Religion

Corruption: Most Reverend Fape Calls for Decisive Actions

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By Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

Unless genuine and concerted efforts are made to tackle corruption, the country might not witness sustainable growth.

The submission was made by the Diocesan Bishop of Remo and Archbishop, Lagos Ecclesiastical Province of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Reverend Olusina Fape at a Special church service to commemorate the 63rd National Day Celebration, held at the Cathedral of St Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.

The Most Reverend Fape explained that it was high time government showed willingness to deal ruthlessly with acts of corruption, which he described as the greatest enemy of national progress

The clergy, who anchored the sermon on the title “The Fear of God Enhances Good Governance”, said Nigeria would reclaim the enviable status in the global space, if everyone, especially, political office holders would exhibit the fear of God in all endeavors and strive to make the nation a better place for all.

He advised the government to pay more attention to the provision of infrastructure, quality education and good healthcare delivery among others, and encouraged the citizens to support the programmes and policies of the government at all levels to accelerate national development. 

Earlier, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo had urged Nigerians to take advantage of the 63rd National Day celebration to renew their commitment to the task of nation building and implored the leaders to implement people oriented policies to justify the confidence reposed on them by Nigerians. 

Also, Governor Dapo Abiodun in a message through the State’s Head of Service, Mr Peter Fagbohun, solicited the continued support of residents for his administration and promised to continue to govern the state with the fear of God.

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Politics

Abiodun Pledges Inclusiveness, Vigour in Governance

By Web News 446

By Bolanle Adesida

The Diocesan Bishop of Egba Anglican Communion, the Right Reverend Emmanuel Adekunle has called on Nigerian leaders to be just and fair to the people.

The Right Reverend Adekunle made the call at a Special Church Service to commemorate the second term inauguration of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and his deputy, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, held  at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.

Bishop Adekunle who described Leaders as God’s representatives on earth, stressed the need for them to depend on the Holy Spirit to enable them to lead the people aright at all times.

While calling on Nigerians to honour, respect and pray for their leaders, the Cleric commended  Governor Abiodun for ensuring overall development across the state and urged him to redouble efforts in his second term.

In a remark, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun promised that his administration would continue with the policy of inclusiveness and serve with more vigour in his second term.

The Governor, who noted that though his administration could not have met the expectations of all the people in the state, said his government would work harder for the betterment of the people throughout the next four years.

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Religion

Low Turnout as Churches Hold Good Friday Services

By Web News 776

Some Christian worship centres in Ibadan witnessed a low turnout of members during the Good Friday service observed across the country as part of the Easter celebration.
Radio Nigeria correspondents, who monitored the situation, report that the church services were short and solemn, and vehicular movement in the metropolis was also not heavy.

At the Church of the transfiguration, Anglican Communion, Ikolaba, the procession was moody and serene while hymns rendered reflected the death of Jesus for the remission of sin.
  

The scenario was not different at the Cathedral of Saint James, Oke Bola, Saint Anne’s Anglican Church, Molete, and The Methodist Church Nigeria, Ekotedo.

In a sermon entitled: When the Innocent Dies”, an assistant priest at the Church of the Transfiguration, Anglican communion, Ikolaba, Rev, Afolabi Olusola said Jesus was innocent of the crime levelled against Him.
Reverend Olusola pointed out that blood of innocent Nigerians was equally being shed either for rituals or political purposes.

On its part, The Provost, Cathedral of Saint James the Great, Oke Bola, The Very Reverend David Olagbaju noted that Jesus’ crucifixion epitomized perfect love for the well-being of humanity, urging Nigerian leaders to show concern about the welfare of others.    

The Very Reverend Olagbaju pointed out that the cooperation of the citizens would manifest when leaders prioritized their well-being.

The Presbyter, Methodist Church Nigeria, Ekotedo, Dugbe, Ibadan, Very Reverend Abraham Akinyode, urged Nigerians to be selfless and love others.
 Some members said the death of Jesus was significant to them.

Expectedly, some churches in recognition of the day not only dramatized the entire stages and processes that Jesus went through before His death but also held special services to acknowledge the day.

In Christendom, Good Friday signifies the day Jesus was tried before Pontius Pilate, suffered, crucified and died while on the cross.         

Fasilat Lawal/Funmi Obagbayegun/Rotimi Famakin

Religion

Anglican Communion : 70th Anniversary Ends In Grand style

By Web News 1198

A remarkable last Sunday of January 2022 it was and indeed one that would go down in the history of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, as the Ibadan Anglican Diocese wrapped up its one-week 70th anniversary with thanksgiving and award service.

At the venue of the service, Cathedral of Saint James the great, Oke-bola, Ibadan, distinguished Nigerians, past and present leaders of the Anglican Communion, as well as, members of the Ibadan diocese and other dioceses across the country, clad in beautiful attires, trooped into the sanctuary to grace the occasion.

The mood of celebration was evident within the church auditorium as the congregation danced joyfully to offer their praises to God.

In a sermon, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba appreciated God for sustaining Ibadan Anglican diocese in the last 70 years.

The Most Reverend Ndukuba admonished the diocese not to relent in raising the next generation in the ways of God.

Primate Ndukuba reminded the congregation and Nigerians that God had promised to always be with them, even in the midst of the current challenges confronting the Nation.

The Most Reverend Ndukuba urged Nigerians to remain obedient to God to guarantee His presence around them all through their lifetimes.

Ondo State Governor,Rotimi Akeredolu receiving award at the just concluded 70th anniversary of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion

The 70th thanksgiving service also featured the conferment of awards to recipients, among whom is the Governor of Ondo state, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Religion

Nigeria 60th Anniversary: Religious Leader Calls for National Repentance

By Web News 652

The Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Peter Akinola has called for national repentance in a bid to to stop the recurring blood letting and other national challenges.

The Most Reverend Akinola stated this in the sermon entitled “Rejecting the blood Shedding culture” at the 60th National Day Thanksgiving Service held at Cathedral of saint Peter Ake, Abeokuta.

The Primate who noted that the past and prevailing episodes of blood letting would continue to undermine development of the country, identified Godliness, righteousness and justice as foundation for building the desired peaceful, progressive and respectable nation.

While pointing out that there must be justice for all victims of Nigeria’s bloodletting, the Most Reverend Akinola, said that anyone found guilty should be appropriately punished.

The religious leader urged Nigerians to take the National Day celebration as an opportunity for all citizens to shun bloodletting adding that God would have mercy on Nigeria if the people seek His intervention.

In a remark, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stressed the need for Nigerians to be united and support the efforts to strengthen national development, stating that nation building remained a collective responsibility.

Bolanle Adesida

Religion

Most Rev. Okubadejo Wants Ban on Religious Activities Lifted, Urges Employers not to Lay off Workers

By Web News 697

Arch Bishop, Ibadan Province, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Reverend Segun Okunbadejo has called on the government  to lift ban on religious activities to enable faithful to seek the face of the lord to end coronavirus infection.

He made the call while speaking with news men in Ibadan over the prevalence of the deadly virus world over and subsequent ban on religious activities.

“We have been praying in our different houses, we need to come together to pray and that is why we are telling the government that the lockdown should be stopped at this point to allow people to come together and seek the face of the Lord in prayers and turn away from iniquities. This is what everyone should do all over the world. Allow Christians, Muslims and traditionalists to go and seek the face of whatever God they believe in”, Okunbadejo stated.

The Most Reverend Okunbadejo who is also Bishop Ibadan North Diocese noted that the disease was not manmade but the evidence that God was angry with mankind hence the need for fervent prayers.

“We are very sinful, this world is very sinful, you can imagine a father having carnal knowledge of his biological children, this is unthinkable. We talk about gayism, lesbianism and those people sleeping with animals. All these including murders and other crimes are all over the place. Countries of the world are busy stock piling arsenals and nuclear weapons to fight one another and God is saying you are doing things in your own way I will checkmate you. I want to believe that’s why God allowed corona virus “he said.

The cleric also used the occasion to implore employers of labor not to lay off workers because of the economic hardship experienced due to the pandemic but work out human friendly modalities to sustain workers during and after the pandemic.

The Most Reverend Okunbadejo equally expressed worry on alleged influx of foreigners into the southwestern states, calling on the government to beef up security to check any potential threat.

“We thought those coming to the South are Almajiris trying to make ends meet, only to discover that it was not so because of various discoveries. They are covered under Tomatoes, vegetables etc . These are grown up men who do not speak any other language than Hausa and some other languages that people don’t understand. This means they are not even from the North”, The Arch Bishop added.

He advocated the need to adequately empower Amotekun corps to strengthen security in the Southwest.

 Arch Bishop Okunbadejo also lauded Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde for steering the affairs of the state aright since inception about a year ago.

Adedayo Adelowo

Lifestyle

Former FRCN Executive Director, Bishop Ajani Passes on

By Web News 1928

Former Executive Director, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station, Bishop Samuel Olukunle Ajani has passed on.

The entire FRCN family received the news of the death of a former Executive Director with shock and grief. Adedayo Adelowo had a chat with individuals who at a point in time had relationships with the deceased.

Reverend Canon Dr. Ajani as he was fondly called who was also the pioneer Bishop, Diocese of Egba West, Anglican Communion, would have clocked 80 years by 22nd April this year, except that death caught him unawares.

Bishop Ajani joined the service of FRCN on the 23rd, July 1963.

He rose through ranks to become the Executive Director in 1993.

The Abeokuta North Local Government, Ogun State-born engineer worked at various operations of FRCN including Lagos and Ibadan.

Reacting on the death, Zonal Director, FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station, Alhaji Mohammed Bello described the deceased as an expert in the field of Engineering.

Mrs. Grace Ojo, a secretary shared her memory of the late Ajani as a jovial boss who would always be fondly remembered.

On his part, Pa Oladosu Ojo who had served under the deceased said the late Ajani was very dutiful, noting that he lived for a good purpose.

Pa Ojo noted that beyond his dexterity in the line of duty, he was also dedicated to the work of God.

Retired Bishop of Ife-East/Anglican Communion found it difficult to believe that the loving Bishop Olukunle Samuel Ajani had passed on.

Bishop Olukunle Ajani bade the world farewell on Monday 27-01-2020.

Adedayo Adelowo