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Tag: Methodist

  • Methodist Knights revive musical heritage in Lagos

    Methodist Knights revive musical heritage in Lagos

    In a bid to revive and preserve the rich musical heritage of the Methodist Church, the Council of Knights Lagos and Lagos Mainland Chapter held its 8th Annual Choral Day Celebration recently at the Methodist Cathedral of Peace and Excellence, Opebi, Lagos.

    Theme: ‘Make a Joyful Noise unto The Lord, All Ye Lands,’ had a series of choral concerts, blending classical hymns, anthems, and chants in a celebration of faith and tradition.

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    Speaking at the event, the Grand Concert Choirmaster, Council of Knights Lagos and Lagos Mainland Chapter, Sir Soji Onafowokan emphasized the symbolic significance of music within the church, explaining that Methodist worship is deeply rooted in song.

    “We are grounded in music, hymns, and chants, and that’s why we’re doing this. Many have left the church over the years, but through this celebration, we aim to revive our heritage,” Onafowokan said.

     According to Onafowokan, who has been Grand Quartermaster for three years, the feedback from congregants has been overwhelmingly positive.

    “One of the standout features of this year’s performance was the unique arrangement of the choir, which for the first time included a timpani and trumpet accompaniment, adding a new dimension to the traditional hymns”, he said.

  • Methodist Cathedral celebrates 70th anniversary

    Methodist Cathedral celebrates 70th anniversary

    All is now set for members and well- wishers of Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Blessing, Palm Avenue, Mushin, Lagos to celebrate the 70th years anniversary of its existence as a church.

    The Chairman of the Anniversary Committee, Sir Bola Awe, said: “To celebrate the glory of God on its church and members, activities have been lined up to celebrate the occasion. The programme started last Saturday and will end on November 5.

    “There was an awareness rally last Saturday in the vicinity where the church is located on Palm Avenue to kick start a powerful three-day revival at the cathedral, which will start at 5pm daily. “This will be followed by visitation to select less privileged homes and some elderly members as part of the church’s Corporate Social Responsibilities.

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    “In the same vein of giving back to its immediate environment, free medical outreach will be extended to everyone that comes around on November 3 at the Cathedral. While an anniversary lecture will come up on the same day with a theme: ‘Methodism yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’, to be delivered by Sir Gbolahan Obayomi.”

    This will be followed on November 4 with a Remembrance and Awards service where select members (living and departed) will be recognised for their contributions towards the creation, sustenance and purposeful leadership for the future of the Cathedral.

    “This week long celebrations will come to an end with a special thanksgiving service and a N500m Appeal Fund Raising for the new ultra–modern hall on November 5 during the 9am service.”

    The Chief Host, the Bishop of Lagos West Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ezekiel Akande, said the cathedral, to the glory of God, since its creation 70 years ago, had achieved a lot of great things in terms of spiritual growth and expansion.

  • Bandits free Methodist priest, two others

    …after Four days in captivity

    The Methodist priest and two others, that were abducted along Iwo-Ibadan road on Sunday, by suspected bandits, were released on Thursday, according to report from the Methodist church, Osogbo.

    According to the report from the church, the kidnapped persons, who are members of the church, were released on Thursday night, around 8.20p.m.

    Confirming the release to newsmen, the Bishop of the Methodist Church, Osogbo Diocese, Most Rev. Amos Ogunrinde, said the priest, Very Rev. Kayode Akande, and the two other leaders of the church that were kidnapped had been released and reunited with their families.

    Ogunrinde, however, did not disclosed if any ransom was paid before the kidnapped men were released by the bandits.

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    When the state Police Public Relations Officers, Mrs Folashade Odoro was contacted about the report, she said the police would release a statement about the whole incident later.

    The News Agency of Nigeria  recalls that the a Priest and two elders of the Methodist Church, Osogbo were kidnapped on Sunday while returning from a men’s fellowship from Ile-Ogbo, near Iwo, Osun.

    The police were reported to have deployed men and officers to rescue the kidnapped persons while the bandits were never reported to have contacted the family of the men to demand for ransom

  • Provide succor to Nigerians, Methodist Church begs Buhari

    Delegates to the 30th Annual Synod of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, Diocese of Owo, Ondo have called for Christians active participation in politics and governance.

    They faulted the impression that politics is a dirty game,stressing that it would remain so if spiritually enlightened minds were not involved in polity.

    Besides, the synod pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to provide relief on the present hardship in the country.

    Delivering his address at the Methodist Church,Isure-Idoani in Ose local government area,the Diocesan Bishop, Revd Solomon Adegbite urged Christians in politics to make the difference, rather than messing up the name of Christ and the Church in political arena.

