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  • ‘Name church hall after my parents’

    ‘Name church hall after my parents’

    • From Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha

    A philanthropist, Dr. Anthony Obele, has appealed to Anglican Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, to immortalise his late parents by naming the hall he built at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Ezinifite after them.

    He made the appeal during the memorial service of his late parents at St. Andrew’s Church, presided over by the Bishop, with a host of priests of Anglican and Catholic Churches in attendance.

    He paid tribute to the Bishop for approving that the Obele family built a hall in the church, pleading it bore his late parents’ names as lasting memorial for them.

    The Bishop, in his homily, described the remembrance of a good person as a blessing, while that of a bad person is a curse.

    According to him, Jesus Christ is concerned about both the dead and the living, as the dead reminds the living that one day, they too will die.

    The prelate urged everyone to live life in such a way that when they die, people will be crying because of their good deeds.

    Vicar of the church, Ven. Ikechukwu Okonisah, had appealed to the Bishop to approve the building of a church hall by the Obele family.

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    Responding, two sons of the late Chief & Mrs Hezekiah Obele, Pst. Eric Obele and Dr. Ikenna Obele, appreciated the Bishop, priests and the congregation for coming to worship with them in honour of their late parents, whom they said lived exemplary lives that they were still remembered till today.

    The Bishop in company of other clergy, the choir and family members had offered prayers at the graveside of the late parents before proceeding to Obele’s family compound for the dedication of Obele’s new mansion.

    Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has inaugurated five kilometres of asphalted and road built by Obele in the area as part of activities marking the memorial service of Obele’s late parents.

    He said the inauguration was in furtherance of public private community partnership (PPCP) exemplified by the philanthropist and his family for public purposes.

    He hoped the road would promote economic and social activities in the area and the state.

    The event, which also featured dedication of Obele’s palatial mansion, was attended by the traditional ruler of Ezinifite, Igwe Chukwuma Orji, his cabinet chiefs and other traditional rulers.

    President General of Ezinifite, Chief Nwora Ekwuilo, captains of industries, friends and associates were also among dignitaries at the event.

  • Cleric urges C&S Church to focus on youths, unity

    Cleric urges C&S Church to focus on youths, unity

    The Iya Aladura General and Founder of The New Seraph, Dr. Oluwaseye Yomi-Sholoye, has called on the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Church to intensify its focus on youth empowerment and unity, describing youths as the future of the church and Nigeria.

    She spoke at the C&S Centenary Celebration Award and Gala Nite held at Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, where she was honoured for her outstanding contribution to the growth and stability of the church globally, alongside her philanthropic initiatives.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the event, she said her award recognised not only her service to the C&S Church, but also her efforts in pioneering and funding peaceful activities, fostering unity and love among members, and supporting empowerment initiatives.

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    “Youths are very important to us. They are the future of our church and the future of Nigeria,” she said. “I will only encourage our youths to be steadfast in the way of the Lord and in their sectors where they belong so that they can excel. With our students, they should focus more on their education. The church must invest more in them and their unity activities.”

    Dr. Yomi-Sholoye reflected on the evolution of the church over the decades.

    She noted that while the C&S was once known mainly for its healing and miracle traditions, today it has become more deeply rooted in evangelism and the teaching of the word of God.

    “In this current dispensation, C&S is big time into the word of God. Today, we are very thorough and detailed in evangelism, while also adding value to our youths more than ever before,” she said.

    She further highlighted the church’s commitment to unity, pointing out its membership in the Organisation of African Indigenous Churches (OAIC), which represents indigenous churches across the continent.

    The event also featured goodwill messages, including one from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde.

    Sanwo-Olu lauded the Cherubim and Seraphim Order for a century of faith, service and impact, describing it as a vital partner in nation-building.

    “It is a privilege for me to be here with you tonight as you mark a remarkable milestone, a hundred years of faith, service and the impact of the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraph,” he said. “For a centenary, this great Order has been more than just a spiritual decision; it has been a reliable ally in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.”

    He praised the church for its social interventions, including support for orphanages and families in need, provision of clean water through borehole projects, health missions to underserved communities, and youth empowerment through education and training.

