By Philomina Attah

The Archbishop of Abuja Diocese of the Catholic Church Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has extolled John Cardinal Onaiyekan for his contributions to national unity.

Kaigama made the commendation in Abuja on Saturday, during a mass to celebrate Onaiyekan’s 80th birthday, organised by the Church to honour him.

According to him, Onaiyekan is known for his desire to preach for peaceful and harmonious coexistence and genuine inter-religious dialogue in Nigeria.

“His inter-religious initiatives are well known today in Nigeria and beyond, and his honest desire for peaceful and harmonious coexistence, and genuine inter-religious dialogue has taken him to different parts of the world.

“The man Onaiyekan is an intellectual colossus, a loyal son of the Church and a patriotic Nigerian. No wonder, the Pope honoured him by making him a Cardinal,” he said.

Kaigama, who described Onaiyekan’s commitment as exceptional, said his dedication to the cause of the Church and his love for Nigeria and Nigerians was what had made him to be known for his characteristic passion and patriotism, especially when he speaks publicly.

“God has blessed Cardinal Onaiyekan with unusual strength and ability to combine so many things at the same time, such as managing a big Metropolitan such as Abuja.

“Being President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and the President of what used to be the Association of the Episcopal Conferences of West Africa, as well as the Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar.

“He performed his duties in all these positions with great admiration and excellence.”

Kaigama also appreciated the Catholic faithful for their immense contributions towards the occasion.

“I wish from the bottom of my heart to thank our Abuja Archdiocesan family for making sacrifices during these hard times to contribute towards the making of this occasion.

“To the Archdiocesan Committee for the 80th birthday of His Eminence, under the dynamic and creative leadership of Fr. Chris Inegbenoghu, and the very capable hands he employed to serve on this occasion,” he said.

The Lagos Catholic Archdiocese, Mosgr Aniagu, in a sermon described Cardinal Onaiyekan as unbelievably a humble man who allowed God’s will to guide him anywhere he entered.

Aniagu, who was Onaiyekan’s course mate, said that he discharged every office assignment given to him with distinctions.

“We are celebrating God today because He has been gracious in the life of Onaiyekan.

“We thank God for his life these past years and we wish him well in the years ahead,” he said.

Responding, the celebrant, Cardinal Onaiyekan said that he saw all the messages towards his 80th birthday celebration as farewell, adding that he is paradise ready.

He said that his primary project was to prepare for paradise which he had achieved already in life.

He thanked the Archdiocese of Abuja for the honour to celebrate him, adding that he looks forward to the future which might not be long from now. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Philomina Attah

Rev. Tom Takpatore, the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Garki, Abuja, has called on Nigerians to seek divine intervention as a means of finding solutions to escalating security concerns and economic challenges in Nigeria.

Takpatore emphasised this during an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the 2024 White Robe Sunday service in Abuja.

The 2024 edition of the annual event, themed “Super Abundance,” featured members adorned in white regalia, engaging in prayers, praise, worship, and thanksgiving.

The senior pastor highlighted that the current deteriorating conditions in the country required more than just government intervention.

According to Takpatore, addressing issues such as insecurity, economic downturn, and poverty necessitates collective prayers from righteous Christians.

He asserted, “It will take the collective prayers of righteous Christians to bring the country out of these predicaments.”

Pastor Adenike Takpatore, also sharing her perspective, expressed confidence that Nigeria would witness rapid development and peace in the new year.

She disclosed that the annual program was specifically organised to seek the divine intervention of God in 2024 for Nigeria.

Takpatore further revealed that the church, as a unified body, has been actively fasting and praying for the Church of God, the peace of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the nation at large.

The religious leaders believe that turning to divine intervention is crucial for navigating the challenges the country currently faces.

(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, as he marks his 80th birthday on January 29.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Cardinal Onaiyekan was the Archbishop of Abuja from 1994 to 2019 and also served as president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), and Bishop of Ilorin Diocese in Kwara.

Tinubu described him as an exceptional religious leader that used his calling to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, fight for the downtrodden and spoke out against ills in the society.

He said that the Cardinal also used his office judiciously by showing good examples through unbending pursuit of peace and unity in the country.

While thanking Onaiyekan for his sacrifices and efforts in peace-building in Nigeria, Tinubu assured him that his hope and prayers for a glorious and united Nigeria would manifest.

The President wished His Eminence more prosperous years in the Lord’s Vineyard.(NAN)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, has called on the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) to offer valuable economic suggestions to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Bagudu delivered this plea during a two-day National Conference organised by the SCSN in Abuja.

The conference, themed “Matters Arising from 2023 Elections and Associated Socio-economic Challenges,” convened leaders to deliberate on crucial issues affecting the nation.

Bagudu emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive economy.

He encouraged participants to scrutinise ongoing programs, providing alternative ways to enhance them and boost domestic production.

Bagudu reassured the council that constructive input would be valued, emphasising President Tinubu’s openness to dialogue and constructive criticism.

