Promote National Unity, Cleric Tells Nigerian Musicians

Mr Tony Zino, the pastor-in-charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos Province Four, on Sunday urged musicians to use music as a tool for national unity.

Zino, who is also an artist, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that “music is a great tool, especially when it has the right message for revival, for the individual and for the unity of the nation.

“My message to people who are into music is that they should get the message right.

“Once you are able to get the message right, there will be revival in people’s lives and there will be unity.

“So, I really want us to have an introspective examination of ourselves as individuals and as a nation.

“For musicians, you need to get it right. Let the focus not be on you, let the focus be on the message, because the message is what matters”.

The cleric said that Nigeria needed music that would convey moral values to build the nation. (NAN)

- See more at: http://nigerianpilot.com/cleric-urges-musicians-promote-national-unity/#sthash.Ze2Ai7dj.dpuf

Monsignor Ayodele Martins (1910-2014)

The Catholic Church in Nigeria, its Lagos Archdiocese and the Nigerian Christian community recently lost the country’s oldest Catholic priest, a teacher and a veteran of the Nigerian Army, Monsignor (Col.) Pedro Ayodele Martins (rtd), at the age of 103.
The well loved cleric died on May 16, 2014 from health complications related to old age. He made history as the first Lagosian to be ordained a Catholic priest, the pioneer Nigerian Catholic Chaplain of the Nigerian Army and the first Nigerian Director of the Nigerian Army Chaplaincy Services (Catholic).
Martins, who had his secondary school education at the famous King’s College, Lagos, before going into a seminary in Ibadan, the Oyo State  capital, was also reputed to be the oldest living retired military officer in the country before he passed on.
With his death, the Catholic Church has lost one of its renowned and dedicated priests, while the nation lost an outstanding compatriot, who believed strongly in one united and indivisible Nigeria.
Born in Lagos on November 16, 1910 to the family of Marcelino Domingo Martins and Regina Clarice Martins, the young Martins was ordained a priest by Bishop Patrick J. Kelly SMA of Benin City, in the present day Edo State, on August 8, 1943. After his ordination, he studied further at the University College, Cork, in Ireland.
The departed centenarian, who ministered as a priest for 70 years, also served humanity in different capacities. Besides being a teacher at St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, he ministered in several parishes in the Lagos Archdiocese. He served as the Vicar General to the then Archbishop of Lagos, now Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie. He was elevated to the position of a Monsignor in 1970.
Pedro Martins served in the Congo and with many Army formations in Nigeria. He was said in some quarters to have coined the Federal Military Government’s civil war slogan, “To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.”
Since his death, prominent Nigerians have eulogised him in glowing terms. The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev (Dr.) Felix Omobude, has thanked God Monsignor Martins’ good example, and urged all Nigerians to learn from his sacrificial life.
Similarly, the General Overseer of the Vineyard Christian Ministries Worldwide, Archbishop John Osa-Oni, saluted the courage and good example of the departed veteran priest and Army Chaplain.
Monsignor Pedro was a quintessential priest and a patriot. He will be remembered for his selfless service to the church, the nation and the society in general. It is good that he lived a life worthy of emulation and kept the faith without wavering. He was strictly devoted to his calling, and remained a shining example in this regard. Pedro brought honour and dignity to priesthood. For him, full devotion to the service of God was a vocation worthy of his entire life. Throughout his life, he upheld the respect and   dignity of the office of a priest. Pedro lived a life of Spartan self-discipline. His life is a vivid testimony to the fact that, with dedication, one can excel in any chosen field of human endeavour and impact the society positively.
Monsignor Martins, also, did not waver in his observance of the oaths of chastity, poverty and celibacy, that are taken by Catholic priests. He was a role model and an exemplary leader. His life touched so many people. We advise modern day Nigerian clerics, especially those of the Catholic faith, to study and emulate the good example of Pedro.
Above all, we urge the Catholic Church, Nigerian Army Chaplaincy authorities and the Federal Government to immortalise this exemplary cleric for his numerous positive contributions to the church, Army Chaplaincy and the nation.
