The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Night of blessings with Pastor Deola Phillips to hold on Friday

    Night of blessings with Pastor Deola Phillips to hold on Friday

    A night of blessings with Pastor Deola Phillips, organised by Christ Embassy, is set to hold on Friday, September 12.

    This is expected to take place at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).

    According to the organisers, “This is more than just an event, it is a divine appointment for healing, restoration, and transformation for many who are burdened.

    “Inspired by the prophetic words of Joel 2:25 – “And I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten” – this night is set to usher in a new season for thousands in attendance.”

    Speaking ahead of this highly anticipated night of divine encounter, Pastor Deola declared that it is a night of Prophetic Call to Restoration.

    “This is not just another programme. It is a night where blessings will be freely dispensed, where new worlds will be created, and new destinies will be birthed. God will restore, replace, and distinguish His people.”

    “Every moment of the event has been prayerfully prepared as a prophetic encounter — a night of undeniable impact in lives, families, and communities.

    Pastor Phillips said attendees should look forward to a night of uncommon blessings and powerful manifestations, which include: healing from chronic illnesses, fibroids, and terminal conditions; fruitfulness – miracle conceptions and childbirth, marital settlements – breakthroughs in relationships and family life, and restoration of wealth, opportunities, and time

    There will also be deliverance from generational and spiritual oppression, divine protection and supernatural preservation, spiritual renewal, and empowerment for the future.

    Meanwhile, the Church said as part of its holistic ministry, a four-day free medical outreach will herald the night of blessings from September 9–12, 2025. The outreach will be held at the TBS venue.

    The outreach will be open daily for free medical consultations and check-ups, distribution of medications, free eye surgeries, and vision care.

    This initiative demonstrates the ministry’s unwavering commitment to spirit, soul, and body wellness.

    The Ministry stated that shuttle buses would be available for all attendees from major routes within Lagos on Friday, while ample parking opportunities are also available for anyone who came with their private vehicles. Comprehensive security and safety protocols are on-site to guarantee all attendees’ safety.

  • Over 5,000 youths attend Lagos Youth Aflame Conference

    Over 5,000 youths attend Lagos Youth Aflame Conference

    The bustling city of Lagos witnessed an extraordinary gathering over the weekend as over 5,000 Christian youths in the marketplace converged for the 2025 edition of the Youth Aflame Conference (YAC).

    The annual gathering, now in its fourth year, has steadily become a beacon for young professionals and students seeking to merge faith with excellence in their chosen industries.

    From the pulpit to the panel stage, the message was clear: Passion is not enough; preparation is the engine of destiny. Pastor Daniel Olawande, fondly known as PDaniel, the convener of YAC and Provincial Pastor of RCCG Youth Province Twenty, set the tone with a sobering charge:

    “Passion is not enough. You need a rugged level of preparation to get to your destination.”

    The conference blended worship, learning, and networking, featuring keynote speeches, spirited panel discussions, and electrifying music performances from individuals excelling across diverse sectors—Technology, Politics, Entertainment, Health, Advertising, Ministry, and Education.

    In one of the most engaging sessions, tech innovator Iyin Aboyeji offered a glimpse into his approach to leadership under pressure:

    “When I face tough seasons, I sit, meditate, and pray, then hand over everything to God as my Senior Partner.”

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    Entertainment star Juliana Olayode, popularly known as “Toyo Baby” from the hit series Jenifa’s Diary, addressed the delicate balance between faith and entertainment: “As a Christian entertainer, you must detach yourself intentionally from a character.”

    Politics, often a sensitive subject within the church, also took center stage. Pastor Lanre Oyegbola, Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, challenged faith communities to become allies rather than critics of believers in governance: “The church should support Christians in politics instead of pointing fingers at them.”

