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  • Akinola canvasses righteous leadership, renewal as Rhema Church marks 34th convention

    Akinola canvasses righteous leadership, renewal as Rhema Church marks 34th convention

    The Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers (RCC&T), Archbishop Dr. Taiwo Akinola, has called on leaders to embrace righteousness, justice, and compassion in governance as the nation battles economic crisis, insecurity, and moral decline.

    He spoke with reporters ahead of the church’s 34th Rhema World Convention with the theme: “The God of All Possibilities” (Luke 1:37). It holds from Sunday, November 2 to Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Church’s headquarters on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Sango-Ota, Ogun State.

    According to him, the annual convention will mark both the church’s founding anniversary and a time of spiritual renewal.

    Akinola noted the Convention would feature daily teachings, welfare outreach, and powerful revival sessions expected to “usher in a new dimension of experience in the power of the Holy Spirit.”

    Prominent guest ministers billed to attend include Bishop Victor Akilla, Bishop Abiodun Akinteye, Bishop Israel Alaya, and other anointed men of God.

     Rhema’s in-house ministers—Bishop Adesina Olufade, Pastor Femi Gbenjo, Pastor Tofunmi Opaleye, Pastor Rotimi Daniel, Pastor Tunde Bolarinwa, and Pastor Daniel Etebong Henshaw—will also minister with Akinola and his wife.

    A highlight of the gathering will be the Annual Hosanna Night on Friday, November 7—a night of “High Praise, Power, Worship, and Wonders.” 

    “Whatever miracle you desire, the God of all possibilities will surely make it happen,” Akinola declared.

    Turning to national issues, Archbishop Akinola used the occasion to address Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, urging the government to govern with integrity and compassion.

    While commending recent GDP growth figures from the National Bureau of Statistics, he lamented that millions of Nigerians still suffer poverty, inflation, and unemployment.

    “Growth must be inclusive, allowing every Nigerian to share in the fruits of development,” he stressed, calling for transparent fiscal management and corruption-free governance.

    Expressing concerns over attacks on Christians and worship centres, Akinola referenced the Open Doors International World Watch List 2024, which ranked Nigeria sixth globally for Christian persecution.

    “We call on the government to uphold freedom of religion and protect all worship centres,” he said, emphasizing that true peace “must be built on justice.”

    He also decried the rising wave of banditry, insurgency, and abductions, citing the West Africa Security Tracker report that recorded over 550 deaths in May 2025 alone. 

    He called for comprehensive security reforms, community policing and better welfare for security operatives.

    He described Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit as “a major brake on progress” and criticized the country’s rising debt profile, which hit ₦149.39 trillion in March 2025.

    “Borrowing should fund productive ventures, not consumption. Stewardship must be guided by moral responsibility before God,” he warned.

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    Akinola concluded his address with a message of hope and renewal, declaring that Nigeria’s destiny can still be restored through repentance, integrity, and collective action.

    “We believe that Nigeria’s story is not over. With righteousness and unity, this nation shall rise again,” he said, quoting 2 Chronicles 7:14:

    “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray… then will I hear from heaven and heal their land.”

    He prayed for peace, justice, and prosperity across the nation, urging Nigerians to be “agents of positive change” in their communities.

  • Akinola returns to Oyo APC, urges unity among party members

    Akinola returns to Oyo APC, urges unity among party members

    A retired army captain and Ibadan-born businessman, Akinjide Kazeem Akinola has said that every member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State needs to unite in order to be formidable as one family.

    Akinola, who formally returned to the APC, yesterday after months outside due to internal wrangling that shut out many aspirants in the 2023 election, made this known at the return of power minister, Adébáyọ̀ Adelabu into the party.

    Promising to give support to party members and voters, Akinjide who sought to represent Egbeda/Ona-Ara federal constituency, said he holds everyone, both his supporters and every members of the party in high regard.

    He said: “Of course, I thank Allah for making today a realistic one to have officially returned to my APC. The time we spent outside allowed us to see the true nature of the many problems facing the party and how best we can help in making sure the negative occurrences would not repeat itself and spoil the great chances of the party in all elections.”

    “I think by now, we have seen it is important we go into election with a united front. Division will only allow loss of election. Imagine there was no division among us, we would have formed government in this state. All that is gone is gone.

