Category: Worship

•He was my prayer warrior, says Prelate of Methodist church

As the world commiserate with the family of the former President of the Christian Association Of Nigeria, (CAN), the late Prelate, Methodist Church, Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Mbang, who died at 86 years on the 13th of May at his home in Eket in Uyo, Adeola Ogunlade spoke to some clerics who eulogied the life and times of the prelate .

The Prelate of Methodist Church, Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, said he was grateful to God for the life well spent with the late prelate, Dr. Sunday Mbang who he regarded as a father and hero.

He described the late prelate as a voice for the voiceless. “He was someone God gave to us as a gift both to the church and Nigeria. He was a man who lived a selfless life. He has left a serious legacy in the sand of times. He will not be forgotten in a fiat.”

Aba revealed that the late Mbang united the church when the church had a crisis some years back, adding that he was the head of the church for 22 years. “He was a chaplain to Professor Bolaji Idowu. He was able to take us to the promised land of peace and unity. Even until his death, he was a faithful leader,” he said.

Aba further said that the late Prelate Mbang would not sleep until he attended to the needs of the church.

The late Methodist Church prelate, aside from being the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), was also the co-founder of The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC). “He was the President of the World Methodist Council for five years.” 

Describing the relationship he had with Mbang, he said: “Our relationship was that of father and son. He was on my prayer chain team. He believed so much in me and that was why he championed the course of my becoming the Prelate of the church last August.

“We prayed and searched the scriptures together. He was concerned about me leading the Methodist Church of Nigeria alright. After my emergence as the Prelate, I brought bishops to his house for a retreat; it was indeed a memorable moment for me in ministry.

“He was a man of God that believed so much in his maker. He spoke the truth at all times and in all situations”, he said.

Aba posited that the late Prelate was not a sycophant but an upright man, straightforward, simple, and not materialistic.

Read Also: Mbang a man of great faith, says Tinubu

He also described Mbang as fearless and truthful to the core. “All he was looking for was for the church to grow from strength to strength. I am privileged to coordinate his burial ceremony,” Aba said.

 He was uncommon, fearless servant of God-Archbishop Joseph Ojo

Also speaking, the Presiding Bishop of Calvary Kingdom Church International, Archbishop Joseph Imariabe Ojo described  Mbang as an upright, and forthright man of God who lived a good legacy for the church and the nation, adding that the late prelate was an uncommon servant of God who did not only serve God but served his country.

Ojo stated that as a pastor at the Church of God Mission in Mafoluko, Lagos State, “I always visit him in Yaba, Lagos, and his contributions toward the stability of the Christian Association of Nigeria can never be forgotten. He has made a mark in the sound of times.

“One lesson we have learned as servants of God is that we have to serve God with all our hearts because we will one day go back to the one who has called us into ministry and give an account of our stewardship while on earth,” he said.

An exemplary religious leader–Achudume

 The set man at the Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, described  Mbang as an exemplary religious leader whose legacies of commitment to peaceful coexistence, religious harmony, and oneness will continue to be a point of reference.

He made this known recently while extolling the virtues of the late highly revered prelate.

According to him, Mbang who was also a former President of CAN was an embodiment of simplicity, rendered selfless service to humanity, and was tolerant to all, especially during the military era when he had several confrontations with the government at that time.

Achudume observed that the late Mbang’s kind is rare, noting that he was a detribalised Nigerian who put the military regimes of late General Sanni Abacha and General Abdulsalami Abubakar on their toes until the civilian administration was ushered in.

 “No two people like Dr.  Sunday Mbang, he was a  true Nigerian, he was not ethnically biased, a fighter for justice.

The VLBC set man who had the privilege to be with the late spiritual leader a few days before he answered the home call said that Dr. Mbang bared his mind on many issues bordering on governance in the country and waited for the general elections to be over before taking a bow from this world. “The man told me a lot about Nigeria, he waited for the election to be over before departing, he prayed to witness the election and he did, he died in peace”.

The Planter of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain, Adamimogo Worldwide, Prophet Sam Olu Alo has appealed to Nigerians to look beyond religion, tribe, or primordial sentiments and support the President-elect with their prayers so that he can succeed.

Alo gave this appeal at the just concluded Exodus (Ayajo Majemu) of CAC, Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain, held over the weekend at the Adamimogo Jesus City, Lekki-Expressway, Lagos.

Tagged: ‘No More Limitation,’ brought together over 6,000 Christian faithful from Nigeria, Europe, the United States of America, and Canada which feature prayers, prophetic ministration, and dedication of the newly built Adamimogo Jesus City Altar.

According to him, the emergence of the President-elect is divinely ordained by God as the scriptures have said that no man ever receives anything from any man except it is given by God. “When God allows the president-elect to assume power, he should know that Nigerians repose a lot of confidence in him and he must work assiduously to make the country great again.”

God, he claimed, told him that the incoming administration would be the last hope for Nigeria.

He prayed for the president-elect to succeed, urging Nigerians irrespective of their religion, tribe, and language to rise up and support the president-elect with their prayers so that he can succeed.

Alo added: “70% of the newly elected officials will swear an oath either with the Bible or the Qur’an. This means that it is incumbent on them to do what is right that will bring peace and prosperity to the country.”

Read Also: President-elect and government of national competence in perspective

He noted that Nigerians are more politically conscious and well-positioned to make their choices on who they want in power across board, adding that the upset that happened in the last elections are pointers to whoever will come to power to do the right things because they will one day give account.

He also referred to the altar as the most powerful place and a place for encounters in the scriptures. There are two kinds of altars. “Altars are places where souls are lifted and are also a place to pull people down. This altar is to lift souls and also to pull down the altars of Satan and wickedness.”

Also speaking at the event, founder of Wonderland Christ Assembly, Lagos, Prophet Akinola James Fasawe lauded the humility and passion for souls that exemplify the life of Prophet Sam Olu Alo, which according to him is commendable 

He urged the President-elect to embrace fresh ideas of the youths and bring everyone to the table, adding that “you can rule Nigeria and succeed with the spirit of unity and laying good legacy for generations to come.”

Ogunseye decried the state of today’s church, saying it had lost its potency and respect in the eyes of the world. He said the major assignment of winning souls had suffered tremendously.

“Most Christians are no longer followers of the teachings of the Master Teacher as expected from us as disciples,” he added.

He stressed the need to return to the practice of the old church where communal living of total and committed love for one another was in place. This, he said, would make God restore the church.

 The Clergyman stated that despite many fearful prophecies before the 2023 elections, God showed Himself worthy. He, however, said all will be well with the swearing-in ceremony on May 29.

The General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Pastor Sam Aboyeji has charged churches to create an enabling environment for the youths to express their God-given talents as well as expose them to discipleship and mentorship needed for leadership responsibilities.

Aboyeji said this at the church’s second annual interdenominational edition of the marriage, ministry, and marketplace event, tagged: ‘SWITCH 2.0.SWITCH 2.0,’ was held at the headquarters in Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos.

Themed: ‘Revive, Renew and Recalibrate.’

He said that without true and healthy leadership, the future of any nation, organization, or generation is threatened. “There are no spiritually inclined organisations that can succeed without spiritually healthy leaders. Everything, it rises and falls on leadership.”

He noted that in the missions and evangelistic efforts, reaching the next generation has to be intentional.

He admonished the participants not to be like Eli who assumed that his children would get it and unfortunately, they became the sons of Belial. Neither must they assume like Samuel, who was told by the nation of Israel to his face that his children were not following after him and therefore couldn’t be priests.

He noted that within the church system,” we are blessed with a large population of resourceful, vibrant, and talented youthful population: and it is the vision and focus of the leadership of the church to ensure that we create the enabling environment for this energetic segment of our demography to express their God-given talents as well as expose them to discipleship and mentorship programmes in preparation for taking on leadership responsibilities, both now and in the future.”

Aboyeji cited David in the scripture who declared his intention to pass on his relationship with God to the next generation when he said in Psalm 71: 17-18 ” O God, you have taught me from my youth: and to this day, I declare your wondrous works.  Now also when I am old and grey-headed, O God do not forsake me, Until declare your strength to this generation, your power to everyone who is to come.

“Our administration will continue to create avenues for mentoring the Nextgen-helping them to develop their gifts, allowing them to become partners in ministry and recognize that they are among the church’s most important assets,” he said

Read Also: Ex-Foursquare Church’s G.O. Badejo dies at 74

Citing former US President Franklin Roosevelt, who once said  “We cannot always build the future for our youths, but we can build our youths for the future.”

The General Overseer challenged church leaders to set good examples and provide transparent leadership for the church.

“The sins of unhealthiness witnessed in the body of Christ today are disheartening and concerning. We experience incompetence and character summersault on many sacred pulpits which portends a thorough disservice to God’s work on earth.

“The domino effect of this situation is that the errors ascribed to these ministers negatively impact all ministers and the Christian congregation, while an exemplary one exalts the kingdom of God,” he said.

In his sermon, a seasoned marriage and relationship coach and wife of the Bishop of Agape Christian Ministries Inc, Akure, Rev, Mrs Funke Felix-Adejumo challenged couples to prayerful fight for the stability of their homes and never contemplate divorce as the last result of any matter.

Adejumo said that there was a siege from the kingdom of darkness against Christian homes and the need for couples to stay together and fight against any evasion from the enemy is key.

She noted that a stable and godly-centered home would produce godly and responsible children that will be useful to God and relevant and impactful for society.

She mentioned three different types of couples which are permissive couples, absentee couples, and participatory couples, noting that participatory couples help to build a stable home.

The Department of Creative Arts of the University of Lagos, on Tuesday, held the 10th edition of Intercollegiate Choral Festival to celebrate the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles, Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya. 

The event, held inside the prestigious J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, commenced at 3:00 pm, marking a momentous occasion after a hiatus due to the the coronavirus pandemic.

Attendees were dazzled with the grandeur of the festival, also known as “Africa Sings”.

This year’s concert was uniquely dedicated to honoring the musical genius of the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire & Miracles,  Professor Daniel Olukoya.

Aside from being widely recognised for his  sermons, Professor Olukoya’s exceptional talents as a music composer were brought to the forefront during the remarkable event.

The festival featured choirs from eight prestigious universities, including the University of Lagos, Mountain Top University in Pakuro, Nnamdi Azikwe University in Awka, University of Port-Harcourt, University of Ibadan, Lagos State University in Ojo, University of Jos, and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). Each choir brought its unique style and interpretation to the stage, delighting the audience with their melodic harmonies and soul-stirring performances.

Organised under the visionary leadership of Professor Albert Oikelome, the Director of Programmes for the festival,  the Choral Festival aimed to showcase African culture, art, and heritage through the transformative power of music.

Attendees were treated to an evening of captivating choral performances, exemplifying Africa’s rich musical diversity.

Read Also: Adeboye, Olukoya release new year prophecies for Nigeria

The event’s atmosphere was electrifying, as the choirs masterfully rendered Professor Olukoya’s compositions.

The audience was enthralled by the enchanting melodies, powerful harmonies, and heartfelt emotions conveyed through each performance.

The choral festival provided an opportunity for attendees to not only appreciate the extraordinary talent of Professor Olukoya but also to embrace the richness of African music.

Songs by comoposed by Olukoya were performed by various choirs. The performance of Mo Gb’oju Le was led by Titilope David and Adedaramola, Olaore)

The University of Ibadan Choir performed Ekiti Medley. The University of Jos choir performed Ekun mi yio dayo while the Obafemi Awolowo University choir performed Agbara Olorun.

The Lagos State University Choir rendered Igba mi d’owo re while the UniLag Choir performed Ona toro and Hallelujah Ogun se.

The choir from the Mountain Top University performed Olorun maje nri Ogun while the University of Port- Harcourt choir  performed Pidgin medley.

Speaking on the Occasion,  Professor Oikelome described Dr. Olukoya as an internationally renowned musicologist,  a great academic, a scientist, a creative writer, a man of God with distinction,  an amazing philanthropist and a great Akokite.

The Chairman of the organizing Committee, Modupe Ige Kachi, on her part, expressed her excitement at the event, emphasizing the significance of celebrating Professor D.K. Olukoya’s contributions to choral music.

She acknowledged his philanthropy, mentioning his generous provision of magnificent choral compositions that have enriched the university’s creative department and music unit.

In her words, she said “The choral festival is the brain child of Professor Albert Oikelome. Professor D.K Olukoya is honored this year being a huge supporter of the Music unit and the Creative department in the University of Lagos. He has written so many wonderful choral that we have been using in school for some of our works and he is such a Philanthropist and this year we decided to put him on the spotlight and showcase his works”.

The event not only showcased the remarkable talent of university choirs but also paid homage to Professor D.K. Olukoya’s extraordinary contributions to the world of choral music.

It was a testament to the power of music in uniting communities, celebrating cultural heritage, and inspiring future generations of musicians.

As the curtain fell on the event, the resounding applause and standing ovations reverberated throughout the auditorium, signifying the profound impact of the Choral Festival in celebrating the exceptional choral compositions of Professor D.K. Olukoya.