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Tag: religious

  • Religious, community leaders join FCTA’s drive to tackle immunisation non-compliance in Abuja

    Religious, community leaders join FCTA’s drive to tackle immunisation non-compliance in Abuja

    Religious and community leaders across the Federal Capital Territory have pledged their support to boost child immunisation and tackle rising cases of non-compliance, as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) intensifies efforts to ensure that every child is protected against preventable diseases.

    The engagement, coordinated through the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), forms part of a renewed citywide campaign aimed at strengthening public awareness and improving compliance with the ongoing Measles-Rubella immunisation exercise under the Child Rights Act, 2003.

    Building on the advocacy momentum, FCTA teams, led by the HSES Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, began field visits to places of worship across Abuja, starting with the Ansar-ud-Deen Society and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Foundation on Friday, and continuing on Sunday at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and Christ Holy Church International.

    The outreach, she said, is part of a wider sensitisation drive to ensure that no child, whether in school, church, mosque, market, or playground is left unprotected.

    In a statement on Monday, the Special Adviser on Media to the Mandate Secretary, Bola Ajao, said faith leaders expressed strong support for the campaign during the visits. 

    The Senior Pastor and Regional Overseer of MFM Wuye International Headquarters, Pastor Edwin Etomi, according to her, commended the FCT Minister for his commitment to child health, while Evangelist Anselm Ikebata of Christ Holy Church International, Area 1, applauded the Administration’s renewed drive in public health advocacy.

    The Mandate Secretary noted that the exercise is designed to be all-inclusive, engaging traditional rulers, community associations, NGOs, CSOs, and partners such as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, WHO, and IVACA.

    Fasawe, who had earlier last week emphasised that immunisation in the FCT remains free, safe, and effective, warned that ignorance or misinformation must not be allowed to hinder any child’s access to life-saving vaccines.

    “We will continue to educate our people and assure them of the safety and effectiveness of vaccines,” she stressed.

    She disclosed that the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has approved free enrolment into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS) for every child fully vaccinated in public schools across the Territory.

    To reinforce compliance, she said the Administration has begun enforcing provisions of the Child Rights Act against parents, guardians, or school owners who obstruct vaccination teams, stressing that the law mandates all institutions to ensure that every child is fully immunised.

    According to her, FCTA teams have been deployed across districts, rural communities, and hard-to-reach areas to ensure comprehensive coverage. 

    Parents, she added, have turned out in large numbers, encouraged by interactive sessions and gift distributions for children.

    To sustain momentum, it was disclosed, the Secretariat had compiled a list of non-compliant schools and issued reminder letters, while mobilising 132 vaccination teams for a three-day citywide mop-up exercise in collaboration with NPHCDA and other partners.

  • Abiodun urges religious leaders on peaceful coexistence

    Abiodun urges religious leaders on peaceful coexistence

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has urged religious leaders to ensure peaceful coexistence among adherents of religions.

    He gave the admonition during the ‘turbaning’ and installation of the Chief Imam of Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu North Local Government, Sheikh Quasim Badejo, at the playground of the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo palace.

    Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, Governor Abiodun said his administration was determined to work with religious stakeholders towards promoting peace and tranquillity, as well as consolidating the government’s achievements across the nooks and crannies of the state, ‘’since meaningful development can only be sustained in a conducive atmosphere.’’

    He advised the Chief Imam to use his position to promote peaceful co-existence among adherents of religions.

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    The governor felicitated the Islamic cleric, saying his position was significant, as his conduct and disposition were capable of influencing the people positively or otherwise.

    “I want to encourage you to use your office as the Chief Imam to inculcate in the people, moral values and engender oneness among the people of Ijebu-Igbo and its environs, irrespective of religious affiliations,” he said.

    The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, giving his royal blessings, hoped the newly installed Chief Imam would provide mentorship to the followers, promising to give the Imam a new car and build a befitting central mosque that would accommodate worshippers in Ijebu-North.

    Sheikh Badejo thanked Allah for the appointment, pledging to use the position to serve Allah, Muslim faithful and residents of the town.

  • Religious body expresses willingness to partner LG

    Religious body expresses willingness to partner LG

    Areligious group, the Light of the World Mission Church has said that the government alone cannot provide the pressing needs of the people.

    The Senior Pastor of The Light of the World Mission Church, Pastor Femi Kajogbola, who was represented by his aides, during a visit to the Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, Oyo State, Mr. Sanusi Musibau Adeshina, said the visit was to formally register the presence of the church in the local government.

