Religion

Declare 3 days national fast – Akinfenwa Tells Govt

By Web News 940

…. As the Church of Nigeria, Ibadan Anglican Diocese welcomes Advent Season

By Olutola Daramola

Members of the Church of Nigeria, Ibadan Anglican Diocese joyfully welcomed the season of Advent, which is the beginning of another Christian Calendar.

This significant period also reminds Christians of the second coming of Jesus Christ and heralds Christmas Celebrations.

The Advent Carol of Nine Lessons and Songs held at All Souls’ Church, Bodija Ibadan was also broadcast live on Radio Nigeria Premier FM.

The service started with a procession of the Diocesan Choir and clergy who were decked in purple and white robes respectively, holding candles. Members of the congregation were not left out as they also held candles which symbolize Jesus Christ as the light of the world.

In his sermon, the Diocesan, the Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa emphasized the need for Christians to be ready for the second coming of Jesus Christ, noting that the signs predicted in the Bible are evident and call for watchfulness.

On the State of the Nation, the Most Reverend Akinfenwa called on the Government to declare three days of national fast to seek the face of God concerning the nation’s challenges, especially as it affects the economy at a time like this.

 The Junior Choir of Saint Paul’s Church, Oke-Bola comprising little children caused a stir in the congregation with their brilliant choral performance.

Different groups such as the Women’s Organizations, the Diocesan Choir and the Clergy equally made presentations during the service.

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Religion

Enough of choosing leaders based on religion, ethnicity- Bishop Akinfenwa

By Web News 722

As the 2023 general elections draw near, the most important criteria for leadership must be built around capacity and competence, rather than ethnicity or religion.

This was the submission of the Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Anglican Communion, The Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa at the 3rd session of the 23rd synod of the diocese held at Saint Mary’s Anglican Church, Oluyole, Ibadan.

Reading the Bishop’s charge to the synod, The Most Reverend Akinfenwa lamented that politicians had begun to play the ethnic and religious cards rather than focusing on national development and ability of political aspirants to redeem the country.

“After over two decades of this democratic dispensation, it is a big shame that we have not risen above primordial sentiments in our politicking. While it is true that every card is a weapon in the hands of the politician, we must as a nation begin to change the joker.”

The Most Reverend Akinfenwa appealed to the politicians and every Nigerian to embrace peace, especially as party conventions and primaries were unveiling.

The Bishop of Ibadan Diocese urged the federal government to honour the demands it reached with the Academic staff union of Universities in order to save the future of the younger generation.

Speaking on the theme of the synod, “Eternity in View: Are you ready”, The Most Reverend Akinfenwa admonished christians not to become attached to earthly things but focus on doing God’s business to earn positive eternity.

The Most Reverend Akinfenwa called on church leaders to get familiar with technology-enabled communication to effectively reach out to unsaved souls and bring them to the fold of the saints.

Highpoints of the event were the launching of the Bishop’s charge and award presentation to outstanding youths in the diocese who bagged first class honours at their various universities.

The 3rd session of the 23rd synod of Ibadan Diocese Anglican Communion ends on Sunday.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Lifestyle

Update: Commendation Service Held in Honour of Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe in Ibadan

By Web News 1046

The array of personalities who graced the commendation service held in honour of Emeritus Professor Oladipo Olujimi Akinkugbe held at the All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan lends credence to the saying by Lee David Daniels that “Greatness is attainable. Greatness is multiple small achievements built over a period of time.”

Not minding the realities of the times, professionals from the Medical and Academic fields, Captains of industry, Clergymen and other notable personalities converged on Ibadan to pay their last respect to a man who touched countless lives through his medical practice spanning almost six decades.

In a sermon, the retired Bishop of Ondo Anglican Diocese, the Most Reverend George Lasebikan said though Emeritus professor Akinkugbe became a professor at the age of 35, he remained humble and simple.

Lamenting the rot and corruption now prevalent in Nigeria, the Most Reverend Lasebikan traced these to greed and materialism challenging Nigerians to shun such but rather emulate the values of hard work, as well as love for God and humanity which Professor Akinkugbe stood for.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Oyebisi Ilaka lauded the immense and worthy contributions of Professor Akinkugbe to various fields of human endeavour.

He also described him as one of the shining lights of Ibadan and Oyo State, though a thorough-bred Ondo man.

Delivering an emotion-laden eulogy, a childhood friend of Professor Akinkugbe who is also a diplomat of note, Dr Christopher Kolade relived memories of their growing up years.

He noted that the deceased was very humorous and one who devoted his life to teaching, mentoring and developing medical practitioners across the globe.

In his tribute, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire who also attended the same alma mater with the deceased, Government College Ibadan, said Professor Akinkugbe was a towering figure in the field of medicine who was also very cultured and courteous and would be greatly missed.

Dignitaries who attended the commendation service include Dr Christopher Kolade and his wife, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Odein Ajumogobia, Professor Akin Mabogunje, Chief Kola Daisi, the Archbishop of Ibadan Anglican Province, The Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo, Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa, Bishop Francis Wale Oke and wife of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries among other clergymen.

Our correspondent observed that the Covid-19 protocols were strictly adhered to at the service.

Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe, Aged 86 was a Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR.

He was widely travelled, highly accomplished, a recipient of many awards who also held chieftaincy titles.

He is survived by his wife, Professor Folasade Akinkugbe, children, grandchildren, in-laws and relatives.

Olutola Daramola