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Tag: cleric

  • Expect more surprises, cleric tells Nigerians

    Nigerians have been told to expect more surprises this year because “God is already moving through Nigeria”.

    Minister in charge of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Restoration Parish, Akute, Ogun State Senior Superintendent G. F. Akinadewo, in his Easter sermon yesterday in the church, said the victory of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not of his (Buhari) making but God’s handiwork “because He has heard the cries of His people”.

    Akinadewo told the congregation: “The victory is beyond Buhari. It is not that Buhari is good and Goodluck Jonathan is bad. What is happening is that the hand of God is already moving and it is moving in the right direction, which is Nigeria. God was angry with Nigeria because of the persecution of the righteous, Muslims and Christians. In 2015, God is determined to do the needful and whoever is against this will be dealt with.

    “2015 is the year for Nigeria and Nigerians. Numbers 23:19 is already working because God is not a man that He should lie. He promised that Nigeria will be great but because of crimes being committed by people in high places, God was angry but now, He has come to establish Nigeria globally. Nigerians should expect more surprises. According to Joshua 14, it took Caleb 45 years for God to fulfil His promises. After the end of the civil war in 1970, many atrocities were introduced into the polity. It will be 45 years after the civil war this year and God is determined to fulful His promises in the lives of His people. But it is only the righteous who will benefit from this blessing.”

    He urged Nigerians to hold on to God firmly. “That is the only way these promises will be fulfilled. There are many Christians who are just church goers. They don’t really love God. This is the year for them to change if they must partake in God’s glory”.

  • Cleric tasks parents on home training

    Cleric tasks parents on home training

    The Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) South West region, Archbishop Magnus Atilade, has appealed to parents to continue to show love, understanding, kindness, firmness and offer ceaseless prayers to their children to safeguard them from negative influences.

    He spoke with our correspondent against the background of the recent revelation that some affluent Nigerian kids overseas have joined the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) militant group.

    Describing the development as worrisome, Atilade said parents must bring up godly children in the face of global terrorism, criminality and indoctrination.

    He lamented that many parents are abandoning their responsibilities to nannies and teachers, he said such neglect lead make youths vulnerable to strange and dangerous teachings.

    “Parents have abandoned their children and they are expecting the teachers to give the needed training to their children or ward. Training starts from the home,” he stated.

    He also implored security agencies to study and research on why growing number of Nigerian children are joining the ISIS, Boko Haram and other radical Islamic groups.

  • Nigeria will overcome, cleric assures

    Nigeria will overcome post-election crisis, the general overseer of The Christ Healing Evangelical Church Worldwide, Pastor Samuel Ogunfowokan, has assured.  He urged Nigerians to believe God for the best on the forthcoming elections and refuse to entertain any fear.

    Ogunfowokan spoke last week during the international convention of the church with the theme “When He comes.” He challenged Nigerians to submit to God and allow the Holy Spirit guide them in choosing the next leaders.  Ogunfowokan said: “There will be no war. Nigeria will get out of the elections stronger and better.

    “There might be pockets of crisis here and there but this country will stand. It will not break because God is involved.”  He advised parents to ensure their children are not used to foment troubles, calling on those with evil intentions to have a rethink.

  • Cleric to Jonathan: beware of Akwa Ibom officials

    Cleric to Jonathan: beware of Akwa Ibom officials

    Akwa Ibom State Accord Party’s governorship candidate, Bishop Samuel Akpan, has cautioned President Goodluck Jonathan to be wary of associating with some officials of the Akwa Ibom State government.

    The cleric said such officials were getting too close to the President whereas they did not mean well for him.

    He described such people as too diabolical, adding that Jonathan might regret this association with them, if he did not take caution.

    Akpan said: “Jonathan is a good man, a child of God and a competent leader. But he should stay off these people before he regrets the evil association.”

    The Accord Party’s candidate, who was a chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) until last December 8, spoke at the weekend at a dinner in his honour by the Jonathan Mandate Group (JOMAG).

