Dons Eze
- Spirituality
- January 15, 2025
- 70 views
POPE FRANCIS RECOUNTS GROWING UP IN AUTOBIOGRAPHY, SAYS I REMEMBER MY SINS AND I AM ASHAMED
POPE FRANCIS RECOUNTS GROWING UP IN AUTOBIOGRAPHY, SAYS I REMEMBER MY SINS AND I AM ASHAMED Pope Francis reveals his “mischievous” youth in an autobiography published Tuesday, in a book that also touches on his childhood, immigration and ordering pizza. In excerpts of “Hope: The Autobiography” provided by publishers, the pontiff recounts episodes from growing up in a multicultural neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, including things he would come to regret. “I remember my sins and I am ashamed… I am a sinner like everyone else,” the 88-year-old leader of the world’s Roman Catholics writes, describing himself as a “mischievous child”. The pope, who has repeatedly urged sympathy and care for migrants hoping to reach Europe, also tells of his own Italian grand-parents’ emigration to Argentina in 1929. Holding only third-class boat tickets for the voyage, his grandmother had to hide her possessions in the lining of her jacket. “There’s nothing new about it. It’s a story of yesterday as much as one of today,” Francis writes. He also recounts his surprise at being chosen in 2013 to lead the Catholic church, saying: “I had never imagined that the conclave could affect me directly, and in no way could I have thought about a name as pope.” Francis also says he has not watched TV since 1990, “to respect a vow I made to the Virgen del Carmen on the night of July 15 of that year”. “That evening I was with my community in Buenos Aires, we were watching the TV, and a sordid scene appeared on the screen, which deeply offended me: I got up and left.” That has meant not being able to watch matches of his favourite San Lorenzo football team — though a Swiss Guard brings him match results — among the sacrifices of being pope. “Going out for a pizza is one of the small things that I most miss,” he writes. “As a cardinal, I used to love walking the streets and taking the subway.. I have always liked walking.”
- Spirituality
- January 12, 2025
- 159 views
IDOLATRY FASTEST GROWING RELIGION IN SOUTH EAST – SOLUDO, URGES CHRISTIAN LEADERS TO SALVAGE THE SITUATION
IDOLATRY FASTEST GROWING RELIGION IN SOUTH EAST – GOV SOLUDO, URGES CHRISTIAN LEADERS TO SALVAGE THE SITUATION Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has described idolatry as the fastest-growing religion in the South-East. The governor who made the statement while addressing over 170 Anglican bishops at their annual retreat in Awka, urged religious leaders to promote morals and eradicate criminality. He challenged Christian leaders to address the alarming rate at which their members were deserting the Church for idolatry. Soludo noted that many religious institutions have failed to question the origins of the wealth donated by their congregants, thus tacitly endorsing unethical means of acquiring riches. While urging church leaders to restore the right values and serve as models of integrity and righteousness, the governor reminded the church of its duty to protect Nigeria’s spiritual and moral well-being. He said, the country’s future depends on nurturing a generation that values integrity over wealth and faith over fortune. “The “get-rich-quick” mentality is fueling insecurity and kidnapping” According to him, the moral decay in the country is driven by the pursuit of wealth without hard work and the rise of idolatry. “This trend is particularly worrisome in this state. The church must lead by example, promote values that prioritize character over wealth and service over self-interest”, the governor stated.
