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Tag: Methodist Church Nigeria

  • Methodist Council of Knights holds 9th Annual Choral Day

    Methodist Council of Knights holds 9th Annual Choral Day

    It was an afternoon of melodious hymns, Psalms and Anthems as the Council of Knights Lagos and Lagos Mainland chapters of the Methodist Church Nigeria held its 9th Annual Choral Day celebration themed, ‘Arise In Faith Through Music’.

    Guests were treated to classical renditions of anthems, psalms, traditional pieces and melodious music at the concert that took place on the 1st of October, 2025, at the Williams Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Ago Ijaiye, in Ebute Metta, Lagos.

    The event, which had 48 choristers drawn across from ten choirs in the Archdiocese of Lagos, was conducted by the Grand Concert Choir master, Sir Soji Onafowokan (KCW), who led the choir in ministering in songs ably backed by the Orchestra led by Tope Jaiyesimi.

    The Choral event featured sacred renditions of Hymns with descants, solos, duets, psalms, anthems and traditional songs, which brought alive the Methodist spirit and heritage, as it is said Methodism was born in songs.

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    Bishop of Lagos Central, Rt Revd. Samuel Ransford Nortey, in his welcome address, welcomed everyone present to the event and that it was a great opportunity to host the Choral Day.

    Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Sir Ayorinde Thomas said the idea was to bring back the hymns, chants that the Methodists are known for. It was to enlighten the people about the importance of it in our worship and in the Methodist Church, as done by Charles Wesley.

    Continuing, he said there had been a gap and the Council of Knights agreed to fill the gap and that it was also an opportunity to pray for the nation as the concert is held every Independence Day.

    Rtd Major Williams, a knight of Charles Wesley, highlighted that the importance was to bring back the Methodist heritage and not allow it to die.

    Prayers were held for Nigeria as she clocked 65 years of independence during the musical showpiece.

  • Methodist Church Nigeria Lagos West holds Synod

    Methodist Church Nigeria Lagos West holds Synod

    All is now set for the 2025 Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West.

    The three-day event coming up at Methodist Church Nigeria, Idimu, Lagos will kick off tomorrow with the ministerial and lay sessions.

    The Lay President of Methodist Church Nigeria, Archdiocese of Lagos Mainland, Sir Olusola Adu, is expected to declare the Synod open during the opening ceremony on Saturday, while the Synod programme will be rounded off with a thanksgiving service on Sunday at the same venue during the 10am service.

    The annual Synod brings all the leaders of the federating circuits that make up the diocese together, namely Palm Avenue Circuit, Odi–Olowo Circuit, Oke–Afa Circuit and the host, Idimu Circuit, to review the past activities and preview the future of the diocese under the same roof.

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    The Chief Host of the Synod, the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Revd. Ezekiel Akande, said: “This year’s deliberation will be unique in all ramifications, as the ministerial and lay leaders of the diocese shall focus more on the evangelism aspect of our doctrine as Methodist towards the growth and development of the unit churches that make up the diocese. Our discussions will revolve round how we can rise to the occasion of giving our diocese the spiritual uplift of our members through effective evangelism in and around our locations where we have our churches. This will help expand our presence to reach out to more people beyond existing members. ‘’More importantly is to equally galvanise our young members towards building their spiritual future which the churches will leverage on towards building forward looking churches that can stand the test of time.

    ‘’As Methodist, we’ve challenged ourselves to take a position on how best we can add value to our immediate societies by bringing it to the front burner at this year’s Synod of the diocese and pray for peace and togetherness among nations all over the world.”

    The Lay President, Diocese of Lagos West, Sir Gbenga Akindele, says this year’s Synod is expected to attract personalities within and outside the Methodist family to be led by His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali-Aba, Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria among other dignitaries.

    According to Sir Akindele, “all is actually set to host our invited guests and all the delegates from the federating circuits for us to fellowship together, while plotting the direction for future growth of the diocese. As my very first Synod since I was elected as the Diocesan Lay President, I look forward to great sessions within the three days of fruitful deliberations.”

  • Foundation unveils  Ladigbolu’s 5-CD church contest

    Foundation unveils  Ladigbolu’s 5-CD church contest

    The Rev’d Jacob Adesoga & Mrs. Grace Folorunsho Badejo Music Foundations will unveil a 5-CD album featuring the works of Emeritus Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, at the 8th Annual Choral Music Competition of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Ijebu Diocese.

    Titled, ‘Ministrations in Songs and Poetry (Ewi)’, the album is a compilation of Ladigbolu’s timeless gospel renditions, blending rich Yoruba poetry with powerful Christian messages.

    The event, scheduled for Saturday, April 19, at the Idode Methodist Church in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, promises to be a convergence of faith, music, and cultural heritage. The competition, now in its eighth edition, has grown into one of the most anticipated celebrations within the Methodist Church, drawing choirs and worshippers from far and wide.

    This year’s edition will be particularly significant with the unveiling of Ladigbolu’s album. The collection, a product of decades of gospel ministry, features tracks that capture the depth of his spiritual messages and artistic ingenuity.

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    Emeritus Archbishop Ladigbolu, a reverred cleric known for his profound leadership and creative ministry, has long been a pillar of the Christian faith. Through his unique fusion of music and spoken word, he has touched countless lives, making his works an enduring legacy for generations to come. The unveiling of this album is seen as a celebration of his contributions to gospel music and spiritual enlightenment. The event will begin at 11am and will feature vibrant performances by choirs from across the diocese. Each choir will showcase their talents, celebrating the theme inspired by Psalm 95:1: “Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our Salvation.”

    For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live on Facebook and via Zoom, ensuring a global audience can partake in this memorable occasion. The virtual meeting can be accessed using the Zoom Meeting ID 881 0393 8053 and Passcode jPuge0.

    The Rev’d Jacob Adesoga & Mrs. Grace Folorunsho Badejo Music Foundations, which has consistently championed the growth of gospel music, is the driving force behind this year’s competition. Their dedication to nurturing talent and preserving the heritage of gospel music has cemented their place as key partners in the Methodist Church’s cultural and spiritual journey.

  • Church celebrates 60th anniversary, prays for Nigeria

     

    METHODIST Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos Central, Ago-Ijaye Circuit, has concluded plans to hold her 60th Anniversary Celebration.

    It is scheduled to take place first Sunday of September.

    However, activities marking the anniversary would commence in August with a Bible quiz.

    Chairman of the Planning Committee, Sir Ayorinde Thomas, said there would be holy communion service in the cathedral during which prayers would be offered for peace in the country, for Methodist church Nigeria and for the circuit in particular.

    Speaking at a press conference, in Lagos, Ayorinde added the ceremony would accompany N50m fundraising.

    According to him, letters and invitation cards had been widely distributed for the event which he said would take place at the victory hall of the cathedral

  • Same-sex marriage: Methodist Church threatens to sever relations with Church of England

    THE Methodist Church in Nigeria has threatened to sever relations with the Methodist Church in the United Kingdom over its decision to adopt in principles same sex marriage in the church.

    The UK’s Methodist Church on July 3rd, 2019 took a step closer to embracing equal marriage after members overwhelmingly backed a measure that opens the door to same-sex unions.

    The motion, which passed by 247 votes to 48, “consents in principle to the marriage of same-sex couples on Methodist premises… and by Methodist ministers, probationers or members.”

    The vote does not automatically mean same-sex weddings are permitted yet because the proposal will require a second vote at the July 2020 conference.

    But reacting to the decision, Prelate of the Methodist Church in Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Samuel Kanu Uche, told reporters last week in Lagos the move is satanic ploy “coming from the pit of hell.”

    A visibly upset Uche said: “The Methodist Church Nigeria is worried and depressed by the move of the UK Methodist Church to adopt same sex marriage which to us unbiblical.

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    “The decision is morally and spiritually depraved. If they go ahead and ratify the act by 2020, we’re ready to sever our relationship with them”

    “To us, same sex Marriage is not only illegal in Nigeria but totally against the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. I wonder where the idea is coming from because it is not in the bible, therefore we condemned the decision, and will never be part of such demonic arrangement.”

    Also reacting to the suspended controversial RUGA settlement for herdsmen, Uche said the idea cannot work in Nigeria because of diverse tribal sentiments.

    He argued that since cattle rearing is a personal business, government should not be seen as favouring a particular venture.

    While expressing his support for the stand of the Southeast governors over the issue, Dr. Uche said the decision should not be forced on any state.

    “If any state is interested in Ruga fine, but no state should be forced to donate lands for the settlement especially in the south where herdsmen are seen as having a hidden agenda,” he stated.

    He also advised the Federal Government to jettison the idea completely and go for ranches.

    “Let them encourage herdsmen to establish ranches instead, the Ruga settlement for me is quite suspicious and will not bring lasting solution to the herdsmen/farmers clashes,” he added.

  • Archbishop urges women to be obedient

    THE Archbishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Archdiocese of Lagos Mainland, Rev. Obafemi Adeleye, has advised women to be obedient to God.

    He spoke at the weekend at Hoare’s Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Yaba, at the maiden archdiocesan one-day Women’s Fellowship Conference, themed: “Obedience to God Better than Sacrifice”.

    The cleric said: “Obedience is more important than sacrifice because we can sacrifice without loving God, but we obey God because we love Him.”

    Women’s Fellowship National President Mrs. Florence Uche said women needed to be reminded of the benefits and consequences of obedience and disobedience.

    She said: “We are to implore ourselves on this sub-theme: ‘Obedience to God’s word, blessing to all’. We are to obey everything God says, honouring and respecting our husbands and leaders, doing the right thing at the right time, avoiding anything that will cause problem in the family and society, devoting time to train our children and show love and care to other children, helping to win more souls, studying the word of God and praying for our country.”

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    Mrs. Veronica Adeleye, the Archdiocesan President, hailed those who donated to the “Rent a Boat” project of the Women’s Fellowship of the Archdiocese of Lagos Mainland.

    Former Director-General Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation Mrs. Omotayo Omotosho urged women to live an exemplary life.

    Omotosho, the chief guest of honour, said they should be humble and love their in-laws.

    “As women, we are expected to love our husbands and in-laws unconditionally. We should not be materialistic. We should pray for our children and advise them so that they will marry the right spouses,” she added.

  • Methodist Church urges prayers for Buhari’s health

    Methodist Church urges prayers for Buhari’s health

    The Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Nyanya, has expressed concern over President Muhammadu Buhari’s health, and called on the Church to pray for his quick recovery.

    The Church made the call in a communiqué issued on Sunday in Abuja at the end of the Annual Synod of the diocese, under the chairmanship of the Bishop of Nyanya, Rt. Rev Samuel Nortey.

    The communiqué was signed by Very. Rev Noble Kalu, the Synod Secretary.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sunday’s synod is entitled: “God’s Word, My Guide’’.

    Kalu, in the communiqué, commended Buhari for the fight against corruption, noting that the fight should be based on the rule of law and no sacred cows should be spared.

    He also praised Buhari for the relative peace in the Niger Delta region through the dialogue option adopted by the Federal Government.

    He called on Nigerians, irrespective of political, religious and ethnic background to join hands with the present administration to build a country where peace, rule of law and freedom of speech reign.

    “We call on the government to sustain the peace to revolve the Niger Delta issues.

    “We call on the government to take action against the menace of killers in the guise of herdsmen who have been wreaking havoc on lives and property of helpless Nigerians across the country.

    “We condemn the continued killings of innocent persons in Southern Kaduna and call for an immediate stop to the attacks,’’ he noted.

    The synod secretary, in the communiqué, also urged government officials to stop blaming past administrators for the current economic downturn, adding that they should focus on ways to move the nation forward.

    On the path of education, Kalu urged the government to restructure the educational curricula to focus strongly on entrepreneurial skill acquisition, which would help the youths of the country.

  • FG’s war on corruption yielding dividends – Methodist Prelate

     

    The Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Samuel Uche, has commended the Federal Government’s fight against corruption, saying that the anti-graft war yielding dividends.

