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Tag: Ademowo

  • Ambode, Obaseki celebrate retiring Ademowo

    Governors of Lagos and Edo states Akinwunmi Ambode and Godwin Obaseki yesterday showered encomium on the outgoing Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, and Dean Emeritus of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Adebola Ademowo on his 70th birthday.

    They described him as a respected clergy, who contributed significantly to mankind and national development.

    The governors spoke to reporters at a special thanksgiving service to mark Ademowo’s 70th birthday and retirement held at Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina in Lagos.

    Ambode commended the clergyman for serving the state meritoriously, saying it was not in doubt that he made significant impact to the development of the state and the nation in general.

    According to him, “for somebody that has served Lagos so meritoriously; Bishop Ademowo has been like a father to all of us, and I say a big thank you to him on behalf of all Lagosians and for attaining the age of 70, we are very glad to have witnessed this celebration and I also wish him well and his family.

    “We know the impact that he has actually created for Lagos and even the whole of Nigeria and one is happy to be celebrating this day with him.”

    Obaseki said Ademowo deserved all the accolades and commendation for the peace and unity he brought to bear on the church during his tenure in active service, as well as the service to mankind.

    He recalled how his mother worshiped in the church for 50 years, saying it was on record that Ademowo performed his role as spiritual leader brilliantly and excellently well.

    “My mother worshiped in this church for the past 50 years and Bishop Ademowo was my mother’s Bishop and as a true Anglican, we know how much contribution that he has made to the Anglican Communion; the peace he has brought, the unity and more importantly the service he has made to the church and to mankind.

    “We wish him well; we wish him God’s grace and God’s peace in his retirement,” Obaseki said.

    In his sermon, Primate of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Nicholas Okoh, thanked God for His grace and loving-kindness which saw Bishop Ademowo through his service to the church and mankind, saying it was evident from all fronts that the clergyman had enjoyed the blessings of God.

    Taking his text from the book of Psalm 103, Okoh said the thanksgiving service was most deserving considering the landmark achievements of Ademowo in his 46 years of service to the church, 29 of which was in the episcopacy (being Bishop), saying he would be greatly missed.

    Besides, Okoh admonished the people to run away from sin, saying it blocks access to God and weakens the power of man.

    While declaring that the church was against all forms of homosexuality, Okoh also urged people to prepare for eternity, saying it was important for people to know that their actions in life had eternal consequences whether good or bad.

     

     

  • Ambode’s re-election certain, says Ademowo

    The Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rev. Ephraim Ademowo, yesterday hailed Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his infrastructural renewal drive.

    The eminent cleric noted that the governor’s re-election next year is sure.

    Speaking at the opening of the third session of the 33rd Synod of the Diocese at Our Saviours Church in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) on Lagos Island, Ademowo said the governor’s achievements were visible.

    The cleric, who is retiring soon, said: “We have talked about your (governor’s) endorsement for a second term last year. So, it is a fait accompli; it is a done deal; it is not negotiable; it is not debatable.

    “We are enthused, happy and excited. We want to appreciate you; we want to celebrate you; we want to thank God for the way He is using you in this state and beyond.

    “We could see things for ourselves; the whole state has been opened up. Even where we have our retirement house, anytime I am in the vehicle, sometimes I don’t even know when we would get there because the road is now something else. I want to thank you for the great work that you are doing in this state and I want to assure you of our prayers.”

    The bishop described Ambode as a workaholic, trailblazer and an indefatigable personality, whose life of humility, doggedness and commitment to the growth of Lagos is unrivalled.

    He urged church members to get their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), adding that it is important for them to do so and elect leaders of their choice.

    Ademowo said: “We know who we are voting for. There is no perambulation. We know where we are going but we need to have our PVCs. Mummy and I will vote so all of us must ensure we get our PVCs to vote.”

    Ambode said the country was at a critical time when all should be involved in choosing leaders to ensure sustainable growth and good governance.

    The governor said the season called for every Nigerian, religious leaders inclusive, to make their voices heard, especially on the need for people to get their PVCs and shun acts that can breach the peace.

    He said: “We need to educate Nigerians on the need to participate in the political process through registration for the PVC. Your PVC is the instrument and the power every eligible citizen has to express themselves in choosing the leaders in whose hands they wish to entrust the resources and the future of our country.

