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Tag: David Oyedepo

  •  Tinubu celebrates Bishop Oyedepo at 71

     Tinubu celebrates Bishop Oyedepo at 71

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel) and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, on his 71st birthday.

    In a goodwill message on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President joined Oyedepo’s family, congregants, staff of David Oyedepo Ministries International, and the Body of Christ to celebrate the cleric, describing him as “a towering figure of influence and impact in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.”

    Tinubu praised Bishop Oyedepo’s focus, discipline, and diligence over the years, noting that since founding his ministry in 1982, he has made a profound difference not only in spiritual matters but also in education, health, and infrastructure.

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    “You have built one of Africa’s most impactful Christian ministries from humble beginnings. Your steadfastness in the Word of Faith ministry is exemplary, birthing many ministries with resonating impact on key sectors of the economy,” the President said.

    Highlighting Oyedepo’s contribution to education, Tinubu lauded institutions established under his leadership, including Kingdom Heritage Schools, Faith Academy, and the globally recognised Covenant and Landmark Universities. 

    He said the schools were deliberately structured to promote human development with strong emphasis on skills and entrepreneurship.

    “Your establishment of Covenant University and Landmark University continues to raise the standard of education, competing favorably with other global institutions,” the President added.

    Tinubu further commended Oyedepo’s role in nation-building through preaching, teaching of faith, discipline, and service, describing him as a moral and spiritual leader whose example remains a source of strength for the nation.

    He prayed that God would continue to grant the Bishop longer life, good health, and wisdom to inspire and uplift individuals, families, and nations.

  • Oyedepo urges Fed Govt to improve education sector’s funding

    Oyedepo urges Fed Govt to improve education sector’s funding

    The Chancellor of Covenant University at Ota in Ogun State, Dr. David Oyedepo, has urged the Federal Government to improve funding of the education sector to reduce persistent strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    Oyedepo said this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Ota.

    The chancellor emphasised the need to increase annual allocation to education as most of the infrastructure across the public universities is in dilapidating state.

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    This development, the religious and education leader said, contributed to incessant strikes embarked by ASUU.

    “The continuous strike across the tertiary institutions has made the value of education to be dropping,” he said.

    Oyedepo noted that the problem had lingered for long in the country’s education sector, thus destroying the destinies of many youths.

    He added that the Federal Government needed to make concerted efforts to invest more in education, if the nation really wanted to achieve the desirable national development.

  • David Oyedepo at 70

    David Oyedepo at 70

    •Unarguably one of the most successful Pentecostal pastors around; he deserves all the accolades

    One of Nigeria’s Christendom’s most popular faces, Bishop David Oyedepo, turned the biblical three scores and ten on September 27. The Winners Chapel, the trademark name for his church, rolled out all the stops to celebrate their founder. It was not much of the partying and dancing in the usual ways most prominent birthdays are celebrated, but in his trademark way of evangelisation; his focus on winning more souls for Christ.

    In his words, “Don’t bother to give me gifts, I don’t need them, don’t give me cakes, I don’t eat them, give me souls, just win at least one soul per person for Christ”. In these few words seem embedded his mission as a leader of one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. In his birthday testimony, he claimed to have won at least 177 new souls for Christ.

    So his 70th birthday again reinvigorated the energy that has propelled his work for Christian evangelism. Winning souls for Christ seems to have been his life ambition and the name ‘Winners’ for his church has given him a global presence in Christianity. His discipleship seems well-focused on carrying out the mission that Christ himself challenged the early disciples with: “go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”(Mathew 28: 18-20).

    ‘The Winners Chapel’ has branches in most countries and boasts a significant continental following.

    His establishment of schools, including the very successful Covenant University, is an eloquent testimony on his passion for holistic human development. The university has grown to be one of the most successful private universities in the country, with some international repute as well.

    His success in the education sector signposts his own pedigree. He is a PhD holder in human development from the Honolulu University, Hawaii, United States.

     Unlike most politicians across the country, he understands the value of and invests not just in the spiritual lives of the people, but also in their social and economic lives.

    He is one of the examples of inter-religious tolerance and inclusivity. His father was a Muslim and his mother a Christian of the Cherubim and Seraphim denomination. In a country where politicians often whip up religious sentiments as a divisive tool, his life is a source of inspiration to the people that sometimes it’s not about the religion but about individual choices to contribute to our shared humanity.

