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Tag: thanksgiving

  • Osinbajo, Gowon, Obasanjo, Shonekan, others at Villa for thanksgiving

    Osinbajo, Gowon, Obasanjo, Shonekan, others at Villa for thanksgiving

    •Ex-Head of State preaches unity, love

    The Aso Villa Chapel yesterday organised its annual end of the year thanksgiving with former Heads of State – Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Ernest Shonekan – in attendance.

    The service, which took place in the chapel, was also attended by former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, former Chiefs of General Staff Ebitu Ukiwe and Oladipo Diya and host Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    Osinbajo said the service was an exciting time to thank God for all he had done for the country during the year.

    “Today is a special thanksgiving for the end of the year and as you have seen, all the former Presidents and vice presidents are here for the special thanksgiving service.

    “They have been specially invited to come; we also expected President Jonathan, but unfortunately, he had to cancel at the last moment.

    “So, we are all extremely excited that we have been able to bring everyone together to thank God for our nation and to give Him thanks for the great future ahead of us,’’ he said.

    Gen. Gowon said he was delighted to be at the service with other former colleagues and thanked Osinbajo for facilitating his attendance.

    Gowon said he was more excited with the children, who came also to do their thanksgiving and prayed to God to bless the children in a special way.

    He enjoined the children to keep the faith with other Christians “to always make sure that we keep this country one and together’’.

    He urged Christians to love every Nigerian in spite of their faith following the injunction of Jesus Christ to love your neighbour.

    “Our neighbours are Christian, Muslim, traditional religions, among others. Whatever we do, we make sure that we live up to the expectation of what Christ expects of us,’’ he said.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, thanked the Vice President and organisers of the service for bringing the past and present leaders to the service.

    The Chaplain of the Aso Villa Chapel, Pastor Seyi Malomo, in his message, said thanksgiving was an injunction from God, adding that everyone in spite of status must thank God in all circumstances.

    According to him, thanksgiving is an acknowledgement that God is alive, adding that each time the faithful gave thanks; they demonstrate their faith in God.

  • Church holds annual thanksgiving

    The annual week-long thanksgiving of the Voice of Salvation Evangelical Ministry, Ketu, a Lagos suburb, starts tomorrow.

    Speaking with journalists at the headquarters of the church on Tuesday, the General Overseer, Prophet Joseph Ayeni, said the yearly event is meant to celebrate his calling as a priest.

    ‘’It is an annual programme that has to do with my calling.

    “The programme has been giving solutions to many problems in people’s lives in the last 15 years.

    ‘’There’s need for us to celebrate because we have not lost any member of our church since it was established about 16 years ago.

     

    “We are happy because God has been protecting our members from evil or satanic attack.”

    Ayeni urged Nigerians to revert to God for solution to the current recession assailing the country.

  • Ewuare II holds thanksgiving in 500-year-old church

    Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, yesterday held a thanksgiving service at the over 500-year-old Holy Arousa Cathedral on Akpakpava Street in Benin, Edo State capital.

    The church was built during the reign of Oba Ewuare I in the 15th century, according to the Priest, Ohenosa Harrison Okao.

    Oba Ewuare killed a cow at the entrance before he walked inside in company of top palace chiefs.

    In his sermon, Ohenosa Okao, who spoke in Bini, said the reign of Oba Ewuare II would be a reflection of the achievements of Ewuare I.

    Okao listed some achievements of Ewuare I as introduction of coral beads.

    The cleric said the late monarch brought them from the river goddess.

    He added that Oba Ewuare I established the Edaiken N’Uselu title and other titles.

    He said: “There was nothing Oba Ewuare I could not do. He introduced the wearing of Ododo (red attires) and conquered many towns.

    “It was during Ewuare I that the Portuguese first came to Benin. He introduced tribal marks and did many great things.”

    On how the reign of Oba Ewuare II would affect the people, Ohenosa Okao said the new oba would introduce many reforms to uplift the social and economic aspects of the people.

    He warned against lying to the new oba to curry favours and taking over of many villages by youths in the guise of Community Development Associations (CDAs).

    Ohenosa Okao said Oba Ewuare II would not allow any politician to divert funds for the development of the state.

