By Taiye Olayemi

Pastor Lawrence Oji, popularly known as “Pastor Solution”, on Monday urged clerics in Nigeria to focus more on salvation rather than prosperity, in their sermons.

The cleric, who was a drug addict and an ex-habitual offender, made the call during a news conference in Lagos.

Oji is a minister with the New Covenant Church, London and Coordinator of Saving Hands for Alcoholic and Drug End-Users (SHADE).

He said that increased cases of depression, drug abuse, urge to rape and commit all forms of atrocities among Nigerians, result from limited access to messages of salvation.

He noted that majority of the clerics preach prosperity, neglecting the challenges people were confronted with.

He advised clerics to deliberately focus on the gospel of salvation rather than prosperity.

“ Clerics must begin to priotise preaching on the theme of salvation and minimise that of prosperity because many people have not received salvation and are confronted with serious challenges that cannot be compared to material possession.

“ The ministry of every Christian is to look out for those in bondage and ensure they are released.

“ Many are in the ministry for self interest. Pastors should begin to teach people the word of God in line with salvation so that they can have personal encounter with God,” he said.

Speaking on his journey to salvation, Oji said he wasted over 30 years of his life engaging in hard drugs and later got depressed as a result of his quest to leave the habit.

“ I was always giving out drugs to people who desired to have them but were not financially buoyant to get. That made me acquire the nick name ‘Mr Solution’, then,” he recalled.

According to him, while being addicted to drugs in Italy, he was imprisoned countless times.

He said his horrible sojourn in drugs necessitated his taking up evangelism, “to put those suffering from drug abuse and depression on the right path of God”.

“ Peer group influence led me into hard drugs. I also led many people to drugs in Nigeria. My addiction was so bad that I tried going to the hospital to be rescued, but to no avail.

“My mother went to different places to take me out of drugs and she was told my destiny was spiritually tied to drug.

“I am sharing my story so that people in similar situations can be hopeful. Through this, I got depressed and, at a point, stabbed myself so as to die.

” Within a year I destroyed five cars because I just wanted to end it all. I deliberately bashed those cars.

“ But, on March 21, 2001, the desire to smoke left me after being prayed for by one of the prison ministers at the highest prison in Italy.

” At this point, the authorities were already tired of me, my name was among those to be deported after serving my sentence.

“But, somehow, God intervened and I was not deported as planned. People should not give up on their loved ones. They should rather pray for them and preach to them to be free from every bondage.

“ Now, I go to prisons across the world to preach salvation. I also go to places that are abodes of drug addicts. I make sure they are delivered. So, clerics should do more,” he said.

Oji said he was from an affluent family and joined the Nigerian Police at a point in time.

“I later moved to the banking industry and was a pioneer member of the Institute of Bankers.”

Oji said he was disposed to golden opportunities but never took advantage of them due to drug addiction.

“ My utmost desire now is to establish a rehabilitation centre that will cater for victims of drug abuse and depression without financial commitment from beneficiaries,” he said.

The cleric also spoke of his love for late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

“ While in the Nigerian Police Force, I was assigned to guard Fela after his house was burnt and he was hospitalised at the then Creek Hospital in Lagos,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lawrence Oji is from Abia State and holds a first degree in Economics and a Masters degree in Theology and Religious Studies.

He has published seven books in his bid to relay his life experiences to encourage and inspire others.

The books are – From Prison to Pulpit; Soul Winning Made Simple; Not Without a Scar; Depression: The Silent Killer, causes, consequences and cure; Positioned by Grace; Stubborn Faith and Power of Hope. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraim Sheyin

By Taiye Agbaje

Pastor Alex Ogundipe of the Cherubim & Seraphim (C&S) Movement Church Worldwide, Daki-Biyu District, Kubwa Branch, says Easter signifies the celebration of life over death.

Pastor Ogundipe, the Senior Pastor and Leader In charge of the church, stated this on Sunday in his Easter Sermon titled: “The Great Conqueror” in Abuja.

According to him, there would have been no Christianity without the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

He said his resurrection perfected the Christian’s faith

“Therefore, the requirement to enter the kingdom of God is to accept Jesus as Christ and saviour.

“That is the only condition and the key to the eternal life,” he said.

Enumerating the significance of resurrection, Ogundipe said “It confirms that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was accepted.

“Jesus said he laid down his life voluntarily so that he could take it back for the redemption of our sins.

“That Jesus rose from the death means that we have an advocate.

“Because Jesus rose, there is a reconciliation between us and God.”

The clergyman recalled that through Adam, man sinned against God, but through Jesus, man was reconciled back to God.

