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Tag: cleric

  • Supporters rally monarchs, cleric for Fayemi

    Supporters rally monarchs, cleric for Fayemi

    Loyalists of the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, have visited traditional rulers and clergymen in Ekiti State to support his yet-to-be-declared governorship bid.

    Acting under the aegis of Just Keep Following Group (JKFG), the supporters urged the monarchs and clerics to support Fayemi when he eventually declares for the top job ahead of the July 14 governorship election.

    They said Fayemi’s tenure between 2010 and 2014 represented the “golden era of Ekiti development,” which should be replicated again after the 2018 poll to bring relief to the people.

    They visited the Chairman of the State Council of Obas, who is also the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju, and the state Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joshua Orikogbe.

    The JKFG team also visited the Grand Imam of Ekiti State, who doubles as the President of League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest, Edo and Delta states, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, and the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye.

    Fayemi’s men sought royal and celestial blessings for the minister to succeed in the governorship project, if he eventually joins the race.

    Led by the State Coordinator, Comrade Bisi Dada, the JKFG team presented a letter to the traditional rulers and clerics, stating the reasons Fayemi should take another shot at the governorship seat.

    At Oloye’s palace, Dada said Fayemi executed many life-changing projects at the grassroots during his tenure, including the construction of five-kilometre roads in towns and villages and N5,000 monthly stipends for aged people.

    Dada added that Fayemi held obas and their wives in high esteem, sponsored the construction of palaces, a special health scheme for obas, chiefs and their families, procured and distributed brand new vehicles to monarchs.

    He said: “Your Majesty, we seek your prayers for the overall development of our dear state and your son, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, to continue to support the uplifting of the state wherever he finds himself as an individual, if he eventually yields to our request to join the governorship race.”

    Oba Ademolaju said: “All politicians interested in the governorship race are our children. We obas are not politicians; we are after the development of Ekiti. We are fathers of all and we are for peace.”

    Receiving the team, CAN Chairman Rev. Orikogbe promised to convey the message to all Christian leaders.

    Sheikh Kewulere and Bishop Ajakaye prayed for the team.

  • Cleric slams colleagues making predictions for politicians

    •Urges them to quit pulpit for politics

    A Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) pastor, Dr. Sunday Ilori, has

    criticised some clerics for “turning themselves to slaves of politicians.”

    Ilori, who is the District Superintendent, CAC Wonders Chapel, Ikotun, Lagos, condemned the penchant of some clergymen to release predictions about politicians at the beginning of each year.

    The Ilupeju Ekiti-born man of God who spoke with our reporter earlier in the week said a good number of clerics have lost the vision for serious task of evangelism, soul-winning and preparing their members for heaven in favour of chasing politicians for filthy lucre.

    Expressing regrets that many Christian ministers have turned their pupils to political soap box, Ilori advised those not interested in working in God’s vineyard to resign and face politics squarely.

    Ilori, who is also the Chairman of Ekiti Unity Forum (EUF), expressed concern about the high rate of poverty and youth unemployment in his home state of Ekiti.

    He promised to organise a public lecture and empowerment programme in his hometown, Ilupeju Ekiti, on February 10 to contribute his own quota to the development of his place of birth.

    Ilori also called for peace among the people of Ekiti State as the July 14 governorship election draws nearer. He urged the people to pray for the emergence of a good leader out of the contenders for the governorship seat.

    He said: “I have a message for 2018; the prophets of doom in Nigeria should go and join the political parties of their choice.

    “Many men of God have turned themselves to slaves of politicians in a bid to gain cheap popularity and attention and fill their pockets with money.

    “I am over 30 years in the ministry and 60 years of age; in Nigeria, we have taken the gospel like a business and see it as a war.

    “Can you imagine that these prophets don’t even prophesy about the needy in their churches. Their targets are the rich, moneybags and politicians.

    “They no longer preach about salvation, repentance again and they have turned their altars to political campaign grounds.

    “They always say this person will die this year and that person will die next year. This is highly unfortunate.”