- Spirituality
- January 9, 2025
- 384 views
ANAMBRA CATHOLIC PRIEST RESIGNS, EMBRACES AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION
ANAMBRA CATHOLIC PRIEST RESIGNS, EMBRACES AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION A former Catholic priest of 17 years, Dr Echezona Obiagbaosogu, said he has resigned from his position as a priest to embrace African traditional religion. Obiagbaosogu, who teaches African Traditional Religion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in Anambra State, said he was fascinated by the traditional African spirituality and the art of rainmaking. After defending his PhD Dissertation titled “Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine,” on Wednesday, he said Africa possesses enormous resources and value which have been eroded by colonial powers. He disclosed that he spent several months studying under a renowned native doctor, learning the intricacies of the craft, adding that he conducted research intending to recover the lost African values. He said, “I have come to realise that my true calling is to serve my people through the ancient traditions of our ancestors. I was a Catholic priest for 17 years before resigning to embrace the traditional African religion. The topic of my research is ‘Rainmaking and control in Igbo African medicine: A case study of Isieke in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State’. “I partly lived with my maternal grandfather, who was a traditionalist, while my father was a Christian before he passed away. Though he was a Christian, he still believed in traditional materials. He was an agriculturist with trees around the compound and always brought in new ones, some of which he said were medicinal. “So, I learned from him to appreciate nature. My background is also significant. I was once a Catholic priest—Rev. Father. I began this research as a priest five years ago and then left the priesthood, so now I am married. “Everything about this research stems from my curiosity about nature and God. The research reflects my curiosity about spirituality and the nature of God. As a priest, I had the opportunity to work in health sectors, and I understand what health is all about.” He explained further, “I conducted this research with the intention of recovering our lost African values. There was one of my father’s friends, and when I was in the seminary, I founded a school called the Society for African Culture. “During that period, we invited my father’s friend to demonstrate that rainmaking was possible. He came and made it rain. This experience led me to investigate it in an academic way. “My research in rainmaking and control is rooted in finding the truth and understanding how native doctors contribute to preserving African values. I discovered that it is indeed a reality and done by dibia (native doctors). I am not turning my back on God, but rather, I am embracing the divine in a more meaningful and authentic way.” Obiagbaosogu also shared his thoughts on the relationship between magic, religion, and science, adding that, “Civilisation began with magic, moved to religion, and today we are talking about nanoscience and other fields. “The white man was able to explore these magical laws, codify them, and call them science. So, science is essentially what was once magic. “We can also access these magical laws, which we call African magic or religion. It is not the African magic of Nollywood. The African magic of Nollywood is one of the tools used to destroy our culture and values. “African magic is actually African science, which remains unexplored. We must begin to modify, codify, and document it for posterity.” When asked about his decision to leave the priesthood, Obiagbaosogu said, “Life is a process. Things happen, and people begin to look left and right. “One important thing is for the person to know themselves. If you understand yourself and remain open to reality, you will begin to make decisions for your life.” He…
- Spirituality
- January 6, 2025
- 126 views
2024 FAILED PROPHECIES, NIGERIANS DOUBT 2025 PREDICTIONS
2024 FAILED PROPHECIES, NIGERIANS DOUBT 2025 PREDICTIONS In this report, Olufemi Adediran examined some 2024 prophecies of popular Nigerian pastors and prophets and how many of them went unfulfilled. While looking at the predictions for 2025, some Christian leaders advised preachers to de-emphasise such practices From megachurches to smaller congregations, New Year’s Eve services are often marked by pastors, prophets, and spiritual leaders sharing their visions and prophecies for the upcoming year. These prophecies, which often address issues such as economic recovery, political events, natural disasters, and national security, have become an annual tradition in Nigeria. Every year, people in the country look forward to the declarations of respected and popular religious leaders, hoping for insight into the country’s fortunes and future. While some of these prophecies come to pass, others fall short, deepening mistrust and raising concerns about the credibility and calling of these preachers. In 2024, religious leaders predicted economic hardship and eventual recovery, major political changes, breakthroughs in national security, and a year of divine intervention for the country. However, the reality of the past year painted a starkly different picture, as economic hardship worsened, insecurity persisted, and political tensions remained unresolved. In 2024, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, released seven prophecies for Nigeria and the international community. The cleric said, “Things will get worse before it gets better in 2024, some serious secrets would come into the open, there will be divine intervention in those places that are hot, and medical breakthroughs in areas like cancer, asthma, hypertension, and sugar diabetes.” There is no evidence all the prophecies came to pass. The most notable unfulfilled prophecy for year 2024 came from the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman, who predicted victory for Vice President Kamala Harris at the US presidential election. The controversial pastor said Harris would not only emerge the winner of the election, but also become the first female president of America. “The person I see ruling America is a woman; the person who is vice will become president, write it down,” Suleman said to the cheering of his church members. However, former President Donald Trump won the election by a landslide and is set for inauguration as the 47th president of the US on January 20, 2025. Another unfulfilled prophecy came from the founder and senior pastor of the Champions Royal Assembly, Prophet Joshua Iginla, who predicted that President Bola Tinubu would experience major medical emergencies and health failure. “President Tinubu should focus on his health to prevent medical emergencies twice. We pray God’s agenda for him will come to pass,” Iginla said. Also, the cleric’s prediction on the removal of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang,failed to manifest. Predicting Mutfwang’s removal, Iginla said, “The governor should pray. I saw his seat being occupied by another person. He should pray to finish what he has started. He should rise not to only sustain his seat but his life too. He is a star in this country despite the issues surrounding him.” However, his prediction on possible attack on the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas,or his relatives came to pass when a policeman escorting the family accidentally shot the governor’s sister, Atsi Kefas, while attempting to fend off some assailants last December. 2025 prophecies Religious leaders have made several predictions for the new year. Pastor Adeboye, in his 2025 prophecies during the cross over night on Tuesday, December 31 at the Redemption city, said, 2025 would be a landmark year. “God says the wind that started blowing last year will continue to blow this year but stronger. The Lord said some earthly helpers will be replaced by heavenly helpers this year. The Lord said…
- Spirituality
- January 5, 2025
- 109 views
THREE TOP CLERICS OF CELESTIAL CHURCH DIE ON FIRST DAY OF 2025
THREE TOP CLERICS OF CELESTIAL CHURCH DIE ON FIRST DAY OF 2025 Three prominent clerics attached to the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) passed away on the first day of 2025. According to Punch, the deceased clerics are Evangelist Oladotun Elusanmi, Shepherd Olumuyiwa Michael, and Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Johnson Olajuwon. Elusanmi was the Shepherd at Orisun Ayo Parish, Ilupeju, while Michael served as the Shepherd In-Charge of Christ Testimony Parish, Ikorodu. Olajuwon, until his death, was the prophet at the Celestial Church of Christ, Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa Cathedral, International Headquarters, Ketu, all in Lagos State. The passing of the clergymen has thrown the Celestial community into mourning, with members taking to their social media platforms to express their grief. The Secretary of the Pastor in Council and Head of Media and Publicity for CCC worldwide, Superior Evangelist Kayode Ajala, announced Olajuwon’s death on the church’s official website. Ajala wrote, “The death has been announced of Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist (Prophet) Johnson Olajuwon (JJ). He was, until his death, the prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ, Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa Cathedral, International Headquarters, Ketu. “The suddenness of his passing has left many in shock, as he had read the second lesson at the cross-over service and was bubbling with life until his death early on the first day of the new year, 2025.” In a message shared on his Facebook page, the Shepherd of CCC International Headquarters, Ketu, Olatosho Oshoffa, described Olajuwon as a dedicated, loyal, and truthful servant of God. The CCC Christ Testimony Parish, Ikorodu, announced Michael’s death on its Facebook page around 11 am on Wednesday, while Elusanmi’s death was announced on the Instagram account ‘Celestialgeneration’ the same day. Speaking with the aforementioned publication on Saturday, Ajala warned against attributing any superstitious meaning to the deaths, adding that such interpretations contradict the faith of Christians. He stated, “Death is a necessary end, and it will come at the appropriate time for everyone. People die every day. If three people die in a church as large as Celestial, coincidentally on the same day, I don’t understand why people are making a big deal of it. “Everyone has a time to come and a time to go. The Bible says there is a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to laugh and a time to cry. “So when Christians begin to treat these things as mysterious, I begin to wonder if we are truly followers of Christ. People shouldn’t attach superstitious meaning to their deaths. We all have our time to go.” He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and reassured them that the Celestial headquarters would support them. “The leadership of the church commiserates with the families. As a church, we will continue to pray against sudden death. Even when people don’t die, we pray against sudden death. The church is in mourning. We are deeply pained by this loss. But at the same time, people should not attach any superstitious meaning to it,” he added.
- Spirituality
- December 27, 2024
- 59 views
JESUS CHRIST IN ISLAMIC RELIGION, BY AFIS A. OLADOSU
JESUS CHRIST IN ISLAMIC RELIGION, BY AFIS A. OLADOSU Two days ago, i.e on Wednesday, the 25th of December, 2024, our compatriots who follow the teachings of Prophet Isa (Jesus Christ upon him be peace) celebrated his birthday. Even though much controversy exists over his birth and death, there is consensus among Christians on his mission while on earth. In contrast, much ignorance exists outside Islam on his position and status in Islamic annals and culture, Prophet Isa remains an adorable prophethood and one in whom Muslims must express their belief and strive to emulate. In other words, many Christians are unaware that the true spirit of reverence which Muslims display towards Jesus and his mother Maryam spring from the fountainhead of their faith as prescribed in the Holy Quran. Quite a lot of Christians do not know that a Muslim does not mention the name of Jesus without saying alayhi salaam i.e. upon him be peace. Many Christians do not know that in the Quran Jesus is mentioned 25 times. For example, the Almighty says: … We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit (Q2:87); Behold! The angels said: “O Mary! Allah gives thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be al-Masih Isa (Christ Jesus), the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah. (Q3:45); Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an apostle of Allah … Quran 4:171 Thus a Muslim who scorns or treats Prophet Isa (alayhi salam) with disrespect has disbelieved a cardinal principle of Islam. To read and reread his life history, though short but eventful, is to lead a successful life here on earth and partake of the eternal bliss in the hereafter. Aside from the Quran, one book that constantly reminds me of Prophet Isa (alayhi salam) is al-Mawardi’s Adab al-din wa Dunya (Ethic of Religion and the World). I am always fascinated by the report that Prophet Isa (a.s) was once asked by his followers: “Why don’t you get married?” Prophet Isa was reported to have said: “We prefer the prosperity and the plenitude of the hereafter”. Thus one of the challenges confronting Christendom today is how to bridge the gap between the eternal messages preached by Prophet Isa (a.s) while he was alive – the message of abstinence and contentment, the message of asceticism and humility – and the “gospel” of prosperity and success which now appears to hold Christian praxis in the jugular. Prophet Isa’s birth, upon him be peace, was a sign of and from the Almighty. His prophetic enterprise while on earth, like that of all Prophets of the Most High, was a touchstone of service, integrity, love, and compassion. Thus, his life on earth will forever remain an important point of reference, particularly for those who truly identify with his path and desire eternal redemption. Commemoration of his birthday, therefore, should be an opportunity for the church to do self-introspection. The Christian world should use the occasion to question the chasm between what Jesus stood for while on earth and what Christianity has become today. In other words, to what extent is the argument valid that material prosperity occupies the epicenter of Jesus Christ’s ministry? Is it true that to be a true Christian is to be affluent? The above has become an issue nowadays when leaders of faith now live a luxurious life. Many arguments have been canvassed for and against the trend. Some have said that the acquisition of private and luxurious properties by those who should be exemplars of a spartan and ascetic life is a sign of the…
- Spirituality
- December 26, 2024
- 91 views
POPE OPENS HOLY DOORS TO KICK OFF SPECIAL JUBILEE YEAR BY GOD
POPE OPENS HOLY DOORS TO KICK OFF SPECIAL JUBILEE YEAR Pope Francis has launched a special jubilee year for Roman Catholics during a ceremony on Christmas Eve at the Vatican. The Pope marked the start of the jubilee by opening the usually bricked-up Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica. Jubilees take place only once every 25 years, and more than 30 million pilgrims are expected to head to Rome to pass through the door and seek forgiveness for their sins.
- Spirituality
- December 18, 2024
- 86 views
HOW I KILLED 76 WOMEN FOR FORTIFICATION – MYSTERIOUS IBADAN MAN
HOW I KILLED 76 WOMEN FOR FORTIFICATION — MYSTERIOUS IBADAN MAN A mysterious Ibadan man whose name is yet unknown had confessed to killing over 70 women for ritual purposes in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. The man popularly called ‘Mistina Orobo’ born in the Foko area of Ibadan who claimed to have now become a pastor said the number is not part of the people he had been hired to kill and had eaten in his life. He revealed this on a popular socialist, Yinka Ayefele’s radio station, Fresh FM’s programme titled, “Opeyemi” in Ibadan on Saturday. According to him, the blood of the women was needed to renew his mystical power, and their bodies were eaten after the needed blood had been taken. “My idol takes about 73 to 76 women for over seven years. These women are always gotten from the club or other popular places. When I eat people, it is purposely to renew the voodoo in my body. Sometimes, when I’m shot, it won’t penetrate, even when I’m hacked, the machete breaks. The sweetest human parts are tongue, palm, and foot.” “I also work for bank managers, politicians, and some other rich men. I’m very popular among them. When I first worked with a bank manager, it was one wealthy man that we killed and the info was supplied in the bank. “The only person who was left to sign refused to sign, we visited him, made him sign, and killed him aftermath. I charge up to N50 to N80 million to get people killed and we always work as a team. I taught some people to work, some as highway or armed robbers and I usually get my fair share,” he added. The man also narrated the roles he and his boys played during elections in Oyo State while soliciting that his identity be kept away from the public until it was time for him to reveal it. Responding to questions on his early beginning, the mysterious man confessed to eating sacrifices since the age of nine as the son of an herbalist and how he became a hired assassin. “As a child of an herbalist, I always eat sacrifices in seven different junctions, this was what fortified me before I grew up to become a dreaded hired assassin and sometimes, highway robber.” However, sharing the story of how he turned a new leaf, the man said he met Jesus in his dream after he attempted to avenge people who earlier fought with him. He noted, “I had been killed before but I woke up because of the idol I had at home. The day I went to retaliate those people who fought and killed me. When we got to the first person, I had a change of mind. When we got to the house of the other one, he was drunk, and my boy was about to unleash on him when I begged that he should be spared, since then, I have been sympathetic and have left the wayward life. Now, God has taken over my life. “I am now in a seminary. I spent four years learning to be a prophet. I am not ready to establish a church, I just want people to know my terrible story. I had sold all three houses and cars I bought while engaging in these acts. I met Jesus in my dream.” He also stressed that a former lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Temitope Olatoye (a.k.a. Sugar) died because he was in Ghana at that time if not it would have been averted, adding that he had always informed Sugar of the dangers looming.
