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Tag: cleric

  • Support female ministers, cleric tells churches, husbands

    The general overseer of God of Deliverance and Prayer Ministry, Lagos Lady Evangelist Adebola Olawoyin has charged churches to allow women called in their midst to function maximally.

    She said it would be unfair and counter-productive to constitute impediments of any kind to the operation of the anointed based on gender.

    She also appealed to the society not to look down on female gospel ministers because the calling of God is not gender-sensitive.

    Olawoyin, who spoke with our correspondent ahead of the 17th anniversary of the church slated for November 25, said spouses and families privileged to have called females should also cooperate with them to fulfill their destinies.

    She explained it would amount to colossal waste of divine resources to tie down anointed women from delivering on their mandates simply because of their gender.

    According to her: “I must say that it is not easy to be a female minister. It is very tough to be one, especially in our society where people don’t believe women can be called.

    “God is not limited by gender. Once a woman is called and anointed, they should cooperate with God for her to fulfill the ministry.

    “They shouldn’t constitute impediments to the operation of the gifts of God in her life. Rather churches should support and pray for them to fulfill destiny.”

    She also challenged the spouses of anointed women to offer them every support in their bid to save souls.

    “Supposing my husband didn’t support me, it would mean he negated the essence of my being and existence.

    “I am fulfilling the reason why I came into the world. So, they should allow them to operate to fulfill purpose in life,” she stated.

    He further appealed to their children to provide the right atmosphere for the fulfillment of their ministries, stating that an anointed female with godly children and a supportive husband will go farther.

    Olawoyin, a former seamstress for over 25 years, advised anointed and called women to launch out without fear.

    She however said they must win the battle for their families first to have the right atmosphere to function maximally.

    According to her: “They have to launch out if indeed God has called them. They have to be prayerful because the devil can use stereotypes, customs and even their family members to keep them down. So, they have to be very fervent in prayers.

    “They have to fight for their homes first. If their husbands and children are saved, ministry becomes a lot easier. But if not, they have a lot to contend with indeed.”

  • Cleric warns against division in church

    Founder of Bearers of Light Missions World Outreach, Pastor Sam Oyemade, has warned Christians against division, saying they are acting contrary to the scriptures.

    “If we are so divided and separated in concept and content without harmony, then which of us actually represents Jesus’ ideal Church in pattern and outlook?” he queried.

    Addressing newsmen in Lagos at the BOL Knowledge Centre in Igando, Lagos, towards the second international ministers conference slated for November 6 and 7, 2018, Oyemade said the significance of the topic “Dealing with the difference between our church and His Church, Our ministry/His ministry and our interest/His interest” is so apt especially at this period when there is so much division in the body of Christ.

    “Significantly, the church of Jesus Christ is one unit body, with universal objectives from which every unit, extension draws virtue and strength. That being the case, why are we dysfunctionally different from one another to the extent of division and separation?” he asked.

    The cleric stressed further that the division among Christians reflects the difference they have with Christ’s ideal. “Jesus’ ideal, objective, concept, content, pattern and outlook when properly aligned and harmonised in us would have brought about a unity of faith, spirit and love,” he said.

    He said by this division, Christians are threatening scripture or rather the scripture is threatening the existence and progress of Christianity because every house divided against itself shall not stand.

    Oyemade said the root cause is that Christians have deviated from Christ’s church and settled in their own churches, diverted from His ministry into their ministry and dissociated from His interest to their personal interest.

    “As civilisation is broadened, the future of the church is in jeopardy and souls are waning, the kingdom is under attack by the devil and we are the ones providing him the weapon,” he lamented.

    Discussants include President, Koinonia Ministries, Ibadan, Dr Emilo Amotsuka, founder, West Africa Theological Seminary, Dr. Gary Maxey, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Lagos State, Alexander Bamgbola, and Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Lagos State, Bishop Olusola Ore, and other ministers of God.

  • Consult God, cleric tells Atiku

    A cleric from the Christ Apostolic Church, Oluwatedo Mountain, Ido Ani in Ondo State, Prophet Ekundayo Emmanuel, has urged former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to consult God in his political ambition.

    Emmanuel told Atiku, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2019 presidential election, to be prayerful and take his religious obligations seriously.

    The clergy urged Atiku to “allow the fear of God in his dealings as he pursues” his political ambition.

     

  • Cleric launches ‘Tonic for Relationships’

    •••Urges politicians to show love to the masses

    The General Overseer of Temple Rebuilders Ministry, Lagos, Barnabas Otoibhi, has urged the political class to show love and put the interest of the masses at heart in their decision making so as to better the lives of the populace.

