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Ortom Rescinds Decision to Re-open Worship Centres, Markets in Benue

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     From Vincent Nyinongu, Makurdi. 


Benue State Government has reversed its decision to reopen worship centres, markets and public places.
State Govenor, Samuel Ortom, who announced this Saturday, while briefing journalists at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi, said his administration had decided to accept the advice of the Federal Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria as well as other religious bodies against reopening of worship centres and other public places.


The Governor stated that Benue was part of the Nigerian Federation and was working in collaboration with relevant federal agencies including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC.


“We are a component part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we appreciate the fact that the Federal Government is the custodian of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and they are informed about what is going on, and so we must subject ourselves to their decision in accordance with laws of the land.


“We do not want to endanger the lives of our people. In the event of any challenge concerning this pandemic, the next port of call will be the Federal Government, so we cannot kick against their advice.

“We feel that the advice is genuine. If we took a decision and we have this kind of advice that is genuine and meant to support the health of our people, we have no reason whatsoever to go ahead with the decision we earlier took.


“I appreciate Benue people. I thank them, I also appreciate the concern of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Benue State chapter and the Muslim community; but you cannot attend church service or mosque when you are dead so we will secure lives first.


“Therefore, on behalf of the State Executive Council, I hereby reverse the lifting of ban on churches and mosques services/prayers. We have reversed to the status quo where churches, mosques and other public places like markets were closed.

“There will be no church services or mosque prayers where people will gather. Same restrictions cover burials, weddings and other public gatherings which number must not exceed 30 persons as we said earlier. And we will require everyone to appreciate the fact that Coronavirus is real and deadly and there is no cure yet, but there are preventive measures put in place by health experts.


“We advise our people to strictly observe COVID-19 protocol such as washing of hands with soap, wearing of face masks, use of alcohol based hand sanitizers and social distancing. We encourage our people to visit Federal Medical Centre and Benue State University Teaching Hospital anytime they notice symptoms.


“We want to call on Benue people to understand with us. This is a serious matter and we must not take things for granted. We will continue to work with the Federal Government to see when it will be convenient to relax the lockdown,” he stated.


Also at the briefing, Governor Ortom announced that the third COVID-19 case in the state, Mrs. Rebecca Apedzan had tested negative to the virus and would be be discharged.

General News

Bishop Oyedepo Re-affirms strong support for Pastor Ibiyeomie, Pastor Komaiya’s Ministry

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By David Torough, Abuja 

The Founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has reaffirm strong support by re-ordaninig two generals of God and the Gospel in 2026, Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries and Pastor Korede Komaiya of The Master’s Place International Church, with fresh fire for greater works and exploits in life and ministry.

According to a statement in connection with the occasion, the two men of God received a fresh impartation, renewed anointing and a fresh mantle for a new season of greater Kingdom and life’s assignments.

The statement reads: “This is not just an ordination, it is a fresh impartation. A fresh oil. A fresh mantle. A fresh fire for a new season.”

“When a father lays hands, heaven confirms it. The same fire that was on the altar has fallen again. The anointing has been renewed, the assignment has been reaffirmed, and the glory has increased,” it said.

“We celebrate these two mighty vessels whom God has used to raise men, build churches, win souls and spread the Gospel across nations, and now, God is taking them to another level,” the statement added.

“From today, expect: Fresh fire in their preaching, Fresh fire in their ministries, Fresh fire in their lives, Fresh oil that will never run dry.

“The entire families of Salvation Ministries and The Master’s Place International Church, join together to celebrate and honour our fathers. We lift up our voices and say, Thank You, Jesus, for fresh fire!”

“What a glorious moment in the Kingdom of God! This renewed impartation and fresh re-ordination would usher in greater dimensions of grace, impact, soul winning and Kingdom exploits,” the statement noted.

It would be recalled that, Bishop David Oyedepo attended the dedication of Pastor Komaiya’s magnificent Master City Dreamland and Pastor Ibiyeomie’s Hand of God cathedral, where he commended them for doing great work for God.

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NEWS

Commissioner Hails Akwa Ibom Governor over Peace Initiatives

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Veteran Sports Journalist and Commissioner for Sports Development in Akwa Ibom State, Paul Bassey, has hailed the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno over what he described as the prevailing peace in the state.

“ If naysayers pretend they cannot see anything Governor Umo Eno has done, can they deny the peace we are witnessing in Akwa Ibom today, Unprecedented peace?” Bassey in a goodwill message delivered at the 25th Annual Convention of the Apostolic Church, Atabong Area in Eket Local Govt.

“ It is a coincidence that the Theme of this Convention is “ The Peace of God” and it reminds me of the peace God has used our Governor to bear on our state.

“ Before now, you cannot even worship in peace as bandits raided churches on Sunday mornings, shot and killed, abducted worshippers, threatened oppositions.

“ Please let us tell our Children and family members that in the past, at times like this, houses and cars were burnt, terror everywhere and you can hardly sleep with your two eyes closed “ the Eket ward 2 Urban leader said.

The Elder of the Apostolic Church reminded the congregation that “this governor is not only a son of Eket, he is a spiritual son of The Apostolic Church and must be embraced and supported for a second term “ and this drew a thunderous “Amen” from the mammoth crowd.

Elder Bassey said  without peace there would be no development and as a member of His the Governor’s  “First Eleven” he was better placed to talk about “this grass roots Governor, whose programs are tailored towards the welfare of the less privileged in society especially in the areas of health, education and in my case, the empowerment of youth through sports .“

In his sermon, the Eket Field Superintendent of The Apostolic church Pastor(Dr) B. E. Okon enjoined Christians to embrace the peace of God that eliminates fear and life’s challenges.

Drawing his text from Mathew 5:9 the Deputy Territorial Chairman of The Apostolic Church insisted that  “blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called children of God”

Elder Bassey in company of other dignitaries including Pastor Etangkanga, vice chairman Esit Eket Local government, village head of Atabong Dr Ikwang later joined the Field Superintendent and the host Area Superintendent Pastor O. D James to cut the 25th anniversary Convention cake.

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Religion

CAN Mourns the Passing of Rev. Dr. William Uzochukwu Okoye

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By Laide Akinboade Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) mourn the passing of Rev. Dr. William Uzochukwu Okoye, Founder and General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission.

In a statement issued by CAN President,
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Abuja.

The statement reads in part, “On behalf of the National Executive Committee of CAN and the entire Christian community in Nigeria, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his widow, Rev.

Mrs. Toyin Okoye, his children, the leadership and members of All Christians Fellowship Mission, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), and all who mourn this painful loss.

“Rev. Dr. Okoye dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity. Through his ministry, he faithfully preached the Gospel, raised leaders, and worked tirelessly for the unity and growth of the Church in Nigeria.

” His service to the body of Christ extended well beyond his own ministry. He served as Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), FCT Chapter, Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), FCT Chapter, and later as CAN National Director on National Issues and Social Welfare. In these and other capacities, he made valuable contributions to strengthening the Christian witness in our nation and promoting constructive engagement on issues affecting the Church and society.

“Rev. Dr. Okoye also served the nation with distinction as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on Youth Affairs, the National Political Reform Conference, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, and as Chaplain to two Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Head of the Aso Rock Villa Chapel. His commitment to nation-building reflected his conviction that faith should positively influence society.

“I remember Rev. Okoye as a humble servant of God who carried every responsibility entrusted to him with wisdom, grace, and unwavering dedication. He was deeply committed to the unity of the Church and was always willing to lend his voice and experience whenever called upon. His counsel, calm disposition, and passion for advancing God’s Kingdom will be greatly missed.

“As we mourn his passing, we also thank God for a life well spent in His service. We pray that the Lord will comfort his family, the All Christians Fellowship Mission, and all who are grieving at this difficult time. May God grant them the strength to bear this loss and uphold them with His unfailing grace.

“May the soul of Rev. Dr. William Uzochukwu Okoye rest in the eternal peace of our Lord Jesus Christ”

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