religion
Governor Sanwo-Olu honors sacked chaplain after Ambode’s wife saga
Emotions ran high at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, as the Lagos State Government honoured a former presiding Chaplain of the chapel, Venerable Femi Taiwo.
The congregation, consisting of church members, family, friends and well wishers of the cleric, sang songs after songs as they celebrated the occasion.
The state Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, who was joined by top officials of the ministry, presented a gift to Taiwo on behalf of the government.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the special service, which held for about 30 minutes, was kept under wraps, as many church members were not informed.
In May 2017, PUNCH Metro had exclusively reported that Taiwo, his wife and their two children were evicted from the vicarage after being given 24 hours notice to quit.
Church members contributed money to buy cooking utensils for the family, as a new accommodation was sought for them.
Taiwo had been accused of not according the wife of former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Bolanle, preference and recognition during an anointing service.
Bolanle, with her entourage, was reported to have stormed out of the Sunday service in a fit of rage.
Efforts by women leaders in the church to persuade them to stay on were said to have been rebuffed.
Shortly after they left, the priest was served a dismissal letter by the governing council of the chapel.
The incident had generated outrage from Nigerians, who criticised the former governor and his wife for humiliating the former chaplain.
The head of the African Church, Ifako Diocese, Rt. Rev. Michael Adeyemi, who seconded the cleric to the chapel, had said Bolanle committed a sacrilege.
However, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, justified the action of the state, saying the priest was a government employee and he could be fired by his employers.
He also dissociated Bolanle from Taiwo’s sacking.
The Christian leader, however, parried questions on the propriety of the 24-hour eviction order.
Two years and six months after, the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, through the Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture, honoured Taiwo.
A member of the chapel said the special service was kept secret, adding that officials of the ministry, including the commissioner, special adviser, permanent secretary and some members of staff were present.
“Everything was done very quickly too. We started with a hymn, followed by an address by the special adviser to the governor. After a brief remarks, the commissioner presented a gift to Taiwo,” he stated.
The source said though the government’s action was commendable, the church wanted the priest to be honoured in a bigger way.
A senior official of the chapel said he got a text about the event around 2pm on Tuesday.
He insisted that the programme was an initiative of the state government.
He stated, “I got a text stating that the ministry was coming to the chapel to honour Venerable Taiwo. Some members started sharing and spreading the message till late last night (Tuesday).
“When we arrived, the special adviser to the governor was the first to talk. He said something like, ‘Since I have been in Alausa, nobody has told me that you (Taiwo)stole money; nobody said you are a womaniser’. A very brief remark testifying to the integrity of the priest and I believe that was all Venerable Taiwo wanted.”
Our correspondent learnt that the female group in the church turned out in a colourful aso ebi to mark the occasion.
The source said despite the short notice, the women mobilised and organised to wear the uniform to honour Taiwo.
A video clip sent to PUNCH Metro by the official showed the priest singing several songs of praise as he was joined by the church members in a dance.
While thanking the state governor for the honour, he appreciated Nigerians for their kind words.
Taiwo said, “I thank God for His faithfulness and the uncommon grace and rare privilege He has given to me. I thank the Lagos State Government; Mr Governor, Aduramigba Iyanuoluwa Babajide Sanwo-Olu. I appreciate you and everyone. In the midst of the storm of life, you stood by me.
“The day I was to leave here, I saw angels coming down in the form of men. Spontaneously, I saw members of this church come around me and providing all a man could need to survive. What happened that day, nobody prepared for it; nobody thought of it. But God went ahead and made the crooked way straight. I thank and appreciate all of you and I pray that the glory of God will shine on your lives.
“Throughout the time I spent here, I had no regrets, because you were all around me. That is why I cannot forget this place; I cannot forget your beautiful faces.”
@Punch
Grace Nation: Birth of Jesus Christ a Testament to Supernatural Power – Dr. Chris Okafor
“No man was involved in the birth of Jesus Christ,” says Dr. Okafor.
God’s faithfulness over humanity is evident in the gift of life and the countless blessings He bestows upon us. Therefore, celebrating Jesus Christ, the reason for the season, is both an obligation and a privilege, says Dr. Chris Okafor, Senior Pastor of Grace Nation International, also known as Liberation City.
Speaking during the Divine Intervention and Breakthrough Service held at the International Headquarters of Grace Nation in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Dr. Okafor emphasized the profound meaning and significance of Christmas. In his teaching on the theme “The Power and Essence of Christmas,” the renowned preacher urged believers not to lose sight of the true essence of the season amidst celebrations.
Dr. Okafor highlighted two monumental events in Christian history where God demonstrated His unparalleled power. First, the birth of Jesus Christ—a miraculous conception involving no human intervention. He described this as an extraordinary act of supernatural power.
Second, he spoke of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, noting it as another profound manifestation of divine power. “There is no place in the Scriptures where God displayed such power as He did during the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Dr. Okafor remarked.
He further elaborated, “The birth of Jesus Christ is a testimony to supernatural power and divine intervention. This is why we must celebrate and honor this remarkable event, reflecting on the love and mercy that God has shown to humanity.”
A Time of Reflection and Miracles
The service featured a reading of the Nine Lessons of Christmas and a heartfelt rendition of carols by the Great Liberation Voice choir. It was a moment of deep reflection, as the congregation expressed gratitude for God’s unending grace and mercy that have sustained Grace Nation’s global community.
In the spirit of the season, the service was also marked by testimonies of deliverance and miracles. Attendees witnessed evil projections dissolving instantly, the destruction of altars holding people’s inheritances, and the release of miracle babies to expectant mothers.
Prophetic Declarations for the Future
Dr. Okafor concluded the service with fatherly blessings and declarations for the coming year. He assured Grace Nation members worldwide that 2025 would be a year of divine rewards for those who serve God faithfully and truthfully. “The year ahead will surpass expectations, bringing greater blessings in all aspects of life,” he declared.
Prophet Kingsley Aitafo’s Prophecy Fulfilled: Alhaji Muyideen Bello Passes Away
Yet Another Fulfilled Prophecy: Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Predicts the Death of Renowned Islamic Scholar, Alhaji Muyideen Bello
Sahara Weekly Reports That Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, the Lead Pastor and Founder of the Oneness in Christ Ministry and Shepherd of CCC Living Grace Tabernacle, has once again seen one of his prophecies come to pass. The man of God had previously foretold the passing of a prominent figure in Nigeria, a prophecy that has now been fulfilled.
During one of his open-air crusades, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo revealed a vision in which he saw the departure of a great individual. He noted that the event would leave the nation in awe and shock. He prophesied that this occurrence would take place before the 17th of January, 2024.
These were his exact words:
“I don’t know what is about to happen in Nigeria, but write it down: between now and the 17th of January, something will happen that will shake the nation. A great or big name in Nigeria is already passing by, and it will leave the country in shock. When you observe the weather, it is already giving signs. I don’t know who the individual is—it might be one of the kings, a great man of God, or one of the prominent businessmen. This individual is aged, and their passing will shake Nigeria. From now to the 17th of January, 2024, what I am saying will come to pass. Although there is grace that it might not happen, in the spirit realm, I see it as already done.”
On December 6, 2024, the prophecy was fulfilled with the passing of renowned Islamic scholar Alhaji Muyideen Bello. At the age of 84, Alhaji Bello, a revered figure in the Muslim community, succumbed to the will of God. He was widely known for his profound teachings and unwavering dedication to Islamic scholarship.
The announcement of his demise was made on Friday morning by another prominent Islamic scholar, Alfa Aribidesi of At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’awah. The Muslim community is currently mourning the loss of one of its most respected and beloved figures.
Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, however, clarified that his prophecies are not meant to instill fear but to convey the will of the Almighty God. According to him, the spiritual realm had already confirmed the event, marking it as inevitable.
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