    The chief warned Enigie (the dukes) and Odionwere (village heads) to remain in their domains rather than lead from Benin.

    He said: “Many good things are going to come but what he wants is the truth and doing of good things.”

    The Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, recalled that the village heads, who Oba Ewuare I conquered, attended last Thursday’s coronation.

    Edebiri said the crowd at the ceremony was an attestation that God sent Oba Ewuare II.

  • Thanksgiving as ex-YABATECH bursar is reinstated

    Eight years after he was unlawfully disengaged by the management of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) as the school Bursar, Mr Joseph Akeju, has been reinstated by the school, ending a protracted legal tussle that followed the development.

    Akeju, who is the Principal Founder of Pass Your Examination (PYE), a professional training outfit, could not hold back his joy at a testimony and thanksgiving service held by Professional Accountants’ Christian Ministry in Yaba, Lagos, on Sunday.

    He said his travail was a product of “high-level conspiracy” and “academic politics” by staff of the school, describing his disengagement as unjust. His YABATECH, even as he expects his rights, privileges from the time.

    Akeju whose speech was titled: Reconciliation, reconstruction devoid of vengeance, said his reinstatement came with restoration of his rights and privileges. He said he had forgiven people conspired against him and concocted falsehood that led to the termination of his appointment.

    During the battle for his reinstatement, Akeju said he lost his second wife and his doctoral programme was stalled. He said his only consolation was his vindication by the school management. The PYE boss praised the Rector, Dr Margaret Ladipo, for upholding justice. Akeju said the peaceful resolution of the matter was a testimony to Ladipo’s pragmatic leadership and large-heartedness.

    Akeju said: “I believe God is alive. No matter the level of difficulties believers may be facing, God will never abandon His own people. I am happy that my travail has ended in praise.”

    Pastor Joseph Aborowa, who presided over the service, advised congregation members to have faith in God when faced with difficulties. Taking his exhortation from Psalm 124 Vs 1-8, Aborowa said keeping faith in God would be rewarded with victory, saying Akeju’s reinstatement was through divine intervention.

    The service was attended by Akeju’s family members and friends, including Dr Tayo Popoola of Mass Communication Department of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

     

  • Otti decries ‘invasion’ of thanksgiving

    Otti decries ‘invasion’ of thanksgiving

    Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State Dr. Alex Otti has decried the alleged invasion of a thanksgiving organised for APGA faithful by security officials loyal to the Abia State government.

    Otti described the action of the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration as an abuse of power by the.

    A statement in Umuahia yesterday said it was unheard of that a governor would engage the police and other security agencies to stop the people or a political party from celebrating its victory in a peaceful manner.

    Otti noted that in a democratic set up, such impunity is not allowed. He urged the organisers and his supporters to remain peaceful despite provocation.

    The governorship hopeful reiterated that no amount of intimidation would stop the people from expressing their joy and feeling of liberation.

  • Olu of Warri’s coronation ends with thanksgiving

    Olu of Warri’s coronation ends with thanksgiving

    Activities marking the coronation of His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli as the 20th Olu of Warri Kingdom in Delta State yesterday ended with an interdenominational service at the church auditorium in the monarch’s palace (Aghofen).

    Ikenwoli arrived in the church at 10:10am, accompanied by his wife, Olori Mary (May) Ikenwoli, his three children – Oyewoli, Omamuli and Omatsuli – members of the royal family and Warri Traditional Council.

    The monarch was dressed in his full traditional attire, comprising an ox-blood inner robe underneath a cream cape.

    He wore a matching dark-red pair of Italian leather shoes and three sets of giant-size beads on each wrist.

    His head was adorned with the over 400-year-old diamond crown.

    The service started at 9:45am with praise and worship renditions by the choirs of Church of God Mission, Christ African Church, Christ Apostolic Church and Foursquare Gospel Church, among others.

    The President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, stressed the need for Christians to always thank God.

    He said: “Thanksgiving must not be about what God has done for you but also what He will do.”

    In the sermon, which was spiced with quotations and readings from the Holy Bible as well as inferences from the lives of great men and women in the holy book, the CAN President urged the Itsekiri and other Nigerians to “begin to give thanks for what you have not seen”.

    Reading from Jonah 2:9, Oritsejafor said: “Thanksgiving is a catalyst that changes

    The service climaxed with HM Ikenwoli leading his family, Warri chiefs, friends and well-wishers, including the former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and his wife, Nere; Daniel Reyenieju; the member, representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and members of the traditional council, for the thanksgiving.

    Venerable Best Agbolaya prayed God to give the monarch the wisdom to lead the ancient city.

  • JULIUS AGWU HOLDS THANKSGIVING IN PORT-HARCOURT

    JULIUS AGWU HOLDS THANKSGIVING IN PORT-HARCOURT

    Comedian Julius Agwu is still thanking God following a successful surgery in the United States. Last weekend, the diminutive entertainer played host to his family, friends and colleagues to another thanksgiving session in his home town, Choba, Rivers State. Earlier, a thanksgiving service took place at This Present House Ministries in Lagos for the same reason.

    The latest thanksgiving service which took place at his community Church, Our Lady of Fatimah Parish, Choba also attracted politicians such as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the last election, Mr. Dakuku Peterside, who stormed the church with his entourage.

    Some months ago, Agwu was diagnosed with tumour and was flown to the U.S. for surgery.

    Agwu, who is also referred to as ‘Da Genius’, danced out his heart when it was time for the thanksgiving. He thanked his mother, Mary Agwu, Pastor John Paul, D. Chris Agwu, Magrette Ariochi Agwu, Mr. and Mrs. Abel Omokoya and his wife, Ibiere Agwu.

    Joining the comedian to thank God, Peterside said, “God has healed you and given you a second chance. Julius Agwu you will never go back to Egypt again.”

    After, the crowd moved to David Ibiyeomie’s Salvation Ministries before finally heading to Cravings for a lavish reception.

  • Buhari, Adeboye, Fashola at Thanksgiving Service

    Buhari, Adeboye, Fashola at Thanksgiving Service

    From right: GEN. Mohamodu Buhari, Presidential Candidate of All Progressives Congress[APC], Dame Abimbola Fashola, first lady of Lagos, Gov, Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General overseer of RCCG, his wife Pastor Folu, Prof. Yemi Osibajo and his wife Dolapo, during the Lagos state Government 2015 Annual Thanksgiving service, held in Alausa, Lagos. Photo: Photo NIYI ADENIRAN
    From right: GEN. Mohamodu Buhari, Presidential Candidate of All Progressives Congress[APC], Dame Abimbola Fashola, first lady of Lagos, Gov, Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General overseer of RCCG, his wife Pastor Folu, Prof. Yemi Osibajo and his wife Dolapo, during the Lagos state Government 2015 Annual Thanksgiving service, held in Alausa, Lagos. Photo: Photo NIYI ADENIRAN
  • Kidnapped The Nation man relives ordeal at thanksgiving

    Kidnapped The Nation man relives ordeal at thanksgiving

    After those five horrible days in captivity, Mr Ugochukwu Ugorji-Eke, The Nation’s Umuahia correspondent, was happy to be alive and back to his family. The Ugorji-Ekes and relatives were at the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Aba, Abia State, to give thanks.

    The joy of life and freedom contrasted with the agony of flashback. The freed man and his family were dressed to capture the happy moment, Ugorji-Eke in his jacket, his wife Patience in her sky-blue traditional gear while their children were not outdone in the sartorial department by their parents. When the memories came flushing back, it was quite a different picture.

    Those five days of his kidnap took away the usual smiles from the Ugorji-Eke home. The bungalow was converted into a prayer and fasting centre.

    Mrs. Ugorji-Eke, her siblings, family members, close friends and even Chi-Chi and her little brother, Chimdi lost sleep as they were seeking God’s face for the safe and immediate release their father, husband, brother, friend and breadwinner who was abruptly snatched away from them by yet to be identified gunmen.

    Journalists practicing in Abia were shaken to the marrow by the news that one of their colleagues had been whisked away to an unknown destination by unidentified gunmen. It was November 16.