     

  • Pentecostals threatened by trivialities, says cleric

    The Senior Pastor of Bearer of Light, Pastor Samuel Oyemade, has challenged church leaders to focus on the transforming message of Jesus as that remains the roadmap for sustaining the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria.

    Oyemade said this at the Bearer of Light International Ministers Conference held recently at the church headquarters in Igando, Lagos.

    The theme, Preserving the Pentecostal fire to the next generation, brought together 1000 Church leaders from across the country.

    He said that although Pentecostal movement in Nigeria is still very young, it is presently threatened by the influx of church minsters that major on trivial and material possessions as against the core message of Jesus and the redemptive power of the cross.

    He noted that Pentecostalism comes with faith, divine healing, deliverance, prosperity and other benefits but it should not becloud the church from its responsibility of proclaiming the core message of Jesus Christ.

    He recalled that from the time of the founder of Christ Apostolic Church, Prophet Joseph Babalola, Pentecostal movement and many independent African churches came alive. He claimed that it has been the best time for the church in Nigeria.

    “Many churches imbibed Christ-like spirit and the gospel of Jesus spread round the country, but the Pentecostal movement is volatile today because the increasing cases of some of the independent churches serving their own interest is alarming and a big distraction to the body of Christ,” he stated.

    He declared that the real gospel of Jesus is the gospel of transformation and not reformation as it has the capacity to change a wicked man to a righteous man regardless of other factors and prepare men for heaven.

    Oyemade cited a recent report that the number of pagans had increased in some western countries and if nothing is done, we will have more intelligent people not belonging to any religion.

    He noted that information technology will increase the knowledge of people and when people know too much and are not guided, there will be a serious problem.

    “It is because the new economy is driven towards convenience for users. It is the spirit definition of the world. You cannot separate the economy from the spiritual world. If the church is not seeing the spiritual world, the economy will define it as we are in a new economy different from the past and is driven towards convenient and cheaper goods,” he said.

  • Nigeria on path to greatness—Cleric

    The Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 17 Southern States Chapter, Archbishop George Amu, has said that Nigeria will be going from strength to strength, despite the challenges being encountered.

    “The road may be rough and tortuous, Nigeria will emerge stronger and take her position in the comity of nations in the nearest future,” he said.

    George Amu said this in a message he sent to the people of Nigeria on the state of the nation during an interactive session with newsmen at his residence in Ikeja.

    “Nigerian politicians must eschew politics of bitterness and rancor and embrace peace, love and unity. Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, has brought peace to the world, including Nigeria, and we must allow peace, love, justice and equity to dominate our behaviour, actions and relationship with our fellow men and women.

    “In 2018, let us, as Nigerians, look behind us with understanding. Let us look forward with faith and love.  May God help us to be kind, fair and wise in all our affairs. As for me and my family, we shall serve the Lord,” he said.

    Amu said President Muhammadu Buhari had been trying his best for the country and “he needs prayers, support and encouragement, not con

  • Ekiti 2018: Cleric seeks action against abduction

    Ekiti 2018: Cleric seeks action against abduction

    A popular preacher and pastor-in-charge of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Mountain of Mercy at Erio-Ekiti in Ekiti State, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, has called for tight security to forestall renewed kidnapping in the state before, during and after the July governorship election.

    He said: “It was shown to me in a vision that some people – young and old – will be kidnapped. But in the end, the kidnappers would be arrested.”

    The cleric assured residents that the development has been put before God in prayer.

    Alo, who delivered the message as part of his New Year revelations after the second edition of his yearly empowerment programme at Ido in Ekiti State, assured Ekiti residents of relief.

    He said: “By the time we get to the seventh and the eight month in the year, we will be experiencing relief in Ekiti State.”

    The cleric, who is the Visioner of Grace of Mercy Prayer Ministry (GMPM) worldwide, assured Nigerians of bliss in 2018, saying “Nigerians will experience plenty in 2018”, as he urged patriotism and positively confessions about the country.

    Alo urged Nigerians to “exercise more patience as there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel for the country and refrain from passing negative comments and remarks about the country”.

    The cleric said the repercussion for those who ruined the country would be grave, adding that some powerful and influential people directing and leading the country in darkness will die this year.

    He called for love, saying this is what Nigerians lack, and it has contributed to the nation’s setback.

    Over 200 youths benefited from the gesture, which the cleric said was part of his contribution to the health and wellness of society.

    The empowerment programme heralded the nine-day prayer programme of the GMPM, with the theme: Mercy Once Again in Akure, Ondo State capital, on Saturday.

    It marked the third anniversary of Seven Hours Seven Prophets’ programme.

    Alo also paid the Senior Secondary School (SSS) certificate exam fees for 31 outstanding pupils.

    He distributed food items and cash to over 400 widows; other had been trained in tie-and-dye and agriculture.

     

     

     

  • Cleric charges Atiku to consult God

    Cleric charges Atiku to consult God

    Founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to consult God before running for president in 2019

    The primate warned that if the Waziri of Adamawa fails to consult God, he “may not get it right.” The warning was contained in Ayodele’s 2018 prophecies, where he called on Nigerians to be prayerful.

    He also predicted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s aides will create problems for him. Ayodele said Buhari will have to do a lot of alliance to boost his political chances.

    The clergyman also said Nigerians should pray against scarcity of food in the country. Part of the prophecies read: “Bread will be scarce in the country, even garri. Some markets will be shut down, and let’s pray against explosion in some markets.”

    The cleric listed five politicians who are likely to be future president of Nigeria.

    He identified Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Rotimi Amaechi, Babatunde Fashola and Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

    According to him, “a lot of things will happen in 2018. We see political assassinations, we see killings, we see that we have a lot of issues among our governors. For the presidential election, this is what you should be expecting. The presidential candidate of the PDP will be imposed; he will not be democratically elected after their presidential primaries.”

  • Developmental programme: cleric charges government to partner church

    Developmental programme: cleric charges government to partner church

    Governments at all levels have been advised to partner with the church in addressing some of the socio-economic problems facing the nation.

    The Senior Pastor, Praise Arena-Kingdom Light Christian Centre, Pastor Jummy Adetoyese Olagunju, counselled at a 21-day programme tagged becoming a better you organised by the church at Le-Real Hotel, VGC, Lagos.

    He said that the effort of the government in the provision of social amenities, instilling discipline, orderliness, good hygiene and neighbourliness can be strengthened through a cordial relationship with the church that has a large chunk of people who are religious and believe their clerics’ instructions as the gospel truth.

    He noted that there are biblical injunctions and instructions that encourage good hygiene, clean environment, abhor indiscipline and all forms of corrupt practices which the church can help the government in disseminating.

    “If you have a pool of people who are so religious and they believe what their pastors say, then government should see them as development partners,” he said.

    He said, “it is not the business of the government to decide who leads a church or any other religious bodies because they are both agents working together in improving the living standards of people as well as fostering development.”

    He challenged the church to move away from mere religiosity but follow strictly God’s instructions as He is no respecter of any persons, individuals, churches or communities.

  • 2018: Cleric predicts economic recovery

    2018: Cleric predicts economic recovery

    The General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) worldwide, Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji, has said Nigeria will recover, this year, from hardship to recovery.

    Oladeji, who said the restoration of the country’s lost glory would be great, noted that being on the same page with God and seeking His face in prayers and exhibiting love for the country and its people were crucial for a breakthrough.

    The cleric spoke during the maiden edition of the yearly New Year Prophetic Declarations and Prayer programme, tagged: Second Announcement, which held at Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola Memorial Grounds at Ikeji Arakeji in Osun State.

    He said: “Nigeria will be on its feet once again. The comeback will be with great prosperity.”

    Oladeji urged Nigerians to be focussed on addressing issues that would take the country out of its present confusion, troubles, strife and hard times.

    He said: “We need to focus, make broad projections and hope for the best. The projections must be greater than those existing among couples, families, towns, cities and churches. We need targets, plans and projections that are not self-centred.

    “Nigeria will be great again. God will return to the country and return the days of milk and honey. God will help the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to set the people free from hardship and slavery. We should not forget God because no breakthrough is possible without Him. God is the pathway to glory and He is the one we should follow.”

