Kingdom Blast

With God’s spirit, Nigeria will surmount its challenges – Osinbajo

Published

4 years ago

August 16, 2021

vice President Osibanjo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says Nigeria will eventually overcome its security and socio-economic challenges as the Spirit of God is in the land.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement in Abuja, said the vice president spoke at the send off service for Rev. Israel Akanji on Sunday.

Akanji served as Senior Pastor and Minister in Charge of the First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja, for 22 years. He is now the new President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Olasupo Ayokunle, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunimbe Mamora, among other dignitaries and Christian leaders also attended the service.

Citing the first chapter in the Biblical Book of Genesis, Osinbajo related events surrounding the creation of the heaven and earth to the nation’s present challenges and the lives of great individuals.

“Indeed, the lives of great men and women, even as the lives of nations teach important lessons.

“In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. The beginning was bleak, confused, without form, empty.

“This is the way of the lives of some of the greatest men and women and also nations.

“There might be confusion, grief, trouble, darkness and fear. But even in that confusion, the Bible tells us that the Spirit of the Lord was hovering over the face of the deep. God was in the darkness, He did not run away, He is not asleep.

“So, it is with our nation; today, some things may seem bleak and grave, with insecurity, economic difficulties, but even in the midst of these problems, the Spirit of God is in this land, it is here, hovering over this nation.

“So, what happens next in verse three? We are told that suddenly God spoke, ‘let there be light…and there was light.’ The darkness came to an end, the fear, insecurity came to an end. So, it shall be for you and our nation.

“In the next verse, scripture says, God saw the light that it was good….so it shall be for you and our nation; the light will come and it shall be good, very good.”

Osinbajo also commended Akanji’s attributes as a humble and credible leader who had continued to forge pathways for peace and unity as an effective bridge builder between faiths and ethnicities, realisng that Christ died for all men, and that our gospel was the gospel of peace.

The vice president said that Akanji had also served the Body of Christ in Nigeria as the CAN Chairman of Federal Capital Territory, and was still serving as the CAN North Central Zone’s leader.

“Akanji now proceeds by the grace of God to the exalted office of the President of the Baptist Convention: the highest office of the Baptist denomination in Nigeria.

“In this long and arduous journey, Akanji has had by his side, his dear friend, partner and darling wife, Mrs Victoria Akanji, Mama Sunshine.

“She has been an effective part of the great works that God has done in her husband’s ministry.”
According to the vice president, Akanji’s practical demonstration of the gospel of the love of Christ is his recipe for conflict resolution.

He said that in the 22 years of serving as pastor of the First Baptist Church, Garki, the humble, humorous General of God had also become a foremost, credible and articulate ambassador of the Christian faith in Nigeria.

The vice president congratulated Akanji on the occasion of his 60th birthday coming up on Aug. 16.

He wished Akanji more strength, wisdom and favour and asked for God’s blessing on all Nigerians. (NAN)

Kingdom Blast

Nigerian Christians Begin Lent With Ash Wednesday

Published

5 days ago

March 5, 2025

News Editor

Ash-Wednesday

Nigerian Christians have joined their counterparts around the world to celebrate Ash Wednesday which officially heralds the commencement of the Lenten season.

Lent is one of the most significant periods in the Christian liturgical calendar. The 40-day season, excluding Sundays, is dedicated to penance, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, leading up to the celebration of Easter on April 20.

The duration of Lent reflects the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert, a period marked by reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual preparation.

It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares Christians for Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.

During the six weeks of self-examination and reflection, Christians who observe Lent typically commit to fast, or to give up something—a habit, like smoking, watching TV, swearing, or a food or drink, such as sweets, chocolate, or coffee. Some Christians also take on a Lenten discipline, like reading the Bible and spending more time in prayer to draw nearer to God.

Strict observers of Lent do not eat meat on Fridays, often opting for fish instead. The goal of these spiritual disciplines is to strengthen the faith of the observer and develop a closer relationship with God.

In the Catholic Church, ashes are distributed as a mark to remind the faithfuls that they are dust and unto dust they shall return.

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of blessing ashes made from palm branches blessed on the previous year’s palm Sunday, and placing them on the foreheads of participants.

According to the canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus Christ spent 40 days fasting in the desert, where he endured temptation, Lent, therefore originated as a mirroring of this, fasting 40 days as preparation for Easter.

Kingdom Blast

Late Pastor Odukoya’s Son, Jimi, Succeeds Him As General Overseer

Published

1 year ago

September 18, 2023

News Editor

Pastor Jimmy Odukoya

The first son of the late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya has been appointed to succeed his father as the general overseer of the Fountain of Life Church, Lagos.

Making the announcement on Sunday during the Church Service, a member of the Church’s Board of Trustee, said the late cleric confirmed the succession plan to three different people on the Board before his passing.

Addressing the congregation, Rotimi Okpaise, a pastor, said the late Taiwo Odukoya confided in the board of trustees (BoT) members about the succession plan after his demise.

According to Rotimi, Bishop Okonkwo, others senior clerics will ordain him 30th September

Late Pastor Odukoya, died on the 7th of August in the United States of America. He was buried on September 9, 2023.

Jimmy, who is a Nollywood Actor, got his education at the Oral Roberts University, United States. His sister, Tolu Odukoya Ijogun is the new associate Pastor of the Church.

“Pastor Jimmy also said Pastor Taiwo told him to carry on with the mantle after his departure.

“Subsequently, a board meeting was summoned and we decided to follow the constitution.

“Pastor Jimmy was nominated and he was unanimously voted for by all BoT members. With this, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya is now our Senior Pastor,” he said.

Kingdom Blast

MOB @ 60: Tope Alabi, Alaseyori, Aduke Gold, BJ Sax, Others Set Ekiti Ablaze With 24 Hours Marathon Praise

Published

2 years ago

July 28, 2023

News Editor

Topmost gospel singers, Tope Alabi, Yinka Alaseyori, Aduke Gold, Esther Igbekele, Bj Sax will on Friday, set the capital of Ekiti state, Ado-Ekiti ablaze with 24 hours Marathon praise for the Senate Leader, Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele 60th birthday celebration .

The 24 hours Marathon praise is part of activities lined up to celebrate 60 years birthday of Senate Leader .

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the 24 hours Marathon praise , Prince Akin Olayisade said that the event is meant to thank God for what he has done so far in the life of his son (Senator Bamidele) for the past 60 years .

Other artists expected to perform at the event are Big Bolaji, Jerry Melody, Deborah Ajayi, Tope Flourish, Mr. Gbera, Lanre Alawiselese , Tee Praise, Joy Sax, Evang. Onileola, Olubunmi.

The Chairman said that the event will start by 7am at the Obafemi Awolowo Civic center in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state till 7am Saturday morning .

The statement reads, ” The 24 hours praise which will start from 7am on Friday till 7am on Saturday is meant to celebrate faithfulness of God in the life of Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele for the past 60 years .

” To make the event glorious , foremost gospel artists have been lined up for the event which will be held at Obafemi Awolowo Civic center in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state.

” Many dignitaries are expected at the event to praise God for what he has done so far in the life of Senator Bamidele.”