Prof. Salisu Shehu, Deputy Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), expressed concern about the increasing prevalence of LGBTQ issues among the youth in Nigeria.

In his presentation, titled “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) in Nigeria: Their Challenges to the Muslim Communities and the Nation from the Islamic Perspective,” Shehu advocated for a robust advocacy campaign against the perceived menace.

Shehu stated, “LGBTQ is a monumental unprecedented sexual pervasion that has the potency of destroying humanity in its entirety. It is going to decimate the human species, truncate procreation, and quicken the overall annihilation of human communities.

“So, there is nothing that has come to the human race that is an evil greater than the LGBTQ.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola, Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), echoed strong opposition to LGBTQ, condemning countries that promote it.

Akintola emphasised the importance of respecting Nigeria’s culture, civilisation, and sovereignty, rejecting any influence supporting LGBTQ within the nation.

The event, which attracted notable Islamic leaders and scholars, concluded with an acknowledgment of the vital role the SCSN plays in contributing to the nation’s economic discourse and societal values. (NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Deji Abdulwahab.

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, has said that media reports claiming that the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, had approved blessings for same-sex couples, was untrue.

Kaigama made the clarification in his homily during the Christmas Mass he conducted at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Pro-Cathedral in Abuja.

According to Kaigama, the viral report is a mischievous disinformation, which is part of a deliberately orchestrated falsehood by the enemies of the Catholic Church in order to cause confusion among its members.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Pope did not, and will never approve blessings for any intending same-sex couples because the position of the Church on this is very clear and has not changed.

“I am the representative of the Pope here, so if there’s any such approval or directive, I’ll be the first to know and relay the message to the brethren.

“The media reports on this issue is the handiwork of the enemies of the Church, who have been busy spending millions of dollars to bring down the Church, but to no avail because they cannot succeed,” he stated.

He admonished Christians not to despair or allow their faith to be shaken by the wanton attacks against the Church by its enemies, adding that evil can never prevail over good, just as darkness cannot overcome light.

Speaking on insecurity across the country, Kaigama urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and prayers, stressing that before long, the challenge will become a thing of the past.

The cleric called on the perpetrators of crime, especially the incessant kidnapping of Catholic priests across the country, to desist from such, so as to avoid the wrath of God.

He also prayed for Nigeria and its leaders to succeed and urged the Federal Government to step up security measures to stem the tide of crime in the country and rein in the outlaws.

Kaigama said that Christmas signified a season of peace, love, care, change and new birth in the lives of all Christians, who must endeavour to emulate Christ by observing the above biblical principles.(NAN)

By Taiye Agbaje
Pastor Kayode Aliyu of the Cherubim & Seraphim (C&S) Movement Church Worldwide, Daki-Biyu District, Kubwa Branch, says the puported permission by Pope Francis for priests to bestow blessings upon same-sex couples “is a sign of the end time.”
Corroborating Aliyu’s remark, the Senior Pastor and Leader In charge of the church, Special Apostle Alex Ogundipe, said the message was to the fact that “we are in the last phase of the world.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Pope Francis was reported to have, on Monday, granted permission for priests to bestow blessings upon same-sex couples.
The head of the Roman Catholic Church, however, emphasised that such blessings should not be incorporated into routine church ceremonies or associated with civil unions or weddings.
But the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria said that Catholic Churches in the country would not bless same-sex unions, saying the blessing of the same-sex union is against God’s law, the teachings of the church, and the law of the country.
They made this known in a statement released and signed by the President of the conference, Lucius Ugirji and the Secretary, Donayus Ogun on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, while delivering a sermon titled: “End Time Survival: The Strategies to Survive the End Time,” on Sunday in Abuja, Aliyu gave 18 factors to identify the era.
Preaching from the books of Genesis 6: 11 to 18; Mathew 24: 1 to 14 and 2 Timothy 3: 1 to 5, the clergyman said “many shall be lovers of themselves, covetousness, boasters, blasphemers, disobedience to their parents, unthankful, without natural affection, etc.”
Emphasising on people without natural affection and love for one another, Aliyu said God instituted marriage between a man and a woman, and not between man and man or woman and woman.
Giving biblical allusion from Romans 1: 18 to 28, the pastor said, “if we fail to have the knowledge of God, God will give us over to a depraved mind, so that we do what ought not to be done.”
According to him, a church said blessings should be administered on same-sex couples, though part of the church in Nigeria has gone against that; this is a sign of the end time.
Aliyu said what Christians need at this end time was a gift of the discernment of spirit.
According to him, to survive the end time, you need discerning spirit that is based on the word of God.
“For end time survival, you don’t need prophesy. A husband can deceive wife and a wife can decide her husband,” he said.
The cleric, who called on the Christians to deal with those 18 factors listed in the message, urged everyone to be baptised in the Holy Spirit.
“If you have the fruit of the spirit, it will destroy the works of the devil in you,” he said.
Also speaking, Pastor Ogundipe said the church should not forget that the world is going to an end with its lustfulness.
He urged the parents to ensure that their children are taught in the way of God for the betterment of their future and society.
“Let us tell ourselves the truth In preparation for the gift (birth of Jesus Christ) that we will receive tomorrow,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Uchenna Eletuo

The forthcoming Lagos Deeper Life Global Crusade with  Kumuyi (GCK) will afford faithful opportunity to atone for sins, healings and salvation, says the crusade Moderator, Pastor Patrick Oluwi.