    Adding doctrinal depth, Apostle Emmanuel Iren unveiled The 3Ps of the Road Map to Dominion—Priority, Purpose, and Power—challenging youths to structure their lives for kingdom impact. Pastor Poju Oyemade drew lessons from The Daniel Model, highlighting how Daniel stood out through a life of prayer, intellectual depth, insulation from corrupt culture, and unwavering focus on results.

    Pastor Leke Adeboye delivered hard-hitting truths on humility, wealth, and spiritual backing, reminding attendees:

    “If you want to stand out, be humble enough to learn at the feet of those who are already standing out. Whatever is useful is not left behind.”

    Pastor Olawande further stressed the responsibility of believers to steward God’s grace with diligence. “To ensure God’s grace upon your life is not a waste, you must labour with grace. Awareness is the lowest level of prophecy fulfillment; labouring with grace brings people from the back to the front.”

    Throughout the sessions, excerpts from scriptures such as Proverbs 22:29 (“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings…”) and Matthew 5:16 (“Let your light so shine before men…”) served as anchor points for discussions on integrity, innovation, and influence in the marketplace.

    YAC 2025 was more than an event—it was a movement, an advocacy platform reminding believers that the marketplace is a mission field and excellence remains a testimony of faith in action. As the curtains closed, one truth lingered: the future of Nigeria’s economy, governance, and cultural influence may well be shaped by these young Christians, aflame with both vision and preparation.

  • Times of refreshing with Sinach begins September 11

    Times of refreshing with Sinach begins September 11

    The international gospel minister Sinach is set for her Livestream concert, “Times of Refreshing with Sinach.” The worship programme will be held between September 11 and 13, 2025, from 11 PM to 1 AM.

    Minister Sinach said that this is not just another event; it is a life-changing concert. Attendees, who are set to experience a remarkable time in God’s presence, can stream the online worship concert on SINACHTV/YouTube.

    Sinach is a gospel minister with over three decades of exploits in the music ministry. She has touched many lives with her soul-lifting songs and inspired generations.

    The works of the music minister have not gone unnoticed. Recently, GMA Dove Awards nominated her album “Victory Sounds” for Album of the Year 2025.

    Following the release of her new singles, she has also been on a global tour this year and has ministered in many countries, including Canada, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Papa New Guinea, the United States, South Africa, Zambia, Ghana, and the United Kingdom.

  • Arise Congress: We want to raise kingdom financiers, says Rev. Olawuyi

    Arise Congress: We want to raise kingdom financiers, says Rev. Olawuyi

    The Director of Youth and Student Ministries of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), Rev. Dr. James Olawuyi, has described the 2025 Arise Congress as the beginning of a “new dawn” for Baptist youths, pledging broader empowerment programmes to transform them into champions and kingdom financiers for global impact.

    Speaking at the Baptist International Convention Center Studios, Rev. Olawuyi said the just-concluded congress left him “overwhelmed with joy,” noting that the long-awaited dream had finally become a reality.

    “My feeling is beyond expression. I feel overwhelmed with joy, with fulfilment. For years, we have been dreaming of such a time like this, and for it to become a reality can only be God,” he said.

    Themed “Emergence of Champions,” the congress went beyond spiritual revival to introduce practical empowerment initiatives such as career and business development sessions, proposal submissions, and networking opportunities with employers.

    Rev. Olawuyi stressed that this was only the beginning of a more holistic agenda designed to equip Baptist youths across Nigeria and beyond.

     “It is a new dawn. Our future is very simple, empowering the youth as champions for kingdom exploitation and global impact. If you want them to be champions, some things must come. We can’t remain the same as a denomination,” he noted.

    According to him, the NBC is focusing on three critical areas in the development of its youth: spiritual life, career advancement, and relationships.

    On the spiritual front, Rev.  Olawuyi said the goal was to raise Christians who are not just ordinary believers but “giants for God” across ministry, missions, education, music, and other spheres of life.

    In career and academics, the NBC is setting up structures to raise what he called “kingdom financiers” capable of supporting the ministry with significant resources.