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    However, despite his larger-than-life image, Bishop Oyedepo is often seen by many as one huge prosperity evangelist whose lavish lifestyle differs remarkably from the simple life that Jesus, who inspired the early Christians, showcased. He lives in opulence with a number of private jets, luxury homes, cars and other signposts of plenty.

    Many claim that with much emphasis on prosperity, it is confusing to differentiate between the commercial and spiritual essence of the Bishop in running one of the most popular and populated Christian denominations. Some claim that while many of his church members contribute significantly to the church, many of them live in abject poverty and their children cannot attend the famous Covenant University because of the high fees charged. Some allege that the school is run with a bit of authoritarianism as some of their student policies are extreme and coercive.

    A gift of a Rolls Royce by some of his members for his birthday seemed contradictory to his pre-birthday preaching. It reeks of the appetite for luxury and a distraction at a time millions are wallowing in abject poverty. Speaking up in times of political crossroads and his actions during the COVID-19 lockdown has portrayed him as at once compassionate and divisive.

    Being human, he is not infallible; he has his positives and negatives, but we only advise that efforts be made to have a balancing act.

    We wish him more years of impacting on humanity.

  • CAN, Obasanjo, Adeboye celebrate Oyedepo @ 70

    CAN, Obasanjo, Adeboye celebrate Oyedepo @ 70

    • Cleric gets Rolls Royce gifts

    The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday urged the founder and presiding bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo to continue to contribute to the nation’s educational development and economic empowerment.

    The association made the plea in a congratulatory message to Oyedepo on  his 70th birthday.

    The religious body described the clergyman as a legend of faith, living a life of impact.

    President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in the message,  acknowledged  Oyedepo’s “profound impact on the Christian community in Nigeria and beyond.

    He said: “His unwavering commitment to the Gospel and his visionary leadership have inspired millions to seek a deeper relationship with God. Through his ministry, he has not only transformed lives spiritually but has also contributed significantly to educational development, economic empowerment, and social upliftment.

    “In these challenging times, marked by socio-economic instability and increasing insecurity, Bishop Oyedepo’s teachings on faith, prosperity, and resilience have provided hope and direction for many. His steadfastness in preaching the message of love, unity, and faith reinforces the essential role of the Church in addressing the pressing issues facing our nation.

    “As we reflect on the current realities of our society, we are reminded that the Church must remain a beacon of hope, promoting peace and reconciliation among diverse communities. Bishop Oyedepo’s emphasis on the Word of God as a foundation for living has become even more relevant, urging us to stand firm in our beliefs and to be agents of change in our communities.

    “We celebrate not only his achievements but also his unwavering dedication to the Great Commission, encouraging believers to spread the message of Christ’s love. His life is a shining example  of the power of faith in action, and we pray that God continues to grant him strength, wisdom, and grace in many years ahead.

    “As he enters this new decade, we pray that God will bless him abundantly and that his ministry will continue to flourish, bringing light to those in darkness and hope to the hopeless.”

    Highlight of the celebration was a service held at the church auditorium in Otta,Ogun State yesterday,which had the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye  and many other clerics from Nigeria and overseas in attendance.

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    Pastor Adeboye prayed for more fruitful years in the Lord’s vineyard by Oyedepo.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo welcomed Oyedepo into the septuagenarian.

    “Bishop Oyedepo, I appreciate you because you are plain, and God appreciates you because you are close to Him. Today, you are joining the club of septuagenarians, you are welcome. And I say on behalf of Pastor Adeboye, you are welcome,” he said.

    Also in attendance at the service were Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

    Members of the church,pastors who regard  Oyedepo as mentor and a source of inspiration and other admirers used the occasion to shower him with gifts including two Rolls Royce.

  • Engaging the unlimited power of faith for settlement!

    Welcome to April! I have no doubt that God gave every one of us diverse eye-opening encounters with His Word all through the month of March, 2019 and I believe that these encounters will remain lifetime assets for every one of us, in Jesus’ name! All through this month, we shall explore the subject of faith, the supernatural force which guarantees our victory over sicknesses, diseases, poverty and wickedness. Therefore, get set for an impartation of the Spirit of faith via the teachings of the month. This week, we shall examine: Engaging the Unlimited Power of Faith for Settlement!

