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Category: Worship

Alimosho hosts global cross-over as Prophet Ikotun declares 2026 year of abundance

Thousands of worshippers on Tuesday night thronged Abesan Stadium, Ipaja, Lagos, as High Tower Global Church held its Alimosho Global Crossover Service tagged, ‘Night of Abundance,’ ushering congregants into the New Year with prayers, prophetic declarations, worship, and humanitarian outreach.

The all-night service, which marked the crossover into 2026, featured intense praise and worship led by gospel music stars Tope Alabi and Wande Babalola, whose soul-lifting ministrations electrified the atmosphere and set the tone for what participants described as a night of spiritual renewal and hope.

Speaking with journalists at the event, the Global Prophet of High Tower Global Church, Prophet Rufus Ikotun, expressed gratitude to God for life and preservation, noting that despite the challenges of the outgoing year, God remained faithful.

“First of all, I want to appreciate God and congratulate everyone who made it to 2026. 2025 was our year of progress, but it was a tough year. Still, God showed Himself,” he said.

Ikotun declared that 2026 is divinely ordained as a year of abundance for God’s people, stressing that divine provision would distinguish believers even in the midst of global and national economic uncertainties.

“The Lord said to me that in this year, 2026, there will be abundance for His children. Nigeria will change for the better, and the way it will happen will amaze everybody,” he prophesied.

The cleric also spoke on national security, declaring an end to banditry in Nigeria.

“God said banditry will stop because the source of its power will be exposed. The Lord has heard the cry of His people,” he added.

A major highlight of the crossover service was the feeding of about 5,000 people, as worshippers and community members went home with food items, including bags of rice.

Explaining the inspiration behind the initiative, Ikotun recounted his humble beginnings.

“I hate seeing people hungry because I have been there before. When I lived with my grandmother in Ilesha, Osun State, we only ate rice on Sundays or Christmas Day. Today, God has blessed me, and I told Him that people must go home from crossover with something,” he said.

He revealed plans to expand the outreach, adding, by the grace of God, next year we are doing 10,000.

On whether the programme marked the church’s first social intervention, the prophet said the surrounding communities could attest to the church’s consistent outreach efforts, insisting that “community impact is central to the mission of the church.

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“Any church that is not making an impact in its community is not a church. The true definition of church is help,” he said.

According to him, the crossover was more than a New Year service.

“It’s not just a crossover; it’s a revival, a crusade. God revived lives tonight. We saw healings—ears opened, pains disappeared, and lives transformed,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Ikotun announced plans for a mid-year revival in July and assured Nigerians of continued social and spiritual interventions throughout the year.

On leadership and governance, he urged political leaders to lead with compassion.

“I want our leaders to have merciful hearts. If people are paying taxes, they should see the impact—good roads, security, stable power,” he said.

He posited further by encouraging Nigerians to remain hopeful and steadfast in faith.

“Stand with Christ. Jesus is not one of the ways; He is the only way. In 2026, God will put His children into abundance,” he declared.

Ikotun, a graduate of Banking and Finance, said he was called into ministry in 2009. He is married to a lawyer and marriage counsellor, and they are blessed with four children.

The Night of Abundance ended on a high note, with worshippers expressing gratitude for a crossover service many described as both spiritually uplifting and socially impactful.

January 4, 2026
Prolonged financial burden on wives may strain marriages, says clergyman

A clergyman, Lawrence Onochie, has cautioned men against allowing their wives to bear the financial burden of the household for too long, stating that it can silently undermine marriages.

Onochie, while speaking to his congregation, said that women, despite their support and love, are not designed to shoulder the primary financial responsibility of a household in the long term.

He noted that this strain often manifests emotionally before being openly expressed.

According to Onochie, men facing financial difficulties already experience intense internal pressure, while women often lack the emotional intelligence or communication skills to effectively convey their own stress, further straining marital relationships.

The clergyman stressed that men must intentionally rebuild their finances and reclaim their role as providers, describing it as a personal and moral obligation.

He cautioned that prolonged failure to provide for one’s household can jeopardise family stability and marital harmony, referencing scripture that condemns men who fail to provide for their families as worse than unbelievers.

He said, “I I don’t care how supportive your wife is. If she carries the burden, the financial burden of the house for too long, it will take its toll on your marriage. I don’t care how supportive, how godly she is.

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“I don’t care how much she loves you. Why? She’s not built for it, and unfortunately, most women don’t have the wisdom required in that phase of their relationship.

“They are feeling genuine stress, but they don’t know how to communicate it well so that their communication can build, not destroy. Because at that phase of the life of a man, he’s more sensitive than ever. Anything you say will be held against you at the court of law.

“Anything you say will be remembered at that time because it’s an extremely sensitive period and phase of their lives. So as a man, you have to be intentional about building your finances. Whether you like it or not, you have to provide.

“God has put you in that space. In fact, scripture says a man who cannot provide for his family is worse than an infidel and has denied the faith.”

January 3, 2026
2026 will be a year of choices, mercy, divine turnaround – Apostle Kure

The visionary pioneer of Throne Room Trust Ministry Kafanchan, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, has declared that 2026 will be a defining season of choices, mercy, and divine intervention, warning that those who fail to seek God’s mercy may face grave consequences.

The Apostle made the declaration during a crossover service and prophetic message held in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, which drew prominent politicians, traditional rulers, and worshippers from diverse backgrounds.

Delivering the prophetic charge, Apostle Kure described 2026 as “a year of choices,” urging individuals, families, and leaders to make deliberate and godly decisions that will shape their destinies.

He cautioned that the year “will swallow those who fail to seek mercy in the eyes of the Lord,” stressing the need for repentance, humility, and total dependence on God.

He further prophesied that God is set to “carve a new path for many,” noting that the coming year would usher in fresh beginnings, redirection, and restoration for those who fear the Lord.

According to him, 2026 will mark a season of fruitfulness, as God opens His “treasure house” to bring about visible change and transformation in the lives of the faithful.

Apostle Kure also described the year as “the year of the hook,” explaining that it would be a divine connection point where God would link His people to hidden treasures, opportunities, and blessings that had long been inaccessible.

Speaking on the nation’s future, the cleric prophesied a total turnaround for Nigeria, declaring that God would cut off everything that does not align with His purpose for the country.

He expressed hope that the prophecy would usher in renewal, stability, and progress for the nation.

The service featured prayers, worship, and thanksgiving, with attendees expressing renewed faith and optimism as they crossed into the New Year under what many described as a solemn but hopeful prophetic atmosphere.

January 2, 2026
Olu-Alo predicts end to insecurity in 2026

Planter of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Adamimogo Grace of Prayer Mountain, Lekki/Epe Express way, Lagos, Prophet Sam Olu- Alo has predicted an end to insecurity in Nigeria in 2026.

He urged Nigerians to shun religious intolerance and show genuine love to one another, saying these are conditions that would expose secrets behind terrorism and banditry, which will pave way to end insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking with journalists after the Cross Over service at his church in Lagos on January 1, 2026, Olu-Alo said: “Our foremost prayer is that the secrets of all those who are planning to bring war into South West and other parts of Nigeria should be exposed henceforth.

“My words of advice for Nigerians on how insecurity could end are in three folds, but first of all I greet all Nigerians, Muslims, Christina’s and traditionalists. I congratulate us all for witnessing another brand new year , 2026. I greet our President, governors and ministers . I specially greet governors of the South-West l, particularly Lagos and Ekiti Governors.

“Now to the advice for Nigerians, first
I again want to advise Nigerians that we must truly love ourselves. At this material time, true love is the only thing that could end insecurity. As we understand in the Bible, when a war gets so hot, it is at this point, it is about to be won. When the war gets so tough, this is an indication that it is about to be won.

“If we truly show love to one another in this country, the secrets of these evil people would be exposed. It is this love that would help us to find out about their hideouts. I can assure you, if the three major ethnic tribes in Nigeria, could truly and genuinely love one another, this war against insecurity shall be won this year.

“Secondly, all true men of God of all faiths, Muslim, Christians and leaders of traditional religions, should ensure that we preach love for one another at a time like this. There must be religious tolerance. We lost true love for one another in the past, and that was why we have these challenges which insecurity is just one of them.

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“A fundamental challenge we have in this country is religious intolerance, there is lack of love among the three faiths as Muslims see themselves as enemies of Christians, Christians also consider themselves as enemies of Muslims. In fact, among we Christians, we hate one another. But once we show true love to one another irrespective of our faiths, we shall win this year.

“Thirdly, we must ensure that our security operatives and forces, and/or personnel are well taken care of. We must see to their welfare and well-being. This is very very important at this material time. And this is my advice on the issue of insecurity. We should also be very prayerful for this country.”

The popular CAC cleric also spoke to government on the new tax system which has been welcomed with differing reactions from Nigerians.

He said : “On the new tax system that is starting today, January 1, 2026. It does seem not many Nigerians truly understand the new tax system and it is the duty of our government to ensure everyone understands. Every nation that has become highly developed has a history of adequate payment of taxes.

“Those whose salaries cannot adequately cater for them, the government in such developed nations assist them with financial subsidies. This means that when such salary earners pay their taxes, their governments return some money to them because their salaries cannot adequately take care of them. I observe that such template is likely to be part of this new tax system in Nigeria.

“However, in developed countries where taxes are adequately paid, the citizens over there are seeing the things their governments are using their money for in terms of standard and sufficient infrastructure development, electricity and others.

“So, I advise our government to also be more transparent with this new tax regime by ensuing that they furnish us with what they would be using the money coming from the new tax system for. If they furnish us ahead of time, what the money to be realized through this new tax system would be used for, and they fulfill these pledges, this will make people to have faith in the system.

“Payment of tax is Biblical and God supports it. Money realized from taxation are used in developed countries to make things better, but in Nigeria, our people have lost confidence in the system because over the time, we don’t see what our government use our taxes for.

“But if things begins to work, and Nigerians are seeing good governance, the hospitals are well equipped, workers are well paid, social amenities are provided adequately among others for instance, the people will not have doubt about the new tax system.”

He added promptly that he was embarking on a spiritual tour of Mount Sinai and Jordan and other places for prayers, saying: “My sojourn to mount Sinai and other places, is part of my usual prayer plans annually. We are praying for the growth of our ministry, for our members and for our nation for peace to truly reign.”

January 2, 2026
2026: Our year of faith, renewed commitment to God— Akinadewo

The President of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Nigeria Region, and Prelate of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide (MCCSW), Baba Aladura Israel Akinadewo, has declared 2026 as “Our Year of Righteousness, Provoked New Name,” urging Nigerians to embrace the new year with renewed faith, hope, and commitment to godly living.

In his New Year message, Akinadewo anchored his exhortation on God’s unfailing mercy, citing Lamentations 3:22–23, which affirms that God’s mercies are renewed every morning.

He described the transition into 2026 as a divine opportunity for spiritual renewal, encouraging believers to release regrets and fears from the past.

“The turning of the calendar is a powerful symbol of God’s renewing grace,” he said. “The past year may have held both triumphs and trials, but each experience was under His sovereign care. We must enter the new year with intentional faith and hopeful expectation, anchored in God’s promises.”

Referencing Isaiah 43:19, the OAIC President emphasized that God is set to do a new thing in 2026, even in seemingly barren situations. He called on Nigerians to cultivate spiritual sensitivity and courage to perceive and actively participate in God’s divine move in the coming year.

“As we make our plans, we must commit them to the Lord, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness, knowing that He will direct our paths,” Akinadewo added.

Speaking on the state of the nation, the cleric called on Nigerians to approach 2026 with increased faith, especially in the face of economic, security, and governance challenges. He noted that Nigeria, like many other nations, is grappling with global monetary and fiscal pressures, but emphasized the importance of collective responsibility.

“It is imperative for us as citizens to support our political leaders through prayers and other productive means,” he said. “While we face challenges in security and the economy, we must leverage our diversity as a strength to overcome them.”

Akinadewo expressed optimism that 2026 holds “lofty hopes” for Nigeria, assuring that perseverance and unity would lead to collective rejoicing at the end of the year.

