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Tag: Methodist Church

  • Methodist Church lauds Aregbesola

    Methodist Church lauds Aregbesola

    The leadership of the Methodist Church Nigeria has commended the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for securing and safeguarding the present and future of the citizens in the state.

    The church also extolled Aregbesola’s unprecedented leadership displayed on promoting religious harmony, peace and unity across religious divides.

    The Archbishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Amos Akindeko, made the statement at the special prayers organised annually in honour of the governor and the prosperity of the state and her citizens.

    Akindeko, who led other men of God to Osun Government House at Oke-Fia in Osogbo, said the church identified with Governor Aregbesola, having seen the wonders his administration has recorded and is still making in all sectors.

    The cleric whose district covers seven dioceses in Osun, Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara and Niger States affirmed that the leadership of the church is aware of the development the Aregbesola’s administration has made, particularly on education, road and security.

    According to him, “we are happy to be here this year. I was personally here in 2015 and the leadership of the church has been coming every New Year like this to pray for the state.

    “To us as Methodist Church Nigeria, we are very happy to associate with Aregbesola, not just because he is the governor but because he has a clear vision on how to develop the state.

    “We have seen in him, a patriot, democrat, nationalist and crusader of good governance, the virtues he had clearly demonstrated in the course of administering the state since about eight years ago.

    “We have seen that the state under his watch has made tremendous landmark achievements in the last seven years, particularly in the areas of education, security, health and infrastructure.

    “As a religious organisation, it is our duty to pray and support those in the positions of authority, according to the teaching of our faith, and we are indeed happy that our governor has not disappointed us, but rather is making us proud,” Akindeko maintained.

    The clergyman assured the governor of the church’s utmost solidarity and support, saying, “We believe in you and your leadership; that is why we are solidly behind you.”

     

    He added, “We have a clear and divine mandate to support you. We have strong belief in you and your leadership to move Osun and Nigeria forward? and we are ready to support you with prayers.

    “We won’t be part of those distracting you and your government but rather join hands to ensure that you end well as you started well.”

    Also, the Lay President, Ilesa Diocese of Methodist Church Nigeria, Festus Olusuji Morakinyo, applauded Governor Aregbesola’s interventions in all sectors.

     

     

     

     

     

  • El-Rufai to Methodist Church: don’t relocate

    El-Rufai to Methodist Church: don’t relocate

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has urged the Methodist Church in Kafanchan not to relocate, promising that the government will give the church another land.

    El-Rufai spoke when Prelate of the Methodist Church, Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche, visited him in Kaduna.

    The governor thanked the Methodists for showing solidarity with the people and government of Kaduna in its trying moment.

    His words: “I visited your church in Kafanchan after the violence and we are willing to give you another plot of land. But please consider using it to build an additional church.

    “We request that you do not abandon or relocate the church from its present site. Let us not succumb to the agents of blackmail and division.

    “Your neighbors in Kafanchan must accept the right of that church to remain there. The current church should be rebuilt and maintained as a symbol of the right to worship freely.”

    El-Rufai stressed that the government will secure the area and promote a return to normalcy. He hinted that 10 mobile police squadrons with two battalions of the Army, have been deployed in the affected areas.

    Dr. Uche, who was accompanied by the bishops of Kaduna and Kano States, said he came to show solidarity with the people.

    He said the Methodist Church in Kafanchan was vandalised during the December 19 riot and requested a new plot.

    Dr. Uche urged El-Rufai not to relent in his quest to restore peace and security in Southern Kaduna.

    “We note that you are being blamed for the violence. Please take that as the price of leadership. We know that the issue has been happening before your government as I remember the 1987 events vividly.

    “We call on the people to accept each other, to be tolerant and say no to violence. I have served in Kano; I do not see why we should fight each other. Nobody can Christianise or Islamise Nigeria.

    “Let us learn to live together in peace. Religion should preserve lives. Anybody who kills is a criminal and those who sponsor killings should be arrested,” Dr. Uche said.

  • Methodist Church opens event centre

    Crown Pavillion, a 500-seater ultra-modern event centre owned by Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Lagos has opened for business.

    The eco-friendly facility boasts of two gorgeous dressing rooms with restrooms and fully-air conditioned guestrooms.

    It also has a drinking bay, food serving stations, washing up area and nappy changing facility accessible to the physically challenged.

    It was built under a 20-year Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement with LH Estates Limited.

    The facility was dedicated on Thursday by Archbishop of Lagos Methodist Church Nigeria, Most. Rev Luke Odubanjo.

    Odubanjo said the project is a clear indication of the church’s commitment to raising funds for expansion and evangelistic purposes.

    He praised Pa Jacob Williams of blessed memory for donating the large expanse of land that was converted for the project.

    Odubanjo said it was a good thing that the land was not sold after it was lying fallow for years, saying the patience has finally paid off.

    The chairman of the church’s investment committee, Sir Olugbenga George, said the business initiative will not only provide job opportunities but also fund church’s operations and activities.

    The Director of LH Estates Ltd, Wole Awe, said the firm accepted the responsibility to build and manage the facility because of its viability.

    “We believe in the project. We believe in the church and we want to add value to the community.”

    He said many churches have assets and land facilities that should be turned to money-generating ventures to fund their activities and operational costs.

     

  • Methodist church hails school principal

    Methodist church hails school principal

    EMERITUS Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria Dr Sunday Ola Makinde and others have extolled the virtues of Mrs Ruth Awobiyi, outgoing Principal of Methodist Girls High School (MGHS), Lagos.

    Mrs Awobiyi, wife of former Editor of Sunday Times Mr Tunde Awobiyi, was MGHS principal for 11 years. She was the longest serving Nigerian principal of the school.

    At a send forth for her by the school at the church diocese in Yaba, Lagos, Dr Makinde and some key officers of the church hailed Mrs Awobiyi for improving the school’s fortune.

    “You have fought a good fight in the teaching profession and you have finished the race graciously,successfully, gracefully, credibly, and honourably-Angels do no more,” Makinde said, adding: “ She was appointed in 2004 when I was Archbishop of Lagos. But when other schools returned to us by the forward-looking Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu have changed their principalship three or four times within 15 years, this is not the case with MGHS.’’

    He went on: “Under her, the school witnessed academic excellence, social stability , spiritual growth, development and staff discipline. It was like what we used to have at Wesley College, which I attended and United Missionary College which the principal attended. Two of my grand-daughters who attended this school under your principalship made an up-step-and-jump from there to the university’’.

    Describing Mrs Awobiyi as a disciplinarian, Makinde who shared the same compound with the school as prelate , said,’’ I cherish your family life, with your husband and children, which your pupils, who will be mothers of tomorrow will emulate’’

    Methodist Conference Education Board Chairman Rt. Rev Michael Akinwale described Mrs Awobiyi as an asset to the church, saying: “The good legacy you have planted in Methodist Girls High School will no doubt stand the test of time and it will remain indelible in our memory.’’

    Rev Okon Ekerendu, former Education/Health and Medical Secretary in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, said  Mrs Awobiyi  is leaving an indelible legacy for our generation and generations yet unborn.’’

    In her response, Mrs Awobiyi said: “I am just a pencil in the hand of the Lord who is the author of all that may be ascribed to me either as achievements or attributes. But I will not forget the cardinal role of my families especially my mother, Victoria and husband, Tunde, as well as the Church of God and dedicated staff’’

    “When I assumed office 11years ago I never imagined I will end up as the longest serving Nigerian principal out of my 25 predecessors in this great school. “While our European predecessors as principals chalked up as long as 20 to 35 years, only one Nigerian, Mrs Modupe Senbore, defied the usual Nigerian ‘’banana peels’’ and hurdles for 10 years .

    “When I came in 11 years ago, I never imagined that I would be able to beat the ‘’banana peels’’ that have made it impossible for any Nigerian principal to be at the helm. Only Mrs Modupe Senbore was principal for 10 years, unlike the Europeans who lasted between 20 and 30 years”.

    During her tenure, Mrs Awobiyi paid workers 13th month salary, provided 15 flats as staff quarters, uninterrupted water and power supplies.

    She also refurbished classrooms, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and science laboratories, and ensured regular staff training. Under her, the school also had a fleet of vehicles.

    Before the ceremony started, Mrs Awobiyi led visitors round some on-going projects, including a multi-storey hostel, fresh landscaping of the entrance and premises of the school, among others. She said support never came from the government since it handed over the school 15 years ago, adding that the projects were being executed from about N130 million savings.

  • Methodist Church holds annual synod

    All is now set for the 9th Annual Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West.

    The four-day event would take place at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Idimu, Mushin in Lagos on March 19 with the Ministerial and Lay Sessions.

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, will declare the synod open on March 20, while the Synod programme will be rounded off with a thanksgiving service on March 22.

    The theme for this year’s Synod is titled ‘Aglow with the spirit.’

    Speaking on the event, the Lay President of the Diocese, Otunba Morakinyo Hanson said, “This year’s Synod, which is the 9th edition in the history of the Diocese, is expected to attract notable personalities within and outside the Methodist family to be led by His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Uche, Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, amongst others.”

  • Terrorism: Methodist Church conference blames politicians

    METHODIST Church men’s fellowship has blamed the political class for fanning the embers of terrorism.

    It urged the military to ensure that such religious extremists were crushed for the country’s unity.

    Its National President, Dr. Samuel Ebenezer Ogbodo Ejiofor, in his presidential address at the society’s 18th Annual National Conference in Umuahia, described the state of the nation as deplorable.

    Ejiofor said the menace of the Boko Haram had become a disgrace to the nation and its citizens, adding that it was the military that could contain the terrorists.

    He said: “The issue of Boko Haram and other act of terrorism is at an alarming state, which is making us look like a failed state. However, we are happy that the security agencies are equal to the task of containing the menace.

    “It is a known fact that the government is doing its best in containing the Boko Haram and militancy. The political class, instead of joining hands to save the nation, is rather fuelling the whole thing.

    “People are talking about Jonathan; Jonathan did not do anything. A traditional ruler is the chief security officer of his community; a governor is the chief security of his state; and a local government chairman is the chief security of his council.

    “If all these people are alive to their responsibilities, there will be adequate security within these areas. So, it is not a question of Jonathan, it is a responsibility for all of us and this means that everybody should be alive to the issue of security at all times.

    “The situation is a clear testimony as the politicians have refused to play politics with the laid down norms. Rather, they are heating the polity, thereby increasing tension in an already tensed society and giving room for the terrorists to operate”.

    Ejiofor lamented that activities of politicians and their parties were being trailed by controversy, fraud, militancy and complaints.

    “The trend is the same in all the parties, without exception,” he added.

    He challenged religious groups to rise up and take a lead in promoting religious harmony, adding that they should embark on interfaith dialogue as antidote for peace.

    He said: “Our present state is so critical that Christians and our Muslim brothers cannot ignore their responsibilities and the task of bringing people to the truth, promoting peace and good works of the church and Islam.”

  • Tambuwal: we’ll do justice to conference report

    House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has said the National Assembly is waiting to receive the report of the National Conference.

    He spoke at Agba in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State at the funeral late Pa Moses Edeh Akuru, the father of Enugu Methodist Archbishop, Rev. Christopher Nweke Edeh, who died at 84.

    Tambuwal said the House would do justice to the report whenever it was presented to it by the executive.

    His words: “We are waiting for the National Conference report. When we get it, we will do justice to it.”

    The Speaker eulogised Pa Edeh, who was also the father of the lawmaker representing Ishielu/ Ezza North Federal Constituency, Mr. Peter Edeh, for his selfless services to his people.

    He said: “I hail the people of this community for coming out en masse to appreciate the life of our leader and father. He lived well as a community leader and served the people well. There is no better way of appreciating him than to thank God for his life.

    “We console the family and urge them to know that it is only God that can give and take life. Our happiness is that he left behind worthy children, who can do better.”

    The Prelate of Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Samuel Kanu Uche, hoped that God would settle the crises rocking the nation before the next general elections.

    He said: “My message to Nigerians is that we should go on with the 2015 elections.”

    Edeh thanked the Speaker, Ebonyi State Governor Martin Elechi, the Prelate of Methodist Church, members of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other guests for attending the funeral.

  • Methodist church preaches patriotism

    Nigerians have been charged to be patriotic and put the interest of the nation above other considerations.

    Bishops of The Methodist Church of Nigeria stated this at the end of their 32nd council meeting at the Norcross Memorial Methodist Cathedral Otukpo, Benue State.

