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Tag: cleric

  • …cleric urges FG to declare state-of-emergency

    The Chief Imam of Al-Furqan Mosque in Kano, Dr Bashir Omar, has urged the Federal Government to declare state-of-emergency in Zamfara State to address incessant kidnappings and killing of innocent citizens.

    He made the call in his sermon during prayers in the mosque on Friday.

    Omar said that the call was necessary in order to check the wanton killings currently going on in the state.

    “The wanton killings and kidnappings can only be stopped through the introduction of State-of-Emergency by the Federal Government.

    “The people of Zamfara State deserve pity and all forms of compassion to enjoy a peaceful living because the pogrom has consumed many lives with almost no end in sight.

    “This is not the first time I am calling on the Federal Government to declare a State-of-Emergency in the state to end the killings,” he said.

    According to him, the perpetrators of the dastardly acts are made to have a field day in the absence of punitive measures on ground to checkmate such despicable atrocities.

    The cleric stressed the need for the government to match its words with action on how to end the disturbing spate of criminal banditry in the state.

    He stated that kidnapping innocent citizens on the highways and other secluded areas had become a money-spinning business.

    “Only those who lack absolute fear of Allah turned kidnapping as a business hence our decision to call for the imposition of emergency rule to put the abduction kingpins out of business.”

  • Cleric tasks Buhari on campaign promises 

    The General Overseer of Christ Apostolic Church, Agbala Olorun ni Gbani, Pastor Moses Olagunju, has charged President Muhammadu Buhari to focus more on developmental projects that would positively affect the wellbeing of Nigerians.

    Olagunju said this in an interview with The Nation at the ongoing three-day special programme for men at CAC, Agbala Olorun ni Gbani headquarters, Egbeda, Lagos, with the theme: ‘From failure to success’.

    He declared that God has a hand in the victorious emergence of President Buhari in the just concluded presidential election and he will only succeed if he makes effort to focus on his campaign promises and shun detractors, who do not mean well for Nigerians.

    He noted that Nigeria’s growth has been slow because successive administrations have reneged on their campaign promises and enriched themselves and their cronies with the nation’s resources.

     

     

  • Cleric advises Muslims on regular visit to graveyard

    An Abuja-based Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Yahya Al-Yolawi, has advised Muslims to cultivate the habit of visiting the graveyard to remember and prepare for life after death.

    Al-Yolawi, who is also the Chief Imam of Area 10 Garki Mosque in Abuja, gave the advice while delivering Jumma’at Sermon entitled “ Benefits of Remembering Death in Islam” on Friday in Abuja.

    The cleric explained that regular visit to graveyard would enable Muslims to prepare toward death before it was too late, adding that remembering death would reduce worldly materials’ inclination from hearts.

    According to Al-Yolawi, death is a reality in which all human beings accept and believe in but it is also a reality which most people like to keep out of their minds.

    He added that “in Islam, death is not an end to our existence; it is a passage, which takes us from this world to the next stage of life (grave) then to hereafter.

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    “ Whether we like it or not, death will certainly come to every one of us. Muslims Success or failure at the time of death depends largely on how much he prepared before that day.

    “ Preparing for death is a lifetime assignment which begins on the day one reach the age of adolescence, where
    he will be responsible for his deeds for the rest of his or her life.

    “ Once death arrives, the opportunity to do well or worship ends and it will be too late to repent and our final
    destination depends largely on the kind of beliefs and actions exhibited in this present life. “

    Al-Yolawi said any person who chooses to forget or rule out remembering death in his day-to-day life would
    find it difficult to repent his or her sins and devil would have total power over him.

    The cleric, therefore, admonished Muslims to inculcate the spirit of humility and humbleness in dealing with
    people irrespective of their religion or tribal background.

    Al-Yolawi also urged Muslims to be contented with whatever little they have, shun egotism and
    oppression of the less privilege.

    NAN

  • Cleric seeks prayers for polls

    General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji has urged Nigerians to pray for the elections to be the harbinger of the desired peace, progress and unity.

