Religion

American Gospel Singer, Ron Kenoly Admonishes Christians on True Worship

By Web News 617

By Taiwo Akinola/Olutola Daramola

Those that worship God must worship Him in spirit and in truth.

This scriptural verse found in John 4:24 formed the basis of the submission of an American gospel singer, Dr Ron Kenoly, during a worship programme held in Ibadan.

Dr Kenoly emphasised that God prioritised worship, hence the need for believers to understand this for a better relationship with God.

The gospel legend singer cited Abraham as one who understood what the worship of God entailed.

Taking his reference from Genesis 22: 1-… Dr Kenoly listed nine factors as key elements of true worship to God .

They include being tested of God, having a relationship with the Almighty God , being led on a journey of faith, giving an offering, obedience, preparation, separation, willingness to suffer, and absolute trust in God. All these factors Abraham exemplified in the Bible.

The 79 year old Dr. Kenoly pointed out that the level of worship obtainable in every church was directly linked to the worship life of the pastors, hence the need for ministers of God to always prepare themselves and also obey God for their congregation to experience an outpouring of God’s spirit.

In his welcome remarks, Convener of the programme, Minister Olumide Iyun while recalling the spiritual awakening which took place in the 1930s and the role of Ibadan, noted that the city of Ibadan was strategic in the end time revival plan of God and that informed the location of the programme.

The programme tagged “The Elements of Worship” had in attendance some ministers of the gospel in word and song across Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

They include Reverend Elekina Ekine, Reverend Emiko Amotshuka, Evangelist Toun Soetan, Reverend Kunle Ajayi, Minister Ife Odogiyon, Yemi Sax, among others, including the convener, Minister Olumide and his wife Mrs Itunuade Iyun.

Religion

Easter: Practice love and sacrificial living more – Makinde

By Web News 445

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has felicitated the Christian faithful in the state and across Nigeria on the occasion of the Easter festivities.

The governor, who congratulated the Christians on witnessing another Easter season, called on them to use the special occasion to pray for Oyo State and Nigeria as well as the leadership.

According to the governor, it has become important to engage in more prayers and supplications for the country and the state amid the current economic situation.

He equally charged Christians to imbibe the lessons of love and sacrificial living taught through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, saying it is important for Christians, now more than ever before, to put this into practice.

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Religion

Palm Sunday: Be Christ like – Clergyman Advises Christians

By Web News 521

By Morenike Tony-Esan

Christians must be humble in resembling Jesus Christ who rode on a donkey into Jerusalem.
The Vicar,Saint Anne’s Church, Molete,Ibadan and Archdeacon,Molete Archdeaconry, the Venerable Olusegun Faleye gave the admonition in a sermon in commemorating Palm Sunday.


The Vicar who described humility as a great virtue said with humility comes patience,peace and gentleness.


The Venerable Faleye explained that when a man was humble,it would make him to recognize his shortcomings and limitations.


Palm Sunday also known as passion week heralds the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.


It is the first day of the holy week and the Sunday before Easter.
Highlight of the day was a walk round the church vicinity by the congregation who were waving palm fronds and singing in remembrance of Jesus triumphant
entry into Jerusalem.

Religion

Religious Leaders Call Faithful, Government to Task

By Web News 452

Lilian Ibomor/Fasilat Lawal/Modupe Toba

Exemplary lifestyle and milk of kindness to others were the thrusts of messages from pulpits in some churches in Ibadan as Christians join the rest of the world to celebrate Christmas.

Radio Nigeria correspondents who visited churches that held services, also noted that the congregations used the occasion to appreciate God.

In his Christmas message, Pastor Simeon Oladapo of Bethel Church, Oloruntumo Apata Ibadan said Nigeria was a country beloved of God, considering how God had at various times seen the nation through numerous challenges.

Pastor Oladapo, therefore, called on the Christian faithful to love God as well as one another as exhibited by Jesus Christ

At Agodi Baptist Church Ibadan, Reverend Ademola Mabawonku, who described Christmas as an occasion that calls for rejoicing, stressed the need for Christians to mark it by catering for the less-privileged.

Reading from Revelation 1:5 and Colossians 1:15, Reverend Mabawonku said Jesus is worth celebrating as the King of kings.

Similarly, Reverend Edward Alabi of Molete Baptist Church, Challenge Ibadan, emphasized the need for the faithful to always emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ in their dealings with others.

According to him, one of the ways Christians can appreciate the birth of Jesus Christ and make the season worthwhile is to emulate Him.

On his part, the Parish Priest in charge of St Peters Catholic Church, Apata, Reverend Father Joakin Akee called on government at various levels to show genuine love for the masses by doing all they could to ease their plight.

Reverend Father pointed out that just as the birth of Jesus brought lively hope to the world, leaders should deem it a duty to bring hope of better things to come by relieving the masses from the present distress in the nation.

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Religion

Ordination: Reverend Olagbaju Harps on Essence of Exemplary Lifestyle

By Web News 500

By Oluwakayode Banjo

For Christians to enjoy the divine presence of God, they must choose to live holy lives all through their sojourn on earth.

Provost, Cathedral of Saint James the Great, Oke Bola, Ibadan, The Very Reverend David Olagbaju stated this at the Trinity Ordination Service and Institution and Induction of The Venerable Johnson Faleye as the Archdeacon of Molete Archdeaconry, Ibadan Diocese, Anglican Communion and Vicar of Saint Anne’s Church, Molete.

Delivering a sermon on the occasion, The Very Reverend Olagbaju maintained that Holiness was one of the major prerequisite for Christians to enjoy the divine presence of God.

The Very Reverend Olagbaju admonished the newly inducted Archdeacon and other ordained ministers to continue to live holy and trust God, who had called them to serve in His vineyard.

In an interview with Radio Nigeria, the newly inducted Archdeacon of Molete Archdeaconry, Ibadan Diocese, Anglican Communion and Vicar of Saint Anne’s Church, Molete, The Venerable Johnson Faleye promised to follow the divine leading of God in piloting the affairs of the church and the Archdeaconry.

Our correspondent reports that, at the service, 4 ordinands were promoted and ordained as Deacons, while 6 Deacons were also promoted and ordained as Priests.

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Religion

Easter Celebration: Muslim Faithful Felicitate Christians

By Web News 581

Nigerian Muslims, under the leadership of the President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, have congratulated Christians on the Easter celebration.

In a statement by NSCIA’s Deputy Secretary General, Salisu Shehu, and addressed to the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Daniel Okoh the NSCIA stated that Easter is a religious landmark that serves as a “springboard for spiritual renewal, religious re-awakening and general rebirth.”

“The Nigerian Muslim Ummah wishes you many happy returns of the seasons. We also wish you and ourselves a renewed commitment to holiness and righteousness to the glory of God and the greatness of our beloved country.

The Council also called for collaboration between NSCIA and CAN to unite to “admonish and discourage Pastors and Imams, from desecrating their pulpits with political partisanship and hate speech.”

“As a people of faith united by our father, Abraham, the recent history of our dear nation and faith communities are being threatened by the machinations of politicians.

These digressions can only be attributed to the handiwork of the devil, whose guile is ultimately weak indeed, Qur’an 4:47. Easter serves as another opportunity to redirect our attention to our shared values and ideals of fasting, love, prayer, penance and cooperation.

According to the President-General of the Council, the 2023 general election, specifically the presidential election, has been very divisive along ethnic and religious lines.

PR/Nafiu Busari

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Religion

Goodwill Messages as Christians Mark Easter

By Web News 423

By Bolanle Adesida/ Funmi Adekoya/Mojisola Oladele

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Christians to pray fervently for Nigeria during this Easter celebration.

In his Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun said all the challenges confronting the country were surmountable with prayer.

Governor Abiodun also called for sober reflection on the death of Jesus on Mount Calvary and urged Christians to celebrate with the less privileged and show love to them as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

While congratulating the Christians for witnessing another Easter, the Governor urged them to reflect on the resurrection of Jesus as a sign of God’s love.

He, however, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the delivery of good governance, adding that his government would continue to spread the dividends of democracy across the state with justice, equity and fairness.

Similarly, Secretary to the Osun State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye has called on Nigerians to take advantage of the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to advance peace and commit themselves to God, in faith and in practice.

Alhaji Igbalaye, in his Easter message, congratulated Christians for the successful forty-day Lent to commemorate the atonement of sins and the salvation of mankind.

The SSG, who maintained that Easter is the hallmark of Christianity, stressed that the celebration of Christ’s resurrection and salvation offers Nigerians a great opportunity to come closer to God and promote all virtues that would enhance peace, love, unity and progress of the country.

While felicitating with the people of Osun State and all Nigerians on the Easter celebration, Alhaji Igbalaye urged them to reflect soberly and intensify prayers for God’s intervention and abiding grace, for Nigeria to fully overcome the rampaging Insecurity, Banditry Kidnapping and other challenges.

He, therefore, reiterated that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration will continue to serve with the fear of God and work assiduously towards the advancement of peace and development of Osun State, for the wellbeing of the people.

Also, the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr.Timothy Owoeye, has urged Christians in the State and Nigeria to explore the spiritual opportunity derived from Easter to pray for the peace of the nation and smooth transition of government come May 29.

The Speaker in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Kunle Alabi congratulated Christians for the success of the 40 day lenten period and called for Prayers to attain a prosperous Nigeria under Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s government.

Mr.Owoeye expressed optimism that with the incoming Tinubu-led government, Nigeria would overcome its challenges soonest. 

