RCCG

Collapsed 21-storey building: body of developer, Osibona, retrieved from rubble

The corpse of the developer of the collapsed 21-story building at Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Femi Osibona, was recovered from the rubble on Wednesday.

A reliable source told the Nigerian News Agency that Mr. Osibona's body was among the corpses exhumed from the collapsed building on Wednesday and taken to the Yaba public morgue.

NAN estimated that more than 39 bodies had so far been recovered from the rubble on Wednesday evening.

Many people are still believed to be trapped in the rubble, including a pastor of the redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Ola Ogunfuwa.

The RCCG pastor in charge of Living Water Parish in Ibafo, Ogun State, was working as a contractor on the project, but was missing four days after the building collapsed.

The Southwest Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye, earlier confirmed that 32 corpses had been found and nine others were rescued alive with injuries.

NOPE

COVID-19 Vaccines: A Remedy or Poison By Carl Umegboro?

Without a doubt, the word ‘COVID-19’ is familiar to everyone except infants. Even infants discernibly observed strange changes particularly unusual access to parents that used to be unavailable, during the global lockdown. The pandemic inarguably shook the world and humbled superpowers as equals to third-world countries. Notably, Coronavirus enabled poor-developing countries to also boldly ban citizens and travelers from rich developed nations including USA, United Kingdom, Switzerland amongst others from entry. This was hitherto unbelievable. Above all, the pandemic unimaginably makes health experts - medical practitioners, pharmacists, professors in health fields to submit to security guards with little knowledge on health for temperature checks. Indeed, Covid-19 shook the world. Coronavirus diseases, an infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome was first identified amid an outbreak of respiratory illness cases in Wuhab City, Hubei Province, China, and initially reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on December 31, 2019. Amid the outbreak witnessed all manner of predicaments – confusions, conspiracy theories and fake news against information from WHO and other relevant bodies. In the United States, the then president, Donald Trump spearheaded the conspiracy theories for selfish interests and arrogantly went to extreme by stopping WHO funding. Excitingly, Joe Biden reviewed it immediately inaugurated. As part of conspiracies, a Cameroonian US-based medical doctor, Stella Immanuel masqueraded with misleading information against WHO prescriptions. In Nigeria, many accepted the conspiracy theories despite no scientific proofs. The fallacies against Covid-19 include; “Covid-19 vaccine causes infertility in women”, “Covid-19 vaccine alters one’s genetic codes”, “5G network spreads Coronavirus”, “Drinking alcohol reduces the risk of infection”, “Covid-19 vaccines imbed ‘mark-of-the-beast’”, “Real vaccines take years to produce”, “Covid-19 vaccines attract severe side-effects and allergic reactions”, etc. These are all misconceptions, baseless and misleading. First, technology advancement affects speed and produces results faster than centuries ago. Today, the Covid-19 vaccines are facing similar rejections other vaccines prior to it like vaccines for chickenpox, measles, poliomyelitis also faced. From history, many, particularly Africans rejected chickenpox vaccines as poison then which led to many deaths of children before it gained acceptability. On 5th generation (5G) network, scientists have always deflated the allegations that it causes Coronavirus. In fact, it should be noted that 5G is not the end in the expansion series. It began from G1 network and will continue to advance by innovations of scientists. Some countries are already gearing up for 6th generation network due to advanced benefits. The world is speedily becoming a global village, and it is only realistic by innovations in technology by scientists. And from record, Covid-19 has significantly plagued countries with little or no 5G network coverage including Iran. Instructively, politicians and religious preachers that are neither medical experts nor trained in health discipline have no basis to dabble into health matters. Supernatural healing is an act of divinity, and doesn’t make a non-medical practitioner to become an authority in health matters. Supernatural healing is without doubt real, but doesn’t deny existence of ailments. Besides, it is still through medical tests - science that healings whether conventional and supernatural are confirmed. Remarkably, Pastor Paul Enenche, Senior pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre who is also a medical doctor by training believes in supernatural healings and always holds weekly healing services with testimonies, yet encouraged congregation to adhere to COVID-19 preventive measures and protocols. Apart from compliance to regulations by Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), his church donated medical equipment and safety items worth millions of Naira to government towards combating the pandemic. In addition, his church distributed trailer loads of food items including bags of rice, toiletries, clothes to downtrodden public including non-members and non-Christians during the lockdown. There’s no better way to preach the gospel if it must be ‘good-news’. By publicly complying with outlined preventive measures, Enenche aptly understands that people have different levels of faith, and that encouraging people to get prevented from the infection doesn’t undermine supremacy of the supernatural. The Glory Dome is the largest Christian auditorium in the world presently, with capacity of 100,000 seaters. Yet, when a lockdown was in place, the church cooperated, operated through House-fellowships. In other words, despite Enenche’s faith in supernatural healings, the clergy understands that preventive measures put in place by health institution should be adhered to in the interest of the general public. In WHO statistics, from 3 January 2020, a total of 226,236,577 confirmed cases of Coronavirus and 4,654,548 deaths from its complications were recorded globally as at 4.18pm on 16 September 2021. In Nigeria, on 17 September 2021, a total of 200,957 confirmed cases, 2647 deaths and 188,817 discharged cases were recorded. These figures affirm that COVID-19 is not a myth but real. The fact remains that from January 2020 to date, the world has recorded unprecedented deaths and sicknesses with COVID-19 symptoms. Sadly, these deaths didn’t take place far from those rebuffing the outbreak. In fact, many medical doctors had been infected; some died, some survived. Emphatically, information from WHO are superior to individual-opinions of any medical practitioner anywhere on health issues. This must be noted. Interestingly, COVID vaccines are administered free. Though, public acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines increases gradually, progression is vital. To sum, preventive measures including approved vaccines health experts prescribe as remedies to the outburst should be welcomed without fears. To conspiracy theorists, they must note that the bloods of those that died following their misleading claims are on their heads. What is expected from leaders particularly religious preachers is to pray against the pandemic and support governments by encouraging their followers to adhere to prescribed preventive measures. Other preachers like RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye deserve commendation for unyielding supports in the fight against the pandemic. To mislead gullible individuals or mischievously castigate health experts working round the clock to save lives is injudicious. Like Desiderius Erasmus, a Dutch philosopher said, “prevention is better than cure”. So, take protective measures. Covid-19 remains deadly. Umegboro, ACIArb is a public affairs analyst and social crusader.

