The Nation Newspaper

Tag: RCCG

  • RCCG renovates technical workshop with N2.5m

    The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Holiness Model Parish Magodo has renovated the technical workshop block of Isheri Senior Grammar School, Lagos.

    The workshop, which cost about N2.5million, was dedicated and presented to the school by the Pastor-in-Charge of Province 37, Pastor Bankole Ajayeoba, last Sunday at the school premises.

    The renovation covered complete re-roofing with PVC ceiling, sliding aluminium frame glass windows, modern security doors, tiling and painting, among others.

    At the presentation ceremony were church leaders, students, teachers, community heads, and representatives of the Ministry of Education.

    Ajayeoba said that the project is in line with the church’s corporate social responsibility geared towards developmental projects in the neighbourhood.

    “In the education sector in Nigeria, RCCG has endowed professional chairs worth millions in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Lagos, Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University apart from the amount spent on annual scholarship awards to indigent students in tertiary intuitions all over the country,” he noted.

    He asserted that the decay in the sector is obvious and cannot be shouldered alone by government.

    While urging members of the church to engage in individual social responsibility by feeding the poor and helping the needy around them, he promised that the province will join hands with the parish in equipping the workshop with modern equipment.

    The Principal, Mrs. Aluko Mojisola, said: “God is faithful and in our faithfulness, He is always there. When we are in any situation that seems hopeless, God will stand up to help us.

    “We are grateful for this kind gesture and I bless God because Christianity is all about caring and putting smiles on the faces of those weeping, giving food to the needy and giving hope to the hopeless.”

  • Ex-Ondo commissioner buried amid tears

    Ex-Ondo commissioner buried amid tears

    The remains of the former Ondo Commissioner for Information, Ranti Akerele, were at the weekend committed to mother earth at his home town, Idoani, in Ose local government area of the state.

    It was a tearful departure as sympathisers, friends, professional colleagues and family converged to bid him farewell.

    Akerele, a seasoned broadcaster and Pastor of the Reedemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), died in his sleep on January 14 shortly after visiting his wife, Lucy, who was hospitalised.

    He was 53.

    Before his interment, which preceded a service at the Cathedral Church of Holy Trinity Idoani, the former commissioner had been honoured with another commendation service at the RCCG, Mega Cathedral, Akure.

    There were music ministrations and prayer sessions, especially for the widow and the two children, Segun and Tofunmi, he left behind.

    The prayers were offered by Pastor S. Olowookere.

    The Assistant Provincial Pastor O. Ogunode in his exhortation described Akerele as a dynamic person imbued with rich talents.

    Quoting copiously from the Bible, the cleric lamented that people always pursue money, property, power, positions and other worldly possessions without realising that death is the end of every human being.

     

    According to him: “If you are lucky in life, your body may be intact when you die. Many people had died without their dead bodies recovered.

     

    “You will appear before your maker. Our running up and down to build mansions in Dubai, Ajah, Lekki or other choice places is vanity upon vanity. There is time for every man.”

     

    He emphasised that nobody knows when the time would come, recalling that Jesus lived for only 33 years and some months.

     

     

    Ogunode added: “It is not the kind of ceremony at your funeral that will help you to make heaven but your faith and how you live while still alive.

     

    “Whatever you grab either legally or otherwise, you will leave behind when death knocks at your door.”

     

     

  • 2014 will define the future of Nigeria, says Adeboye

    TWO thousand and fourteen is the defining year for Nigeria, not 2015 as many think, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has declared.

    He charged Nigerians to pray and expect several divine happenings in the New Year.

    Adeboye spoke last Sunday at the thanksgiving and prayer service of the RCCG National Headquarters, Throne of Grace, Ebutte-Metta, Lagos.

    The respected preacher said: “The Lord says that the future of Nigeria will be determined this year, not in 2015 as some think. 2015 will be mere formalities.”

    He warned Nigerians not to jump into conclusion on any matter as the equations at the beginning of the year will be different at the end of the year.

    God, he claimed, told him that divine promise of more than a decade ago will begin to find fulfilment among those who truly trust in Him.

  • Sun sets for Ranti Akerele at noon

    Sun sets for Ranti Akerele at noon

    Like a thunderbolt from the blue, the news of Ranti Akerele’s death on Tuesday came to many as a rude shock. It was a sad event that shook the entire Ondo State. Those who were familiar with him would vow that he was not just another name on the list of the state’s public servants, but one who has left an indelible mark on the social, political and religious circles of the Sunshine State.

    The former Commissioner for Information during the first term of Governor Segun Mimiko was a gentle man whose words and ways were very smooth. He was full of life and energy a few hours to his reported death during his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday.

