society
Oyebanji lifts 48 indigent citizens with N20m
Oyebanji lifts 48 indigent citizens with N20m
In his drive to reduce poverty among indigenes of the state, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has empowered another set of 48 indigent citizens of the state with cash and material support to the tune of N20 million.
Disbursing the fund on behalf of the Governor on Wednesday at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s office, Ado-Ekiti, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Governor’s Office, Mrs Sola Abe, said the intervention was in line with the fulfillment of Governor Oyebanji’s campaign promises of shared prosperity and reduction of poverty among the populace.
Mrs Abe who explained that the intervention ranged from payment of school fees, medical bills, expansion of businesses with necessary equipment among others, is a way of providing succour to vulnerable indigenes of the state who are in serious need of financial assistance to improve their livelihood.
She noted that Governor Oyebanji is passionate about helping the less privileged even before he became Governor, and hence, he had earmarked certain amount from his personal purse every month for this cause.
This, according to her, is a way of reaching out and rendering a helping hand to the needy indigenes that are not employed but have some vocational skills.
The Governor’s aide charged all the beneficiaries to spend the money and utilize the equipment judiciously, adding that what they all requested for were given to them without any reduction.
She also stated that a monitoring team would visit them regularly to know how they are faring and see that they are using the money and the equipment for the purpose for which they were given.
Among the beneficiaries of the largesse were tailors, drycleaners, traders and hairdresser who were given full equipment to start or boost their businesses.
On modalities for disbursement, Mrs Abe said, “We receive request from indigenes asking for assistance and it varies from tuition, medicals or expansion of businesses, so we do our investigation, market survey, verify claims and disburse.
“We have 48 beneficiaries today and the mode of selecting them is that they write letter to the Governor and he charges them to our office, we then call the applicants, ask questions and confirm if they actually learn the trades. We also ask if they are already in the business or they want to start afresh before we eventually verify their claims.
“March next year will make it a year that we have started the programme, so, we will assess how the programme has fared in one year by going out to monitor activities of beneficiaries to be sure that its actually meeting the needs and plugging all holes in homes. The only criteria we ask for is that you must be from Ekiti. No political colouration.
“This is more of the Governor’s personal project, this is what he is doing himself to ensure he reach out to people in his own way. In fact, he has been doing this before he became Governor. And I think people now know about it, so the volume of requests that come to him has become enormous. he understands the impact this is having on the people, he understands the hardship going on with the people. This is own way of helping the people from his own personal purse.” She added.
Some of the beneficiaries including Mr Abiodun Olatoye, Mrs Yemi Adefemi and Miss Odunayo Obafemi spoke glowingly about the love Governor Oyebanji has for the less-privileged in the state and prayed that God would continue to bless him.
Mr Abiodun Olatoye, a Barber said he just wrote for assistance from the Governor and was surprised to receive a call to come to Governor’s office to receive equipment he needed for his business and money to rent a shop.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor for making life easy for him as he did not have any helper who could assist him get a shop and purchase equipment for him.
society
Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise” — Dr Chris Okafor
Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise”
— Dr Chris Okafor
…Evil communication corrupts good character
…The Holy Spirit is the seal of redemption
True Christian living, beyond winning souls, requires nurturing and sustaining new converts in the faith. This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr Chris Okafor, during a teaching on “Understanding the Act of Discipleship.”
According to him, soul winning without proper establishment and follow-up defeats its purpose. “The goal is not just conversion but fruitfulness and continuity in Christ,” he emphasized, noting that believers must also understand the conditions that make prayers effective.
The Necessity of Discipleship
Dr Okafor outlined why discipleship is essential in the Christian journey:
New converts require guidance to withstand temptations that could pull them back into their former ways.
They must gradually disconnect from relationships and habits that previously weakened their faith.
Support systems should be in place to help them navigate personal and spiritual challenges.
Consistent follow-up, rooted in love and care, helps prevent discouragement and negative perceptions.
Proper integration into the body of Christ strengthens their sense of belonging and commitment.
Understanding Discipleship
He described discipleship as a deliberate process of helping believers grow in Christ and align with godly principles rather than worldly influences. It involves:
Guiding converts until Christ is fully formed in them.
Transmitting biblical values that strengthen their faith and daily conduct.
Practical Approach to Discipleship
The cleric highlighted key methods for effective discipleship:
Fervent prayer for the spiritual stability of new believers.
Demonstrating genuine love and consistent care.
Regular follow-up visits and visible engagement.
Encouraging early infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Teaching habits that sustain spiritual growth.
Habits That Strengthen Faith
To remain grounded, believers were encouraged to cultivate:
Daily study of the Word of God
Consistent prayer and fellowship with God
Active participation in church gatherings
Bold expression of their faith
A conscious rejection of unrighteousness
Deep-rooted commitment to the house of God
A Foundation for Growth
In conclusion, Dr Chris Okafor stressed that discipleship thrives when believers are rooted in sound spiritual guidance. “When you walk with the wise, you become wise,” he said, adding that strong spiritual formation protects individuals from negative influences and preserves godly character.
The Grace Nation Global Sunday Communion Service, observed by members worldwide, featured testimonies, healing sessions, deliverance, and a special child dedication, rounding off the service on a note of faith and celebration.
By Sunday Adeyemi
[email protected]
society
APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo
*APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo
The attention of right-thinking Nigerians has been drawn to the misguided and politically contrived statement issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which it accused Governor Seyi Makinde of incitement over his reference to “Operation Wetie”. Let it be stated without equivocation, the APC’s reaction is not only a gross distortion of context but also a troubling exhibition of either wilful ignorance or a fundamental inability to comprehend even the most elementary use of historical analogy. One is left to wonder whether those who crafted that statement possess even a kindergarten grasp of the English language, let alone the intellectual depth required for serious political discourse.
Governor Makinde’s remarks were clearly cautionary and not incendiary. His reference to “Operation Wetie” was an invocation of history, nothing more and nothing less. It was a sober reminder of the catastrophic consequences that follow when democratic processes are subverted, dissent is stifled and political arrogance is allowed to fester unchecked.To interpret such a warning as a call to violence is either intellectually dishonest or deliberately mischievous.
By attempting to criminalise a legitimate historical reference, the APC exposes a deeper anxiety, an unease with truth and a discomfort with reminders of what unchecked political excess can produce. The tragedy of the Western Region crisis is not a subject to be buried under partisan convenience, it is a lesson to be studied, understood and heeded.
It is both ironic and alarming that a party which claims to defend democracy would seek to undermine historical consciousness. Such conduct betrays a troubling tendency towards authoritarian thinking, where even words of caution are twisted into offences and dissenting voices are vilified rather than engaged.
The statement by Felix Morka, in particular, collapses under the weight of its own exaggeration. To leap from a historical reference to claims of “anarchy” and “murderous rage” is not only illogical but borders on the absurd. It is political theatre of the lowest quality. Furthermore, the attempt to cloak this mischaracterisation in the language of “national security” is both reckless and disingenuous. National security is far too important to be reduced to a tool for partisan intimidation.
The APC would do well to engage in introspection rather than projection. This pattern of deliberate misrepresentation and inflammatory overreach poses a greater risk to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Nigeria deserves a political culture rooted in honesty, maturity and intellectual rigour not one diminished by propaganda, distortion and opportunism. In the final analysis, the issue is simple, those who cannot understand history are often the first to misinterpret it and unfortunately, the most likely to repeat its errors.
-Olufemi Aduwo is a
Permanent Representative of CCDI to the ECOSOC/United Nations.
NB: Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity, is a non-profit organisation with Consultative Status of United Nations
society
Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos
Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos
Genesis Global Isheri is set to host an extraordinary spiritual gathering tagged PPP, Praise, Power & Prophetic Night, themed Jehoshaphat Night, on May 1st, 2026, from 8PM till dawn. This highly anticipated event will take place at Genesis Bus Stop, LASU–Igando Road, Isheri Idimu, Lagos, bringing together worshippers, believers, and seekers from across the city for a night of intense spiritual upliftment. With a vibrant atmosphere already expected, the event promises a unique blend of deep worship, prophetic ministrations, and life-transforming encounters.
The night will be led by Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, the host and founder of Genesis Global, known for his dynamic prophetic ministry and impactful teachings. Attendees can also look forward to powerful ministrations from guest ministers Minister Dare Oxygen and Mista Olamilekan, who are set to usher in an atmosphere of heartfelt praise and spiritual revival. The theme “Jehoshaphat Night” draws inspiration from the biblical account of King Jehoshaphat, where praise became a weapon for victory setting the tone for a night centered on breakthrough, faith, and divine intervention.
Beyond just a gathering, Jehoshaphat Night is positioned as a transformative experience where attendees can expect spiritual renewal, prophetic direction, and a deeper connection with God through music and the Word. With a carefully curated lineup and a strong spiritual focus, this all night event aims to ignite faith and inspire testimonies. Whether you’re seeking clarity, breakthrough, or simply a powerful worship experience, this is a night not to be missed in Lagos. Make it an event.
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