Osinbajo attends dedication of church buildings

By Chijioke OkoronkwoVice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday led Federal Government’s delegations to church buildings’ dedication services where clergymen offered prayers for Nigeria’s unity.

The church buildings dedicated are All Saints Anglican Church Wuse, Zone 5, and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David Parish, Utako, Abuja.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement said that clergymen at both churches prayed for an end to the spate of violent attacks in parts of the country.

They prayed God to intercede on behalf of Nigeria and grant it victory over the sponsors and perpetrators of violence in the country.

Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria Anglican Communion, assisted by Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, Bishop Duke Akamisoko, led the prayers for the security, peace and prosperity of Nigeria.

Ndukaba offered prayers to God for the unity of the country, peace and protection of leaders.

He prayed God to give the president and the vice president and other officials of the administration wisdom to lead the country.

“God give all who serve in the Federal Government the wisdom from above.

“When they speak, grant them utterance that comes from the Holy Spirit, fill their hearts with wisdom, and give them kindness of mind. And being filled and led by you, oh Holy Spirit, they will fulfill their purpose.

“And in this government, Lord, may your name be glorified,” he prayed.

On his part, Akamisoko prayed for that God’s blessings reigned in the East, West, North, and South.

“Let your blessings reign on this country, let your glory reign.

“All the plans of the evil one against this country; Lord, it shall not come to pass in Jesus name.

”We shall remain united serving and loving you on this day of the dedication of the Church of All Saints Anglican Church.

“All together, we unite our faith and pray that this nation shall be great again in Jesus name,” he prayed.

The dedication of the new Church building of RCCG, City of David Parish, Utako, was led by Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, an Assistant General Overseer and Regional Pastor from the RCCG City of David Parish, Apapa, Lagos.

He thanked God for His blessings that had culminated in the dedication of a new church building over a short period of time and urged Christians to remain steadfast with God especially in times of difficulty.