    Oladeji, who said prayers had sustained Nigeria, admonished stakeholders not to take the masses for granted by engaging in acts that could affect the people’s wellness and wellbeing.

    A statement by the cleric said “the need for divine intervention in ensuring lasting development of the country and better lives for the citizens informed the ongoing three months Divine Power for Enlargement programme”.

    He said the ongoing 63 days vigil, which is a divine agenda, hosted by Pastor Olu Popoola at Christ Apostolic Church, off Ojo/Arulogun Road, Powerline Goodness Estate in Ibadan, Oyo State, “is to empower Nigerians with the power to surmount negative trends”.

    Prophet Oladeji urged CAC members to be rededicated and committed to the church doctrines and Christianity, assuring them that “God will soon restore the lost glory of the church”.

    The programme, which started in January, will end in March.

     

  • Cleric hails Kanu for calling off boycott

    A Catholic Cleric, Rev. Emmanuel Obimma, has hailed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for calling off the election boycott order.

    According to him, suspending the stay-at-home order would guarantee greater participation of people in the Southeast in particular, and Nigeria at large.

    Obimma, who is the Spiritual Director of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, Anambra State, said the time had come for Nigerians to uphold democracy through the exercise of their franchise. The cleric appealed to youths to shun electoral violence, insisting that the election was not worth losing any life for, and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use opportunity of the rescheduled elections to do right as all eyes were on her.

    He said: “Don’t mortgage your conscience and your future. Don’t allow anybody to buy your conscience. Agitation is good, but agitate with your votes because your PVC is your power, your authority and your right.

    “There is no alternative for peace, win or lose, shun violence in all ramifications. No life of any Nigerian is worth losing in the name of electoral failure or victory. We pray that INEC will conduct a transparent election because the world is looking at us as a country and our Lord is watching.”

  • Cleric urges Christians to collect PVCs, vote at elections

    The director of a faith-based movement, Great Commission Movement of Nigeria (GCMN), Rev. Ambrose Massaquoi, has urged Christians across the country to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and vote for candidates of their choice in the forthcoming general elections.

    Massaquoi addressed reporters yesterday in Lagos on activities lined up by the organisation to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

    The cleric said Christians must exercise their voting rights so that the right leaders would be elected to engender the right political environment.

    Read also: 2019 Election and national values (1)

    He said GCMN is a faith-based inter-denominational and non-denominational movement, which has been praying for the nation “because we believe prayers can bring the right leaders and for God to bring the right environment”.

    Massaquoi also admonished youths to stay away from violence before, during and after the elections.

    He added: “With their energy, people tend to use them for the wrong purpose.

    “If we give them the right value as we are doing here, they should be able to use it for what is right. That is why we engage them in personal development activities to give them the opportunity for exposure and to develop their talent.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • Cleric urges prayers for Nigeria

    It was another opportunity to demonstrate love for one’s country penultimate Sunday as members of  Melototah  Church Zion were in prayers for the country.

    It was at the grand finale of their annual prayer tagged Ramah and whose theme was “Divine Blessings.”

    Indeed, it was a profuse outpouring of praises and prayers at their Church auditorium, 18, Ikale Street, Papa-Ajao, Mushin.

    The atmosphere was clement and the choristers were in their best element, rendering soul-lifting songs to the glory of God and admiration of all. Activities were timely and carefully carried out with prescription. They were all in white raiment.

    As it was a seven–day programme with services at 5:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12 noon and 5:30 p.m. The Spiritual Head, Baba Aladura Olusegun Oladokun, having mounted the lectern, gave a summary of sermons given by other anointed men of God within the week as a quick reminder.

    He concentrated on those practical conditions that could quicken one’s access to divine blessings such as obedience to the Word of God,  shunning occasions of sin,  love for one’s neighbour, fasting and praying as well as sincere worship of the Almighty.

    Read also: 2019: Cleric urges Christians to exercise voting rights

    He enjoined everyone to be closer to God in the New Year and be ready to work harder to make life better. He urged the youth to set achievable goals for themselves and remain focused, having faith in the Almighty. He gave the examples of Abraham, Joseph, Samuel, Daniel, Jesus and Timothy who were not distracted and became heroes of faith.