    The Ido-Ani-born information manager was a prominent member of Mimiko’s cabinet. He was the number one defender of the administration’s policies. He was later removed when Mimiko did a major cabinet reshuffle that saw him drop most of his allies in the build-up to his re-election bid in 2012. Akerele was not lucky to make it back after Mimiko was re-elected.

    Prior to his appointment as Commissioner for Information, Akerele had worked as a broadcaster with the Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC) before joining politics to become the Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party in Ondo State. Akerele, who died at the age of 54, presided as a pastor over a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ondo State.

  • Ajimobi splashes N15.6m on workers

    Ajimobi splashes N15.6m on workers

    The inter-faith prayer service heralding the New Year turned into a prize giving event yesterday as Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi doled out N15.6 million cash gifts to civil servants.

    The service was held at the Car Park of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.

    Ajimobi, who said he was happy with the conduct of the civil servants, their dressing and dedication to duty in the past year, donated N10 million to those (civil servants), who turned up for the service.

    He donated N5 million to workers of the State Water Corporation for beating the deadline for the rehabilitation of the Asejire Waterworks.

    Ajimobi said the project has resulted in regular water supply in Ibadan and its environs.

    He gave N250,000 to an official of the State Printing Press, Mrs. Margaret Olatoun Oluwafemi, and N250,000 to other workers of the company for printing the service programme well.

    The governor gave N100,000 to Mr. Oyelola Okunlola of the Office of the Surveyor-General for appearing well-dressed at the occasion.

    He said the donations were from his personal purse, adding that he will always appreciate quality.

    Ajimobi said: “I am a man of quality. I urge you never to settle for less, but to always have a positive attitude to service. You must also inculcate it into your children.”

    On the proposed salary review, he said a committee would be constituted this month to look into it.

    The governor urged workers to redouble their efforts towards improving the Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR).

    He said a car assembly plant will soon begin operation in Ibadan, adding that this will make brand new cars affordable for civil servants.

    Ajimobi said the construction of low cost houses is ongoing to provide affordable housing for civil servants.

    He said many government guest houses in the GRA were being reconstructed into luxury apartments and would be sold to residents.

    In their sermons, Dr. Segun Olatunji, a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and Sheikh Ahmad Rufai, the Chief Imam of the Government House Mosque, urged civil servants to support the government and be committed to their work.

    They called for unity among members of the political class to ensure the success of the Ajimobi administration.

  • Imbibe Christ’s virtues, Adeboye advises Nigerians

    Imbibe Christ’s virtues, Adeboye advises Nigerians

    THE General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called on Nigerians to always live righteouly as it remains the antidote to shame, reproach and nakedness in life.

    Adeboye made this call at a special programme organised by The Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Lagos Province 1 held over the week at the Centre for Management Development, Shangisha in Lagos.

    The event, tagged “The greatest gift,” brought together thousands of Christian faithful which featured praise, prayer and worship.

    Adeboye advised Christians to reciprocate God’s love by shunning sin and live a life that is pleasing to Him.

    Adeboye cited the scriptures, saying the problems of man can be traced to sin and disobedience to God’s word.

    He stated that although some church leaders preach breakthrough, riches and faith which may take one to the top, he averred that “holiness of life will keep you at the top and take you from glory to glory.”

    He reminded the audience that Nebuchadnezzar was humbled from being a king to living with animals for seven years because he was proud and when he repented, God restored his glory and affluence.

  • RCCG Congress: FRSC deploys men to ease traffic

    RCCG Congress: FRSC deploys men to ease traffic

    The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has deployed its officers, as well as patrol and towing vehicles, to manage traffic during the Annual Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

    The congress, which began on Monday and will end on Saturday, is holding at the Redemption Camp at Km.46 of the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

    FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone 2, Ademola Lawal, told reporters yesterday that the commission had mapped out plans to ensure free-flow of traffic around the camp during the programme.

    Lawal, whose zone comprises Lagos and Ogun, said about 100 officers, including Special Marshals, and six patrol teams had been deployed, to ensure free-flow of traffic.

    He urged motorists to obey traffic laws, warning that offenders would be penalised.

     

    “Our office has been contacted to ease traffic on the route and we are ready for the event. We have mobilised about 100 personnel, six patrol teams and two power bikes for the event.

    “We cannot be caught unawares as we are on top of the situation. We urge road users to obey traffic regulations because traffic offences will attract penalties.

    “Drivers should avoid dangerous driving, use of phones while driving, illegal parking and other actions that are inimical to safety,” Lawal added.