“Therefore, the resurrection of Jesus is more important than his birth,” he said, urging everyone to accept Christ’s teachings and turned to God.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Uchenna Eletuo

Bishop Edoho Ighalo, the Senior Shepherd of A Touch From Heaven Ministry, says the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Lagos State remains united.

Ighalo said this at a news conference in Lagos to disabuse people’s mind of any crisis in the body.

He said that contrary to the news being circulated that there were divisions in PFN after the annulment of its election in Feb., the fellowship remained united.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that PFN on Monday, Feb. 5 held an election to pick a new executives for the body, however, the election was annulled by the PFN National President, Bishop Wale Oke.

Addressing newsmen, Ighalo, said that Kehinde reportedly floored his opponent and former chairman, Apostle Enyinnanya Okwuonu, with a wide margin.

The Shepherd of the touch from heaven ministry said that the election was annulled because of inadequate awareness and those meant to oversee the election were not well constituted.

According to him, this development was observed that some members were trying to disorganise the sanctity of PFN through certain inciting publications.

“My advice to everyone is to work toward building peaceful operations of the organisation.

“The Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN) is not meant to interlope in the affairs of PFN.

“I want the CAN National President, Bishop Stephen Adegbite to focus solely on the activities of CAN and not interlop in PFN affairs.

“In view of the annulment of the PFN election in Lagos State, as a father, I maintain an unbiased position.

“Some members are trying to disorganise the sanctity of the organisation of the PFN in Lagos State.”

He advised Adegbite to stay on his side of the line.

” We should not bring ethnicity to play in kingdom business.

“Any statement that is insightful is not advisable in the body of Christ.

“We are not going to sit down and watch what our founding fathers laboured to build to be destroyed by challanters.

“I advise Adegbite to engage Bishop Wale Oke, the Head of PFN and not render inciting statements in the newspapers,” he said.

Also, the President of Agape Worship Ministry, Apostle David Odi, said:”there is no fight in PFN; Lagos is one of the most organised, we are united.”

Similarly, the President of Voice of His Words Ministry Nigeria and Overseas, Apostle Bolaji Akinyemi, urged all Christian to work unanimously in ensuring sanctity in PFN and CAN.

Akinyemi, however, said that a committee would be constituted to see to the issue at hand.

He described CAN and PFN as stewards in God’s vineyard where discord should not be condoned.

NAN reports that PFN is the umbrella body of the Pentecostal churches in Nigeria (NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Deborah Coker

Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta), has urged Christians to draw spiritual inspiration from the resurrection story of Jesus Christ as they celebrate Easter.

Nwoko who represents Delta North Senatorial District, made the call in an Easter message made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that Christians should allow the symbolism of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross to reflect in them.

The senator said that Easter was a commemoration of the fulfillment of God’s Prophecy that offered the hope of  eternal life to mankind.

”This hope of eternal life is through the sacrificial death of Christ and His subsequent resurrection from the dead.

”With this faith, Christians should significantly contribute towards making the earth a better place for all of us,” he said.

Nwoko further urged Christians to use the Easter celebration to demonstrate Christ-like concern for the poor and powerless in the society.

”Let us speak up against injustice and all activities that tend to impede equal opportunities, fairness and national unity.

”It should be a season of renewal of hope and sober reflection. The season should remind us of the importance of compassion, unity, and resilience,” he said.

Nwoko urged Christians to use the period to renew their commitment to the service of the nation and to pray for peace and sustenance of national unity. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Azubuike Okeh

By Taiye Agbaje

The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and professions, has urged governments at all levels to strive to make contingency plans that would alleviate the hardship facing majority of the citizens.

The group made the call in a statement jointly signed by its National Amir, Mr Kamil Olalekan, and the Public Affairs Secretary, Alhaji Muideen Adeleke on Thursday.

The group also urged the citizens to give maximum support to the government, so that the country could regain its lost glory before long.

They congratulated the adherents of Islam worldwide on the occasion of the ongoing 1445 AH ( 2024) Ramadan season.

The group contended that the 2024 Ramadan fast could not have come at a better time, other than now that Nigeria is faced with enormous challenges in virtually all facets.

It stressed that the ongoing spiritual rebirth offered the followers of Prophet Muhammad, an ample opportunity to seek the face of Allah, so that the country could successfully navigate through the myriad of problems confronting her.

“No country has ever developed without passing through the turbulence.

“But patriotism on the part of the government and the governed, makes most of them to overcome their teething challenges,” it said.

The group equally enjoined the Nigerian youth not to lose hope in the nation but join the legion of forward looking individuals whose belief in the Nigerian project remains unshaken.