     “I’m waiting for a day I will need ₦500 million for the work of God, and just ten of our products will say, ‘Don’t bother yourself, we’ll handle it.’ To achieve that, we must invest in their careers, connect them to global opportunities, and empower them to succeed,” he said.

    He revealed that many Nigerian Baptist youths had already been connected to international corporate bodies through the convention this year, adding that more global partnerships would emerge under the umbrella of the Allied Youth Network for Global Impact, an NGO set up to drive continuous empowerment and networking.

    Read Also: Baptist Convention launches BAYIA scheme to empower youths

    On relationships, Rev. Olawuyi stressed the importance of building mentoring platforms, strengthening family life, and preparing youths for marriage and responsible partnerships. He warned against the dangers of neglecting issues of relationships and family in youth development.

    “Marriage will make or mar the future. This is a generation that takes the issue of boyfriend and girlfriend loosely, not knowing that it can destroy destiny. That’s why we are giving attention to single life, courtship, married life, and general friendships,” he explained.

    He further hinted at NBC’s plans to groom a new generation of Christian politicians who will rise to serve at the state and national levels.

    “We know what we are doing. We want to raise Christian politicians. By God’s grace, among us now, we already have those in the Houses of Assembly, but we want more. We will mobilize for them in due time,” he affirmed.

    Closing his remarks, Rev.  Olawuyi assured Baptist youths nationwide that the convention is committed to sustaining this new wave of empowerment, calling on them to prepare themselves for opportunities that are already unfolding.

    “I just want to welcome the youth into a new dawn as we create a movement of champions for kingdom exploits and global impact,” he declared.

    The Arise Congress 2.0 drew thousands of youths to the Baptist International Convention Centre (BICC), Lufuwape, between September 3 and 6, 2024, and is now regarded as one of the largest Christian youth gatherings in Africa.

  • Baptist Convention targets 50,000 for next Arise Congress

    Baptist Convention targets 50,000 for next Arise Congress

    The Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) said it is targeting gathering 50,000 youths for the next edition of the Arise Congress. 

    This followed the massive success of Arise Congress 2.0 which ended last week at the Baptist International Convention Centre (BICC), Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

    NBC President, Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji, described the 2025 edition as “an overwhelming move of God” and expressed confidence that future gatherings would be even bigger.

    “When we began the Arise Congress in 2023, we anticipated about 5,000 participants, but what we received was much more,” he said. 

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    “Attendance grew to nearly 25,000, with many more joining online. It was the largest gathering of young people in worship anywhere in Nigeria at the time, and this year’s edition, themed Emergence of Champions, has surpassed even that.”

    Akanji admitted that the rapid growth of the congress initially presented challenges, particularly with logistics and funding but maintained that every investment in youth was worthwhile.

    “At first, we thought 5,000 would be manageable, but when attendance exploded to 25,000, I became concerned about resources. Yet, we released what we had because impacting the lives of young people spiritually will never be a loss to the denomination, whatever we pour into this program, God will return in multiplied ways. These youths will one day take over our churches, associations, conferences, universities, and seminaries as pastors, professors, and leaders,” he said.

    On projections for the future, Akanji said the Convention was not ruling out a bigger gathering in the immediate term with the possibility of another edition coming as early as December 2025.

    “With God, nothing is impossible, we are already looking forward to an edition that could welcome 50,000 or more.

    “If He condenses time, it would not surprise me if we find ourselves here again very soon. What we are witnessing is no longer a mustard seed; it has grown into a big tree providing shade for thousands,” he said.

    The NBC President assured that the Arise Congress will continue to focus on spiritual revival while also strengthening the social impact of Baptist youths nationwide.

  • Tribute as matriarch exits in blaze of Glory

    Tribute as matriarch exits in blaze of Glory

    The true essence of living, experience has revealed is not in the number of years lived on earth, but in the impact, such life bequeat on humanity.

    It is for such reasons that human beings in their existential strivings pursue higher ideals in the endeavour the Almighty has placed in their hands, before the hour cometh.

    For Rev. Dr. Mrs Grace Josephine Evbagharu Omorogiuwa (Nee Aguebor), the home call came on July 4, 2025 after 84 eventful sojourn on this plain of existence.

    The outpouring of grief that greeted her passage from the families of Late Dr. Peter Ada Omorogiuwa of Etete Community and Aguebor of Iguelaba Community as well as Osazuwa of Ayean Community in Edo State speak volume of her assignment on earth.

    The groundswell of emotions expressed since her passing across the country and overseas , reaffirms the aphorism: ” To live in the hearts of those we love is not die”.

    Her marriage to cerebral and celebrated economist, Late Dr. Peter Ada Omorogiuwa, ex- Permanent Secretary in Bendel State Civil Service and Senior Lecturer in Economic Department, University of Benin, produced offsprings that have made robust contributions in their chosen carriers to their immediate constituencies , but to mankind in general.

    A true proponent for investment in education as the best legacies for children, Mrs Omorogiuwa’s guidance, has lifted ambassadors in the field of Medicine, Law , Marketing / Entreprenuerial Studies, Administration, Accounting and Politics.

    As the world celebrate her entrance into the patheons of Saints, her trajectory from active work life through the call to Ministry reminds All that God never forgets His Own.

    Memories of her Life of Sacrifice, Patience and Call to the Duty of God , shaped her Faith into Founding the Love of Christ Mission.

    Her Walk with God , through her various evangelical endeavours birthed many Converts in her first church : before Love of Christ Mission was established.

    As her remains will be committed to Mother Earth come Friday , September 19, 2025 at her residence in Benin City, the family is  full of gratitude with  eyes glistening with both tears and joy, as they  celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Mrs. Grace Josephine Evbagharu Omorogiuwa, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunty, in-law, friend, neighbor, a devoted servant of God; church founder; intercessor, spiritual counselors; philanthropist; and tireless evangelist whose walk with God has inspired generations. 

    Early Life 

    Grace Josephine Evbagharu was born on 21 December 1940 in Ayeh Village, Uhunmwonde local Government Area, Edo State, to Mr. Robert Aikhuemiamiaro Aguebor and Mrs. lghodala Aguebor (nee Osazuwa). Her birth as the first child brought immense joy and celebration; however, her beloved mother passed away just 14 days after her arrival into the world. From that tender moment, the amazing Grace of God preserved her life and began writing a story that would one day encourage many across continents. 

    Left motherless in infancy, her father entrusted her to the care of the renowned Rev. Alexander Payne of St. Matthew Cathedral, Sakponba Road, Benin City, who placed her in a motherless babies’ home where she spent four formative years. Despite his modest means, in an act of love, her father paid 10 shillings from his one-pound monthly salary for her upkeep, in spite of opposition, believing that if God kept his daughter alive, she would one day touch nations. Indeed, how right he was.

    At age four, she joined her father in Ibadan, where he served as a technician in the defunct Post and Telecommunications (P& T). Her paternal grandmother, Mrs. Edegbe Aguebor of lgun-Neynugie, Oredo LGA, Benin City, and her two daughters, [lye Alugho and Mama Grace], played a pivotal role in her upbringing. 

    Education 

    She began school at Salvation Army Primary School, Ekotedo Area, Ibadan, in 1950, continuing in Benin City following her father’s relocation in 1954. Her academic journey led her through Arinze Primary School, first East Circular road, Benin City and Holy Cross No. 1, Mission Road, Benin City, where she obtained her Primary School Leaving Certificate. She then attended Niger College, Benin City, and Ziks Academy, Sapele, completing her secondary education in 1962 while living with Mr. A. Omoragbon (of blessed memory), a man who played an invaluable role in supporting and encouraging her through the challenges of secondary education. It was during her secondary education at Niger College that she met her beloved husband, the late Dr. Peter Ada Omorogiuwa. 