    Otoibhi who is also the National Secretary of United Christian Association stated this at the recent launch of his book titled “Tonic for Relationships”, saying politicians do not love the electorate whose votes they usually ride on to power, adding that “were politicians to love the masses, there won’t be so much suffering in the land.”

    Citing the margin between the leaders and the led, he lamented that politicians are receiving whooping amount of money as monthly allowances while the minimum wage of Nigerian workers is N18, 000.

    “One of the messages from this book presentation is the need for us to love one another and treat others the way we would want to be treated.

    “It is lack of love and insensitivity to divine injunction that makes government officials -president, governors, local government chairmen, members of national and state assemblies to earn monthly salaries and allowances in millions of naira, but pay fellow citizens a paltry minimum wage of N18, 000 and deprive pensioners their due benefits.”

    Aside tasking politicians to love, he charged individuals to be guided in their hearts by love in their relationships with others.

    “In our interpersonal relationships with others and God, we need love in our hearts to motivate all our speeches and actions. When we embrace God, He pours love in our hearts to love Him and our fellow human beings,” he said.

    Talking about the book, the author said love is the tonic needed to heal fractured relationships.

    According to him, contrary to the popular definition that love is a strong feeling of affection for something or somebody, love, according to biblical interpretation, is “a gift and empowerment from God to those who allow the Holy Spirit to control their hearts and minds by means of His word, because God is love.”

    Also speaking at the event, The Bishop of The Rock Christian Mission, Julius Akaraonye, recommended the book to the public as “one of the books for the hour.” He, however, appreciated Otoibhi for being a man of integrity who is running with a divine mandate to rebuild the body of Christ and put it in the right shape.

    In his words, the coordinator of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Oshodi, Lagos State Chapter, described the book as “a wonderful material that will help in building relationships, because we have a lot of broken homes even in Christendom.”

     

     

  • Cleric urges politicians to promote peace

    The Chief Imam of Agelete/Ikoyi in Lagos State, Sheikh Jamiu Sulaiman-Asanbe, has urged politicians to shun do-or-die politics, in the interest of peace and development.

    He also advised clerics to be cautious and conscious of the messages they preached.

    Sulaiman-Asanbe, who delivered a sermon at a Quaranic Citation Graduation in Ifako, Gbagada, Lagos, enjoined adherents of all faiths to seek peace and pray for the restoration of tranquility in Kaduna.

    He said politicians should accept that power belongs to God and He gives it to whom He wishes, adding that they should place service to the country above self.

    The chief imam enjoined Nigerians to devote more time to prayers so that God would help the country to navigate through every storm.

    He warned them against violence “as we approach the 2019 general election. People should exercise their franchise by voting for candidates of their choice.”

    The cleric said: “We must continue in prayers. Prayer is our only option.

    The Holy Quran says we should commit our nation and leaders to the hands of Almighty Allah. Although, we are not partisan as clerics, we are under the political system as stakeholders. What we can do is to preach peace and encourage politicians to act well.”

    Expressing concern about the worrisome statements by some politicians and their supporters, Sulaiman-Asanbe stressed that the political class should eschew violence in the country’s interest.  He added: “I encourage all to play the game according to the rule. Maiming and killing or destruction of lives and property will not solve any problem. Rather, people should seek legal means.”

  • Why God made Buhari President- Cleric

    Founder Solid Rock Kingdom Church in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Apostle John Okoriko, has said that President

    Muhammadu Buhari is God’s answer to outcries of Nigerians against the evil of corruption.

    At a press briefing marking his 70th birthday, Okoriko said at the weekend that God brought Buhari to power in 2015 to rid the country of corruption, which had ravaged the socio-economic and political lives of Nigerians.

    According to the cleric, the President’s integrity, passion and commitment to the fight against corruption earned him overwhelming victory in the 2015 presidential election.

    “I believe that President Muhammadu Buhari may not be the best, may not be the holiest but just because there was so much cry about corruption; that is why he picked corruption as his major campaign thrust,” the cleric said.

  • Cleric to FG, Nigerians: Leah must not die in captivity

    Leah Sharibu, the Dapchi Christian girl in Boko Haram captivity since February must be freed at all costs, a staff of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students(IFES), Rev Gideon Para-Mallam, has appealed.

    He told the Federal Government and well-meaning Nigerians to stop at nothing to secure the release of the 15-year-old girl and others in terrorists’ camp.

    Para-Mallam admitted the Federal Government has been doing so much behind the scene but urged that such efforts be intensified for Leah’s release as soon as possible.

    The Jos-based preacher told our correspondent however said the government should much more for the release of all abductees.

    “Such negotiations are difficult, confusing, convoluted and complicated. It happened during President Jonathan’s time and we just have to pray and trust God for the best outcomes, as it clearly shows that the government does not seem to be getting things on the right track at the moment.

    “No one will believe that the government is doing enough if there are no concrete results in securing Leah’s and others release from captivity.”

    Expressing pains over the execution of the 24-year-old aid worker Hauwa last week by terrorists, Para-Mallam said government should ensure that was the last of such incident.

    He said Leah and other abductees must not be allowed to go through similar treatment.

    “That Leah and Alice were left alive is something to thank God for. It also means in some way that Boko Haram is listening and this is where the appeals and advocacy at the local and global levels must continue to the Nigerian Government, the AU, EU and UN to do all they can to secure the release of Leah and other captives.

    “Other international bodies need to also support the efforts of the Nigerian government.

    “Such negotiations are always done in utmost secrecy or confidentiality, my hope and prayer is that the Government is engaging with the authentic negotiators from the Boko Haram’s side.

    “I believe the government needs to do more now, than ever before to secure Leah’s release.”

    On the declaration by Boko Haram terrorists that Leah and Alice have been converted to their slaves for life, Para-Mallam urged well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate government’s efforts to secure their release.

    “I wish to appeal to well-meaning Nigerians who are open to helping in contributing towards raising funds for the freedom of Leah to take decisive and concrete steps from now.

    “I will always like to maintain in prayer and hope that – may Leah’s release lead to the release of other captives: Christians and Muslims alike.

    “We must not make the mistake of leaving everything to the government. Governments are human although they like to portray themselves as super humans and almost invincible.

    “Governments make mistakes, they engage in missteps and therefore limited in more ways that they care to admit.

    “Bravado talks in complex situations such this yields nothing but empty talk which diminishes the credibility of government.”

    He asked Nigerians not to stop praying for Leah and Alice’s release, stating “Christians and Muslims, at home and in the diaspora should jointly pray for the freedom of Leah, Alice and others currently in captivity.

    “Pointing fingers alone at the government is not enough. Let’s work together. There will always be profiteers in such situations but they can be defeated so that men and women of integrity and work in partnership to see Leah and other captives safely home.”

     

  • Emulate Basorun’s virtues, cleric tells Nigerians

    A cleric, Special Apostle Akin Owolabi, has urged political leaders and youths to emulate the life of a Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Olorunfunmi Basorun, who turned 80 on October 15.

    At a thanksgiving ceremony attended by party leaders, traditional rulers and clerics at Gospel Church of Cherubim and Seraphim, Iganmu, Lagos, Owolabi said the APC chieftain impacted on many lives.

    The cleric noted that those who want to do well in life must emulate the like of Basorun, saying the politician is a lover of humility without discrimination against anyone.

    He added that Basorun was many things to many people, adding that budding politicians would benefit from his mentorship.

    Owolabi said: “I must say that Basorun has made great impacts in the lives of many people. He made giant strides in banking, civil service, politics and the social forum. He is hard-working in any field he finds himself.

    “Baba, who is the Asiwaju of Igbogbo community in Ikorodu, is hard-working. His visionary leadership propelled developments in many fields. This is because he creates time to look at issues that affect human lives and proffer solutions to them as they unfold.

    “Those of us, who must do well in life, have to follow the examples of Basorun, whose sense of humility cannot be rivalled. He relates with young people as if they were age mates. This one man prayer warrior has everything working for him.”

    The cleric urged Basorun not to relent in working for the country.

    He said his political contributions to make the country great again have become matters of expediency.

    “There is no aspect of human lives that you have not touched. And in each place your foot prints are recorded, it was done with perfection, whose impact nobody can downplay,” Owolabi said.

    Senator Gbenga Ashafa said Basorun’s selfless service to the development of Lagos would stand the test of time.

    He added: “Your reputation as a legal luminary, exemplary politician and selfless civil servant to Lagos has earned you not just the position as an elder statesman but a man worthy of emulation.

    “We are indeed very grateful for the privilege of being associated with you and pray that the Almighty God would continue to keep you in strength and good health.”

    The event was attended by the Secretary to Lagos State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello, who represented Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Lagos State APC governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Deputy Governor Abiodun Ogunlewe; the Special Adviser to the President on Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Alhaji Mutiu Are, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, Chief Lanre Razak, Chief Abayomi Finnih and others.

