Religion

Governments Have No Business In Hajj Sponsorship- NAHCON

By Web News 688

Federal, State and Local Governments have no business in sponsoring Muslims to hajj as the religious rite is for those that can afford it.

Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Barrister Zikrullah Hassan stated this in Ibadan during a special reception prayer organised in his honour by Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN.

He said  governments do not need to sponsor anyone to hajj but should rather use the resources to empower the people and improve the infrastructure.

“Let us free government from financial involvement in hajj, government can provide logistics for hajj operation but not sponsoring people to hajj”

The NAHCON Chairman said the commission was working towards self- sustaining without relying on government allocation as the support of the federal government at present was less than twenty percent. 

“With time, funding of hajj will be removed from government and will be strictly through internally generated revenue of NAHCON”.

He said the frequent increase in hajj fare would make it difficult for people to go to hajj and as well result to inability of the commission to exhaust the quota allocated to Nigeria by Saudi Authority stressing that the hajj saving scheme would ease contribution towards participating in the religious rite.

“The concept of hajj saving scheme is whereby the poor can save bit by bits between two and five years, until they are able to get to the amount required for hajj.

“The money is turned into investment through our partnership with Jaiz Bank and they are entitled to increase in their holdings in the bank through their profit,’ Hassan said.

Barrister Hassan said the introduction of Hajj training Institute and digitization of hajj operation by the commission were aimed at making  hajj operation hitch-free, less stressful and a quality exercise.

Earlier, MUSWEN’s President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, called on Muslims in the region and Nigeria in general to support the Chairman of NAHCON and not distract him with selfish demands.

“His assignment in NAHCON is national, Islamic and corporate,We should not frivolously distract his attention with selfish demands”.

He said the NAHCON Chairman’s  position being occupied by Barrister Hassan, who was one of them from the region, was a matter of corporate mercy from Allah which must not be turned into individual benefits.

“Our brother Zikrullah Hassan needs our full cooperation in terms of well wish and sincere prayer’.

“Any success or failure in that office, during his tenure, is a major scale by which MUSWEN will be weighed in posterity”.

A Special prayer for the Chairman was led by the Chief Imam of University of Ibadan, Professor AbdulRahman Oloyede .

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Delta First Lady Calls on Nigerians to Be Prayerful

By Web News 903

The wife of Delta State Governor Dame Edith Okowa, has called for increased national spiritual consciousness in light of recent challenges facing the nation.

Mrs. Okowa stated this at the Government House in Asaba, during the 6th edition of the Annual Mothers Arise Programme with the theme Faith for all Season.

She urge the citizenry to make decisions with eternity in view, while asserting that a spiritual awakening was needed to attain life-long victories.

On the COVID-19 pandemic the Governor’s wife admonished people to observe the protocols, noting despite the deadly nature of the virus it could be defeated if the citizenry follow the rules such as physical distancing and regular washing of hands.

Meanwhile, in a sermon, the Guest Speaker Pastor Blessing Ameachi, stressed that people need to exercise faith to overcome challenges bedeviling the nation, nothing with faith everything is possible as a Christian.

The annual event which attracted women dignitaries, was characterized by prayers for the family, the church and the nation.

Eghweree Oghenero

Religion

NAHCON Lauds Osun Govt on Hajj Operations

By Web News 587

The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, has lauded Osun state government for being the leading light and a pacesetter in the Hajj process in the country.

Alhaji Hassan said Osun has been top-notch as far as Hajj is concerned in the last ten years as manifested in the huge success the State had recorded over the years.

NAHCON Chairman gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Governor’s office, Abere.

He said the Commission has been monitoring the sterling performance of the State in the last ten years, a motive he described as most impressive and commendable.

Alhaji Hassan who led some members of staff of the Commission to Osun, described the visit as a familiarisation and advocacy visit to sensitise the Muslim community on the need to partake in the ongoing Hajj Savings Scheme.

In his remarks,Osun state Governor Mr Adegboyega Oyetola applauded Hassan for bringing innovation and modern technology to advance the operational scope of the Commission.

Mr Oyetola who described the Hajj Savings Scheme as a welcome development and people-oriented initiative, said “with this scheme people can go to Hajj without unnecessary financial burden.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Religion

Governor Makinde’s Aide Distributes Hijabs In Ibadan

By Web News 716

Special Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji AbdRasheed AbdAzeez has donated two hundred and fifty Hijabs to Muslim women in commemoration of this year’s World Hijab Day.

The beneficiaries were Islamic organisations which included Al-Akhwaatul  Muslimah, Alhamdulilah Islamic Society and Peoples Democratic Party’s Muslim women of Ward 8, Ibadan Northwest Local Government. 

Addressing members of Al-Akhwaatul  Muslimah  Organisation, Oyo State Chapter who paid him a courtesy visit in his office, Alhaji AbdAzeez stressed the importance of Hijab as a pride of believing women.

He emphasized that the use of hijab is compulsory in Islam while hijab sisters should avoid discriminating against those who are yet to use it “as the good character of the regular users will serve as a motivating factors for others to join them”.

The Special Assistant noted that the administration of Engimeer Seyi Makinde has been fair to all religions and would continue to promote peaceful coexistence among adherents of different religious organisations. 

He said the Governor had done a lot for Muslims before he came into office and how would he not give what’s due for Muslims now that he is at the helm of Affairs. 

Alhaji AbdulAzeez called on people especially the politicians to desist from campaign of calumny and engage in constructive criticism to enhance the development of the State.

The Amirah of Al-Akhwaatul  Muslimah  Organisation, Oyo State Chapter, Alhaja Bashirat Ashim who said the visit was aimed at identifying with the Special  Assistant and to celebrate the day expressed confidence that the occasion would encourage more Muslim women to embrace wearing of Hijab .

“The Hijab is not fashion but a dress code to encourage morals in Muslim women.

“The celebration is also aimed at addressing the issue of discrimination face by Muslim women  in our society in some occasions.

According to the Amirah, wearing of Hijab has nothing to do with social vices such as the Boko Haram insurgence in our society as believed by some people.

She then commended Governor Seyi Makinde for identifying with Muslims across the state and for creating enabling environment for them to thrive in their activities.

The group also paid a similar visit to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Fausat Sanni.

Ridwan Fasasi 

Religion

Hijab, A Sign Of Respect, Modesty For Muslim Women- Alhaja Medinat Mimiko

By Web News 907

Muslim women have been encouraged to always ensure they wear their hijab to cover up their bodies

A Guest lecturer at this year’s world hijab day, Alhaja Medinat Mimiko made this known while addressing members of FOWMAN at the central mosque in Akure 

Alhaja Mimiko expressed displeasure with the bias and sentiments melted on women wearing hijab in some profession hence the need for government policies not to disturb Muslim women from wearing hijab.

The guest lecturer also stressed that hijab is a sign of respect and modesty for Muslim women and they should not be denied same .

She called for the cooperation of media organisations on the reportage of sensitive issues like use of hijab by Muslim women to reduce sentiment about it.

In their goodwill messages, the leaders of women wing of CAN, Mrs. grace Ademokoya  and NCWS Mrs. jumoke Aborode supported the move for  wearing of hijab 

In his remarks the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque, Oja Oba, Alhaji Sheik Yayi Akorede urged government to allow children in public schools to wear their hijab to school .

Olufisoye Adenitan.

Religion

RCCG Oyo 1 Gets New Provincial Pastor

By Web News 2241

A new Pastor has resumed as head of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Oyo  Providence 1.

He is Pastor Isaac  Oyetayo.

Pastor Oyetayo replaces  Pastor Moses Aderogba Amure who died last.

Addressing Senior Pastors who gathered to receive him at the Provincial Headquarters, Mount Zion  Cathedral, Ring Road, Ibadan, Pastor  Oyetayo promised to build  on the legacies left by his predecessors.

Accompanied  by his wife, Pastor  Oyetayo solicited  the co-operation  and support of members and pastors to move the Province forward.

He explained  that the strength of the pastors as coworkers would  augment  his weaknesses.

Pastor Oyetayo  said  those who wished  to make heaven  together  must be ready to work together  on earth.

Highlights  of the reception  were  prayers  as well as praise  and worship.

Adenrele Ajisefin

Religion

NOA, NAHCON Strengthen Collaboration for Safe Covid Period Hajj

By Web News 626


Press Release

The National Orientation Agency NOA and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have agreed to strengthen their long existing collaboration toward safe and hitch free Hajj operations in the year 2021.

The Director General of NOA, Dr. Garba Abari made this known when receiving NAHCON officials led by the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Olakunle Hassan on a courtesy visit in Abuja.

