Religion

Cleric Proffers Solution to Marriage Collapse

By Web News 994 3

An Islamic scholar, Ustaz Sa’eed AbdurRauf says many marriages collapse these days because the foundations are not based on the fear of Allah.

He stated this in Ibadan at a Public Lecture organised by Oyo District of The Criterion, an association of Muslim women in business and the professions.

Ustaz AbdurRauf said misunderstanding is normal in marriages but if the relationships had been built on the fear of Allah, it would not escalate to the point of collapse rather it would be managed.

“We should build our relationship on the fear of Allah. If the couple have the fear of Allah, every other thing will be in order. They should worship Allah together, they should live in peace for the sake of Allah and they should love each other for the sake of Allah”.

The Islamic scholar listed factors responsible for collapsed marriages to include marital finance, polygamy, and lack of romance as marriages grow.

“Marital finance is usually caused by the husband’s inability to provide for home because when a man is incapable, this creates a lot of problems at home and it becomes worse if the woman is the one providing for the home”.

“In the Muslim circle, there is another one that has to do with polygamy. I think it’s the right time that women try to live with polygamy. Man is polygamous animal, there is nothing we can do about it”.

“Another problem is the issue of romance. Some believe that when a woman is growing old that she should be deprived of romance, which is virtually wrong. We as Muslims we believe that from the commencement of the marriage till the end of the relationship when either of the couple dies romance should always be exciting in the home front”.

Earlier, the Amirah of The Criterion, Alhaja Falilat Olatunji said the lecture was organised to address how marriages could survive stressing that misunderstanding is a natural phenomenon which should not degenerate into a separation of couples.

“In Criterion, we hold passion in the family being a strong unit in the society because what comes out of it will affect the larger society.

The target is to make home a perfect or near-perfect one so that what comes out of such a relationship will be based on love, harmony and service to Allah. We are tired of collapsed marriages all because of little misunderstandings”

Members of the men wing of the Association “The Companion” led by the Amir, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Raji were also in attendance.

 The theme of the lecture is “Resolving the Challenges of Modern Day Muslim Marriages”.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Coronavirus: NAHCON Announces Refund of Umrah Visa Fees

By Web News 869

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently released a circular informing the general public of its resolve to refund Umrah visa fees and other service charges.

This is sequel to suspension of lesser Hajj activities by the Kingdom’s authorities as a measure towards halting the spread of COVID-19 infection.

The circular indicated that an electronic method for refunding Umrah visa applicants through their local agents has been prepared for processing of the payments.

Therefore it urges those with legitimate claims to contact their travel agents for retrieval of their dues.

In view of the above, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON urges those who have paid for the Umrah through Licensed Tour Operators to keep in touch with their operators for collection of their monies when released by the Kingdom.

The Commission further urges those who subsequently encounter problems collecting their refunds to lodge complaints with the Commission through post to NAHCON’s Commissioner Operations through Head, Inspectorate and Compliance, Zakariya Maimalari Street, Hajj House, Abuja or by physical appearance at the Hajj House, NAHCON headquarters.

All claims must be accompanied with valid documents and evidence of transaction with the registered operator. 

It would be recalled that the Commission has always cautioned Umrah hopefuls to transact directly with only tour operators dully registered with the Commission in case of breach of contract or similar situations that may warrant recovery of funds.

Similarly, the Commission encourages intending pilgrims whether for Umrah or Hajj under private arrangements to sign agreements on the types of package they are paying for.

This package should indicate the category of services being paid for and other terms and conditions of engagement.  

NAHCON is a regulator committed to protecting the rights of its stakeholders, whether the customer or the service providers/operators. 

For enquiries, please contact the phone lines given below:

Inspectorate and Compliance, NAHCON: 08033826429

Visa and Consular Section, NAHCON: 07033701605

Fatima Sanda Usara,

Head, Public Affairs,

NAHCON For Chairman/CEO

News Religion

Clerics Explain Significance of Ash Wednesday

By Web News 887

Ash Wednesday signifies the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of adherents as a sign of mourning and repentance.                          

The ashes used are typically gathered from the burnt leaves of the previous year’s Palm Sunday.                                    

Christian clerics in Osun State told Radio Nigeria that Christians should make peace, helping the needy and draw closer to God during the Lenten period.  

Her report.