We commiserate with his immediate family, the Catholic Church, the people of Lagos State and the Christian community in the country, on the passage of this great man. May God grant his soul eternal repose.
The Catholic Church in Nigeria, its Lagos Archdiocese and the Nigerian Christian community recently lost the country’s oldest Catholic priest, a teacher and a veteran of the Nigerian Army, Monsignor (Col.) Pedro Ayodele Martins (rtd), at the age of 103.
The well loved cleric died on May 16, 2014 from health complications related to old age. He made history as the first Lagosian to be ordained a Catholic priest, the pioneer Nigerian Catholic Chaplain of the Nigerian Army and the first Nigerian Director of the Nigerian Army Chaplaincy Services (Catholic).
Martins, who had his secondary school education at the famous King’s College, Lagos, before going into a seminary in Ibadan, the Oyo State  capital, was also reputed to be the oldest living retired military officer in the country before he passed on.
With his death, the Catholic Church has lost one of its renowned and dedicated priests, while the nation lost an outstanding compatriot, who believed strongly in one united and indivisible Nigeria.
Born in Lagos on November 16, 1910 to the family of Marcelino Domingo Martins and Regina Clarice Martins, the young Martins was ordained a priest by Bishop Patrick J. Kelly SMA of Benin City, in the present day Edo State, on August 8, 1943. After his ordination, he studied further at the University College, Cork, in Ireland.
The departed centenarian, who ministered as a priest for 70 years, also served humanity in different capacities. Besides being a teacher at St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, he ministered in several parishes in the Lagos Archdiocese. He served as the Vicar General to the then Archbishop of Lagos, now Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie. He was elevated to the position of a Monsignor in 1970.
Pedro Martins served in the Congo and with many Army formations in Nigeria. He was said in some quarters to have coined the Federal Military Government’s civil war slogan, “To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.”
Since his death, prominent Nigerians have eulogised him in glowing terms. The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev (Dr.) Felix Omobude, has thanked God Monsignor Martins’ good example, and urged all Nigerians to learn from his sacrificial life.
Similarly, the General Overseer of the Vineyard Christian Ministries Worldwide, Archbishop John Osa-Oni, saluted the courage and good example of the departed veteran priest and Army Chaplain.
Monsignor Pedro was a quintessential priest and a patriot. He will be remembered for his selfless service to the church, the nation and the society in general. It is good that he lived a life worthy of emulation and kept the faith without wavering. He was strictly devoted to his calling, and remained a shining example in this regard. Pedro brought honour and dignity to priesthood. For him, full devotion to the service of God was a vocation worthy of his entire life. Throughout his life, he upheld the respect and   dignity of the office of a priest. Pedro lived a life of Spartan self-discipline. His life is a vivid testimony to the fact that, with dedication, one can excel in any chosen field of human endeavour and impact the society positively.
Monsignor Martins, also, did not waver in his observance of the oaths of chastity, poverty and celibacy, that are taken by Catholic priests. He was a role model and an exemplary leader. His life touched so many people. We advise modern day Nigerian clerics, especially those of the Catholic faith, to study and emulate the good example of Pedro.
Above all, we urge the Catholic Church, Nigerian Army Chaplaincy authorities and the Federal Government to immortalise this exemplary cleric for his numerous positive contributions to the church, Army Chaplaincy and the nation.
We commiserate with his immediate family, the Catholic Church, the people of Lagos State and the Christian community in the country, on the passage of this great man. May God grant his soul eternal repose.
Culled from Sun Newspaper

Terrorism Has No Place in Islam- Sultan of Sokoto

The Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alh. Sa’ad Abubakar has condemned the Boko Haram Islamic sect, describing it as unislamic, as according to him, “terrorism has no place in Islam,”

He spoke at the National Prayer for Peace and Security, organised by the council at the National Mosque, Abuja, in Abuja, Sunday.
The leader of Nigerian Muslims told the gathering of Islamic clerics, traditional rulers and political leaders from Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country that there was need for all well-meaning members of the Nigerian public to unite against the insurgents.