It advised the citizenry to refrain from sabotaging government programmes while the country’s leaders should strive to make contingency plans that would alleviate the excruciating hardship facing majority of Nigerian citizens.

The organisation maintained that rather than curse the leaders in frustration, the ongoing Ramadan season provides a veritable window for the righteous to explore, in the overall interest of the nation.

“It is imperative that adherents of Islam take maximum advantage of the ongoing Ramadan fast to seek restitution through various meritorious deeds, instead of venting their anger on the leaders,” it said.

The Companion reminded the adherents of Islam of the need to prioritise giving out charity to assist many less privileged Muslims to partake in the all-important annual spiritual rebirth.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Abigael Joshua.

The Zonal Pastor of Christ Embassy Church, Abuja Zone 1, Dipo Fisho, on Sunday assured Nigerians and other nations that the “healing streams”, a programme by the Christ Embassy Church would address economic challenges all over the world.

Fisho gave the assurance on Sunday, while briefing newsmen on the programme to mark its 10th edition from March 15 to March 17 all over the world.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Christ Embassy is also known as Love World Incorporated or Believers’ Loveworld.

He said that the 10th edition would be greater than previous editions characterised with diverse testimonies.

“The healing streams is a programme that will bring healing to the people, the land and the economy of the world as it is streamed live on the social media.

“Healing streams will heal the land of its economic crisis, terrorism, kidnappings. We are talking of the power of God and not the power of man.

“It’s an agenda from the kingdom of heaven we trust that after the programme there will be changes in the land and nations of the world starting from Nigeria,” Fisho said.

He said at this time, the world needs healing, direction, and the word of God because the Bible says, righteousness exalts a nation.

Fisho added that the anointing would be bigger, “we are going to network the world with healing powers through magazines, billboards, our 250 healing centres and also provide healing centres in hospitals”.

Pastor Femi Obalemo, in his address said all braches of the church in the world would be linked to the headquarters for the programme.

“We believe that in the realm of the spirit there is no distance,” Obalemo said.

Also, Pastor Emmanuel Eze in his remarks commended Pastor Chris Oyakhilome for the programme saying that “at this time, our nation needs the touch, power, direction and the word of God”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

By Emmanuel Afonne

Mrs Angela Ndukuba, wife of the Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has called on women to constantly worship and praise God irrespective of the circumstances they find themselves in the country.

Ndukuba, who is also the President, Women’s Guild and Mothers’ Union arms of the Church, communicated this at this year’s Mothers’ Day celebration and Mothering Sunday at Our Saviours Anglican Church, Durumi, Abuja.

Speaking on this year’s theme the ‘Ruth: the Virtuous Daughter in Law’, Ndukuba urged women to emulate the biblical Ruth, who after losing her husband, closely followed her mother-in-law working very hard to provide for the two of them.

“Ruth showed exceptional love and devotion to her mother-in-law; she embraced the worship of the God of Israel.

“Ruth was truly a virtuous mother and Noami returned Ruth’s love by helping her get married to Boaz, and she became the great grandmother of King David; Jesus is a descendant of King David.”

Ndukuba also called for love and tolerance, especially among family members.

“Ler this year’s Mothering Sunday be a time of healing in our homes; between the daughters-in-law and their Mothers in laws and between family members.

“Every mother, female gender deserves to be celebrated.

“Please, husbands, sons and daughters, celebrate mummies and make them happy,” she said.

Mrs Keziah Philips, who took the Bible studies, admonished women to remain honest and focused to ensure they successfully run the race of life, with the bible as their guide.

Philips said many families had become dysfunctional with daughters in law and mothers in law “living like cats and dogs”.

She said there should be tender care and not tension within the family, as mothers should teach and encourage family members to always take the pains to do the right things.

Speaking on the topic ‘the Broad Way’, Philips said many followed the crowd to do the wrong things.

“As Christians, we must be without deceit and not seek to follow the popular way or seek to belong to the crowd,” she added.

Wife of the Vicar of the Church, Mrs Chikodi Okorie, who delivered the sermon for the Mothering Sunday Church service, reiterated the call for women to emulate the Biblical Ruth and Naomi’s peaceful and loving relationship.

Okorie, who is also the Vice-President of the Michers Union/Women’s Guild, enjoined women to remain faithful and loyal to their vows.

She appealed to women to nurture their husbands, children, and all other members of the family and to ensure that everyone in their homes remained God-fearing in spite of the current hardship.

“Ruth took the bold steps to provide for her family, and her mother-in-law guided her to success,” she said.

She appealed for collaboration and partnership between daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law.

The women also used the occasion to initiate a special fund for women’s projects in the church. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo