, 15th September, 2020, until further notice.”

    During the attacks, the chapel of Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the main church building were broken into; the sacred specie of the Most Holy Eucharist was desecrated and sacred vessels looted, thereby defiling the church.

    The closure, according to the decree, “is to enable us to adequately prepare for penance required by law in order to repair the injury this profanation has done to the sacred body of Christ.”

    “Pastoral activities shall resume only after a proportional satisfaction is made with regards to this sacrilege and we are also fully guaranteed of a better security outfit and structure for the parish in accordance with canonical requirements.

    “When that is done, the entire worshiping community of this parish, among other things, must perform a novena of reparation to be concluded with a rite of atonement in line with diocesan liturgical norms”, the decree which was signed by Bishop Anagbe, explained.

  • Ajiboye tasks govts on Nigerian languages

    Ajiboye tasks govts on Nigerian languages

    By Adeola Ogunlade

    General Secretary, The Bible Society of Nigeria, Dr. Dare Ajiboye, has called on government at all levels to make deliberate effort to preserve Nigerian languages by enforcing its usage, especially in schools.

    Speaking during the press briefing at the dedication of Epie and Ogbia New Testament Bibles, which took place at the Bible Guest House, Palmgrove Estate, Ilupeju, Ajiboye said our language is our identity and an integral part of our culture which must be preserved.

    He noted that by translating the Bible into Nigerian languages, the society is helping the country to preserve various languages and cultures that are prevalent.

    “The various governments should not take preservation of languages for granted because of its importance and this is the reason the Bible Society of Nigeria should be encouraged and supported for the noble work of helping to preserve our languages and cultures.”

    Ajiboye, who stressed the need for the government and the society to partner in this area, said it would not be out of place if the government gave scholarships to Nigerians to be trained as translation consultants and at the end of their training provide them jobs.

    He disclosed that the society has translated the full Bible into not less than 26 Nigerian languages, which include Proclaimers, an audio Bible device in different Nigerian languages for those who cannot read or understand the English Language, Braille Bible for those with visual disability and Nigerian Sign Language Bible for the deaf, while translation and revision are on-going in ten Nigerian languages, adding that it costs nothing less than N72 million to complete a Bible translation project in twelve years.

    He, however, remarked that the society was able to break its 54-year old translation record since it became a National Bible Society in 1966 with the completion of Epie and Ogbia translation within only five years, which is a tremendous improvement.

    According to Ajiboye, The Bible Society of Nigeria is a member of the United Bible Societies, a world fellowship of 146 National Bible Societies, working to place God’s Word in the hearts and hands of the people they serve across 200 countries and territories.

  • Abiara cautions on CAMA

    Abiara cautions on CAMA

    By Adeola Ogunlade

    Retired General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Prophet Samuel Abiara, has called for caution among Nigerians over the Company and Allied Matters (CAMA) 2020 Bill recently assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Many Christians have kicked against the bill, pointing out that it was targeted at the church while the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described the bill as “satanic.”

    While stating that he shares CAN’s sentiment on the bill, Abiara asked Nigerians to be circumspect while commenting on the bill.

    He said government should focus on providing good governance and dividends of democracy instead of bothering about the operations of faith-based organisations.

    The founder of CAC Agbara Itura said: “I want to advise all citizens and all those in power to be watchful of their utterances in politics, religious matters or any issue concerning the nation because everything you say will be on record, either good or hate speech.”

    He also reminded those in power that no position is permanent.

    “Leaders should not forget that during any crisis in the country, it is the religious bodies that pray for the country day and night for peace.  They should be mindful and not forget that the citizens brought them to power.”

    He expressed surprise that the CAMA issue is generating so much heat, noting the country is already passing through a difficult phase.

    “Right now we are battling with kidnapping, Boko-Haram, hunger, famine, herdsmen, ritual killing, rape and communal clashes etc.  We should not add more crises to what we already have on the ground.”

    He said what should be paramount in government is the issue of security, not monitoring religious bodies.

    “What we need in Nigeria now is peace and tight security,” he said.