    We understand from Scriptures that our settlement as believers is crucial to God. That’s why the Bible says: But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (1Peter 5:10).  Every prophetic word from God is designed for fulfilment. As it is written: And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord (Luke 1:45). This is because prophecies are not psychological predictions, but the unveiling of divine plans. We must understand that God speaks according to His resources and not our scarcity. He speaks according to His integrity and not our fallibility. He also speaks according to His size and His unlimited capacity to make it happen (Isaiah 55:11; Numbers 23:19; Deuteronomy 18:22; Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:9-11). In addition, it is important to know that only God’s hand can perform whatever He says. However, without our faith, we cannot take delivery. It is written: The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand (Isaiah 14:24).

    What, Then, is Faith?

    • Faith is a Spiritual Engraftment of Humanity into Divinity Thereby Commanding Supernatural Feats: For instance, when the woman with the issue of blood grafted herself to Jesus Christ through her faith, she tapped into His virtue and the flow of blood ceased. Similarly, when we engage our faith, we are grafted into God and become partakers of His divine nature, thereby commanding divine authority over the issues of life (Romans 11:19-23).

    We must recognise that the Bible is a book of covenants and God’s covenant with man in Scriptures is binding as long as the earth remains (Jeremiah 33:20-22; Psalm 89:34). However, we must understand that it is our faith in the settled Word of God that guarantees our settlement in life (1 Peter 5:8-10; Psalm 119:89).

    Having established that faith is the covenant force that guarantees our settlement, we must also know that God’s covenant is based on well defined terms and sealed with an oath to deliver. As such, we must believe and engage these terms to commit God’s integrity to perform (Isaiah 34:16).

    What are the Terms of the Covenant of Settlement?

    • We Must Fully Return to God: Until we return to our covenant walk with God, it is not our turn to be settled (Malachi 3:7). For instance, life was a miserable adventure for the prodigal son until he returned. When he did, he was settled and his dignity was restored. Also, until Judah returned in the days of King Asa, she was not settled. However, upon return, God gave Judah all-round rest (Luke 15:17-24; 2Chronicles 15:3-6; 11-15). In addition, we must understand that being away from God is a curse (Psalm 16:4). This is because we serve a jealous God, Who cannot stand double dealings (Exodus 34:13; James 1:6-8).
    • We Must be Planted in the House of the Lord: Zion is the Church of Christ and our covenant place of settlement (Obadiah 1:17; Hebrews 12:22-24; Psalm 84:4-7; 132:13-18). Again, when we are planted in the house of God, we are ordained to flourish in all areas. However, it is important to note that God has an appointed place of worship for every believer and until we locate and abide there, our settlement is not guaranteed (Psalm 92:12-15; 2 Samuel 7:10; Deuteronomy 12:13-14).
    • We Must Make a Covenant to Serve God: Serving God indeed and in truth commits Him to our settlement. It is when we serve God and the interest of His Kingdom that He adds to us what others are dying to get (Matthew 6:33; 2 Chronicles 15:1-4/12-15; Joshua 24:15; Deuteronomy 30:19; Exodus 23:25-26; Job 36:11). Remember, only workers are entitled to wages. Therefore, we should not just watch others serve God but engage wholeheartedly and excitedly in Kingdom service, and watch God deliver our settlement testimonies (Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5: 18).
    • We Must Pray for our Desired Settlement as Men and Women Did in Bible Days: From several scriptural references, we understand that God established the altar of prayer as the altar of settlement. For instance, when Jacob, Jabez, Hannah, Blind Bartimaeus and the Canaanite Woman prayed in faith for their settlement, the Bible says that God heard and settled them immediately. This simply means that we are only entitled to receive what we ask for in faith (James 4:2; Genesis 32:24-28; 1 Chronicles 4:9-10; 1 Samuel 1:13-19; Mark 10:46-52; Matthew 15:13-28).
    • Raise an Altar of Sacrifice: We can also enforce our settlement by rearing an altar of sacrifice as prompted by the Spirit of God. For instance, when Noah offered a sacrifice to God after the flood, God averted the curse and settled humanity. Again, when David reared an altar of sacrifice as instructed by God, the plague ceased (Psalm 126:1-6; Genesis 8:20-22; 2 Samuel 24:18-25). Therefore, whenever we receive a prompting of the Holy Spirit to rear an altar of sacrifice, we should dive into it in faith, because therein lies our settlement.

