The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • CCC group announces events for 40th anniversary of Oshoffa’s transition

    CCC group announces events for 40th anniversary of Oshoffa’s transition

    ·Nothing fetish about church – Convener

    A group in the Celestial Church of Christ, True Word In Season, has announced the order of programmes for the 40th transition anniversary of the church’s founder, Prophet Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa.

    Themed: “Oshoffa: The Saint, the Enigmatic Man”, the celebrations will officially kick off on the 23rd of May (2025) with a Prayer Session at the Church’s Makoko headquarters. This will be followed by an International Bible Quiz on the 24th of May and an International Juvenile Choir/ Musical Concert at the same venue on the 27th of May.

    Simultaneously, there will be 116 days of testimonies to avail members who have had encounters with the late founder physically and spiritually, to share their experiences, starting from Sunday 18th of May through to September 10.

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    The event, which doubled as a medial parley and a symposium, also featured an appraisal of Celestial Church gospel music genre by two frontline CCC gospel singers: Bro. Seyi Solagbade and Sis. Mawuyon Ogun, in a presentation titled: “Music and its Effect on the Generation – 40 Years After Papa SBJ.”

    This was followed by the unveiling of the logo of the anniversary, featuring a life-size image of the Late Oshoffa alongside a bold figure 40, which the designer, Olalekan Mukhtar, said was inspired by the late Oshoffa himself.

    Convener of the event and keynote speaker, Samuel Ademola Bolaji, reminisced on the late founder’s time and how he has continued to inspire the church.

    He also took time to dispel the fetish perception of the church by outsiders, stating outright that “There is no iota of fetishism in this church”.

    He, however, said this perception may have been inspired by new entrants to the church, who bring with them their different practices, adding: “Don’t worry, God will separate it at the appropriate time.”

    V/S E Afis Kiki opened the session with a prayer/address in English, French and Ogu languages.

  • Prophet urges Christian journalists to promote hope, drive national transformation

    The General Overseer of Pentecost Day Church, Prophet Sam Kehinde, has called on Christian journalists in Nigeria to embrace a more positive and responsible approach in their reporting as a means of fostering national transformation.

    Speaking during the Annual Thanksgiving Service of Daily Independent Newspaper held at the company’s headquarters in Lagos, Prophet Kehinde stressed the media’s critical role in shaping public perception and national values.

    “I want journalists, especially Christian journalists, to focus on more positive issues,” he said. “In countries like America, despite their challenges, the media still projects hope. What you constantly declare is what you eventually become. If we keep emphasizing negativity, we’ll sink deeper into it.”

    Citing Isaiah 60, he referenced the biblical prophecy of “gross darkness,” interpreting it as a global spiritual and societal challenge. 

    “Darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people,” he quoted. “But the darker it gets, the brighter the light shines. This is not a time to despair — it is a time to shine.”

    Prophet Kehinde urged journalists to see national challenges as opportunities for innovation, growth, and the rebirth of a stronger Nigeria.

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    “You grow in the night, not in the day,” he said. “The thicker the darkness, the brighter the light shines. Some countries turned crises like COVID-19 into platforms for innovation. We must do the same, it’s all about mindset.”

    While stressing the importance of prayer, Prophet Kehinde also called for responsible action, urging media practitioners to be agents of hope, healing, and transformation.

    “God will not do for man what man must do for himself. We must combine prayer with responsibility. Journalists must help the nation by inspiring, not depressing the people.”

    Earlier in his address, Pastor Yomi Adebisi, Editor of Saturday Independent and Pastor of the Independent News Christian Fellowship, said the thanksgiving service was a divine instruction from God to mark a season of breakthrough for the organization.

    “God told us to dedicate one day to receive blessings and another to praise Him. That’s why this year’s event spanned two days,” he said.

     “Our theme is: ‘The Siege Is Over.’ God has removed sorrow from our midst.”

    Adebisi highlighted how the company had experienced significant divine intervention in recent years — from breaking patterns of untimely deaths to financial challenges.

    “There was a time we lost staff members almost every year. But God broke that jinx. For years, we struggled to pay salaries, but for the past three years, we have not missed a month,” he said.

    He affirmed that the celebration of God at the company’s altar has marked a spiritual turning point.

    “The world thought Independent was dead, but God has revived us. We have left Egypt and entered Canaan. Now, we are stepping into global relevance and soon, the world will celebrate with us.”

    Pastor Adebisi expressed optimism for the company’s future, declaring that a season of explosive growth is on the horizon.

    “This is only the beginning. From this altar of thanksgiving, we have seen healing, restoration, and supernatural turnaround. We are set for the next level.”

  • Bassey leads 100,000 Christians in nationwide prayer surge

    Bassey leads 100,000 Christians in nationwide prayer surge

    President of the Cross River State Christian Leaders Forum, Archbishop Josef Bassey, has launched a nationwide spiritual uprising tagged the Fire Revolution Campaign. 

    He is mobilising over 100,000 believers across Nigeria in a synchronised warfare prayer operation.

    The most recent fire night with the theme: “Breaking the chains of bloodline evil patterns,” witnessed explosive prayer gatherings across all the six geographical regions  of Nigeria and diaspora hubs. 

    Testimonies of deliverance, healing, and breakthroughs are already pouring in as ancestral yokes and generational limitations are being shattered by fire.

    “This is not just a campaign; it’s a prophetic invasion,” Archbishop Bassey declared.

     “The time has come to dismantle demonic altars and redeem the prophetic destiny of our families, regions, and nation. Nigeria is rising on the wings of fire.”

    The Fire Revolution, which is gaining global attention, is being hailed as a spiritual reawakening and a clarion call to believers nationwide.

    On Friday, A territorial strike for Nigeria’s prophetic destiny will be launched, as the  campaign intensifies with a focused theme: “Breaking Territorial Curses and Reclaiming Nigeria’s Destiny.” 

    From local assemblies to national platforms, believers will converge to:

    Uproot satanic strongholds over cities and regions.

    Silence ancient voices of bondage afflicting the land.

    Declare revival, healing, and reformation over Nigeria.

    Enforce prophetic decrees over leadership, economy, and youth awakening.

    Bassey urged believers, intercessors, and kingdom leaders are urged to participate, host fire altars and join the prophetic company reclaiming the nation.

  • Miracles, testimonies at Eneche’s US fire conference

    Miracles, testimonies at Eneche’s US fire conference

    The Dunamis International Gospel Centre’s Revival Fire Conference commenced on May 8 at the City of Praise in Landover, Maryland, marking a significant spiritual gathering in North America.

    Led by Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche and wife Becky, the event attracted worshippers from Nigeria and over 53 other countries, uniting believers in a shared pursuit of divine encounter and empowerment.

    The arrival of the Enenches signalled the beginning of a transformative experience for attendees, many of whom had traveled long distances to encounter God in a new dimension.

    The opening day featured morning and evening sessions filled with dynamic worship, fervent prayers, and revelatory teachings. 

    In his message titled: “A Royal Priesthood: Priestly Kings and Kingly Priests,” Enenche taught from 1 Peter 2:9, emphasizsng the believer’s dual call to spiritual authority and regal dignity. 

    He highlighted biblical figures such as Abraham, Esther, and David, and referenced modern-day examples like Bishop David Oyedepo and the late Billy Graham.

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    Dr. Becky Enenche ministered on “Service via Seeds and Sacrifice,” focusing on dedication and spiritual selflessness. 

    Other powerful sessions came from Pastor David Majiyebo on “The Intercessory Service” and Pastor Ntia Ntia, who preached on “The Service of Soul Winning.”

    The atmosphere was supercharged with gospel music from Owie Abutu, Oche JonKings, Nene Olajide, Prospa Ochimana, and Deborah Enenche-Hawthorn. Their spirit-filled ministrations prepared hearts for divine encounters and testimonies.

    Attendees shared powerful stories of healing, deliverance, and divine transformation:

    A man testified that his blurry vision was instantly restored during one of the worship sessions. He broke down in tears, declaring, “I can finally see clearly again!”

    A mother testified that her sick child, who had been battling with constant fever and weakness, suddenly stood up, ate food, and began to play during the evening session. Completely healed!

    A Venezuelan apostle shared how he encountered God profoundly through a worship song by Dr. Enenche, despite not understanding English. The Spirit of God bypassed the language barrier and reached him deeply.

    These accounts reflect the universal reach and raw power of God’s presence throughout the conference.

  • It’s wicked stealing public funds amidst citizens’ suffering, cleric slams corrupt leaders

    It’s wicked stealing public funds amidst citizens’ suffering, cleric slams corrupt leaders

    A cleric, Evangelist Lucky Obayendo, has urged political leaders at all levels of governance in Nigeria to rule with the fear of God and show compassion to the masses by coming up with policies that will reduce poverty in the country.