    The Synod noted that God gave Nigeria everything except leadership, stressing that it had been the bane of development in the country.

    The Church lamented that most political leaders were only mindful of themselves and their families to the detriment of those being led.

    Rev Adegbite said” as things are we have not had it rosy, the common man on the streets cannot afford three square meals, it baffled recently that some hungry Nigerians were exhuming chicken buried at a site by the custom officers.

    “The situation has gone so bad in Nigeria where we are blessed with Natural Resources in an unprecedented measure, this boils to bad leadership.

    “Security challenge has become part of our daily routine, herdsmen are on rampage everywhere and much is not being done to curb their wanton destruction of lives and property all over Nigeria”.

    The Church called for reinforcement of principle of Federal Character in the distribution of offices, saying there was no area in the country deprived of competent hands in any field of endeavor.

    It urged eligible voters to secure their voter cards and ready to vote in 2019, stressing that the umpire on election matters should remain unbiased and ensure that every vote counts.

    The Synod observed that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s administration in the past one year had ushered in more dividends of democracy in term of developmental projects.

    This, it noted, particularly in prompt payment of salaries, urging the state government to sustain the tempo and ensure that no project is abandoned.

    The Diocesan Lay President, Oladapo Olawoye highlighted various challenges facing the Diocese, stressing that the national and global economic downturn currently being experienced in the country was affecting them.

    He recalled that the Synod last year recommended a viable economic blueprint for Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) modalities to put an end to existing practice where Development funds in the Circuits would be used to pay Assessment.

  • Economic hardship worries Methodist bishop

    The Bishop of Owo Diocese, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rev Solomon Adegbite, has lamented the current economic recession driving many Nigerians to the point of attempted suicide.

    He noted that the current situation was not unconnected with the unruly activities of people and evil government officials.

    Delivering his address at the 29th Diocesan Synod at Methodist Church Nigeria, Epinmi-Akoko, the Bishop insisted that until people stop discriminating against God and persecuting innocent people, especially Christians, the situation may not improve.

    Adegbite urged President Muhammadu Buhari and government officials to steer clear of religious matters by not imposing any religion over the other.

    On the incessant attacks by suspected herdsmen, the cleric flayed the killings and destruction of farmland in many parts of the country, urging the federal government to curtail marauding herdsmen.

    The Bishop expressed the need for the government to engage transparent technocrats to manage the economy of the country for solutions to the hardship of pauperised Nigerians.

    Besides, he advocated for egalitarian society, stressing that public offices should be shared equally among various tribes in the country.

    The cleric believes the violence in the Niger Delta region could be tackled if the federal government pays attention to the welfare of its inhabitants as the hen that lays the egg through which the country is being sustained.

    He called for an end to religious killings which he described as sinful, stressing that the inability of the government to curtail the act may lead to anarchy.

  • Methodist Old boys inspire pupils

    Pupils of the Methodist Boys High School, Expressway Ibadan, had the opportunity of getting success tips from the 91 Set of the school recently.

    On hand as speakers were two distinguished old boys – Bukola Faturoti and Dayo Omisore – whose words of inspiration drew applause from the pupils and their teachers.

    Faturoti is Senior lecturer at the School of Law of the Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University Aberdeen UK, while Omisore is a public analyst/author.

    Faturoti shared how after an average secondary school performance, he became a scholar at the Olabisi Onabanjo University where he studied English (2006) and the University of Ibadan where he was the first to make a First Class in Law.

    “Right from my secondary school days, I wanted to be a lawyer.  I did well in my School Certificate but did not in my JAMB, so I had to settle for English. Yet my passion for Law never diminished. After I graduated from OOU, I had to return to the University of Ibadan to study Law which has always been my passion.”

    To make it to the top, Faturoti counseled the pupils to set targets now.

    “Where do you see yourselves in 10 years time? You need to know now, because if you don’t have a destination, wherever you find yourselves is your destination,” he said.

    He also admonished teachers to give the pupils their best, saying some of his mates either failed woefully or passed certain subjects because of the subject teacher.

    “I urge you teachers to take these children as if they were yours. I owe my success stories today to what my teachers planted in me; and as I remember and pray for them today, these children will also remember you,” he said.

    Omisore in his address themed: “In pursuit of Academic excellence and personal development”, told the pupils to discover themselves. He added that their passion and not what they hope to study in higher institutions would see them through.

    Underscoring the importance of education, Omisore shared the story of Segun Odegbami, who got education regardless of his football skills.

    “Today, Odegbami is a prominent broadcaster because he acquired education, which many of his contemporaries did not.  So when their football careers were over, many of them had nothing else to do and nowhere they could fit in,” he said.

