The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Otubu: Professor of Gynecologist with a heart for God

    It’s all too easy to miss him in a crowd. But for keen observation, one will just pass him by without a second look. But Elder Professor Joseph Otubu is no small fry. He stands tall in the world of Obstetrics and Gynecology with subspecialty certification in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

    Yet, at a recent church meeting, the only thing that stood him out was his flowing Aladura garment. TheGeneral Evangelist of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide (MCCSW) stood humbly at a corner with a grin. Thoroughly immersed in the fraternal greetings exchanged by friends and associates, Otubu watched on in amazement.

    There were no airs around him; he was accessible and approachable to all. But he shouldn’t be going by his exploits in the religious and medical circles. The retired Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology is currently Executive Director of the Center for Reproductive Health Research (CRHR), Abuja.

    Otubu received extensive training in the Subspecialty of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He was first Nigerian who did the subspecialty training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (1979 to 1981) at the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

    He did two years subspecialty training; one clinical year and one laboratory year, during which he studied the hormonal microenvironment of uterine Fibroids.

    He continued clinical training in Infertility at the Hammersmith Hospital, London where he studied the path physiology of experimental hydrosalpinges in rabbits for a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the University of London.

    He received training in Fallopian tube microsurgery under the world-renowned Fallopian tube Micro surgeon Professor Lord Robert Winston.

    Professor Otubu was Senior Registrar/Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Murtala Mohammed Hospital, Jos (1977) and Lecturer/Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Ahmadu Bello University/Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (1979).

    He was Senior Lecturer/Consultant (1984-1987), Associate Professor (1987-1990), and Professor/Consultant (1990-2001) at University of Jos/Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State.

    He was head of Department, then Dean of Medical School at the University of Jos. At the University of Jos/Jos University of Jos Teaching, Professor Otubu established a subspecialty unit of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility that was best equipped in this country for infertility workup.

    He was the Pioneer Provost of the College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja and First Honorary Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

    The postgraduate trainer has supervised several M.Sc. students and two PhD dissertations. He has trained over forty consultant Obstetricians and Gynecologists, some of who are Professors. He has served as external examiner to several medical schools in Nigeria and Ghana and NIPPS, Kuru. He is a recipient of several research grants and has over 100 scientific publications to his credit.

    But he said he considers all these nothing. “I am what I am by God’s grace. I am God-made so I cannot brag or look down on anybody,” he stated. Despite his huge medical achievements, he does not toy with his rich spiritual heritage.

    Despite being the second son of the Late Baba Aladura Dr. G.I.M Otubu, who is the national and international symbol of Aladura churches, he still found time to obtain a diploma in theology from the famous Emmanuel College of Theology at the University of Ibadan.

    He has served in different capacities in Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Nigerian Interreligious Council (NIREC).

    Elder Otubu has written several handbooks and conference papers on Aladura churches and has special interest in organising training courses in Aladura churches.

    “God is my strength,” he replied when asked how he has achieved so much. “All I want to do is to do the best I can to advance His kingdom on earth. I love Him with all my heart and He is what counts to me.” Medicine might be his first love but God has his eternal love.

  • Foursquare Aguda zone holds rally

    Ministers, leaders and member from churches under Aguda zone of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria would gather from May 14- 17 for spiritual impartation and review past strategies to advance in the work of the kingdom within the zone.

    A statement by chairman of the planning committee, Rev. Anthony Clevers, said Rev. Bukola Oluwagbemiga will lead the team of anointed ministers of God including the Zonal Superintendent, Rev. Felix Onyeacholem, to minister at the 4- day programme with the theme: Divine speed.

    The 4- day programme holds at zonal headquarters church, 1 Savannah Street, Off Adetola Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos.

    The Surulere District Overseer, Rev. Olusegun Dada will declare the rally close on Sunday.

  • ‘How change can come to Nigeria’

    Bishop Abraham Olaleye is general overseer of The Pentecostal Congregation, Ilupeju Lagos. The widely-travelled evangelist spoke with Sunday Oguntola on a revelation he shared shortly before the last presidential elections and how change can become a reality. Excerpts: 

    Few days to the presidential elections, you sent an email to associates on a revelation of what you called the ‘coming change’. What influenced such a position then?

    Well, the Bible speaks about the men of Issachar and how they have the understanding of times and seasons. That is very crucial in this end time. Jesus spoke a lot about times and seasons. Daniel also recognised that God changes times and seasons. He brings a king in and disposes others.

    To the glory of God and with every sense of humility, we could see that Nigeria was working towards a change in the spiritual climate. I must say that the change was in the spiritual climate and usually when God brings a change in that climate, there would be physical manifestation and political dimension.

    God is the God of the prophets, priests and kings. The Kingdom of this world truly belongs to God though leaders across the world like to behave as if they are the ones in charge. God is interested in the nations. He is in charge, whether we acknowledge it or not.

    So, we could see it, from a prophetic perspective, that God was bringing a change. And when you receive such messages, you have to put your ethnic, religious and other sentiments across. You just open up to what He has to say and embrace it. Why? Because He does nothing that he has not revealed to His servants.

    Were there times you doubted hearing God well, especially when the pendulum appeared not to be swinging in that direction considering it would lead to the defeat of the outgoing administration?

    Yes, I must confess I had such times. I wondered if it was going to be so. And it is very instructive that each time I felt like that, I checked my spirit and realised God was still saying the same thing. You know those fears and concerns were natural. God assured me that there were always resistances to whatever He wanted to do in the times past.

    So, I had such doubts but God said it would be so. I had very several times when I heard some news and wondered if God would make it happen. I kept hearing God asking me not to listen to those things but trust Him to bring His words to pass.

    Your proclamation then attracted several oppositions. I remember you were planning a meeting that was instructed to be called off from Abuja. How did those oppositions make you feel?

    When God gives you revelations as a prophet, then you have to dump your fears and hold on to what He has said. Like I said, there is no change that comes without resistance.

    But this resistance was from men of God, who one ordinarily expected to have known better…

    …Yes, but you know that it is not every man of God that always knows what God is about to do. That, to me, is where the prophetic dimension comes to play. You see God does not do anything until He has revealed it to the prophets, not the priests. Now, I am talking about the priests in the Aaronic order. But the prophet, if he is true, must hear and see what God is about to do.

    He sees what the ordinary man does not see. He hears what the ordinary man does not hear. He stands as a prophet to warn the people. Unfortunately, the priest in the Aaronic order doesn’t hear him. It takes a priest in the Mechidezek order to hear what God is about to do. I am taking about a New Testament priest with the prophetic grace operating in his life. Such person will be able to overlook the priestly benefits and declare what God is saying, even when such will not lead to any personal profit.

    That way, you are no longer in pursuit of human interest but the agenda of God. When we pursue His agenda, it will be a blessing to the generality of the people. But because of the limitations of the priestly office, they are always not in a position to know what God is about to do.

    There were also counter prophecies and revelations. When were your reactions to them?

    What will I say than to say let’s wait and see. I mean a true prophet of God does not struggle for anything. Even when God has spoken to you, you simply wait for time to tell. God says if someone claims to be my prophets, the words he speaks must come to pass.

    You remember the story of Jeremiah, who prophesised that the people of God would go into captivity for 70 years. But there was a prominent named Ananias who came that and said the captivity will be for just two years and that all the articles stolen away will be bought back. Jeremiah only said amen. That is the test of a true prophet. He wasn’t fighting or making a case for his prophecies.

    He didn’t discredit the prominent prophet but simply went his way. But you know what? He died that same year. Why? That was because he taught the people of God rebellion. He said what God did not say. When God wants to correct His people and one prophet is downplaying it, he has turned against God.

    Sometimes, we think we are too truthful and people might be offended. But it is in being truthful, as bitter as it is, that healing comes for God’s people. So, I wasn’t bothered. I just kept and expected God to bring His mind to pass.

    Many people also labeled you as partisan. Did that bother you?

    Let me say that we were not partisan. Every man of God must not take sides. We were just looking for credible, god-fearing people that can salvage the nation. We were looking for truthful, honest people, Christian or Muslim, that God can use for us.

    We were not APC, PDP or APGA. The person could have been in any party. I really wished that we would not consider parties in this country and focus strictly on the persons they present.

    Was that one influenced the breakfast meeting with the VP-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, then?

    That was it exactly. We felt he is a righteous man with integrity without any blemish or spot. We found his records to be clean. We saw him as a beacon of hope and that God could use him for the nation.

    But your critics wondered you didn’t invite any PDP candidate for the same meeting

    You see we were not even bothered what party he was. We just saw a credible man and felt God was moving the nation for him to clean the slate for us. As a matter of fact, it was a platform for him to explain his plans for the nation. It was not about assessing him because we knew him already but about hearing him out.