     

     

     

  • Cleric to Fayemi: learn from Fayose’s mistakes

    •Our govt will take care of all, says Egbeyemi

    An Islamic cleric, Alhaji Raheem Arikewuyo Olowoyo, has urged Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi to learn from the mistakes of his predecessor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, in exercising the powers given to him by the electorate.

    Olowoyo said those who in power will leave office one day and that they should always ponder on life after office.

    According to him, people in positions of power must learn from the fact that Fayose, who still wielded power of life and death a week ago, is now cooling his heels in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.

    Olowoyo, who is the Awiye Adinni of Ekiti, noted that the transience of power should motivate those holding positions of leadership to do well and be accountable to people because of the inevitable day of reckoning.

    The cleric spoke yesterday at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at the Government House, Ado-Ekiti, as part of activities marking the return to power of the Fayemi administration.

    The service was attended by the Deputy Governor Bisi Egbeyemi; wife of the governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Margaret Egbeyemi; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr. Adeniran Alagbada; traditional rulers, religious leaders and senior civil servants.

    The Awiye Adinni also led the Muslim prayer for the success of the new administration.

    Anglican Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Christopher Omotunde, prayed God not to allow Ahithophels to get into government and mislead the governor.

    Olowoyo said: “By this time last week, it was whoever Fayose wanted that would be allowed to enter this Government House and whoever he did not want would not be allowed in.

    “But where is Fayose today? Fayose is now a former governor; the governor there today will be a former governor tomorrow.

    “Three days have gone out of four years. That is how the four years will be reducing gradually. People are talking about good things and bad things Fayose did in power.

    “Fayemi is a good man and God has given him a wonderful woman as wife. They don’t underrate people. My prayer is that God will not allow evil people to be part of this government.”

    Delivering the Islamic sermon, the State Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Alhaji Baba Abdul Salam, described power as a “trial from God”.

    Abdul Salam urged leaders in the country to rule with justice and fair play, adding that Fayemi had begun well and must be supported with prayers to succeed.

    He said: “This is a good beginning. Fayemi is exposed; he has interacted with Presidents and world leaders and he has come to do well in his second term.”

    Delivering the Christian sermon, Ekiti Provincial Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Goke Buti, assured the gathering that the state would take its pride of place in Nigeria under Fayemi.

    Speaking on the topic, titled: Possess Your Possession, Buti prayed God that the Fayemi administration should not see any impossibility but go forth and do exploits for the people.

    He said: “In this administration, we should not see impossibility. It is time for God to make Ekiti great. We can overcome poverty, unemployment and other problems confronting this state.”

    On behalf of the governor, who was attending a Governors’ Forum meeting in Abuja, Egbeyemi assured the residents that the new government will not discriminate in making people feel the impact of governance.

    Egbeyemi said: “Whether you are a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or any other party, if your children are in public schools, they will enjoy free education because this government is a friend to everybody.

    “We will do more than what we did during the first tenure. I moved round with the governor during the campaign and there are projects to show in all towns and villages.

    “We have said we are not probing anybody, but we want to look into the books because workers want us to pay them, pensioners want us to pay tem and we are going to work out how we will pay them.

    “An emaciated child cannot be fed to become robust in one day. We will be doing it gradually. We want our spiritual fathers to keep on praying for us to succeed in this task.”

     

     

  • 2019: Cleric urges divine wisdom

    A cleric, Prophet Sesan Adedeji, has urged politicians to seek divine wisdom, to ensure free, fair and peaceful general election next year.

    Adedeji, who spoke at a news conference to herald the 43rd adult harvest of Celestial Church of Christ, Mafoluku 1 Model Parish, Lagos West Province ‘A’ Headquarters, advised politicians to desist from acts that could destabilise the country.

    The clergyman, flanked by Special Most Senior Evangelist Ayodeji Odunaike and Most Senior Evangelist Tunde Abdulai, the chairman and 2nd vice chairman of the Parochial Committee, said Nigeria needed divine wisdom and intervention to ensure a successful poll.

    He said: “The present situation calls for sober reflection. If our leaders fail to seek the kingdom of God and divine wisdom, things may worsen.”

    Prophet Adedeji said Christian leaders should seek the face of God so that He would heal the land, “as righteousness exalts a nation.”

    He warned politicians to desist from anything that could cause bloodshed, saying they should do things to promote peace, unity and progress of the country.

    Chairman, Harvest Planning Committee, Prince Aderemi Adejuwon, said the event would begin with Women’s Day on October 22.

    He oulined other programmes – medical consultation  October  23; spiritual counselling and combined vigil October  24; praise night October 25; cleaning and visitation to motherless babies’ home October 26; and thanksgiving October  27.