Zion Oyelade

Religion

The Significance of Ash Wednesday

By Web News 1194

Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day of prayer and fasting which falls on the first day of Lent, the six weeks of penitence before Easter.

It was the practice in Rome for penitents to begin their period of public penance on the first day of Lent in preparation for their restoration to the sacrament of the Eucharist.

They were sprinkled with ashes, dressed in sackcloth, and obliged to remain apart until they were reconciled with the Christian community on Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter.

When believers come forward to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, it signifies that they are sorry for their sins

They want to use the season of lent to correct their faults, purify their hearts, control their desires and grow in holiness so that the believers will be prepared to celebrate Easter with great joy.

With this focus on the believers’ mortality and sinfulness, Christians can enter into the Lenten season solemnly, while also looking forward in greater anticipation and joy of the message of Easter and Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and death.

Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God and it marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season, it is commonly observed with fasting.

The beginning of the penitential season of lent was symbolised by placing ashes on the heads of the entire congregation.

In the modern Roman Catholic Church, the ashes obtained by burning the palms used on the previous Palm Sunday are applied in the shape of a cross on the forehead of each worshiper on Ash Wednesday which is an obligatory day of fasting and abstinence.

Although, Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, it is traditionally one of the most heavily attended non-Sunday masses of the liturgical year.

Worship services are also held on Ash Wednesday in Anglican and some other protestant churches.

Ash Wednesday is important because it marks the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter, when Christians believe Jesus was resurrected.

The ashes symbolise both death and repentance.

During this period, Christians show repentance and mourning for their sins, because they believe Christ died for them.

As an important religious observance in the Christian world, Lent is the season to observe and commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God, the Saviour and Redeemer.

It is an opportune time to reflect on what it means to be a follower of Christ.

Ash Wednesday starts the Lent by focusing the Christian’s heart on repentance and prayer, usually through personal and communal confession.

Lent is a forty day season, Sundays not usually counted as there are no fasting on Sundays, marked by repentance, fasting, reflection and ultimately celebration.

As Christians begin Ash Wednesday today, it is necessary that the three pillars of Lent should be paramount in the mind of Nigerians namely fasting, alms giving and prayers.

Through fasting, the power to overcome all temptations is showcased while alms giving connotes that the less privileged individuals benefit from the resources of the rich.

Morenike Tony-Esan

Religion

Pursue perfection in all you do – Pastor Alloh

By Web News 937

Christians have been advised to be perfect in their ways, as the Lord commanded.

One of the Assistant Pastors, Foursquare Gospel Church, Bodija Ibadan, Pastor Olaitan Alloh gave the advice during his Sunday sermon.

Pastor Alloh who noted that, if the world was filled with holiness, the devil’s work would be destroyed, hence the need for Christians to be good examples and also let their conversations be seasoned with salt at all times.

Pastor Alloh, however, urged every believer to ensure full commitment to the things of God, in other to enjoy an inheritance in heaven after their lifetime.

Taiwo Akinola

Religion

MMPN hails Appointment of New NAHCON Chairman

By Web News 1143

 … Urges him to address hajj challenges

The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has described the appointment of Alhaji Dhikrullah Olakunle Hassan as the new Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as apt.

In a congratulatory message to the new Chairman which was signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun and Tajudeen Adebanjo, National President and National Secretary respectively, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing a Muslim from the South West, to head the Commission.

The apex Muslim body for Media Practitioners in the country said that Hassan’s appointment by Mr. President is a demonstration of our belief in Mr. President’s detribalised nature.

“We have no doubt that Hassan’s appointment is a square peg in a square hole going by his achievements as the helmsman of the Osun State Muslim Pilgrims Board for eight years.”

Besides, Hassan is an erudite scholar with wider acceptability and one of the contemporary scholars whose views on topical issues are in tandem with the Quran and Sunnah.

“We believe that he will live up to the expectations of millions of Nigerian Muslims and surpasses the achievements of his predecessors in office.

“We are not unaware of the landmark successes recorded by immediate past Chairman, Abdullah Mukhtar.

“We urge Hassan to improve on them and fine-tune the hajj process with the support of other members of the Commission,” MMPN advised.

As the watchdog of the society, MMPN implored the new NAHCON Chairman to see how hajj could be brought to the level of commoners, whose financial predicament is a big stumbling block to their desire of performing the last pillar of Islam by seeing to the reduction in Hajj fares.