    So, when people were critical of our outing, we considered it normal. Whatever you do, people are bound to criticise you. We were persuaded we had made a good decision and didn’t feel bad at all.

    So, are you persuaded that change has come to Nigeria based on your revelation?

    Yes, I can say by faith that God has come to Nigeria. We have seen a semblance of sincerity, honesty and decency in the incoming administration. It is left to us to pray that they will not be distracted. That the good intention they have will come to pass. The only reason it will be difficult for a leader to fight corruption is when he is corrupt himself.

    It is only when we have soiled our royal robes that we will become weak to fight evils. We feel the President-elect and his vice have good intentions. We must pray that they will fulfill the purpose for which God raised them.

    But people argue that there seems to some demons disturbing leaders from performing once they get to Aso Rock…

    I don’t think there is any demon in Aso Rock that is not making people work well. Rather, I believe we have not had people so determined to effect changes in the nation.  I know many of our former leaders have been overwhelmed by the challenges that confronted them. Many of them never expected what came up. But even at that, I believe if a man is sincere and has no skeleton in his cupboard, he should be able to deliver with will power and courage. I believe our new leaders have the capacity to wage wars against forces fighting us.

    Has the outcome of the presidential elections nullify the impact of religion during the campaigns?

    I think so because religion is a dangerous tool of politics. God is the God of all. He can use anybody to fulfill His purpose. God is not sentimental or religious. God is God. He can use a Gentile or unbeliever who has the qualities that He is looking for among people.

    What should Nigerians be doing to make the long-awaited change come?

    Everybody should embrace a new paradigm shift. We should join forces with the leaders to enforce changes in our society. We should avoid corruption like a plague. We should bring fruits good for repentance. We should change from a personal point of view before we demand changes from government.

  • Understanding the demands of success!

    Welcome to the month of May. The blessings of the Lord shall reach and overwhelm you in this new month! From scriptures, we understand that we are in the last days of the Church of Christ and every redeemed child of God is ordained for unstoppable and ever-growing success (Isaiah 2:1-3). This is because, as believers, we are redeemed as cities set on hills that cannot be hidden; thus, we are pacesetter in our fields of endeavours. We are the light of the world. That means we are assets to this world. We are also the salt of the earth, which implies that we are channels of blessings and people of value to be sorted after (Matthew 5:13-15). Therefore, success is our birthright and every child of God is ordained for distinction and unusual success.

    But, what is Success?

    Success is not just getting results, but getting them in successions, making satisfactory progress and experiencing a change of levels in our various pursuits. However, we must know that just as nothing rises to the top and remains there without conquering gravity, no one succeed without doing anything. That is why success in life is not a promise, but a covenant and if it is a covenant, that means until our part is adequately played, God cannot be committed to perform (Psalm 89:34; Deuteronomy 28:1-3; Joshua 1:8; Luke 5:1-8; John 21:5-6).

    Again, we must understand that success carries certain demands that we must subscribe to before our success san become a reality (Ecclesiastes 10:3-18). One of such demands in the school of success is spiritual empowerment.

    What is Spiritual Empowerment?

    This is what distinguishes the Church of Christ from the common success motivation that the world teaches. We can record some level of success by our efforts, skills and capacity, but it would take the power of God to preserve and expand true success. For instance, David only became a nation hero, after he was empowered (1Samuel 16:13, 17:34-57; Psalm 89:20-24; Psalm 112:10; Luke 9:1-2,6-10; Mark 6:7, 12-13; Matthew 10:1; Luke 4:14,18,37).

    Why do we need Spiritual Empowerment?

    It is the gateway to supernatural exploits: Jesus was born of the Holy Ghost; yet, had no expression until He returned in the power of the Spirit. How must more we, who are born of human spirit? When Jesus returned, the Bible says, His fame went round about all the region. What this means is that until we are empowered, our mission cannot find expression (Matthew 4:24, 9:31, Mark 1:28).

    To be in command of what others need: We are in the era of global impact and exploits, and God’s children are ordained to be in command. Furthermore, the saints are not only influencing the church, but also impacting the world around them (Joel 2:23-32; Matthew 5:13-15).

    The adversaries will only bow to power, not to grammar, skill or efforts:God has ordained us for exploits and success, but we have to be empowered to contend with the devil and take possession of what rightfully belongs to us. Otherwise, though God has given it to us, we would not posses it (Luke 9:1; 1Corinthians 16:9; Deuteronomy 2:24; Zechariah 1:17-21). That is why spiritual empowerment has no substitute.

