The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Odeleke berths online radio

    Kiibati, a new online radio, has hit the airways.

    It is transmitted live in eight countries, including United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Nigeria, Turkey, Australia, Ghana and France.

    The radio is the pet project of Power Pentecostal Church, a subsidiary of Christ Message Ministry.

    Presiding Bishop and General Overseer of the church, Archbishop Margaret Odeleke explained the meaning of Kiibati.

    On the rationale for the station, Odeleke said: “This came when I least expected it. So, it is not for Nigeria only but for the world. Although 70 percent will be gospel based, it is not purely a Christian radio but will cover all facets of life.”

    Kiibati, she said, means the power of God, a dream which she has nurtured since November 1974.

    Being the first of its kind in the Christian community, she added that the station will be broadcast all round the clock daily.

    It features broadcasts such as drama, music and other platforms for Nigerians to showcase their talents.

    She announced that the station will reserve complimentary slots for all pastors to preach to the world, which she said is her little way of making a change.

    She hinted that the church hopes to launch a television station soonest.

  • Believers empowered at annual conference

    Believers empowered at annual conference

    Despite the biting fuel scarcity, thousands attended the annual weeklong teaching convention of the Fountain of Life Church, which ended last Sunday.

    Tagged Word Explosion conference, the convention was hosted by Senior Pastor of the church, Taiwo Odukoya.

    The theme of the conference, which attracted speakers such as Dr. Bill Johnson, Dr. Randy Clark and Pastor Blaine Cook, who came with an entourage of volunteers and ministers, many of whom were in Nigeria for the first time, was supernatural manifestations.

    They spoke glowingly of the reception and warmth they feel from being received in Lagos by Odukoya, whose commitment to empowering human resources is huge.

    The presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr Mike Okonkwo, also spoke with charismatic authority at the conference.

    Cook spoke animatedly about the unconventional experiences that changed his life and defined his ministry while Bill Johnson’s flawless teaching kept the audience bound in rapt attention.

    The goal of conferences like this, according to Odukoya, is to raise a community of empowered Christians who will in turn go into their communities to make a difference.

  • Discovery for Men holds first 2016 rally

    Thousands of men from different walks of life to embark on will converge next Sunday the first rally of the Discovery for Men in 2016.

    The theme of the rally scheduled to commence by 4pm at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos, is the “Supernatural man”.

    Hosted by Pastors Taiwo and Nomthi Odukoya, the rally would also have anointed gospel minister, Mike Abdul, as guest artiste.

    A statement from the organisers said: “Discovery for Men rallies are not just another church service.

    “This is the era where men need the Supernatural to be able to provide leadership, find hope, encouragement and the needed courage to surmount and secure a better future for themselves and the countless others counting on them.

    “Over the years, men have walked into the Discovery rallies with great burdens in their hearts, desperately seeking answers.

    “After a time of robust fellowship and frank exploration of God’s word, they leave with renewed strength to face the challenges that hitherto threatened to consume them.

    “Testimonies of great deliverances, divine interventions and miraculous visitations abound from every corner of the nation and beyond.”

    The Discovery for Men initiative was set up in 1998 as an outreach of The Fountain of Life Church with the vision to challenge and motivate men to become all that God has ordained them to be.

  • Annual couples’ dinner fellowship

    The annual Couples dinner fellowship by the Deliverance and Healing Unit of Saint Barth’s Anglican Church, Aguda Surulere holds on Sunday, May 1st.

    It takes place at Bishop Adelakun Howells Memorial [BAHM] church Hogan Bassey crescent behind National stadium, Surulere with the sustaining the love of your marriage.

    One of the speakers at the event slated to start by 3pm is Venerable TC Ezumezu.

    The National Secretary of the unit, Sir Ken Nwodika, said the fellowship was initiated to address challenges in marriage and reconcile warring couples.

  • ‘Why I went on nationwide prayer tour’

    ‘Why I went on nationwide prayer tour’

    Rev. (Dr) Edith Okubanjo, wife of the late industrialist and business mogul, Oloye Olanrewaju Okubanjo, is comfortable enough not to care.

    Her husband was the founder and chairman of Intercontinental Distillers Nigeria Limited, which places her in a position of affluence.

    But the unassuming woman behind Healing Camp of the Church of Evangelism, Lekki-Ajah, is not one to stay in her comfort zone while the nation is boiling.

    She just emerged from a prayer tour of all the states in the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    The tour, she explained, was to raise altars of prayers and intercession for the nation’s nagging challenges.

    Of particular interest to her was insecurity and economic distress.

    Okubanjo said the prayer tour was never her idea. “It was the Holy Spirit that gave me an instruction in December to go to all 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and pray for the country and make pronouncements and anoint the soil of each state,” she stated.

    The expense for the exercise was solely borne by her. According to her: “If the Lord gives you instruction, He will definitely make provisions for you. God is our security.

    “Before embarking on the journey, I assembled my prayer team and we prayed, fasted. We had a three-day vigil and committed everything unto Him.”

    Initially, she disclosed that she was concerned about the safety of the team but became emboldened that was the purpose of the prayer tour.

    “With God on our side, we made the pronouncements and anointed the soil of Borno and Yobe States with no fear.

    “Though the atmosphere was not too friendly considering the sensitivity of the communities, God saw us through.”

    How would she describe the experience of the tour? “It was indeed a sweet experience because what some feared would be a difficult task turned out well according to the laid down plans.”

    She commended her logistics team who worked tirelessly to achieve the assignment.

    “The journey started on Sunday, February 28 from Lagos and covered all other states in the South-Western region of the country before proceeding to the South-South and South-East regions. From there, we continued to the North-Central region before moving ahead to other far northern states.”

    She added that in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, they were given a grand reception despite arriving late night into the city.

    “We were well treated by one of the notable pastors called Bishop Mayor who owns a big church in the heart of the city.

    “He commended our religious effort and prayed for success of our journey. Yobe and Borno States, the perceived hotspots of Boko Haram activities, which many had thought would be difficult was problem-free for us to anoint through God’s presence.”

  • Clerics work, pray for united Qua Iboe Church

    As factional feud continues in the old Qua Iboe Church (QIC), leaders of the church have prayed for peace and unity under its new name, the United Evangelical Church (UEC).

    The UEC leaders spoke at an inauguration and dedication of the Church assembly (Victory Arena) at Udianga Enem community in Etim Ekpo local government area of Akwa Ibom State.

    Addressing a congregation drawn from the Ukanafun Conference of the Church, the National Chairman of Conference, Rev. Cornelius Emelogu (JP), admonished members to ensure the new Church grows from strength to strength.

    Represented by Secretary, National Mission Board, Rev. Usen Alexander Umoh, the chairman stressed that there is a need for all to join hands in the building process of the church.

    He prayed for the new Church to rise from its “small beginning” to become a major rallying point against forces of darkness that may want to truncate its vision and mission.

    Guest minister, at the event, Elder Etette Akang, in his words of exhortation drawn from Psalm 40, underscored the importance of establishing close relationship with God.

    He warned that unrestrained sins would only lead humanity to everlasting damnation.

    He asked God to imbue in humanity the discerning spirits and the empowerment to keep His ordinances at all times.

    The Chairman of the new UEC in Udianga Enem, Bro. Monday Ekoriko, who donated the new church land, recalled that the church establishment was in line with the resolution of the Conference to change the name from QIC to UEC.

    He thanked the youths of Southern Ukanafun Superintendency, noting that the establishment of the new UEC was borne out of their evangelism with the theme: “Let there be light” in the community last October.

    “After the evangelism, members saw the need to establish the Church in Udianga Enem,” he recalled, adding that the agitation forced Rev. S.M. Udo, Chairman of the Ukanafun Conference to inaugurate the new Church.

  • Cross River CAN inaugurates new exco

    The Cross River State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has inaugurated its new executive members in Calabar.

    The event held at the Apostolic Church, Edgerley Road with the theme “Unity in diversity” was attended by church leaders and members from various denominations.

    The new chairman, Archbishop Joseph Ukpo (Emeritus), said for CAN to survive as a united Christian organisation, ecumenical dialogue must be taken seriously.

    He said no religion can exist in isolation anymore and any religion that is not open to others becomes vulnerable to fundamentalism and religious fanaticism.

    He said the Church promotes the spirit of dialogue in the world to resolve conflict, advance common good and strengthen human solidarity.

    Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ivara Esu, charged the new executive council to build on the achievement of predecessors to ensure good working relationship among Christians and other people in the state irrespective of their background.

    He asked them to promote peace, tolerance, compassion, contentment and love for one another especially at this point in time.

    He urged religious leaders to constantly pray for the government to deliver on its promises to improve residents of the state.

    Esu said the government was open to godly counsel to enable them take the state to the heights desired.

    Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Rosemary Archibong, was grateful to God for keeping CAN together after the peaceful election.

    While describing the church as an epitome of unity in diversity, she urged that they continue to work together as a viable army for God.

    “As diverse as we are in the body of Christ, we need to be ready to be used by God to bring down most difficult situations,” she said.

    South South chairman of CAN, Archbishop God-dowell Avwomakpa, urged that despite all challenges, Christians should still keep faith in God.

    Prof (Mrs.) Ebele Eko presented a keynote address on the theme of the event.