    “These initiatives, embodied in the centenary corporate social responsibility programme, resonate deeply with the government’s goals of promoting welfare, opportunities, and inclusive development,” the governor said.

    “The awards we celebrate tonight serve as a powerful reminder that serving God truly finds its essence in serving humanity.”

    Sanwo-Olu extended his congratulations to the leadership and members of the C&S, praying that the next hundred years would be filled with “abundant grace, impact and divine purpose.”

    Chairman of the Centenary Anniversary Steering Committee, Dr. Harold Demuren, described the 100 years of the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Church as a testimony of God’s grace, unity of purpose and principled leadership.

    He said since its founding in 1925, the church had continued to expand globally, while staying true to its mission of spiritual growth, moral discipline and social impact.

    He said C&S had earned respect and recognition across the world, with membership in bodies such as Organisation of African Indigenous Churches (OAIC) and World Council of Churches.

    “Our unity of purpose and principled leadership have sustained us for a hundred years despite many challenges,” Demuren said. “We give all glory to God, whose presence has been with us throughout this journey. Our prayer is that God will continue to strengthen this church and make it grow stronger.”

    The Centenary chairman paid tribute to past leaders who, through moral, financial and spiritual support, laid a foundation that had enabled the church to flourish within and beyond Nigeria.

    He said the centenary celebration was not only to honour the church’s history, but also to recognise individuals and institutions that had contributed to its growth and expansion globally.

    The centenary gala brought together clerics, dignitaries and faithful, who celebrated the legacy of the first indigenous African prophet, St. Moses Orimolade Tunolase, founder of the C&S, and reaffirmed the church’s place as a cornerstone of indigenous Christianity and social development in Nigeria

  • Church holds anointing service on Sunday

    Church holds anointing service on Sunday

    Concerned by decline in religious consciousness in society, Titus Nwakaeze, pastor of The Word of Eternal Life Revival Ministry has called for a spiritual renewal characterised by faith, repentance, and dedication to spiritual practice.

    He spoke while preaching on the church’s forthcoming Anointing Service on Sunday. 

    Nwakaeze noted that “revivals restore and strengthen commitment to things of the spirit,” adding “individuals experience a deep renewal and strengthening of their spiritual commitment and connection to their faith.”

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    He also said the early Christians were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, which imbued them with the gift to perform miracles and healing, even as he said such gifts are available to those who present themselves for spiritual empowerment in our time.

    He said: “Anointing service makes possible divine empowerment, which indicates receiving God’s Holy Spirit that equips individuals with abilities and talents to overcome challenges and receive blessings. Part of what the Holy Spirit does is to take ordinary people and transform them into greatness under anointing.”

    Citing some biblical examples of ordinary individuals God picked and empowered spiritually, Pastor Nwakaeze said: “Gideon was a man unknown, but God picked him and transformed him. He imbued in him leadership qualities and power that enabled him to defeat many kingdoms during battles…”

    He said the anointing service, in which the Glorious Voice Band will provide music, will feature music, word, salvation, Holy Ghost baptism, impartation of spiritual gifts, restoration of lost spiritual gifts, activation of hidden talents, healing, deliverance, breakthrough, miracles, and signs and wonders.

  • We are facing persecution, depopulation by armed bandits – Minority Christian groups

    We are facing persecution, depopulation by armed bandits – Minority Christian groups

    A group of Churches of minority ethnic nationalities in North Central Nigeria have alleged that they are facing persecution and depopulation by armed bandits.

    The churches are Universal Reformed Christian Church (NKST), Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and Christian Association of Nigeria Youth Wing (YOWICAN), Tafawa Balewa (Bauchi), Kaduna and Plateau States.

    “We are disturbed by the continuous killing, destruction of farmland and forceful occupation of our ancestral land in our states.

    “We have realised that bullets, machetes, swords don’t recognise denominational boundaries. Catholic, COCIN, ECWA, Anglican, NKST are not immune from the attacks by the jihadists. It is on this premise that we have come to speak out. Because what we are experiencing is not just insecurity.”

