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Tag: PFN

  • Adeboye @80: PFN, CAN hail RCCG’s General Overseer

    Adeboye @80: PFN, CAN hail RCCG’s General Overseer

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has hailed Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

    In a letter signed by PFN Director of Media, Mr Simbo Olorunfemi in Lagos, PFN’s National President, Bishop Francis Wale-Oke, congratulated Adeboye for a good life.

    Wale-Oke expressed gratitude to God for His grace and faithfulness in the life of Adeboye, one of the founding fathers of PFN and the second President of the association – from 1992 to 1995.

    “Not only do you stand out for your humility, your unwavering commitment to the Christian association almost 30 years after you left office as the national president, is worthy of commendation.

    “We salute you for consistently supporting the group through the years and readiness to offer the much-needed fatherly advice that has seen the organisation grow.

    “Your impact in over 40 years leadership of the Redeemed Christian Church of God is evident across continents, and many generations are making you a global icon and an influential person in the world.

    “Our prayer is that God will continue to keep you strong and healthy to continue to serve as an inspiration to millions all over the world within and outside the Christian fold,” he said.

    In a similar vein, the leadership of CAN in a statement issued by the General Secretary of the association, Mr Joseph Daramola, described Pastor Adeboye, who was born on March 2, 1942, in Osun State, as a great blessing.

    “Daddy G.O., you are a great blessing and gift, not only to the body of Christ, but to the whole world, where God has been making use of you as His vessel of honour,” the association said.

    It further said that Adeboye’s emergence as the general overseer of RCCG was ordained by God, as manifested in the unprecedented spread of his ministerial impacts globally.

    “We congratulate Daddy G.O., who is a father of fathers, teacher of teachers, pastor of pastors and bishop of bishops,” CAN remarked.

    The association described Adeboye as a man with impeccable integrity and an epitome of holiness, faithfulness, miracles and humility.

    While describing RCCG as a great and reliable ally of CAN, it commended Adeboye for always insisting that once the association had spoken on any national issue, no church leader should speak on such issue again.

    “We are fully persuaded that it is the prayers of Daddy G.O. and a few others that are keeping Nigeria going, in spite of all the challenges currently facing the country,” it said.

    While wishing the cleric good health, sound mind and greater exploits, the association prayed God to continue to use him for the emancipation of humanity.

  • Subsidy removal will worsen Nigerians’ suffering —PFN to FG

    Subsidy removal will worsen Nigerians’ suffering —PFN to FG

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has told the Federal Government that removing fuel subsidy will aggravate the suffering of Nigerians who are already underprivileged.

    The President of PFN, Bishop Wale Oke, urged the government to defer the proposed policy in order not to worsen the hardship and trigger crisis in the country.

    Oke said this in a statement issued on Sunday on the proposed subsidy removal.

    He noted that the implementation of the policy would lead to hike in the price of fuel and this would have a ripple effect on prices of goods and services

    Oke warned that the implementation of such policy would increase the hardship currently being experienced by the people of the country.

    The priest said prices of foodstuffs and other daily needs were increasingly going out of reach of the people, noting that if the proposed subsidy removal was effected, it would exacerbate the hardship of the people of the nation.

    Bishop Oke further said the situation in the country was very bad because of the steady decline in the purchasing power of Nigerians as a result of the continuous fall in the value of the nation’s currency.

    The statement read, “Everybody will feel it, particularly the less privileged. The negative effects will surely outweigh the positive.

    “The cost of transportation for human and goods across the country will skyrocket and other things connected which will have a spiral effect on general living standard of the populace; the suffering will be multi-dimensional. Please let all stakeholders be sensitive to this avoidable path and do the needful.

    “By whatever means, let the Federal Government put its heart into ensuring that our refineries are back to life. In addition, in order to stem the rising cost of living, farmers and others connected to them should be encouraged. This is what can help our economy.”

    He said the PFN would always support policies that would enhance good governance, but charged the government to this effect to put in place tangible palliative measures that could ameliorate the hardship being experienced.

    He said, “Without begging the issue, there should be well defined palliative measures in place that can cushion the effect of the hardship being experienced by Nigerians, especially the commoners. One is not talking about political palliatives that never last. We have seen enough of such.

    “An increase in the price of petroleum from its present N165 to N340 per litre can trigger tension and crises in the country which in turn can paralyse our economy if not handled with utmost care.

    “Again, the planned introduction of N5,000 for 40 million poor Nigerians is to create a cesspool of corruption. How do you define the poor? They, mostly, don’t use telephones. They, mostly, don’t have bank accounts. How will the money get to them?”

    Oke urged the government to be wary of policies that could jeopardize the conduct of the 2023 general elections, insisting that all hands must be geared towards steering the wheel of the country to safety.

    As a solution to the rising cost of food items, the PFN President advised that farmers and relevant stakeholders should be empowered with relevant tools and funds through loans with little interest.

    Oke, who is also the presiding Bishop of The Sword of the Spirit Ministries, implored the government not to relent in its efforts at ensuring that security challenges in the country become a thing of the past.

     

  • The `siege is over,’ Osinbajo declares at PFN thanksgiving in Jos

    The `siege is over,’ Osinbajo declares at PFN thanksgiving in Jos

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday in Jos, joined Plateau’s Gov. Simon Lalong and other clergymen to declare prophetically that the siege of banditry, insurgency and kidnapping is over.

    Osinbajo made the declaration in his message to the annual thanksgiving service of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Plateau State Chapter.

    The theme of the thanksgiving is: “It is good to give thanks unto the Lord.’’

    The vice-president urged Christians to always speak blessings to Nigeria.

    “The word of God reminds us that the glory of the later temple shall be greater than the former.

    “The Church of God is coming to a season of greater glory; of peace and of victory, and you are coming to a time of elevation and victory in Jesus name.

    “The Church of God is coming to a new season; a new season of glory, a new season of victory; we have seen that time; we have seen it and it is before us; and it shall be so in the name of Jesus.

    “Let us repeat three times: `the siege is over; the siege is over; the siege is over; in Jesus Mighty name, Amen,’’ the vice-president prayed.

    In his goodwill message, Gov. Lalong thanked the vice-president for attending the event.

    The governor prayed that peace be restored to Nigeria.

    He prayed God to expedite the end of the siege of evil forces on Nigeria.

    In his exhortation, Bishop Wale Oke, National President, PFN, thanked God for being merciful to Nigeria.

    According to him, it is a good thing to give thanks to God.

    “In times of our pains, we come to God; prayer is the solution; we can’t stop praying until we achieve the Nigeria of our dreams.

    “I want to prophesy; Nigeria, the siege is over; whether it is the siege of banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram or others,’’ he prayed.

    Earlier in his address of welcome, Rev. Stephen Dangana, Chairman, Plateau Chapter, PFN, thanked the vice-president for the value and honour he attached to the occasion.

    He said that that irrespective of circumstances confronting the nation, thanks should be given to God.

    On his part, Prophet Isa El-Buba, Vice-President, North-Central, PFN, offered prayers and prophesied a brighter future for Nigeria.

    The thanksgiving service featured song ministration, exhortation, thanksgiving and special prayers.

  • PFN urges Nigerians to fill vacuum of worries, anxities with prayers

    PFN urges Nigerians to fill vacuum of worries, anxities with prayers

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has cautioned Christians against amplifying the country’s problems and challenges but to pray ceaselessly for the nation and its leaders.

    PFN President, Bishop Wale Oke, on Sunday said:

    “Christians should not amplify the challenges or problems of the country, but pray and fill the vacuum of worries and anxieties with prayers.

    “God is showing mercy to our country and we shall prevail if we the people do not relent in prayers or give excuses not to pray.’’

    Bishop Oke gave the message at the end of a three-day Anchor Men’s conference of the PFN themed “In His Presence.”

    The conference was part of an Anchor Business Breakfast Meeting organized annually by the Men’s Fellowship of Family Worship Centre (FWC) in Abuja.

    According to him, Christians, especially real Christian men should not lose their place in God’s presence, because it is in God’s presence that men will get clear directions for life.

    “According to Philippians 4:6 in the Holy Bible, God says be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayerful and supplicate with thanksgiving; let your requests be made known to God.

    `This is the will of God, so instead of worrying and amplifying the challenges, pray about everything and watch God intervene,’’ he said.

    Oke said that it was only when men sought God’s guidance and directions to lead that they would be able to lead rightly and righteously.

    He added that where kings could not do anything, where the military was paralyzed, and the economy could not be sustained, it was only the Word of God through prayers that would make a difference in the country.

    Pastor Oke prayed for peace and ease of tension in all the regions of the country and in all spheres of governance.

    At the conference were Mr. Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation who is also the Chairman of the Anchor Men’s Fellowship, branch pastors of FWC and other ministers of God.

  • PFN cautions Christians against amplifying Nigeria’s problems

    PFN cautions Christians against amplifying Nigeria’s problems

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), on Sunday in Abuja cautioned Christians against amplifying the country’s problems and challenges but to pray ceaselessly for the nation and its leaders.

    “Christians should not amplify the challenges or problems of the country, but pray and fill the vacuum of worries and anxieties with prayers.

    “God is showing mercy to our country and we shall prevail if we the people do not relent in prayers or give excuses not to pray,’’ PFN president, Bishop Wale Oke, said while giving the charge.

    It was at the end of a three-day Anchor Men’s conference of the PFN themed “In His Presence.’’

    The conference was part of an Anchor Business Breakfast Meeting organised annually by the Men’s Fellowship of Family Worship Centre (FWC) in Abuja.

    Oke advised Christians, especially Christian men not to lose close contact and relationships with God, His words and His presence.

    According to him, Christians, especially real Christian men should not lose their place in God’s presence, because it is in God’s presence that men will get clear directions for life.

    “According to Philippians 4:6 in the Holy Bible, God says be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayerful and supplicate with thanksgiving; let your requests be made known to God.

    `This is the will of God, so instead of worrying and amplifying the challenges, pray about everything and watch God intervene,’’ he said.

    Oke said that it was only when men sought God’s guidance and directions to lead that they would be able to lead rightly and righteously.

    He added that where kings could not do anything, where the military was paralysed, and the economy could not be sustained, it was only the Word of God through prayers that would make a difference in the country.

    Pastor Oke prayed for peace and an ease of tension in all the regions of the country and in all spheres of governance.

    At the conference were Mr Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation who is also the Chairman of the Anchor Men’s Fellowship, branch pastors of FWC and other ministers of God.

  • PFN President mourns Rev. Badejo

    PFN President mourns Rev. Badejo

    The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has described the former General Overseer of the Foursquare Church, Dr Wilson Badejo, as a forthright individual who served God with all his might.

    Oke in a condolence message made available by his Media Office, said the news of Badejo’s death was shocking to the nation and the world, particularly to the Christian community.

    According to him, the former General Overseer of the Foursquare Church, gave his all to the service of the Lord while alive, a development he added, enhanced the spread of the gospel to nations of the world.

    The PFN President who is also the presiding Bishop of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Ibadan, said no doubt that the passage of the deceased was painful and shocking, the worthy life he lived, would remain a challenge to the living.

    “Rev Dr Wilson Badejo was a strong-willed man who pursued righteousness till he breathed his last. For everyone, death is a garb that will be worn by all at the appointed time. Though humanly speaking, one wouldn’t have wanted him to go now, however, God is the ultimate decider of when for everybody,” Bishop Oke noted.

    He added that death should always serve as a lesson of reminder that nobody would live in the world forever lamenting that many in the society still behave as if they would never leave the planet earth.

    “In the case of Rev Badejo, our joy and solace is that having fought a good fight of faith, he has gone to rest with our Lord Jesus Christ. And that’s what every Christian should work towards and crave for”, the cleric stated.

    While commiserating with his family, Foursquare Church and the Christian body in the country, the PFN helmsman prayed that God would grant everyone concerned, the fortitude to bear his transition to glory.

  • PFN mourns Badejo, describes death as shocking

    PFN mourns Badejo, describes death as shocking

    Bishop Wale Oke, President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has described the death of Dr Wilson Badejo as shocking and great loss to the Christian community.

    Badejo, former General Overseer of the Foursquare Church, died on Saturday at the age of 74.

    The PFN president in a condolence message in Ibadan on Sunday, said Badejo gave his all to the service of the Lord while alive.

    He noted that his dedication enhanced the spread of the gospel to nations of the world.

    Oke, who is also the presiding Bishop of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Ibadan, said that Badejo lived a worthy life and would remain a challenge to the living.

    “Rev. Wilson Badejo was a strong-willed man who pursued righteousness till he breathed his last.

    “For everyone, death is a garb that will be worn by all at the appointed time.

    “Though humanly speaking, one wouldn’t have wanted him to go now, however, God is the ultimate decider of ‘when’ for everybody,” he noted.

    He said that death should always serve as a lesson of reminder that nobody would live in the world forever.

    Oke lamented that many in the society still behave as if they would never leave the earth.

    “In the case of Rev. Badejo, our joy and solace is that, having fought a good fight of faith, he has gone to rest with our Lord Jesus Christ.

    “And that’s what every Christian should work toward and crave for,” the renowned cleric said.

    While commiserating with the family, Foursquare Church and the Christian body in the country, the PFN president, prayed that God would grant everyone concerned the fortitude to bear Badejo’s transition to glory.

  • ‘It is alien to us here,’ PFN rejects introduction of Sharia law in South West

    ‘It is alien to us here,’ PFN rejects introduction of Sharia law in South West

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has advised the Senate against introduction of Sharia Law in South-West zone of Nigeria through the ongoing constitutional review.

    Its President, Bishop Wale Oke, also said that the National Assembly should not succumb to such agitation, capable of further plunging the country into major religious crisis.

    Oke said rather, the lawmakers should direct their energies toward solving the mounting problems bedeviling the country, especially as its concerns the security of lives and property.

    “The problems confronting our nation are enormous than wanting to create more.

    “Sharia Law is alien to our culture of religious existence in the South-West.

    “As such, nobody should, through any subterfuge, bring it in, so as to cause crisis.

    “We want to strongly warn the Senate and those behind this plan to unsettle the peace being enjoyed in this country, to desist before it’s too late.

    “Don’t instigate religious crisis in the South-West; this could further threaten the fragile peace of the country,” he said.

    Oke said that secularity of the nation’s existence, devoid of any religious upheaval, should not be tampered with under whatever guise.

    PFN leader, therefore, urged its members, who appeared agitated over the development, to remain calm.

    He implored them to always comport themselves and avoid taking laws into their hands, and make peaceful coexistence their watchword.

  • PFN to Buhari: Tell your people to stop mindless killings in Nigeria

    PFN to Buhari: Tell your people to stop mindless killings in Nigeria

    President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, yesterday, lamented that the continuous silence of President Muhammadu Buhari over the nation’s security, is disheartening and disturbing.

    Oke, therefore, urged Buhari to urgently address Nigerians on the palpable insecurity situation of the country.

    The founder of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries and Proprietor of the Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), Ibadan, gave the assertions at the Cornerstone City, Ibadan, when he received separately the Lagos, Ogun and Osun states’ chapters of the PFN led by Apostles Enjimaya Okwuonu and David Otaru, as well as Prophet Isaiah Adelowokan.

    Our President should use the opportunity to disassociate his government from the lawlessness currently ravaging the country through the activities of Boko Haram insurgents and the killer Fulani herdsmen. He should tell his kinsmen, the Fulani, to stop the mindless killings currently on in the country, arrest and make those culpable to face the wrath of law.

    They visited to felicitate with him on his emergence as the body’s President.

    “The silence of President Muhammadu Buhari over the degenerating security situation in Nigeria is too loud and this is very disturbing seriously. The silence is deafening and gives room for speculation and gossips that suggest the government has hands in the sickening situation by indulging and pampering the bandits and the killer Fulani herdsmen, among others,” he said.

    He, therefore, charged the President to rise up and tackle the situation headlong, stressing: “He should rise above primordial sentiments and sectional attachment by doing the needful to make the nation more homely for every Nigerian.

    “There is so much pressure and tension in the land owing to insurgency being orchestrated by the Boko Haram, kidnapping, banditry, killer Fulani herdsmen’s palaver, raping, among other ills. All these are self-inflicted.

    “We don’t want the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to be the one that will speak. It is President Buhari himself that we want to hear from on the dreary security situation in the country. Our President should use the opportunity to disassociate his government from the lawlessness currently ravaging the country through the activities of Boko Haram insurgents and the killer Fulani herdsmen. He should tell his kinsmen, the Fulani, to stop the mindless killings currently on in the country, arrest and make those culpable to face the wrath of law. Tell the bandits, the killers, the rapists and all those involved in these heinous engagements the language of law whether they are Fulani or whatever. Let the nation hear your fatherly voice. People are living in fear, farmers cannot go to their farms anymore.”

    He further charged the President to be expeditious in tackling the mounting challenges, insisting that the nation was at the brink of collapse.

  • Okotie rubbishes new PFN leadership, tags it clannish religious enterprise

    Okotie rubbishes new PFN leadership, tags it clannish religious enterprise

    The founder of the Household of God Church, Chris Okotie, has distancd himself from the election of the new national executive of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), led by Wale Oke.

    In a terse message to the PFN National Secretariat in Lagos on Thursday, Mr Okotie said the Christian body “has departed from its core values and is now a shadow of itself.”

    “PFN has become a clannish religious enterprise,” Mr Okotie said in the statement issued by his media adviser, Ladi Ayodeji.

    “It is akin to an amorphous political entity with a Christian silhouette.

    “Leadership in the church of God is by divine appointment and not the whims and caprices of a disjointed assemblage of Episcopalian pacifists.”

    The statement noted that Mr Okotie has, for years, been critical of the activities of the successive Presidents of the PFN over alleged compromise and unethical behaviour bordering on betrayal of the Christian cause, especially in their dealings with the political leadership of the country.

    As a result, the statement added, Mr Okotie, a former presidential aspirant, “had always distanced himself from the activities of the Christian body, citing credibility issues”.

    Some of the past presidents of the PFN include James Boyejo, Enoch Adeboye, Mike Okonkwo, Benson Idahosa, and Ayo Oritsejafor.