    MARRIAGE 

    In 1963, she married Dr. Peter Ada Omorogiuwa of Etete, Sapele Road, Benin City. Their union was richly blessed with seven children, and together they shared a vision of faith, growth, and global exposure. In 1968, alongside her husband and their first son, Mr. Jude Omorogiuwa (of Blessed memory), she travelled to America and London, broadening her worldview.

    Professional career

    Also in 1963, Rev Dr. Mrs G.J.E. Omorogiuwa commenced work as a Telephone Operator in the defunct P& T, undergoing training in Ibadan. She rose steadily through the ranks, and with dedication, perseverance, and integrity, she became a Telephone Superintendent in NITEL. After 34 years of meritorious service, she retired in 1997. 

    After retirement she established a Nursery, Primary and Secondary school called St. Jude’s Academy. 

    A defining encounter when Jesus Christ 

    In 1988, before her retirement, her life took a new turn that continued to define her until her last breath. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and personal Saviour at the Living Christ Church, Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City. She was baptised by immersion by the late Rev. Dr. Joseph Obamwonyi and was ordained as a Deaconess in 1990. 

    From then on, her life became entirely devoted to the service of the Lord. She also had her fair share of trials. In January 1992, she lost her beloved husband. While trying to gather her life together, in November 1994, her heart was broken again by the passing of her first son, Jude Osaretin Omorogiuwa. 

    Indeed, she was shattered! 

    The Grace of God was, however, sufficient to see her through those challenging times of her life, and she was able to gather herself together again. Even in grief, the comfort and Grace of God sustained her, lifting her from despair and strengthening her to press on. In the face of very daunting life challenges, she held on very tenaciously to her Lord Jesus Christ, never looking back until she breathe her last.

    Pastoral training, ordination & ministry 

    After her retirement, she attended All Nations for Christ Bible Institute between 1997 and 1998, under the teaching and influence of Archbishop Benson ldahosa (of blessed memory), where she earned a Certificate in Theology and was ordained a pastor. Her hunger for God deepened as she served passionately in various capacities with the Oasis of Love (Disciples Prayer Ministry), Ekenwan Road, Benin Oty, under Rev. Dr. A. F. Obakpolor. 

    By 1999, she answered the call of God into full-time ministry, founding the Love of Christ Ministry International. A scripture-based and Holy Spirit empowered ministry with its main focus on the salvation of the unsaved and the strengthening of believers to walk more deeply with God through Jesus Christ by the enabling power of the Holy Ghost. The Love of Christ Ministry took off in a single room on Alohan Street, Off Dumez road, Benin City. As the church membership grew, it moved to a new site at Power Line, Etete, Benin City. 

    In the latter years, Rev. Dr. Mrs G.J.E. Omorogiuwa said the Lord asked her to build Him a church. In obedience, she built the current permanent site of the church in Ulegun Community, Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City, in her old age. 

    Her hunger and thirst for more in-depth spiritual understanding and encounters in the faith led her to Mutual Faith Bible School between 2001 and 2002, where she earned another Certificate in Theology. In 2003, she was ordained a Reverend under Bishop Johnson of Mutual Faith Bible Church, founded by Dr. Keith and Heidi Hershey.

    In 2005, she embarked on a missionary journey to Cote d’Ivoire with 14 other women under Rev. (Dr.) Mrs. Florence Johnson of the Mutual Faith Bible Church. In 2011, she was honoured with a Doctorate in Theology in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Kingdom service by Dr Keith Hershey. 