He advised Christians and people of other faith to believe that God will use the incoming administration to better the lots of people in critical areas of need such as insecurity, hunger, unemployment, decayed infrastructure, and corruption among others. 

According to Owoeye, “With various challenges facing the country, Nigerians must use every available opportunity to seek the face of God for peace to reign,

“What the country needs at this time are various intercessory prayers for God to use the Tinubu presidency to stabilise the country and make life meaningful for all Nigerians.”

“The season, therefore, offers us all the opportunity to pray for a new Nigeria where citizens are well secured and living life abundantly, a situation of a new beginning for our country to regain her lost glory”. The Speaker emphasised.

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Lifestyle

Olufunke Tinubu’s Service: Cleric Charges Christian on Truthfulness

By Web News 704

Christians have been urged to be truthful in their daily dealings as everyone would give account on judgment day. 

Clergyman, Reverend Adediwura Adeoye made the call during a sermon at the Thanksgiving Service of the Late Mrs. Olufunke Abebi Tinubu held at Union Baptist Church, Odi Olowo, Osogbo, Osun State.

Reverend Adeoye emphasized that Christians should endeavour to serve God in truth and in spirit while alive in order to inherit His Kingdom as death is inevitable. 

The Cleric noted that Children and relatives should not weep for the deceased because she had exhibited Christ-like virtues until her demise. 

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, the first child of the deceased, Mrs. Adeola Shittu-Alamu described her mother as a disciplinarian who ensured all the children were well brought up and educated.

The interment service for the deceased was earlier held at First Baptist Church, Iresi, her home town and later committed to mother earth. 

Dignitaries at the event include former Social Democratic Party, SDP governorship candidate in Osun State, Mr. Goke Omigbodun, Management staff from Ibadan National Station and Gold FM Ilesa, Management staff of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, OSBC, the Station Manager, Rave FM, Mr. Olufemi Olanipekun.

Mojisola Oladele / Funmi Adekoya

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Lifestyle

Easter: Gov. Abiodun Enjoins Christians to Pray for Nigeria

By Web News 595

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Christians in the state to pray for Ogun state and Nigeria during this Easter celebration. 
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun  said Jesus had made greatest sacrifice and his resurrection should serve as an assurance that the country would surmount its present challenges.
While calling on Christians to see the Easter period as not only for celebration of triumph of Christ over death, but a period of sober reflection, particularly, at this moment the nation was facing insecurity and economic downturn, the Governor urged them to celebrate moderately.
Governor Abiodun pointed out that the greater love had been demonstrated to mankind by Jesus who  died to give life to the world, nothing that Easter celebration renews hope in mankind.
He also urged Christians to be their brothers’ keepers,  saying that the essence of the celebration was to show love and be good neighbours.
Bolanle Adesida

Religion

Humility, the hallmark of Christlikeness – Cleric

By Web News 510

A priest at Saint Anne’s Church, Molete, Ibadan, The Reverend Samuel Aina has advised Christians to emulate the humility of Jesus Christ which he exhibited during his lifetime.
The Reverend Aina gave the advice in a sermon during the Palm Sunday service held in the church.
He explained that Jesus Christ throughout his lifetime preached humility and love.
The Reverend Aina noted that even when Jesus Christ was going to Jerusalem for his crucifixion, he still rode on an ass which showed humility.

The service featured a dance around the church area with the congregation waving palm fronds.
Palm Sunday is the last day of lent which begins the passion or holy week heralding Jesus’ crucifixion.
Tony-Esan

News

Emulate Jesus Christ’s Virtue – Shina Peller urges Christians on Christmas

By Web News 791

A federal lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency, Oyo State, Honourable Shina Peller has identified humility, love, peace, unity, justice, tolerance and righteousness as some of the things that Jesus Christ stood for, which must be emulated by all Christians.

Hon. Peller stated this in an official statement made available to the press as his felicitating message to Christians on the occasion of 2021 Christmas celebration.

In the statement, the federal lawmaker observed that every Christmas is an opportunity for Christians and all to reflect deeply on the life of Jesus Christ for the purpose of emulating his good deeds which include promoting love, peace, unity, justice and forgiveness.

The statement read:

“I felicitate with all Christians on the occasion of Christmas celebration, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ, otherwise known as Prophet Isa (Peace be unto him) by Muslims.

“Truly, every Christmas should be a period of deep reflection on the life of Jesus Christ with a view to learning from his humility, tolerance, righteousness and all the good things that he stood for.

“So, as we mark the birth of Jesus Christ, the best part of the celebration should be emulating his virtues which include preaching peace, love, unity, justice, forgiveness, reaching out to the needy and less-privileged, as well as addressing and treating fellow beings the best ways we would love to be addressed and treated.