    Akpan is the Southsouth coordinator of the group, which is seeking support for Jonathan’s re-election bid.

    The bishop warned Akwa Ibom State government officials to avoid destructice actions.

    He said anyone attempting to destroy the state would incur the wrath of God.

    Akpan said he had been quiet after several attacks on him, adding that he was forced to speak out on the President’s relationship with some government officials.

    According to him, those involved should desist before the wrath of God befell them.

    Akpan said: “I am using this opportunity to warn those who have been invoking my spirit and that of any other Akwa Ibom person that any more attempt, the Holy Spirit will react. They spend so much Akwa Ibom money to do wickedness in the state. God sent me to confound the wicked; I came with the support of the Holy Spirit to free the people from this fraternity. Our state is named after God and must not be associated with fraternities. We shall name names when the time comes.”

    The cleric decried the “importation” of Indian, spiritualists and those he called cultists with the state’s funds to deal with people with contrary opinions to those in government.

    He thanked his friends, party faithful and Akwa Ibom residents, who gathered at the K-Line, Ewet Housing Estate in Uyo, to finance his governorship campaigns.

    Addressing a crowd in Uyo, Akpan said: “Never again will we allow a group of contractors to take our state backward. This new platform is the most determined political party in Akwa Ibom State. We have travelled to the 31 local government areas and our level of acceptability is overwhelming.”

  • Cleric urges Nigerians to elect tested leaders

    The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Ijebu South/West, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Babatunde Ogunbanwo, has urged Nigerians to elect tested politicians with people-oriented manifestoes and programmes in the coming general elections.

    He said that Nigeria needed individuals who would address the problems of the nation and put citizens’ interests above their own narrow, personal objectives.

     Ogunbanwo said this while fielding questions from journalists during a diocesan Episcopal award ceremony in commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the inauguration of the diocese at the Bishops court, Odogbolu, in Ogun State, recently.

    The well attended event also featured  the unveiling of a colourful, 24-page magazine by the name of ‘Glad Tidings,’ the evangelical journal of the diocese, edited by the well-known media icon, Prince Henry Odukomaiya, who, in his prime, was Editor of the old ‘Daily Times, foundation Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Concord and Champion newspapers.

    The bishop chided those politicians who have resorted to hate speeches and mudslinging instead of engaging in issue-based campaigns, stressing that politicians’ speeches in recent times have left much to be desired.

    “I have listened to most of the campaign speeches; they are not issue-oriented and that is not what we want in this 21st century. We want issue-oriented politicians, we want people-oriented politicians, not people who are selfish, who are concerned only about their families but those who are concerned about the masses of this country, those who are concerned about solving the problems of this

  • Cleric urges politicians to focus on issues

    Cleric urges politicians to focus on issues

    The Bishop of the Bible Life Church, Prof. Leonard Umunna, has urged politicians to focus on issue-based campaigns, instead of attacking personalities. “Politics should be based on issues,” he said.

    Umunna faulted the attacks on the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ,over his certificates and age.

    He recalled that the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe contested for the Presidency in their old age.

    “Let us deal with issues so that Nigeria is not consumed,” he said.

    Umunna said campaigns based on ethnic sentiments must also be avoided. He said: “Sentiments and ethnic politics have not led us anywhere but backward.”

    The priest, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, rejected the call for the postponement of the general elections, saying that it is unnecessary.

    He blamed the country’s economic woes on inept leadership. According to him, Nigerians will have an opportunity to choose a leader who would make a difference next month.

    Urging voters to make a wise choice, he said: “We’re suffering from inept leadership. We do not select the right people. A good leader brings honour to his people and there is no loser in a winning team.”

    On the collection of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), Umunna said the cards should be used along with the temporary voter cards inorder not to disenfranchise those who are yet to collect theirs.

    “In other countries, people are allowed to vote with their national identity cards. I have a temporary voter card, which nobody has said is deficient. Those who do not have PVCs should be allowed to vote with their temporary voter cards,”he said.