    A soul – winning to  The Nation 

    If one attribute defined Rev. Dr. Mrs Grace Omorogiuwa, it was her unquenchable passion for soul winning. She was well known as an Evangelist. She preached the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in season and out of season. During her many visits to England, even in her seventies, she fearlessly took the gospel beyond the pulpit, ministering in front of pubs, sharing the gospel of Christ on the streets to teenagers and adults, and distributing countless gospel tracts. Always ready at short notice and never ashamed of the gospel of Christ, she actively participated in the soul winning operations of Winners Chapel International, Dartford, England and Winners Chapel international, Accra, Ghana. 

    In Nigeria, even in her latter years, she preached boldly in markets and churches. In Benin City she evangelized in ring road and her local Ulegun church community. In Ibadan, she frequently ministered alongside her son-­in-law Pastor Femi Akintunde, carrying the gospel with compassion and conviction. In season and out of season, she would not relent. 

    Eternal seeds were sown in countless lives across the Continents.

    Till her final days, she remained a radiant, prayerful, anointed vessel of Christ. A pillar of hope and strength to many around her, harvesting souls for the Kingdom, in love, boldness, and humility. 

    Legacy 

    Rev. Dr. Mrs. Grace Josephine Evbagharu Omorogiuwa was; A mother to many, A warrior in prayer, A selfless Pastor and Teacher, A pillar of faith, A beacon of hope, A passionate Evangelist and soul winner, A philanthropist, A conduit of Christ’s love and light to this world. 

    She leaves a legacy of love, hope, faith, endurance, resilience, wisdom, education, and evangelism. A testimony to the great love and amazing Grace of God through Jesus Christ, which carried her through life’s highs and lows. This, she in turn taught, lived and demonstrated unto others. Her desire was simple and profound, that everyone around her should experience and enjoy this same love and Grace of Christ. 

    We will forever miss her voice, her wisdom, her warmth, her laughter, her prayers, her narration of true-life stories, her gist, and her unwavering belief that with God everything is possible. 

    Indeed, Mummy, in the words of the Apostle Paul, and I pen your name to the same, “Rev. Dr. Mrs. G. J. E. Omorogiuwa fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. She has received her crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, has given her … ” 

    -2TIMOTHY4:7

    Mummy, yours was indeed a life well lived I 

    To God be all the glory. 

    We shall see you on Christ’s return.

  • RCCG LP35 graduates over 400 in skill acquisition programme

    RCCG LP35 graduates over 400 in skill acquisition programme

    Over 400 students graduated on Sunday from the one-week Skill Acquisition Training (SAT) programme organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lagos Province 35, Gbagada, Lagos, marking another milestone in the church’s drive to empower individuals with practical skills for self-sufficiency and economic impact.

    The programme, which ran from Monday, September 1, to Saturday, September 6, exposed participants to a blend of hands-on vocational training and business sessions. 

    Courses ranged from catering and fashion design to digital marketing, Coding and Robotics, Bread and Cake making, Catering, Tie and Die, and other entrepreneurial skills to equip participants not only with technical knowledge but also with business acumen to thrive in today’s economy.

    Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Vice Chairman of the Empowerment Team, Demola Ogunfeyimi, emphasised that the programme was designed to go beyond mere theoretical training.

    “As opposed to just handing out fish, we believe it is more effective and more beneficial to teach people how to fish. Beyond taking care of themselves, they can also employ others.

    At each programme, apart from teaching them, we expose them to the practical part of the skills. We also have an initiative where, upon completion, selected participants are empowered with funds to either start or expand their businesses. These beneficiaries are monitored to ensure proper use of the resources, which in turn creates success stories that inspire others,” he said. 

    Head, Skill Acquisition Training Program, Mr. Olatunde Adepoju, noted that the SAT programme has been running for over two decades and continues to evolve to meet current realities.

    “This programme has been on for more than 20 years, with about 450 to 500 participants yearly. The main objective is to make socio-economic impact both within and outside the church.

    ”Beyond learning skills, we also ensure participants are taught business management essentials — how to market their products, manage staff, and run sustainable ventures. Imagine if more churches, NGOs, and organizations replicate this across the country; the impact on our economy and society would be enormous,” he said. 

