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Why church leadership should take politics seriously – Ighodalo

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Why church leadership should take politics seriously – Ighodalo.

Why church leadership should take politics seriously – Ighodalo.
…Akinyemi chides INEC, says election must hold
…Sowore turns gospel preacher

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

Senior Pastor of Trinity House Church, Ituah Ighodalo, has advised church leadership in Nigeria to take politics serious and drop its ‘I don’t care’ attitude.

 

 

Why church leadership should take politics seriously – Ighodalo.

 

 

This is even as Dr Bolaji Akinyemi, a religious activist, cautioned the Chairman of the Independent Nigeria Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, over alleged plan to cancel the February elections.

Pastor Ighodalo gave the advice during the fifth edition of ‘One Man Conference’ organised by Apostolic Roundtable in Lagos, that was graced by people from all walks of life.

Ighodalo said Nigeria is in a critical condition with various choices of leaders and therefore cannot afford to make a wrong choice.

“We all should arise, the ignorance of the leadership of the church is not encouraging.

“Nigeria is known as a country with natural resources but unfortunately, we do not have true leaders with genuine love for the nation,” he stated.

According to the cleric, “The nation needs true leaders who are truly passionate about Nigeria, leaders who are honest, faithful, disciplined, hardworking and energetic.

“We do not need leaders who will occupy the position for their selfish interests, but people who are well educated, with integrity, well informed and intelligent.

“What Nigeria need now are leaders that will bring change and make positive impact on the nation’s building.’’

Dr Pogu Bitrus, president of the Middle Belt Forum, reminded the gathering that good governance is a function of good leadership.

He noted that Nigerians need the right candidate, people without bias for tribe or religion, that will put the nation first, to compose the government, and which would also prioritise the protection of the people as one nation.

“What One Man Nigeria is searching for since independence is now here; we need to actualise this dream, change the former order and pursue it.

“We need to keep the ship afloat and champion this noble vision, let everyone work side by side, until we achieve this come 2023 general election,” he said.

In his remarks, Dr Akinyemi, convener of the Apostolic Round Table, cautioned the INEC boss Yakubu over report it planned to cancel the national polls slated for February this year.

He also said the nation needs a new constitution to stop the political cabal that are controlling the political space.

In his words, “We are not going to repeat what happened in 1993 in 2023. This time, they have failed; we don’t have to bring leaders who are not competent.

“We don’t owe any presidential candidate a dime; this time with God Almighty, we will get it right.”

The activist urged Nigerians to understand that election is for the people not even the INEC chairman; “he has no right to tell us that election won’t hold. It is a clear constitutional matter and no one should come with flimsy excuses.”

Akinyemi added that by now the citizenry was expecting the electoral body to be fully ready to hold the polls, with all needful materials and equipment in place in its various offices, rather than “playing this dirty game that we are familiar with.”

Some of the presidential candidates that graced the event were Latifu Kolawole of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and African Action Congress (AAC)’s Omoyele Sowore, among others.

Mr Sowore, in his contribution, waxed religious in his approach, as he urged Nigerians to rise and possess their inheritance, restating that leadership is about service and that everyone in this nation needs protection.

“How long will we continue to sit and watch looters loot our country; how long will we continue to allow them tell us when to wake or sleep? The nation God has given to us, when are we going to possess it? God is here now. It needn’t take forever; it’s time,” he stated.

Sowore further hinted that the dream of a great and working Nigeria lies in going back to the foundation, learning to appreciate our core values, including the use of indigenous languages to drive learning in the schools.

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Man Arrested For Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

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Man Arrested For Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

Man Arrested For Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

 

A 28-Year-Old Man Identified As Samuel Ani has been arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly defiling and impregnating a 14-year-old girl (name withheld) in Sagamu area of the state.

Ani was caught having canal knowledge with the victim at about 2 pm on Wednesday.

Confirming his arrest on Friday, the police spokesperson in the state, Omolola Odutola, said the incident was reported to the command by the father of the child.

She stated that the suspect, who was also suspected to have impregnated the minor, on interrogation, confessed to the crime.

Odutola said, “The father, known only as Paul, had approached the division to report the crime suspect committed against his daughter.

“The suspect allegedly defiled the minor and is also accused of impregnating her. The 28-year-old suspect had been arrested and detained by the command.

“The matter will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department once the preliminary investigation is completed.

Odutola disclosed that the child had been immediately taken to the hospital for medical examination.

“In the meantime, the survivor has been taken to a hospital for medical examination,” she added.