    However, we must understand that no one ever gets empowered without a thirst or desperation.For the Bible says, God will only pure water upon him that is thirsty. Again, we understand that prayer and fasting, among others, are platforms for spiritual empowerment. For instance, Jesus prayed and fasted, and He returned in the power of the Spirit. Thereafter, His fame went through the regions round about. In other words, until Jesus was empowered, His destiny remained hidden. Therefore, we must desperately seek for empowerment for our next levels (Luke 4:14; Isaiah 41:17; 44: 3-4).

    Friend, empowerment is the birthright of every believer. However, until you confess your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, empowerment will remain a daydream. If you want to accept Jesus Christ, please say this 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 Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!” I will continue this teaching next week.

    Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books — Exploring the Secrets of Success, Success Buttons, Success Strategies and Success Systems.

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.

    I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

  • Buhari’s emergency, an act of God, says Cleric

    Buhari’s emergency, an act of God, says Cleric

    the general overseer of Mountain of Grace and Glory Ministry, Lagos, Prophet Nonso Stephen, has urged the president –elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, not be distracted from fulfilling his electoral promises.

    He said those who are defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after he won the election, are doing so on the basis of what they could get from the national cake.

    He said if they were serious with genuine contributions to the development to the country, they could do that as opposition because Nigeria is not a one- party state.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos, Stephen said Nigerians, who voted for him, should be the corner piece of the reform his administration will champion.

    He said the people should equally pray for the incoming government to enable it succeed.

    The Prophet said he was not surprised by the results of the elections, noting that God wants to use the president- elect refocus the country because of the enormity of damages caused by the outgoing leaders.

    He said those who tried to label Buhari as religious fundamentalist are shortsighted, stressing that his emergency is an act of God.

    The cleric said efforts to disabuse the minds of some people on the religious bias whipped during the elections fell on deaf ears. “When the message came we were discussing with the people but they were not accepting it,” he stressed.

    Stephen said Buhari should tackle corruption, noting that no nation makes progress under the atmosphere the country is operating.

    “Buhari needs to sanitize the system. I believe with him, something good will come out of Nigeria because with the revelation of God. Buhari has the capacity but should be wary of people around him,” he maintained.

    He warned Buhari to be careful because God revealed that there will be little challenges with some of the people that will surround his government.

     

     

  • ‘How women can be agents of change’

    ‘How women can be agents of change’

    christian women have been challenged to become agents of change to facilitate all-round transformation in the nation.

    This was the focus at the Women of Destiny conference, which ended last week at the Daystar Christian Centre, Lagos.

    One of the speakers, Pastor (Mrs.) Nkoyo Rapu, urged women to move from rhetoric to actions.

    She told them to start taking actions to make a difference.

    “Women should understand the riches of the glory of inheritance, their hope and calling in Christ as well as the exceeding greatness in women thus, releasing Christ in them, which is their hope of glory,” Rapu said.

    She stated that the change needed was not about a political mantra or party but embracing the kingdom of God for societal transformation.

    The convener, Pastor Nike Adeyemi, said no nation can truly progress without the active contributions of women.

    She tasked women to step out of their comfort zones and become what they should be to their husbands, children and the nation at large.

    Adeyemi said women can become agents of change if they dare to lead extraordinary lives offered to God.

    Describing women as gifted and creative, she urged them to support the incoming administration by paying their taxes and obeying laws to smoothen the long awaited change.

  • Chrism Mass ends in Lagos

    Chrism Mass ends in Lagos

    Priests, religious and Catholic lay faithful in old Badagry and Apapa Deaneries gathered recently at Saints Michael, Raphael and Gabriel Catholic Church, Satellite Town Lagos to celebrate the 2015 Chrism Mass.

    The Mass also attracted the Archbishop of the Metropolitan see of Lagos, His Grace Most Rev Dr. Alfred Martins.

    The Archbishop blessed the oil of catechumens, the oil of infirm and holy chrism oil, which will be used in administration of sacraments throughout the year.

    The Catholic lay faithful came out in large number for the Mass and also presented gifts to the Archbishop.

    Prayers were offered for the Archbishop, priests and religious who are the ministers of the Sacraments in the parishes that they may be the humble and generous servants of the Lord.

  • Members honoured on Mother’s Day

    Members honoured on Mother’s Day

    The Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of St Monica Catholic Church Ikorodu, Lagos has honoured some members as parts of activities marking the 2015 Mother’s Day celebration.