    The CAC leader led a multitude of faithful for prayers to choose leaders who would prioritise the people’s welfare, needs and the development of the country.

    He said this year is crucial for preparations ahead of the February 2019 general elections.

    Oladeji, who made case for restoration of great soul-winning revivals in Christendom, advised CAC members to unite to dislodge what he called the kingdom of darkness.

     

  • Fuel scarcity: ‘Attempt to arm twist the government’, cleric urges

    The General Overseer of the Wordbase Assembly, Humphrey Erumaka, has described the incessant fuel scarcity usually witnessed during the yuletide in Nigeria as a means of arm twisting the government into taking certain decisions and an attempt to sabotage government effort.

    Erumaka made this assertion at a recent press conference held at the church auditorium on the forthcoming annual Festival of Power and Prayer Crusade scheduled for January 7 to 21, in Lagos.

    According to him, “For me, I consider the recent fuel scarcity is an act of both external and internal sabotage; even those who are going on strike now should have a better time for going on strike than during Christmas.”

    He said that the government should show more concern in handling the situation, as he saw no reason why there should always be a fuel scarcity during Christmas. “I feel some of the strike at Christmas is a form of hand twisting, so that whatever we ask because of the pressure of the season must be given to us.”

    Erumaka, however, thinks some of the issues that led to the current fuel scarcity could have been settled long before the yuletide to make room for a smooth celebration at Christmas.

    Speaking on government’s attempt at withdrawing $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account (ECA), Erumaka opined that the government must take a holistic approach in tackling the insecurity situation in the country rather than the present approach of trying to focus on the Northeast.

    “I support the view that such huge amount to fight a situation that has been declared defeated is an aberration, and Boko Haram is not only happening in the Northeast. If nothing is done to arrest the situation of the Fulani herdsmen rampaging across the country – the herdsmen have killed more people in the Southeast/Southwest than Boko Haram in the Northeast, so security generally should be addressed; not one part of the country,” Erumaka posited.

    He noted that the lack of a proper and standardised costing system in Nigeria is an avenue for corruption that allows for huge amounts of money to be budgeted for capital projects with little or no corresponding impact on the people.

    “We are looking at N360 billion, I mean the longest bridge in China was constructed with just a little over $1billion, while the best cancer hospital in Chicago cost about $140 million. So when you talk about $1 billion, it can change this country to a large extent. So the state of the issue of security in Nigeria has more to do with will power than spending money. It is easier to spend money than to win a war,” he concluded.

     

  • Cleric urges modesty among Christians

    The president, Praise Arena-Kingdom Light Christian Centre, Pastor Jimmy Adetoyese Olagunju, has charged Christians to celebrate Christmas by living out the life of Jesus in their daily endeavour.

    Olagunju stated this in an interview with The Nation, at the church’s Christmas Carol  held last Sunday at LE-REAl Hotel, VGC, Lekki, Lagos.

    The event tagged Unending Joy in Jesus featured song renditions, bible teaching, prayer, special ministration from Praise Arena Choir and other A list gospel singers.

    He said that Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth and sacrifice of Jesus for the redemption of mankind from sin, sickness and evil but the effect of Jesus’ love to mankind will be lost if his children are not living out the life of Jesus within their environment.

    He lamented that many have turned Christmas to mere entertainment and funfair and have forgotten that Christmas does not come with celebration alone but with sober reflection about the way we live our lives.

    The cleric said: “Jesus is the reason for Christmas as Christmas reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world and that each of us should light the world as He does.”

    He stressed that the world will be a better place if Christians live the life of honesty, trust, integrity, love and patience which are virtues that characterise Jesus Christ.

    He added that the division that has pervaded the Nigeria society will be a thing of the past if all of God’s children take a cue from Jesus who when he was reviled, abused, scorned, persecuted, did not revile.

    He went further to charged the church to strive to lift up others, promote tolerance and inclusiveness, fairness and justice and hope for the poor and the downtrodden in the society.

    Olagunju added that the message of the Kingdom will expand and spread round the world if smiles are brought to the downtrodden, neglected, and the vulnerable.