News Agency of Nigeria
Sultan, Kukah seek community involvement in tackling security challenges
Community , Defence/Security , Religious

Sultan, Kukah seek community involvement in tackling security challenges

By Habibu Harisu

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called for increased community representatives’ involvement in solving the lingering security challenges facing the nation.

Abubakar, who was represented by Dr Jabbi Kilgore, the District Head of Kingori made the call during a town hall organised by the Kukah Centre for Peace in collaboration with Global Right, an NGO on Tuesday in Sokoto.

The Sultan said that bad governance, injustice and inequality were some factors contributing to insecurity.

He enjoined leaders at all levels to be fair in dealing with their subjects and know that they would give an account of their stewardship after leaving this world.

In his keynote address, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Kukah also identified religious intolerance, fanaticism and injustice as some of the factors responsible for insecurity in the country.

Kukah also said that sectionalism, fanaticism, injustice and religious intolerance were responsible for insecurity in the country.

He urged stakeholders at the meeting to come together to form common front in curbing the menace saying insecurity know no religion.

Earlier, Gov. Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto state, represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Torankawa reiterated the commitment of the government to partner with groups and association in promoting peaceful coexistence in the state.

The Sokoto state commissioner of police, Ali Kaigama, also emphasised on the need for public support to community policing drives initiated by the Nigerian Police.

Kaigama said the police will continue to partner with the Nigerian army and other sister security agencies in tackling insecurity in the country.
In his presentation, Prof. Tukur Baba, the Dean Faculty of Social Sciences in Federal University Birnin Kebbi, dwelled on factors that promoted insecurity from pre-independence.

Baba advised authorities to change the land use act, taxations and consider global, regional, national and community approaches to holistically deal with the problems of insecurity.

He described the assessment by the National Bureau of Statics revealing the poverty index as glaring.

“This is the effect of insecurity, maladministration and poor people attitude in the northwest,” he said.

Also, the Executive Secretary of Zaki’s GEM Foundation and Permanent Secretary Sokoto state Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Dr Nafisa Zaki and Hajia A’isha Dantsoho, called on authorities to promote gender equitable norms, inclusiveness and budgeting in all dealings.

The leader of community dialogue committee and District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar-Jabbi, presented a graphic community involvement drives to solve religious misconceptions, gender-based violence and other associated society ills.

Umar-Jabbi solicited for more support in recognition of committee achievements in Sokoto state stressing that violence is rooted in poverty and ignorance while its effect affects everyone irrespective of religious beliefs, ethnicity and political groups. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Okei-Odumakin mourns as Fountain of Life founding pastor, Taiwo Odukoya dies
General News , Religious

Okei-Odumakin mourns as Fountain of Life founding pastor, Taiwo Odukoya dies

 

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise and Centre for Change, has described the passing of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, Founding  Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, as a rude shock.

Okei-Odumakin made this known in a condolence message titled: ‘Pastor Taiwo Odukoya: So long’ on Tuesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deceased was husband to late Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, who died in a plane crash in December 2005.

According to a press statement by the church, Odukoya died on Monday in the USA at 67.

“We are in total submission to you Lord!!! We thank the Lord for the gift of a great leader!!!” it said in a tweet.

Okei-Odumakin, reacting, said, “Only men with the confidence of the “true call” yield the resource of life to toil in the Vineyard.

“It is a rude shock, but so is the passage of great men.”

The human rights activist also described the late cleric as ‘End Time General’ who led the flock towards the feet of Christ in spite of his huge losses and vicissitudes of life.

According to her, he rose to glory as an end time General.

“This surely is our terrestrial loss but a great celestial gain. Goodnight, till resurrection.”

The late Odukoya had remarried in January 2010, to Pastor Nomthi, a South-African,   but again, lost her, to cancer, in 2021. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

 

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

 

26th anniversary: 300 benefit from RCCG branch medical outreach
Health , Religious

26th anniversary: 300 benefit from RCCG branch medical outreach

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

More than 300 adults and children on Saturday benefited from a medical outreach organised by an area headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God to celebrate 26th anniversary.

The Calvary Area Headquarters in Lagos Province 89 organised the outreach in collaboration with Chike Okoli Foundation, Emzor PPharmaceuticals Plc. and Pharmatex Industries.

The area headquarters is located at Oshodi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the medical outreach included free consultation, checking of blood pressure, blood sugar screening, deworming, body mass index check and a general check-up.

The Pastor-in-Charge of the area, Mr Jeffrey Aganbi, said at the event that the church was commitment to community development.

He said that the headquarters started an annual medical outreach in 2018, by the inspiration of God, to give back to the society.

He said that government alone could not provide all basic needs of the citizens.

“The programme is another way to reach out to our immediate community and help to provide solutions to their health challenges through nurses and doctors, at no cost,” he said.

Aganbi praised the management of Chike Okoli Foundation, Emzor Pharmaceuticals Plc. and Pharmatex Industries for supporting the church in bringing succour to the needy.

He said that the anniversary with the theme: “Generational Blessings,” which started on Tuesday, would end on Sunday with a thanksgiving service.

Dr Rotimi Adesanya, a family physician and Head of Medical Service, Federal College of Education Medical Centre, Akoka, Lagos State, praised the church for the initiative.

Adesanya, who was in the medical team at the event, said that many Nigerians shunned medical treatment because of economic hardship.

“What the church is doing is good for the society, it is complementary to what government is doing.

“The truth is that, in this present time, many people are unable to access healthcare due to the prevailing economic situation.

“People don’t have money to even take transport to hospital, and many of our people do what is called out-of-pocket treatment; they don’t have health insurance, they pay from their pockets.

“Now, money is scarce; so, many people cannot go to hospital, but the church is providing this service for free,” he said.

Adesanya said that some people with high blood pressure were not aware that they had the condition.

“Many people with high blood pressure don’t know that they have it and they don’t have money to buy drugs.

“The church is giving them the drugs free; we saw many malaria cases too and we advised them to sleep with insecticide-treated nets,” Adesanya said.

Adesanya urged Nigerians to embrace healthy lifestyles by reducing salt intake, having regular exercises and eating healthy.

According to him, prevention is better than cure.

Mrs Esther Ayo from Chike Okoli Foundation, who was also in the medical team, said that a lot of people were hypertensive, while some were diabetic without knowing.

Ayo said that many of the beneficiaries knew their health statuses through the medical outreach.

She said that the medical outreach offered the community members an opportunity to know their medical conditions and have access to free drugs.

Ayo said that the organisation was happy to partner with the church to show love to the community.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Ifeyinwa Obi, commended the church for the annual medical outreach, saying that the church had been a responsible organisation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Subsidy removal: Christian youths urge FG to institute cheaper mass transportation scheme
Metro , Religious

Subsidy removal: Christian youths urge FG to institute cheaper mass transportation scheme

By Uchenna Eletuo

An interest group, Christian Youths in Politics (CYP), on Wednesday, called on the Federal Government to put in place a cheaper mass transportation scheme to ease movements of citizens in the country.

The faith-based group, which made the call at a news conference in Lagos, said that such a measure would be a better way of cushioning the harsh effect of the fuel subsidy removal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the news conference was aimed at appraising some national issues, particularly as they concerned the youth, and charting ways forward.

NAN also reports  that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) had on Tuesday announced an increase in the price of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, to N617 per litre.

The increase in petrol pump price had since generated public outcry, with critics saying that it would lead to corresponding increase in prices of goods and services.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of Christian Pressure Group, Ms Princess Kolawole, said the removal of fuel subsidy and its attendant hike in fuel pump price had made movements of youths from one point to another difficult.

According to her, youths are mobile in nature and will want to explore opportunities within and outside of their immediate environments to improve their social status.

“But, with the high cost of transportation, people are finding it difficult to move around to fend for themselves and their dependants, thereby disrupting their lives and businesses.

“With the provision of a cheap mass transit scheme, especially in major cities of the country by government, it will ease the social life of the citizens and give them a sense of belonging,” she said.

In her own contribution, a Board of Trustee (BOT) member of CYP, Dr Oluwatosin Aderogu, said that government should consider other alternatives to making transportation from one location to another easier.

Aderogu listed the available alternatives to include an integrated rail system, use of gas and costal transportation system, saying that these would improve the present harsh conditions of Nigerians.

She, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for the positive policies and programmes which his administration had carried out within a short period.

Aderogu noted that the body, apart from fostering harmonious co-existence among the nation’s youth, irrespective of religion, would continue to champion people-friendly policies for government to implement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Cleric advises Christians to embrace peace
Religious

Cleric advises Christians to embrace peace

By Bridget Ikyado

A U.S. based cleric, Keith Moore, on Sunday advised Christians to allow peace to reign in their lives.

The cleric gave the advice at the wrap-up of “Impartation Conference 2023”, organised by the Summit Bible Church Abuja.

Moore, who is Founder and President of Moore Life Ministries, said peace comes from God alone, not through one’s possession or “lying on a psychologists couch”.

Citing the Holy Bible from Philippians Chapter four verses six to eight, the cleric said that when the faithful set their minds on God, He would lead them in the path of peace.

“There is no peace for twisted things. We can’t control everything that goes out, but we can control what goes on in our minds.

“Let God’s peace reign and rule in our minds,” he said.

Moore further called on Christians to shun strife in homes and churches in order to sustain the peace of God in their lives.

“Strife is the manifest presence of the devil whereas peace is the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit.

“We must not have manifestations of the enemy in the Church. The strife must stop in our homes and church.