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    “We have learnt the necessary lessons and experiences that would further sharpen our knowledge of politics. We now know that there should be thorough and transparent internal democracy that will brighten the party’s chances at the polls.”

    “As you can see here at the state office of our party. I am not the only one returning to the party. The power minister who spoke earlier also addressed this similar issue. We should ensure party supremacy and be transparent in our dealings.

    “Our coming back to APC is not today. We are making it official today. APC is our home. It has been for a very long time. We are back to join hands to further strengthen the party and make adequate plans for the next local government election which APC is participating in and 2027 general elections as well.”

    “I must thank our followers who have been with us while we are on sabbatical and who are still returning with us back home.”

    “It is not an easy decision for us to leave our home, but we had no choice at that time. And now, we are back and informed.”

  • Buhari greets Richard Akinnola at 60 

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with journalist, human rights and pro-democracy activist, Richard Akinnola, on his 60th birthday.

    The President also joined family, friends and colleagues of the journalist, the media and civil society in celebrating the landmark age, which Akinnola has dedicated to the service of God, country and humanity.

    The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, commended the uncompromising posture of the activist in always telling the truth to leaders, insisting on propriety and regularly mobilising to safeguard the sanctity of human rights and the integrity of the nation.

    Buhari reaffirmed that the democracy that the country enjoys today was borne out of the sacrifices and forthrightness of individuals like Akinnola, who have not relented in fighting for good governance and ensuring that democracy transcends elections to include a lifestyle of respect, dignity and accountability in Nigeria.

    He extolled Akinnola’s magnanimity in setting up a foundation, Richard Akinnola Foundation, which caters for the underprivileged and families of journalists.

    The President prayed that the almighty God will grant Akinnola longer life, good health and prosperity as he continues serving the country.

  • 2019: Prayers without PVCs ineffective-Akinola

    Presiding Bishop of the Rhema Christian Church Ota, Ogun State, (Dr.) Taiwo Akinola has advised Christians to back up prayers for good governance by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    Prayers without involvement in electoral process, he said, will amount to an exercise in futility.

    He enjoined Christians to get their PVCs and be actively involved in the emergence of the new set of political leaders as 2019 general elections draw close.

    He spoke last week at the 20th conference of the New Wine Conference of the Christ Global network Inc for gospel ministers and church workers.

    The conference held at the church’s tower in Sango Ota, Ogun state.

    Akinola said Christians across the nation can no longer afford to play passive roles in electoral issues, urging them to get involved in the process of choosing the next set of political leaders.

    He cautioned political activities shouldn’t be left alone in the hands of the politicians, adding that the church must also take active part in the political evolution of the nation.

    “Prayers alone cannot guarantee good governance. We, as Christians and leaders in the church must vote and decide on who lead us.

    “It will be unrighteousness for Christians to stay away from voting while unrighteous people decide our fate in the country,” he explained.

    While encouraging younger people to run for political offices with fresh ideas, Akinola said Christians should join political parties to effect the necessary change.

    Christian politicians, he said, are better positioned for righteousness and egalitarian society.

    Also commenting on the incessant herdsmen/famers clash, Akinola said the federal government must live up to its responsibility of protecting citizens.

    The cleric also debunked insinuations the country is being Islamised following recent happenings.

    He said Nigeria is a secular state, declaring it is impossible for any group or individual to turn it to an Islamic nation.

    The conference attended by head of churches and ministry had as its theme: Rekindling the Pentecostal fire.

    Provost of Christian Global Network, Bishop Victor Akila, charged ministers to be mindful of their utterances and behaviours, saying it is very dangerous for a Christian to allow the Pentecostal fire to leave him/her.

  • Nigeria needs good governance, not restructuring-Akinola

    Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers Sango, Ogun State, Bishop Taiwo Akinola, has declared what Nigeria really needs is good governance, not restructuring.

    He said any political system or arrangement that does not deliver good governance will amount to nothing for Nigerians.

    He also said Nigerians should learn to hold leaders accountable to stem the tide of corruption.

    Akinola spoke last week with reporters ahead of the annual Rhema world convention slated for November 5-12 at the international headquarters of the church with the theme foretaste of heaven on earth.

    According to him: “What the Nigeria state needs at this time is not this debate as to whether more power should be given to the States or not.

    “What we need so badly is good governance. In fact, it can be questioned how judiciously the States have managed the power they currently have.”

    The cleric said the debate for restructuring could be a master stroke to divert attention from poor governance in the country.

