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Tag: cleric

  • Okunnu, cleric disagree with Sanusi on hajj rite

    Okunnu, cleric disagree with Sanusi on hajj rite

    Two renowned Islamic leaders, Alhaji Lateef Okunnu and Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i have disagreed with Emir of Kano and Nigeria‘s Amirul Hajj Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II on skipping the devil stoning aspect of pilgrimage.

    Sanusi had advocated skipping the exercise because of overcrowding, which led to the stampede in which some pilgrims died on September 24.

    No fewer than 70 Nigerians are believed to have died in the stampede.

    Alhaji Sanusi told Sokoto pilgrims in the Holy Land that stoning of the devil was not worth the blood of any Muslim.

    He quoted the Qur’an and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad that refusal to even perform the stoning of devil rituals does not in any way invalidate one’s Hajj.

    His words: “During the era of Prophet Muhammad, he permitted pilgrims who came on camels to stay in Mecca after Arafat, instead of staying in Mina and sleeping at Muzdalifa.

    “So, if the Prophet could give such grace to some people, just to protect their animals, why didn’t our scholars educate our people properly to avoid this untoward hardship and death.

    “Therefore, it will be part of my recommendations to the Federal Government that, if we cannot get accommodation close to Jamrat where the Arabs reside in Mina, then this year may be the last time we will sleep in Mina and Muzdalifa because we want to stone the devil.

    “Besides that, if one deliberately refuses to even perform the stoning of the devil rituals, all he needs to do is to slaughter a ram. So, if this is the situation, why do we go and suffer and die instead of sacrificing a ram?”

    Yesterday, Okunnu, who was Nigeria‘s Amirul Hajj in 1973 said what the Emir Sanusi said was his personal opinion which is not binding on pilgrims.

    “The job of Nigeria’s Amirul Hajj is to recommend to the Federal Government and the stakeholders of which Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) is playing a leading role, would examine. We’ll discuss that recommendation when we get to NSCIA meeting. The emir’s suggestion is open-ended,” he said.

    Okunnu, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria president urged Saudi Arabia to probe the incident to arrest a recurrence, saying: “We know Allah gives life and causes death to whomever and wherever He pleases. The people that died at Jamrat were not exempted. He gave them lives and He has taken them. We can only pray that this be the last of such incident. May we never have this kind of experience again.”

    Also yesterday, Sheikh Shafi’i, Mufti, Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), who hailed Emir Sanusi for delving into scholars’ area of expertise, noted that many monarchs have little knowledge about their religion.

    The renowned scholar said the issue of abstaining from devil stoning is not as straight forward as Sanusi observed.

    “That angle (Jamrat) is a whole topic under Islamic Jurisprudent (Fiqh); many internationally recognised scholars would have to issue a Fatwa (verdict) before any nation can say her pilgrims should abstain from Jamrat exercise,” he said.

    Besides, he said, moving African pilgrims tent in Mina closer to Jamrat is not a requisite to avoid stampede.

    “What about the other nations that had their tents closer to Jamrat and still lost some of their pilgrims? What should be done is proper investigation of how it happened and ensure a reoccurrence is avoided,” he said.

    According to him, the hadith (Prophetic sayings) quoted by Sanusi was misconstrued, adding that the Prophet never exempted anybody from stoning rather he (Prophet Muhammad) only permitted them to return to Mecca and come from there for the stoning.

  • Cleric hails Ugwuanyi

    Cleric hails Ugwuanyi

    The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga has hailed Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for conducting an exemplary primary election in Kogi State.

    The Bishop spoke during a mass to mark the 55th anniversary of Nigeria. Represented by the Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. John Nwafor, bishop Onaga called on Nigerians to emulate the governor’s exemplary maintenance of rules and regulations in the conduct of elections.

    He noted that contenders accepted the result and became more united because of the transparent manner it was conducted.

    Governor Ugwuanyi, who read the first lesson, called on churches to continue pray for leaders for good governance and peace to ensure service delivery.

    He promised that his administration would continue to identify with churches to discharge their duties.

  • Buhari’s govt progressive, says cleric

    Buhari’s govt progressive, says cleric

    Frontline social critic and reformer, Pastor (Dr.) Moses Iloh, has commended the nation’s ruler, President Muhammadu Buhari, on the progressive trend of his administration, since his assumption of office.

    He described the foregoing as a positive development which justifies the confidence of the electorate who had massively voted for him.

    “I particularly commend his ongoing drive at ethico-moral revolution, accountability, equity and social justice, as epitomized in the ongoing investigation of the activities of suspected public office holders and the seizing of their diplomatic passports, aimed at stifling any possible attempt to evade justice,” said the General overseer, Soul Winning Chapel, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

    He noted that barely hundred days in office, the supply of electricity has witnessed a commendable sign of improvement.