    The council pleaded with all Nigerians to be tolerant of one another to ensure a peaceful co-existence.

    It urged every citizen to avoid do-or-die politics, adopt all elements of righteousness such as love, honesty, transparency, probity and practice patriotism at all times.

    It noted that kidnapping, armed robbery and the Boko Haram menace as well as child and other forms of human trafficking are alien to our culture.

    The Bishops urged all Nigerians to close ranks and ensure that these obnoxious developments are tackled head long and brought to an end.

    On the abducted school girls at Chibok, Borno State, the council stated that the federal government should seek the support of countries that have tackled terrorism such as Israel, United State of America and France.

    It urged President Goodluck Jonathan to remain focused and refuse to be diverted in his programmes.

  • National confab: Methodist Church cleric raises concern over delegates’ attitude

    The Methodist Church of Nigeria has bemoaned the high rate of drama being displayed by delegates at the ongoing National Conference.

    Deploring what it called the ‘lackadaiscal attitude of the delegates,’ the Bishop of Agodi Diocese, Rev. Amos Ajiboye, while addressing journalists at Methodist Bishop’s House in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on the communiqué issued at the just concluded synod of the Diocese, said some of the utterances emanating from some members of the National Conference are not in consonance with the letters and spirit underlying the exercise.

    He added, “I want these delegates to know that they are not there to make money, fight for food or be taking a nap while there is a serious discussion going on among other members of the confab. The reason why they are there is to represent the interest of their people.”

    The Methodist Church cleric admonished the delegates to preoccupy themselves with providing enduring solutions to the myriads of economic, political and social problems confronting the country.

    Commenting on the just concluded Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) recruitment exercise where 16 job seekers lost their lives, Ajiboye condemned the poor organisation of the examination by the exercise of Interior, Abba Moro.

    He called on the minister to resign immediately.

  • My agenda for Methodist Church, by Uche

    My agenda for Methodist Church, by Uche

    •Backs national conference

    The new Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr Samuel Uche, has pledged to move the church to the next level.

    He spoke last week shortly after taking over from Dr Ola Makinde, who retired on Thursday after attainment of the statutory retirement age of 70.

    Uche, who was Archbishop of Enugu until his election, said he would take over from where his predecessor stopped.

    According to him: “My main goal is to grow the church holistically. I want to grow the church spiritually, in terms of structure and social evangelism.

    “Everybody will have a fair share of the gospel and we would build the church and Nigeria together.

    “I want a church that is spiritually vibrant, peaceful with high emphasis on social evangelism. We want all Nigerians to have a feel of the gospel that takes care of human needs.”

    Uche also threw his weight behind the proposed national conference.

    Nigeria, he said, needs to sit down and talk on several challenges facing the nation.

    “We need a dialogue that is all encompassing and embracing. We should not be afraid to talk because we need to determine how we want to coexist and develop as a nation.”

    The Prelate Emeritus, Dr Ola Makinde, said the process that led to the election was smooth, transparent and devoid of human manipulations.

    He said: “The system, which we run is such that the process and procedure of choosing a new leader is so straight forward that it is absolutely impossible for any person or group of persons to manipulate or distort the process.”

    Makinde was speaking against the backdrop of the statement credited to Prelate Emeritus, Dr Sunday Mbang, who alleged the process that produced Uche was anything but transparent.

    Mbang, who led the church for 22 years, alleged:”The election that took place was an ecclesiastical fraud of the highest order. Can this church, her leaders and her people have any conscience left to condemn political leaders on election manipulation and rigging? Can the pot now call the kettle black?”

    Uche was said to have defeated the Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. M.K. Stephen, who was considered by many as more deserving of the position.

    It was learnt that Stephen initially polled 65 votes as against Uche’s 63 but lost during the run off.

    But Makinde insisted Uche’s election was transparent.

    He said: “The Conference Connexional Council, which is the highest organ of the church, the Registered Trustees and the three conference legal advisers, commended the process and outcome as free, fair, transparent and credible.

    “The election was absolutely devoid of manipulation or fraud of any kind, be it ecclesiastical, executive recklessness or otherwise. In this wise, the church has continued to set the pace for the society to follow.”