Abari said that the NOA and NAHCON were optimistic that Hajj, a major pillar of Islam, would hold in 2021, unlike the year 2020 when it couldn’t hold due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that all must be done to prevent the spread of the virus through strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols at all stages of the hajj process.

He said the NOA/NAHCON collaboration, to which NOA remains committed, is very critical to the success of Hajj operations because it sensitizes potential pilgrims in their own dialects about what to expect and how to behave during the pilgrimage. According to him, NOA State and Local Government officials serve as credible channels of information for potential pilgrims at the community level where they speak the local dialects to create the necessary sensitization for a hitch free pilgrimage.

Describing the Hajj sensitization program of the Agency, the DG NOA said it includes interactions with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), women organizations, youth organizations and community leaders as well as the provision of information materials for easy mobilization and pre-Hajj orientation.

Earlier, the Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Olakunle Hassan said the Commission was in NOA to leverage the Agency’s robust platforms to orient and sensitize the Muslim Ummah in all nooks and crannies of the country. Against the backdrop of pervasive and persistent disbelief in the existence of COVID-19 among the populace, the NAHCON Chairman said the 2021 Hajj sensitization would include persuasion of pilgrims on the reality of COVID-19, the need for precautions and testing and the need to avail themselves for vaccination when the vaccines become available in the country.

Hassan was hopeful that the COVID-19 Vaccine will be available soon and in good time for the vaccination of the 2021 Hajj hopefuls. He thanked the NOA for its continued support for Hajj operations and called on the Agency to intensify its sensitization in the areas of COVID-19 testing and vaccination.

Paul Odenyi
Assistant Director, Press
WEBSITE: noa.gov.ng TWITTER: @NOA_Nigeria FACEBOOK: National Orientation Agency, Nigeria INSTAGRAM: @noa_nigeria

Religion

Clergy Tasks Christians on Exemplary Lifestyle

By Web News 889

The resident pastor of His Grace Evangelical Church, Challenge Ibadan has urged Nigerians to live a lifestyle worthy of emulation so as to make heaven.  

Pastor Kasumu gave the admonition at the burial ceremony of Deaconess Grace Olatunde Adebayo held in Ibadan.

The cleric, who explained that the deceased lived an impactful life, urged people to live godly for them to be remembered for good

Some of the children of the deceased, Mrs Yejide Adebiyi, Mrs Adebayo Adebayo and Mrs Adeyemi Oyewo, who reflected on the exciting time with their mother, said she would be greatly missed.

Born on then 3rd of August 1935 to the family of Pa and Ma Akande at Oke-Foko Ibadan, Late Deaconess Grace Olatunji Ajiun Adebayo trained as a nurse and excelled in the profession where she rose through the ranks and retired meritoriously as a senior nursing matron.

Aged 85, Late Deaconess Adebayo is survived by husband, children and grand children among whom is Deaconess Adenike Ajisefini, wife of the Deputy Director News and Current Affairs Radio Nigeria, Ibadan Zonal Station, Elder Adenrele Ajisefini.

Click to listen

Funmi  Obagbayegun

 

Religion

Governor Makinde is a man of his words – Adogba Residents

By Web News 1453

Residents of Adogba Area, Iwo Road, Ibadan have commended Governor Seyi Makinde for fulfilling his promise to rebuild the demolished Adogba Mosque and the Arabic School in the area.

They stated this while speaking with newsmen who went on an inspection tour of the New mosque and the Madraasat Islamic School which is under construction.

A statement by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Abdulrasheed AbdulAzeez indicated that Governor Seyi Makinde had last year promised to rebuild the mosque and the Arabic school, when the old structure gave way for the construction of Bus Terminals in Iwo Road.

The governor also kickstarted the construction of the new mosque with a donation of 10 million naira from his own pocket.

The Imam of Adogba Central Mosque, Iwo Road, Ustas Muhammad-l-Awwal lauded the governor for fulfilling the promise and prayed God to crown his efforts with success.

Other residents of the area who appreciated the governor for redeeming his pledge urged the people to team up and support him in making the state better for all.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji AbdulAzeez described the gesture of the governor as unique and very commendable.

He gave an assurance of speedy completion of the the mosque and the Arabic school project and urged the people to continue to support the governor with their prayers.

Alhaji AbdulAzeez described the governor as a leader who has the fear of God at heart and understood the concept of justice and would always be fair to all regardless of religious affiliation.