In his concluding charge, the OAIC President urged Christians to make their faith visible through love, kindness, and forgiveness, drawing from Ephesians 4:32. He called on families, churches, and communities to become havens of compassion in a divided world.

“Let us move forward together as a covenant community, forgetting what lies behind and pressing toward what lies ahead,” he said, praying for God’s blessings and preservation for all throughout the new year.

He ended the message with a benediction of peace, declaring: “May the Lord bless you and keep you throughout this new year. Shalom.”

December 31, 2025
New Year will bring peace, progress for Nigeria — RCCG Pastor

Pastor Adeyemo, Pastor in Charge of Province 70 of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, stating that the country is already witnessing the foundations of peace, progress, and democratic dividends.

In an interview at his office in Sabo, Lagos, the cleric encouraged Nigerians to be thankful for the nation’s current direction and to pray for the success of the administration. “What I expect in the New Year is peace, joy, and progress. The dividend of democracy is coming,” he said.

Pastor Adeyemo emphasized that leadership is ordained by God and must be supported with prayers, citing Daniel 2:20. “God is the one who sets up kings. He gives wisdom. What we need to ask God for is wisdom for those in authority,” he noted.

He urged Nigerians to pray for the president and his family, stressing that political differences should not hinder what God has begun. “God has exposed certain things because He wants to help Nigeria. He put this leader there. I cannot be praying for someone to fail; it’s not possible,” he said.

Acknowledging economic and security challenges, Adeyemo attributed many obstacles to human compromise but expressed confidence in Nigeria’s military and security architecture.

“The major problem Nigeria has is corruption. It is not necessarily from the president; it is down the line. What Nigerians should fight is corruption at all levels of government,” he said.

The cleric called for a national conversation on accountability, including the removal of immunity for public office holders who misuse funds.

He also defended recent tax reforms, noting that expanding the tax base could benefit the poor if funds are properly utilized.

“If the money is not wasted, it will come back to the grassroots. But if it is wasted, then that is where the problem is,” he explained.

Responding to concerns about the role of the Church amid economic hardship, Adeyemo said churches continue to support the needy despite limited resources.

“The economy is affecting everyone, including the Church. But the Church is about love and shared sacrifice. We contribute little by little to help those in need,” he said.

He concluded with a message of hope, insisting that with prayers, accountability, and collective vigilance against corruption, Nigeria will experience lasting progress in the coming year.

December 31, 2025
Bishop Wale-Oke urges Tinubu to flush out ‘moles’ aiding insecurity

The Presiding Bishop of Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Francis Wale-Oke, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take firm action by flushing out what he described as moles and fifth columnists within Nigeria’s security system in order to decisively tackle insecurity.

The cleric noted that insecurity has overtaken corruption as the most feared challenge facing the country.

While commending the Tinubu administration for intensifying efforts to combat insecurity, he urged the President to do more.

Bishop Wale-Oke also appealed to Islamic leaders, particularly the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, to openly condemn the acts of kidnapping, banditry, Boko Haram insurgency, and other crimes being carried out in the name of Islam, a religion he said is known for peace.

He made the remarks while hosting journalists at an end-of-year luncheon held on Sunday at the Covenant Cathedral, Parliament Road, Ibadan.

According to the bishop, Nigeria’s security architecture requires a comprehensive overhaul, stressing that the President should spare no one in the pursuit of justice.

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He expressed concern over the presence of moles and fifth columnists within the security apparatus, which he said continue to undermine efforts to address insecurity.

Bishop Wale-Oke also criticised the previous administration’s policy of reintegrating repentant bandits into the military, describing the approach as “playing with fire.”

He said, “We have come to the end of a very challenging year. This year has been challenging for Nigerians. The cries of Nigerians are very loud.

The economic hardship, the corruption issue in Nigeria, and then insecurity has come to the fore. It has become a major issue. I want to say, up until now, people have said the number one challenge of Nigeria is corruption.

“And to a larger extent, I believe corruption is major. We have got to deal with corruption before corruption brings our nation down. But you all will agree with me that insecurity has suddenly surpassed the matter of corruption as the number one challenge in Nigeria.

“Because where there is insecurity, we cannot travel freely, we cannot do business freely. When the road is not free, the air is not free, the home is not free, the gathering is not free, everything and everybody will be affected. So insecurity has become an issue.