Iluyomade prayed for leaders of the country, including President Muhammadu Buhari and Osinbajo and assured that sponsors of trouble in parts of the country would soon be arrested.

“God will intervene personally and arrest those causing trouble in the country,” he said.

Speaking shortly after the dedication of the new church auditorium at the All Saints Anglican Church, Osinbajo urged members to see the occasion as a call to the greater work of transforming the entire society.

According to the vice president, the dedication of the physical building called the church must only reminds Christians that the real work of building the church is that of bringing up men and women in the knowledge of the Lord.

“The forces of evil and of hate are more vehement than ever. The battle between light and darkness is more intense than ever, but we will prevail.”

At the dedication, Osinbajo urged members of the parish to look beyond the physical dedication of the church building and focus on bringing up great leaders that would carry on the legacies of the church.

He commended the Pastor of City of David Parish, Abuja, Pastor Gbolade Okenla, for his dedication and hard work.

He also praised the members of the congregation for the sacrifices that birthed the new building, assuring them of the blessings that would follow their contributions.

Osinbajo cited the example of David in the Bible.

“David only thought he did not build a church; he thought about building a church and the Lord blessed his generations forever.

“But you have not only thought of building a Church, you have built a church.

“So, the wonders and miracles of God will attend to you and your families forever more in the name of the Lord Jesus,” he said.

Other dignitaries at the dedication of the City of the David building include Sen. Philip Aduda, Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, among other officials.

Beside the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who joined the vice president at the Anglican Church, was also the former Information Minister, Prof. Jerry Gana, among others.

Source: NAN

Lagos committed to full implementation Iru, VI master plan – Sanwo-Olu

By Olayinka Olawale

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has pledged his administration's commitment to the full implementation of the Iru, Victoria Island master plan.

Sanwo-Olu declared this on the first anniversary of the coronation of Oba Omogbolahan Lawal (Abisogun II) as the 15th Oniru of Iru, on Victoria Island, Lagos.

The governor said Ireland and its axis are essential to the economic posterity of the state.

Sanwo-Olu said he was impressed and proud of the traditional ruler's accomplishments in the past year since he ascended to the throne as Oniru.

He said that more infrastructure and economic development had taken place in the kingdom since the rise of Oniru.

The governor also said that more roads and other infrastructure will be executed in the axis to facilitate economic and trade activities.

He urged Oniru to partner with the state government in the urban and regional regeneration of Ireland in order to accelerate the updating of the Greater Lagos program.

He said members of the state's Executive Council were excited about the innovations introduced by the traditional chief.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the inhabitants of the kingdom of Iru were fortunate to have the caliber of Oniru, who is internationally recognized as a cerebral scholar, as their king.

He said that with Oba Lawal, the kingdom would experience more transformation and development.

“I know full well that his wealth of experience will bring positive economic development to Ireland.

“How I wish they had more land, how I wish they could expand into the Atlantic so that they could create a bigger kingdom for their people.

“Even with what he has, I know he will turn this place into an enviable place that all of us in Lagos and Nigeria will be really proud of.

“The waterfront, the economic activities that take place there, the mall that also takes place on the waterways, we discussed it and we said as the state government, we will continue to help.

“It's only when you bring development to local communities like this that people can see better growth,” he said.

The governor urged the inhabitants of the kingdom of Iru to support the Oniru with prayers so that he will excel and advance the people.

He also instructed them to embrace local and foreign investors to facilitate more positive development of the kingdom.

“Today it is our Kabiyesi; it is our traditional institution in Yoruba land. It is about development for our people and ensuring that there is space and that there is responsibility for our traditional institution.

“His Royal Majesty, Omogbolahan Lawal is an example of this institution, is an example of the capacity that can occur in this sector.

"I want to congratulate you, I want to thank God for your life, I pray that as we celebrate the first anniversary we celebrate your fifth, 10th, 20th and 50th and if God delays we will celebrate a lot more with you and you will. with grace, he said.

The National Society of Ansar-ur-deen Missionaries, Sheikh AbdulRahaman Ahmad, urged Oba Lawal to always make himself available and accessible to his subjects in order to be loved by them.

Ahmad said the rulers depended on their supporters because without supporters there would be no rulers.

“The people must take advantage of your throne; they must trust you and must be carried away.

“May Allah assist you and grant you wisdom, knowledge and good health to be able to fulfill your mandate.

According to him, it is a reminder that the power belongs to Allah.

He instructed the traditional ruler that now that Allah had made him king, he should forgive totally.

“Forgiveness is what you need to make this throne worth it,” he said.

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, prayed for Oniru for a more successful reign.

In addition, the pastor of Trinity House Church, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, urged him to dedicate himself to service so that he can have more of an impact on the lives of the people of the kingdom.

Dignitaries attending the event include the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; the former Minister of Defense (State), Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and the former Vice-Governor of Lagos, Otunba Femi Pedro.

The others are Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla; and Pastor Idowu Iluyomade of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Also present were traditional rulers, captains of industry and presidents of local state governments. (NAA)

Kogi Gov., Bello commiserates with Pastor Adeboye over son’s demise

By Lizzy Okoji

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, has condoled with Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), over the death of his son, Pastor Dare Adeboye.

Bello sent his condolences to Adeboye, and the entire RCCG, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, on Thursday.

The governor, who sympathised with the RCCG General Overseer, said the pain he and the family were currently going through could not be understood by anyone who had not been in such situation.

Bello, however, urged Adeboye and the RCCG family to remain strong and keep their faith in God Almighty.

“The death of the highly revered minister’s son is a deep pain in the heart, which cannot be explained unless by those who have had similar experience,” the governor said.

He urged the general overseer to take his son’s death as the will of God Almighty.

The governor also prayed to God to console the Adeboye family, and give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Late Pastor Dare Adeboye was an Assistant Pastor at the Church’s branch in Eket, Akwa Ibom.
The 42-year-old cleric died in his sleep on May 5. (NAN)

APC cautions Mbaka against inflammatory statements

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Mr Yekini Nabena, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Publicity Secretary, has advised Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, against making statements that can destabilise the country.

Nabena in a statement on Friday in Abuja threatened to report Mbaka to the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church if he continued to cause disaffection for the Federal Government with his utterances.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mbaka is the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, located in Enugu.

Mbaka, who is seen as a celebrity by his numerous followers, is a force to be reckoned with in the religious circle in the Eastern region.

The cleric recently allegedly called on the National Assembly to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari if he failed to resign over rising insecurity in the country.

Mbaka, who was said to have made the call at a Church service, where he lamented the state of insecurity across the country, called on the presidency to address the numerous challenges facing the country.

The APC spokesperson said the man of God should have faced his spiritual calling rather than dabbling into politics, which he knew little or nothing about.

He advised the cleric to deploy all his known spiritual means to support the government in addressing various challenges in the country.

Nabena, making reference to the book of Mark 4: 35-40 in the Holy Bible, where Jesus Christ calmed a raging storm, said Jesus did not blame anyone but prayed and calmed the storm.

He urged the cleric to emulate the Lord Jesus Christ, who he said, also obeyed and honoured a constituted authority by paying tax.

He advised Mbaka to leave political messages for politicians, adding that calling on President Buhari to either resign or be impeached because of the country`s current challenges was ungodly.

The APC spokesman called on the clerics to emulate the likes of Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Pastor W.F Kumuyi of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry.

He said they should also emulate other true men of God who would rather fast and pray to avert crises in the country instead of threatening the government of the day. (NAN)

Osun Community Road: Fashola speaks out on RCCG petition

By Perpetua Onuegbu

The Minister of Public Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, clarified the issue of payment to Cartil Construction Nigeria Limited, for the rehabilitation of the Ife-Ifewara road in Osun.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) had alleged that payment was made to the contractor by the road rehabilitation ministry which was carried out by the Church between 2016 and 2019.

FMWH Press and Advertising Director Ms. Boade Akinola revealed in a statement Thursday in Abuja.

Akinola explained that Fashola was speaking at the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions public hearing.

Fashola refuted the RCCG's claim that monies were paid to the contactor.

The minister specified that no payment had been made by the current administration for the rehabilitation of the road.

Fashola said the contract was awarded to Messrs. Cartill Construction Nigeria Limited five years before the administration of Buhari and six years before being appointed Minister of Public Works and Housing.

He said the then Minister of Public Works did not approve the mandatory 15% mobilization fee until March 31, 2011, and another payment was made after the work reached around 26.21%. on December 29, 2011.

"These payments were all made four years before the administration of Buhari," he explained.

He said the ministry did not make any payment to the contractor as a refund or certify any work done between 2016 and 2019.

Fashola added that the road in question was not a federal road but that the contract was initiated as a parliamentary constituency project which was domiciled in the ministry's budget.

Hence the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Public Works and Housing.

While thanking the chairman and other prominent members of the committee for their impartial and impartial consideration of the petition, Fashola said the petition was not based on any foundation or fact or evidence.

While congratulating the management of the RCCG for its intervention in the rehabilitation of the road, Fashola explained that there were procedures to be followed to intervene on federal and national roads.

Responding on behalf of the RCCG, the petitioner, Pastor Niyi Adebanjo, apologized to the minister, saying that the petition was not aimed at him, but aimed at exposing certain practices perceived to be cutting edge.

Adebanjo said they believe the federal government will approve another payment for the road which was rehabilitated for free by Pastor Encoh Adeboye as part of the church's corporate social responsibility.

“The rehabilitation of the road was awarded and paid for by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, therefore any further claims by a company should be considered illegal and unfair.

“The Department of Public Works and Housing deserves an apology from us and because the whole world is listening to us, I offer this 'wholehearted' apology,” he said.

Speaking, the chairman of the committee, Senator Patrick Akinyelure, congratulated the minister on his presentation and for correcting the impression that some money had been paid under the administration led by Buhari.

He said the purpose of the public hearing was to clear any gray areas regarding payments that would have been paid by the ministry and not to hunt witches.

He praised the RCCG for their intervention and for shouting badly, but accused them of following proper procedure and guidelines in a future intervention in order to avoid a repeat of such an event. (NOPE)

Ministry denies making payments for reconstruction of Ife-Ifewara road

By Kingsley Okoye

The Federal Ministry of Public Works and Housing has denied making payments to CARTIL Construction Company as reimbursement for the reconstruction of the Ife-Ifewara road in Osun, which was carried out by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG ).

Public Works and Housing Minister Babatunde Fashola said this Thursday in Abuja, when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

A Church official, Pastor Niyi Adebanjo, had in a petition to the Senate alleged that the ministry in 2016 and 2019 paid the company 151 million naira as part payment for the reconstruction of the road.

Adebanjo had submitted the petition on behalf of RCCG General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Senate Speaker Ahmad Lawan referred the document to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

The Church, in the petition, alleged that the construction company claimed the sum of N151 million as reimbursement for the reconstruction of the road that the Church built.

“The rehabilitation of the road was awarded and paid for by Pastor Enoch Adeboye in the amount of N 188,440,342, hence the claim by CARTIl Construction Nigeria Limited was illegal and unjust,” he said.

Fashola said entrepreneur CARTIL did not claim money between 2016 and 2019 contrary to the claim in the petition.

He said the payment was made in 2011, based on the collateral presented and the interim statement generated by the company.

"The Ministry of Public Works did not make payments to CARTIL construction between 2016 and 2019 either and we did not certify any work on this road carried out by CARTIL between this period," he said.

Fashola said the road was not a federal road but a 15-kilometer national B road in Osun.

He said the road was one of the constituency projects started by a then senator representing the area in 2010.

He said the contract was awarded on December 21, 2010 at a cost of N 662 million with orders to start work on March 7, 2011 and be completed on November 7, 2011.

He said the ministry paid a 15% mobilization fee on the contract amount of N99.414 million under the government procurement law in 2011.

He said the ministry also made another payment of 52 million naira on December 29, 2011 based on an interim statement submitted by the contractor, after mobilizing at the site.

Fashola said both payments were made in 2011, contrary to the claim that they were made in 2016 and 2019.

"This administration did not make this payment, I did not make this payment contrary to the allegations made by the petitioner," he said.

He said the ministry was not happy with the contractor and sent him a warning letter in 2014 and 2015 to terminate the contract.

“Payments to the contractor were made in 2011 in accordance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act on mobilization costs not exceeding 15 percent of the contract amount,” he said. (NOPE)