Religion

Christians have been enjoined to remain undaunted as Nigeria continues to struggle with socioeconomic challenges.

The Bishop of the Diocese Of Ijebu, The Right Reverend  Peter Oludipe said this during a sermon with the topic ; ”Doing the impossible”, at the opening service of the second session of the Eight Synod of the Diocese of Ibadan North Anglican Communion held at Cathedral Of Saint Peters, Aremo, Ibadan.

Right Reverend Oludipe explained that, Jesus Christ remain the source of power for Christians to overcome the challenges confronting them

In an interview with newsmen, the President of the synod who is also the archbishop of the diocese of Ibadan North, the Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo said the theme of the synod doing the impossible was chosen in view of the current realities in Nigeria.

The Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo expressed optimism that, Nigeria would overcome the challenges confronting her through relentless prayers of all Nigerians.

High point of the event was the presentation of awards to the distinguished members of the church.

Rotimi Famakin

Lifestyle

The remains of the mother of the Oyo State governor, Madam Abigail Omojolagbe Makinde has been interred at the cemetery of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan.

In a sermon, the Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese, Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo, said Madam Makinde lived a fulfilled life, and described her as an epitome of love.

Most Reverend Okubadejo urged all to be their brother’s keeper, number their days, and bear in mind that death is inevitable.

Governor Seyi Makinde, in his tribute, said he has started having sleepless nights since the demise of his mother as the bond between him and his mother was very strong.

Governor Makinde who could not hold his feelings, burst into tears as he showered encomium on his late mother.

The funeral service held at the Cathedral of SS Peters, Aremo, Ibadan church was graced by the former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Chief Mrs Bola Obasanjo; Members of the Federal Executive Council, chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor Kayode Fayemi; the chairman, governors of the Southwestern states, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Others are PDP National Chairman, Chief Uche Secondus; the former governor of Oyo state, high Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, service chiefs, monarchs, amongst other dignitaries.

Also, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibajo visited Governor Makinde at the Government House in Agodi to commiserate with him on the demise of his mother.

Mama Abigail Omojolagbe Makinde Nee Omoregie died in the early hours of Thursday, October 15, 2020, at the age of 80.

Iyabo Adebisi

Religion

Weariness has been identified as part of devil’s strategies in drawing back the Christian in his race.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Igbomina, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Right Reverend Emmanuel Adekola gave the charge at the end of this year’s eighth Synod of the Diocese of Ibadan North Anglican Church.

Right Reverend Adekola who said God is the Rewarder of those that diligently seek him, urged Christians to serve God wholeheartedly.

A member of the church, Mr Olasumbo Morenikeji lauded the effort of Oyo State Government for the privilege to gather for this year’s celebration of synod.

Some of the delegates at the 8th Synod

Highlights of the event included congregational hymns, prayers, thanksgiving session and benediction by the Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo.

Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo at the Synod.

Meanwhile, precautionary measures against Covid-19 were observed as running water and liquid soap were placed at strategic locations.

Taiwo Akinola

Lifestyle

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

Politics

Oyo State Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde says he will not mind breaking toes in his determination to serve the ordinary people of Oyo State.

He stated this during a Birthday Thanksgiving Service held at the St Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde said he would continue to fight on the side of the ordinary people.

He noted that his determination to render service to the ordinary people informed his decision to declare free and qualitative education in the state adding that education remained the surest way to lift people out of poverty.

The Governor who maintained that he was getting more mature at 52 appreciated everyone who has made an impact on his life, even as he expressed appreciation to the people of Oyo State, without whom he said he would not have been able to achieve anything in last six months of his tenure as governor.

“I want the people to know that it is not only Seyi Makinde that is doing these but all of us. And you know that decisions are always taken by consensus. We discuss, thrash out issues and superior arguments always win. So, in 2020, I look forward to a more robust argument, discussions, and alignments.

“This time last year, I didn’t know I will become the Governor of Oyo State but I prayed to God during my birthday and the last crossover night that if my wish to serve the people of Oyo State would be to their benefit, let it be so and God answered that prayer. So, I want to pray today again that all our wishes, in the coming year 2020, God will make them manifest.”

In his sermon, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo, who spoke on the topic, “A Gift for Christmas,” encouraged Christians to gift Christ the best of their thoughts, actions and deeds.

Most Reverend Okubadejo who noted that lack of love was responsible was decadence in the society, urged Nigerians to love one another in all spheres of life.

Iyabo Adebisi