He also stressed that the governor’s policies had no religious colouration.

The Special Assistant who urged the people to cooperate and be patient with the governor on his quest to deliver more dividends of democracy across the state, admonished them to embrace peaceful coexistence to move the state forward.

In another development, the League of Imams and Alfas in Oke Ogun axis of the state have lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for the high leadership prowess exhibited in handling the COVID-19 pandemic and stopping its further spread across the state.

The chairman League of Imams and Alfas in Oke-Ogun, Sheikh Ahmad Adedigba gave the commendation during the visit of the governor to Oke Ogun and other parts of the state recently.

Sheikh Adedigba who is also the Chief Imam of Tede also commended the governor for his gesture and robust relationship with Muslims in the state, just as they assured him of their support in 2023.

Meanwhile, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji AbdulAzeez has commenced visits to Islamic organisations in the state with a view of ensuring that they contribute meaningfully to the development of the state through sound religious activities.

He urged them to consciously promote peaceful co-existence among various religious adherents in the state.

The organisations visited included Ibadan Muslim Community, Hajj Camp Olodo of Oyo State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board, Yusrullaah Association of Nigeria, Irorun Oluwa Loni Alasalatu and Quareeb Family.

Others are Alhamdulilah Islamic Society, Annual Ijtimah of Jamaatu Tableegh at Aba Dada in Ido local government, Ansarud deen Society of Ibadan Central , Ojoo Central Mosque, Elemu, Ibadan and Oyo State League of Imams and Alfas.

Nafiu Busari

Religion

Oyo Govt. to Launch Hajj Saving Scheme on 28 January

By Web News 738

Oyo State government has announced its readiness to launch the State’s Hajj Savings Scheme on Thursday 28th January, 2021, in order to afford the less-privileged Muslims in the society perform hajj without the fear of financial burden.

The scheme, which will be launched by the State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde will help Muslims in the State who have the dream of performing the annual pilgrimage under the State Muslim Pilgrimage Board to do so without difficulties as there will be a five years contribution window for beneficiaries of the scheme.

The intervention will be controlled by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and the Ja’iz Bank.

The Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Pilgrimage Board, Prof. Sayeed Malik revealed this over the weekend at Ibadan while speaking with reporters about the 2021 pilgrimage to the Saudi Arabia.

He said “the Oyo State Hajj Savings Scheme is much awaited, it is a scheme that was fashioned out on the State’s readiness to assist those longing to perform Hajj but are financially handicapped.

“The participants which will be dominantly the less-privileged Muslims, will have a five years contribution window to be eligible to benefit from the scheme and fulfil their dream of performing the last pillar of Islamic faith.”

Malik added that the launch will be done by the State governor which will be witnessed by delegates from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Oyo State League of Imams and Alfas as well as representatives of Muslim organizations in the State.

Signed:

Wasiu Olatubosun (P.hd),

Hon. Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism,

Ibadan.

Sunday 24th January, 2021.

Religion

We will execute more people-oriented projects – Gov. Akeredolu

By Web News 1086

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu says his second term will be committed to the execution of more works to move Ondo State forward.

Governor Akeredolu stated this during the 2021 Prayer Summit of the Ondo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, at the First Baptist Church in Akure.

The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Olugbenga Ale, noted that more people-oriented projects such as bitumen exploration would add greatly to the state’s value when executed.

The governor admitted that prayers of CAN had really assisted government and urged the spiritual leaders to continue to pray for good governance.

Speaking at the prayer summit with the theme, “More Than Conquerors” the Ondo State CAN Chairman, Reverend Doctor Ayo Oladapo described the summit which started four years ago as an annual event to hand over the government and the state to God.

In attendance were top government functionaries including the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr Temitayo Oluwatuyi, the Chief Judge, Justice Olanrewaju Akeredolu and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Religion

Interfaith Dialogue Team Inaugurated In Oyo State

By Web News 948

A committee comprising of Christian and Muslim leaders for early responses to religious conflicts has been inaugurated in Oyo State.

The Committee to be known as the Oyo State Interfaith Dialogue Team is also expected to address human rights violations that are carried out in the name of religion.

At the inauguration of the committee, Co-Chairman, Central Coordination Council of Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace, Ameer Jameel Muhammad said it has been identified that many violence being perpetrated in some states of the federation did not have any religious undertone as widely believed.

Ameer Muhammad, who said the dialogue teams would be set up in other states, pointed out that members of the team have undergone training on crisis management and ways to mitigate religious conflicts.

Also speaking, Chairman, Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Kunle Sanni, who is also a national Co-Chairman of Interfaith Dialogue Forum and Oyo State President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju appealed to residents of Oyo State to shun religious differences as no religion supports violence.

The inauguration of the Oyo State Interfaith Dialogue Team was held symbolically at the state secretariat of CAN, Ijokodo and the secretariat of Muslim Ummah Southwest, MUSWEN, Iwo Road.

Olaolu Fawole

Religion

Military need to be better equipped to succeed – Gov. Akeredolu

By Web News 598

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has called for better equipment for the military to succeed in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other crimes in the country.

Governor Akeredolu gave the advice at the commemoration of the 2021 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration, held at St. Benedict Military Catholic Church, Owena Cantonment Nigerian Army, Ondo Road, Akure.

The governor also recommended multi-level policing system to secure the country, noting that the issue of state policing had become more necessary than ever.

Mr Akeredolu however lauded the military’s counter-terrorism efforts aimed at ridding the country and the state of criminal elements particularly the kidnappers.

The governor who requested for synergy among security agencies, also implored Nigerians to pray and empathise with the widows and dependents of the fallen heroes.

In a remark, the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Zakare Abubakar appreciated the commitment of Ondo State government to the 32 Artillery Brigade, soldiers, widows and dependents of the fallen heroes.

Olorunferanmi Odofin

Religion

Ogun Marks Armed Forces Remembrance Day with Jumat Service

By Web News 760

Activities to celebrate the  2021 Armed Forces and Femembrance Day in Ogun State have commenced with Jumat Service where Muslim faithful gathered at Egba Central Mosque Kobiti Abeokuta to acknowledge the selfless contributions of the fallen heroes in keeping Nigeria together and in peace.

Governor Dapo Abiodun at the special Jumat service stated that the people of the state would continue to appreciate efforts of the fallen Heroes by supporting their families.

Correspondent wale Oluokun was there for Radio Nigeria.

Religion

Clerics Tasks Government on Justice Administration, Need of Masses

By Web News 808

Christian worshipers in Ibadan took their time to intercede for Nigeria and its leaders in the New Year service attended by gorgeously dressed members

Radio Nigeria correspondent, who monitored the situation reports that the worshippers, who appreciated God for witnessing first Sunday of the year, also prayed for an end to corona virus pandemic to avoid a repeat of 2020 socio economic crises.

 In an interview, the Presbyter, Methodist Church Nigeria, Bodija, The Very Reverend Ebenezer Oluwatoba called on government to administer justice and restructure the country in order to realize the desired development.

He also advised government to urgently put an end the security crises affecting the country.

Speaking in the same vein, the pastor in charge of the Gospel Faith Mission International, Solution Arena, Agbowo, Ibadan Pastor Daniel Jimoh, enjoined government to be responsive to the need of the masses to ensure relative peace in the country.

Pastor Jimoh also stressed the need for Christians in the country to eschew evil and rededicate themselves to God in the New Year

In a sermon, the cleric in charge of Mountain of Grace and Victory Ministry, Felele, Ibadan, Pastor John Goody urged Christians to imbibe the habit of giving to mankind in 2021 for greater breakthrough.

Rotimi Famakin

Religion

New Year: Clerics Urge Nigerians to be Optimistic

By Web News 837

Nigeria could overcome its numerous challenges with the fear of God and attitudinal changes.

The Vicar, Saint Anne’s Anglican Church, Molete, Ibadan, The Venerable Adewale Sanda, expressed this optimism in an interview with Radio Nigeria.

Venerable Sanda explained that bloodshed, kidnappings, social unrest and which characterize 2020 were wake-up call for pragmatic and honest leadership across board.

The clergy admonished Nigerians to draw close to God and shun evil vices.

Venerable Sanda prayed  that 2021 hold better things for the nation.

Similarly, Rev Emmanuel Olubiyi of Assemblies of God Church, Apata, has assured that the year 2021 will be more productive than previous years.

Rev Emmanuel Olubiyi gave the assurance in a sermon at the cross over night.

The cleric while speaking on the topic “The Time of Your Miracle is not over” said the New Year was open for abundance of God’s blessings.

He said God was willing to embark on a positive re-write of human’s story, hence the need for mankind to seek Him diligently.

Rev Olubiyi urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to God in order to recover all they lost in 2020

In a related development, Radio Nigeria correspondent reports that worship centres in Ibadan witnessed unprecedented large turnout of worshippers who were in high spirit to cross over to year 2021.

The worshippers not only sang and danced, but also appreciated God for witnessing the first day of the New Year after surviving hurdles of ENDSARS protest, COVID 19, and the prolonged ASUU strike in the out-gone year.

At Christ Apostolic Church, Baptists Church, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Catholic church and the Gospel Faith Mission International, GOFAMINT, in Agbowo, some worshipers were either in the mood of praises or prayers to rusher in 2021. 

In an interview, the pastor in charge, CAC Power of the Cross, Orogun, Joshua aghene and pastor in charge of region eleven of GOFAMINT Ademola Akangbe  appealed to government to be more truthful, address security crises in the country and implement people oriented policies in 2021.

Adelowo/Famakin/Obagbayegun

Religion

Oyo Govt. Permits Crossover Services to Hold

By Web News 758

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has directed that religious centres be allowed to hold crossover worship services only in strict compliance with COVID-19 protocol.

The Technical Team of the Task Force on COVID-19 had earlier stated that it was ruling out the crossover services in view of the 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. curfew imposed by the Federal Government

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, however, warns that worship centres must adhere strictly to the advisories and guidelines put in place to prevent the spread of the virus in the state.

The statement says officials of the State’s Task Force on Covid-19 will ensure strict compliance to the guidelines and advisories during the yuletide and after.

According to the statement, the governor gave the directives in a brief endorsed by the chairman of the Technical Team of the COVID-19 Task Force, Prof. Temitope Alonge, which reviewed the earlier pronouncement of the Technical Team and lifted the curfew.

It adds that other advisories earlier released by the Task Force, including the directive of 50 per cent occupancy for worship and event centres, ban of street carnivals and others, remain in effect.

Iyabo Adebisi

Religion

Covid-19 Resurgence: Ogun Bans Crossover Services

By Web News 712

Ogun State Government has banned crossover services to usher in the New Year in all worship centres across the state.

The state Commissioner for information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Odusile announced this while speaking with Radio Nigeria in Abeokuta.

Alhaji Odusile, who said that the decision was made following a meeting government had with religious leaders in the state, urged all worshipers to adhere to the stay-at-home order or make use of the social media platforms for their services.

While pointing out that the state government had also suspended street carnivals and parties in the state, the Commissioner called for restraints during the New Year celebration.

Bolanle Adesida

Religion

Ogun Assembly Passes 2021 Appropriation Bill

By Web News 689

The Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, has passed the Ogun State Appropriation Bill 2021 of 338.6 billion naira with slight adjustments in the recurrent and capital expenditures.

The unanimous passage of the bill followed the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation chaired by Mr Olakunle Sobunkanla, who later moved the motion for its adoption, and supported by the whole House through a voice vote.

The adjustment affected the total recurrent estimate which moved from 141.7billion naira to 146.5billion naira giving over 4.779billion naira difference, while capital expenditure was reduced from 176.6 billion naira to 171.898 billion naira, giving a total reduction of over 4.779billion naira.

On revenue side, the new revenue projection now put at 121.8 billion naira as against the initial 119billion naira, giving a difference of over 2.6billion naira, just as capital receipt was also slashed from the initial 142billion naira to 139.5billion naira resulting in a 2.6 billion naira decrease.  

Responding, OGHA Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo directed that the clean copy of the bill be sent to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his assent.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Religion

Last Sunday: Churches Experience Large Turnout Of Worshippers

By Web News 707

Many Churches in Ibadan experienced a large turnout of worshippers who were full of praises for witnessing the last Sunday of the year.

Our correspondent who monitored the situation in Ibadan reports that the worshippers not only sang and danced, but also appreciated God for surviving hurdles of the #EndSARS protest, COVID-19, and the prolonged ASUU strike. 

At the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Imole, Molete Baptist Church, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Agbowo, Saint Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola and the Gospel Faith Mission International, GOFAMINT, Agbowo, members expressed gratitude to God for overcoming numerous challenges during the course of the year.

The situation was the same at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Ekotedo Dugbe, Ibadan.

In an interview, the District Coordinating Council Superintendent, CAC, Oke Imole, Pastor Adebiyi Adams and pastor-in-charge of Region Eleven of GOFAMINT, Pastor Ademola Akangbe said 2020 was a turbulent year and appealed to government to be more truthful and implement people-oriented policies in 2021.

Rotimi Famakin

Religion

Clerics Charge Government On Improved Security

By Web News 1150

As Christians in Nigeria join the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s Christmas, clerics in Ibadan have called on government at all levels to address economic and security crises affecting the development of the country.

They made the call in their separate sermons during church services to mark the day.

Adedayo Adelowo has the details.

Adedayo Adelowo

Religion

One of the hallmarks of true Christianity is generosity – Pastor Adepeko

By Web News 873

Pastor Joseph Adepeko of The blood of Jesus Apostolic Church Worldwide, Oke Itunu, Ibadan, has stressed the need for Christians to give more to the less-privileged around them.

Pastor Adepeko said this during the Christmas service of the church.

According to the cleric, Christians must render praises to God by sharing food items and gifts to those who are in need.

He enjoined Christians to be modest in their celebration. 

Also, the Pastor in charge of Mount Horeb Anointed Church of Christ, Sango, Ibadan, Pastor Mathew Adebisi, has advised Christians to always celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at all times

Pastor Adebisi said as Christians, the birth of Jesus Christ which symbolises love, care and the spirit of giving must be showcased in their daily activities, not only during Christmas.

Pastor Adebisi advised Nigerians to observe all COVID-19 protocols as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Olaolu Fawole

Religion

Always be grateful for your life – Bishop Abegunrin

By Web News 1165

Nigerians are enjoined to always appreciate God despite the threat of the Coronavirus currently ravaging the world.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria the Diocesan Bishop, St Mary’s Cathedral, Oke Padre, Ogunpa, Ibadan, Most Reverend Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin made this known in his Christmas message.

Archbishop Abegunrin encouraged Nigerians to not only make demands while praying but always be thankful to God for being alive.

The Archbishop urged Nigerians to take responsibility by working toward the progress and peace of the country.

Funmilola Obagbayegun

Religion

Demonstrate the spirit of brotherliness – Gov. Makinde

By Web News 624

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has congratulated Christians in the state on the occasion of the 2020 Christmas, calling on them to use the opportunity of the season to pray for the state and its leadership.
In a Christmas message signed by his Chief Press Secretary,Mr Taiwo Adisa, the governor equally urged Christians across the country to emulate Jesus Christ, who, according to him, is the reason for the season, by showing love to others, living in harmony with their neighbours and demonstrating the spirit of brotherliness.
Governor Makinde also warned everyone to continue to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 guidelines as they go about celebrating Christmas.


Iyabo Adebisi

General Superintendent Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, Pastor James Onagwa
Religion

Understand The Real Reason For Christmas – Pastor Onagwa

By Web News 1447

General Superintendent Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, Pastor James Onagwa wants Christians to celebrate Christmas in a way that will not defeat its purpose for the significance of the period to have impart in their lives.

Pastor Onagwa who stated this while speaking on this year’s Christmas Celebration noted that many people were ignorantly celebrating Christmas forgetting the purpose of the celebration.

He observed that many people had turned Christmas celebration to the period they would eat, drink, fornicate and commit other forms of sin all in the name of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. 

He said “When Jesus was born, the wise men came to him, only those who were wise, and they came to celebrate Jesus, but it is a pity today that while some were celebrating Jesus, others were celebrating “Mas”, You see people who are celebrating the birth of Jesus, drinking, smoking clubbing, camping other people’s wives in hotel, who felt they must celebrate the birth of the Saviour with sin, which is very very contrary to the purpose Jesus came for”. 

He explained that anybody that would celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ must follow the footsteps of the wise men who came to worship him. “Those who are celebrating Christmas with sin are not regarded as wise, the wise one were those who come together to worship Jesus, when you see people coming together for Bible teaching, Seminar Revival prayer and others, those are the people who are wise who are really seeking Jesus, not people go about drinking beer, organizing carnivals, and other immoral party.”

The CAC General Superintendent therefore appealed to Christians to use the period to know more about Christ and the purpose of his coming to the world, “the best to celebrate Christmas is to come together to acknowledge what he has done, and wanting to know Christ, how to please him more, how to serve him more, and how to follow him more.

Pastor Onagwa also urged church leaders to make sure that Christmas period is used to bring people to Christ and establish their faith.

Sunday Ogunyemi