    He said: “Presently what Nigeria needs is good governance, propelled by nobility, dignity and fear of God in the hearts of all political actors.

    “And, these are required to meet the basic needs of citizens in the areas of security, good and qualitative education, quality health services, justice and fair play, robust rule of law, infrastructural amenities etc.

    “Any debate that will not guarantee these is simply a time waster, and therefore not acceptable.”

    He also frowned at the recent criticism of churches and their leaders in the social media, saying churches are being made to pay for the ineptitude of government.

    Akinola said churches are not established to provide social amenities but save souls, saying community services are only secondary responsibilities of churches.

    “The church was not instituted by Jesus Christ to build hospitals and schools but to lead men and women from sin and Satan unto God.

    “Providing certain societal needs, like building schools and hospitals is only a secondary mission for the church.

    “Primarily, it is the duty of government to provide basic amenities and build schools and hospitals.

    “The government is the legal custodian of the proceeds of our patrimonies and should rather be responsible for providing basic social amenities.”

    He assured the convention will attract thousands with notable ministers lined up for the one-week activities.

  • Vote for Abraham, Akintelure, Akinola urge delegates

    The former deputy governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the last governorship poll, Dr Paul Akintelure, and Akinyinka Akinola have urged delegates to vote for Dr. Olusegun Abraham.

    Abrahama, a businessman from the North Senatorial District, has been endorsed by many top leaders of the party.

    The strong backing for Abraham has generated a lot of ripples among the aspirants, culminating in the purported removal of the chairman of the party, Chief Isaac Kekemeke.

    But, the national leadership has have settled the rift.

    At a joint meeting that lasted for hours at Segun Abraham’s house in Akure, Akintelure, who was the running mate Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, reiterated his belief in the ability of Abraham to deliver the state from ruin.

    He said the realignment was a fallout of the swift intervention of the National Executive Council of the party to resolve the seemingly intractable crisis in the party among the contending forces to douse the tension and buoy the party’s strength to win the poll.

    Akintelure, who hails from Okitipupa, Ondo South Senatorial District, said every staunch member of the party must make sacrifice for the APC to emerge victorious in the election.

    He said: “This is a sacrifice every reliable member of the party must make for us to win this election. We must be cohesive and formidable enough to confront the PDP. No reasonable politician and opposition party will go into a poll with a polarized house, this is illogical and it doesn’t appeal to commonsense.

    “Aside from that, Mr Abraham is a man of impeccable character. He has remained steadfast in the progressive fold since 1999, when the Alliance for Democracy was formed. And in 2012, he stepped down for ACN Candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu, so the time has come for him to reap the fruit of his labour.

    “Abraham served in the government of the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati. He understands the terrain and Ondo Economic strength and weaknesses, so I have no doubt that he has the capacity to rejuvenate Ondo’s economy and make it the economic hub in southwest Nigeria unlike what we are witnessing now under Governor Mimiko”, he said.

    Also, Akinola, from Ondo town, Ondo Central Senatorial district, said he took the action in the spirit of sportsmanship and reconciliation in APC and to further exhibit his avowed commitment to the course of the party.

  • How Christians can fight terrorism, by Akinola

    Christians must never contemplate fighting back but develop organised response to terrorism, the Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers Ota, Ogun State, Bishop Taiwo Akinola, has advised.

    He spoke last Thursday with reporters ahead of the Rhema World Convention of the church with the theme wonderful Jesus.

    Thousands of participants from across the world are expected at the event, which holds from November 1-8 at the Ota international headquarters of the church.

    Akinola, who admitted terrorism and unprovoked attacks are part of the biggest challenges confronting the church, said Christians cannot afford to fight back.

    He said the killing of many Christians within and outside Nigeria was becoming unbearable but advised believers not to retaliate.

    He said: “We can’t fight back because it is just not in us. Fighting back is not our identity or forte.

    “We cannot match violence for violence because it is just not part of us. A Christian cannot behead people or set others ablaze to convince them to follow Christ.”

    Akinola however urged believers to mobilise themselves for “organised response to terrorism” by way of mounting pressure on government to protect citizens.

    He stated that Christians should also go into politics so that they can influence governmental policies and decisions.

    The cleric debunked insinuations that something was wrong with the nation.

    According to him: “There is nothing wrong with Nigeria other than lack of inspiring leadership.”