    How these guys could have outsmarted security checkpoints along the Opobo Road beat everybody’s imagination.

    It was N20million ransom at the initial contact with the family, the kidnappers choosing to speak only with the wife, warning her not to involve security agencies or risk losing her husband. Ugorji-Eke was blindfolded for as long as his abductors held him. He said he would not wish even his enemies what he went through.

    On November 19 he emerged from the kidnappers’ lair after his family paid the ransom.

    The thanksgiving, which coincided with his son’s birthday, was witnessed by close friends and associates.

    Speaking at the end of the event, Mr. Ugorji-Eke said, “I came here with my family to thank God for His mercies. For making me to be alive in the land of the living after spending five nights and five days in kidnappers’ den in late November this year. So, I said that since God has kept me alive that I have to thank Him.

    “What happened is already in the past in my life. They are gone and I don’t want to remember them. The important thing is being thankful to God and hoping for brighter days ahead. I want to thank those who stood by my family all through the harrowing process; my establishment (Vintage Press), colleagues and others too numerous to mention. Their prayers and text messages were inspiring and I can say that God should repay them accordingly and as we end this to enter into another year, all they couldn’t achieve this year, they will achieve them next year.

    “I have a wonderful wife who stood strong throughout my absence. People were calling to encourage her and the encouragement that comes from God she was able to stay focused throughout the period. I pray that God will bless her more for me. She was a pillar of support to my children and my family members.

    “We initially wanted to make it an elaborate thing but later decided to celebrate it in a low key with children of God to show God that we appreciate Him for what He has done for us. That was why we did it here”.

    His wife Patience Nnnena Ugochukwu Ugorji-Eke in a separate interview, said, “I am very elated, so happy and full of praise to God. I did make a vow to God and told him that I will give him thanks and come in his presence to give Him thanks and that is what I just did today.

    “It was a divine co-incidence. It wasn’t planned but God made it to be so and we are happy about that my son’s birthday also coincided with his father’s thanksgiving. It was horrific, terrific and bitter experience that is the way I will describe it. We were praying, my colleagues were praying, his colleagues were also praying, our pastor friends across the states were praying. My house was in fact turned into a praying house where we all prayed and fasted till he came back.

    “It has made me to be closer to God and to be stronger in the things of God because if man and woman cannot help what else is better than to hold onto Go?

    “It has made me to give all and trust all and then embrace God. It has made me to be much stronger in the Lord than before and to the kidnappers, I would ask them to repent and change and turn a new leaf”.

    Said Mrs. Ebere Alaezi Offia, sister-in-law to Ugochukwu who came all the way from Lagos to witness the thanksgiving “to say that I was devastated is an understatement. It was really bad. The news was shocking it was painful because my mind was just going up and down thinking what he could do that would warrant his kidnap.

    “I have come to know him over the years as a quiet person who doesn’t look for someone’s trouble. It was painful but I thank God for today, because it is now a different story. I was in Lagos with my family where we reside.

    “At the time of his [kidnap], as a child of God, I was taught what to do when the unexpected happened and that was exactly what I did. Initially, I cried, then I remembered that worrying or crying was not going to bring him back, that while we hoped for God to do something, we also had a role to play and our own role was to pray. We were doing the underground work. I couldn’t reach him physically wherever he was but I know that I could reach him through prayers and one of my prayer points was that God should sustain him. I didn’t know where he was, what he going through but I just prayed that knew the best way that He could keep him until physical help could come his way. The news about his release was expected because as we were praying, we were hoping that he would be released and so, when the news came, we were all excited and there was joy all over. If this thanksgiving were to be in the UK, I would have made it because he is worth it. I give God all the praise for all He has done and I know that such a thing will never occur again.

     

  • Fear of death led me to Christ, says Bishop

    Fear of death led me to Christ, says Bishop

    Bishop Benjamin Beinmote Solomon of the Bible Pattern Evangelical Mission, Port Harcourt turned 50 last Sunday. He used the occasion to count his blessings,  writes Precious Dikewoha

    For Bishop Benjamin Beinmote Solomon, the Presiding Prelate of the Bible Pattern Evangelical Mission, his golden jubilee celebration is nothing but an opportunity to count his blessings. It took him more than one hour on the pulpit last Sunday to narrate how faithful God has been to him, his family and his ministry. He told the congregation that he has every reason to praise God and to rejoice.

    The birthday celebration, which started by 12 pm at the Bible Pattern Evangelical Mission Hall in Rumuokuta, Obio/Akpor Local Government of Rivers State, was attended by men of God, friends, well-wishers and families of the celebrant.

    The Bishop also dedicated his book titled: “Understanding the Divine Covenant”.

    Unveiling the book, the guest minister, Bishop Isaac Ididah, said the book is a must read. He added that if the congregation understood the importance of divine covenant no one would leave the church without buying a copy.

    Bishop Solomon said he was struck with the spirit of death and never thought he could celebrate 50. He said he was the only surviving male child in his family.

    He said the fear of death made him to give his life to God.

    His words: “The power of death was on me when I was at the age of five. To be specific, whenever good thing wants to happen in my life, the spirit of death will recur. I find myself dying and waking up and at that point I understood that my future is at stake. That means, I must be terminated. I knew I will die and my father also knew I will die. So while struggling with the strange spirit, I heard that Jesus can save.

    “So, I said if the power of God upon me can do this for me, I will serve him all the days of my life. I discovered that Jesus can change all things and make a difference in my life. So, it is the fear to escape death that led me to Christ.

    “Though there are different ways that God bring people to serve him because in my family the whole thing was clear that men don’t survive but women can survive. As I am talking to you in my own generation, I am the last man standing.”

    Many who were privileged to have worked with Bishop Solomon attested to the celebrant’s dedication and humility.

    Bishop Isaac Ididah of Delta State said Bishop Solomon is a real man of God who is serving God with all his heart.

    He said: “He is my best friend. He is a man with great anointing of God in his life, and he has been described as a humble man of God. He is a sincere and easy going man, a man who has gone through the fire and refused to burn. He came face to face with death and refused to die. He has no fear for the devil and has sacrificed enough for his members. He is a prayer warrior for the country. I want him to continue in the good work of God and that is the only legacy.”

    Pastor Author Godwin, one of the senior pastors of the church who has served the celebrant for more than 16 years, said: “He is a servant of God who has dedicated his life to Christ. He is known as a terror in the kingdom of darkness. For the past 16 years, I have been under his ministry and we have not lost any soul.  That shows the kind of man he is. I want him to continue with the good work God has handed over to him because we are happy serving under his leadership.”

    Another pastor, Pastor Kinsley Egunatu, said the Bishop is a man that is cherished by all.

    “Everybody in this neighbourhood loves him. He has helped many people, especially the poor. He is our legend and this he has proven through his relationship with people,” he said.

    The celebrant’s wife, Rev. Elizabeth Ibim Beinmote- Solomon, said she could have made a great mistake if she did not marry her husband.

    She said: “Today we are celebrating a great man of God who is also my husband. It has been to the glory of God; a wonderful experience living with him as husband and wife. He is one man who has laid down his life for many to live. I call him a destiny helper of our generation. Many have received and benefited from him. He is a man with a large heart.

    “A man that God called. I came into his life and I can testify about him today. I don’t only see him as a pastor; I see him as a husband, mentor, leader and God’s anointed. I have learnt many things from him. One thing I have discovered is that when you respect the anointing in the man of God, it is easy to receive the anointing. My husband is someone who is not afraid of failure no matter what comes his way, he is an excellent man.

    “There has never been any regret. As for me, I had never believed that I will marry a man of God. It has never been my agenda. When he came, I told him that I was not ready to be called a pastor’s wife but that did not mean I didn’t want to serve God. Whenever I prayed, I always added it as my prayer point that God should not allow me to marry a pastor.

    “But I see destiny speaking and I have to obey. My husband used to be my marriage counsellor. God has proven Himself why He brought us together and I have seen the reason why God bent my decision to marry a man of God. Without this man, my life would have been a forgotten issue.”

    The highpoints of the occasion were the cutting of birthday cake, book dedication and thanksgiving.