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Anglican Diocese Ordains New Priests, Urges Sacrificial Service

Published

5 months ago

June 30, 2025

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, The Rev. Dr. James Olusola Odedeji has charged ministers of God to reflect the light of Christ not just on the pulpit but in every aspect of their lives and ministry.

Odedeji gave the charge on Sunday during the 2025 Trinity Priesthood Ordination held on St. Peter’s Day at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Egbeda, Lagos.

The solemn service, marked by hymns, liturgical processions, and thanksgiving, witnessed the ordination of three new priests into the holy order of priesthood: The Revd John Abiodun Lerry, The Revd Ezeh Isaiah Obi, and The Revd Godwin Okechukwu Fredrick.

“As priests, it will be your task to proclaim by word and deed the gospel of Jesus Christ; and to fashion your life in accordance with its precepts. You are to love and serve the people, care for all, declare God’s forgiveness to penitent sinners, and pronounce God’s blessings to all,” the Bishop said.

In his sermon titled “Come, Follow Me”, drawn from Matthew 4:19, the Dean of the Cathedral, the Venerable Ebenezer Adewole, reminded the newly ordained priests that the call to priesthood demands total obedience, humility, and sacrifice.

“Just like Peter, you have been called to leave behind comfort and familiarity to embrace the demands of kingdom service. The Church is not looking for perfect men, but willing men, who are teachable, obedient, and led by the Spirit of God,” Adewole said.

The service, presided over by Bishop Odedeji, featured the laying of hands and prayers of ordination, supported by other clergymen, including the retired Bishop of Ilesa Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Sowale, and the Bishop of Egba West, Rt. Rev. Oludele Ogundeji.

The oath of allegiance to God and the Church was administered by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Opeoluwa Ogunade, assisted by the Registrar, Mr. Bambo Adesanya, SAN.

In her congratulatory message, the Bishop’s wife, Dr. Lydia Odedeji prayed for God’s continued presence in the lives and ministries of the newly ordained priests. She also encouraged their wives to embrace the calling alongside their husbands.

“I am confident that God will continually uphold them and support their ministry in the Church. More importantly, we will continue to encourage their wives to be beacons of light with motherly care and support,” she said.

The ordination service, which came just days after the diaconate ordination for deacons, aligns with the Diocese’s vision to be a leading force in the Church of Nigeria through sound doctrine and evangelichal expansion. Clergy and laity from across the Diocese, along with family members and invited guests, were in attendance to witness the sacred occasion.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

12 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

12 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

13 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.