The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • ‘Prayer can save Nigeria’

    The founder of Holy Trumpet Ministries, Ota in Ogun State, Prophet Amos Kehinde, has called for prayers among the political class to avert the death of a prominent politician.

    Kehinde, who spoke during the church’s 8th anniversary, also said the demise of the politician might precipitate a major political crisis in the nation.

    He also warned that kidnapping may take an increased dimension except Nigerians pray fervently.

    The prophet attributed the many challenges confronting Nigeria to God’s wrath, calling on leaders to repent.

    Many of them, he alleged, are fostering hatred among Nigerians to further their selfish political interest, claiming this has led to the untimely death of millions of Nigerians.

    An elder of the church, who is also a human rights activist, Prophet Oladele Omoniyi, stated God can save Nigeria if Christians pray.

  • The secret of my victory, by Ojo

    The Zonal Chairman of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Odi Ajaye Lagos, Dr Olushola Ojo, has disclosed that undiluted faith in God, enabled by his genuine commitment to righteous living is his potent weapon against the devil.

    He therefore admonished Christians across the world to have unflinching faith in God in all circumstances.

    The 75-year-old widely-travelled cleric recounted how his firm faith in God coupled with righteous lifestyle recently helped him survive yet another attack by evil people.

    According to him: “Just about two weeks ago, members of my household were in deep prayers when a call came in from a close relation, blaming them for failing to inform him of Baba’s death.

    “They were all shocked because I never took ill. Immediately the Holy Spirit told me that the evil people were at works again.

    “As God would have it, the man who made the call died exactly the eighth day after he made the satanic call to my household.

    “All we could do was to praise God that the devil’s evil machination had backfired again.”

    He urged all men of God in the country and across all religions to preach salvation and de-emphasise purposeless prosperity among our people to reduce the crimes in the land.

    “God will visit this country this year. We must be prepared because those who do not walk in His ways will have themselves to blame in the end,” he added.

  • Lawmaker seeks divine intervention

    An Honourable member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Hamed Omisore, has called on religious leaders to continue to pray to God for the survival and well being of the nation.

    Omisore made the call while speaking at the Consecration of Bishop (Mrs) Joy Oberiko recently by Divine Souls for Christ Church in conjunction with Endtime Apostolic Global Network (ETAGN) in Lagos.

    According to him, the devil is planning to destabilise the country and only the church that can help with their ceaseless prayers to God for divine intervention.

    He lamented the spate of graft, crime and corruption in public and private sphere which he noted is an indication that Nigerians lack the fear of God in their dealings.

    Omisore, who was awarded Honorary Doctor of Divinity by the College of Bishops (ETAGN), noted that the church must remain firm on their conviction in preaching the truth of God’s word that changes the heart and life for Jesus Christ.

    “I am very delighted to be honoured today and I will continue to be committed to this church that has made tremendous contribution to my life because they supported me with their prayers and advise during my campaign for the House of Assembly.”

    The Presiding Bishop of the Network, Bishop Ben Stephen, appealed to Christians who want to become Bishops to emulate the life of Christ and exhibit good works in their communities.

  • Things will get better this year -Kumuyi

    Nigerians have been advised to continue to put their hope and confident is God in the face of increasing socio-economic challenges in the country.

    This was the focus of the just concluded annual Deeper Life Bible Church, 2012 December Retreat held recently at the Deeper Life Conference Centre, Lagos-Ibadan expressway on the theme: “Receiving All round Security in Christ”.

    The programme started penultimate Thursday had thousands of Christian’s faithful from parts of Lagos State including Ikorudu, Epe and Badagry. The retreat also was held simultaneously in every state in Nigeria and virtually all the Africa countries, including Europe and Latin America.

    There were 14 heart rendering messages with two sessions of Bible study. Messages included: Reproducing Christ’s victory in believers: the believers power of a conqueror’s purity: wining the conqueror’s crown and Militants Overcomers in the triumphant church among others.

    In his sermon, Pastor Kumuyi said that Nigerians should keep their hope alive in God as 2013 is a year of blessings, victory, testmonies, sucess and delliverance for God’s people.

    Kumuyi reminded the participants to exhibit the virtue of endurance as there is always a price to pay for every achiever in Life “there is a cross to bear and different challenges to face which must be endure. We must persevere in holiness as heavenly citizens to be able to inherit all things Christ has prepared for us there”.

    While commenting on the current national issues, he said “while we battle with the ever growing problem of unemployment, underfunded educational institutions, increase in crime rate and various form of ethno-religious violence, we must not lose hope as God is still able to turn things around for good for us.