“We also want the Chairman to look into the man-hours lost boarding of flights to and from Saudi Arabia. The reduction of that time is achievable as being practised by the private hajj operators and other Nationals.

Similarly, the issue of accommodation in Madinah and Makkah needs to be seriously looked into. Many Nigerians still live at houses far from Masjid Haram, especially in Makkah. This deprived them in observing five daily prayers in Masjid Haram and engages in Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Ka’aba) as many times as they wish and also denied them of some facilities.

As said that data is life, many pilgrims do spend their BTA to buy data instead of using it for other meaningful things.

Meal is another big challenge for pilgrims especially in Madinah, Muna, and Arafat where NAHCON is in charge of providing meals for all the pilgrims.

“Mr. Chairman, kindly take cognisance of diverse tribe going for hajj, hence choice of meals should not be generalised.

‘Those who get the contracts of providing the meal must take note of what certain tribe loves to eat and provide it instead of one-type-of-meal fits all. 

MMPN assured the new chairman of partnering with the commission in other areas such as media awareness and advocacy and hajj logistics geared towards improving hajj services in Nigeria. 

Signed

Abdur-Rahman Balogun

National President (08052729751)

Tajudeen Adebanjo

National Secretary (08034693984)

Religion

Insecurity: CAN President Wants Government to Do More

By Web News 1063 Post a comment

Government has been called upon to stop insecurity and killings that have become rampant in Nigeria.

President, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Reverend Supo Ayokunle stated this at a rally staged at Oritamefa Baptist Church, Ibadan.

CAN President, Reverend Supo Ayokunle (centre front) and other members of Oritamefa Baptist Church during the protest

Reverend Ayokunle who vehemently condemned social vices in the society appealed to the government to rise up to challenges bedeviling the nation.

Pastor in charge, Oritamefa Baptist Church, Reverend Remi Awopegba said the congregation had to join their counterparts across the country to stage the peaceful protest as it is affecting everyone including Christians.

Reverend Awopegba urged Christians to continue to pray for peace and live in harmony with everyone.

Lillian Ibomor

Religion

Religious Tolerance is Crucial for National Development – Muslim Women

By Web News 865

The need to promote the use of hijab by Muslim women and peaceful coexistence among adherents of different religions formed the focus of a day rally and lecture to commemorate World Hijab Day in Ibadan.

The programme organised by Concerned Muslim Women in Oyo State had in attendance representatives of NASFAT, FOMWAN, MSSN, and the Oyo State Muslim Community.

In their separate remarks, the Zonal Women Affairs Secretary of NASFAT in Oyo State, Alhaja Aminat Ahmed and the state president of FOMWAN, Dr. Bushra Oloso said numerous benefits were associated with the use of hijab and appealed to corporate organizations and institutions to permit Muslim women to use the attire.

While speaking on the theme of this year’s Hijab Day, “Unity in Diversity”, Sister Augustina Offor from the Justice, Development, and Peace Commission, JDPC and a lecturer at the department of Arabic And Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan,  Dr. Abibat Oladosu said failure to embrace religious tolerance in Nigeria had given rise to conflict and underdevelopment.

Some of the participants at the rally, which commenced at Oje Market and terminated at Bashorun area of Ibadan include Ibadanland Women Affairs Secretary of NASFAT, Alhaja Taibat Adeyanju and head of ICT department, Radio Nigeria, Ibadan, Alhaja Wasilat Salami.

Rotimi Famakin

Religion

Radio Nigeria Ibadan Christian Fellowship Holds New Year Praise

By Web News 1725

Studio One, Radio Nigeria, Oba Adebimpe Road, Ibadan today was a scene of swarms of sonorous melodies amidst dance steps.

The event was New Year Praise organized by the Christian Fellowship of Radio Nigeria Ibadan.

In his address of welcome, the President, FRCN Christian Fellowship, Pastor Taiwo Sowande, expressed gratitude to God for his goodness. According to him, God had been benevolent, hence the adoption of the theme ‘Dependable God’ for the programme. He also appreciated members of the fellowship for their continuous support.

Deputy Director Marketing, Radio Nigeria Ibadan, MrS. Bolanle Owoyemi, who represented Zonal Director, Radio Nigeria Ibadan, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, said there was every reason to praise God considering the challenges He had been helping the station to surmount.