His words, “we must rise up, as always, with one voice to condemn all acts of terrorism, condemn those terrorists wherever they are and try our possible best as Muslims to ensure peace reigns in our community”.
The Sultan, like many other respected Islamic leaders in Northern Nigeria have been severally criticized for keeping quiet about Boko Haram when they should have spoken to condemn the sect and join forces with security agencies to defeat the sect which President Goodluck Jonathan disclosed has killed more than 12, 000 Nigerians.
He pledged his commitment to assisting the government in the efforts to restor peace to the troubled Northern Nigeria, in Particular and the nation as a whole.
“We are committed to helping the government at all levels to bring peace in Nigeria. Whatever we can do, as long as it is not against Islam, we are ready to do it 100 percent,” he said.
The Sultan, himself a retired army officer said that the Boko Haram scourge was worse than a civil war since the members had no identity.
His words, “we have to make it very clear… that the situation in the country is very serious. You are fighting enemies with no boundary. Terrorists are everywhere. They are among us but we don’t know them.  In this case, you don’t know the enemy. The person sitting next to you might be one of those terrorists. You don’t know”.
Alh Abubakar also urged Muslims, especially those in leadership position to shun corruption and any act that could negatively affect the development of the country.
 Sambo calls for prayerIn his remarks, Vice President Arc Namadi Sambo  called on  the Muslim Ummah to pray fervently for continued peace in the country, saying “prayer is the panacea for all adversities”.
According to the Vice President Sambo,  prayer was a strong weapon against any adversity, adding that  the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration is committed to providing adequate security and ensuring the stability and unity of Nigeria.
He noted: ” when any adverse situation befell the Ummah during the time of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and the Sahabah, their greatest weapon was resorting to prayers to seek for Allah’s intercession.
“We shall continue to organize prayers as frequently as possible and Allah SWT in his infinite mercy will answer our prayers in removing in totality the act of terrorism by the Boko Haram and all other vices in Nigeria.  Let me at this juncture urge all Nigerians to continue to pray for lasting peace and unity of our dear country.”
Namadi Sambo said the Muslim Ummah must continue to  promote the ideals of Islam by living according to its tenets peace, good neighbourliness and kindness.
He charged  Muslims  “not to allow the few disgruntled elements among us to portray Islam and Muslims in bad light,” even as he appealed to Muslim clerics to “apply modesty in their sermons and preaching, while admonishing adherence to the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).”
On the ongoing efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted Chibok girls, Vice President Sambo said the government was “working assiduously to support the efforts of the military by increasing their capacity in the search of our missing girls and to further secure the territorial integrity of the nation and make a call for the immediate release of these girls.”
Arc Sambo used the opportunity to express appreciation for the support of Nigeria’s neighbours, including, Niger Republic, Chad, Cameroon and Benin Republic and all African countries in the fight against the scourge of terrorism in the country. He also commended the United Kingdom, France, as well as the United States of America, China and “all countries of the World that are against the terrorism that is happening in Nigeria, Africa and the World in general.”
Also speaking, the Speaker House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal said the National Assembly would do everything within its constitutional powers to support the government’s effort to fight terrorism.
Prayers were offered by renowned Muslim clerics from all over the country for continued peace, unity and the development of Nigeria at the event which was attended by the Acting Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Garba Umar and many deputy governors, members of the legislature, federal executive council members, royal fathers and Muslim faithful.
 From Vanguard Newspaper

EFCC Begin probe of Assemblies of God Church in Nigeria

The crisis rocking the Assemblies of God Church Nigeria has taken another dimension as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun a probe into the financial transactions of the church following allegations of embezzlement and misappropriation of funds coming from the warring parties.
Top on the alleged scam is the purchase of N220 million property in Germany by the church through a loan obtained from a commercial bank.
Sunday Vanguard gathered that some key members of the church have been interrogated by operatives of the commission while others suspected  to be involved in the alleged scam have gone into hiding.
The probe is sequel to a petition by a faction of the church led by the Assistant General Superintendent, Rev Chidi Okoroafor, alleging that the  Executive Council of the church was neither privy to the property bought in Germany nor gave approved the purchase.
They alleged that the said property whose purchase was said to have been completed in 2011 was non-existent, adding that its embattled General Superintendent, Prof Paul Emeka, single-handedly handled the transaction.
But in a swift reaction, Emeka said his predecessor, Rev Charles Osueke, commenced the process of purchase of the property with an initial deposit of N20 million, adding that his administration continued with the transaction when it came on board four years ago.
He stated that the transaction was completed from a loan secured from the GT Bank, adding that the entire thing was based on the decision of the executive council of the church.
 Culled from Vanguard Newspaper