    Umunna added: “Not having a PVC should not stop a person from voting. There are many people who registered, but were told that their PVCs were not ready or available due to no fault of their own.

    “My church was used as a registration point, yet many of those who registered there had gone to the PVC collection centre without finding theirs.

    “Till now, I don’t have a PVC ,even though this church was a registration point. Some have gone to the local government, but who is giving you?”

    Umunna said Nigeria cannot develop, until a truly people’s constitution is enacted. “Nigerians should give themselves a godly constitution,” he added.

    The cleric predicted that the elections will not be marred by violence, adding: “There will be peace in the country. There shall be no bloodbath.”

    He also dismissed rumours that Nigeria could be Islamised or turned to a Sharia state, if Gen. Buhari is elected.

    Umunna said: “Our constitution does not allow for the Islamisation of the country.”

    He urged the six geo-political zones to rise up against insurgency in the Northeast. The priest said: “Those in the South should wake up and speak up against insurgency. Let us look at the root causes.”

    The bishop urged the Federal Government to take proactive measures to protect Nigerians abroad from being convicted and executed for crimes without fair hearing.

    Speaking against the background of Nigerians said to have been executed in Indonesia, Umunna said: “Let our government be proactive to ensure that our citizens get a fair hearing before being convicted.”

  • Cleric decries high level of corruption, impunity

    The Chief Missioner of Ansar-ur-deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abd’rahman Ahmad has  condemned the level of corruption and impunity in government saying “corruption has been elevated to a state-craft” in the country.

    Sheikh Ahmad stated this at a lecture he delivered at the annual ‘Pray for the Nation 2015’ programme organised by Fatima Charity Foundation (FCF) which took place at Muson centre, Onikan, Lagos.  The lecture was titled ‘Committing Nigeria to the hands of God: What are the roles of the leadership and the citizenry’.

    He said Nigeria is in the present quagmire because the leaders no longer have the fear of God neither do they do things according to the laws and precepts of God.

    “God has a plan for Nigeria, a good plan for everything and everybody to be okay and happy, but we are not listening to God or doing His will thereby thwarting that plan.

    “Our leaders are so selfish and self-centred, they do things with impunity, they don’t care about the people, they want to stay in power by all means even when the people say they no longer want them. Even the people no longer have conscience, they have also forsaken God and when God wants to punish people for their sins He gives them bad leaders,” he said.

    According to the cleric, good governance means handing over the country’s affairs to God, “things are not going right, there is no trust among the leaders and the people don’t trust them either, we see them as looters, we don’t trust our government neither do our leaders care for us; 20 years ago we were better than now”, Ahmad said.

    “Good governance”, he said, “is inclusive of fair electoral process, justice, equity and fair play. When you have been chosen to lead don’t be self-centred, don’t do things with impunity because God will desert you. How can a leader say stealing is not corruption or query why somebody should be jailed for stealing small money? What have we become? Nothing is working, we have a full scale war on our hands and yet we pretend as if nothing is happening”, he said.

    Sheikh Ahmad called on every Nigerian to resolve to contribute their quota “then there would be a lot of difference. I am just saying that Nigerians must stop agonising and complaining, we must get organised, we must change our destiny with our own hands”, he said.

    In her welcome address earlier, President of FCF, Chief (Mrs.) Bintu-Fatima Tinubu said, “we want to see Nigeria a developed nation, prosper and become the pride of Africa. We are here because we know that change must come and that change will come because we are the hope of Nigeria and henceforth, we must pursue a desire to get it right”.

    She stressed on the need to contribute to the greatness of the country through prayers. She said, “we are very much aware of the many problems that have plagued the Nigerian nation which includes insecurity, corruption and general fall in the standard of morality. And if Nigeria is to fulfill her God-given mandate, we need to find urgent solutions to these innumerable problems confronting our nation”.

    She said after 100 years as a country and 54 years as an independent nation, little have been achieved despite huge human and natural resources, “Nigerians are now growing impatient with so much hardship in the land of so much wealth. Most Nigerians have remained stuck in squalor and hopelessness; while our value system has continued to crash with vices such as corruption and theft celebrated, true federalism has remained an illusion and development at all levels has continued to elude us.

    “It is paramount to submit ourselves in prayer for God to remove all the ills plaguing the nation. The world of politics needs to be sustained by fervent prayers, supplications to the Almighty God, to overcome various challenges and harmonise different political currents with a view to enabling growth and development in our dear nation”, Tinubu said.

    Decrying the loss of faith by many Nigerians in the ability of the country to govern itself, Tinubu said the citizens have lost faith and confidence in the leadership of the nation, adding that “without confidence in the system and its leaders, the democratic principles of the nation such as civic participation, voting and community involvement are eroded and further jeopardize the country’s future”.

    Assuring that Nigeria has all the ingredients for success, Tinubu called for concerted efforts of all Nigerians and their re-dedication to the culture of tolerance, eschewing violence, peaceful conduct during and after elections, “and to remember that political competition is not war but an avenue for people to peacefully express their choices through globally recognised democratic channels “.

    Different Muslim groups recited the Quoran and offered prayers for the nation, especially prayers for a peaceful and crisis free election this year.

     

  • Cleric warns against religious sentiment in politics

    Cleric warns against religious sentiment in politics

    The Head of Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Nigeria and Overseas (C&S), His Eminence Adegboyega Alao, has advised Nigerians not to allow religious sentiment to influence their votes in the upcoming general election.

    He charged them to vote wisely for a candidate that they know is ready to serve the country genuinely.

    Speaking at a press conference to herald the Church 85th Annual General Conference held at Sacred C&S Church, Saint Christianah Olatunde Ogo-Olorun Model Parish District in Ondo, Ondo State, Alao said Nigeria is at a critical stage, noting that if the country fails to get it right this time around, it may spell the end for the nation.

    The Cleric cautioned Nigerians not to allow some desperate politicians to mislead them with sentimental issues, saying, “hunger does not know if you are a Christian or Muslim, unemployment does not know if you are Yoruba, Hausa, or Ijaw, insecurity does not know if you are an Igbo or Hausa but what should be in our minds is that we must vote for a President that can provide food for us, give us protection, give us jobs, and someone who is ready to transform the country”.

    Alao, who lamented the high rate of corruption in the country, suggested that Nigeria needs a President, who according to him would restore discipline back to the nation.

    He explained that the country is already decaying because of bad leadership, noting that was why elections are always over heated by politicians who always want to remain or get to power by force.

    His words, “the polity is daily being over heated by politicians especially by those who history would not forgive if things go wrong; those who have been bent on governing at all cost; those who ought not to forget the past mistakes of others; those who ought to forget what could be the consequence of a do or die electoral victory; those who would be most vulnerable for election malpractices and rigging.

     

  • 2015: Cleric calls for violence–free elections

    The expansive auditorium of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Babalola Memorial International Miracle Camp, Ikeji Arakeji, was filled to capacity penultimate week as over 1, 000 pastors were ordained by the President of the ministry, Pastor Abraham Akinosun.

    Clerics from different parts of the country converged on the CAC camp at Ikeji to witness the event.

    It was a joyful occasion as the ordination was coming after years of embargo placed on such activities in the CAC fold.

    With joy and happiness radiating on the faces of the pastors, they danced to the melodious renditions of the choir.

    While lending his voice on the 2015 general elections, Pastor Akinosun said Nigerians should look on to God in order to be saved.

    He said: “If our country and those we are going to vote for should look unto the Lord, the country and its citizens shall be saved.

    “But if we continue to go the way that is not biblical, like killing and maiming because some people’s desperation to rule, it is against God and the Scripture.”

    He advised politicians to learn from other countries where the interests of the citizens are the priority of the government.