“I pray that this season fills our hearts and homes with love, peace, happiness, goodness and abundant blessings from God. More importantly, may God give us the strength and courage to contribute purposefully and resourcefully towards nation-building. Amen.

“Once again, compliment of the season to you all.”

Kayode Banjo/PR

Lifestyle

Cleric Tasks Christians On Righteousness

By Web News 1099

The remains of Mr Titus Olasunkanmi Omidiji have been buried with admonition to christians to live a life that would make them to reign with Jesus Christ, after death.

The Bishop of Egba Diocese of  Anglican Communion, the Reverend Emmanuel Adekunle gave the charge in a sermon at the funeral service held in Christ Anglican Church, Ijemo, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Reverend Adekunle who encouraged faithful to remain steadfast and dedicated to the service of God in the face of trials and tribulations, noted that they must be ready to share in the sufferings of Jesus Christ, to be able to be partakers of his glory in heaven.

The clergyman observed that Christians had become endangered in the recent times across the globe, hence the need to be righteous in order to overcome challenges.

The Reverend Adekunle remarked that the deceased was a devout christian and philanthropist par excellence, and implored the family to sustain his legacy.

Speaking on behalf of the family, the eldest daughter of the deceased, Mrs Gbemisola Fabunmi appreciated God for the life and time of their father, whom she noted would be sorely missed by everyone who had come in contact with him.

In remark, a niece of the deceased and the Acting zonal Director of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan zonal station, Mrs Bolanle Owoyemi described her late uncle as loving, caring and supporter of good fortunes, whose memory could not be easily forgotten.

Aged Sixty- seven, Mr Titus Olasunkanmi Omidiji died on the thirtieth of July 2021, and was survived by wife, children, grandchildren and family members.

Adebola Ajayi

Religion

FG declares Friday, Monday public holiday for Easter celebration

By Web News 1425

The Federal Government has declared Friday 2nd and Monday 5th April 2021, Public Holidays to mark this year’s FG declares Friday, Monday public holiday for Easter celebration

In a statement, Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who urged Christians to emulate the attributes of forgiveness, kindness, humility, love, peace and patience, which were demonstrated by Jesus Christ .

He called on them to use the occasion of this year’s Easter Celebration to pray for the Peace, Unity, and Progress of our country.
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola assured that the Federal Government will leave no stone unturned in dealing decisively with the spate of kidnapping, armed banditry and other crimes and criminality being perpetrated by enemies of the country in parts of Nigeria.

While wishing Christians both at home and abroad a happy and peaceful Easter Celebration, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola called on Nigerians to join hands with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration in its determination to make life more meaningful for all.

FRCN Abuja

Religion

Demonstrate the spirit of brotherliness – Gov. Makinde

By Web News 625

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

Religion

Love for God Comes First – Cleric

By Web News 703

Christian have been reminded not to allow distractions from this world affect their relationship with God.
A cleric Pastor John Goody stated this in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Ibadan.
Pastor Goody stressed that many Christians have allowed themselves to be carried away by love for money thereby forgetting the kingdom of God
Pastor Goody said many things in the world can be gotten if love for God comes first.

Lillian Ibomor

Religion

Cleric Advices Christians to Awaken Their Political Consciousness

By Web News 676

Restructuring Nigeria, as well as the need for christians to develope more interest in business, security and politics in order to drive rapid national development formed the bases of Ibadan Varsity Christian Union Alumni Association conference, reunion 2020 held at the chapel of resurrection University of ibadan.

Radio Nigeria was at the venue of the event reports that aside over 500 hundred members who were physically present, the event held through zoom is marking the 60th anniversary of the association.

Addressing newsmen, the President of the Association, Mr Babatunde Ajala lamented the spate of killings, kidnap and perceived imbalance in political appointment and urged christian leaders to mobilized its members to get involved in politics so as to assume position of leadership.

Mr Babatunde urged President Muhammadu Buhari to restructure the country for rapid development.

Some members of the association said the reunion has afforded them the opportunity to deliberate on issues affecting thier members and Nigeria

Aside payers for the nation, the event also featured seminars, talks, praise and prayers

The theme of the conference was, The Balanced Christian.

Rotimi Famakin

Religion

Don’t let Covid-19 stop you from worshiping God – Reverend Akinlade

By Web News 690

Every Christian has the responsibility of service unto God irrespective of denomination.

Senior Pastor, Foursquare Gospel Church, Bodija, Ibadan, Reverend Williams Akinlade gave the charge during an interview with Radio Nigeria.

Reverend Akinlade who said obedience to God attracts blessings urged the faithful to ensure righteousness always.

Reverend Akinlade, however, advised Christians not to relent in worshipping God at their different homes, considering the time we are in, as it is a phase which would pass very soon.

Taiwo Akinola

Religion

The Significance of Ash Wednesday

By Web News 1195

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

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

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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