    He pointed out in the scripture “righteousness exalts a nation and sin is a reproach to any people” added that no nation can ever surmount its challenges without acknowledging God and His desire in the scheme of things.

    The cleric asserted that Nigeria shall overcome. We have passed through this testing tie before and we overcame. As we lessen our negative sides and play down our perceived difference, wise counsel and the real propagators of violence will be indentified and apprehended.

  • God will do miraculous things this year – Otuya

    God will do miraculous things this year – Otuya

    The government of God will be progressive, and each progression will come with a shifting in the spiritual realm also. There will come a radical shift away from the Church as an institution in the culture, to a movement that will have the power to transform the culture. Christianity as an institution has to die in order for Christianity as a movement to be resurrected.”

    This revelation was made by Priscillia Otuya, the president of the United Gospel Churches Association of Nigeria (UGCAN) during the re-launch of the international arm of the organisation recently.

    The event was also an opportunity to talk about the State of the nation and how her organisation plans to make a way in the wilderness for Nigerians. “God is stepping in right now in the affairs of men and turning the tables. Behind all of history is the unseen hand of the Eternal God who is causing all things to work together according to His ultimate intention and purpose. First the natural signs , then the spiritual signs follows. God is definitely up to something.”

    In the coming days and years, Otuya warns that more structures in the society would be collapsing. “This would be a time where God will do things suddenly. A lot of miraculous things would happen and it will take us by surprise. Take another look at what is happening in the world today, and you would realize the Truth that the unseen hand of God is at work in the world stage.”

    She continues: “The truth was and is still that God rules in the affairs of men and He gives power to whomsoever He wills, even to the lowliest of men. But the problem is that while God wants His place in the affairs of men, men would not allow Him. We seek God in times of trouble: we seek Him in times of need and we seek Him for success in times of elections, but we relegate Him when solution comes. We relegate Him after we succeed in gaining power and worst still; we relegate Him when we made policies and take decisions concerning Nigeria and her people.”

    Otuya also advised that Nigerians should continue to pray and not be afraid of the things they see around them. “As we all are already aware, we are in a season of great ups and downs in the nations of the earth, Nigeria inclusive. There are great uncertainties which cause great tensions due to the lack of clarity about the future. We have reached a critical point in our nation’s destiny: in reality the nation is at a crossroad bedeviled with a strange plague. A plague, perhaps more deadly than AIDS affect our nation. It bestrides our landscape, snuffing our dear lives off our people, and bequeathing misery and fear.”

  • Night of harvest at CMCM

    Christ Miracle Church Mission will on Friday 18th January, 2013 hold “Night of Harvest.” It is scheduled for 2, Iyasuna Crescent, Off Ishola Bello Street, Akiode, Ojodu Berger, Lagos.

    Speaking on the programme during its new year prayer session, the Chief host and General Overseer of the church, Prophet David Abiola Adebisi, has assured everyone who attend the programme by the grace of God of uncommon bountiful harvest, will be blessed with fruitfulness in the new year and till the end of time.

    Those expected to minister in songs include midnight crew, Adegbodu Twins, CMCM Glorious Choir among others saying everybody is welcome.

  • Cleric urges Nigeria to keep hope alive

    The spiritual leader of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Dr Gabriel Fakeye, has urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country in spite of the challenges facing it.

    He stated this at the 22nd Inter-denominational Nine Lessons and Xmas Carol Service held at the church premises, Surulere, Lagos.

    Fakeye said: “I want us to know that two forces are at war, one is going to overcome the other. Satan will not and cannot overcome God. What is happening in Nigeria today shows that the more we pray the more the forces of darkness try to overwhelm us. And by the special grace of God Nigerians will win this battle against Satan.”

    He stressed that the country would make process no matter the challenges currently dogging its feet. According to the cleric, Nigerians should rekindle hope in the country and pray for divine help for those who are charged with the responsibilities of providing good governance.

    The carol which attracted prominent citizens from all walks of life, had people of different religious background at the event.

    Speaking, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun noted that it would take some maturity to handle the heavy burden currently confronting government, urged Nigerians to pray for divine intervention from above.

    He said: “It is a bit difficult for me to say that this is the way we are heading because it is obvious that things are difficult and it requires some maturity to handle. The issues of Boko Haram and other challenges have become a burden on government but I believe that if we get our act today we can get it right.”