Oluwi, the GCK Lagos Moderator, who spoke on the expectations of the event, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday that, the programme scheduled to hold from Dec. 22 to Dec. 26 at the Deeper Life International Conference Centre (DLICC) KM. 42. Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, will be filled with divine interventions.

He said that, the renowned, internationally acclaimed evangelist and Bible scholar, Pastor William F. Kumuyi would bring his global gospel campaign to Lagos for souls revival.

According to him,  the crusade, facilitated by GCK, will change people’s perspectives positively on the sonship of Jesus Christ.

” GCK is a monthly gospel crusade that is streamed through satellite and social media platforms from an alpha location to the rest of the world.

“It  is now in its third year and has provided a great opportunity for the salvation, healing, and deliverance of thousands of people around the world.

” This will make it the third time the global crusade has been hosted in the Lagos environment, since its debut in Abuja in 2021.

” GCK ship has docked in virtually all the subregions of Nigeria as well as other countries such as Togo, Ghana, Cameroon, Zambia and, just in November,  India.

” The December GCK coincides with and will run concurrently with the Deeper Life Global December Retreat with the theme: ‘Emmanuel’ (God with us).

” The joint event is coming at a time when the country, and indeed the whole world, is experiencing very challenging times and is in dire need of divine presence and intervention even as the end of the present world system approaches,” he said.

He said  the session has always been a collaborative effort of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and all its blocs.

He noted that the programme would feature three events – the Crusade, Ministers and Professionals Conference and the Impact Academy for youths.

He said that, because of other activities Gospel ministers were involved in during this period of the year, the programme would be done without the Ministers Conference.

However, according to him, the Youth Impact is still embedded in the programme and will feature on the morning of Dec. 26.

He added that Kumuyi,  the convener,  would minister throughout the six-day crusade along with the Gospel music minister, Cole Hastie and other anointed servants of God.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng,)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

By Naomi Sharang

The Presiding Bishop of Dominion Chapel International Church, Abuja, Archbishop John Praise has called for national revival among citizens toward tackling the security challenges facing the country.

Praise, who is also the National Deputy President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) made the call in Abuja at the unveiling of a book “Timeless Flame” at a forum on Nigeria-Benue Revival.

The book was written by Pastor Gift Lemuels of Cloud Global Revival Ministry.

Praise, also the Chairman of the Northern Coalition of Bishops and Apostles, said the book dwells on the writer’s life history and the divine assignment God has given her.

“We need to preach the gospel. The author is endowed enough to take the message of revival to Benue, not just to Benue but to the Middle Belt region of the country and the entire nations of the world.

“We need a revival that will touch far and wide; a revival that will affect nations. One person cannot do it alone. We need partnership,” he observed.

While describing Benue as very strategic in the affairs of Nigeria, Praise urged the Federal Government to give more attention to tackling the security challenges in the state.

“I appeal to the Federal Government to give the needed attention to the Middle Belt.

“The people will have enough food to eat and enough food to sell to be able to take care of their basic needs if the security challenge is tackled.

“Things are hard now because bandits have stopped people from going to the farm.

“Insecurity in Benue has to be addressed. Banditry, farmers-herdsmen conflict – all these have to come to an end so that we will have food,” he said.

Rev. Thomas Achwande of Truth Aflame Gospel Ministry International Logo, Benue said the unveiling of the book was timely, noting that some of the stories in the book came as a result of the revelations the writer received from God and carrying out the instructions.

“Anyone who reads it will catch the `revival fire’ we have long been talking about in Benue.

“There is serious insecurity in Benue. We will continue to preach to the people because that’s the only weapon that can nip the menace in the bud.

“If the government wants to do anything to end it, it should partner with faith-based organisations, especially the ministers of the gospel.

“So if the government wants to do something on this decisively, the government should be ready to cooperate with pastors, reverends

“We believe that doing so will go a long way toward curbing insecurity in the area.”

Similarly, Bishop Jonathan Akuse said that Benue holds a very important place in the life of Nigeria.

“God spoke to us because of our not rising to the need of revival. A lot that is going on in the country that shouldn’t have gone on is because we have not arisen.

“The time has come for us to be up and doing by taking the gospel to every nook and corner, not only Benue state,” he said.

For Pastor Clement Josiah of Eudokia Apostolic Missions, Benue is endowed with many natural resources which when harnessed would help tackle poverty and unemployment in the state.

On her part, the author, Pastor Lemuels said that she was called to tour the 23 Local Government Areas of Benue with the gospel of revival.

She said that the book was a piece on revival adding that “no one reads and remains the same. I had encounters upon encounters and I felt those encounters should be documented.” (NAN

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim