Business

Most Pentecostal pastors are marketers- Prophet Oladele Ogundipe (Genesis)

Published

10 years ago

September 15, 2016

The Shepard-in-charge of Genesis Model Int’l, Celestial Church of Christ, prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe popularly known as Genesis, has described some Pentecostal pastors as “marketers.”

Ogundipe said this on Sunday September 11, 2016 at the Grand Ballroom of Oriental Hotel, Lekki, while giving a speech at the recently heard Excel 2016 in Lagos.

In his keynote address, Ogundipe who also doubled as the host said, “I see lot of Nigerian pastors as marketers. If you want to know a true pastor, he or she would be working on furthering the gospel and not to undermine the efforts of others.

He also noted that the opulent lifestyle of some so called men of God is appalling and not according to the command of God. “When i see a true pastor i know and when i see a marketer it will be glaring”, he said.

He admonished those who are confusing preaching the gospel with marketing of themselves for the accumulation of worldly riches.

However, Ogundipe was full of praises for men of God such as Pastor E.A Adeboye of Redeemed Christian Church of God and some others who have contributed immensely to the spread of the gospel

According to those who should know, Ogundipe allegedly said this against the backdrop of the blackmail leveled against him and his denomination, the Celestial Church by some Pentecostal pastors.

Ogundipe was said to have invited America born preacher, Dr. Mike Murdock to be part of Excel 2016, and in which the preacher agreed to as evident in the advert aired on Channels TV, a day to the event. But at the last minute, on his arrival in Nigeria, some Pentecostal pastors allegedly led by a Nigerian pastor who has the biggest church in UK, were said to have approached Murdock not to honour the invitation, alleging that his reputation would be soiled if he graces the event.

And on hearing this, the preacher made a U-turn and left the awaiting crowd disappointed.

However, the event went on fine as over 10,000 worshippers had a swell time, listening to the word of God and songs of praises. . Lanre Teriba, George Audu Sax, Big B, Lara George and the Genesis choir added excitement to the event with their performances.

Excel is said to be a yearly spiritual event mixed with praise, worship and motivational talks to propel participants to keep on excelling.

Mike Murdock: How Some Pentecostal Pastors Blackmailed Him From Attending Celestial Church Event

Details have emerged on why America born preacher, Mike Murdock disappointed over 10,000 people over the weekend by not showing up at this year Excel 2016, a celestial church of Christ concert organized by Genesis Model Parish in Lagos.

Murdock, who was contacted to motivate participants at the event on Sunday, September 11, 2016, was nowhere to be found even though his absence was not really felt.

According to findings, Murdock couldn’t attend the event, which was held at the Grand Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, as a result of blackmail leveled against the Celestial church by some Pentecostal pastors.

According to the host, prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe popularly known as Genesis, he alleged that on hearing Murdock’s coming some pastors in Nigeria started calling to blackmail him from coming.

“They called Mike Murdock, saying that he should not come for a programme by white garment church in Nigeria. According to the Pentecostal pastors, white garment churches don’t have integrity. They told him that if he attends their programme he would soil his reputation”, the prophet said.

He also said he wondered why some so called Pentecostal pastors would go to such extent to blackmail a man of God from coming to Nigeria or taking part in a programme for the work of the gospel, noting that most of the so called Pentecostal pastors are marketers and not serious men of God.

According to findings, Ogundipe was said to have invited the preacher to be part of Excel 2016, and in which the preacher agreed to as evident in the advert aired on Channels TV, a day to the event. But at the last minute, on his arrival in Nigeria, some Pentecostal pastors allegedly led by a Nigerian pastor who has the biggest church in UK, were said to have approached Murdock not to honour the invitation, alleging that his reputation would be soiled if he graces the event.

However, even with Murdock’s absence, the event was a success as there was plenty to take home for participants in terms of spiritual blessings, entertainment and motivation to excel.

On the entertainment stand, Lara George, Lanre Teriba, Big B, George Audu Sax and the Genesis choir performed at the event.

Excel is said to be a yearly spiritual event mixed with praise, worship and motivational talks to propel participants to keep on excelling.

Business

ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

Published

18 minutes ago

April 25, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ADVAN Earns Global Recognition As WFA President’s Award Winner For “Project Freedom”

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has been recognised on the global stage as a recipient of the prestigious WFA President’s Award, presented by the World Federation of Advertisers during its Global Marketer Week in Stockholm. The recognition places ADVAN among a select group of leading industry associations worldwide acknowledged for driving meaningful impact in marketing and society.

The WFA President’s Awards, established in 2010, celebrate national industry associations whose initiatives advance the marketer’s agenda and contribute to positive change. This year’s honours were awarded following a rigorous selection process involving 38 submissions from associations across the WFA’s global network, with winners chosen for their measurable impact and potential for replication across markets.

ADVAN’s recognition comes through its advocacy initiative, Project Freedom, a bold and strategic effort focused on addressing the challenges of stifling, non–data-driven regulations affecting businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking while championing the constitutional right to freedom of commerce.

Through Project Freedom, ADVAN has taken a proactive leadership role in engaging key stakeholders and shaping conversations around fair, balanced, and transparent regulation. The initiative reflects a shift toward constructive dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support innovation, protect consumer interests, and enable sustainable business growth.

By earning this global recognition, ADVAN reinforces the growing influence of African marketing institutions in shaping international discourse. Its work highlights how local advocacy, when rooted in data and guided by clear principles, can deliver impact not just within national borders but across the global marketing ecosystem.

The award also affirms ADVAN’s commitment to strengthening self-regulation within the industry, fostering accountability, and promoting standards that align with global best practices while remaining relevant to local realities.

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, ADVAN’s recognition by the World Federation of Advertisers signals a strong endorsement of its leadership and vision. It positions the association as a key voice in advancing responsible marketing, advocating for enabling policies, and ensuring that businesses can operate in an environment that supports both innovation and economic freedom.

Business

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status

Published

19 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

***PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status**

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

Thank you.

Business

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

22 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

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About Laffmattazz

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.