    Adesegun urged leaders to live a God fearing life by doing what the people wanted, this he further remarked would bring orderliness to the activities of authorities. “We need to live a God fearing life, provide for the people their needs; we should not think evil of others and do what is good in the sight of God.”

    Also present at the event were Lt. General Oladipo Diya (rtd) and Senator Ganiyu Soloman. It was a total package of good musical artistry by the church choir with members dancing and praising God for keeping them alive. Guests and faithful were served given souvenirs and delicious take-away.

  • Year 2013 is a year of testimony—Bankole Jefferson

    Pastor Bankole Jefferson, the General Overseer of Mercy Tabernacle Church, Ogba Lagos organised the Christmas edition of his outreach tagged ‘Help from above’ during the week. The event where food items, clothing and other essentials were given to the less privileged pulled a lot of crowd in the area.

    It was also an opportunity for the man of God to talk about some of the revelations for the year 2013. “We have just finished our 12 days fasting to wait on the lord. Year 2013 is a year of testimony. People who have been waiting on God for children, for a husband, to build a house, promotion and miracle would get their breakthrough,” he informs.

    Jefferson went on to say that: Our nation has also gone through tests and trials, in the new year we will see visible improvements being tested. I think that Boko Haram is government ineffectiveness. I think that Mr. President should come out and be more pro active and not docile. Plane crash is everywhere but it is much in Africa because all the equipment they use is sub standard. The tragedy that is obvious in our land is hunger. If the government does not nail this there will be a revolution.”

    Jefferson admonished Nigerians to be thankful for the year 2012 .His words: “It has been most difficult for people but we thank God that we are standing by his grace. And we are at Christmas again and as usual we are doing our food distribution and we have done several. Particularly, I heard a testimony yesterday from someone who benefitted from our help from above for three consecutive months. Now, she has been empowered and she said she does not need our help again.”

    He added: “Her name is Hannah Ifeoma Okoro, she has a colourful testimony. She bought drum sets for the church. In fact, she bought me the costliest suit this year and she said she would put me on a monthly brand new suit and shoes. I feel fulfilled that this is what God wants me to do to transform lives. It shows you that there is nothing God cannot do. This girl came in here dressed in okrika and she wanted to hang herself at that point. She was brought in for help. She was able to send N200, 000 to her mother in the village. People who have means should give others leverage.”

    A cup of food, Jefferson said, can make a difference in someone’s life. “If we all share this world would be a better place. We can see the monstrous greed and my advice to Mr. President is to kill corruption. Corruptions has moved to every fibre and even as a pastor people make all kinds of illegitimate demand. If they are not the ones behind corruption they should make laws to show it.”

  • Shun peace talk in Saudi, says Erumaka

    The General Overseer of the Wordbase Assembly, Lagos, Bishop Humphrey Erumaka, has charged the federal government to shun any form of conditional dialogue on peace deal from the Boko Haram sect.

    Erumaka made this known in an interview with The Nation recently ahead of the church 14 days of Prayer and Praise Revival programme scheduled to hold early next year.

    Erumaka said the recent condition for peace talk initiated by the Boko Haram sect with the federal government in Saudi Arabia was a clear indication that the sect was not interested in the peace and stability of the country.

    According to him, the need for peaceful co-existence and mutual understanding in any society is very germane for national development but can be effectively done when people or the different parties involved show genuine interest for peace.

    He said “I generally believe in dialogue as a process of mediation but one can only dialogue with people who show real interest for peace. Nigeria can no longer be held ransom by faceless groups whose agenda is primitive and undefined. The condition of the peace talks in Saudi Arabia should be jettisoned in its entirety.”

    While calling for continuous prayers for peace and stability on the part of citizens, the pastor also advised government to put structure that will help protect the lives and properties of citizens in place.

  • 2012 editorial sloppiness

    THE first set of slip-ups to round off this year comes from National Mirror of December 27: “Beside (Besides), the old generation universities should be encouraged to….”

    “Young estate surveyors task (tasked) on professionalism”

    “Mouka rewards distributors at end of year (end-of-year) party”

    “He became the third Lintas alumni (alumnus) to head the umbrella body which….”

    “NSE sanctions Dangote Cement, 96 others for late submition (submission) of results”

    Last entry from NATIONAL MIRROR Back Page Guest Columnist: “…that we have tried our utmost best.” All the Facts, All the Sides: ‘Best’ has attained the end-point of intensification/absoluteness/superlative summit/amplification and cannot, therefore, be padded or subjected to circumlocution or imprecision such as ‘very best’; ‘utmost best’; ‘better than the best’…such expressions smack of verbosity and hazy thinking that borders on linguistic indiscipline! The word means ‘the most excellent type/quality, most suitable/appropriate, the highest standard that somebody or something can reach….’ End of discussion or should it continue? You are welcome in 2013!

    “However, after series of intervention….” (DAILY SUN POLITICS…& Polity, December 26) Get it right: a series of interventions….

    DAILY SUN of December 25 displayed editorial sloppiness with these two headline juvenilities on the same page: “Fayose urges Nigerians to emulate Christ…and “First Lady urges Nigerians to emulate Christ” The sub-editor who planned this page must have been dreaming of Christmas the previous day! How else do you explain this tardiness?

    More from the above medium: “FRSC deploys officials on (to) Asaba-Onitsha highway”

    “No gang up (gang-up) against Jonathan”

    “Customs arrests (arrest) passenger with $456,000 at MMIA”

    Still on DAILY SUN under review: “With deep (a deep) sense of humility…who stood by us during the events of the past two months that culminated into (in) the closure of our petroleum products tank farm facility.” (Full-page advertisement by Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited…the nation’s oil giant)

    “…all Abuja brethren rejoices (rejoice) with…on the occassion of the 10th Anniversary of our great Ministry (sic).” (Full-page advertisement by state coordinator FCT Abuja of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement) I hope this intellectualization of religion is not blasphemous!

    “Reception follows immediately at (on) the church premises” (Full-page advertisement by Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja)

    “Cold blooded murder!” This is an example of cold-blooded headline casting!

    “That was when I saw the handwriting (writing) on the wall.”

    Finally from DAILY SUN of Xmas Day: “YSFON mourns Late (sic) Hamza” Sun Sports: Do you mourn a living person? Enough of this loose thinking!

    THE NATION ON SUNDAY of December 23 contained a few slips: “…discussed the envisaged restructuring of the party and it’s (its) chances in 2014.”

    “…he was the governorship candidate under (on) the platform of CPC.”

    “An engineer by profession and Harvard trained (Harvard-trained) economist….”

    “…argues that the federal government is biting too much (biting off more than it can chew).”

    “…turning himself into a brand that many up and coming (up-and-coming) comedians struggle to emulate.”

    Finally from last week’s edition of this medium under review: “Where to find last minute (last-minute) Xmas bargains”

    “…they now resort into (to) more desperate inactivity.”

    “…shouldn’t the National Assembly summon the will and revert back to the….” How does ‘revert back’ sound, dear reader? Simply illiterate. So, delete ‘back’, which is implied.

    “…on the erroneous ground (grounds) that all of them are rich.”

    “Too many theories are already making the rounds (doing or going the rounds) which only an open investigation can stop.”

    “The Hausa and Yoruba residents of Idi-Araba on Lagos Mainland went for each other’s throats….” Justice in service of community: each other’s throat (two persons) and one another’s throat (more than two persons).

    “The disturbances, as is (are) are now well known, started from a non-issue.”

    “But as soon as the Igbo governors demanded for confederation.…” Gently delete ‘for’ in the interest of lexical sanity.

    “The reunited Ijaw Youths Council has declared February 28 as a day all Ijaw youths would be ready to lay down their lives in a bid to battle the oil companies operating in (on) Bonny Island.”

    “Times like this call for fresh ideas and bold initiatives that would put a final stop to this one dark spot of our national life.” The tragedy of gunmen: A time like this or times like these.

    “Karzai re-opens Afghan embassy in UAE” This way: reopen.

    “Any of the elected representative (representatives) who performs well will stand a better chance of being re-elected in the forthcoming elections.”

    “Therefore, they should refrain from joining the bandwagon in a life of greed and avarice and take a right step in the right direction.” Nigeria and leadership succession: climb or jump on/aboard the bandwagon (not join—it is not a club or society).

    FEEDBACK

    Permit me to point out two rather frequent anomalies in Nigerian English: People are said to die after a brief illness. Does this make sense? ‘After an illness’ implies they have recovered. Death occurs from an illness—NOT after it. Often the word ‘contract’ is omitted when reporters write about government jobs. The road has been awarded. Is it right to leave out ‘contract’? No! Once more, thanks for your good works. (Prof. N.P. Okolie/University of Benin/07031677944)

    YOUR efforts at reducing lexical insanity are appreciated. The column should be an every-weekend tonic to every lover of good English. (Stanley/08062925996)

    My dear reader: Happy New Year in advance as we reconvene here next Sunday by God’s grace!