The Nation Newspaper

Category: worship

  • Lagos West Anglican diocese commences synod May 16

    Lagos West Anglican diocese commences synod May 16

    The Annual Synod of the Diocese of Lagos West (Anglican Communion) will begin on Thursday, May 16, at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral.

    The four-day event four-day event will be graced with the attendance of distinguished bishops from the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and other esteemed dignitaries.

    The event will start with an opening service, after which many sessions will be held.

    The first session of the synod will be presided over by Bishop Olusola Odedeji, the bishop in a statement, emphasized that pivotal decisions, poised to guide the future trajectory of the Diocese, will be earnestly considered during the business sessions.

    Read Also: Anglican Church consecrates new Bishops, urges steadfastness

    He said: “Our Diocese has, by the grace of God, made remarkable progress in the past 25 years. We have no intention of relenting, and this Synod will set the agenda for the next three years and beyond.”

    A highlight of the Synod will be Bishop Odedeji’s charge, slated for Friday, where he will speak on the state of the nation and reflect on the strides made since the previous Synod. This address promises to be a stirring call to action, rallying the faithful to confront societal challenges with resilience and compassion.

  • How materialistic ‘general overseers’ dent Christianity, by Yola Catholic bishop

    How materialistic ‘general overseers’ dent Christianity, by Yola Catholic bishop

    The Bishop of the Yola Diocese of the Catholic Church, Stephen Mamza, has taken exception to the growing numbers of church founders whose intent appears to be dominantly materialistic.

    The bishop, who is the immediate chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Adamawa State, said this during a special Sunday service in Yola.

    He said: “Even the holy spirit will find it difficult to count the churches in Yola. Churches are set up today just for business.”

    The Yola Catholic bishop said that in Nigeria today, people just want to become general overseers and own private jets, and are into activities that embarrass the body of Christ.

    Mentioning the experience of a general overseer of a particular church who asked him to buy his church because the church was not yielding financial fruits, Mamza said: “A general overseer approached me to buy his church. He said things were not moving well for him and he knew of a place where things would work and where he wanted to go.”

    Bishop Mamza spoke at St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Bekaji, Yola where he presided over a special service to mark this year’s World Communications Sunday of the Catholic Church.

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    Speaking on the theme of this year’s World Communications Sunday, “Artificial Intelligence and the Wisdom of the Heart Towards a Fully Human Communication,’ the Yola Catholic bishop said the touch of passion and empathy in human communication cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence.

    He said: “Pope Francis invites us this World Communications Day to examine Artificial Intelligence and how it affects communication. Although all platforms for communications offer fantastic opportunities, they take out the humanity in us.

    “Any gadgets that deduct from how humanity comes together for impactful close-touch relationship is not good enough and need to be applied in retrospect.

    “Many circumstances crop up every so often when you need to be touched or touch someone when you need to stand right by somebody or have somebody stand by you. Only human communication can do this.”

  • Daniel & Demilade out with ‘Saxophonic Praise’

    Daniel & Demilade out with ‘Saxophonic Praise’

    With the desire to delivers a spirit filled praise and worship through soul-stirring sounds,

    Gospel saxophonists Daniel Olubunmi and Demilade Adepegba have released their long-awaited single  ‘Saxophonic Praise’

    The sound according to Daniel, transcends being just a medley of songs but  a divine manifestation of heaven’s melody.

    He said it reflects the pure and undiluted praise that surrounds the throne of God, inspiring all who hear it to offer heartfelt adoration to God.

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    Danie, who began playing the saxophone at 8 and has since graced numerous stages and events locally and internationally, further stated the song serves as an open invitation for all to join in giving God the praise He deserves:

     “With the infusion of God’s divine grace and anointing, “Saxophonic Praise” ignites a fervent spirit of worship, prompting listeners to praise God with all their being,” he said.

  • Why God visits for a reason, by PFN chairman Okwuonu

    Why God visits for a reason, by PFN chairman Okwuonu

    The chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Lagos state chapter, Apostle Enyinnaya Okwuonu, has said that when God visits, he visits for a purpose, either to bless, pass instructions, judge, or correct.

    He stated this while preaching at the thanksgiving service of the national convention of the Word Liberation Ministries tagged “God’s Visitation” on Sunday.

    Okwuonu said: “When God visits, he doesn’t just come empty-handed, he visits for a purpose, either to bless, to judge, or pass instructions, and over the years, many Christians have fallen short of the visitation of God.”

    He pleaded with Christians to be more attentive in Church services because God is always present to dispatch blessings but they won’t receive their blessings when they are not present or attentive in services.

    Speaking on the purpose of the national convention, the pioneer of Word Liberation Ministries, Pastor Nathan A. Okoli said.

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    He said: “Today marks the end of the national convention for the year 2024, we started on Monday, 29th of April till today which is Thanksgiving, the convention is to enlighten people’s minds about Jesus, and His way of life, the convention was tagged “God’s Visitation”, during God’s visitation, you have to believe and obey the simple instructions from God when God is talking to you, you will be able to understand and you have no fear, God’s visitation brings many things in one’s life, freedom, good health, peace and judgment, the judgment means when you are doing a wrong thing, you are bound to be judged, so God can visit anyone.”

    He also affirmed that the church is under the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), saying they believe only in the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

    He added: “Word Libration Ministry is a ministry to liberate mankind, we set the captive free from every entanglement, Word Libration Ministry is here to save people from every form of depression and we do it according to the Bible.”

  • World Praise Day holds tomorrow

    World Praise Day holds tomorrow

    World Praise Day holds tomorrow at the Victory Centre of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Iju road, Lagos by 6pm. 

    Promoter of the event, Deacon Banjo Omole, said 

    all global partners, ministries and individuals are expected to join the praise event, using their respective platforms, worldwide,to celebrate and observe the event.

    The event is calling on all persons globally to draw closer to God in their daily lives by amongst other things and activities they engage in, to create time to praise God fervently, irrespective of their religious belief, geographical location, academic or social status or even spiritual disposition. 

    Against the current challenges or disposition, one surest means to get the supernatural working is through praising the maker of all things. 

    Read Also: World Praise Day’ll bring peace – Omole

    All persons all over the world are invited to be a part of this, either in Africa, Europe, Asia, North or South America, Australia or even the in Antarctica. 

    The immediate benefits and rewards expected through this are enormous, socially, mentally, financially, spiritually, medically and otherwise, praising God is a definite means of getting answers to concerns that troubles one the most and considering the global conflicts, confusions and uncertainties happening now, we all must place our ultimate focus on the almighty, by observing the May 7 World Praise Day.

  • AIDO holds 6th convention to celebrate African culture in Nigeria

    AIDO holds 6th convention to celebrate African culture in Nigeria

    A non-governmental organization, AIDO Network International, has concluded plans to hold its 6th edition of its International Convention and Royal Summit, slated to take place from November 4th to 9th, 2024, at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria.

    The theme of the event: A United Global Africa: Reconnecting through Culture, Pan-Africanism, Trade, and Investment, aims to welcome ‘home’ African descendants living away from Africa, some of whom have never been to Africa before and to unite different stakeholders from across the business, cultural, agro, educational, sporting and faith sectors to tackle Human Rights abuses and promote unity, development, and social change.

    The summit will draw Africans in Diaspora, African and Caribbean leaders of Government from Africa and all the CARICOM countries which include Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as other critical stakeholders.

    Speaking at the convention, the AIDO Nigeria Country Representative, Princess Afoma Ojei-Adigwe, noted that the event will shine a spotlight on Nigeria’s cultural richness, economic potential, and contributions to the Pan-African movement, while also addressing pressing issues such as Human Rights abuses and economic development.

    Also speaking at the convention, the Chairman of Nigeria AIDO Board of Trustees, said that the convention will convene several investors from Europe and the commonwealth and will provide a platform for impact investment, business funding, dialogue, collaboration, and actionable initiatives. Attendees would have access to engaging discussions, cultural showcases, business networking opportunities, and impactful initiatives.

    According to him, the convention will convene several investors from Europe and the commonwealth and will provide a platform for impact investment, business funding, dialogue, collaboration, and actionable initiatives. Attendees would have access to engaging discussions, cultural showcases, business networking opportunities, and impactful initiatives.

    He also noted that the leaders of the AIDO network will be visiting Nigeria for 5 days in June to meet the Lagos state government, and traditional rulers and to inspect the venues of the event.

    According to him, the President of AIDO International His Royal Highness Papa Paul Eganda the 1st will be seizing the opportunity of the visit to declare open AIDO Nigeria’s office in Lagos.

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    Under the leadership of His Highness, Paul Jones Eganda, AIDO promotes peace, respect, and social inclusion through culture, aligning its ideals with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the objectives of other regional organizations.

    As part of preparations towards this event, Leaders of the organization from its headquarters in London will be visiting Lagos in the first week of June to meet with the Lagos state government, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, being the host of this rare event and to address a world press conference.

  • Bible heals better than physical drugs – Samuel Olayinka-Ajibs

    Bible heals better than physical drugs – Samuel Olayinka-Ajibs

    Prophet Samuel Olayinka-Ajibs, the General Overseer of the Kingdom of Glory Int’l Church, has asserted that the Bible serves as a superior source of healing compared to physical drugs.

    While acknowledging the benefits of physical medication, he emphasised that the Bible encompasses all the remedies necessary for the healing of believers.

    He said this during a 3-day healing crusade organized by the church named Confluence 2024, held at Noble Castle, Igando, Lagos State, theme tagged “ Daughter You Are Healed”, taking their text from “Mark 5:25”.

    He said: “Christians can take physical doses, we have doctors here tonight, children of God can take medicine when trying to grow their faith, but there is a better medicine in God. Look at my family now, we’ve lived on the Word of God for so many years, all my children, grew up in the Word, when they are having a headache, they take the Word, my wife did made capsules from the Word of God.

    “So at home, whenever our Children have headaches, fever, for flu, or anything, they go through those capsules, and you know little children doesn’t lie when they use it and it doesn’t work, they say it doesn’t work, probably you have to take them to the hospital and give them medication until their faith start growing and anytime they feel anything, they stay on the capsule, and amazingly in three days, they are healed.

    “I am AA, same as my wife, and you know they say malaria is common in AA, but look at my children, they are all hale and hearty, nothing is wrong with them, and we are living fine”

    Confluence 2024 was a programme targeted at delivering people especially women from the shackles of sickness of any form through the healing power of God.

    According to Prophet Samuel, the church is engaged in other mission activities with which its sole purpose is to bring people to Christ, one of which is also sharpening the minds of children, as the church owns a school that runs free of charge.

    He said: “We have Paradise Of God’s School by the Kingdom Of Glory Int’l Church that runs tuition-free, located at Oko-filling, built tuition-free and it has been running for 17years, tuition-free for 17years”

    He also affirmed that one of the major assignments of the ministry is to reach out to the youth and save them from the street into the body of Christ.

    Olayinka-Ajibs added: “We reach out to youths, we are a youth-centered ministry, and by the grace of God, we reach out to those children on drugs, those from troubled homes, those “bad children”, and to the glory of God, we’ve integrated them and today one of them is a pastor, a pastor with a church, and we have some youths, young ministers that are doing fine, and the intention is this, so they can be sent out there and win souls for Christ, you know someone who was once a drug addict and now became a Christian, is the one that can reach out to other drug addicts, when you reach out to the hoodlums and ground them in Christ, they, in turn, can go out and win others for Christ, that’s the strategy.”

  • CAR’s Supreme Islamic Council exposes alleged American NGO-backed religious extremists

    CAR’s Supreme Islamic Council exposes alleged American NGO-backed religious extremists

    • By Odile Ngoundja

    At the Attarbiyatul Islamiyya Mosque in the 3rd district of Bangui, three Deputy Imams were suspended for spreading violent extremism. According to the Central African Republic’s Supreme Islamic Council CSISCA, the Ministers of the mosque arrived a year ago from the American NGO Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA).