    In conclusion, God has an agenda of settlement for us but without our faith, we can never access it; and faith cannot be exercised unless we are born again. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, please get my books: Unlimited Power of Faith, Understanding the Power of Faith, Exploits of Faith and Born to Win! I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org; Facebook: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/; Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.

  • 2019: Bishop Oyedepo predicts peace in Nigeria

    Bishop David Oyedepo, the Founder and President Bishop, Living Faith Church Worldwide, on Saturday predicted that nothing would disturb the peace of Nigeria and its story would change for the better in the year 2019.

    Oyedepo made the declaration at the just concluded annual prophetic gathering of the Winners’ family, christened the “Dominion”, in a satellite telecast of the church.

    In the telecast monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, the cleric also declared that 2019 would be a year of “I have Dominion”.

    “Nothing will tamper with the peace of Nigeria; the story will change for the better in the name of Jesus.

    “Nigeria shall not see bloodshed, the Prince of Peace will continue to dominate in Nigeria, in Africa and Nigeria is declared blessed.

    “Anywhere you step, accident is forbidden; death will not come near you and our nation.

    “Anything that is of grace in my life, I freely release upon you today.

    “God has opened the year 2019 to us, celebrate Him because its our year of “I have Dominion,” he said.

     

    The Bishop added that the year 2019 would be a year of humbling testimonies for Nigeria and pace-setting testimonies.

    He further declared that 2019 would be a colourful year for the nation.

    According to the cleric, as long as Jesus has the final say on the issues of Nigeria, it will experience greatness.

    Oyedepo said that there would be no more cause of alarm in any area of the nation and its citizens.

    He advised Christians in Nigeria to delight themselves in the spirit of servant-hood, adding that the spirit of Christ is the spirit of servant-hood.

    “The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of servant-hood. As you keep rising on the ladder of leadership, you must retain our spirit of servant-hood, constantly

    working to add value to others and be kingdom minded,” he said.

    According to him, dedication is at the root of dominion, saying: “Sow yourself as a seed by being totally dedicated to God and His Kingdom’’.

    He told his congregation that sacrificial giving guarantees the meeting of all their needs.

    “When you engage in taking care of the well-being of others, God is also committed to your well-being,” he explained.

    The cleric admonished Christians would engage in meeting the needs of the needy, every barrier on their path of destiny would be crushed.

    “Nobody tampers with your life, your career, your family and goes away with it because you are promoted to God’s kingdom.

    “God will stand for your defence in the day of trouble. Every sacrificial giver has a defence around him in the day of trouble always have that in mind,” he said.

    He reminded his congregation that the Church is not a building; the Church is a people and the Redeemed of the Lord.

    “The Church is the Body of Christ, the fullness of Him that fills all things.

    “We understand that by redemption we have been repositioned far above all principalities and powers. We also recognise that the Spirit of Faith is the guarantee for the dominion of the Saints over all gang ups of hell,” he stressed.

    Oyedepo told his congregation that Shiloh is not a church anniversary, but a place for taking delivery of all their hanging inheritance in Christ.

    “Shiloh is not a Church Programme, but a Mountain of answered prayers after the order of Hannah. Shiloh is ordained a platform for the rise of giants among us. Shiloh is a mountain of vision and revelation.

    “Shiloh is a prophetic platform for the conferment of dominion both on us as a Church and as individuals, so as to subdue the land before us,” he added.
    He said that prophetically, Shiloh was ordained a platform for conferment of dominion upon members of the Winners’ family and Nigeria at large.
    “And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.’’
    According to him, the land was subdued before them “connotes dominion. Therefore, at this event, every participant shall encounter conferment of dominion in all areas of your lives’’.

    The Bishop assured that every participant would have a definite encounter with the word of God for their supernatural change of story.

    Oyedepo said: “While waiting on the Lord back in 1998 and inquiring about God’s master plan for Canaan land, among other things, God said, He would have us gather annually at Shiloh and that as we do, He will subdue the land before us by granting speedy delivery of our enviable inheritance in Christ.’’

    NAN reports that the event which started on Tuesday, would last through Dec. 9, with 55 countries in attendance while 150 other nations watched the proceeding online.