     

  • Flakes from RCCG Provincial Musical Concert

    Flakes from RCCG Provincial Musical Concert

    GOSPEL music enthusiasts on November 29 converged on the RCCG Soul Winners’ Cathedral, Lagos Province 32 headquarters, Festac, for the maiden edition of the ‘Provincial Musical Concert’.

    Though it was an all night affair, the venue witnessed a crowd of Christian faithful trooping into the church auditorium as early as 7pm. The expansive hall was brimming with faithful who were ready to gyrate as the programme was themed ‘Praise Rain’.

    The host church Mass Choir kicked-off performances with Pastor Bukola Olubona. It was an awesome experience in the presence of the Lord as the Oyigiyigi crooner and coordinator of the Province Mass Choir rendered soulful songs to the exaltation of the Lord, while the people worshipped solemnly. She soon switched to praises, singing a medley of different genres. The congregation had a great time dancing and praising God. And in between the ecstatic moment, Bukola urged the crowd to be grateful to God for sparing their lives to end of the year which is the real aim of the programmme.

    Evang. Chucks Chidibe of This Kind God o fame, who was said to have stormed the venue as early as 4pm, took the crowd on a praise jamboree. His energetic movement on stage and powerful voice made it difficult for anyone to remain on their seats. Both old and young grooved to his eclectic collection of gospel songs. Chucks charged the atmosphere to its fullest and had to return on stage to thrill the joyous crowd who kept asking for more.

    There was a lull in the praise and worship session as Peacemaker, a choreography group, took to the stage. The group which comprised five males and a female stunned the crowd, who didn’t know what to expect. Their choreography was the type known with Bishop TD Jakes. It was more of electrifying movements than just dancing. Peacemakers raised the tempo with their performance as the crowd watched excitedly, screaming at each shocking moves.

    Yemi Lebi, the Province Pastor, was full of thanks to God for a successful programme. “We want to give thanks to God for Lagos Province 32; they have committed so much time and resources to making this a success. I want to thank my beloved Sister Olubona and all the pastors that had to cancel one appointment or the other to be here,” Labi said.

  • ‘Don’t shut out clergymen once you get to power’

    FROM the resident parish pastor, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Emanuel House Parish, Agege, Lagos, Assistant Pastor Akin Ajayi, has come a stern warning to political officeholders: “Don’t slam the door closed on men of God after you win election.”

    He made this appeal at the annual weeklong event tagged: ‘Dependable Family’, which attracted participants from far and near.

    Pastor Ajayi said the occasion once again brought to the fore the need for the people of God to continue to be the light of the world as well as to be dependable as God wants to use them to accomplish His love for the world.

    However, he frowned at the situation whereby political leaders will not make good their promises and pledges to the people they lead. “Some of them during the time of election will run to men of God to pray for them, but after the election when they have won you will not see them come to church again – they become too busy to worship God, this is not good,” he said.

    The RCCG family week is an annual event in which the role of family is recognised in the things of God as Christians and as well as using the opportunity to encourage parents in the task of bringing up their families and the youths. This year’s event was colourful as the churches took time out for three days to celebrate the occasion with worship, praises, music, drama and other forms of entertainment.

     

  • RCCG prepares for Holy Ghost Congress

    The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has expressed its readiness to host its annual Holy Ghost Congress believed to be the largest Christian gathering in the world.

    The conference with the theme “The overflow” holds from December 9-14.

    The Special Assistant to the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Johnson Odesola, told religion correspondents last week that all participants from across the globe will be adequately taken care of.

    Part of the measures, he said, is the construction of more buildings to accommodate guests, improvement of hostel accommodation and provision of more car parks to tackle the perennial traffic gridlock on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    Odesola said: “We are expecting a multitude, therefore infrastructure has been put in place to accommodate the guests.

    “Although to accommodate all might be a tall dream considering the large numbers, still the church is making effort to consistently improve on its facilities.

    “In the area of traffic, the church has opened other exit roads and alternating roads to ease the traffic and provided car parks in order to ensure that nobody hinders the free flow of traffic during the duration of the programme.”

    The Managing Editor of Redemption Light and Assistant Pastor-in-Charge of Lagos Province 37, Pastor Olaitan Olubiyi, said the church is seriously working on alternative roads that people coming from Ikorodu as well as the Shagamu axis can use without necessarily linking the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    He also added that accommodations and other conveniences have been tripled as against what obtained last year to ensure that the basic needs of the participants are taken care of.

    Odesola assured that personal and national aspirations will be fulfilled as participants call upon God.

    He said: “We are confident that not one person will leave the programme without a testimony of the miraculous in their lives because the programme was designed with them in mind.

    “There shall be a demonstration of the supernatural power of God as the anointing of God’s Spirit shall be present to heal many.”