 

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Tears as Lagbaja buried in Abuja

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Tears as Lagbaja buried in Abuja

Tears as Lagbaja buried in Abuja

 

Emotions ran high as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, on Friday.

The ceremony brought together family, colleagues, and dignitaries to bid a final farewell to the late army chief.

The grief-stricken family members and colleagues struggled to contain their tears.

Even the nose mask worn by his widow, Mariya, couldn’t conceal the steady stream of tears that dropped from her eyes.

 

The procession began at precisely 3:00 p.m. when Lagbaja’s remains arrived at the cemetery.

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, each took turns laying wreaths at the grave.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, Musa, assured Nigerians that Lagbaja’s death would inspire the military to defeat the nation’s enemies wherever they may be.

 

Musa stated that the military took solace in the fact that the late army chief lived a purposeful life, urging the troops to honour his memory by committing themselves to the ideals he stood for.

Musa said, “We will not leave you alone. We know your loss is immeasurable, but please take solace in knowing that he lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy that will never fade. To my fellow officers and men, let us use this moment to recommit ourselves to the ideas for which General Labaja stood for.

“Let us ensure that his sacrifice and service continue to guide our steps as we defend this great nation. We are going to use his passing away to resolve further to defeat all enemies of the state, wherever they are, whether within or outside. As we lower him today into the embrace of the earth, let us raise our voices in prayer and gratitude for a life well lived. “

Reflecting on Lagbaja’s tenure, Musa noted that he took bold and decisive actions against terrorists, bandits, and other threats.

He said, “His tenure was marked by decisive actions against insurgency, banditry, and other threats to our nation’s peace. His efforts significantly enhanced the operational readiness and the morale of the Nigerian Army. But beyond his professional achievement, General Labaja was a man of profound faith, kindness, and humility.

 

“His commitment to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the security of our citizens was unwavering. From his early days as a young officer to his ascension to the esteemed office of the Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja consistently demonstrated a rare blend of intellect, bravery, and humanity. He understood the complexities of modern warfare and the need for innovation in our strategies.

“Yet, he never lost sight of the human element, the men and women who serve under the flag and the citizens whose freedom they defend.

 

In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, said Lagbaja embodied the core values of soldiering and served Nigeria without reservation for over 30 years.

Badaru said the late army chief was not only courageous but also an inspiring leader who lived from the front, exemplifying his tedious dedication to the service of the nation.

At the event, Tinubu conferred a posthumous national honour, Commander of the Federal Republic, on Lagbaja.

Tinubu said the conferment was to appreciate Lagbaja’s service to the nation.

The President described Lagbaja as one of his best appointees.

He said, “Lagabaja was a true soldier, a general and officer who symbolised the best of his profession and whose commitment to the nation he loved was singular and undiluted.

“He was more than I could have hoped for. He was one of my best appointments. Lieutenant General Lagbaja embodied the finest ideas of a patriot and a soldier. He had an abiding faith in the capability and readiness of our armed forces to save and keep us”.

Tinubu described Lagbaja as a trusted advisor, adding that he was a man of prudent action who cared about the nation and the men who served under him.

“He displayed uncommon valor in the charge of his duty and the administration of the rank and file for he cared about their welfare and that of their families.

“For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well,” he added.

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Warmest Birthday Wishes to an Exceptional, Gracious Woman, Mrs Folake Fabiyi ~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

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Warmest Birthday Wishes to an Exceptional, Gracious Woman, Mrs Folake Fabiyi
~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

 

On this momentous occasion, I am thrilled to honor my beloved sister, Falake, a paragon of kindness and industriousness, on her birthday, today, Friday ayaba Fabiyi Supo, 15th November 2024. Ma, the divine benevolence of God Almighty has bestowed upon you another year of life, replete with promise and opportunity.

It is also an opportune moment to reflect on your blessings and methodically enumerate them, thereby acknowledging the remarkable accomplishments of God in your life

As you commemorate another year of existence today, may the Supreme Being graciously continue to endow your life with success, benevolence, and unwavering favour, and henceforth, every utterance and account regarding you and your household shall be replete with good tidings

I fervently pray that God’s divine guidance and favor will continually be upon you, and may He graciously bestow His kindness upon you now and forever. Please accept my warmest congratulations and sincere best wishes

To my dearest Mummy Precious, I offer my warmest felicitations and hope your birthday celebration is exceptionally eventful.

Warmest Birthday Wishes to an Exceptional, Gracious Woman, Mrs Folake Fabiyi
~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned Journalist writes from Lagos

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