    The new executive council has Archbishop Joseph Ukpo as chairman; Rev O. B. Ekpenyong as vice chairman; Elder Engineer James Ekabua as Secretary; Ms Olive Effanga as financial secretary and Apostle Frank Umo as treasurer.

  • Billionaire’s family donates Chapel, Crucifix

    Billionaire’s family donates Chapel, Crucifix

    Billionaire businessman Sir Dr. Obinna Uzoh and his family have donated the magnificent Chapel of Adoration at All Saints Parish, Ihiala in Anambra State.

    While the Chapel was built by Uzoh and his wife, Benedicta, their children supported the gesture with a beautifully -designed Crucifix.

    In a Holy Mass that preceded the blessing of the Chapel presided over by the Bishop of Nnewi, Most Rev. Hilary Okeke, the Prelate urged Christians to always seek the face of God by impacting positively on humanity and doing things that will glorify His name.

    He said: “The motivation is to let our lives be geared towards getting ourselves nearer to God. A good example of this is the zeal and the determination of Obinna Uzoh and his entire household in serving the Lord in truth and Spirit.

    “What they have done here is marvelous in our eyes, especially at a time when the ovation that greeted the building of All Saints Parish by the Uzohs’ where we are celebrating today had hardly died down.  In Obinna Uzoh, we find a man that remains a symbol of faith.”

    While commending Uzoh for his benevolent spirit and large heart, the Bishop called on affluent catholic faithful to emulate the gesture in giving out freely to the church and the less privileged.

    According to him, the Uzoh family has been long benefactors of the church and good friend of the less privileged.

    He pointed out they have deployed enormous resources to the welfare of the people, which he noted has been very inspiring and consistent.

    The Parish priest of All Saints, Ihiala, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ebedeagu, thanked the donors for their philanthropy and commitment in making the place of worship very conducive for parishioners.

    He revealed further that Uzoh, a Papal Knight of St. Gregory, is a special blessing to the parish.

    He said often times he had come to their rescue to sustain religious activities in the parish.

    Ebedeagu reckoned that the parish will continue to count themselves lucky to have such a humble and kind-hearted personality in Uzoh.

     Uzoh expressed appreciation for the honour done to him and his family by the Bishop, retinue of clergymen, Catholics and non-Catholics.

    He said: “In everything, we must learn to be thankful to God for the power to make wealth and the Spirit of sharing comes from him.

    “My entire family felt a sense of fulfillment on the success of the project. There is no greater joy for me as a human being than supporting a noble course within my God given ability and limitation.”

    Through his foundation, Obinna Uzoh Foundation, the billionaire designed, built and furnished the All Saints Catholic church dedicated on February 12, 2012.

    He also built and donated a massive youth hostel at Amansea, Awka, capital of Anambra state valued at about N400m to the Catholic Church, among several other humanitarian projects.

  • Missionaries intercede for Ogun Police Command

    Ogun Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, has advised officers of the Command to remain steadfast in the business of policing the nation.

    He spoke through Ogun State Police Chaplain (Protestants), Venerable Fakunle Oluseun(ASP) during a courtesy visit by the Missionaries Army, Naval Chaplaincy (MANC).

    MANC was led by its President, General Venerable Ezekiel Ajedegba to the Police Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun State to intercede for peace, security and prosperity of the nation.

    Ali said that though police officers could be adjudged to doing well because of transformation in the force, they must continue to do much more for the advancement of the society.

     ”Where our services are needed, we should be there promptly.

    “We know that the number of Police officers is not up to half a million compared with the size of the population of Nigeria which makes people not to see the effectiveness of the police,” he advised.

    He called on the government to improve the remuneration of police officers and provide infrastructure to enable them combat crimes.

  • Odeleke berths online radio

    Kiibati, a new online radio, has hit the airways.

    It is transmitted live in eight countries, including United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Nigeria, Turkey, Australia, Ghana and France.

    The radio is the pet project of Power Pentecostal Church, a subsidiary of Christ Message Ministry.

    Presiding Bishop and General Overseer of the church, Archbishop Margaret Odeleke explained the meaning of Kiibati.

    On the rationale for the station, Odeleke said: “This came when I least expected it. So, it is not for Nigeria only but for the world. Although 70 percent will be gospel based, it is not purely a Christian radio but will cover all facets of life.”

    Kiibati, she said, means the power of God, a dream which she has nurtured since November 1974.

    Being the first of its kind in the Christian community, she added that the station will be broadcast all round the clock daily.

    It features broadcasts such as drama, music and other platforms for Nigerians to showcase their talents.

    She announced the station will reserve complimentary slots for all pastors to preach to the world, which she said is her little way of making a change.

    She hinted that the church hopes to launch a television station soonest.