“Strife is a hindrance to the blessing. We have to make up our mind and say we won’t harbour strife.”

He also urged christians to focus on things that were true, noble, just and pure.

On his part, Senior Pastor of Summit Bible Church Abuja, Andy Osakwe, urged Christians to remain focused, so as not to lose sight of the blessings of God.

“There are so many distractions in the world today. We must as God’s children pray fervently so as not to lose hope”.

The highlight of the conference was thanksgiving in songs led by renown gospel artiste, Pastor Nathaniel Bassey.

Other pastors and song ministers who honoured the event included Apostle Michael Orokpo, an itinerant preacher, and Dave Dam, the Koinonia Global Choir Leader, among others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Don’t divide Nigerians with religion, Cleric warns politicians
General News , Religious

Don’t divide Nigerians with religion, Cleric warns politicians

By Lucy Ogalue

Rev. Unuefe Ikhiuwu, the General Overseer, Christ Chosen Church of God (CCCG) International, has called for peaceful coexistence among different religions and tribes to enable Nigeria achieve its full potential.

Ikhiuwu made the call in Abuja on Sunday during a combined thanksgiving service to mark the end of a weeklong tour of the church facilities in Abuja, Kaduna and Niger.

The clergyman who frowned at negative comments made by some politicians, said that even though tribe and tongue may differ, Nigerians are one.

“Religion should not divide us. I pray for unity of all believers and everyone. We should live in peace whether Christians or Muslims,” he said.

The cleric said that no country had ever achieved success without peace and unity.

According to him, political leaders in the country have a duty to unite Nigerians and provide them with the dividends of democracy.

This, he said, would give every Nigerian a sense of belonging and ready to support those in authority to make the country better.

“Today’s message, I talked about what has become modus operandi or the mission of the church and it’s a job which no one man can do.

“It’s a ministry of reconciliation that every one of us is expected to work for; I likened the church also to the nation.

“By the grace of God, I pray that every Nigerian should be supported by those in authority to make Nigeria better than how the present administration met it.”

He said all Nigerians must collectively work for peace in the country.

“I always talk about renewal of hope; hope unlimited, peace and blessing to the people that all hand must be on deck.

“Nigerians are expected to work as a team just as the human body, the leg, eyes, hands and other parts are working in synergy to make the body good.

“All hands must be on deck for success to be achieved,” Ikhiuwu added.

He noted that his coming to Abuja had afforded him the opportunity to see the peaceful nature of the city and urged other states to emulate the Federal Capital Territory.

Apostle Dr Pius Igberase, Head of Administration of the Church, while speaking on the sidelines of the Church service, urged Christians to always preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Igbarase said that the inspection of projects and the seminar, was to encourage everyone to do more work for God.

Also, Apostle Samuel Idedevo, the Resident Pastor of the Headquarter Church, Abuja, said heaven blessed those who work according to God’s covenant.

“God has promised to bless believers because He is the owner of silver and gold. God will only give silver and gold to those who trust and believe in Him.

“So, no man gets blessing without God. The source is from God and it’s inexhaustible.

“And money is made to promote the cause and advancement of the gospel. I pray that we access the blessing.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

===========
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Remain focused in spite of challenges, U.S. cleric advises Nigerians
Religious

Remain focused in spite of challenges, U.S. cleric advises Nigerians

By Bridget Ikyado

Founder and President of Moore Life Ministries, Keith Moore has called on Christians to remain focused in spite of the challenges of life.

The cleric made the call at the opening of a three-day Impartation Conference tagged ‘Triumphant’, organised by the Summit Bible Church in Abuja.

Moore, also the Founder of Faith Life Church Sarasota, Florida, said in spite of the myriads of challenges facing mankind, believers ought to be “led by the Spirit of God”.

This, he said, would help them to avoid depression and chaos in the course of their lives.

“There are scores of decision that Christians try to take daily. How do you take the right decisions? There is only one way; and that is, to be led by the Spirit of God.”

The cleric further said that God has a plan for every human, adding that to achieve success and victory in life, the faithful must intensify prayer.

Also speaking, the President Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh said that the association provides a platform for all Christians in Nigeria to come together, collaborate and demonstrate visible unity.

“The reality is that we are not yet there, but we are on a journey that our Lord Jesus Christ prayed for; “That they all may be one”.

“We as children of God must be seen to be together to ensure the growth of the Church.

“This is because that is what the enemy doesn’t want. Because once the children of God come together in one accord, that is where our potency lies.

“The unity has to continue to build up so that the kingdom of the enemy, will not only be jittery but will be totally disarmed.”

Earlier, Senior Pastor of the Church, Andy Osakwe said that the annual conference was aimed at impacting the lives of Christians.