    Angola, Botswana, Cameroun, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, France and Gabon are some of the nations represented at the Shiloh.

    Others are Ghana, Kenya, Liberia and South Africa. While others from Swaziland Tanzania, Uganda, USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

    The Shiloh 2018 is the 20th edition of the annual Shiloh event of the Living Faith Church worldwide.

  • Oyedepo tasks parents on children’s training to actualise set goals

    Dr David Oyedepo, the Chancellor, Covenant University, Ota in Ogun has called on parents not to allow their children and wards to have their ways in a bid to actualise their goals in life.

    Oyedepo made the call at the 17th Matriculation Ceremony for 2018/2019 academic session of the institution on Friday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 1,694 students which comprised 1,525 undergraduates and 169 postgraduate  students were matriculated.

    The chancellor noted that most of the problems confronting the country could be traced to poor parenting and lack of attention for their children.

    “Train up a child in the way he or she should go so that when the child grows up, he would not depart from it.

    “Appropriate training of children will discover treasure built in them while an inappropriate training would turn them to thrash and liabilities in the future,” Oyedepo said.

    “Many great men that we are seeing today are as a result of appropriate training that their parents had inculcated in them.”

    Read Also: 103 Student bag first class in Unilorin

    Oyedepo, who is the presiding bishop of the Living Faith Church, however, advised parents not to watch their wards go into the ditch because “most children of today are indisposed to instructions.

    He further urged parents to invest more in the education of their children, saying quality training is the key to a desirable future.

    Accordig to Oyedepo, both parents and the children should allow the institution’s core values to sink in their lives to bring bring the best out of them and help them achieve their set goals.

    Prof. Aaron Atayero, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, said the university’s graduates were the most employable graduates in the country because of the entrepreneurial skills they acquired.

    Atayero recalled that the university was recently ranked the best university in Nigeria and the best in West Africa by Times Higher Education (THE).

    NAN also reports that Times Higher Education World University Rankings is an annual publication of university rankings by THE magazine.

    The publisher had collaborated with Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) to publish the joint THE-QS World University Rankings.

    “The institution has been able to achieve this remarkable milestone through its holistic approach to human development and inculcating learning curriculum in our students, ” he said.

    The vice-chancellor also said that the institution was working toward effecting change in the recovery of our education sector as a nation and restore the dignity of black man.

  • Group lauds Oyedepo for scholarships to agric students

    An advocacy group, the YES Movement, on Friday lauded Dr David Oyedepo, Chancellor, Landmark University, Omu Aran, Kwara, for offering scholarships to encourage youths to embrace agricultural sciences.

    The Coordinator of the movement, Mr Lanre Ijaola, said the university was giving students who desired to study agriculture or agriculture-related courses would benefit from the additional incentives.

    “The future now looks better for agriculture students who intend to study crop science, animal science, extension and rural development, agricultural economics, aquaculture and horticulture for free.

    “We appreciate Dr Oyedepo for his philanthropic efforts to Nigerian youths for awarding the highest scholarships to students,’’ Ijaola said in a statement made available to our reporter.

    He said this was to further co-opt youths to take to agricultural studies and re-position them for better self-reliance and economic development for the overall benefit of country’s economy.

    Read Also: Nigeria needs true change, says Oyedepo

    Ijaola said the move was in line with President Muhammad Buhari’s drive for economic diversification and “we eat what we produce and produce what we eat’’ slogan.

    The group also appealed to Nigerians seeking admission into tertiary institutions to take advantage of the opportunity.

    NAN

     

  • Varsity launches campaign against bush burning in Kwara

    Varsity launches campaign against bush burning in Kwara

    Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara,  on Monday inaugurated a sensitisation campaign against bush burning to celebrate the 60th birthday of Pastor  Faith Oyedepo, the wife of the institution’s Chancellor, Bishop David Oyedepo.

    Reports say that Faith, born on February 5, 1958, is the Vice-President, Education, Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel.

    The campaign was jointly organised by Landmark University Community Development Impact Initiative ( LMUCDII ), College of Agricultural Sciences and Omu-Aran Fire Service Outstation.

    The campaign, which involved distribution of hand bills to educate residents  on the danger  associated with bush burning, took the team to schools and  markets in Omu-Aran and other designated areas in Eleyin and Ipetu-Igbomina communities in the state.

    Read also: Four feared dead in Kwara community

    Speaking at the inauguration, Prof. Adeniyi Olayanju, the Vice-Chancellor of the university,  said that the campaign was in line with the institution’s corporate social responsibility.

    Olayanju, who decried the negative impact of bush burning on humans, soil and environment, said the menace had become a stumbling block to the socio-economic development of communities.

    He noted that the regulatory responsibility against incessant bush burning, especially at the grassroots,  had gone beyond what the government alone could  shoulder and advocated a  collective effort to achieve the desired results.

    Olayanju also said there was the need to check  the activities of some hunters whom he accused of deliberately setting bushes on fire.

    He listed the negative consequences of bush burning to include depletion of soil nutrient, environmental pollution, reduction in farm yield and income, rendering farm harvest unsafe for consumption  as well as destruction of the ecosystem.

    “Consequences of bush burning also include serious eye and respiratory infections as well as breathing problems  among others.

    ” It is on this basis that we are spearheading the anti-bush burning campaign in Nigeria to tackle the menace head on,” he said.

    Prof. Charity Aremu, Dean of the  College of Agricultural Sciences,  said the campaign was informed by the need to save both humans  and the  environment from bush burning-induced  attack.

    Aremu extolled the virtues of  the celebrator, commending  her  commitment to  spiritual devotion  and restoration of  the dignity of the black race.

    “These activities are geared toward honouring a woman of immense spiritual values who detests  human oppression in all its ramifications,’’ she said.

    NAN

  • Breaking: Oyedepo warns of looming danger over herdsmen attacks

    Breaking: Oyedepo warns of looming danger over herdsmen attacks

    Presiding Bishop of Living Faith World Outreach, David Oyedepo has urged the federal government to halt the nationwide killing spree by Fulani herdsmen to prevent the disintegration of the country.
    He gave the warning on Sunday in a message titled “a wake up call to a nation in a state of slumber.”
    According to him, insurgency is spreading across the country under the guise of attacks by herdsmen.
    Noting of a looming danger unless the herdsmen are brought to book, Bishop Oyedepo said Nigerians who are victims of the incessant attacks may be forced to take the law in their hands to protect themselves.
    “How many of the so called herdsmen have been arrested since they have been engaging in their murderous acts?
    “They must have the backing of some power full forces encouraging them to do what they are doing, ” Oyedepo stated.

    Full transcript of the message 

    “Prophets have the responsibility to engage fervently on the prayer altar for the salvation of the soul of a nation. Prophets have a duty to warn people, warn nations against impending danger. I’m sent as a prophet to the nations and He grants me access to divine confidentialities about nations. So, I have this wake-up call to a nation in its state of slumber.”

    Boko Haram in Disguise

    “Insurgency is spreading across the nation under the guise of Fulani Herdsmen, danger is looming. For example, how many of these killers have been brought to book since their campaign of carnage, dearth and destruction began, one may ask. They must have the backing of some invisible powers. A nation-wide crisis or unrest is in the offing and may be worse than anyone known around the world.

    Now, tell me what is the morality behind some strangers, who are doing their business as cattle-rearers to overrun your farm with your labour of planting, cultivating and nurturing your plant, and graze their cattle over your crops, and when you challenge them, they kill you on top of it? Where are the leaders of thought in Nigeria? Where is the government? And that continues unabated.

    We are sitting on the keg of gunpowder. God spoke to me about it as far back as 1992, that a time like this was coming; it’s plainly written in my diary. Nigeria shall not be destroyed. God shall trouble all the troublers of the progress and peace of this nation.

    A Nation At War With Herself

    “The destiny of our nation has never been under any threat of survival as it is today. People may soon be forced to take laws into their hands. The security apparatus of the nation has obviously failed to defend the lives and properties of these poor farmers across the nation. Where we are claiming to curtail the Boko Haram onslaught, we are on the other hand sponsoring or abetting Fulani Herdsmen and their murderous acts.

    Nigeria is a nation at war with herself. No external aggressions or aggressors, not ethnic crisis, no natural disaster, yet we are doing mass-burials. What a nation in a state of slumber? Hear the voice of the Lord through this prophet. The soul of Nigeria is near the point of death. Citizens of this nation are fast becoming endangered species. God have mercy!

    Should Farmers Be Killed For Fulani Herdsmen To Live?

    “Let me ask these pertinent questions that bother on conscience of a nation and her leaders. Is cattle business government business? Should farmers be killed for Fulani Herdsmen to live? Should all the farmers leave their farms today in the fear of Fulani Herdsmen? As at the last time I knew, Nigeria still produces less than 20% of what she eats. What is the contribution of the Herdsmen and their cattle business to the GDP of Nigeria? There is more to this slow response of government to addressing this sensitive issue which is obviously a time bomb.

    Are Fulani Herdsmen the Owners of Nigeria?

    “Question number 2: Does Nigerian land belong to the Fulani Herdsmen? There has never been this kind of assault on the intelligence of the people like we have it now. Should you allocate my father’s land to Fulani Herdsmen? Never! There will be brutal response. No, No. Are they now the customary land owners of every state, city, town, village and hamlet in Nigeria? There is danger in the offing. Every community may soon set up their own security system to defend the insurgency of the Fulani Herdsmen.

    Do You Still Trust the Security Agencies?

    “Question number 3: Can the citizens still trust the security agencies of this nation for their protection? You will be vulnerable for life! Where citizens cannot trust government for security, a state of anarchy is in view. Insurrection may as well be on the way. This largely unchecked aggression of Fulani Herdsmen may eventually choke the soul of Nigeria to death. God forbid!

    Is the Nigerian Project Still On Course?

    “Question number 4: Is the Nigerian project still working? Without justice there cannot be peace. You don’t step on my toes and say let’s have peace. I say ‘remove your leg, you are on my toes,’ and you say ‘no.’ You can’t have peace but exchange of blows! Caution! Let politicians be warned! Don’t sell off the destinies of men for your ambitions.

    Because I Have a Stake in This…

    “I have been praying and I have changed my prayer level in praying for the generations of this church. That Lord, let this church continue to grow both in my life time and the generations after me. True leaders mind the coming generations. Nigeria is rescued! Let no religious bigot say to me, “But what is your concern? Wait! By the grace of God, one out of every 150 Nigerians is under my apostolic coverage. So you are not a leader by elective office, you are a leader by the amount of people you have responsibility over. I am answerable to God on what happens to them. You can’t kill their fathers and mothers in the name of being in power. Enough is enough.”

    God Still Confirms the Words of His Prophets

    “When prophets speak, God confirms it. You have seen God confirm the things I say time and again. These wicked forces will be visited by vengeance!”

    No Value for Human Life in Nigeria

    Is our sense for human value as a nation still alive today? I don’t know. What I know is that it’s not alive. Today human lives are now being slaughtered for cattle without any drastic intervention from relevant security agents. Should men and women and children continue to lay down their lives for cattle? There is no nation on the earth where the defence of cattle is above the defence of human lives. How are these killers making away with their murderous acts? They must have the backings of the powers that be. Any right thinking Nigerian will speculate same. Is Boko Haram not spreading strategically across the nation? How many cows will a Fulani Herdsman sell to buy an AK47 Riffle which now stands at about N3 million per piece. A cow, the fattest is N180,000 – N200,000. To buy five rifles equals N15million; all the cattle they have is not up to that! You don’t hire security guard in a room-and-parlour apartment. Some fellows supply these arms and you cannot tell how much stockpile of arms they have.

    A Word is Enough!

    Nigeria is becoming an endangered nation where any group of people may attempt to overrun the nation overnight. Caution! Caution!! Caution!!! To everyone responsible for the affairs of this nation, Caution! The reason why prophets speak is so that He does not require the blood of the people from them. God has sent me to warn this nation; a flood of evil is at the door. But for the sake of the elect, God will spare this nation. The wickedness of the wicked will fall on their head! Thank you Jesus!

    Wake Up Nigeria, Wake Up!     

    “Nigeria should wake up out of slumber and defend the unity of our great nation, or “To your tent O Israel” will be the last resort. God prophetically has unmasked this masquerade so that the fear of WHO and WHAT may be behind the mask does not exist. These are not Fulani Herdsmen; there are fingers behind the scene, abetting, promoting, empowering them and supplying the arms.

    I saw it coming in 1992; am not talking about the government, I’m talking about what God showed me about the nation. I saw it coming, I wrote it down. Fearful, but God said, “If I can find 50 people in that city, I will save it. For the