    He, thereafter, called for congregational prayers for improved security, better economy and peaceful elections.

    Imploring Nigerians to be active participants in nation-building, he said: “Brethren in the Lord, we have no other country than this. It behoves on us to work hard and keep it together. It is our duty as Christians to seek the face of God over events   in our country as prayer changes things. “In times like this, we must come together to pray for peaceful elections and better security.

    The Bible says the heart of the king is in God’s hands. Let us tell God in prayers to direct the minds of our leaders so that they can always lead us aright. I know it will be well with Nigeria,” he said.

    Dignitaries at the event include: Prophets Dalo Omomule; John Gbakogbako; Adekunle Ogunfeyimi; Kunle Nanayo; Segun Oluwole; Yole Owolebi; Olu Oworo and Bayo Osidele.

     

  • 2019: Cleric urges Christians to exercise voting rights

    A clergy, Pastor Timilehin Peter of Miracle of Christ Church, Amilegbe, Ilorin, has called on Christians to exercise their voting rights in upcoming general elections.

    Peter told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Ilorin that being religious should not stop any Christians from going out to cast vote for candidates of their choice.

    He, however, added that some Christians always hid under guise of religion to abstain from voting.

    “Prayer alone cannot do it without action. It is your right and responsibility to vote for candidate of your choice.

    “Being a Christian does not stop you from voting, stop being too spiritual toward necessity.

    “Angels will not come from heaven to select leaders for us. So why pretending to be too religious when we know we have the power to select our choice.

    “You cannot remain indoors and expect things to change. Stop complaining, go out to vote for your choice in February,” he said.

    The clergy also called on the public, irrespective of their religion, to go all out and vote in the elections.

    NAN

  • Cleric: embrace peace

    Prophet Sam Olu Alo of the Christ Apostolic Church, Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain, has called on politicians and the electorate to shun politics of bitterness.

    According to him, politicians and their supporters must show love to one another for the sake of unity and national integration.

    To this end, the church, in conjunction with Adamimogo outreach, will be organising the 2019 edition of her prayer crusade, with the theme: Mercy Once Again (Great Mercy Numbers 14 vs 18-19).

    Special prayers will be offered for Nigeria ahead of the election, starting from Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Lagos State, as well as Abuja. The crusade, which starts in Akure, will be held between January 12 and 20 at the Democracy Park, Oja Oba, at 4 pm daily

    The morning session holds 5 am daily at the church auditorium around Orange FM, Irese road, Shagari village, Akure.

    “As 2019 political activities gather momentum, we appeal to politicians seeking to eschew hatred and bitterness, and promote promote peace, love and unity.

    “We would have a successful election in 2019, but our leaders and the led must love one another, conduct ourselves peacefully and do away with those things that cause division among us…’’

    “We also need to move closer to God and run away from sin. It is necessary that we seek God’s mind concerning the election and the country. God has better plans for us as a country this year; all we need do is to put everything in His care, ask for mercy once again, seek love and love one another.”

     

     

  • Develop positive values in 2019, cleric tells Nigerians

    Senior Pastor of Praise Arena Jummy Adetoyese-Olagunju has urged Nigerians to change their attitude and uphold good values to experience God in the New Year.

    He spoke at the End –of- Year Super Praise Carol by the church at Le-Real Hotel, VGC, Lekki, Lagos.

    The cleric said: “The problem with Nigeria is beyond the challenge of leadership but loss of good values in homes, schools, work places and in governance.

    “The root cause of corruption, kidnapping, and wanton destruction of lives and properties is greed and selfishness which is at variance with the values that Christ portrays to the world.

    Adetoyese-Olagunju assured the nation will experience great and more impactful year if Nigerians embrace positive values.

    He noted that 2019 promises greater favour and unlimited supply of God’s blessing, stressing “we can only attract such blessing if we change our ways and imbibe the teachings of Christ.

    “In 2019, make every day in the New Year count for goodness, love, compassion.

    “Forgive upfront; abstain from malice, anger and bitterness. Look for opportunity to be a miracle to someone and be a blessing to someone.”