He urged the congregation to remain steadfast in their belief in Jesus Christ. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

=================

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

 

Why theological education is important to society — Pastor Adeboye
Education , Religious

Why theological education is important to society — Pastor Adeboye

By Victor Adeoti

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCCG), says theological education is very vital in correcting heresies and wrong doctrines in the society.

Adeboye said this on Tuesday during the inauguration of new administrative building and chapel of RCCG Bible College main campus, Redemption Camp, Mowe, Ogun.

Represented by Pastor Joseph Obayemi, National Overseer Emeritus, RCCG, Adeboye said theological education was necessary to guild and train up and coming pastors against wrong doctrine.

“Theological education, such as ours is very vital to our society, especially in this end time when there is a lot of heresies and wrong doctrines in our society.

“This happens when the up and coming pastors, who have no mentor will just climb the pulpit and say so many wrong things.

“And because of the charisma and youthful exuberance, many will continue to follow them, but school like this can be used to guild them.

“If they come for the training, we will teach them that there is difference between being charismatic, anointed by God or being matured spiritually.

“Theological education open our eyes to see more rudiments of Christianity and not just anybody going to the pulpit to preach.

“So, theological education is very necessary for our time and it will continue to be useful, even in the nearest future, ” he said.

The new administrative building and chapel of RCCG Bible College main campus, Redemption Camp, Mowe, Ogun
The new administrative building and chapel of RCCG Bible College main campus, Redemption Camp, Mowe, Ogun

Adeboye also said that the new administrative building of the college was a reflection of the glory of God.

In his remarks, Pastor Ezekiel Odeyemi, RCCG Continental Overseer, said the Bible college was an integral part of the church.

Odeyemi said the college was crucial to the progress of the church and to maintain the integrity of the doctrine of the gospel.

“The Bible college is an integral part of RCCG.

“An expanding organisation like redeemed, required trained hands and so the college is crucial to our progress and to maintain the integrity of the doctrine and the gospel.

“And that is the reason occasion like this makes us happy and show to us that the college is making progress and the people put in charge not disappointing us, ” he said.

Also, Pastor Babatunde Adedibu, the provost of the college, said the motivation behind the new building was the resolution of the board of governors to reposition the college to an affiliate of two recognised universities in Nigeria by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Adedibu, who noted that the construction of the building started on Oct. 19, 2017, said it was conceived to serve the immediate and future need of the college.

He thanked the General Overseer and his wife for their financial, moral and spiritual support. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Eid-al-Adha: Make-up artists, hairdressers make brisk business
General News , Religious

Eid-al-Adha: Make-up artists, hairdressers make brisk business

By Dorothy Odeh

Make-up artists and hairdressers in Mararaba are making brisk business as Muslims in their numbers troop to saloons for different services for the Eid-al-Adha celebrations.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited some make-up and hair saloons on Thursday observed that a lot of women brought their children and family members for make-up in preparation for the Eid evening outings.

Miss Nana Khadija, a hairstylist said she was happy with the turnout of customers in her shop which translated to more money for her.

According to her, the season did not affect what she charged for her services, except if she is operating on generator.

She said: “In spite of the rush, my prices remained the same to encourage more people.

“Today, I have over 50 clients and the day is till young. I hope to have more before the night fall.”

Hajiya Muniratu Abdul-Rahman, a customer said she ordered for home service from her hairstylist since she would have to join the queue at the salon.

“I need to look good for the celebration, I was busy with cooking yesterday and did not have time for myself, so today I asked my stylist for home service which will cost me a little extra.

“I usually pay N4,000 for the style I want with the home service, I will pay an extra cost of N2,000,” she said.

Mr Abubakar Abdelah, a henna artist stated that the business was booming, adding that he recorded a lot of customers.

“As you know, henna is in high demand during this period of Sallah. The price of henna differs according to colour.

“For the red, we sell for N4,000 and for the black we sell N8000,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

===============
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Bashir Rabe Mani

Eid-el-Kabir: Youth leader urges unity, peace
General News , Religious

Eid-el-Kabir: Youth leader urges unity, peace

By Ikenna Osuoha

Mr Okorie Okorie, President, Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO), has urged Muslims to use the festive period to reinforce brotherly love and national unity.

Okorie made the call on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir.

Okorie, who congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima on the celebration, appealed to them to foster national stability.

“I, on behalf of the National Executive Council and members, congratulate His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, his Vice, Sen. Kashim Shettima and all Muslim faithful across the country on this occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

“Muslim faithful should use the period to extend love to one another, pray for unity, oneness, peace and progress of the country,” he said.

Okorie, who reiterated the need for an inseparable and peaceful nation, called on Tinubu to provide adequate security this period of celebration.

He commended Tinubu for marshaling out people-oriented policies such as the students loan scheme and called on students to maximise the opportunity.

He appealed to Tinubu to consider the appointment of a youth into his cabinet. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=========
Edited by Uche Anunne

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email