    Obayendo made the remarks while ministering during the grand finale of a five-day open air revival held at the premises of the Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Hephzibah Cathedral, Kajola, Ikere Ekiti.

    The revival which had as its theme, ‘Bind the Strongman,’ also featured a special prayer to God to deliver Nigeria from bad leadership and restore the country on the path of righteous leadership and economic recovery for the citizens to enjoy a new lease of life and for the restoration of the country’s lost glory.

    The clergyman expressed dismay that corruption is still prevalent in Nigeria despite repeated promises to reduce the menace, noting that political office holders are not concerned about the welfare of the masses who elected them and their political parties into office but their personal enrichment.

    Obayendo, who is the District Evangelist for GOFAMINT, Irele District, in Ondo State said “it is wicked and ungodly for political office holders to be stealing public funds amidst unprecedented pangs of suffering being inflicted on the poor masses.”

    The preacher demanded altruistic and selfless leadership from those entrusted with political power saying “God has power to visit his anger on those using their transient position to oppress the less privileged and inflict pain on the poor.”

    Obayendo said: “It is very wicked and ungodly for our leaders in Nigeria to be stealing and stashing public funds amidst an unprecedented suffering our people are going through in Nigeria where people now find it difficult to make ends meet and stay afloat.

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    “There is a need for our leaders to work on making life easier for the citizens by turning around our economy positively and also working to ensure that our currency becomes stronger when compared to some countries around us.

    “There are some basic ways that a government can assist the citizens. These include provision of good roads, affordable fuel and regular and affordable power supply.

    “I was in a country some time ago for about one month and there was constant and regular public power supply. Just on one occasion when there was to be a power outage, the citizens of that country were informed ahead of time and the light was restored within three minutes.

    “It is sad that in our country, the money and resources that all citizens of the country should benefit from, some individuals will appropriate them to themselves. The Bible says the fools gather wealth without knowing who will spend it.

  • Oluleke, Akinola celebrate 40th wedding anniversary, launch book

    Oluleke, Akinola celebrate 40th wedding anniversary, launch book

    It was a season of joy and admiration as the immediate past General Overseer of Upper Room Baptist Church, Ketu, Lagos, Pastor Oluleke Akinola, and his wife, Pastor Mrs. Boade Akinola, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last Sunday, at Luzury event, Ikeja with family, friends, dignitaries, and over 100 couples from across denominations.

    The event also featured the launch of Mrs. Akinola’s new book, ‘Help, My Marriage is Failing!’ as well as the unveiling of their new YouTube series and website, Leave2Cleave (www.leave2cleave.org), a digital paltform providing practical guidance for couples navigating marital challenges.

    It drew prominent Christian leaders, including the Lagos State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop Stephen Adegbite; the General Overseer of Abraham’s Evangelistic Ministry, Bishop Abraham; and the Founders of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Pastor Mike and Gloria Bamiloye. Also in attendance were Rev. Toyin and Shade Kehinde, Pastor Bisi and Yomi Adewale, and a representative of former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola.

    Several couples gave heartfelt testimonies, sharing how the Akinolas have mentored and transformed their marriages over the decades through practical, faith-based counsel.

    Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, described the celebrants as models of integrity, love, and perseverance, saying their 40-year marital journey offers valuable lessons for Christian couples today.

    The CAN leader praised the couple for showcasing the grace of God in both their lives and ministry, noting that their marriage has inspired peace and joy in many homes.

    Guest preacher at the event, Pastor Bisi Adewale, whose own wedding anniversary coincided with the event, delivered a compelling message on the “four kinds of marriage,” drawn from his 20+ years in marriage ministry.

    He categorized marriages as: Tragic marriages — marked by violence or even death, traumatic marriages — filled with conflict and constant turmoil, plastic marriages — emotionally cold, where couples live separate, disconnected lives and romantic marriages — where couples experience joy, peace, and biblical unity.

    “Romance in marriage is not about sex,” Adewale explained, “but about peace, oneness, and joy.” He stressed that couples must work intentionally to build their homes, saying, “Marriage is what you make it — it’s a mixture of grace and work.”

    One of the couples who eulogies the Akinolas’, Tade Adeyi shared: “When I became a Christian, it was Daddy who taught me, in a godly way, how to propose. My wife couldn’t say no — and now we have been married for 28 years!”

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    Kayode Oladiran added “They are consistent. Whether you approach them individually or together, you get the same godly counsel.”

    On his part, Dele Olasupo described the couple as “a check and balance for us — they live out everything they teach.”
    The Akinolas used the occasion to introduce their new digital initiative, Leave2Cleave, a weekly YouTube series where they share biblical insights, answer relationship questions, and provide practical strategies for couples seeking healthier, more resilient marriages.

    According to their website, the programme aims to create a “safe space” for couples to explore their love journeys with honesty, backed by scriptural wisdom.

    Pastor and Mrs. Akinola expressed profound gratitude to God for sustaining their union and giving them the platform to impact countless families. The event, filled with laughter, testimonies, music, and prayers, was a vibrant celebration not just of their 40-year marriage, but of their lifelong commitment to strengthening Christian homes.

  • Group charges FG on insecurity

    Group charges FG on insecurity

    Centre For Righteous Living (CRIL), has charged the federal government to act swiftly to nip in the bud the raging violence and attacks of innocent people in different parts of Nigeria.

    The body made the statement at the end of its monthly meeting recently held in Lagos.

    Recently, some states in Nigeria like Plateau, Benue and Ondo, witnessed serious violent attacks by some herders and bandits, killing their innocent hosts in their numbers.

    CRIL in a statement made by the Chairman of its Caretaker Committee, Dr. Christopher Abolade expressed its worries about the state of insecurity in different parts of Nigeria, where Nigerians could no more live and move freely without the fears of intruders, bandits and kidnappers who descend on individuals and communities killing people and destroying their hosting communities.

    The body therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to do something as a matter of urgency and not to wait until Nigerians take laws into their hands by resulting in self defence as advocated by some people.

    They therefore suggested that the federal government should get to the roots of the matter by supporting thorough investigation where the sponsors of these violence would be apprehended, and the laws should be made to take its course on them without fear or favour.

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    President Tinubu was advised not to allow saboteurs to undermine his government.

    The group advised that the federal government should live up to expectations and stop the criminal herders from their dream of spreading the idea of Islamic fundamentalism to the southern part of the country.

    Adding that the federal government should deal decisively with the culprits and their sponsors, noting that rehabilitation of condemned bandits would not work for the needed peace and security in Nigeria.

    The state governors were also called to rise to the challenge of securing their states as they called on them not to allow strangers to come and destroy their respective states.

    The government was told to implement its Livestock Reforms and the creation of the Livestock Ministry to ensure that ranching is promoted while nomadic farming is controlled.

    Traditional rulers were also called to support the government in ensuring security in different parts of the country, and no stranger should enter any community without the knowledge of traditional rulers.

  • Adeboye urges students to embrace diligence for lasting greatness

    Adeboye urges students to embrace diligence for lasting greatness

    The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged young people to remain focused, hardworking, diligent, and prayerful, describing these virtues as essential ingredients for achieving greatness in life.

    Adeboye said this recently during the RCCG’s monthly thanksgiving service at The Throne of Grace headquarters in Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

     Adeboye, in a sermon titled ‘Exceedingly Great,’ offered prayers for students across all levels—ranging from secondary school pupils to higher institution students, including candidates for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams, and those seeking admission locally and abroad.

    He emphasised that to attain greatness, especially the kind described as “exceedingly great, young people must stay focused, work hard, maintain diligence, and remain prayerful.

    “In God’s plan, there is no impossibility, especially when you belong to Him by surrendering your life to Jesus. Once you’ve done that, your destiny is to be exceedingly great,” Adeboye said.

    However, he cautioned that meeting the spiritual requirement is just the beginning. “You can’t afford to relax after that. Keep working hard and stay prayerful.  Slacking off leads to disappointment and frustration because, even in heaven, there’s no room for laziness.”

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    Highlighting the importance of having a clear vision early in life, Adeboye noted that while greatness has no age limit, it is best pursued with purpose and direction from youth.

    He illustrated his point with the biblical story of Jacob, who became exceedingly great by being focused, diligent, hardworking, and prayerful.

    Adding to the message, Pastor Dele Balogun, Special Assistant to the General Overseer (Admin) and Pastor in charge of Region One, encouraged the youths to put Adeboye’s advice into practice, reaffirming that diligence and focus are keys to becoming exceedingly great.

  • Latter-day Saints hold ground breaking ceremony for Lagos Nigeria Temple

    Latter-day Saints hold ground breaking ceremony for Lagos Nigeria Temple

    In a historic and deeply spiritual moment, friends and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Lagos Nigeria Temple — a major milestone for both local members and the global LDS community.

    The event, rich with prayers, testimonies, and reflections, underscored the profound meaning of the temple, which the church leader, Elder Alfred Kyungu, described as the “House of the Lord” — a sacred space where believers participate in ordinances, family healings, and eternal covenants.

    The Lagos, Nigeria Temple will be built on a 2.7-acre site, featuring a one-story building of approximately 19,800 square feet, along with an arrival centre and patron housing to accommodate members traveling for worship.

    Speaking at the event, Elder Alfred Kyungu, General Authority Seventy and President of the West Africa Area, highlighted the spiritual significance of the temple, calling it a holy place set apart from regular church buildings.

    “This groundbreaking today announces that this site will become a House of the Lord,” Elder Kyungu said.

    “It is where members will worship, make covenants on behalf of their loved ones, and strengthen their path to eternal life with our Heavenly Father. These are sacred ordinances that cannot be performed elsewhere.”

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    He added that while LDS members gather weekly in chapels for Sunday worship, youth activities, and gospel instruction, the temple holds a unique role as a setting for eternal covenants and sacred priesthood ordinances.

    Elder Kyungu shared his hope that, if all goes according to plan, the temple construction will be completed in approximately three years. “We depend on architects, contractors, and the hand of God, but we look forward with faith,” he said.

    Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Christian Religion, Rev. Bukola Adeleke, expressed joy over the ceremony, offering prayers for the project’s successful completion.

    “It is a thing of joy to witness the groundbreaking of this temple,” Rev. Adeleke said.

    “We pray that the same hands that started the project will be upheld by the Lord until its completion. This church is built on solid rock, and God has been using its leaders to spread the gospel and win souls for Christ. We encourage them to continue this great work.”

    Members from across Lagos also shared their personal experiences with temple worship and preparation.

    Sister Uba Esther of the Lagos Nigeria Yaba Stake emphasized the importance of spiritual and emotional readiness when entering the temple. “The temple is a place of peace, a place to renew our commitment to God,” she said. “When we prepare ourselves spiritually and mentally, we open the door to God’s blessings.”

    Sister Mercy Fayehun of the Lagos Nigeria Agege Stake described the temple as a refuge of strength, revelation, and healing amid life’s challenges. “In the quiet of the temple, we remember who we are,” she said.

    “We gain the strength to endure hardships and find joy in serving our ancestors through sacred ordinances.”

    President Sunday Oyedeji of the Lagos Nigeria Egbeda Stake reflected on the historic nature of the day, recalling the groundbreaking of the Aba Nigeria Temple 23 years ago and the remarkable growth of the church since then.

    “Today is a significant moment in Nigeria’s religious history,” he said. “As we make covenants in the House of the Lord, we draw closer to God and strengthen our families and communities. Heaven rejoices at this occasion.”

    Quoting LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson, President Oyedeji reminded attendees that covenants bind believers to God and grant them divine power to navigate life’s trials and challenges.

  • Diocese probes allegations of assault against bishop

    Diocese probes allegations of assault against bishop

    The Diocese of Atamunu, Methodist Church Nigeria, Calabar, in Cross River State, has set machinery in motion to probe the alleged assault of one of its priests, Rev. Victor Okon Uloh, by the bishop, Rev. Barr. Otuekong Alexander Ukut.

    From available information, Rev. Okon had alleged that the bishop physically assaulted him, thereby leaving him traumatised.

    However, in a statement signed on behalf of the Diocese by Sir Dr. Gabriel E. B. Inyang, Lay President, Very Rev Anthony Bassey, Synod Secretary and Rt. Rev. Otuekong Ukut, the bishop, and the trio described as unfounded allegations of high-handedness against the bishop.

    According to the statement, the diocese noted that “the attention of the Bishop, the Lay President, the Ministerial Staff and the entire Laity of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Atamunu, has been drawn to a series of sensational, concocted, fabricated stories and blackmail that has been circulating across different social media platforms.”

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    It stated that these fabrications were untrue and unfounded and hereby denied and denounced in their entirety.

    In the statement which reads in part, the Diocese said, “The sponsor, a priest and full-time student of the University of Calabar who is currently under Disciplinary proceedings is embarking on a futile attempt to truncate and derail the course of justice which are being undertaken under the 2021 Methodist Church Nigeria Constitution and Bookof Resolutions.

    “The Diocese hereby calls on all well-meaning Christians to pray for him and his co-sponsors, while the public is assured that justice will be done to the satisfaction of all, as the Methodist Church Nigeria. The Premier Church in the country is known for equity, justice, and fair hearing, and spiritual uplift of all its members,” the statement emphasised.