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Archbishop John Osa-Oni Speaks on Nigeria’s Challenges and lthe Way Forward as the Nation Celebrates 64 Years of Independence

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*Archbishop John Osa-Oni Speaks on Nigeria’s Challenges and lthe Way Forward as the Nation Celebrates 64 Years of Independence*

As Nigeria mark her 64th Independence anniversary on October 1st, Archbishop John Osa-Oni of Vineyard Christian Ministries Inc. engaged with journalists to share his thoughts on the state of the nation, its challenges, and the road ahead.

 

Archbishop John Osa-Oni Speaks on Nigeria's Challenges and lthe Way Forward as the Nation Celebrates 64 Years of Independence

Addressing Nigeria’s security issues, Archbishop Osa-Oni noted that the current security challenges are not the fault of the present administration but were inherited. He expressed optimism, stating, “Things are getting better. There is no greatness that comes easily, but only from the Master. Nigeria has made progress, and we must be honest about that. We were once engulfed in significant security threats in 1999, but look at the development today. What we desire most is freedom.”

Reflecting on his experiences during Nigeria’s political transitions, he acknowledged the personal advantages he had during the military regime but stressed the progress brought by democracy. “The military regime favored me, but I cannot compare it to anything. During Abdulsalami’s time, a few people were benefiting, but democracy has brought about broader prosperity, even though we haven’t fully achieved the true democracy seen in the Western world,” he remarked. He also advocated for a return to regional government, stating, “Though there was oppression in those days, it wasn’t entirely bad.”

However, Archbishop Osa-Oni expressed concerns about the idea of state police, fearing its potential misuse. “State police could be dangerous. It may be used against the people, and that is my fear,” he said.

Reflecting on his long journey in ministry, which began on February 13, 1972, the Archbishop shared his gratitude for mentors like Archbishop Benson Idahosa and Reverend Tunde Joda, who significantly impacted his life. “When we started in ministry, it wasn’t about money. We were driven by the desire to preach the truth. I remember being at Word of Faith Church, where we preached the truth as it should be,” he shared.

On the topic of governance, Archbishop Osa-Oni emphasized the importance of freedom, stating, “Our freedom cannot be equated to slavery under colonial masters. While some claim we are still submitting our resources to foreign powers, I believe we are better off as a free nation.” He advised against violent protests, highlighting that they often lead to the destruction of lives and property. Instead, he suggested that labor unions and trade organizations should engage the government on behalf of the people. “Dialogue, not destruction, is the way forward,” he added.

Touching on the role of religious leaders in governance, the Archbishop expressed concern about the diminishing advisory role of the church. “Many church leaders are now involved in the government, making it difficult for them to offer sound advice. True governance requires separation from political involvement,” he stated.

Archbishop Osa-Oni also criticized the lack of continuity in governance, pointing out how successive administrations often abandon the programs of their predecessors. “I remember Operation Feed the Nation and Ebenezer Obey’s song about it. What happened after that? Each dispensation discontinues the former government’s programs, and it’s a terrible situation. They all rely on petroleum, which shouldn’t be our sole focus,” he lamented.

Despite the challenges, Archbishop Osa-Oni urged Nigerians to celebrate the country’s achievements. He praised the role of religion in uplifting society, citing Vineyard Christian Ministries’ outreach programs, including free medical services and surgeries for the underprivileged. “We are grateful for access to skilled medical personnel in Nigeria, and we must continue to serve our communities,” he said.

In his message to the youth, the Archbishop encouraged patience, engagement, and prayer. “The youths should be patient, stay engaged, and remain prayerful. With these factors in place, things will improve for the better,” he concluded.

As Nigeria turns 64, Archbishop John Osa-Oni’s reflections highlight both the progress made and the challenges ahead, while offering a message of hope and resilience for the nation’s future.

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Equatorial Guinea S*x Scandal: Woman Allegedly Commits Suicide

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Equatorial Guinea Sex Scandal: Woman Allegedly Commits Suicide

Equatorial Guinea Sex Scandal: Woman Allegedly Commits Suicide

 

Sadly, in a shocking turn of events related to the ongoing sex scandal in Equatorial Guinea, one of the women allegedly featured in explicit videos involving high-profile individuals reportedly took her own life.

The woman is believed to have been overwhelmed by the spread of the footage, which has gone viral and caused a media uproar in the country.

The scandal erupted after Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency, was arrested on charges of misconduct, including allegedly recording over 400 videos involving wives of notable figures in the nation.

The videos, which surfaced amid a broader investigation into fraud, reportedly include intimate encounters with influential individuals, escalating the controversy.

This latest development has sparked a public outcry, with many calling for stronger measures to protect the privacy and dignity of those affected by the leaked content.

Meanwhile, officials in Equatorial Guinea are reportedly taking steps to control the scandal’s impact as they continue their investigation.

News360 Nigeria reports that Baltasar Engonga, the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, was arrested following a shocking revelation of over 400 sextapes reportedly involving the wives of prominent figures in the country.

Engonga, 54, came under investigation for fraud, leading to an unannounced search of his residence and office, where officials discovered numerous CDs containing recordings of his alleged sexual encounters.

The tapes reportedly feature encounters with high-profile individuals, including relatives and wives of government officials, such as the sister of the President, the wife of the Director General of Police, and spouses of approximately 20 ministers.

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Ekiti Governor Honours Primate Ayodele’s Late Father, Names Street After Him

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Primate Ayodele Never Said Seyi Makinde Would Become President’’ – Media Aide Clarifies*

Ekiti Governor Honours Primate Ayodele’s Late Father, Names Street After Him

 

The governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji has honoured the Primate Elijah Ayodele’s late father by naming a street after him in Ikere-Ekiti.

The street which used to be ‘Area One’ where the prophet’s church in Ekiti is located has now been registered as Ayomate Avenue.

According to reports, the renaming took the combined efforts of the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Alagbado, his chiefs, the local government chairmen, and ultimately, the governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji.

According to the governor, the street was named in recognition of the good works done by the late father of Primate Ayodele and the continuation of the good works by the prophet. He also recognized the efforts of the prophet to drive economic growth in the community.

Primate Ayodele embraced the development while expressing appreciation to the governor for honouring God in such a manner. The prophet applauded the governor for his efforts towards bringing development to Ikere-Ekiti and promised that the presence of his church will in turn lead to more economic development in the local government.

Furthermore, Primate Ayodele promised that he would begin by sinking boreholes across the local government to support the government in solving the water crisis.

‘’I appreciate the governor for the magnanimous development of naming this vicinity after our church, it’s indeed marvellous in God’s sight. This is a testament to his love for God and the people of Ekiti state.”

“I also want to appreciate him for the development he started in Ikere-Ekiti local government, the people are happy with him and above all, God is happy with him for all he is doing”

“I want to promise His Excellency that our presence here will bring a new dawn to this vicinity, we will also assist the government. We will be sinking boreholes across the local government to solve the water crisis.’’

History has it that Primate Ayodele’s father was one of the most respected individuals in Ikere-Ekiti who brought good tidings to the community and provided succour for individuals who needed help.

Consequently, Primate Ayodele has been engaging in humanitarian activities on a large scale across the country. Since he opened a branch in Ikere-Ekiti, Primate Ayodele has organized charitable programmes thrice which involved selling a bag of rice for N20,000, scholarships for youths, empowerment for widows, to mention but a few.

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APC Youth Loyal To Defence Minister Allegedly Vandalize President Tinubu Billboards Amidst Defection Rumor In Jigawa

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APC Youth Loyal To Defence Minister Allegedly Vandalize President Tinubu Billboards Amidst Defection Rumor In Jigawa

 

 

 

 

Bulus Aminu, Dutse

In a surprising turn, a few supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC), allegedly loyal to the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru were been observed vandalizing billboards bearing images of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Umar Namadi and Jigawa state APC Chairman, Aminu Gumel in Dutse, Jigawa state.

The incidents have sparked concerns, particularly in light of growing speculation that the Defence Minister, Badaru may be preparing to switch political allegiance by defecting to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 elections.

The billboards, located in key areas of the city, were seen slashed, defaced and in some cases, completely destroyed by youths allegedly acting on the signalled Defection notice of their boss or a script to portray the Governor bad.

Speaking to our correspondent, one of the aggrieved youths who gave his name as Bala Sule Babura, voiced his disappointment in the government, citing that Governor Umar Namadi has being running the state the way he likes without recourse to Badaru.

“The Governor here has refused to follow the instructions of the former Governor. Those of us loyal to the Badaru can hardly access government house because of the sharp divide between the Governor and his predecessor. The promises made to us haven’t materialized and it feels like we’re worse off now”, Babura expressed.

Political analysts have noted that Governor Namadi has taken full charge of the entire leadership structure in the state against the wishes of the former Governor and now Minister who fought tirelessly against the emergence of Namadi as Governor of Jigawa state, thereby rendering Minister Badaru almost politically impotent in the state as key stakeholders earlier loyal to Badaru have all switched their full loyalty to the governor, a practice Badaru is not finding funny at all.

It is worthy of note that the people of the state voted massively for Umar Namadi as their governor against the directives of Former Governor Abubakar Badaru who didn’t want his deputy to succeed him.

An indigine of Dutse, Baba Mohammad who granted an interview noted that paying a few group of boys money to destroy the President’s billboards will not change the love and trust the people of Jigawa state have on Umar Namadi.

“Badaru may have thought that to align with the PDP will help him regain political relevance in the state, but truth be told, it will further signal a total collapse of his already weak political structure in Jigawa state which is evident to even the blind particularly as the country moves closer to another general election. I was Badaru’s Coordinator for the Artisans here but I had to leave him like others did before the election when he ordered us to vote against Umar Namadi”, Mohammad stated.

The actions of his alleged supporters have further fueled these rumours of defection.

More suspicion is abound as Badaru is yet to release any official statement on his indictment of trying to force the current Governor to release a certain percentage of the state’s monthly allocation sums to him which the Governor refused vehemently.

Some party members have expressed concern over Badaru’s move to cause breakdown of law and order in the state noting that the Governor is the leader of the Party in the state and should be allowed to rebuild the party from the total mess Badaru left it.

Governor Namadi has countless times stated that the monthly allocations are mainly for the development of the state and not for political hijackers.

Meanwhile, opposition members have taken note of the events as a potential indication of rising dissatisfaction among APC loyalists, possibly providing the PDP with new alliances as they strategize for the upcoming elections.

The public too remains watchful. The remaining few around the Minister are already feeling the impact of their principal’s loss of the people’s trust as they are now left with questioning the political future of Badaru which seems to be in its diminishing phase.

This incident marks yet another chapter in Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape, illustrating the challenges of leadership and the complexities of political loyalty and home base political redundancy which Badaru is being faced with

Some opinion moulders have noted that Badaru is holding a position he doesn’t deserve following the low number of votes he was able to ganear for President Tinubu in the last Presidential election.

“In Jigawa state today, Badaru has no significant influence even as Minister of Defence as no one cares to take him serious, so his defection to PDP will be of no negative consequence to APC Jigawa state”, Mohammad concluded.

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