    He further advised the government to strengthen infrastructure, particularly power, while encouraging more organizations to embrace initiatives like SAT as a complement to government efforts in supporting small businesses.

    Joy Aina, the best graduating student from the bread and cake-making section, described her experience as a turning point.

    “When I joined, I had zero knowledge of baking but today I can confidently say I’ve gained about 70% knowledge. Our facilitators were open-minded and thorough, which made learning exciting.

    It wasn’t just about baking, we were also taught business skills like costing, marketing, and accountability. With dedication and further training, I see myself becoming an entrepreneur in the next five years, not just making money but creating something unique and impactful,” She said.

  • Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive futile without fixing leadership recruitment, says Ehusani

    Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive futile without fixing leadership recruitment, says Ehusani

    Former Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, has cautioned that Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts will remain ineffective until the flaws in the nation’s political leadership recruitment process are addressed.

    Speaking at the weekend during the 23rd bi-annual leadership lecture of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) and the 25th graduation ceremony of its Leadership School in Abuja, Ehusani noted that countries without multiple anti-corruption agencies perform better than Nigeria on the global corruption perception index.

    Ehusani, who is also the Executive Director of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, criticised a system that often produces leaders of questionable character, including ethnic bigots and religious extremists.

    “Until such a fundamental error is addressed and the perception of the political leadership recruitment process is corrected, I do not believe that any number of anti-corruption agencies and crusaders will transform our fortunes,” he said.

    The human rights activist expressed concern over politicians who exploit ethnic divisions and manipulate religious sentiments for personal gain, as well as those who loot public resources with impunity.

    He stressed that unless Nigeria confronts these leadership recruitment anomalies, the establishment of more anti-corruption agencies would not yield meaningful change.

    “After all, there are countries where there are no other agencies saddled with the task of fighting corruption, apart from the regular police. Some of these countries are doing so much better than Nigeria in the global corruption perception index.

    “They are able to investigate, prosecute, and promptly discharge cases of corruption, better than what we see in our country, Nigeria, which has established numerous agencies, including CCB, CCT, ICPC, EFCC, BPP, NEITI, Public Complaints Commission, and the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, all to fight the same scourge of corruption. “

    Ehusani argued that values of truth, honesty, justice, fairness, social inclusion, accountability, transparency, selflessness, sacrifice for the common good, and patriotism are often disseminated in the population primarily through the live examples of those in leadership positions at all levels, and only secondarily through training programmes.

    He recalled that people often watch how their leaders exemplify and personify these values, and then they follow suit.

    He emphasized that when people who lack common sense and the values that flow therefrom take control of political power, their incompetence burns through society like an Australian bush fire or a deadly virus.

    The co-chair of the event, Ms Ojobo Odo-Atuluku, Executive chair of Benchmark Advantage and Principal at Lawconsult, said a Chatham House study on Corruption in Nigeria found that most Nigerians disapprove of corrupt practices.

    She challenged the graduands to forget about titles, apply what they have learnt in the Leadership School immediately, since there are no ‘leaders of tomorrow’ they were brought up to believe.

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    “Become someone who exercises adaptive leadership, as at now helping Nigeria and Nigerians to tackle tough challenges like corruption, where the solutions are not clear and require learning, innovation, and changes in values, priorities, or habits.

    In his remarks, the founding Executive Director of Centre LSD, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, said corruption has long been recognised as one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s progress.

    “It weakens institutions, erodes public trust, distorts development priorities, and deepens poverty.

    “History and experience show that anti-corruption is not merely a technical matter of laws and regulations; it is a matter of leadership and values. Effective leaders set the tone from the top, model integrity, build systems of accountability, and mobilise citizens to resist corruption. Where leaders demonstrate integrity, institutions flourish; where they fail, institutions crumble.”

    Executive Director of Centre LSD, Mr. Monday Osasah, said the leadership school was designed to provide individuals with the tools, knowledge, and vision necessary for transformative leadership, who can drive change both in organisation and society.

    “Today’s ceremony brings the total number of Centre LSD Leadership School graduates to an impressive 3,023 (1,283 male and 1,285 female)—proof of our sustained efforts in the leadership development journey.”

  • Tinubu congratulates Mike Okonkwo at 80

    Tinubu congratulates Mike Okonkwo at 80

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to Bishop Mike Okonkwo, founder and presiding bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), as he marks his 80th birthday. 

     In a tribute issued yesterday and made available to journalists by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, the President joined Okonkwo’s family, congregation, and the wider Body of Christ in celebrating what he described as a milestone of enduring impact. 

    President Tinubu praised the clergyman’s leadership and contributions, noting that his stewardship has gone beyond the pulpit to shape society in diverse ways.

    “The visionary stewardship of the presiding bishop of TREM has fostered peace and harmony, promoted education, improved healthcare, and inspired economic empowerment across the nation and beyond,” the President said.

    He further lauded Bishop Okonkwo’s lifelong dedication to uplifting the less privileged, describing him as a model of service and compassion.

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    “As a respected leader, mentor, and advocate for the downtrodden, Bishop Okonkwo’s commitment to lifting the underprivileged and upholding harmony and the unity of the country reflects the fundamental values of Nigeria,” he noted. 

    The President highlighted the cleric’s discipline, faith, and humility as enduring virtues.

     “His discipline, dedication, and unwavering faith in God continue to shape our society’s moral and social fabric and inspire a new generation of spiritual leaders,” Tinubu said.

     Wishing him continued health and strength, the President added: “May God continue to bless him with good health, strength, and wisdom as he carries the gospel worldwide.

  • CCC announces programmes for 40th remembrance anniversary of Oshoffa

    CCC announces programmes for 40th remembrance anniversary of Oshoffa

    The Celestial Church of Christ has announced the order of events for the celebration of the 40th remembrance anniversary of its late founder, prophet SBJ Oshoffa.

    Speaking at the world press conference held at the Celestial Church of Christ International Headquarters, Ketu, Lagos, Assistant Most Superior Evangelist Abayomi Ilori, said the celebration is to appreciate and recognise the grace of God on humanity through the person of the church’s founder, Prophet Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, whom he said was born in 1909, commissioned for the evangelic assignment in 1947 and slept with the saints in 1985.

    Outlining the order of programmes for the celebration, the head media team of the church, Kayode Ajala said the programme officially kicked off with the World Press Conference of Tuesday September 2nd. This will be followed by a Service of Songs at the late SBJ Oshoffa family house in Ketu, Lagos from 4pm.

    On Wednesday September 10, the exact day the prophet transited, there will be a service at the church’s international headquarters, Ketu, billed for 11am. From there, the celebration will move to Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State, where the church members would be playing a novelty match with the Nigerian Professional Football League defending champions, Remo Stars Football Club.

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    September 11 will feature a stage play titled: Bilewu’, featuring notable Nollywood stars who are members of the church such as Toyin Adegbola, Jumoke George, Lasun Ray et al at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre.

    On Friday September 12, there will be a leadership summit, youth discourse and colloquium at the celestial Church of Christ National Headquarters, Makoko, Yaba, Lagos. The occasion is expected to feature two distinguished children of the sage founder speaking on his family life

    The General Overseer of the church, Reverend Pastor EMF Oshoffa is also expected at the event.

    Sat September 13 will feature a one-day revival at the National Stadium Surulere, followed by a thanksgiving on September 14 at the International headquarters, followed by a grand reception to end the September activities in Oregun, Lagos.

    Thereafter, events move to Imeko, the birthplace of Oshoffa on October 18, with a national choral competition; September 18 and 19, special service glorification of the founder and a world service at the CCC Basilica, Imeko, Ogun State.