    The groups pointed out that contrary to the narrative that what has been happening in our communities is a case of two people fighting (farmers and herdsmen)…; we believe that they are coordinated and religiously motivated attacks against us the indigenous Christian Communities to forcefully take over our ancestral land and further impoverish the people.

    “These are a part of a broader scheme targeted at depopulating, subjugating, disenfranchising, impoverishing and silencing our people.

    “We have carefully observed the coordinated and systematic way and manner the attacks are carried out on our communities. This points to us that these attacks are religiously motivated. If not so, why the chants of ‘Allahu Akbar’ during such attacks? We also view it as persecution, because the targeted communities are mostly Christian communities (with women and children being most vulnerable).

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    “We are convinced that the word that aptly describes the reality on ground is persecution. This persecution has manifested in acts of violence such as killings, kidnap for ransom, robbery, rape, abduction, forceful conversion of Christian minors etc.”

    “The destruction of homes, farmlands, and other sources of livelihood has deprived our people of the sources of survival. Displacement of our people from their ancestral lands through forceful takeover and occupation of their lands.”

    They also alleged systemic marginalisation through the denial of opportunities within the public/civil service. Deliberate refusal to implement an already gazetted chiefdom (e.g Zaar Chiefdom) in Bauchi State is a case in point; imposition of a Muslim traditional leader on a predominantly Christian community etc.

    They therefore demanded the immediate return (and NOT just resettlement) of our people who have been displaced from their ancestral lands (homes). We demand that state governments in all affected states issue certificates of occupancy to all displaced persons over their ancestral lands to recognise their genuine titles.

    “We demand that the right of farmers to cultivate their farmlands without harassment from cattle rearers be recognised by law and protected; speedy trials for indigenous Christian youths in detention by security forces. We call on the government at all levels to always ensure the equal distribution of the commonwealth of the people irrespective of religious inclinations.”

  • Church holds annual prayer

    Church holds annual prayer

    The Melototah Church of Zion will  begin its seven-day annual prayer today.

    There will be church services   at 5.00 am, 9.00 am, 12 noon, 5.30 pm during the period with vigil on Friday, January 10.

    The programme will feature fasting and praying sessions, counselling, seminars and vigil on Friday, January 10, from 11.00 pm

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    The grand finale comes up on January 12 with a thanksgiving service at 8.00 am.

    The  event  holds at  church  auditorium, 18  Ikale  Street, Papa –Ajao,  Mushin, Lagos.

  • Church warns impostors

    Church warns impostors

    The leadership of the Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Nigeria had warned some persons parading themselves as the leaders of the church to desist from unlawful activities or risk being reported to the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    A statement issued on Tuesday said the church is a single entity and is being controlled by a leader recognized by the Corporate Affairs Commission and other law of the land in person of Baba Alakoso Pro. Dr. Clement Taye Olatunji Olagoke JP.

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     Speaking in Lagos recently through a statement tagged “Ye Shall Know the truth and the truth shall set you free”, Olagoke said: ”Concerned leaders of the Church have observed that during the recent upgrading of banks in Nigeria, some of the branches are having difficulties in the running of their accounts and we don’t want to leave them in that critical situation since some of the requirements to activate their account are in our custody and we did not attack or mention names in our publication and we are very careful of our choice of words to give room for peace’.

     Continuing, the renowned clergyman warned the general public against the echo of a self-styled Baba Alakoso who was said to have been banned by Federal High Court in Lagos, but has continued to parade himself as the Olori of C&S, Lagos.

  • Church leader warns against sabotage of new board

    Church leader warns against sabotage of new board

    The leader of the Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Nigeria, His Most Eminence( Baba Alakoso), Dr. Clement Taye Olatunji Olagoke, JP, has warned saboteurs against destabilising  the newly reconstituted board of trustees of the church.

    The clergyman noted that the decision of the church to reconstitute a new board of trustees was in line with the directives of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC.