Mrs. Owoyemi also appreciated the support FRCN Christian Fellowship always received from Alhaji Mohammed Bello, who always spared time to be at such special programme.

There were renditions from FRCN Fellowship Choir, BCOS Choir, Okiki Eledumare, Mabel TM Anointing, NTA Ibadan Choir and Oore OfeJesu Sax.

The highlight of the event was the cutting of the 11th-anniversary cake of FRCN Ibadan Christian Fellowship.

The event witnessed the presence of Deputy Director News, Radio Nigeria Ibadan, Pastor Dare Olorunfemi, past executives of the fellowship Reverend David Ogwu and Mrs. Abba Abimbolu.

Simeon Ugbodovon

Religion

Rely Only on God – Reverend Akinlade

By Web News 841

Christians have been advised to depend solely on God always.

The Senior Pastor, Foursquare Gospel Church, Bodija, Ibadan, Reverend Williams Akinlade gave the advice during sermon.

Reverend Akinlade noted that, casting all of one’s burdens on God, would give strength to overcome challenges of life.

The cleric however urged Nigerians to draw closer to God and pray for the nation’s growth at all times.

Taiwo Akinola

Religion

Clerics Task Politicians in Ekiti on Selfless Service

By Web News 811

Political office holders have been urged to rule with the fear of God and embrace selfless service to enable the electorate to feel their impact at all levels of government.

Pastor Goke Kuti of Redeemed Christian Church of God Life Fountain Cathedral gave the advised at the inter-denominational service organised by Ekiti State Government to usher in the New Year.

Pastor Kuti, who noted that politics should be seen as an avenue to serve and not to amass wealth, called on them to always be accountable to the people.

Also, the Chief Missioner of Ansaru Deen, Abdulsalam Babatunde, urged politicians to allow God to direct their affairs to make them achieve good result in office.

He emphasised the need for the people to always give thanks to God irrespective of their challenges.

In a remark, Governor Kayode Fayemi said the state experienced breakthrough last year despite socio economic challenges.

The governor said the successes recorded in the state were possible through the prayers of the people.

Prayers were offered by some religious leaders for sustenance of peace and progress in the state.

Tope Bamidele

Religion

Messages of Hope as Christians Mark First Sunday

By Web News 858

Messages of hope and better things to come dominated the sermons in some of the churches visited in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital during the first Sunday service this year.

Congregants, who were dressed in beautiful and colourful attires, danced and rejoiced in appreciation to God for witnessing the first Sunday in the New Year.

At the World Outreach Revival Centre, Adegbayi, New Ife Road, Ibadan, minister in charge of the church, Dr. Peter Akanji, said Nigerians must obey God to continue to enjoy his blessing to the maximum this year.

Dr. Akanji, who believed that prayer was one of his commandments, gave assurance that with prayers, perseverance and right decision, the country would get to her haven of rest.

Some of the members appreciated God for the privilege of being alive.

At the Foursquare Gospel Church, Bodija, Ibadan, Senior Pastor, Reverend Williams Akinlade admonished Christians on total dependence on God.

Reverend Emmanuel Olubiyi of Assemblies Church, Apata, Ibadan, advised Christians to go the extra mile for the sake of the gospel in 2020.

Reading from 1 Corinthians 9:23, the cleric explained that going the extra mile in the service to God, forgiveness and generosity would bring many goodies in the year.

At the Union Baptist Church, Salvation Army, Oke Padre, Ibadan, Reverend Jonathan Babalola pointed out that the only way to repay God for his goodness was through thanksgiving.

On his part, President, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Reverend Samson Ayokunle, called on all stakeholders to support the government on the closure of Nigeria’s border to enhance the nation’s economy and security.

 Reverend Jonathan Babalola of Union Baptist Church, Salvation Army, Oke Padre Ibadan stated this at the first Sunday thanksgiving service.

The cleric stressed that the only way to repay God of his goodness is through thanksgiving, which invariably opens opportunity for further blessings from the Almighty.

The event witnessed sundry rendition from the church choir.

Religion

New Year: Seek the Face of God More – Clerics

By Web News 965

Nigerians have been advised to seek divine intervention to reclaim everything they have lost in previous years. 

A Christian cleric, Reverend Emmanuel Olubiyi made the call in a sermon at the crossover service held at Assemblies of God Church, Apata, Ibadan.

