The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Engaging the Power of the Holy Ghost for Conquest!

    We discover from scriptures that as our destinies are great in Christ; so also are the oppositions against them. Furthermore, there are wars against our destinies and these wars are largely spiritual. As it is written: For a great door and effectual is opened unto me and there are many adversaries (1Corithians16:9).

    However, it is important to recognise that we live in an embattled and wicked world; which is why there are forces against our fulfilment of destinies; and until they are conquered, we remain defeated. As I have often said, the enemies will not bow to our religion, neither will they bow to the scriptures we quote; they will only bow to the power of God. Interestingly, God’s invisible Power is domicile, embedded and resides in the Holy Ghost. That is, no matter how great the invisible battles, they can only be confronted with a superior invisible force and that is the Holy Ghost.

    But, Who then is the Holy Ghost?

    For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one (1 John 5:7).

    The Holy Ghost is God’s Principal Invisible Force and His mission is to devastate all satanic forces wherever they are found. As the Spirit of the living God, He is the Carrier, Communicator and Transmitter of the Power of God. Therefore, when we are confronted by the invisible forces of darkness, we engage this invisible Power from on high.

    By His Ministry, amongst other things, He is to set free the captives and open prison doors.

    As the invisible principal force of God, He deals with all the invisible resistances, oppositions and barriers on our paths. Consequently, these invisible forces will only bow to the operations of the invisible Holy Ghost. So, nothing is permitted to stop us when the Holy Ghost is at work.

    Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).

    These opposing forces are not permitted to resist our progress, success, accomplishment, exploits or breakthroughs.

    So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19)

    HOW DOES THE HOLY GHOST PERFORM THIS MISSION?

    Isaiah 61:1-2 gives us a clear picture of the mission of the Holy Ghost to the believers. As it is written: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

    To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn.

    Based on the scripture above, the Holy Ghost performs the following:

    • He proclaims liberty and comforts all that mourn: This is why He is called the Comforter. He brings an end to the barriers on our paths and crisis in our lives.
    • To execute judgment: This is one of the core missions of the Holy Ghost. He executes judgment against the prince of this world and all his agents (John 16:7-11); and that is the only way we can possess our possessions and fulfil destiny in a grand style.
    • He is also God’s weapon of vengeance: Until vengeance answers, our liberty may not be in view (Exodus 4:22-23). Until God’s judgment answered, Pharaoh did not let Israel go. Vengeance needed to answer for them to possess their possession. They were supposed to be in Egypt for 400 years, but they were delayed for 30 years. Please understand that there are forces of delay from hell that are only awaiting divine judgment.

    In conclusion, the ministry of the Holy Ghost is a non-negotiable requirement for anyone that desires vengeance on his enemies because only the power of the Holy Ghost is above all the powers of our enemies (Matthew 28:18). But to gain access to the Holy Ghost, you must be 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 my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”  For further reading, please get my books: Anointing for Breakthrough, Understanding the Anointing, Anointing for Exploits, Release of Power. I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:20 p.m. respectively. 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; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

  • Tithes, offering cannot buy private jets – Agboli

    Tithes, offering cannot buy private jets – Agboli

    Wife of General Overseer of The Victorious Army Ministries International, Pastor (Mrs.) Blessing Agboli, has refuted popular beliefs that most church leaders with private jets acquired them with tithes and offering.

    She said private jets are so expensive that no amount of tithes and offering can buy them.

    She spoke on Tuesday in Lagos with newsmen ahead of the Bethel Victory Convention of the church slated from November 21-26.

    The theme of the convention is God of wonders.

    Among speakers expected at the convention are Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo, Pastor Abel Damina, Apostle Joshua Talena, Rev Ntia Ntia and Apostle Paul Odola.

    Ministering in songs are: Joe Praise, Steve Crown, Big Bolaji, Chinyere Udoma, Kingsley Ike and Kevin Sapp.

    Reacting to claims that church leaders were feeding fat on tithes and offering, Agboli said: ‘’Offerings cannot buy private jets. You cannot just park a jet without making a business out of it.

    ‘’Owning a private jet is not a sin and those who have them should never be apologetic.

    ‘’I don’t think offerings can buy jets. I don’t think pastors also should apologise for making and spending money.

    ‘’That we are pastors does not mean we should be poor.’’

    She, however, welcomed criticisms against ministers of the gospel.

    According to her: ‘’Critics help you to be careful and manage your excesses. When they criticise us, they help us a lot. Not all criticisms are bad.’’

    Read Also: Daddy Freeze: Paying tithe is matter of love not law – FEB Idahosa

  • Church holds worship service

    Jenior pastor of the His Presence Redemption Ministries International Lagos, Prophet David Babalola, has announced a special programme tagged ‘O Ye gate’.

    It holds at the church’s Ogba premises on Friday, November 24 as a vigil.

    It continues on Sunday.

    Babalola stated the ministers are Pastor Adewale also of the same church and UK-based evangelist, Prophetess Clair Ebube Essien.

    The programme, he said, was initiated by Prophetess Essien to bless souls.

    According to him: “She said she was led by God to do the programme by that time.

    “Because I was telling her that this is not the right time to do it because a lot of programmes (are) taking place in Lagos.

    “She said, ‘I listen to the voice of God and God asked me to do it. It will be a blessing to people which will come from healing and delivery’”

    Also ministering in songs are Evangelists Dare Melody and Tope Alabi.

  • ‘There’s nothing like part-time pastor’

    ‘There’s nothing like part-time pastor’

    Pastor-in-Charge of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Lagos Province 59, Pastor Funso AyinOluwa, who clocked 60 recently, has passion for soul winning.
    He tells Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, the origin of his deep interest in foreign missions and insider story of how the first model parish of the church survived with less than 10 remnants after the pioneer pastor left with almost the 1,000-strong parish. Excerpts:

    There are churches in almost every available space in Nigeria but people are worried in spite of the proliferation of churches and the fact that almost everyone claims to be a born again Christian, wickedness seems to be in the increase. What is happening?

    It is a confirmation of the fact that we are in the end time. These are the last days and understandably, the devil is mad. He is doing everything within his power to deceive men and women. But thank God because His grace abounds. Yes, the devil may be mad but our Lord Jesus Christ is winning.

    If you listen to astounding testimonies of God’s blessings, the healings, transformations and the stories of conversions today, you will agree that we are winning.

    How did RCCG and some other churches reverse the trend of Christianity by using resources from local churches to plant churches and nurture mission fields abroad, including in very rich western countries?

    The scripture teaches us about sacrifice, including financial sacrifice. If you believe in a course, you must be willing to make sacrifices to achieve it. Our Father’s business, which is soul winning, is a serious business that requires sowing of seed. The little seed we sow, the owner of business will make to germinate, grow and blossom.

    As you said, some people made the initial sacrifices to bring the Good News to us here in Africa. We have seen the light and as children of God, we have the duty to share what we have with the rest of humanity. That is the secret behind the policy to take the Gospel to the ends of the world.

    How did you develop this passion for foreign missions?

    It started several years ago, especially because our father in the Lord, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, kept sharing with us the vision of the church, the thing that God told the founder of the church, Baba (Rev.) Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, that this church will take the gospel to the ends of the world.

    Daddy GO started to put this vision into practice when we were still very young. I remember that it was in 1988 that the GO himself led us to a foreign mission trip to Ghana. I believe it was the first foreign mission outreach carried out by the RCCG.

    In that outreach, God moved. I saw a mad man, touched by one of the senior pastors in the team, receive instant healing. So, it was at that early stage that I caught the vision and I joined the team. Since then, we have, by God’s grace, taken the scripture to many lands.

    God has been faithful and used us, our leaders and many of our children as vessels to win souls in many parts of the world and to set up churches there, churches and mission fields that are doing very well today.

    For example, in 1995, we went to South-Africa when God just spoke and asked three of His children to go to that city and establish a church. The experience was awesome because we found out that even before we got there, God had prepared a helper, in the person of Pastor Slabbert.

    In 1996, God used a female journalist here, who was slated to attend a programme in Manchester, to set up a house fellowship there. That house fellowship grew to become a great church. She just came to me to pray for her and through God’s leading I just told her that when you get there, you will set up a house fellowship.

    She said, “Me, set up a house fellowship?” I said yes, you will start a house fellowship? So, she went and indeed started a house fellowship, which has today not only become a church but has given birth to many churches.

    So, you see, when God gives a leading He gives the grace to accomplish it. All our young ministers worried over how to fund foreign and local missions must always realise that He that has called is able.

    You were one of the less than ten pioneer members of the First Born Family of the RCCG after Pastor Tunde Bakare left. How did the church survive the tsunami?

    What happened then was very demoralising. At first, we were all discouraged but it got to a point that we said ‘wait a minute, who grew the church in the first place? Who called us all from different backgrounds?’ By this time, the remnants were just about five or six families. We were under 12. So, with this new feeling, we encouraged ourselves that the same God that called us in the first place; the same God that grew the church, will do it again.

    We were further encouraged when we had the opportunity of moving over to and holding our services in the home of the late General Mamodu. The family was very accommodating. We lacked nothing. We felt welcomed. It was a wonderful experience, worshipping in that atmosphere. Also, when Daddy GO sent one of the very senior pastors, an Assistant General Overseer then, Pastor Ojo, to come and encourage us.

    The church in General Mamodu’s house was great. The Mamodu’s family members were wonderful people. We later went back to Ladipo Oluwole and continued there and the one that owns the church grew it to what we have today.

    This is your second year as the Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG, Lagos Province 59, how has it been?

    We call this province a Peculiar Province. Here, God has given us grace to overcome challenges. In these two years, we have seen God’s grace working. For example, God gave us a place in Ghana, a land measuring 250 acres on a big express road.

    We have formally notified RCCG mission. God has also helped us to birth parishes here and about nine foreign mission parishes.

    As a top accountant and auditor, how do you combine the work of God with your professional engagements and family?

    There is nothing like part time pastor in the real sense of it. Your family needs to see God in you and be encouraged. They will be encouraged when they see the God you serve standing up for you. You need to win your family. You need to spend time together to pray.

    As a minister, you have to create time of bonding with your family. Let them also associate with your God. Let them see that God is first and foremost your father. Once you understand it and you succeed to make the feel the same way, it becomes easier.

    Did you meet your wife in the church?

    No! We did not meet in church; we met at the place of secular work. We are both accountants and auditors.  I was at KPMG (Formerly Peat Marwick Ani Ogunde & Co), Nigeria and she was with Egunjobi Adegbite and Co. Chartered Accountants. We first met at a First Bank joint audit.

    Were you born again then?

    As at that time, she was already born again. In fact, she was born again at 13. But at that time, I was not born again yet. After I became born again, we met again when I went to visit a client in the office. The client said I should meet their auditors, who were auditing their books then. It turned out to be her. So, we met while in the course of our professional careers.

    So, how would you describe your marriage and family?

    Oh, its heaven on earth.

    As you celebrate this landmark birthday, what message do you have for the church and Nigerians?

    It won’t be long before our Lord Jesus Christ returns. Christ is coming back soon. It won’t be long, we would be going home. So, we should not rest on our oars. We should not rest but continue to win souls.

    Even at old age, we must continue to win souls for Christ. If we have been witnessing, let us witness more.

  • 2018 budget: Pay attention to health, Adeboye tells FG

    2018 budget: Pay attention to health, Adeboye tells FG

    General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has charged the federal government to give more attention to health, education and poverty alleviation of the rural poor in the 2018 budget.

    He spoke last Sunday at the special prayer and thanksgiving service for fathers, intending fathers and their families at RCCG, national headquarters, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

    He said although the World Bank rated Nigeria as one of the most improved economies, the report also raised concerns for greater investment in education, employment generation, accessing loans by small and medium scale enterprises and adjusting trade policies to promote productivity growth.

    “2018 budget must reflect our position in the new rating by the World Bank and we should produce a budget of unilateral that will benefit the average person,” he said.

    Adeboye said that any nation that hopes to grow must place premium on the education, wellbeing and livelihood of the people, especially the rural poor.

    He lamented that in the last 10 years, the budgets have largely benefited few rich Nigerians, leaving the poor poorer and hopeless.

    Adeboye lamented budget implementation is relatively poor in Nigeria, urging the executive arm to up their games in that direction.

    “Those outfits that ought to enforce the compliance of utilisation of the fund should do their job.

    ”l have watched in the last 10 years, it is almost the same pattern in the area of execution. When you compare us with the developed world, they strictly spend to the last kobo before the next budget year,” he said.

    He asserted that annual budget will only become a mere economy forecast if money budgeted are not fully implemented to meet the needs, hopes, aspiration and desires of the common Nigerians.

    Adeboye, who spoke through the National Secretary and Assistant General Overseer of the church, Pastor Johnson Odesola, said Nigeria is rich enough to provide free education for every child.

  • ‘Nigeria needs good governance, not restructuring’

    ‘Nigeria needs good governance, not restructuring’

    Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers Sango, Ogun State, Bishop Taiwo Akinola, spoke with Sunday Oguntola on burning national issues ahead of the church’s forthcoming convention.

    The theme of the forthcoming convention is foretaste of heaven on earth but some people will contest the premise. Is it really possible to enjoy heaven while on earth?

    The answer is emphatically yes. It is possible to enjoy heaven on earth. Jesus was teaching His disciples and he said ‘thou will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’ If it wasn’t possible, Jesus wouldn’t have asked us to pray for it.

    When the will of God is established on earth, we would begin to have a foretaste of heaven. In Deuteronomy, God said we would enjoy our days on earth as it is in heaven. So, God has made provisions for us to enjoy that, but there are conditions.

    We must learn the culture of heaven. We must begin to speak the language of heaven. That is when heaven will come down to us on earth. We can enjoy health, victory, dominion, breakthrough and everything else as it is in heaven. It is meant for those who are children of God.

    The clamour for restructuring is the loudest in the nation now. What’s your take on it?

    It is clear to all fair-minded people that restructuring is not what this country needs. What we need is good governance. What Nigerians need is infrastructural development. When people talk about it, they refer to the regional government in place in the First Republic.

    The truth is we cannot go back to the past. We cannot collapse all the states and reduce them to regions. That is what will not happen because Nigeria has gone past that. It appears to me that advocates of restructuring need something more than what they are agitating for.

    But I agree we need devolution of power. There are so many things the federal government is holding on to tightly that they must let go for states to take over. When they do, the states can develop at that pace.

    But won’t true federalism take care of devolution of powers, resource control and all that?

    I have agreed that we need to allow states to do much more than they are legally permitted to do now. But it is impracticable to have regional government again because it might lead to chaos. I mean there are already entrenched interests and forces that won’t give up easily.

    You see, many of those things we say these days are so ambiguous, depending on who is saying it and what they mean. As far as I am concerned, all that Nigerians want is good governance. They don’t care how you get it done. All these political semantics and theories don’t count without giving people what they want.

    Let our leaders be open-handed, responsible and discharge their duties without ethnicity and religion. That is all that counts. Let them answer their names properly. For example, if you give me N1, 000 as a leader and I spend all of it on my family, you will certainly kick.

    We need leaders to keep electoral promises and be what they said they will be to us. How many promises they made to us that have been delivered? Let there be good governance and all these restiveness will give in. In civilised nations, regardless of the system they operate, there is justice for all.

    But here, there is a law for the poor and another for the rich. Over there, leaders perform, but here they keep giving us excuses. As far as I am concerned, all we need is good governance. What system or government we operate doesn’t count.

    USA practises federalism but the UK does not have that. They don’t even have a written constitution. Yet, everything works there. It is not about the system we operate but the operators.

    Are you saying we can get good governance without another constitutional amendment?

    What I am saying is that whatever system we operate, leaders must deliver. I don’t believe there is anything wrong with our constitution. It is the operators that keep failing us. If people rule with nobility, we will all be fine. If leaders don’t sell out, the people won’t be as restive as we are now.

    And when you talk about amendments, we all know they can only be done at the National Assembly. That is where we have all our representatives. All the nooks and crannies of this nation are fully represented. But are they representing us well? That is what counts. If they do, we would have felt the impact and difference.

    This makes me know that it is our value system that is faulty. If someone we know gets there, we tell them ‘this is your time o. You better help yourself.’ In other words, we are saying become a looter and ruler over all. The society will pressure you, parents will do, religious organisations will celebrate them too.

    So, we all talk too much of money. We make it look like money is all that matters. We chase money, not good names. And you see nations that are forging ahead in life put names before money. But the reverse is the case with us.

    An average American will choose to become a hero rather than making money. Why are we not like that? We all choose money instead of becoming heroes and heroines. So, it is our values and cultures that are failing us. But we can change everything if we choose to forge ahead. We can change this society by changing our values.

    You have said states should get more powers devolved to them. But are they doing enough with the powers they have? Won’t more allocation of resources lead to bigger loots at the states?

    You see, we are addressing very unfortunate situations. They make me bleed. You see the governed produce the governors. You see, many of us don’t have a good sense of judgment. A governor hurts the people for the first three years of his first term but a year to re-election he starts some little projects.

    He then goes on to offer money and rice. Do you know Nigerians will still embrace such a person and give him second term? We are the ones giving these people power over us. We are the real problems. We are the ones empowering them. We are re-electing people who oppress us for the greater years.

    So, it brings me back to values and we can rearrange everything if we all want to change the narratives.

    What’s your reaction to the plea bargaining clause with a view to granting looters willing to return a fraction of their loots for state pardon?

    You see, ordinarily, I won’t have succumbed to that kind of arrangement because a thief is a thief. All thieves deserve punishment, to deter others. When someone steals N10b and offers to return N1bn, it could encourage others to even become looters.

    They will keep the larger fraction and return just a tenth. That could embolden others. But if in the current situation, that is all they can begin with, it is fine. At least, they will have something to run the nation with. But the ideal would have been that everyone rules with the fear of God.

    A thief is a thief and the bible says the wrath of God is in the house of a thief. So, a thief is a thief and will suffer retributions from God, even if the worldly system fails to get them.

    All your four children attended public universities. Why not private universities or foreign education when you could afford it?

    Well, that I could afford private and foreign universities is really debatable in the first place. But I happened to have been a lecturer before coming to the ministry so I know what education is really about. If I have my way, I will choose general hospitals over private ones any day. Why? It is because you will always find specialists in general hospitals.

    If you start a clinic, you are the dentist, ophthalmologist and everything. I prefer public universities because they are established hands there. So, that, for me, informed the choice. Two, I feel going to public universities is a way of getting my own share of the national cake.

    My children wanted to join their friends in private universities and I trusted God to provide but they wanted to read medicine and law. Most private universities don’t have those courses. Two of them are lawyers.

    …But must they go to school in Nigeria? Why not in at least neighbouring Ghana?

    You see I am a modest man. If I can get something in Nigeria, why go abroad? My last baby was in the US because she wanted it. But she ran back home because she couldn’t go to the university at her age. They insisted she must be up to a certain age before going.

    So, she came back home. She’s in 400 level medicine, while her colleagues she left in the US are just entering universities now. I don’t believe in frivolous spending and I am not sitting on millions.

    How will the convention look like?

    It runs from November 5-12 with morning and afternoon sessions by 6am, 9am and 5pm. Friday is Hosanna night with popular gospel artistes ministering.

    We are expecting delegates from all our branches worldwide, including US, UK, Europe, South Africa and all the likes. I am positive God will encounter us again.

  • Life Theological Seminary graduates over 200

    No fewer than 200 students will graduate from Life Theological Seminary Lagos next Saturday.

    Tagged exceeding grace ministers, the students will bag diplomas, degrees and post graduate diplomas in pastoring, church administration, church growth and other disciplines.

    Provost of the institution owned by Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Dr Cletus Orgu, said the graduating students have been equipped with the spiritual and academic flavour of the prestigious institution.

    “We have trained them and can attest they are prepared to take territories for God. We are praying that they will expand the kingdom and improve the impact of the gospel in the society,” he declared.

    He made a case for theological education, saying being called is never enough to start a ministry.

    “It is dangerous to just rely on calling to do ministry. Every minister needs to be trained to succeed. You cannot become a doctor until you have been trained and certified.

    “In the same vein, those called without training are not equipped and prepared to do exploits for the Lord,” he argued.

    He emphasised the importance of theological education, saying it is most essential to checkmate growing heresies and wrong doctrines in churches.

    “If we are serious about checkmating apostasies and heresies, we have to take theological education serious. If we don’t, we will keep struggling with false teachers and prophets,” Orgu stressed.

    He said the Bible is a product of theological education, stating that those who dread it should have a rethink.

  • Cleric to politicians: govern with fear of God

    The founder of Salvation Revelation Christ Church Lagos, Elder Fatai Olubodun, has charged political office holders to govern with truth and the fear of God for Nigeria to make progress.

    He spoke last Sunday at the 2017 annual harvest thanksgiving and fund-raising for church building at the Ayobo international headquarters of the church.

    Tagged year of fulfilment, the harvest service attracted church leaders and government officials in attendance and witnessed the launch of a new album.

    Olubodun pointed out that Nigeria is a blessed nation held back by the corruption, greed and godlessness of political leaders over the years.

    He said only the fear of God can help political leaders think and work for the people as against themselves.

    The cleric said having been entrusted with power by God and men, political leaders must govern in truth and honesty.

    He reminded them that they will one day account for all the national resources in their care.

    Olubodun, a retired civil war military officer, urged the current administration to make frantic efforts in promoting unity and oneness of all Nigerians irrespective of their tribes, religions, cultures and languages.

    According to him: “I believe in one Nigeria devoid of rancour and bickering. Our diversity is our strength and we all must come together as one people and fashion out ways to make our country work for significant progress.”

    He upbraided war mongers, saying war has never solved any crisis and does not pay anyone.

    “All hands must be on deck to make Nigeria work and the government must lead the way.

    “Nigerians are industrious, patient and very dutiful and they only want assurances from the government that they matter and their hopes and aspiration are being taken care of in every way possible,” he said.

    Founder of Christ Mission Bible church, Pastor Michael Omolewa, charged Christians to cultivate the habit of giving to God’s works because it comes with great rewards.

    Resident pastor of the church, Pastor Paul Akohun, who produced the new album, said it was in appreciation of God’s presence, provision and power in the church.

    “I have to give thanks to God for his grace and mercy. In the last eight months of my service in the church, God has proved himself strong and mighty. I cannot but say a big thanks to him,” he said.

    Titled appreciation, the album has three tracks comprising songs of prayers, praise and a special track to appreciate the support and encouragement Akohun received from the founder of the church and his wife.

  • Bible Society boss launches book on succession

    THE Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) General Secretary, Dr Dare Ajiboye, has launched a book titled: Succession planning basics in faith-based and secular organisations in Lagos.Ajiboye said he was inspired to write the book because of the problems succession is creating in many organisations, including churches. ‘’Succession is as sure as death.

    There is an assumption that a leader will emerge. Once he’s gone, unplanned succession breeds conflict between the successor and other stakeholders in the system. “Succession planning, therefore, leads to better replacement. I am concerned about how successors will emerge these days. “In some churches, it is the family members that rotate the handing over among one another,’’ he said.He warned that this could lead to problems, adding that churches must adopt an acceptable method of succession to avoid rancour when their leader is gone.

    The book reviewer, Dr Olaolu Olufemi, praised the book, saying it is rich in contents with the 13 chapters arranged in stimulating order, giving new perspectives to the issue. He described it as ‘’a compelling and must-read for organisational leaders and staff, who have their eyes on leading.’’ Olufemi noted that the topic was apt as succession is a problem, which has led to crises in many organisations. He said because faith-based are unique, they contrast with one another in succession.

    Chairman of the occasion, Wale Adediran, described the author as a man of high literary standard. He praised Ajiboye for his efforts in rolling out the book, noting that in the past our forebears did not write books and this affected our history. ‘’But this is what Ajiboye has tried to correct,’’ said Adediran.

  • Ajose is new president of Rotary Club

    Rotary Club of Omole-Ojodu Lagos has a new president.

    He is Bishop Theophilus Taiwo Ajose, the international president of the Organisation of Christians in Democracy (OCD), a non-profit government organisation empowering, encouraging, training and releasing Christians for government and political service in nations.

    Ajose was inducted last Sunday with others as board members and officers in Lagos.

    Rotarian Ajose, who is also the board chairman and president of the Africa College of Bishops (AFRICOB), dispelled popular notion that the club is a secret cult.

    He said all his years in the club have revealed it is a humanitarian association with the sole purpose of helping the less-privileged in the society.

    He said the Rotary Club of Omole-Ojodu, an integral part of Rotary International, is an assemblage of business and professional persons focused on proving humanitarian service and encouraging high ethical standards.

    He appealed to Rotarians to remain focused, improve on humanitarian services and enhance public image and awareness.

    “The work of Rotary in providing solutions to needs in deprived communities will continue without let up,” he said, adding that nothing could be worse than members losing the vision of Rotary, which is “service to mankind.”

    District 9110 Governor, Dr. Wale Ogunbadejo, said humanity has been the business of Rotary for a very long time.

    Represented by Dr. JideAkeredolu, the governor said: “There is a very rich history of interventions that have brought smiles and hope to otherwise helpless women and children in the developing world.”

    The past president and first chartered president of Rotary club of Omole-Ojodu, Dr. Michel Abiodun, commended friends of Rotary as well as the donor community for their numerous assistance and support over the years.

    He appealed to them to continue to assist the club to deliver more.

    Chairman of the occasion, Professor Alexander Bamgbola, commended the new president.

    He noted that Bishop Ajose has proved himself in the humanitarian field and expressed optimism he will continue the good works as president of an internationally acclaimed humanitarian association.

    Bamgbola, General Overseer of Zion City of the Lord Ministries and International Vice Chairman of GLOVIM Association of Ministers Inc, USA, commended the club for its humanitarian services over the years.

    According to him, the Rotary Club has been doing great works, especially in the eradication of polio, and also helping the less-privileged by providing educational and health facilities.