    “This indeed is unprecedented in the annals of governance of this country and for this, the president deserves every applause,” Iloh said.

    He urged the president to pursue the task of uninterrupted power supply to the logical conclusion in view of the fact that effective and efficient electricity holds the ace for industrial revolution, foreign investment and full employment.

    The frontline cleric and founder of the Eclectic Network, a socio-political pressure group, also enjoined the president to bring every effort to bear in ensuring that the local governments across the country work according to the constitution.

    The local government as it is today, is marred in abysmal decay, due to the exploitation by the state, compounded by the brazen high level corruption by local government chairmen and officials.

    He advised the president to put in place an institutional structure to monitor the affairs of the local governments, adding that if the local governments function as they ought to, less pressure would be on the states and the federal government.

  • Cleric canvasses prayers against air crashes

    The Chaplain of the Christian Fellowship of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Pastor Ademola Oladele, has appealed to Christians to continue praying for air safety.

    He spoke at the 17th bi-ennial Nigerian Airspace Safety Prayer Programme organised by the African Children of Peace Club, an affiliate of African Foundation for Peace and Love Initiative.

    The prayer summit with the theme “If my people who are called by my name” held at the fellowship hall of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NCAA) fellowship hall at the airport, Murtala Mohammed, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Oladele called for sustained prayers in the face of global air mishaps.

    According to him: “”Many hearts are far away from God and most people don’t fear God and that has been the bane of the aviation industry.

    “We are praying that God will raise people who will stand in the gap on behalf of the nation so that people who are doing the work will fear God and do the right thing in every way and aspect of the aviation industry.”

    He attributed most of the air crashes in the nation to failure of aviation workers to do the right time at every given time.

    “We need prayers so that workers will do what is right and toe the path that would make our air safe and secure for thousands of local and international passengers,” he stressed.

    While noting that the right infrastructure has been put in place in the industry, the chaplain said: “No matter the infrastructure, expertise and wisdom put in place, the fear of God is key as things would ordinary fall into pleasant places for us”.

    The founding President of African Foundation for Peace and Love Initiative, Rev (Dr) Titus Oyeyemi, called on stakeholders in the sector to recommit themselves to greater productivity and safety.

    He led participants to cry out to God for air safety across the nation.

  • Cleric seeks divorce from fourth wife after 31 years of marriage

    A 65-year-old clergyman, Olowolade David Laizer, is seeking divorce from his fourth wife, Esther, after 31 years of marriage.

    Laizer, who has six wives, told a customary court sitting in Ikorodu, yesterday, that the 55-year-old Mrs Laizer lacks respect for the house of God.

    The clergyman alleged that his wife rains curses on his church at the slightest provocation and had denied him conjugal rights for over a year.

    Laizer said their problems started when they lost their first son in 2013.

    The deceased was a university student, but died after a brief illness.

    “There was a parental dispute between her family and mine when we wanted to get married, so, we had to do two separate introductions. She even said I would die within three years if I divorced her,” Laizer said.

    Mrs Laizer, a teacher, said her husband preaches about her in the church.

    She said: “He says all sorts of things about me in his sermons. Yes, I’ve denied him of sex for over a year now because he said my private part is smelling…after 31 years of marriage and five children!

    “Four days after I lost my son, his sixth wife came into my room and took my pant and bra. I don’t know what she used it for, but she returned it later. She also cooked for me and put six pieces of meat in the soup. I refused to eat it because I don’t know what that meant for or who sent her.”

    The court’s president, Olu Adebiyi, encouraged both parties to keep the peace and told them to come with their family members on September 14, for possible reconciliation.

  • Cleric extols women at conference

    Women have been described as carriers of untold treasures.

    Speaking at the 17th edition of the yearly Zion International Conference tagged “The Precious Jewel” organised by the Virtuous Women Services Foundation (VWSF), the President, Apostle Edu Elijah Mboho, wife of Archbishop Dr. Elijah Mboho, said it is important to remind every woman that they carry treasures that are unimaginable but that they must also be told that they have to come to Jesus through whom alone this untold treasure embedded  in them may be made manifest.

    Dwelling on the theme “The Precious Jewel”, Apostle Mboho said  “Precious”  defines a thing as being of great value, costly and highly esteemed, while “Jewel”  is a fashion ornament especially made out of a precious stone.

    Mboho told the women who gathered in thousands from across the nation at Gospel Village, Headquarters of Goodnews Community International Incorporated, Abak,  Akwa Ibom State,  that as precious and unique as  a jewel is, it is cut out of a rough stone and has to go through very rough processes, all aimed at bringing out of it beautiful sparkles that only the Creator knew and understands.

    Apostle Mboho said with the use of sharp, abrasive or hot instrument, the raw stone, taken out of the earth, is reduced in size, changed in shape and colours with the purpose of producing a desirable ornament for beautification.

    She told the excited and praying crowd that as recorded in 1st Peter 2:5, ‘We are living stones meant to be built into a spiritual house for a holy, dedicated and consecrated service to the Lord.

    Though the process may be rough, she reminded the worshippers that ‘the Master Builder has a target of bringing out every brilliantness, beauty and creativity embedded on the inside of them’. She urged them to hold on and stay encouraged as the end is glorious. ” Remember you are a chosen generation, and a special people set aside to display the virtues and perfection of Him who called you. Let your life say yes to your calling and purpose. Your blessing is tied to the fulfillment of your purpose. Your destiny is God’s divine agenda”, she admonished the worshippers.

    Membership of VWSF is open to all women, children and youth irrespective of age, nationality, colour, race or social standing in society as well as men.

    The weeklong programme, which had hundreds in camps within  the Gospel Village, ended with thanksgiving to God for His grace and mercies.

  • Cleric seeks free education for Akwa Ibom private schools

    An appeal has been made to Akwa Ibom State governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, to do everything possible not only to sustain the free and compulsory education started by his predecessors, but extend the gesture to private schools in the state.

    The Bishop and General Overseer of Rapture Trust Gospel Ministries International Incorporated, His Lordship Dr. Moswill Umoh, said the call became imperative because private school owners are providing qualitative education to the citizens, one responsibility Umoh believes government should shoulder.

    He said maintenance of acceptable standard, payment of salaries to teachers and non teaching staff, maintenance of school infrastructure and the provision of a conducive teaching and learning environment remain a daunting task for private school owners.

    “It is a good thing that the free and compulsory education was started in Akwa Ibom State public schools, but the teachers and proprietors of the private schools are training the children for the state and the nation and not for themselves.

    Therefore, to take the free and compulsory education a step further, government should among other things, pay fees for Akwa Ibom children in private schools and assist in the smooth running of the schools,” Umoh said.

    The cleric, who was a teacher, recalled that he was trained free by Federal Government during his Teacher Training College (TTC) day. He said he has been able to transfer same knowledge to countless children in his career.

    Umoh, who runs a school and an Orphanage all located within the expansive church premises, noted that if government help train children in both public and private schools, they will ever remain grateful to the state and in return will be willing to reciprocate such gesture.

    The cleric also frowned at parents who abandon their children in boarding houses and would not pay their fees on time, as well as those who keep changing their children’s school over insignificant issues. He warned that they are doing the children harm and causing them embarrassment.

     

  • Cleric advises leaders

    A cleric, Alhaji Abdulsalam Imam, yesterday urged Nigerian leaders to be dedicated and honest when called upon to serve in any capacity.

    lmam spoke in Ilorin while delivering a sermon at a reception to mark the 80th birthday of a National Commissioner of lNEC, Dr Abdulkadir Oniyangi.

    He noted that public office should a public trust which should be used to serve humanity and not to amass wealth.

    The cleric commended Oniyangi for representing Kwara well in all offices he had served.

    Abdulkadir also admonished all aspiring leaders to shun materialism and corruption that had destroyed the economic prosperity of Nigeria.

    The Chairman of the event, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations, described Oniyangi as an outstanding public administrator.

    He urged Nigerians to emulate Oniyangi’s patriotism and selfless zeal.

     

  • Cleric donates food to Kirikiri inmates, orphanage

    Cleric donates food to Kirikiri inmates, orphanage

    It was a ray of hope and joy at the weekend for the inmates of Kirikiri Maximum Prison and the children and staff of Heart of Gold Hospice Motherless Babies’ Home in Surulere, as the General Overseer, Word and Spirit Assembly, Lagos, Pastor Chris Ekeh, celebrated his 40th birthday with them.

    The event started with prayers, praise and worship to Almighty God, after which the inmates and staff of the Prison expressed gratitude and appreciation to the pastor for the gesture.

    While addressing the inmates, Pastor Ekeh urged them to confess their sins and put their hope in God, saying soonest God will set them free.

    He advised them not to see their present condition as the end of their lives, adding that it will make them become agents of change in future.

    “Being in the prison is not the end of life but God wanted to use it to bring about the forgiveness of their sins, salvation; deliverance and to transform their lives.”

    He urged them to always smile irrespective of the difficulties because there is hope when there is life.

    They were further enjoined to hope in God in all circumstances, saying that those who were yet to accept Jesus Christ should do so, because in Christ there is word, life and everlasting prosperity.

    The man of God said he chose to celebrate his birthday with them just to thank God.