    Pastor Akinosun berated some politicians who are preparing for the coming elections as if they are going to the war front.

    “We are going to vote and we are hearing of people stock-piling arms. We are not preparing for war; we are preparing to vote for credible people to be at the helm of affair. So, why should they be stock-piling arms?

    “Our politicians should have a rethink and have the fear of God. Elections should not be do-or-die affair. If someone fails now, another time, he may be called upon to rule. So, people should take it easy and play the game according to the rules” Pastor Akinosun said.

    Speaking on the role of the newly ordained pastors in ensuring a better society, the CAC leader said embargo has been placed on ordinations for a very long time because of the understanding that a lot have to be put into the training of pastors so as to contribute meaningfully to the growth and stability of the society.

    “Many of those you see here have been working on churches without ordination; many of them have acquired knowledge, but we really want to train them as pastors, so that, if the Church of God improves, the society will be better for it,” he said.

    Just as people across the world prepare to witness another year, the cleric said the coming year may be a bad experience for the ungodly.

    He said for those who look unto the Lord, the coming year will be filled with blessings and uniqueness.

    “For those who look unto God, they don’t need to fear any tribulation. Though we don’t know tomorrow, if we know the God who knows tomorrow, then we will be assured that tomorrow will be good,” he said.

    Earlier in his message entitled “the New Beginning” Pastor Akinosun urged the newly ordained pastors to start living a new life.

    He said as they have received a new training, they must be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to do the work always.

    He condemned some pastors who materialistic to the detriment of their ministries and obedience to the Lord.

    While congratulating them, he described the ordination as a welcome development.

    The CAC President said even though there has been some in the past, this year’s ordination was unique because embargo had been lifted on it.

     

     

     

     

     

    Former General Evangelist, Pastor Paul Bandele expressed his joy over the development.

    He appreciated the leadership of the CAC worldwide for the success recorded on the programme.

     

     

    QUOTE

     

    If our country and those we are going to vote for should look unto the Lord, the country and its citizens shall be saved. But if we continue to go the way that is not biblical, like killing and maiming because some people’s desperation to rule, it is against God and the Scripture…We are going to vote and we are hearing of people stock-piling arms. We are not preparing for war; we are preparing to vote for credible people to be at the helm of affair. So, why should they be stock-piling arms? Elections should not be do-or-die affair

     

  • Cleric warns parents against exam malpractice

    The Lord Bishop of Lagos West Anglican Diocese Rt. Rev. James Odedeji has urged parents to stop abetting examination malpractice.

    He spoke at the inauguration of the Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye Schools.

    He said parents who helped their wards to cheat to pass examinations were as guilty as those who steal public funds.

    He said: “Parents should teach their children good example; they should bring them up to understand that cheating is not the way of God. They should not assist them fraudulently to pass exam; rather, they should create the enabling environment that will allow them to study hard to pass their examinations.”

    He added that education in Nigeria had received a boost since schools were returned to the missions.  “You can see that the schools under our control in Lagos State are doing extremely well. The schools are well taken care of in terms of the provision of teaching facilities and conducive learning environment,” he said.

    He further urged the Federal Government to make education accessible to Nigerians through the provision of grants and scholarships to the underprivileged who cannot afford the cost of education.

    He maintained that the society would be better if the youth had access to good education that will make them productive. “The youth who roam the streets probably do not have access to good and qualitative education.

    “It is the responsibility of the government to cater for its citizen – including the provision of means of education, supporting the missions to train the people morally and otherwise,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Chairman Board of Governors of the school, Mrs. Adenike Okudoh, said the maintenance of schools was important.

    “Regular maintenance of school facilities which on the long run may even be more than the cost of the buildings must be inculcated.

    “The schools environment must be kept clean, damage must be minimised and report areas of attention to the appropriate authorities. The cost of building schools in Nigeria is alarming and it must be continued if we have to keep abreast of global standards,”she explained.