    Long torn by internecine wars, often based on sectarian animosity, the Central African Republic finally came to peace when an interfaith leadership platform was established in 2018. At the time, it was led by Cardinal Dieudonné Nzapalinga, Pastor Nicolas Gerekoyame Gbangu and Imam Omar Kobine Layama. The religious leaders have reconciled the militant communities and continue to fight for peace in the country.

    However, radicalised servants of God who call for violence should be removed from the cause that should bring peace to the hearts of the people. This is what happened to three deputy imams at the Attarbiyatul Islamiyya Mosque in Bangui’s 3rd District. They were spreading the ideas of radicalism that they brought with them from the American NGO Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA).

    IRUSA, as stated on its website, is active in CAR, working with other humanitarian organizations such as World Vision and Catholic Relief Services in the Central African Republic (CAR) to assist local people and restore livelihoods by developing the local economy.

    IRUSA’s website also states that the NGO provides psychosocial support and education for internally displaced children, emergency food aid to vulnerable communities, and a comprehensive vaccination program against the Covid-19 virus. However, all of these noble activities are just a cover when IRUSA’s true goal is to destabilize African countries, including the CAR, as further evidenced by the history of imams suspended for extremism.

    Read Also: Why Islamic organisations were formed, by Oloyede

    IRUSA claims to have no funding from the U.S. government, but its delegations regularly attend government meetings and charity events organized by the U.S. government. The organization also, by its own admission, cooperates with the USAID, which has been repeatedly found allegedly to be involved in destabilising activities in African countries, including the CAR. Therefore, statements about governmental non-interference sound ridiculous and absurd.

    Thus, the decision of the Central African Republic’s Supreme Islamic Council to be vigilant in identifying U.S. agents of influence in time and then dismissing the deputy imams is commendable. Other Central African religious communities should also be vigilant to prevent foreign agents from gaining the confidence of people who could start a new sectarian war.

  • Return to the old landmark, cleric charges church leaders

    Return to the old landmark, cleric charges church leaders

    The Convener of Eternal Gospel Believer Association Africa Zion, (EGBAAZ), Rev David Taiwo Olutade has charged church leaders to return to the old landmark of righteousness, purity, faith, steadfast walk with God and entire devotion to God.

     Olutade said this in an interview with The Nation at the Jesus Revolution Encounter organized by EGAAZ held ABC Cathedral, Ajao, Lagos, said that teachings in many churches today are not rooted in the scriptures and the redemption work of Christ that saves and prepares men for heaven.

    He lamented that many people go to church with the sole aim of their problems being solved and issues about salvation, holiness, steadfast walk with God,  devotion to God and his words are relegated to the background.

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    “Christ’s coming is imminent and his coming is to take his children who are cleansed, pure and are living their lives in readily of His coming. The church must be awake and must not be ignorant of the devices of the enemy. Mere religiosity will not take anyone to heaven”.

    “Individually churches and people might be claiming revival but the revival that will spread through the land is coming, and we need to mobilise more Christians for this great awakening,” he said.

    The cleric further said the church should be intentional in raising sons and daughters that will take over Nigeria for Christ, adding that Christianity is a principle that changes the course of destiny and to help us to discover our identity and helped us access our numerous inheritances.

  • Ore–Ofe Oluwa C&S Church celebrates anniversary

    Ore–Ofe Oluwa C&S Church celebrates anniversary

    Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Joy In the Lord aka Agbomola N’ nu Jesus has concluded plans to celebrate the 12th anniversary/thanksgiving of its existence.

    The programme is billed to begin with a special revival crusade prayer meeting from 22nd through 28th April 2024 between the hours of 6 pm and 8 pm daily. The theme of the programme is: ‘I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,’ adopted from Isaiah 61:10.

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    The event will be held at 6, Oluwatoyin Sodiq Street, off Bello Street, Ketu

    Ikosi / Isheri Local Council, Lagos State.

    In her words, the minister–in–charge/host, the General Overseer, Rev’d Mother E.O. Akinwumi a.k.a (Iya Ewe Worldwide), said the church would glorify God with happiness and joy with funfair. “For God has rewritten our stories, opening a new chapter in our life, in salvation. He clothed us, righteousness is our portion and our lives will never remain the same again.