By Uchenna Eletuo

The Diocese of Lagos Anglican Communion, on Friday inducted and installed the Venerable Babatunde Adeleke-Oduwole as the Vicar, Church of the Resurrection, and Archdeacon of Victoria Island Archdeaconry in Lagos.

The event, which began with a procession by the clergy, spiced up with melodious hymns, was carried out before faithful at the Church of the Resurrection, 1004 Estate, Victoria Island Lagos.

Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Rt. Rev. Ifedola Gabriel-Okupevi, presiding over the ceremony, enjoined the new vicar to work toward the advancement of the Church and the faithful.

He charged him to take the Church and the Gospel message to higher levels, praying for God’s direction in the new assignment.

The Bishop blessed the new Vicar, anointed him with fresh oil, and handed him the key to the cathedral to oversee its running.

He prayed to God to keep him on track, and make soar higher in his vocation.

Adeleke-Oduwole, in return, thanked the Church for finding him worthy to serve at the new level.

He thanked his former Church, Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, and the his new station, the Church of Resurrection, for their support.

The new Vicar, who the took an oath of allegiance to the Church and God, promised to rekindle evangelism in his new place of assignment.

The Church prayed for peace in Nigeria and the world.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

By Justina Auta

Dr Femi Lanre-Oke, the Presiding Pastor, Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International (JPEMI), on Sunday called on leaders globally, to promote peace, security and address challenges causing disunity and war affecting citizens.

Lanre-Oke made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the church’s fifth annual convention, themed “Greater Works”, held in Abuja.

According to him, imbibing the virtues of Jesus will aide in addressing the challenges affecting the global world, especially in relation to love, peace and reconciliation .

He noted that insecurity was not only prevalent in Nigeria, adding that the current armed conflict between Israel and Hamas was an avenue for leaders to strategise towards reconciliation.

“We are concerned. Blessed are the peacemakers, they shall be called the children of God. We love peace and we want them to reconcile and we are praying that God will intervene.

“We pray that God touches those who need to take decisions so that they will know what to do and how to do it,” he said.

While emphasising on the need to love and forgive, the cleric admonished Christians and others to unite towards tackling issues of insecurity and kidnapping, among others, in Nigeria.

“By the time we come into the greater works of Jesus, there will be relative peace, insecurity, kidnapping will reduce.

“We cannot say everything will go, but it will reduce drastically and development will be very visible.

“We will love our neighbours, bring solutions to our neighbours and destroy the works of darkness,” he said.

He added that the conference was an opportunity for the word of God to be fulfilled and manifested in the lives of people, as many prayers and miracles were experienced. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Usman Aliyu

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has allocated 412 slots to Edo for the 2024 Hajj.

Sheik Ibrahim Oyarekhua, Chairman, Edo Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, disclosed this during an interactive session with newsmen on Wednesday in Benin.

“In 2023, 432 slots were allocated to the state in the recently concluded exercise, and with the allocation for 2024, the slot has reduced by 20,” he said.

Oyarekhua said that the slots might be increased when the state exhausts the slots given to it on or before the deadline.

“NAHCON has announced N4.5 million as deposit for the 2024 Hajj  before the actual full payment is announced on or before the Ramadan fast in 2024,” he said.

He said that intending pilgrims in the state had commenced depositing money, adding that while some have made part payment, others have paid the full amount announced by NAHCON.

The chairman described the response from intending pilgrims in the state so far as very encouraging.

“Intending pilgrims can make payment through bank transfer or pay cash to the board or any of the designated banks.

“Thereafter, the board will issue prospective pilgrim receipt on the exact amount paid, whether full or part payment,” he explained.

He urged Muslims faithful who have the intention to perform the 2024 Hajj to start making deposits to enable them beat the deadline of Feb. 28, given by NAHCON.

Oyarekhua encouraged intending pilgrims to make early payment as everything about the Hajj operation, would end 50 days before the commencement of Hajj to allow for a hitch free exercise. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Joseph Edeh

By Bridget Ikyado

The Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Oliver Aba, has urged the Federal Government to use the proceeds from subsidy removal to revive industries across the country.

Aba made the call in Abuja on Sunday in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of an award ceremony for 78 outstanding members of the church.

The prelate said that rather than sharing monies and foodstuffs as palliatives, government should use the money to make industries work.

“I would have loved the government to change their mind and begin to think about reviving the ailing industries so that there will be job opportunities for our teaming population,” he added.

According to him, the money and food items being shared as palliatives will only provide temporary relief to citizens.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 56 members of the church were raised to Knights of John Wesley, four as Knight of Charles Wesley, and 11 members conferred with the Order of the Wesley while seven were made Member of the Order of the Wesleys.

The Secretary, Methodist Conference, Archbishop Taiwo Babatunde said that the awardees had been given a task to defend the church.

He said that it was the culture of the church to take people with proven integrity, strong religious and moral values who have supported the church and make them knights.

“I believe they are going to go back again to impart what methodism is all about; the principle of discipline, hard work, perseverance.

“Methodist believe in equity, fairness and justice, and I believe these people that you have seen today been decorated by our church, are people that we can vouch for.

“There are people that have clean record, they are people that are willing to turn this whole nation to a better nation,” he said.

Some of the awardees who spoke to newsmen said that they were grateful for the honour, adding that it would spur them to do more for the church.

One of the awardees, Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein said it would further spur her to contribute to nation building.

Madein, who is the Accountant-General of the Federation, she would ensure accountability, transparency and probity in the discharge of her responsibilities.

Also, a former Chief Justice of the Federation, Walter Onnoghen said that he would continue to serve the church and society in any capacity.

Another awardee, Sir Ohaeri Osondu, said he was humbled by the elevation.

“I feel humbled because I started as a secretary at the youth level, then I stepped up to the choirs then I was president of one or two organisations.

“That was what God used to put me in this level and I feel very fulfilled and I thank God for the church for choosing me for this honor,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Precious Akutamadu

The General Overseer, Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, has gifted a 72-year-old widow, Mrs Esther Ogu, one million naira, while also promising to pay her salary for life.

Chinyere, who made the presentation of the cheque to the widow at his residence in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, said she was his best domestic staff for 2022.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogu, had worked for eight years before she retired as a cleaner in the official residence of the General Overseer.

The general overseer said he personally stopped the 72-year old widow last year from working due to her age, noting that the woman was supposed to be resting and relaxing.

“It will not be fair for her to continue to be working as a cleaner, considering her age.

“I told her that her services will no longer be needed, she insisted that she want to continue to work.

“I then instructed the accounts department of the church to continue to pay her salary for life, even as she has stopped work.

“I also gave her One million naira for being the best domestic staff for 2022,”he said.

Apostle Chinyere has been rewarding his staffs over the years, as some have been rewarded with mini estates and cars, while some were rewarded with landed properties and cash. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Remi Koleoso and Emmanuel Afonne

By Olatunde Ajayi

The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), Ogbomoso, says transforming Nigeria into a better country is a collective responsibility.

Its President, Rev. Stephen Ayankeye, said this on Tuesday in Ogbomoso during a news conference on the forthcoming 2023 NBTS Ministers’ Conference, scheduled to hold from Sept. 11 to Sept. 14.

Ayankeye said that the theme of the conference; “Vessel for Honour”, was apt, following the current situations and challenges in Nigeria.

He said that gospel ministers were expected to lead people to be God-fearing and impact spiritual renewal in them.

According to him, the conference will help gospel ministers to be further equipped and reinvigorated for Godly living and effective ministries.

Ayankeye said the conference, embedded with continuing education programme, would help to update the academic and professional knowledge of gospel ministers.

This, he said, would also sharpen their ministerial skills and provide them the opportunities for fellowship as well as denominational promotion.

“It is the responsibility of all and sundry to participate in the transformation of the society.

“This will be possible and faster if the gospel, which is God’s power unto salvation, is handled by vessels well molded.

“We call on all political office holders and all others in government to live in gratitude to God, for having granted us peaceful elections in Nigeria.

“The citizenry should also be law abiding and be praying for our leaders, regularly.

“Time has come when all should work hard to make Nigeria great again in all ramifications,” he said.

Ayankeye noted that the conference would be a transitioning ministers’ event,  as Prof. Emiola Nihinlola, the outgoing President of the body, who had complete his ten years tenure on June 30, would retire on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

“This is why I have been appointed by the Nigerian Baptist Convention to assume the position of the Seminary President from July 1, 2023.

“The conference holding at NBTS Alumni Multipurpose Hall will feature key programme personnel such as Reverend Israel Akanji, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and a visitor to the Seminary, Reverend Victor Adebayo-Dada, among others.

“We look forward to the active participation of all categories of gospel ministers: church pastors, specialised ministers on music, education, children and youths as well as evangelists and missionaries,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, NTBS, Rev. Simon Ishola, noted that adequate security arrangements had been made to ensure safety of lives and properties of all conference participants.

He added that the seminary security apparatus in conjunction with teams of security outfits from the Police, State Security Service and Federal Road Safety Corps would be on ground to maintain law and order. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Pope Francis is due to arrive in Ulaanbaatar on Friday morning in a startup trip to Mongolia, the first by a pope to the East Asian country.

The head of the Catholic Church is scheduled to rest after his arrival after a long flight from Rome, and plans to start his official schedule only on Saturday.

The pope is set to meet with Mongolian leaders, public figures and representatives of civil society.

Francis is the first pope to visit the landlocked country, which lay between Russia and China.

Immediately after his arrival, he is to be officially welcomed at Genghis Khan Airport and spend the remainder of the day resting.

The 86-year-old planned to stay in the East Asian country until Monday.

His meeting with the Mongolian leadership would be on Saturday.

He would then give his first talk and meet with the clergy.

There were only about 1,500 Catholics in Mongolia out of a population of more than three million.

The main religions in the country are Buddhism and shamanism.

Francis aimed to bolster the small Catholic community and promote dialogue between the religions during his visit.

A meeting of representatives of several religions is scheduled for Sunday. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Cecilia Odey/Chioma Ugboma

Bridget Ikyado

A business mogul and philanthropist, Mr Tony Elumelu, has urged youths in the country to work hard and build a bright future for themselves.

Elumelu was one of the speakers at The Everlasting Arms Parish (TEAP)-RCCG  Teens Career Conference 2023  holding in Abuja.

He told the youth on Saturday that “there is a future, but you have to be the builders of that future now.

“I did not become who I am today because I went to the best schools or was the most brilliant.

“Few things helped me in life which were hard work, discipline, sacrifice and obedience to elders and my parents.”

He also told the youth that for success to be achieved, they must go the extra mile to attain it.

“Study at night, take your studies serious, and know there are no short cuts; these and more helped me in life.

“Be disciplined to avoid bad habits and to do what you ought to do; take corrections from teachers and parents, and at higher institutions be responsible.

“Make sacrifices. I did make a lot of sacrifices to achieve my today. Make priorities, have the will power to rise above negative influences and go for positives to gain rewards in future,” Elumelu further said.

He also advised the youth to utilise the ICT to make positive impact in the country.

“Be yourself, in the world today there are a lot of influences from the ICT; social media has its impacts positively just as negatively. Know what you want and don’t abuse opportunities,” he said.

Elumelu admonished the youth not to allow their present circumstances to determine their future, and listen to their parents at all times.

“You cannot outgrow their advice, all parents wish and want the best for their children.

“Remember your humble beginnings and orientation. Shun social vices and peer group influence especially as been portrayed on social media these days”, he added.

Similarly, Ms Juliet Lamin, a U.K based Actor, Educator and Activist, advised youths to be focused in their pursuits and be intelligent about it.

She said that youths should make sure that they attain milestones at every stage of their development.

Lamin who shared her experience which changed her life completely, told the children that most better opportunities came through challenges, bitter experiences and difficult times.

“The death of my son, changed my life completely, the doors of opportunities were opened when I stood up and took responsibilities.

“I have a plan that in the next five years in the U.K to mentor 30,000 black youths to take responsibility.

“Pain, suffering, sacrifices will knock you down, but whatever circumstances you find yourself get up and start work,” she told the young people at the conference.

Another guest, Ms Dorata Oakley-Matuszyk, a teacher and social advocate, spoke on the topic: The value of Responsibility.

“Responsibility is a big business as one needs to be focused and hard working to achieve a bright future”.

She outlined what the youth could engage in to build themselves and society.

“Manage resources, work, serve others, have a right attitude, be diligent, be creative, be determined, be the light and salt to others,” she said.

In his remarks, Evaristus Uzoma-Azodoh, the Pastor in charge of RCCG-TEAP, said the programme was organised to remind children of the roles they should play in the society.

“The teens conference acts as a reminder to the children to stand on their feet, face the challenges and prepare for the future,” he added.

Also, Mrs Elizabeth Ekenyong, coordinator of the event, said it was the seventh held by the church to teach the teens to take responsibility of their future.

“Have their imagination fired through interactions with accomplished professionals in the society.

“Make them realise that no matter the odds, they can reach their goals.

“Get them understand that God still intervene in the affairs of men”.

Some of the young people at the event, Ayinda Kuzhe, Agbiyinu Sarah and Imikan Essien-Ibok, said they have learned that they have to be strong and resilent to succeed in life.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed