Tag: anglican church

2024: Why Christians must shun sinful life this year – Anglican Bishop

The Bishop of the Diocese of Kwara (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Sunday Adewole, has admonished Christians to shun sinful life to enable them enjoy the grace of God in 2024.

Adewole gave the advice on Monday in his New Year Sermon held at the Cathedral of St. Barnabas, Sabo-Oke Ilorin, with the theme ‘New Beginning’.

He said Christians must cultivate the habit of removing negative thinking in their lives and stop seeing themselves a failure.

He advised Christians to run away from sinful living if they actually want a new beginning in the year 2024.

“A Christian must run away from a sinful life to enjoy the grace of God. Make personal consecration and God will make His Grace available for you.

“You are expected to live a sinless life and never accept failure tag. Rely absolutely on God,” he said.

The cleric also stressed the need to dress moderately to attract God’s blessings as some dressing according to him do attract demon.

The Bishop, therefore, advised married women to stop chatting with men that are not their husbands.

“This is new year. I urge married women to stop chatting with men that are not their husband, likewise married men should focus on their family and stop chatting with married women who are not their wife,” he said

He advised Christians to break the bridge of sin and cut the link if they want God to interfere in their lives.

Adewole also urged Christians to take step of faith in 2024 and make good choice in the new year.

Besides, the cleric advised youths to shun quick money syndrome and wait for their time, saying that God’s time is the best.

January 2, 2024
Anglican women urge FG to reconsider subsidy removal

The Mothers Union and Women’s Guild of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has urged the Federal Government to reconsider the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The President of the group, Mrs. Angela Ndukuba, made the call at the closing of its 24th annul conference titled “Walk Before Me and Be Blameless” in Abuja.

It could be recalled that the Federal Government had on May 27, announced removal of fuel subsidy which had since seen the price of PMS risen to N635 per litre.

Ndukuba said that proper and effective measures should first be put in place and local refineries rehabilitated before subsidy removal.

She said that the removal of subsidy on PMS had affected the overall economy and resulted to untold hardships to the masses.

According to her, it has affected transportation, housing, prices of foodstuff, school fees and every aspect of life in Nigeria.

She said: “We are calling on the states and Federal Government to be mindful of the plights of the citizens and alleviate their sufferings.

“Giving N8,000 to 12 million Nigerian households or increasing salaries is not the solution, what will be the fate of those who are not salary earners and the unemployed?”

Ndukuba said those palliative measures would only increase the already rising inflationary rate in the country.

She said government should go into mass transportation, provision of other social amenities as well as making food available to the public at affordable prices.

“Our refineries should be put in order and made to serve the nation and stop fuel importation,” she said.

The president commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa and all security chiefs in their efforts to curb insecurity in the country.

She called on all the security agencies not to relent in their efforts at making the country a safe place.

Ndukuba admonished all women to engage in farming and growing of foods and animal husbandry to sustain their families and contribute to the economy of the country.

She said with the current food shortage and very high cost of living, farmers should be encouraged by making fertilizers and high breed seeds available.

According to her, farmers should be supported to move from sustenance farming to mechanised farming.

On the theme of the conference, Ndukuba said that being blameless did not mean that one would never make mistakes.

She explained that everyone must continually seek to live by God’s will as stated in the scriptures and seek reconciliation when we fall short of God’s grace.

The president urged the women to be agents of transformation, saying that it could start with having faith in Christ Jesus.

She said that transformation could lead to a pursuit of holiness, righteousness, and being blameless, living by God’s moral standards and exhibiting the fruits of the Holy Spirit at all times.

October 15, 2023
Role of the church is vital in nation building – Gov Mutfwang

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has stated that he intents to establish a museum of Nigeria’s church history in Plateau.

Mutfwang made this statement on Saturday, in his remarks at the valedictory service in honour of Most Rev. Benjamin Kwashi, the Bishop of the Anglican Jos Diocese, at St. Luke’s Cathedral in Jos.

The governor said it was one of the personal projects he intended to pursue and bring to Plateau.

He described Plateau as a citadel of Christian history, especially in Northern Nigeria, where many missionaries came to preach the gospel.

The governor stressed the importance of the church having a platform for the learning of its history, especially to future generations .

He described Bishop Kwashi as a compendium of church history which should be approached as a reference in seeking important church history materials, especially of Northern Nigeria.

Gov. Mufwang said the bishop was an exemplary leader dedicated to training the paraphernalia of bishops and being focused in propagating the gospel.

He congratulated him for reaching his echelon in church service and successfully retiring.

According to the Governor, Nigeria need leaders of the gospel like the outgoing bishop, to guide people in the discharge of their duties and other matters of governance.

He said that past Nigerian leaders recognised the critical role of the church in nation building, and acknowledged their contributions.

“If the church has not played her role in education and in healthcare, we will not be where we are today” he said.

The governor thanked the people of Plateau for giving him the privilege to be their leader, while appealing for unity in the state.

He urged clerics and Plateau people to pray for him and his administration to be able to provide exemplary leadership in the state.

Speaking, Kwashi thanked the Anglican church for providing him the privilege to serve for 31 years .

The cleric, who was also marking his 68th birthday anniversary, urged Christians to prioritize seeking the kingdom of God, to make impact and leave enduring legacy in their service to God.

According to the cleric, during his tenure, he initiated sustainable policies, with the Jos Diocese providing health insurance schemes for its Pastors and awarding scholarship to their children up to secondary level.

He said that widows were also well catered for in addition to being empowered and getting the benefits of their husbands amongst other packages, the cleric prayed that his successor would initiate more schemes and surpass his achievements.

September 23, 2023
Bishop Ide honours Oborevwori with episcopal award

The Bishop of Warri Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev Christian Esezi Ide JP has honoured the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori with an episcopal award.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Bishop Ide presented the episcopal award to Oborevwori, who is the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta, on Sunday.

Speaking at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church Jakpa Road, Effurun, venue of the award, Ide said the Oborevwori was presented with the episcopal award in recognition of his “numerous laudable contributions to the growth of the Church and humanity”.

The ceremony drew the attendance of the Rt Rev John Aruakpor, the Bishop of Oleh Diocese, and priests in the Warri Diocese.

Elated and thankful, Oborevwori, who many describe as the incoming Governor of Delta State, said he was humbled by the unexpected honour.

According to him, “whatever we do, we do for the good of society, in furtherance of our common humanity and to the glory of God”.

Thanking God for the privilege of contributing to the development of humanity, Oborevwori said the award will inspire him to continue to serve humanity in every way God enables him.

January 15, 2023
Jubilation as church building promised by Obi Cubana is dedicated [VIDEO]

The church building, which the Chairman of Cubana Group, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, promised to build in his village in memory of his late Mother, Mrs Ezinne Uche Iyiegbu has been dedicated.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Obi Cubana had in 2021 following the outing service of the late mother promised to erect a modern church building for Good Shepherd Anglican Church, Oba in Anambra State.

Earlier, Obi Cubana had shared an update on the completion of the church building via his official Instagram handle with the caption:

“Today, 30th December 2021, to the Glory of God, here we are! Good Shepherd Ang. Church Oba!! Started 15th August 2021!! @nendys_intergrated_services our reliable engineers made sure the service will hold in this church tomorrow 31st December 2021!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by OBI IYIEGBU (@obi_cubana)

Recall that Mrs Iyiegbu passed away in December 2020. The burial ceremony which was held in Oba, Idemmili South local government area of the State, was the talk of the town, sustaining social media trend table for weeks.

One year after the first service was held in the new church building, amid jubilation, the massive new church building was dedicated on Saturday 31st December 2022 by His Lordship, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo (JP), Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion.

TNG reports Obi Cubana during the burial ceremony of his mother also promised to give 300 youths from the community, where his mother was buried, N1 million naira each, that is N300 million, in memory of the late mum.

Watch video of church dedication below:

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A post shared by OBI IYIEGBU (@obi_cubana)

January 7, 2023
2023: What Nigerians need to do to turn things around – Primate

The Primate, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba has charged Nigerians on what to do to turn things around for good in the New Year.

In his new year message at the Cathedral Church of the Advent Life Camp, Abuja, Primate Ndukuba said that the current challenges were biting hard on citizens.

Ndukuba called for more political will to address the various challenges in the country. According to him, the high cost of living, insecurity and huge number of unemployed youths posed a threat to peace and national unity.

He, however, expressed his believe that with the intervention of God, there would be divine solutions. The cleric stressed the need for the Federal Government to prosecute those sponsoring terrorism and other issues threatening national unity.

On the 2023 general election, the Anglican Primate urged eligible Nigerians to vote for credible leaders. He also appealed to political leaders to shun violence and support efforts toward peaceful conduct of the polls.

Ndukuba enjoined Christians not to give up on fervent prayers, as that was also a sure way to overcome all challenges.

While declaring the year 2023 as a year of “Divine Exaltation”, the Primate said Christians should exalt God and watch him turn things around for good.

January 1, 2023
2023 will be a better year – Primate assures Nigerians

The Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba has expressed optimism that the country will overcome its challenges and become stronger among the comity of nations.

Addressing the congregation in his Christmas message at the Cathedral Church of Advent, Life Camp, Abuja, Archbishop Ndukuba said the birth of Jesus Christ brought hope to mankind.

He urged Nigerians not to be afraid of the challenges but look unto God who has promised to bring the country out of the present situation and liberate the citizens.

The Primate called on Nigerians to have faith in God and not to be afraid because the purpose of God for Nigeria would come to pass soon.

According to him, there is hope for Nigeria as the people are passing through what they are passing through as individuals, as families, as a people, and as a nation.

“At such a time as this, just as it was in the very first Christmas, when Jesus was born, the message of the Angel to the shepherds, who were like neglected people, oppressed and not regarded in the society.

“When God wanted to break the news of the birth of Jesus, they were the first people that God told what heaven has done, which means God has regard for everybody.

“God has regard for the people, especially the downtrodden, those that are oppressed and suffering, and those that have no regard, no class.”

The Primate however called on Christains to walk righreously for things to work in their favour.

“I am believing God that a good number of people in the world are passing through challenging times and things that make them worth feel worthless.

“But this Christmas, the message to us is, do not be afraid. Do not be overtaken by the things that you are confronting you.

“Look onto God, for our sake, Jesus was born, so that He will deliver us from the bondage of sin and death, giving us salvation and freedom.

“So that we will be indeed the people that God has intended and purpose for us,

“There is a purpose for God in the life of every individual, every family, and indeed, for Nigeria, and that the purpose shall surely come to pass.

“His purpose will come to pass in Nigeria because God has given us, His Son, Jesus Christ, the Saviour, born to us.

”So that we shall be delivered from the bondage of this world and be given hope and purpose to live the glory of God.

“As we celebrate Christmas, we encourage people to open up their hearts, that Jesus may be born in them, to open up their lives and surrender that life to the one who is the Lord our God.

”And if we will open up unto him, the purpose of God shall be fulfilled and the things that God wants to do in and through us, will be manifested,” he said.

December 25, 2022
Why Christmas is celebrated – Ven Otoki

Venerable Oludare Otoki, the Vicar and Supervising Priest of Basilica of Grace, an Anglican Church under the Diocese of Abuja in the Church of Nigeria, has given reasons why Christmas is celebrated.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Venerable Otoki was preaching a sermon on Christmas Day when he said December 25th is a date set aside to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

In his sermon titled: What A Mighty God We Serve, Otoki stressed the season of Christmas is a time of the year in which people are more favourably disposed to love one another.

While arguing that nobody can deny the existence of Jesus Christ, the Venerable said Christmas involves everyone, whether old or young, male or female, illiterate or educated.

Otoki said: “Whatever may be your religious persuasion, the celebration of Christmas is not forbidden. There are some celebrations, they will say women must not come.

“There are places where when they are celebrating idols, you must not go there. If you dare go there, they may even sacrifice you.

“But celebrating Jesus Christ is different. Nobody is barricaded from coming to Jesus. So, Christmas does not exclude anyone”.

He went further: “Unfortunately, many people today do not know why we celebrate Christmas.

“If Christ was not born about 2000 years ago, there would have been no Christmas. He is the reason for the season.

“Some people say it was a pagan celebration and that it should not be celebrated. Those people will say Christ was not born on the 25th of December. They were not even alive then to know.

“Christmas is set aside to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is to choose a date to celebrate. Christmas means Christ Mass; two words combined together, Christ and Mass.

“In old English, Mass means celebration, most especially a religious celebration. So, Christ Mass combined together is what we call Christmas today.

“We use the day to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, which is good news to the whole world”.

December 25, 2022
Queen’s death: King Charles III to visit Nigeria

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Liang has disclosed that the newly crowned King of England, King Charles III will visit Nigeria.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Liang made the disclosure when she led members of staff of the Commission to a special service held for the late Queen Elizabeth II by the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

The British High Commissioner disclosed this while thanking the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, and the Church for honouring the late Queen and identifying with the people of the United Kingdom (UK) in their period of mourning.

While Liang did not release the details of the visit of King Charles III to Nigeria, she recounted her previous audiences with the late Queen as her representative to Nigeria.

The British High Commissioner disclosed that the late Queen Elizabeth II spoke so fondly of her two visits to Nigeria in 1956 and 2003.

“King Charles III also has great interests in Nigeria, has visited and will visit again,” she said.

In his sermon at the special service held at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Abuja, Archbishop Ndukuba described the late Queen Elizabeth II of England as a defender of the Protestant faith, whose entire life was guided by her belief in Jesus Christ.

He said that her messages always demonstrated her personal commitment to the rich inheritance of faith in the living God, convictions on marriage, morality and the dignity of human life, as rooted in the Scriptures.

The Archbishop said in spite of her deep convictions in Christ, the Queen accommodated and respected other faiths and people.

In the special service attended by members of the House of Bishops, clergy and laity of the Church, Ndukuba recalled her publicly declared devotion to Jesus Christ at her accession to the throne, 70 years ago.

He said: “At her coronation when she processed into the Church, she first went to the high altar to kneel in prayer and personally surrendered her life to the Almighty God before she came down to the pomp and pageantry of the coronation.

“Her message of Aug. 3, 2022 expressed this clearly when she said ‘throughout my life the message and teachings of Christ have been my guide and in them, find hope.”

The Archbishop added that the Queen had run a good race in faith and life till the end.

“If Christ and the word of God be her hope then there is the great and glorious reward of the crown of righteousness that awaits her,” he added.

The Primate, who based his exhortation from 2nd Timothy 4: 6-8, said ” like Saint Paul the Apostle, the Queen would be remembered as the monarch whose life was spent purposefully in the service of God and her people.”

Reflecting on her life and numerous charities that touched many indigent people, the Primate said “like Paul, she was poured out in the very service she was called.

“As a young princess, she pledged to spend her whole life serving the people whether that life be long or short.

“Indeed, God blessed her with longevity and she was a hallmark of humble, patient and dedicated service to the citizens of Britain and the whole world.

”Till the very last breath of her life, she remained resolute in her service”.

“Queen Elizabeth II was a steadfast consistent guide to Britain, the Commonwealth and to world leaders in the most difficult periods of history, wars, economic recessions and political instabilities.”

He also described her as a guiding light and a measure of stability, who was always calm and unruffled by challenges, whether personal, national or international.

“She lived a purposeful and fulfilled life of service to her Kingdom and to the world,” the clergy added.

The Nigerian Anglican leader said that her reign witnessed the transition from colonial rule to the independence and nationhood of many nations under the British Empire.

“She wisely brought to birth those nations. As a mother, she was able to constitute them into a Commonwealth of Nations that has remained a strong bloc of nations contributing to world peace,” he added.

Ndukuba used the occasion to remind Christians of life beyond this world, the second coming of Jesus Christ, eternal judgment and reward.

Reading from Psalms 39: 4-6, 90:10 and 1 Peter 1:24, the Archbishop reminded Christians of ”the inevitability of death.

“The real issue is where shall you be when this life is ended. Hebrews 9 verse 27 says ‘it is appointed for men to die once but after this comes the judgment of God.”

He prayed that “God will raise the beloved Queen Elizabeth II at the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

The Archbishop of Jos Province and Bishop of Yola Diocese, Markus Ibrahim, and Bishop Stephen Fagbemi of Owo Diocese, led intercessory prayers for the new King and the late Queen.

The Cathedral’s choir ministered in hymns and a special anthem, “His Eyes are on the Sparrow”.

September 18, 2022
Why I resigned to support polygamy – Nnewi Anglican Priest

An Anglican priest of the Nnewi Diocese in Anambra State, Rev. Ogbuchukwu Lotanna, has explained why he quit the priesthood to support polygamy.

Lotanna said he received a divine mandate to float a movement in support of polygamy.

He claimed that the mandate, targeted at encouraging polygamy, was informed by the vision to reduce the rate of sexual sins in society.

The cleric, a lawyer from Mbanagu Otolo Nnewi, said he would set up a foundation to encourage persons in polygamy.

According to him: “Contrary to what is generally being preached, polygamy is not a sin. What God hates is the divorce of any type, sleeping with another man’s wife, and sleeping with someone that is not someone’s wife.

“God desired men to even marry more than one wife, instead of going for someone’s wife or ladies they were not married to.”

Regretting that the church had hidden the information from members for a long time, the cleric stressed it was time people were told the truth.

He encouraged men to marry their ‘side chicks’ to escape hell fire, maintaining that the only thing wrong with polygamy was to stay in a church that was against the practice “because two cannot work unless they agree.”

He also disclosed that his new movement would be called “Gideonites”, while the place of worship would be called “Gideonites’ Temple”.

“It is obvious that the church, especially the Anglican Church, has been teaching against the concept of polygamy, but the Lord has opened my eyes to the reality that polygamy is not a sin,” he added.

His colleagues home and abroad expressed shock at Lotanna’s action, saying that they never expected such while calling for Prayers for him to retrace his steps back to God.

Lotanna, a native of Mbanagu Otolo Nnewi, was ordained an Anglican priest on December 22, 2019, at Cathedral Church of St. Mary’s Uruagu, Nnewi, and married to Chinyere Abigail who we learnt left him couple of months ago.

September 11, 2022