    “The church and our religious leaders have a critical role to play, especially at this point, to place special emphasis on the message of hope, peace, brotherliness, unity, integrity and tolerance.

    “We must shun tendencies that could aggravate whatever challenges we might be experiencing at the moment because these are only temporary. We shall surmount them and our nation shall become great again, by the Grace of God, and through our own hard work and prayers.”

  • Elders decry attack on Lagos Archbishop Ademowo

    Senior members of the Christ Cathedral Church, Lagos have decried the attacks on retired Archbishop of Lagos Diocese Most Rev. Adebola Ademowo over the election of  Rt. Revd. Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaiye as his succesor.

    Pa Joshua Ebenezer, Mrs Sarah David and Pa Titus Agbalajobi told reporters yesterday that the election of Rt. Revd. Olumakaiye is appropriate. They warned the few members of the church fanning embers of disunity to eschew violence and avoid turning the House of the Lord into a political arena.

    They also condemned the recent incident in the church when “thugs” and ‘area boys’ were mobilized  to  prevent  retired Archbishop Ademowo  from gaining entry into the church to conduct service.

    Pa Ebenezer said the allegation by some members of the church that Olumakaiye’s emergence was as a result of financial inducement by  Ademowo and that  Olumakaiye’s tenure as  Archbishop is like tenure elongation for Ademowo is untrue.

    He said Olumakaiye emerged through an election process at the Episcopal Synod held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on February 6.

    “ Rather than  financial inducement, Olumakaiye’s emergence as Archbishop Lagos Diocese is due to his humility, Shepherd’s heart, dynamism, academic excellence and deep spirituality”, Ebenezer said

    Mrs Sarah David said the allegation that Olumakaiye’s emergence was aided by Most Revd Ademowo  is untrue saying the church has a laid down procedure for the emergence of Archbishop and  that this was followed to the letter

    She said:” The outgoing Bishop Ademowo is a dedicated and honest man of God who has taken the Diocese of Lagos and our Cathedral to an enviable height “, Mrs David said.

    Pa Agbalajobi said the allegation that a house  was built for Ademowo by  the diocese is not new to the  church. He said it is a normal practice that  a retired bishop is given a car and  a house on retirement .

    He warned those s writing unsubstantiated petitions to desist from doing so. “The House of God is a sacred place and   it should not be turned into a political arena where a lot of pranks and hooliganism will be the order of the day “.

  • Pray for leaders, Ademowo urges at Easter

    Nigerians have been urged to intercede for their political leaders always to overcome the challenges confronting the country.

    In his message during the Good Friday Service in Lagos, Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus of the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, The Most Rev’d Dr. E. Adebola Ademowo, also implored Christians to seize the occasion of the season to reconcile with and move closer to God.

    Ademowo, who expressed optimism in the future of the country, urged Christians to remain committed, prayerful and focused.

    “With the present situation of the country, especially socio economic challenges, we can only get it right through consistent prayers for our leaders and the country at large.

    “I also want to beg us all to emulate the meekness and spirit of forgiveness exhibited by Jesus Christ even unto the point of death,” he said.

    He added Christians should be prepared to face persecution and should not give up but continue to speak with one voice in the face of challenges.

     

  • Keep hope alive, Ademowo charges

    The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend (Dr) Ephraim Ademowo has called on Nigerians to keep hope alive despite the nagging economic downturns.

    Ademowo, in his Easter message, said the nation will bounce back from recession with collective will and zeal.

    He called on government to explore viable options that will take the nation out of the wood, calling for political will to fight corruption.

    Extolling the importance of Easter, the cleric said it is very clear that no accomplishment can ever rival the victory of Easter.

    He urged Christians to remain steadfast in their service to Christ with the assurance that death is not the end.

    “Christ resurrection is the model and source of our future resurrection because Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Christ resurrection is our resurrection,” Ademowo said.

    The Ademowo also advised government to douse tension on the re-occurring xenophobic attacks to Nigerians in on all fronts.

    According to him: “The failure of governance to create an inclusive economy in Nigeria should be blamed for the fate of economic migrants to South Africa and other countries from where they are being deported and victimised every day.

    “The primary assignment of the government is to provide welfare and security of its citizenry.”

    The cleric, who urged Nigerians and Christians as we celebrate Easter to accede to the principles of which Christ died, rose and ascended.

    “The victory of Easter should lead us to the face of perplexities of life with fortitude holding up our banner with the assurance that because Christ lives, we too shall live,” said Ademowo.

  • Expect new things, Ademowo assures

    The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. (Dr) Ephraim Adebola Ademowo, has hailed the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to join the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

    The move, he said, is a great move to end system corrupt practices of contract inflation, mismanagement and non-implementation of policies in the public service.

    In his New Year message, Ademowo advised government to take further steps and ensure inclusive framework with extensive inputs from society to achieve development.

     In 2017, the Bishop challenged Nigerians to remain steadfast in anticipation of new things.

    He called on elected leaders to enact sound economic frameworks to cushion the effects of inflation and recession.

  • Expect new things, Ademowo assures

    The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. (Dr) Ephraim Adebola Ademowo, has hailed the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to join the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

    The move, he said, is a great move to end system corrupt practices of contract inflation, mismanagement and non-implementation of policies in the public service.

    In his New Year message, Ademowo advised government to take further steps and ensure inclusive framework with extensive inputs from society to achieve development.

     In 2017, the Bishop challenged Nigerians to remain steadfast in anticipation of new things.

    He called on elected leaders to enact sound economic frameworks to cushion the effects of inflation and recession.

  • Oritsejafor, Ademowo, preach sacrifice, unity

    Oritsejafor, Ademowo, preach sacrifice, unity

    The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and the Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Ademola Ademowo yesterday urged Nigerians to shun corruption, kidnapping, stealing, violent acts and other social vices.

    They also urged the citizens to embrace the spirits of endurance, sacrifice and other virtues exemplified in the crucifiction of Jesus Christ.

    In his message to Nigerians on the occasion of Good Friday, Ademowo said that all the vices were damaging to the image of the nation.

    According to him, Good Friday teaches us to jettison all forms of social vices from our system.

    He said: “It is of paramount importance to call on the citizens of this great country, in the spirit of the season, to imbibe the true spirit of nation building.

    “I hereby call on all those in position of authorities to seek the common good instead of individual comfort and interest.

    “They should be sacrificial in their services to our great nation.

    “Let us be determined in our hearts to promote the ideas of transparency and honesty to move our country forward.”

    The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, urged Nigerians to resist any urge for the division of the country.

    His plea was contained in a statement he issued in Abuja yesterday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

    According to the statement, sacrifice, love and humility which is the focus of Good Friday must permeate through the society.

    He said: “This is a time when Christians in parts of the country are plagued by insurgency. I call for steadfastness and unwavering faith in God, the maker of all things.

    “This should be the watch word for all Christians in this season of sacrifice and forgiveness.

    “As greed, hatred and wickedness continue to dominate the affairs of some in our midst, goodwill ultimately prevails over evil,’’ it said.

    The statement also said that sacrifice is not necessarily exemplified by dying for others; it could be demonstrated by giving alms, helping the needy and carrying out other works of mercy in the society.

    It said that as Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice for mankind on Good Friday, Nigerians must also learn to sacrifice for their fellow human beings in any way they could.

    The statement noted that Nigerians must always be guided by the message of the Cross because it must be put into practice in all its ramifications.

    “Evil will not have the last word, but love, mercy and pardon will,” he said.

    The statement noted that all the activities of the Church must be seen to reflect the virtues of sacrifice and love which Christ himself exhibited through his death on the cross.

    “As we join other faithful across the world to commemorate the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday, I enjoin all Christians to reflect on the lessons of the solemn celebration.

    “So, as you reflect on this solemn celebration, may we all be reminded of God’s plan for mankind which was fulfilled by Christ against all odds, especially as it affects their lives,’’ the statement added.

  • Nigeria ‘ll not disintegrate— Archbishop Ademowo

    Nigeria ‘ll not disintegrate— Archbishop Ademowo

    The Dean Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most RevdDr. E.A. Ademowo, has said that contrary to the negative predictions and speculations of some people, Nigeria will not disintegrate after all.  He said Nigeria is a big family of families bound by natural love, and has over time overcome tribal manipulations.

    According to a statement signed on behalf  of Ademowo by Archdeacon of Kirikiri , Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion),Venerable Levi Opara, he observed that in every family in Nigeria there is a strong trans-tribal  tie either by marriage, business or association, he therefore admonished politicians to eschew inciting statements and consider the fate of the less-privileged who will definitely suffer the consequences of their utterances.