    The Methodist leader gave the commendation in an address to the 15th Annual Diocesan Synod of the church in Awka on Friday.

    Uche, however, called for more transparency and truthfulness among officials charged prosecuting the war.

     

    “Nobody should be treated with kid’s gloves anymore by government: Soon, Jesus will deliver Nigeria out of the hands of economic saboteurs who have held us captive for so long,’’ he said.

    He thanked God that Nigeria still experienced a form of relative peace in most parts of the country in spite of the challenging situations.

    “As a living faith, Methodist Church Nigeria is not happy with the way Islamic fanaticism is turning our nation into a war zone.

    “Some people in the higher echelons of society are using the religion of Islam to demonise Nigeria and place us under the siege of darkness.

    “I know that when the Muslims say `Asallam Ale-kum’ it means peace be unto you.

    “This statement implies that Islam is a religion that promotes peace.

    “But unfortunately, some depraved elements, have continued to use this religion of peace as a means of attacking our nation, in the form of Boko Haram and Fulani Herdsmen,’’ the prelate said.

    He called on God to deliver Nigeria from the sieges of Boko Haram, marauding Fulani herdsmen and other militant groups in the West, East and Niger Delta regions.

    “Those found to be fanatical in Christianity and Islam should not be treated with kid’s gloves,’’ he said.

    He urged government not to fold its hands in the wake of the attacks on Christians but defend her citizens and also respect the secularity of the Nigerian state.

    “When government respects our secularity, issues like insecurity, ethnic and religious fanaticisms will gradually vanish from our land,’’ he said.

    He called for a functional education system in the country to stop the wastage of billions of naira in foreign currencies in sending our children overseas to study.

    Uche called on governments to create the enabling economic climate to encourage able-bodied Nigerians to use the arable lands in the country for agriculture to feed the teeming population.

     

  • Methodist Church reverend kidnapped in Ibadan

    Methodist Church reverend kidnapped in Ibadan

    A reverend of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Biodun Ogunbekun, has been kidnapped in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    Ogunbekun is serving at Akobo-Ojurin area of Ibadan under the Diocese of Agodi.

    He was kidnapped by five gunmen who traced him to his farm at Kufi area along Olounda-Aba road, Ibadan.

    In a statement by the Diocesan Bishop of the cathedral, Rt. Rev. Amos Ajiboye, Friday, the clergyman was said to have been kidnapped around 7pm on Thursday while preparing to leave the farm.

    The statement read in part: “The whereabouts of the minister of God is still unknown. On behalf of the Prelate of the church, His Eminence, Dr. K. Uche, and the Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. M.K. Stephen, I appeal to the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the state Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to please assist in finding the whereabouts of the minister of God and help release him unhurt.”

    While narrating the account of the kidnap, Ajiboye said Ogunbekun was in the farm with two of his staff. He explained that when he was to leave the farm, a gunman forced his way in as the gate was opened. Four other gunmen also appeared and whisked away Ogunbekun into the surrounding bush on foot.

    “We were told that the kidnappers did not come with any vehicle or motorcycle. They tried to take the man of God away in his truck but they could not for some reason. They then decided to whisk him away on foot. We have alerted the police and they had visited the farm.” The statement added.

    Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command arrested two members of the Methodist Church Cathedral in Ibadan on Sunday for planning to rob the church with intent to steal N1.5 million.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Adekunle Ajisebutu, said a worker in the church, Ogundijo Abiola, 43, and the church drummer, Alabi Olukunle, 25, were involved in the planned robbery. But Bishop Ajiboye said there was no link yet between the two crimes.

     

     

  • Methodists pray for peaceful polls

    The Archdiocese of Lagos Methodist Church Nigeria will hold the inaugural prayer assembly for peaceful polls at Hoarse Memorial Methodist Church Cathedral Yaba, Lagos.

    Worshippers from different political parties are expected at the first session, which holds on Wednesday, 18th March.

    The second session is on Wednesday 1st April by 5pm.

    The Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Uche JP, will preside over the assembly.