RCCG Prays for Abducted Schoolgirls

The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, yesterday, convoked an emergency prayer summit to pray for the safe release of the more than 275 schoolgirls adopted by the Islamic militant group, Boko Haram from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State, April 14, 2014.The intensive prayer summit which lasted for two hours took place in all the zonal headquarters of the church across the country, essentially for youths of the church as well as the safe release of the adopted schoolgirls and other social interruptions across the world.A letter convoking the prayer summit was written by the Special Assistant to the General Overseer of the church on Administration and Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola, and addressed to all provincial pastors in the church who were in turn advised to inform zonal pastors under them for implementation.The letter dated May 23, 2014 directed the emergency prayer summit should hold on Sunday from 12 noon to 2.00 p.m. in all zonal headquarters of the church, with prayers focused on the Chibok girls kidnapped over five weeks ago.Other areas which the letter directed attention to, was the Boeing 777 Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which disappeared en route Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014 with 239 passengers and crew aboard and other salient national and international issues e.g. bombings, storms, civil unrests etc.The letter made clear that the summit which targeted at the youth must hold on zonal basis with heavy youth participation but where any of the churches had a youth church, such youths should be encouraged to hold their own prayer summits.It stressed the need for all pastors-in-charge of provinces to encourage massive attendance of the youth and make sure they pass the information to their area and parish pastors, hoping that God would show mercy on the nation and intervene speedily as “we cry unto Him.”At the Testimony zonal headquarters of Lagos Province 9, near Oja Oba in Abule Egba, Lagos where our correspondent visited, the coordinators expressed holy anger as they led the large congregation to pray against the activities of the sect that calls itself Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, or “people committed to the propagation of the prophet’s teachings and jihad.”It’s widely known as Boko Haram, which colloquially translates into “Western education is sin” for its rejection of Western concepts such as evolution and the big bang theories.In unison, they prayed: “Every power Boko Haram is relying upon; let God dismantle them…Confuse the language of Boko Haram that they may not understand themselves that they may release the adopted girls…Lord send ambushment to the camp of Boko Haram and free our girls from captivity unhurt…Let there be no peace for the wicked.''
Culled from Vanguard Newspaper

Nigerian Cleric Predicts More Deadly Boko Haram Attacks

Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Oke-Afa, Ejigbo, Lagos has warned of more deadly attacks by the Boko Haram terrorist group.
The cleric told Sunday Sun in an interview that the Federal Government must take advantage of assistance by foreign nations and deal with the looming threat to lives and property.
He also spoke about the 2015 general elections and the fate awaiting notable politicians and parties.
Excerpts:






In 2009, you predicted in your book, Warnings to the Nations, that there would be terrorists’ attack on Nigeria. Now we have Boko Haram, what do you say about this sect and the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls?
The government has been careless on the issue of Boko Haram. When a prophet gives a prophecy those in authority should see it as an alert for them to react swiftly to. They shouldn’t have ignored such warnings. The blame goes to the government. As for the abducted Chibok schoolgirls, definitely they have been scattered around in fewer numbers. And I can tell you that they are still very much in Nigeria as we speak, just like Mr. President has said. The point is that let’s pray that we get all of them. The chances are slim for us to get all the girls. And we are now just witnessing about one-third of the acts of terrorism that are coming. This is just a tip of the iceberg. There are more sinister, more deadly acts of terrorism coming.
I want to advise the government to seek for more help from America and other nations on the Boko Haram and terrorists’ activities, their origin and operations among others. That would go a long way in fighting future wars with terrorists because there would be more deadly attacks. It would also help the government to know more about other terrorists’ groups that are already in the country and those that are still coming.