- Spirituality
- November 17, 2024
- 192 views
CRISIS IN OLUMBA OLUMBA AS MEMBERS DESTROY SUCCESSOR’S PORTRAIT
CRISIS IN OLUMBA OLUMBA AS MEMBERS DESTROY SUCCESSOR’S PORTRAIT A video has surfaced online showing members of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star rejecting Roland Olumba Obu, the son of the Late Olumba Olumba Obu as their Messiah. Recall that the prolonged succession crisis in a Nigerian Christian religious sect, the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, has festered on since its founder, Olumba Obu, passed away. The crisis turned violent recently as angry worshippers in a particular branch in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, became riotous, destroying the portrait of Olumba’s first son, Rowland, who leads a faction of the sect. Olumba’s daughter, Ibum, leads another faction. A video, which is being circulated on WhatsApp groups and Facebook, captured a man in a white cassock yanking off Rowland’s portrait from the wall and smashing it on the floor amid cheers from worshippers. Rowland’s portrait was hung near Olumba’s, but the angry worshippers did not attack the latter. “Bring it down!” a woman’s voice could be heard shouting in the background of the video as the man in a white cassock smashed the glass frame on the ground. “This is who we are worshipping,” a man’s voice could be heard shouting repeatedly as the camera panned and then focused on Olumba’s portrait on the wall. It is not clear when the incident happened. Amah Williams, the sect’s spokesperson, said the incident happened in Uyo at the sect’s Nsikak Edouk Avenue branch. Rowland and Ibum, with hundreds of their followers, are claiming the leadership of the 68-year-old sect after their father’s passing, causing a disastrous split in a once united and strong organization headquartered in the Biakpan community in Cross River State, Nigeria’s South-south. Mr Williams, the sect’s spokesperson, told reporters on Saturday in Uyo that those responsible for the incident belong to a breakaway faction called Brotherhood of the Cross and Star New Kingdom Ministry. He described them as rebels who do not want to accept Rowland’s leadership – he did not call Rowland by name as Olumba’s successor is revered among worshippers as “King of Kings and Lord of Lords, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu”. “They are rebels. They rebelled; they rejected the rulership of the Kingdom of Christ,” Mr Williams told reporters. “The holy image of our father is what we hold sacred,” he said, apparently referring to the destruction of Rowland’s portrait. A reporter asked the spokesperson what place Jesus Christ occupies in the Brother of the Cross and Star. “That same (Jesus) Christ is the one that came with the new name Olumba Olumba Obu,” responded. “If Olumba were to be a white man, black men would have gone to worship on his feet.” The over 1 million global members of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star do not see themselves as a church but as the new Kingdom of God on Earth. They have also refused to admit that their founder had passed away as the sect has yet to announce his passing or publicly conduct his burial.
- Spirituality
- November 3, 2024
- 110 views
ANYONE CLAIMING TO RECEIVE CREDIT ALERT THROUGH PRAYER SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED – PETER OBI
ANYONE CLAIMING TO RECEIVE CREDIT ALERT THROUGH PRAYER SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED – PETER OBI The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has stated that anyone claiming to receive credit alerts through prayer should be investigated for potential theft. In a clip from his interview on the Honest Bunch podcast released on Sunday, Obi emphasised the importance of hard work and productivity, stating that God cannot bless “someone who is sleeping.” He said, “God can bless hard work; God can bless productivity; God can bless an industry, but God cannot bless someone who is sleeping. “Anyone who tells you that he got an alert from praying should be arrested. He has stolen someone’s money. Simple!” Addressing the controversy surrounding tithing, Obi suggested that charitable works are forms of tithing. “If you go to the hospital, it’s tithing. If you help poor people, it’s tithing,” he said. In addition, Obi urged political leaders who prioritise financial gain to reconsider their career path, stating that leadership should focus on serving the people, not on personal gain. He said, “Being a leader is not a money-making venture. You’re not competing with Dangote. Dangote is a businessman. You should focus on what you were elected for. “You must choose your lane; if you want to be in government, be in government and serve the people. If you want to be a businessman, go and trade.” PUNCH Online reported earlier today that Obi sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians with his recent suggestion to convert church vigils into night shifts to enhance productivity. Deborah, with nearly two years of media experience, reports human interest stories with a foundation in metro reporting.