    Some other members of the set also shared their memories of attending the one-time boarding school – stories of what made ‘Methoe Boys’ as it was popularly called, tick, in its heydays.

    Principal of the School, Mr Abimbola Idowu, thanked the old boys for remembering their alma mater.  He however said the school’s greatest challenges were ‘unfulfilled promises made by many old boys.

    “This school is in dire state especially in terms of infrastructure and this is a challenge for the old boys,” he lamented.

    Chairman of the 91 Set, Abdulganiyy Kareem, said the speakers were deliberately chosen to inspire the young ones.

    Two of the participants, Adebayo Anulope and Tajudeen Okiki, both in JSS3, noted that the talks renewed their hopes of succeeding regardless of their backgrounds.

  • Methodist Synod in Lagos Central, West

    Methodist Synod in Lagos Central, West

    The 10th Annual Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West, will start today.

    The four-day event, at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Opebi, Lagos, will begin with the ministerial and lay sessions.

    Governor Akinwumi Ambode is expected to open the synod.

    The programme will end with a thanksgiving service on Sunday at 4pm.

    The chief host and diocesan bishop, Rev Oluyemisi Ogunlere, said the theme “Chosen to bear fruit” was  prayerfully selected to reassure the citizenry on a great turnaround spiritually.

    Also, the Seventh Synod of the Diocese of Lagos Central,  begins today at the church’s Festac Town Circuit’s Headquarters, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Lagos.

    The Presbyter of the host circuit, Rev. Williams Olusoji Fasina and the Circuit Steward, O. A. Oni,  said over 200 delegates from the diocese’s five circuits – Ago-Ijaye, Festival Town, Wesley Circuit Ajegunle, Apapa-Araromi and Ojo Circuit- will attend.

    The Owa Obokun Adimula, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, will declare the synod open tomorrow.

  • Methodist factory agrees to launder donated bed sheets

    The laundry arm of the Methodist Tailoring Factory, which outfits and makes various garments for priests, choirs and the academic community, has accepted to launder the bed sheets donated by the Hospital Chaplaincy, West Cathedral Olowogbowo to two wards in the Lagos State General Hospital (ODAN) last December.

    The factory said it would launder the bed sheets at concessionary prices to prolong their longevity.

    The Chaplaincy had donated  200 bed spreads and pillow cases as well as eight ‘32’ inches LED Television sets, 20 wall fans and two decoders to one of the male and female wards in the hospital.

    The Chaplaincy also shared hundred copies of the bibles among the patients.

    Head of the Chaplaincy, Rev. ‘Bola Oyeledun, said the gesture from the factory was a welcome relief that will enhance the works of the organisation.

    He stressed the body has been impacting lives and reaching out to the less-privileged with a view to promoting good governance and complementing government efforts.

    He enjoined Nigerians to influence their community positively when it is within their capacity to do so, stressing that government alone cannot provide all the social amenities needed in the hospital.

    Oyeledun told our correspondent last week: “The offer is most welcome. It will preserve the luster of the bed sheets and enable more patients to use them longer.

    “This is strategic partnership at work and we are most grateful for it.”

  • Methodist Chaplaincy uplifts Lagos General Hospital

     The Hospital Chaplaincy, Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Lagos has changed the face of two wards in the Lagos State General Hospital (ODAN).

    The body donated  200 bed spreads and pillow cases as well as eight ‘32’ inches LED Television sets, 20 wall fans and two decoders to one of the male and female wards in the hospital.

    The Chaplaincy also shared hundred copies of the bibles among the patients.

    Presenting the items to the Medical Director/CEO of the hospital, Dr Adebola Laketu, head of the Chaplaincy, Rev. ‘Bola Oyeledun, said the gesture was in consonance with God’s mandate of reaching out to those weakened by sicknesses or ailments.

    Oyeledun explained the items were to make the wards more comfortable and conducive for the quick recoveries of patients.

    He stressed the body has been impacting lives and reaching out to the less-privileged with a view to promoting good governance and complementing government efforts.

    He enjoined Nigerians to influence their community positively when it is within their capacity to do so, stressing that government alone cannot provide all the social amenities needed in the hospital.

    “It is also part of giving back to the society apart from preaching the gospel. Our neighbour is that person who needs our help and we render such help,” he stated.

    According to Oyeledun, the health sector is too important to be left for government alone to cater for, calling on individuals, corporate organisations and religious bodies to contribute in their little ways.

    “We all have participatory roles in the government. We are doing this as an advocacy for other people to come onboard and assist in their little ways,” he added.

    Laketu commended leaders of the church for the laudable gesture, acknowledging that the church had been of tremendous assistance to the hospital.

    He said aside from the fans, television sets and bed spreads, the Chaplaincy also painted a female ward and a male ward of the hospital.

    The CMD said the importance of quality health facilities cannot be overemphasised in the economic and social development of any country because health is wealth.

    He called on other religious bodies to emulate the kind gestures of the Hospital Chaplaincy of the Wesley Cathedral, Olowogbowo.

    According to him: “What the Chaplaincy has done today is worthy of emulation. The health sector is in dire need of partnerships with corporate, religious bodies and individuals to move the sector to the next level by involving in specific projects for the hospital.”

    A patient at one of the male wards, Musa Ismaila, thanked the church for the kind gesture, adding that it has put smiles on their faces.

  • GCI, Methodist old Boys rekindle football rivalry

    GCI, Methodist old Boys rekindle football rivalry

    The age long football rivalry between Methodist Boys High School Expressway Ibadan and Government College Ibadan (GCI), was re-enacted last Saturday as the ‘91 sets of both schools slugged it out in a novelty match to celebrate their 25 years of leaving their alma mater.

    The one hour encounter held at the hockey pitch of the host school, GCI, was one moment ‘entertaining’ and ‘serious’ the next, as it suddenly dawned on the host school they must carry willy-nilly so as not to embarrass themselves in the presence of hundred of the younger pupils of the school, who had left their hostel to watch the match.

    Interestingly, the old boys many who are now ‘endowed’ with grey hairs  panted and sweated like an exhausted prey, who had finally given up to its predator after an unsuccessful but tedious chase, to find an escape route. From time to time, they broke the rules and hurried off the pitch take some water; and then continued.

    Interestingly too, some of the prominent boys known for their skills during their heydays, attempted to reignite the fire. No thanks to age! The sparks could only last once or twice and the next moment “referee, I’m tired, I want to rest’ said some after spending less than 10 minutes on the pitch.

    The popular Kunle Asulegan a.k.a Stopyra of Methodist School, once popular for his enigmatic dribble and header, had boasted to pump one of two goals into GCI net ahead of the encounter, could only last less than 15 minutes into the match before he slumped. For minutes, Stopyra lay there on the field and the referee had to put the match on hold. Thank God it was not a serious injury, only a muscle pull and Stopyra was immediately attended to on the sideline. But that was the end! He could not return to the pitch to make good his boast.

    A strike professionally taken by Bimbo Oladunjoye a.k.a Abim, following a pass from Taiwo Kareem  (Chicken) about 10 minutes into the match, put Methoe Boys on the lead.’ It was a goal’ everybody chorused! The ‘elderly supporters club’ on the sidelines, poured on the pitch to congratulate their colleagues; tummies bobbling up and down as they jubilated. Abim too, with is grey hairs, which also extended to his sprouting goatee, could hardly believe he could pull such stunt.

    What an undeserved foul at Methoe box 18 seven minutes afterwards! The referee had blown for a penalty in favour of GCI. A subtle protest by the Metho boys. The penalty was taken by Ariyo Legele. The ball zoomed straight into the net. Another thunderous ‘goooooooal’ by the host school.

    Too bad! A rather poor catch by Methoe goalkeeper, Wole Dopemu, just a minute after, finally put the GCI boys ahead as providence also caught up with Ariyo Legelege, who put the shot to Dopemu’s left in an easiest finishing. It’s a goal in GCI favour again.

    But much as Methoe Boys tried in the second half, they could not equalize; nor could GCI succeed in making their visitors’ net a basked of goals as they earlier pontificated. The match ended 2.1 in favour of the host.

    But aside the popular ‘Item Seven’, that followed the match, the event was an opportunity for the two sets to thank God for  surviving over the last 25 years on one hand; and to rekindle the love and affection, which the schools once shared, said GCI Principal, Mr  Simon Olusola Oladele.

    Speaking ahead of the match at the school chapel, Oladele who read from the Holy Bible: Galatians 6:1-10, enjoined the two sets to always keep in touch, extend love to the less privileged among them.

    “It is not by your own power that you are alive today. Many of your colleagues with whom you passed out 25 years ago had either died. You are here because you shared in one another’s pain, so let that love continue.”

    “You student of the GCI always claim your school is the best in Africa; but I say Methodist Boys High School is the best in the world,” added Oladele himself an alumnus of Methodist Boys (‘69 set).

    “As a Federal Government-owned school, you enjoyed more funding,   but in Methoe, we all ahd to struggle and hustle and that paid off for us. Ii wasn’t trained as a hustler; it would have been difficult for a person like me to be your principal.”

    The highpoint of the event was the presentation of award of appreciation by the visitor, as well as the official commissioning of the refurbished Corpers’ Lodge by the Chiarman of GCI ‘91 set Mr Folarin Familusin.