    He said: “Forty years is not 40 days. Many of those they grew up together had died, while many have ended up as prisoners due to some crimes that metamorphosed from picking pockets. When they are doing that, they believe they are enjoying. Despite the oppression and intimidation then, God prevented him from joining them.”

    According to him, he wants to use the opportunity to positively transform lives both morally and spiritually.

    “Life is not only about party and what you take but what you give to impact to humanity. Life is not about contributions and distributions,” he said.

    He urged the inmates to ensure their experiences in the pris on counts after their freedom.

    The clergyman pledges to visit them regularly and ceaseless supports to them and the prison yards.

    Responding, the inmates raised their hands towards the direction of the clergyman and prayed for him that God should continue to elevate him, his family and the ministry.

    The Assistant Controller of Prison (ACP) Iriri, who spoke on behalf of the management, praised Pastor Ekeh for his love and kindness in celebrating his birthday with inmates of the prison. He appealed for continued visit to them and be part of the agent that will find solution to the challenges facing the prisoners in the course of serving out their term.

    He said the inmates are lagging behind, saying some programmes such as education, skill training and empowerment, motivators, generating sets and food items are lacking.

    The birthday cake was cut in support of the important dignitaries and church members present at the event, while various gifts and other essential items were provided for the inmates and children at the motherless babies’ home.

    Among those who were present at the event included popular Nollywood stars such as Chinyere Winifred Ameachi Muonago and Ebere Okaro.

    Some of the items donated to the home were money, food stuffs, baby clothes, diapers and sanitary materials.

    While receiving the items, the proprietress of the motherless babies’ home, Mrs. Adedoyin Adelaja, thanked the clergyman and his entourage for their support. She urged them to be more committed to the service of humanity and champion the cause of the less-privileged people.

    She also called on Nigerian leaders, politicians, religious leaders to support the less-privileged morally and financially. Through this, she said, the level of poverty and nuisance would be reduced if not eradicated in the society.

  • Cleric challenges Buhari on insurgency

    Cleric challenges Buhari on insurgency

    The Bishop of Ido-Ani Diocese (Anglican Communion), Rev. Ezekiel Dahunsi has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to intensify the war against terrorism and corruption.

    The cleric noted that the Boko Haram insurgency is affecting the peace and stability of the country, even as he opined that the present economic hardship in Nigeria was caused mainly by unbridled corruption among political office holders and public servants.

    He spoke at this year’s Trinity ordination and inauguration of Lay Readers held at St. Matthew’s Church, Imeri in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    Rev. Dahunsi expressed grief that corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of all sectors of the nation’s economy, urging President Buhari to fight the menace with all seriousness.

    He also challenged the Federal Government to take decisive stand on fuel subsidy to check corrupt practices in the oil sector.

    According to him, apart from making pronouncement on subsidy removal, government should also put in place appropriate machinery to further prevent untoward practices that are prevalent in the oil industry.

    He advised the Buhari-led administration not to regard some people as sacred cows in the fight against corruption, stressing that his anti-corruption war should affect all sectors of the economy.

    Bishop Dahunsi also said the President and the governors should uphold democracy and ensure that politics, tribe or religion do not impede the country’s growth and development.

    He decried a situation where the peace of the country was being threatened by activities of the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast and kidnapping in the Southeast, which is fast spreading to the Southwest.

    Rev. Dahunsi called on the leaders to trust God. He enjoined the citizens to support the leaders in all things which are just and morally good.

    In his homily at the ordination service, Ven. Sanmi Ajiboye from Ijebu Diocese in Ogun State gave reasons why men of God are needed in God’s vineyard.

    According to him, they need to blow the trumpet of warning against evil deeds.

    He admonished the newly ordained men to ensure that they teach their congregation the way to salvation.

    Ven. Ajiboye said people were called to the ministry so as to transform the lives of those who they have been called to shepherd order to enter into the Kingdom of God.

    The cleric urged them to mediate on behalf of the people as anointed men of God.

    Two Deacons, Messers Ogunlere Mola and Abbah Friday as well as two priests, Awodogun Ayodele and Adeyeri Akinyemi were ordained during the church service.

    The Ido-Ani diocese would hold the third session of its Synod at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Ido-Ani between August 6 and 9. The theme of the session is “Godliness with Contentment.”

    According to a statement by the Diocesan spokesman, Isaac Obiniran, the Synod would be hosted by the family of Chief J.O. Oshati, the Majekobaje Okunrin of the Cathedral Church, Ido-Ani.

    Ondo State governor Olusegun Mimiko will be special guest of honour at the official opening of the ceremony while many religious leaders, synod delegates and clerics within and outside the diocese will be in attendance.