    Speaking in Lagos recently on the true position of  the church,  Dr. Olagoke said: “After renewing the church certificate of registration(No 324) with the Corporate Affairs Commission( CAC), the EFCC told us that all the church’s bank account bearing the name-The Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Nigeria  must be updated with the new registered certificate in the database of all banks in Nigeria.”

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    He explained that the commission also directed that a copy of the new certificate, and  Tax Identification Number and a letter of introduction signed by any of the two Trustees of the church must be deposited with the EFCC for a proper identification against money laundering.

    He said: “The new policy is a major control measure to bring the church together as one family and this become necessary because after the demise of the Most Elder Apostle J.O Sonde, the Baba Alakoso who is also one of the  registered trustees of the church, we were left with only two Trustees in which one had also passed on leaving  the church with  just me as the only Trustee- Baba Alakoso  recognized by the CAC. “

  • Church holds ordination Nov 11

    Church holds ordination Nov 11

    Founder of The New Generation Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) International, Mountain of Authority Rev. Mother Esther Adeojo has said the church’s annual Ark of Covenant celebration and Ordination Service will hold on Monday, November 11, 2024.

    She stated that this year’s celebration will be the 16th edition of the iconic program which was a revelation she got from God 16 years ago.

    A statement by Adeojo otherwise known as ‘Ewa Jesu’ noted that the event with the theme: “Blessings from the Ark of Covenant” and inspired by 2 Samuel 6:12, will commence in the morning at the church auditorium located at Ile Youth Ogijo, Ikorodu, Lagos State. 

    According to her, the service will be led by herself alongside other anointed ministers of God, while Emmanuel Oshiyoye is slated to deliver sermon at the event.

    She said highlight of the event will include ceremonial unveiling of the Ark of Covenant, scheduled for afternoon.

    She however urged people who wish to partake in the special occasion to dress in white which according to her is the event’s dress code.

    She said, “Ark of covenant celebration is a gathering of people to worship the Almighty God like in the old days. Its always a powerful moment of immense blessings and testimonies.”

  • Church donates foodstuffs, cash to widows, single mothers, elders in Rivers 

    Church donates foodstuffs, cash to widows, single mothers, elders in Rivers 

    The Gateway International Church has donated food items and cash to widows, single mothers and the elderly in Rivers State to alleviate their hardship in the state.

    The beneficiaries lauded the church and its Lead Pastor, George Izunwa, for coming to their aides describing the gesture as thoughtful.

    Insisting that the gesture was first of its kind, the beneficiaries numbering over 30 said it was heartwarming that the church remembered the vulnerable at such a difficult period.

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    Explaining the gesture, Senior Pastor Nathaniel Ogegbule, said that the   beneficiaries for September 2024 were of different categories.

    He said that the benevolence was a special monthly programme established through the approval of the Lead Pastor George Izunwa to assist its members, especially the single mothers, widows, orphans and students in the tertiary institutions. 

    While disclosing that the no fewer than 20 families benefited in the September, batch, he said the church also made a cash presentations to assist some men and women, whose businesses were hard hit by the hardship.

    Speaking for the beneficiaries, Dr. Meg. Lawal said that what Gateway International Church did was an act of kindness to render an assistance to members of the church.

    He said as a friendly church, Gateway was poised to help its members, especially the widows, single mothers, students and businessmen and women.

    The Executive Pastor, Mathew Ogara, while praying for the beneficiaries, asked them to always pray for the Lead Pastor George Izunwa, who approved funds for the humanitarian gesture.

  • Church marks 56th choristers’ anniversary

    Church marks 56th choristers’ anniversary

    The choir of Melototah Church of Zion will mark its 56th anniversary on Sunday.

    The event will be preceded by a four-day revival service beginning from tomorrow.The time  is 5.30 pm.The theme is:Joyful Shout (Psalm 100).

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    Choir  Master–General, Senior Apostle Adewale Nejo, said: ’’Our songs anniversary  is a unique  opportunity to seek the face  of God  for  answers  to our supplications. This, we shall do. We shall also pray  for Nigeria. We enjoin everyone to come.’’

    The venue is the church auditorium at 18, Ikale Street, Papa-Ajao , Mushin  and  the time is 8am.