    Among those honoured were the parish priest and a grand patron of CWO, Mr. Vincent Omovusu.

    Others were Chief Godwin Ebitea, Alex Tobi, Clement Olaleye, Patrick Ogbangwor, Mrs. Nnkechi, Bridget Ejenta and several other who contributed positively to the growth of the church and to the women association.

    The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Nworuh, called on Christian women to show good examples at all times.

    He admonished them to follow the footsteps of the Blessed Virgin Mary in caring for not only their biological children but also children of others.

    Nworuh charged Christian women to be partners in progress with their spouses, noting that only a peaceful family enjoys progress and gives their children good upbringing.

    According to him: “Motherhood is one of God’s greatest gifts to humanity. A loving, committed mother is an indispensable person in our development.

    “Mothers instill powerful social and nurturing characteristics in each generation.”

    He said mothers should not be discouraged by some of the challenges facing many homes today but be strengthened by their faith in Christ.

    The Parish Pastoral Council 1st Vice Chairman’s, Engr Emmanuel Ogbu said: “Personally, it would not be too daring for me to say that mothers are the pillars of the church.

    “The significant roles mothers play in the church cannot be undermined. It is your day so I feel very safe to say mothers keep the wheels of the church well lubricated to function properly”.

    The chairperson of the Planning Committee, Mrs. Carolyn Biachi, said: “Mothers define creation; a woman giving birth to a child, bringing him up, making her a co-creator of a human being. God is the creator and she, a co-creator.

     

  • Religious politics is bad for Nigeria – Bishop Ighele

    Religious politics is bad for Nigeria – Bishop Ighele

    Bishop Charles Ighele is The General Superintendent of Holy Spirit Mission (Happy Family Chapel) read Political Science at the then University of Ife. He spoke with David Lawal on the lamentable roles of religion in the just-concluded general elections. Excerpts:  

    How have you been able to use your background in political science to advance religion?

    After graduating in 1980, I have seen that my background in political science and history has helped me to see how decision-making brought about a lot of suffering to families in different parts of the world.

    You now see that the way government is run, the way government is advised to do things, the quality of the citizens and how much the citizens are ready to be a part of the system. All these helped me. When I studied bureaucracy in the university, it made me understand bureaucratic bottlenecks.

    It is helping me so much in the ministry, and when you look at the bible; in the New Testament, in the Acts of Apostles, you will see people sell parts of their properties to take care of the poor and this is what the church has always stood for.

    This is how it supposed to be because it is not about we men of God getting extremely rich and the people getting extremely poor. We were not anointed just for us to feel good and be rich. We were anointed because God has other people in mind. That is what I keep telling people, it is not about us – it is about the people.

    Can religion and politics walk together for the good of the people?

    Well (smiles) you know as a preacher when you look at the Old Testament, you would see the mixture. You see religion and you see politics or should I call it governance. People like King David. You can’t divorce the two but the church has to be interested in the quality of the leaders that are arising.

    So you can’t separate the two. As far as I am concerned, I don’t believe in this is spiritual and this is secular; everything goes together.

    So, you are saying that religion and politics go together. You didn’t mention that clearly enough.

    Well, I didn’t really talk about partisan politics. Consequently, there is something known as partisan politics. What is politics? I don’t want to go into defining what politics is. But you see, man critically cannot be divorced from governance; man cannot be divorced from the people in charge unless you want to live on an island like Robinson Crusoe.

    So, there is also one known as partisan politics. Personally, I am interested in politics; I follow it to the minute details, just as I also follow football. I am not a footballer but I follow it and then I am not a politician but I follow it. I am interested in politics but I am not in partisan politics.

    What do you really mean when you say partisan politics?

    Well, partisan politics is when you decide to join a party then be a politician in that particular party, which I have personally said I will not go into. Now, I’m not saying that some of my colleagues who have gone into it have done anything wrong. As far as I am concerned, there are two groups of pastors, two groups of preachers.

    There is a group of pastors called to go into partisan politics just like somebody can also be a journalist and a pastor. Somebody can be a medical doctor and also a pastor. Somebody can be a pharmacist and also a pastor; somebody can be a footballer and a pastor. So, somebody can be a pastor and also be into partisan politics.

    I don’t condemn them at all but there is yet another group. This particular group, God has taken them to a status and God has put them in a place whereby their own is to act as fathers in the land but it does not mean that a father cannot support any of the children. People like Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Bishop Mike Okonkwo would not go into partisan politics; they belong to this other group I am talking about.