Reverend Olubiyi explained that in an attempt to reclaim the lost glory, Nigerians should give their lives to Christ and follow his commandments. 

He explained that peace, love and harmony could only be achieved with the help of God. 

The cleric encouraged the nation to also seek the face of the Lord to restore the lost glory of the land once filled with milk and honey.

Adedayo Adelowo

Christians have been urged to stay connected to God in other to do exploit in their endeavours in the year 2020.

Senior Pastor, Global Harvest Church, Outer Ring Road Church, Apata,  Ibadan, Pastor Jonny Faleye gave the charge during watch night service.

Pastor Faleye who noted that, if God’s instructions were strictly adhered to, lines will fall in pleasant places naturally.

The cleric, from the topic “Soaring High” said that, Christians should not relent in praying for themselves and the nation at large, to attain greater heights, in the New Year.

Taiwo Akinola

Christians have been advised to face the New Year with a determination to correct all the ills in the nation as individuals.

Reverend Olusegun John of the Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA Church, Challenge, Ibadan stated this in a crossover message.

Reverend John charged Christians to all be agents of change in the society.
He however called for concerted efforts at tackling corruption.

Also speaking, the Assistant Priest, Saint Annes Church, Molete, Ibadan, Venerable Adewale Sanda has called on Christians to walk with God in the New Year, to enjoy his dominion.

The cleric urged Nigerians to do things right, restrategise, and depend solely on God for all round sufficiency.

Venerable Sanda, who said the foundation of every house will determine the load it would carry, assured people that God is in charge always.

Part of the activities of the New Year service include, Bible reading, and congregational song, rendered by the members of the church.

Members of the congregation also used the occasion to pray for national peace, unity, and progress.

Rotimi Famakin

Religion

Religious Leaders in Ekiti Charge Nigerians on Living a Life of Discipline

By Web News 746

Challenges in 2019 should be a trigger for governments, political leaders and all Nigerians to live a life of discipline and synergize to ensure bumper harvest and peace across the country.

This formed part of the messages of various religious leaders in Ekiti State at crossover services to usher in the year 2020.

Radio Nigeria correspondent in Ado-Ekiti, Oriola Afolabi has more on the story.

Oriola Afolabi

Religion

PMB Felicitates with Nigerians on Christmas

By Web News 892

President Muhammadu Buhari has enjoined Nigerians to imbibe and demonstrate the essence of Christmas to facilitate peaceful co-existence, which will in turn usher in progress.

In a message, President Buhari said love; goodwill among ethnic groups; giving and sharing; strengthening bonds of brotherhood and good neighbourliness; would promote and sustain unity and development.

He said celebrating the spirit and virtues of Christmas need not be a one-day affair, but to continue into the New Year.

He appealed to those, whose actions are opposed to what the season represents, especially, insurgents, terrorists, armed robbers, kidnappers and economic saboteurs, to retrace their steps and join people of goodwill and common humanity.

He warnsed that the armed forces, security and law-enforcement agencies were poised to confront and defeat them.

While it is gladdening to note that incidents of violence and conflicts have reduced drastically owing to the several operations embarked on by security agencies, Nigerians must not let their guards down, he said.

The President said as Christmas indicates good tidings of hope and redemption, “Nigerians can look forward to a turnaround in the administration’s priority areas of fighting corruption, providing security, economic diversification, job creation and infrastructure upgrade.”

He called on Christians to remember to pray for members of the armed forces and other security agencies “who are making so much sacrifice to protect Nigerians from people of evil intent.”

He says Nigerians should extend love to the families of those whose bread-winners have made the ultimate sacrifice while defending their fatherland.

The President appealed to motorists to drive with care this festive season, while road safety and security officials should ensure compliance with safety measures.

Abdullah Bello

Religion

Xmas: Clerics Call for Humility, Moderation

By Web News 912

The world is globally celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ known as Christmas, first, with services across the churches.

Radio Nigeria crew of reporters went round some churches in Ibadan to gather different messages on the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ. 

At Assemblies of God Church, Apata, Ibadan members dressed gorgeously in different attires to celebrate the birth of Christ. In a sermon Reverend Emmanuel Olubiyi while highlighting reasons for Christmas celebration, said Christ’s birth brought salvation  to mankind. 

Rev Olubiyi, who explained that Christmas symbolized freedom from judgment and death, maintained that Christ brought hope of eternity. 

He encouraged Christians to be moderate in their celebration.

Assisting Priest, Canon Babatunde Memorial Anglican Church, Apata Ibadan, Reverend Segun Agunbiade admonished Christians be humble in in their conduct as revealed in the birth of Jesus Christ.

The cleric advised Christians to emulate the humility of Jesus Christ during this Christmas season and beyond.

In a Xmas sermon, Venerable Adewale Sanda of Saint Annes Anglican Church Molete Ibadan called for attitudinal change. According to him,

many social vices in the country can be avoided if Nigerians imbibe the virtue and teaching of Christ.

Members of the congregation, who spoke with Radio Nigeria reporter, said the essence of the teachings was becoming more pronounced on yearly basis.

Adelowo/Akinlosotu/Akinola

Religion

Xmas: Let us Imbibe Christ’s Virtue – Gov. Makinde

By Web News 800 Post a comment

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has urged Christians, residents of Oyo State and Nigerians in general to ensure they live in peace and harmony in the spirit of Christmas.

A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa urges Christians to imbibe the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose birth is being celebrated at Christmas.

Governor Makinde said that every resident and indigenes of Oyo State needed to imbibe harmonious coexistence to engender development in the state and Nigeria generally.

The statement encourages Nigerians to reflect on the need to assist the needy as the world celebrate Christmas with family, friends and loved ones.

 Governor Makinde also warned against religious bigotry, declaring that only gullible persons use religion to divide the people.

“I would want our people to live in peace and harmony because development only thrives in an environment where peace reigns.

“Jesus Christ, whom we are celebrating today came to the world and loved his enemies. He preached peace everywhere he went, his lifestyle is worthy of emulation by our people, especially now that certain forces are seeking to divide our people along religious lines.

“I want our people to know that poverty, squalor, and lack know no religion or ethnicity. If those divisive elements come to you, tell them to find other things to do because our unity would remain our source of strength.

“As we look forward towards a prosperous 2020, let us all love our neighbours and brothers like ourselves, let us pray that the Almighty would touch the hearts of some persons who take joy in inflicting pains on the hapless common man. God urges us to be our brothers’ keeper and the least we are expected to do is to show care, love, and compassion and as we live in peace and harmony, our society would be better for it.”

 Iyabo Adebisi

Religion

OSHA Holds 2019 Nine Lessons and Carols

By Web News 850

Nigerians have been urged to be their brother’s keeper and live in peaceful coexistence in the spirit of Christmas.

The Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye made the call during the Assembly Carol of nine lesson & Praise Night tagged “Xpression 01” in Oshogbo.

Mr. Owoeye maintained that the essence of the birth of Jesus Christ was borne out of God’s love for mankind to save them from eternal destruction.

He therefore advised the people to celebrate the love of God and not be carried away by the jamboree of Christmas celebration.

In his remark, the Osun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola commended the Legislators for their support for the state government through their legislative activities.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, the Governor assured the people of Osun State of more developmental projects in 2020.

Also speaking, the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Funminiyi Afuye who lauded the Osun Assembly for putting God first in all they do through the vigil of praise noted that God will always be available to make them legislate well.

Mr. Afuye said he would also replicate the night of praise programme at the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

The Carol & Night of Praise featured reading of nine lessons, song ministrations from invited choirs and gospel artistes while government functionaries, past lawmakers, ministers of God were also present at the programme which ended in the early hours of today.

Funmi Adekoya

Religion

Those seeking to divide Oyo people with religion will fail- Makinde

By Web News 736

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, says those seeking to divide the people of the state though religion should find other jobs to do.

Governor Makinde, who stated this while addressing the congregation at the St Paul Anglican Church, Yemetu, Ibadan, during the 80th thanksgiving service for his mother, Mrs. Abigael Makinde, said that the state is too interconnected to be divided along religious lines.

 A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, states that some religious activists who are seeking to divide Oyo people along religious lines will not succeed as every home in the state has a full complement of both religions.

The governor while noting that it was evident that some people do not want the present government to succeed appreciated God and promising that his government would continue to serve the state.

Earlier, a cleric, the Venerable Reverend, Dr. Samuel Osungbeju, urged leaders to serve well so as to receive the reward of God.

Reverend Dr. Osungbeju who added that the actions and policies of the government of Engineer Makinde were being well received by the people urging the governor not to relent in doing good.

Iyabo Adebisi

Religion

Eid-el-Maolud: MMPN Calls for Peaceful Coexistence

By Web News 1088

As Muslims join in marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad, they have been urged to continue to live with others peacefully.

This was contained in a statement in Ibadan by Chairman, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, Oyo State Chapter,  Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi on the occasion of this year’s Maolud Nabiyy.

Alhaji Fasasi emphasized that peaceful co – existence is part of Islamic ethics as Prophet Muhammad as a leader in Medinah did not only live peacefully with others but was just to them irrespective of different tribal and religious affiliations. 

He said one of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad is good neighbourhood as neighbours remained the closest ally and being kind to them would bring about harmonious living.

The MMPN Chairman noted that the message brought to mankind by the Holy Prophet is Islam which means peace, stressing that no adherent of the religion should therefore be found in any act or action that would threaten peace and stability of anyone.

Alhaji Fasasi explained that if Nigerian leaders emulate the virtues of Prophet Muhammad which include honesty, selfless service, love, kindness, equality, fairness and above all, God’s consciousness, the country would have been among the comity of developed nations.

He enjoined leaders in the country  to invest in righteous deeds at all times and fear a day when they would be called to question on their stewardship by the Almighty Allah as there would no longer be any respite regarding their judgments.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

All Saints’ Church Celebrates 60 in Grand Style

By Web News 1466

The one week activities marking the sixtieth anniversary of the All Saints’ Church, Jericho Ibadan has ended in grand style with a special service to Thank God for His grace throughout the sixty years. 

Members and well-wishers could not hide their joy as they dressed in beautiful traditional attires, danced before God in recognition for His divine presence and grace to achieve giant strides since the inception of the church. 

Special guest on the occasion, Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde used the occasion to reiterate his commitment to sustaining the free and qualitative education policy of his administration.

Engineer Makinde who said he would not be discouraged with challenges the present administration might encounter, solicited continued support and prayers of the people of the state to surmount these challenges. 

Earlier in a sermon, Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa challenged the leadership and members of All Saint Church to be heavenly conscious, dedicated to true worship of God, and make judicious use of its youths in the service of God. 

 All Saints’ Church, Jericho 60th anniversary service, featured hymnal renditions, prayer for Oyo state, a warm reception and presentation of award to Governor Seyi Makinde in recognition of his steady developmental programmes in the state.

Mosope Kehinde.

Religion

Ebenezer Baptist Church Reel Out Activities to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

By Web News 1514

Activities marking the fiftieth anniversary of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Okoro, Oke Itunu, Ibadan have commenced.

At a news conference held in the church premises, pastor of the church, Reverend Isaac Akano said the landmark celebration will feature three days revival from today to Thursday between five and seven in the evening. 

He disclosed that the seven day activities which also include visitation to less privileged homes, free medical services, music cantata and prophetic declaration will be climaxed with anniversary celebration and launching of choir Album on Saturday at ten o’clock in the morning. 

Hoping for a successful anniversary, Reverend Akano who had spent twenty-seven years in the church thanked members and the Okoro community for supporting him. 

The week long anniversary will end on Sunday with Thanksgiving service and ordination of deacons and deaconess.

Adedayo Adelowo

Religion

MMPN Consoles with Muslim Ummah over Demise of MUSWEN President

By Web News 817

Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, Oyo State Chapter has commiserated with the entire Muslim Ummah in the Southwest and Nigeria over the demise of the President, Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria, MUSWEN,  Alhaji Sakariyau Babalola.

This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by Chairman, MMPN, Oyo State, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi.

Alhaji Fasasi noted that the death of Alhaji Babalola was a big loss, which had created a wide vacuum in Southwest Ummah as well as the entire Nigerian Muslim Ummah.

He explained that Alhaji Babalola was a successful business man, renowned philanthropy, respected community head and the leader of Muslims in the Southwest.

Alhaji Fasasi explained that during the regime of Alhaji Babalola as MUSWEN President, he recorded tremendous achievements as his name would continue to be in gold.

Alhaji Fasasi explained that the Ummah was consoled with the fact that Alhaji Babalola who was also Deputy President General (South), Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation as he touched many lives through his philanthropic gesture. 

He prayed that Almighty Allah count him an inmate of Al-Jannah Firdaos and grant the family as well as all the Ummah the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Rilwan Fasasi