“And let me say this, I want to commend the federal government in stepping up of recent, as the government of President Bola Tinubu in stepping up the fight against insecurity. For a long time, we have been asking for a change and overhaul in the security architecture of Nigeria. And we saw a bit of it now.

“The appointment of a new Chief of Army Staff and some shuffling going on, indicating the determination of President Tinubu to deal with the matter of insecurity, head on. And we want our president to push it to its logical conclusion. To spare no one. To allow no secred cow.

“If we don’t bring insecurity down, insecurity will bring this nation down. And the commander-in-chief should be commander-in-chief indeed to deal with it.

“We are aware that all our security apparatus have been infested with moles and fifth columnists, planted by people who have interest in creating chaos and in weakening our security apparatus. Our soldiers are losing their lives needlessly. A general was brutally killed, which should not be so at all.

“And it’s because the moles in the system have not been flushed out. When the previous administration came out with this odious, nefarious policy of reintegrating the so-called repentant bandits into the military system, we cried out at that time that this is playing with fire. It’s like you put a cobra on your head and you’re putting your cap on it.

“When you’re bringing so-called repentant terrorists. First and foremost, there’s nothing like repentant terrorists. Governance is not church service. In church, when people sin and they confess their sin and they repent, we pray for them and ask God to forgive them. In governance, when people are caught breaking the law, they face the music and they face the full wrath of the law.

“People are kidnapping. People are raping. People are killing. People are taking our children and they are messing them up. And they will kidnap hundreds of our children and force them to march several kilometers. Young people. You’re coming to tell me that these ones are repentant. No, they’re not repentant. They just want to enter into the system so they can weaken the system from within.

“So we want to urge President Tinubu to put his feet down and to flush the moles out. To flush the fifth columnists out that are there. To make sure that we are not wasting the precious life of our gallant officers and our intelligence officers that are doing a great work.”

He said further, “Please flush them out. Give them a red card. Don’t treat terrorists, bandits, Boko Haram, Lakurawa or whatever name they are called, that are killing, maiming, raping, kidnapping. Don’t treat them as repentant. If they want to repent, leave that between them and God. Send them to hell. On their way to hell, if they repent, leave that to God.

“The work of governance is to bring the will of justice to grind heavily on people that are killing, maiming, raping and making life difficult for Nigerians. These are plea to Mr. President.

“We commend our President in moving very fast. I would commend our President in agreeing to cooperate with the American government to coordinate a joint effort between American military and Nigerian military to flush out this banditry.

“Because if for about 15years, we have been fighting them, and rather than things getting better, it’s getting worse, it means we are not coping. And then, let’s ask for help. And let’s cooperate.

“We are not submitting our sovereignty to America, no. We are working hand-in-hand with them to deal with these wicked people that are creating hell for Nigeria. And by the time they know that they have not save heaven, by the time they know that both Nigerian military and American military are working together to flush them out, they will withdraw.

“And if they know that they cannot practice their game again, they go back to where they have come. So, we thank God that things like this are happening. President Tinubu, you are doing a good job with this number one thing.”

The bishop further called on politicians to prioritize good governance and deal with corruption decisively, rather than turning anti-corruption agencies into political tools.

He also appealed to Islamic leaders to speak out against the use of their religion as a cover for evil acts, such as kidnapping and killing.

In a message of hope, Bishop Wale-Oke cited Job 14:7, saying, “For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, it will sprout again.” He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and to join hands to end the killings and insecurity in the country.

December 28, 2025
Abundant Life hosts Christmas Praise Experience

Abundant Life Gospel Church, Fagba, Lagos, recently held its annual Christmas Praise Experience, tagged ‘Event of Joy,’ bringing together residents for a colourful celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ marked by praise, outreach, and community impact.

The programme featured spirited ministrations by renowned gospel artistes Tosin Bee, Mercy Chinwo, Esther Igbekele, Solomon Odinta, and Seye Omowowon, who led the congregation and community members in heartfelt worship and praise.

Adding a vibrant touch to the celebration was a dance rally that kicked off from Agege Underbridge and moved through major streets to Eliot Bus Stop, drawing attention and spreading the Christmas cheer as participants danced and praised God along the route.

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Beyond music and praise, the church demonstrated practical love through the distribution of food items, clothing, and other gift items to 120 widows’ residents of the Fagba/Agege community. Cooked meals, rice, drinks, and other essentials were shared freely, ensuring that many families experienced the joy of the season.

Speaking with journalists at the event, the General Overseer of Abundant Life Gospel Church, Dr. Janet Onaolapo, said the celebration was inspired by the true essence of Christmas.

“We are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. Christmas is glad tidings of great joy to all men. Jesus came to deliver us from torment and the works of darkness, so it is only fitting that His birth is celebrated as an event of joy,” she said.

Onaolapo explained that the Christmas Praise Experience is part of a series of outreach activities organised annually by the church.

According to her, the Sunday before Christmas, the church distributes food items such as rice, garri, yam, and other staples to community members. The church also holds a special widows’ outreach, during which Ankara fabrics and financial support are given to widows.

She noted that the Christmas dance rally and praise session were designed to help people relax and experience joy, especially in view of the tense socio-economic climate in the country.

“Nigeria is very tense and volatile. We want people to relax, praise God, and enjoy the season of Christmas,” she added.

On her message to Nigerians, Dr. Onaolapo urged citizens not to give up on the country.

“Nigeria is a great nation. We should not give up. Let us begin to think about what we can do for the nation, not only what the nation can do for us. If citizens change their values and leaders act responsibly, pursuing justice, godliness, and dignity, Nigeria will flourish,” she said.

She also expressed optimism about the future, describing 2026 as a year of flourishing, while stressing that true flourishing comes through consistent right actions by both leaders and citizens.

Also speaking, Ibukun Adewole, Deacon and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the Christmas Praise Experience, described the programme as a deliberate effort to make tangible impact in the Fagba community.

“This Event of Joy is to commemorate Christmas and reflect what Jesus did and continues to do in the lives of people,” he said. “This year alone, we took care of 120 widows. The focus is outreach and impact, not just church activities.”

Adewole noted that Abundant Life Gospel Church has consistently carried out various social interventions within the Fagba axis and used the Christmas programme to showcase Christ’s love in action.

The Christmas Praise Experience ended on a joyful note, with residents expressing gratitude for the outreach and the atmosphere of hope, unity, and celebration brought to the community.

December 28, 2025
Christmas: Prison fellowship brings hope to families of inmates

I feel relieved because the things my husband is not available to do for me and my children, God is using some people to do. I am very grateful.”

These were the heartfelt words of Mrs. Grace Prosper, one of the beneficiaries of the Angel Tree 2025 Programme and Children Charisma Party, organised by Prison Fellowship Nigeria (PFN), Lagos State Chapter, and held recently at The Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking with The Nation, Prosper, who also participated in last year’s edition, noted significant improvements in her life and that of her children. She, however, appealed for sustained support for families of incarcerated persons.

“We are grateful for the help, but we hope there will be regular interventions for people like us,” she said. “Our needs go beyond food and shelter. We need emotional and psychosocial support because there are things on our minds we often wish we could share.”

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The event, which brought together families of inmates, children, and caregivers, featured the distribution of food items, clothing, cash support, and educational materials—drawing smiles and appreciation from beneficiaries. The outreach was supported by The Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC) and The Prison Ministry of The Apostolic Church LAWNA Territory.

Addressing participants, Chaplain Mike Adeyemo, Chairman of PFN Lagos State, said the fellowship had strengthened its intervention packages this year to better meet the needs of inmates’ families.

“We have improved on our intervention with better packages for the families of inmates,” he said. “Our joy is that the children and families will not have to depend on neighbours. These outreaches give them hope.”

Adeyemo explained that PFN partners with churches willing to host the programme. “We don’t roster churches. We approach them, and any church that agrees hosts us. The churches are trying their best,” he noted.

He urged mothers to guide their children properly and encourage the children to take education seriously.

“Education forms and reforms the mind. Take it seriously. There is hope. Many of these children can become good citizens, and history must not repeat itself,” he said.

Also speaking, Fabulous Bamidele Orji, Chairman of the Planning Committee, described the 2025 celebration as “extraordinary,” noting a significant expansion in scope.

“This year is not ordinary. We increased the scale of what we do,” he said. “We prepared for about 100 families, and with their children, we are catering for nearly 400 people. They came from across Lagos State and even from Ogun State.”

Orji explained that PFN’s annual end-of-year party is designed to stand in for what incarcerated parents would ordinarily provide during Christmas.

“If a father is behind bars, he cannot be there for his family. So this Christmas party represents what their daddy would have done for them,” he said.

According to him, beneficiaries received cooked meals, raw food items, clothing, cash support, and educational materials, with transport costs carefully considered based on beneficiaries’ locations.

“It’s not just money; it’s a complete Christmas package,” he explained. “We want them to go home with dignity.”

He stressed the importance of the initiative for children’s emotional wellbeing, recalling past experiences where children of inmates felt abandoned during festive seasons.

“When nobody asks after you at Christmas, it affects a child deeply. But when they see that someone cares, it builds confidence and hope for the future,” he said.

Orji added that PFN’s support extends beyond the Angel Tree programme through initiatives such as Promise Path Project (PPP), which focuses on returning out-of-school children—especially children of inmates—to school by covering fees, uniforms, and learning materials.

December 28, 2025
Nigeria needs moral rebirth as true essence of Christmas – Prophet Olagunju

The Zonal Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Power of God Saves Zone, Prophet Moses Olagunju, has urged Nigerians to return to the true essence of Christmas by embracing moral rebirth as a foundation for national renewal.

Speaking in an interview with The Nation ahead of the church’s annual Abraham’s Blessing Programme, scheduled for January 5–9, 2026, at Ori Oke Aanu Siku, Apomu Elekan Area of Osun State, the cleric described Christmas as a sacred season of reflection rather than one of excess.

The programme, he said, would feature song renditions, an interdenominational ministers’ and workers’ conference, as well as prophetic ministrations.

“We are supposed to celebrate the birth of Christ. Jesus was born in a manger, and that alone teaches us humility. Christmas is not about eating and drinking; it is about reflection—examining where we are spiritually and morally,” Olagunju said.

According to him, although the exact date of Christ’s birth is unknown, Christmas has become a global acknowledgement of God’s grace to humanity. He, however, lamented that many Christians have lost the spiritual depth of the celebration.

“It is unfortunate that unbelievers now take Christmas more seriously than Christians. Christmas should be a season to study the Bible, to X-ray the life of Christ and learn humility,” he added.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence, Olagunju attributed the nation’s challenges to greed, corruption and moral decay.

“Nigeria is not desolate; the problem is the people living in it. A nation filled with greed and selfishness cannot make progress. We waste resources and celebrate corruption,” he said.

He expressed concern over the plight of Nigerian youths who, despite acquiring university education, struggle to find meaningful livelihoods.

“Our children graduate from universities only to return to learning handiwork. When we continue to condone criminals and corruption, we will remain stagnant,” he warned.

Assessing the current administration, the cleric acknowledged that efforts are being made but noted that corruption among public office holders remains a major setback.

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“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach. You cannot build a nation where public office holders are only interested in cashing out from the system,” he said.

He called on Nigerian youths to rise responsibly; stressing that violence is not the solution to the nation’s problems.

“War is not the answer. Youths should arise and play their part in restoring dignity, trust and piety in our country. God is not done with Nigeria,” he declared.

Olagunju also expressed deep concern over what he described as the commercialization of the Church.

“We don’t have churches anymore; many have become business centres. How many are preaching holiness, repentance, heaven and the soon-coming King?” he queried.

He lamented that truth has become unpopular in many pulpits, noting that prosperity preaching without righteousness has weakened the moral fabric of society.

“Truth now sounds like a curse. If a pastor preaches the truth today, some members will accuse him of cursing them. My church does not pay me; it pays God. Members could pay me more if they stole at their workplaces, but the truth we preach here will not allow that,” he said.

The cleric urged national leaders to deal decisively with corruption, calling on President Bola Tinubu to balance mercy with firm action.

December 28, 2025