    How do you assess the last general elections?

    I did not like the last elections. I am not talking about those who won and those who lost. I am not going into that at all but you see the forces of religion and ethnicity. These two forces played a major role. Jigawa state governor, Sule Lamido, said during the campaigns that if you were campaigning for Jonathan in the north they will call you a pastor.

    In the north, people were told to vote for Buhari. Now in many churches in parts of the south, there was a lot of campaign also in the churches. People were told not to vote for a Muslim. In the north, Muslims were told not to vote for Christians.

    So, that is what I didn’t like at all and you see this is taking us back to the days of Northern Peoples Congress (NPC), NCNC and Action Group when the election was terminated through the January 16, 1966 coup. That is the element I did not like at all. I liked what happened during the SDP and NRC days when Abiola and Tofa contested. I like it that way because religion did not play a role. When religion become a major issue in campaigning in any nation, it is dangerous. I didn’t like it at all.

    I cannot see what happened during the 2015 election as political progress. It is not political development. I didn’t like it. I don’t want this country to turn to another Lebanon.

    Our two main parties have been stained with religious garbage. Those clothes need to be washed. I am not a preacher of doom but all I am saying is that corrections can be made. The APC-led federal government can begin to see how it can fill the religious gap for us.

    This is what I believe would be in the interest of our nation. Religion is worse than Indian hemp; it makes people go crazy and makes people not to think again. Religion is more than opium. It makes people to kill.

    Were you pleased with the roles religious leaders played in all of these? 

    What happened in the last elections was that APC was smarter than PDP in playing the religious card. Both parties played the religious card heavily. They were able to re-brand General Buhari from the way he had been known even four years ago. So they were able to put their hearts together.

    He brought his brain box and put it in APC to iron the whole thing. They did a very smart campaign and played a better job with the religious card.

    It was silently played in some sections of the north while some of the Christians were busy making noise about it. You won’t see the Muslim core North, you won’t see the Imams talking in papers vote for this. It was not so but here it was so because you will find out that the Muslims were highly well organised and I really commend them for that. The Christian community does not know how to move as one body under Christ to achieve what they want to achieve.

    What will be your advice to the incoming government?

    My advice for this incoming government is that they should make sure they deliver what they promised during campaigns. When I look at their package, I look at the area that they lay emphasis on being corruptions and that seemed to have struck a chord in an average Nigerians because there is corruption in this land. And so many Nigerians have now seen General Buhari as a symbol of fighting corruption.

    So hopes are high. The people are beginning to see that perhaps within six months corruption should be off from Nigeria. The first 100 days, there should be light everywhere but I think that as I speak as a leader and I want to plead with Nigerians to go and learn how to speak as leaders.

    If this government really means business, instead of just handling corruption from the top, there should be what I will call a socialisation progress – from the grassroots. In the village there is corruption, secondary school there is corruption, everywhere there is corruption. So there should be a team of think tank that should be quietly assembled and this team should be asked to produce a blueprint on how to fight corruption.

  • Leverage on social media, church administrators told

    Leverage on social media, church administrators told

    The various opportunities of social media for effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery are imperative for the growth of the church in the 21st century.

    This was take-away of the three-day annual Conference of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Administrative Officers and Computers Secretaries last week at the Youth centre of the church on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Lagos.

    Over 500 administrators and IT staff of the church within West Africa coast participated in the conference.

    Church administrators were told at the conference with the theme leveraging on social media platforms for workplace efficiency to embrace the marvellous opportunities of the social media.

    The Special Assistant to the General Overseer of RCCG on Administration and Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola, said that information dissemination was one of the key functions in corporate administration.

    Effective information management, he added, can contribute to the overall strategic operations of the Mission in this information -driven age.

    Adesola said: “Information and communication is necessary to run a corporate entity such as RCCG as it enables management to make informed decisions on strategic or operational issues.

    “Without information, these decisions would be taken in a void and be completely arbitrary.”

    Odesola noted that social media are computer – mediated tools that allow people to create, share or exchange information, ideas, pictures cum videos in virtual communities and networks.

    He pointed out that social media depend on mobile and web – based technologies to create highly interactive platforms through which individuals and communities share, co – create, discuss, and modify user generated content.

    The cleric stated: “Now is the time to leverage and strive for greater productivity and enhance quality. Now is the time to pursue excellence at all stages with climate of continuous improvement.

    “Now is the time to promote best practices and strategic fits in our automating or paperless activities in an effective and efficient manner.”