    He expressed the willingness of the church to partner with the government to provide pressing necessary needs to the people in the community.

    “Part of the reason for our visit is to spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and to inform the chairman of the LG of the opening of a new branch of our church in the local government.

    According to Kajogbola, “The responsibility of being the light of the world and salt of the earth is integral to our core responsibilities.

    Read Also: Why I wept during my son’s inauguration as governor – Oyebanji’s father

    “Our mission is to bring salvation to all the communities in Ona Ara Local Government by preaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, as well as to provide succour to the communities.”

    Responding, the LG boss praised the efforts of the church and the role they played in the society which he described as good.

     He appreciated them for coming to the Local Government and making their intentions known.

    He informed the church that the Local government under his leadership already built a pedestrian bridge for the community to enable the movement of people, in and out of the community, although, a  temporary solution to their problem, due to the financial incapability of the local government at the moment.

    He also disclosed that any NGO or foundation that has the intention of providing any form of succor or help to the communities in Ona Ara must go through the proper channel. “This would be done by writing to the Executive Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, making their intentions known, as this would enable them to properly document the whole process, and grant the facilitators adequate publicity through their media team.”

  • ‘Nigerians are religious’

    One of the visiting leaders of the True Jesus Church, Pastor Hong-Hsiung Ko, has said Nigerians fear God and are mostly religious.

    Ko, who described Saturday as the Sabbath Day, said his church does not believe in trinity and worship on Saturday, not Sunday, as most Nigerian Christians.

    The cleric spoke at the weekend Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the dedication of the branch of the international church and ordination of two pastors.

    He said: “This is a very essential thing for us. According to the God-head, we believe that God is one true God and He is beyond all human concepts. We believe that He from heaven revealed Himself to us. We do not know about Him. We understand Him, because He revealed Himself to us.

    “First, the essence of God is the spirit (John 4:24). Secondly, God revealed Himself to Moses. He told Moses that His name is I am that I am. This is God’s existence. We believe that He lives forever. We believe that he is spirit.

    “The creed said that God father, son and Holy Ghost exist. God the father exists in eternity. He is not made. He exists alone in eternity already before now and the spirit exists from the father and the son.

    “The trinity doctrine has always been in existence, but we believe that the spirit is everywhere. We believe in one true God. After the creation, we knew who the first son of God was, which was Adam. The son (Jesus) is the second Adam.

    “It is not contradictory that the church does not believe the trinity, but members pray in the name of Jesus. The trinity exists because of salvation. Human is the son of God and the spirit is a working spirit. Jesus is a second Adam. The son is not the God-head. The son became a son out of flesh and that made him a son. He is our brother (Psalm 2:1 and Heb. 4:14). We believe that God is a spirit and because of salvation plans, Jesus was made flesh. Trinity came from Hinduism.”

    The pastor also said that the church, with its headquarters in Los Angeles, USA, believes in salvation and baptism in Jesus’ name for remission of sins. He stressed that baptism was a big thing to the church.

    Ko said: “Every baptised member (of the church) must be converted and taught the doctrines of the gospel. To us, the basis of membership is baptism. So, if someone stays in this church for ten years and he is not baptized, he is not our member. Even if he is baptised in another church, we call him brother, but he is not our member.

    “If you have five wives and you want to come to True Jesus Church, you must drop four of them and take only one. The population of this church worldwide is about 1.5 million and about 4,000 or more in Nigeria. This church has branches in Calabar, Lagos and Port Harcourt…”

    The cleric also insisted that Christendom was not united, but not wholly divided, while admitting that Jesus is the only name that people could rely on and be saved.

  • Buhari to religious leaders: Shun partisan politics or lose respect

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday called on religious leaders in the country to eschew partisan politics in order not to lose their status and public respect.
    He made the call while speaking at the Interfaith Initiative for Peace Conference in Abuja.
    The President urged religious leaders to play the roles they had played in 2015 that saw a peaceful election.
    “I appeal to them to eschew partisan politics and appeal to their respective members to read the manifesto of each political party, discuss and pray for God’s guidance before casting their votes.
    “Religious leaders should not be seen to involve themselves in partisan politics or political controversies. Otherwise they risk losing their status and public respect.”
    He commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Co-Initiators of the Interfaith who he said have continued to work for peace and peaceful coexistence as faithful Muslims and Christians.
    He also expressed appreciation to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Reverend Justin Welby for accepting to be the keynote speaker at the Conference.
    He said “Primary Elections are over, it is my hope that all who feel aggrieved would put the stability of our country first before their political ambitions and accept the decision of their political parties or seek resolution through party reconciliation mechanisms or the law courts.
    “Very soon, political campaigns will commence leading to Elections in February next year. It is my hope and prayer that we will even perform better at the polling stations and see to a peaceful completion of the entire process without resorting to negative use of religion and ethnicity.”
    Continuing, he said, “On their part, traditional rulers are also requested to enlighten their subjects, encourage them to ask questions and seek clarifications before going out to vote.
    “As your President, I will request that you encourage your subjects to come out and exercise their voting rights as responsible citizens. To all of us politicians, I ask that we discharge our political responsibilities with integrity, bearing in mind that we will one day give an account to God, the Almighty.
    “I am proud to say that our country has moved on, the era of free money, lack of transparency and accountability is over! We deserve continuity; we deserve a better future for the coming generations. I sincerely hope 2019 will move us closer to these goals and so I look forward to a peaceful, fair and credible elections come 2019.”
  • Al-Makura cautions religious, community leaders

    Al-Makura cautions religious, community leaders

    Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has urged religious, community and opinion leaders to caution their followers against hate speeches capable of breaching the peace in the country.

    He made the call yesterday in Lafia while donating operational vehicles to security agencies in the state.

    He noted that nothing instigated and escalated crisis more than inflammatory utterances, urging the people to desist from such acts.

    He warned that any individual or groups caught making utterances capable of igniting conflict in the state would be made to face the wrath of the law.

    “I would like to appreciate the security operatives who are on the trail of such perpetrators as a number of arrests have been made, while some are already standing trials,’’ Al-Makura said.

    He charged the courts to sanction the perpetrators appropriately in line with the provisions of the law to serve as deterrent to others.

    “This is the only way utterances capable of generating crisis can be reduced, especially as the country prepares for the 2019 general elections,’’ he said.

    The governor also called on all ethnic nationalities in Nasarawa State, especially those living at the boarder communities to eschew bitterness and embrace peace and harmony.

    He gave assurance that his administration would continue to do all within the constitutional provisions, to ensure that a peaceful atmosphere for socio-economic activities thrived in the state.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Umaru Al-Makura, on behalf of the state government donated 35 vehicles to security agencies to boost their operational efficiency in tackling security challenges, especially along the border communities with Benue State.

     

  • Jerusalem’s crisis not religious, say groups

    Jerusalem’s crisis not religious, say groups

    The Muslim Congress (TMC), Muslim Awareness International (MAI), Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit and The Companion, an association of Muslims in Business and Professions, yesterday said Jerusalem’s crisis is not religious.

    The groups described the United States President Donald Trump’s declaration of Jerusalem as Israeli’s capital, as “purely diplomatic and flagrant violation of international agreements and United Nations (UN) resolutions”.

    TMC President Dr Luqman AbdurRaheem said the declaration, which led to deaths and injuries among many Palestinians in the last few days, is not in the interest of Christianity.

    He said: “Let it also be known that the sufferings of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are not meted out to Muslims alone. Christians are also being persecuted in Palestine. Contrary to erroneous belief that the state of Israel represents Christianity, we unequivocally state that the current Zionist regime has never represented Christianity.

    “In fact, statistics show that there are more Palestinian Christians than Israeli Christians. There are 840,000 Christians, about seven per cent of the 12 million Palestinian population, while only two per cent, about 171, 000 Christians, are part of the 8.5 million Israeli population. Most of the Arab Christians have fled the Occupied Palestine since 1948, after the forceful creation of Israel. The facts are there for anybody to crosscheck.

    “It is rather unfortunate that many so-called educated Nigerians, like Reno Omokri and Femi Fani-Kayode, are misleading the Nigerian Christian community to believe that the Palestinian struggle is Islam versus Judaism and Christianity. This is very wrong and it is sad how some Nigerians politicise the unjust and unilateral American decision to go against international law to recognise the disputed Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Trump’s singular act drew wide condemnations from world leaders; Christian leaders too have also condemned the act.”

    The Companion National Amir Thabit Wale Sonaike said: “We stand in support of global opposition to this move and call on United States’ citizens to rise up against this move by President Trump to truncate the existing fragile peace in that part of the Middle East. The significance and historical antecedent of Jerusalem is too widely known for anybody to make an attempt at re-writing or appropriating the city.   There is too much tension in the Middle East to start another controversy that may snowball into a crisis in the region.”

    MAI’s Director Waheed Atoyebi said: “The truth is that no matter how religious we might be, we cannot be more Catholic than the Pope. It should interest you to know that Pope Francis XVI has also joined the world in criticising Trump’s illegal move.  The Pope, who has always been an advocate of peace in Palestine, said: ‘I cannot remain silent about my deep concern for the situation that has developed in recent days. And at the same time, I wish to make a heartfelt appeal to ensure that everyone is committed to respecting the status quo of the city, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN.’

    “Just yesterday (Saturday), the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt cancelled his proposed scheduled meeting with U.S Vice President Mike Pence in protest against Washington’s move to declare Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.”

    MSSN Amir Saheed Ashafa urged Nigerian Christians to follow the directions of these men of God to condemn Israel and the U.S.

    “It is equally important for the churches to educate their members on the situation in Jerusalem so they won’t be misinformed by politicians. Let us all stand for justice and unanimously demand Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu to return to the ideal status quo, a two-state solution where both Israel and Palestine will live, side by side, in peace,” he said.

  • Buhari vows to tackle insecurity, injustice, issues raised by religious leaders

    Buhari vows to tackle insecurity, injustice, issues raised by religious leaders

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured religious leaders and all Nigerians that his administration would address rising concerns of corruption, insecurity and injustice in various parts of the country.

    Buhari gave the assurance when he received a Christian delegation led by the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, and a Muslim delegation led by the Secretary General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, in separate meetings at the State House.

    According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the President told the CAN delegation that he had already given instructions for the submission of all the names of heads of parastatals in order to address the allegations of lop-sidedness in appointments.

    “On the question of one-sided appointments, we will look at it. I have given instructions that a list of all heads of parastatals be submitted to me and I know they will not delay in doing that,’’ he said.

    President Buhari said his administration would ensure reform of the police and judiciary, describing both institutions as critical for the security and stability of the nation.

    He said: “There is no way we can be comfortable in our country unless we are lucky to have a good police force and judiciary.

    “We need a good police force and judiciary to really maintain the legitimacy and the confidence of the populace in governance,’’ the President added.

    On the fight against corruption, the President assured both CAN and the JNI leaders that his administration would always be guided by the rule of law and constitutionality in prosecuting all those that had been accused of corruption.

    Buhari explained to the JNI delegation that corruption in the country had taken a cultural dimension, urging all religious leaders and Nigerians to join in the fight in order to reverse the trend.

    “When something becomes a culture, it is more difficult to stop, but collectively we will prevail,’’ he assured the leaders.

    In his remarks, Rev. Ayokunle commended the President’s achievements in the fight against corruption, empowerment of the military to flush out Boko Haram terrorists and the recovery of some of the kidnapped Chibok girls.

    The Secretary General of JNI appealed to the President to pay more attention to the yearnings of Nigerians, urging him to continually walk in the fear of God.

  • Religious leaders declare three-day fasting, prayers over Ibadan chieftaincy crisis

    Religious leaders from the Christian, Islamic and traditional faith have declared three-day fasting and prayers for a resolution of the crisis on the 1957 Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration review.

    Following a meeting with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, at his palace at the weekend, the religious leaders pledged to broker peace between the monarch and Governor Abiola Ajimobi due to imminent crisis if the feud between the duo was not contained.

    Those at the meeting were representatives of Islam, led by Chief Imam of Oyo State Ansar-U-Deen Society of Nigeria, Dr. Basiru Olanrewaju, and Alhaji Daud Amao Alaga. The Christian body was led by Pastor Samuel Abiara, of Christ Apostolic Church, and Pastor Sunday Popoola of World Communications Ministry (WOCOM).

    Members of Traditional Religion Worshippers’ Association in Oyo State were led by Chief Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode and Dasola Adefabi.

    Addressing reporters, Popoola said the delegation urged adherents and residents to fast and pray for three days.

    The cleric said this would ensure that the chieftaincy review did not lead to a crisis.

    He said: “We have observed that there has been some misunderstanding over the issues of the newly appointed obas in Ibadan. We know it could degenerate into a crisis. As religious leaders – Muslims, Christians and traditionalists – we have come to meet the kabiyesi to appeal for peace.

    “We also plan to see the governor.

    “But what we have concluded today is to go and have three days of fasting and prayers.

    “Muslims should fast and pray on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Christians should fast and pray in all churches in Oyo State on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. After that, we will meet the governor.

    “We believe we are the people who can resolve this matter, and by the grace of God, we believed God will, through us.”

    On the possibility that the monarch may not agree to allow the sleeping dog lie, Popoola said he could not say anything about this.

    He said: “I am not going to speak on that until we are able to meet the governor and do our prayers.”

    Popoola said the meeting was meant to include only religious leaders, adding that they decided not to include groups, such as Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and the mogajis (family heads), to avoid politicising the matter.

    He said: “Yes; it’s because we don’t want to bring in politics into this, but religious leaders only. We are neutral; we are not for the governor. We are not for the kabiyesi; we are for the people of Oyo State. And we want peace. That is all. So, we don’t want to bring in any of them.”

  • I’m far from being religious, says Asiri Comedy

    I’m far from being religious, says Asiri Comedy

    Asiri Comedy whose real name is Osundare Damilare has blazed the comedy circle together with his partner, Arole. In this interview with Olowe Praise, Solomon Odeniyi and Segun Odunayo, he explains his journey into comedy, the secularity of his jokes and his relationship with Arole. Excerpts

    How did comedy begin for you?

    Comedy for me started as interaction among my peers. Friends naturally gather round me because I was very lively and I throw funny jabs too. Later when I gained admission into the university I joined a drama group where I get to act the funny roles.

     

    How long have you been in this industry?

    I have been in the industry since 2010

     

    What university did you attend and what course did you study?

    I attended Obafemi Awolowo University Ile ife. I studied Microbiology

     

    What has been your ups and downs so far in the industry?

    The comedy industry in Nigeria is a battle of USP (unique selling point). If you don’t have one, you will be lost in the crowd. For me, every opportunity I get to make people happy is fulfilling. As for the downs, they are part of the plan to greater heights

     

    What’s your unique selling point?

    Depth, intelligence, spontaneity and observational strengths as well as creativity

     

    Many believe Arole is your superior, what is your view about this?

    (Laughs) It’s not a game of superiority. We are two individuals with diverse strengths. Our duo is a fusion of individual strengths that is why as individuals we still function in our respective capacity. We have been doing active stand up as individuals before the duo came to play. Even in the midst of the duo our individuality is still pronounced

     

    So, you guys are not one?

    We are not one. We are different brands. Our coming together gave us remarkable mileage

     

    Many believe Arole grace bigger events  than you do, especially as he travels outside the country to perform, do you think they are right?

    Arole has paid his price and he has given to the industry. He deserves every bit of achievement he is getting now. It is not a competition between us. It is Friendship. We have our respective niche and audiences and it depends on what you mean by the big stages because we have graced the stage of almost all comedy events in Nigeria this year.

     

    How did you come about the name Asiri?

    I got it from Mark 4:11

     

    Which states?

    It is given unto men to know the Mystery of the kingdom of God. Asiri means secret or mystery.

     

    Are you a secular comedian or a religious one?

    I’m far from being religious. I appeal to all cliques

     

    So, why the religious inclination of some of your videos on Instagram?

    Give me examples

     

    Your videos tilt towards Christianity, isn’t so?

    That is not true. It’s about dynamics. When I’m in a religious setting I stay within the confines of religion if that is what they can relate with. When I’m in a corporate setting I speak their language to them and utilize their registers to get their attention. Just recently I did a joke on Davido

     

    Give us an insight into your background

    I grew up in Ibadan. I have two sisters. I am the only male child. My parents were disciplinarians. I enjoyed reading a lot. I have read books like Oliver Twist, Animal Farm and Things Fall Apart since when I was just about seven years old

     

     

    What’s your name and what secondary school did you attend?

    Osundare Damilare Simeon. I attended Stars Comprehensive College in Oke Koto sawmill area, Ibadan. I was very stubborn then. I loved playing pranks a lot.

     

    What’s your state of origin?

    Oyo state

     

    Who are your mentors in the profession?

    I don’t really have my mentors in the comedy profession. However, I have great men like Alibaba, Bovi that I have understudied and learnt from them from afar

     

    What should your fans expect from your stable soon?

    I am staging a two hour stand up show soon tagged “InspiComedy”, I will be blending inspirational stories will full dose of comedy for two hours, It’s going to be one of a kind.

     

    Will you be collaborating with other comedians or entertainers on this?

    They will be around as guests, but it will be exclusively about me

     

    Where do you see yourself in five years?

    I would have been a global voice

     

    What has been your most embarrassing experience from a fan?

    I was pressed this fateful day, so I hurriedly entered a mall. Few meters before getting to the rest room, this lady blocked me requesting for a selfie. I tried my best to oblige her. As soon as I allowed her, she beckoned on five other friends, I just ran off the scene. To my surprise, I met them still waiting while returning from the rest room

     

    Thanks for your time Asiricomedy

    You are welcome, thanks for putting me on the hot seat.