Politics

Women Organization Sells Tinubu/Shettima Ticket to Religious Bodies

By Web News 525

As Political parties and their flag bearers intensify campaigns ahead of the General election, the Oyo Tinubu/Shettima Women Campaign Organization has visited religious bodies in Oyo State.

The visits aimed to sell the All Progressives Congress, APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his running mate, Alhaji Kashim Shettima to the bodies and seek spiritual blessings for the candidates.

During a visit to the state secretariat of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, the Coordinator, Oyo Tinubu/Shettima Women Campaign Organization, Dr Florence Ajimobi described Asiwaju Tinubu as a God-fearing man, who had never been religiously or tribally biased.

Dr Ajimobi said the antecedent of the APC Presidential candidate in Lagos was a testimony of his exemplary leadership prowess, stressing that she was confident that Asiwaju Tinubu would bring the desired transformation in the country.

The Oyo Tinubu/Shettima Women Campaign Organization Coordinator added that Asiwaju Tinubu was a unifier and builder of people and that many had attained greatness through him.

Responding, Oyo State CAN Chairman, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju emphasised that the association did not have any preferred candidate, but prayed to God for the emergence of God-fearing Leaders, who would only lead with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Similarly, during a visit to the Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi Central Mosque, Oke Ado, the Oyo Tinubu/Shettima Women Campaign Organization met with representatives of various Muslim Women Groups in the state to canvas votes for the APC Presidential candidate.

At the meeting, Dr Florence Ajimobi said Asiwaju Tinubu had always been passionate about the education and empowerment of youths in the country.

Dr Ajimobi said she had no doubt that Asiwaju Tinubu would improve the standard of education and also prioritize youth empowerment.

She urged members of the groups to ensure that they obtained their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs and actively participate in the forthcoming elections.

Responding on behalf of the Muslim Women groups, An Associate Professor, Zarat Uthman pledged the support of the groups for the Presidential bid of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Associate Professor Uthman heaped praises on Dr Florence Ajimobi, who she described as a woman of virtue and courageous leader.

Oluwakayode Banjo 

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Lifestyle

We are working with religious leaders to promote peaceful coexistence – Ogun NOA Director

By Web News 954

The National Orientation Agency, NOA, is collaborating with religious leaders on the need to promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians irrespective of tribes and ethnic backgrounds.

Ogun State Director of the Agency, Mr Christopher Kolawole made this known during the visit to the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN led by the Ogun State chairman, Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya in Abeokuta.

Olusegun Folarin has the details.

Olusegun Folarin

Religion

Easter: CAN Admonishes Nigerians, Preaches Hope

By Web News 522

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has encouraged Nigerians to be hopeful as God will put a stop to kidnappings, killings among other social vices in the country.

In an Easter message, titled ‘Rejoice in Hope: All shall be well’, CAN advises Nigerians to exercise patience in troubled times and continue in fervent prayers.

The religious body said “He that rolled away the stone from the grave shall roll away insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen’s attacks, ritual killing, armed robbery, unemployment and other challenges we are facing presently in this nation, in the name of Jesus Christ”.

According to a statement issued in Abuja by CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, “Though we have many challenges in the nation today, ranging from different types of insecurity to social and economic challenges, I urge all the children of God to rejoice in hope. We must not be disillusioned as the disciples were when Jesus was arrested, crucified and buried.

“This is the time for us to exercise patience in tribulations and to continue instantly in prayer.”

Ayokunle also pleaded with Christians to do their best to touch other lives positively.

pmparrot

Religion

Keep those in authority in constant prayers – Reverend Ayokunle

By Web News 668

The President, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Reverend Samson Ayokunle has called on religious leaders to always assist those in position of authority with prayers for them to overcome challenges confronting the country.

Reverend Ayokunle who made the call in Abeokuta shortly after a meeting with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun urged religious leaders not to feel unconcerned about happenings in the country.

While commending Ogun state government for maintaining peace in the state, Reverend Ayokunle said the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria was glad with the way and manner the governor was able to engender peace among different religions and ethnic groups in the state.

The religious leader urged the state government to continue to embark on developmental projects that would add value to the living standard of people.

He gave the assurance that religious leaders in the country would continue to partner government at all levels in rendering humanitarian services to the less privileged in the society.

Bolanle Adesida

Religion

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

By Web News 1085

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

2020: Praise God for keeping you safe – Reverend Ayokunle

By Web News 751

President, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Reverend Supo Ayokunle has challenged all information managers not to hide or twist information for the public.

Reverend Ayokunle stated this during the 2020 Radio Nigeria Christmas Carol and end of the year praise.

While noting that information management was key to national unity and peace, he said the recent situation which led to the Cable News Network, CNN retracting its report was alarming.

The CAN President, who was represented by Reverend Paul Jenfa, explained that the situation in the country was so sensitive that the media needed to say it as it was.

Reverend Ayokunle charged Nigerians to remain appreciative to God for seeing them through the trying year 2020 without being hurt.

In a reaction, the acting Zonal Director, FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station, Pastor Bolanle Owoyemi said Nigeria as a nation needed to praise God on the grounds that despite the enormous rumours of war and other uproars, the nation was still united.

President of the fellowship, Pastor Taiwo Sowande gave glory to God for making the 2020 edition of the programme successful and thanked management of FRCN and the choir for their support.

Pastor Sowande expressed the confidence that 2021 edition would be greater.

Adedayo Adelowo/Funmilayo Obagbayegun

Politics

Ondo Governorship Election: INEC Seeks Support of Religious Leaders

By Web News 713

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has called on religious leaders in Ondo State to support in the conduct of peaceful governorship election in the state.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC in charge of Ondo State, Ambassador Rufus Akeju made the call at a one-day interactive session with religious leaders ahead of the October 10 governorship election in the state.

Ambassador Akeju assured of transparent process and remain unbiased towards the conduct of the governorship poll.

The REC maintained that measures had been put in place in line with COVID-19 protocols to ensure hitch free poll.

In a remark, Ondo State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Reverend Ayo Oladapo said the association had been committed to offering prayers for the peaceful conduct of the governorship poll devoid of shedding human blood.

On his part, State Chairman, Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, SCIA, Alhaji Habibulahi Akinpelumi, represented by the Secretary, Alhaji Nasir Atere sympathised with INEC on the fire incident that gutted over five thousand smart card readers and promised that the Muslim community would not relent at supporting INEC for a credible, free and fair election. 

The interactive session was attended by branch chairmen of CAN and SCIA across the state.

Olumide Abudu

Lifestyle

Flow of Tributes at Wake for Chief Areoye Oyebola

By Web News 1197

It is often said that sweet is the memory of the righteous while the good that men do live after them.

These maxims came to the fore at Late Chief Areoye Oyebola’s house, Dikat, Ringroad Ibadan as renowned traditional rulers in Ibadan, legal practitioners, religious leaders, families and friends converged to hold funeral wake for the late veteran journalist.

In their separate tributes, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Niyi Akintola, former Director, New Media, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Pastor Dare Olorunfemi and representatives of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, described Late Areoye Oyebola as a genius, diligent, lovers of peace, people and national development.

Other members of alumni association and institutions to whom Chief Areoye Oyebola belonged emphasized the need for Nigerians to emulate sincere commitment to the nation as well as uphold truth as demonstrated by the late editor of the defunct Nigerian Daily Times and president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

In his sermon, a clergy at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, Yemetu who is also former secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Oyo State Chapter, Canon Dr Segun Babatunde implored the congregation to be mindful of their actions as they would give account of their deeds on the day of reckoning.

Speaking on behalf of the children, a daughter of Late Areoye Oyebola, Mrs Abimbola Oyebola said her father was a loving man who valued education and discipline.

Late Oyebola was a Commissioner for Home Affairs and Iinformation of old Western Region, Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Information, and founder of Ibadan Action Council.

He was also the Ekerin Balogun Bobajiroro of Ibadanland and Awise of Ayeteland.

The former president of League of Veteran Journalists, Oyo State Council died at the age of 84.

Rotimi Famakin

Religion

COVID-19: CAN Declares 3 Days Fast in Ondo

By Web News 861

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN has declared three days of fasting and prayers from Friday 3rd July to Sunday 5th July, 2020.

The prayers are specifically to seek divine intervention in respect of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

A statement by the Ondo State CAN Chairman, Reverend Ayo Oladapo, enjoins all Christians to actively participate in the spiritual exercise.

Dupe Isename

Lifestyle

Abiola Ajimobi’s Death is a Painful Loss, Says CAN

By Web News 855 Post a comment

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has described as a painful loss, the death of the immediate past governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, whose transition took place in Lagos on Thursday.

Ajimobi died receiving treatment for coronavirus.

The condolence message of the association was issued by its president, Dr. Samson Olasupo A. Ayokunle, in a statement signed by his media aide, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji.

CAN, in the message, commiserated with the family of Ajimobi, Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State, saying that the death was painful.

The statement reads in part: “We could recollect that the late Governor Ajimobi transformed the landscape of Oyo State in his eight years of leadership of the state, especially in the area of road construction in some cities of the state. He would equally be remembered for allowing religious bodies to peacefully co-exist in the state.

“Though a Muslim, he gave the Christian body in the state the opportunity of contributing to the progress of Oyo State, most especially by permitting the Christian women in the state to organise regular prayers in the state and allowing it to be covered live by both the Radio and Television arms of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo, (BCOS).

“Additionally, he did not only allow Christmas Carols to be organised by the state every year and covered live, he equally attended himself. He thus made the event an opportunity to be in touch in large number, with the Christian community of the State. Though he was not an angel just like all of us, he did his best for the people of Oyo State, ensuring that peace reigned throughout his two terms.

“The world is a stage where God gives each of us the platform to do our best and then leave the stage. Our prayer is that each of us would do our best to serve our generation according to the will of God before we are called home.

“Once again, we pray for the family of the late governor, the government and people of Oyo State that God would grant you all the fortitude to bear the loss in Jesus’ name.”

Adewumi Faniran

Religion

Religious Leaders disagree over opening of Worship Centres in Oyo

By Web News 2372

Religious leaders in Oyo State have expressed divergent opinions over lifting of suspension placed on religious gathering 3 months ago during the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic. 

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, Chairman, Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Kunle Sanni said he was not in support of reopening of mosques in the state due to the rising cases of COVID-19.

“As far as I’m concerned, the governor has not convinced us that the spike of the pandemic has subsided and therefore it would be extremely risky to tell the people to come to mosque and get infected”. 

He said the Muslim Community of Oyo State would soon take a stand on the state government’s decision, as he was personally not in support of reopening of mosques noting that the rate at which the virus was spreading in the state was alarming.

“In a few days’ time, the meeting of critical stakeholders will address the situation and come out with the position of Oyo State Muslim community”.

Alhaji Sanni wondered why the state government did not carry the community along compared to the past stressing that Chief Imam of Ibadanland was also not contacted as some members of the community had resolved not to open their mosques including Ibadan Central Mosque, Ojaba.

“Government should have called for the meeting of religious bodies as done in the past to seek their opinion before taking the decision of opening religious centres. From the feelers we got even the Chief Imam of Ibadanland was not consulted and the Ibadan Central Mosque, Ojaba will not be opened for Jumat service. The same thing for some prominent Islamic organisations like Ansarudeen that its national headquarters has directed that their mosques all over the country should be under lock”.

“Also, as Muslims, we have a leader, The Sultan is our leader in Nigeria. The federal government had said mosques can open but the national mosque in Abuja is under lock as it was not open for Jumat last week, which means the Sultan who is our spiritual leader has not directed us to open mosques”.

He noted that the idea of allowing 25 percent worshippers in the mosque was not feasible as such would bring about discrimination and misunderstanding. 

“Part of the protocols according to the state government is that only 25 percent should come to mosques, how do we discriminate between one person or the other from entering the mosque on Friday?  You will come to the mosque and we will say you cannot enter, then you will see other Muslims entering, it will create a lot of confusion and anarchy if I can put it that way”.  

Alhaji Sanni noted that praying at home during pandemic was Islamic as this would prevent either contracting or spreading the coronavirus. 

“As Muslims, we believe that you don’t have to go to mosques before you can pray and that is why during the period of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be onto Him and there was a pandemic, the prophet instructed that people should pray in their homes. Every space on surface of the earth is a mosque, you can pray there”. 

In a contrary opinion, Chairman, Christian Council of Nigeria Oyo state, Reverend Stephen Adekunle said the churches were pleased with the reopening stressing that there had been meetings of leaders under the State Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to finetune on making churches model by putting measures in place to prevent spread of COVID-19. 

“Churches are ready to become standards as they used to be. As we resume by opening churches, social distancing and other regulations should be strictly adhered to and people should face the reality of the challenges of COVID-19”.

Reverend Adekunle who is also the President, Ibadan Baptist Conference said the closure of worship centres had opened the minds of church leaders to look inward to explore other ways of preaching the words of God. 

“During the closing of churches in the first place, we had not closed down the daily programmes like reading of the scriptures and other activities. However, it has opened our eyes and our minds to other ways by which we can disseminate the gospel”.

He said the leadership of CAN had been meeting the state government on the development urging Christians to be law abiding and avoid acts that can lead to the spread of coronavirus.

“We have been meeting with the government. The CAN executives have been meeting with the government for sometimes and the head of churches had met at CAN Secretariat to discuss on modalities of opening of churches”.

Reverend Adekunle called on the state government to support churches to manage the challenges of COVID-19.

“People should pray to God that we will adjust to the aftermath of COVID-19. I want to challenge the government to help us to manage COVID-19 by supporting Christendom in order to make progress and we will be praying for the government”.

Governor Seyi Makinde had early this week approved the resumption of religious activities in the state, with the directive that mosques and churches should operate at twenty- five percent capacity.

According to the data from Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) Oyo state is number four on the table after Lagos, Abuja and Kano with 764 positive cases.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Insecurity: CAN President Wants Government to Do More

By Web News 1062 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