You have also predicted foreign intervention in the security challenges and that has happened. Now with foreign assistance and pessimism in some quarters that the intervention could make the nation more vulnerable, what is your take?
The intervention of foreign aids to address the country’s insecurity challenge may demoralize our security operatives. The Nigerian government should realize this. Some of them may not be dedicated to their work as usual. Also, the intervention would be helpful to us but it would also expose our security system to the world. So, bringing foreigners to help in this situation, as good an initiative as it appears, is to me, like a small boy playing with a snake. The president must be very careful because like he knows already, there are terrorists in his government and in key institutions in the country. And again I am saying there is still bloodbath ahead, especially before the next elections. So, the government must take a decisive step to deal with the looming threat.

Before the former Central Bank governor, Lamido Sanusi was suspended, you had predicted that he would not complete his term, was it your prophecy that ousted him from office?
What I prophesied about Sanusi not completing his term was just a warning. One cannot say it was what removed him. But you see, when you give a warning, some people may not take it seriously. But the truth is that irrespective of your religion, level or status, you don’t have to ignore prophecies, even if you think it isn’t genuine. You should take steps towards averting the danger.
So, maybe Sanusi ignored the prophecy because it didn’t come from someone who shared same religion with him or not, I wouldn’t know.
As for the new governor of the Central Bank, he will also do well. I see that some banks would still change their names and our excess charges would also be stopped. He will try to perform but the man must be very careful so that people that would work with him would not stab him in the back. The man would do very well but I’m scared because of the policies in the sector, especially the foreign policies. He will have many enemies as well. The GDP that we have now is like a prophecy of a better future that the new CBN will be tasked to take us to but the tide ahead of him would be very rough. But I advise him to not only be focused but also be unbiased.

Before the incumbent Governor Raji Fashola was elected as the governor of Lagos State, you predicted that an unknown candidate would emerge as governor, are we also expecting another unknown person this time?
The APC must put their house in order for them to move ahead. If the party makes mistake about the next governor, that may lead to massive defection from the party.  This time, I’m seeing another unknown man becoming the governor and it would be from Ikorodu axis. He would also be a Christian.

You also predicted a conspiracy against President Jonathan before the mass defection of some lawmakers and governors. Those who have defected, what is their fate and would there still be another conspiracy against the president especially now that the general election is near?
For those who have defected they have slim chances, especially Rivers State. I don’t see APC winning. So also are the chances slim in Abia, Cross River and even Sokoto.
There will still be internal wrangling in the PDP. The Vice President must be very careful so that they won’t sacrifice his position during negotiations. He may not be Jonathan’s running mate in 2015. Jonathan should again be prepared for another conspiracy against him, this time from within the PDP. If he works very hard, he might be favoured but more sinister political manipulations and crisis await the 2015 elections.
Culled from Sun Newspaper

Wedding Of Daughter of RCCG Pastor Who Converted To Islam Was Called Off



Rev. Uzoechina and daughter

Charity Uzoechina, the daughter of Redeemed Christian Church of God Pastor, Raymond Uzoechina, who made headlines with her story of conversion to Islam, was set to marry the lawyer who handles her controversial case in court but the Niger state Government called it off.
Aisha (formerly known as Charity) Uzoechina, 26, was supposed to be marrying her Muslim lawyer, Barrister Tijani, reportedly on May 2. However, the Governor of Niger state, Babangida Aliyu, where Uzoechina resides, ordered that the wedding to be stopped as he got information that Aisha's parents were not informed of her upcoming wedding.
According to Vanguard, imams and other Muslim clerics were already gathered when the wedding was canceled.
The reason why Aisha didn't inform her parent about her upcoming wedding can be the differences between them about her conversion to Islam. Back in 2013, Aisha sued her parents for interfering in her decision to change religion.
Representative of the National body of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger state Chapter Chairman, Dr Musa Dada, had informed the State's Commissioner on Religious Matters and the Attorney General of the state about the upcoming wedding between Aisha and Barrister Tijani.
Aisha Uzoechina converted to Islam from Christianity in February, 2013. She has since been in the custody of the state government, residing with the deputy Governor, Alhaji Musa Ibeto.
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/66597.html