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Lagos, Ogun Now Infected With Anti-church Virus, Says Oyedepo

Published

5 years ago

June 28, 2020

The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church International, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, says Lagos and Ogun states have been infected with anti-church virus hence the decision to open markets and keep churches shut.

The cleric said this while delivering a sermon on Sunday.

Oyedepo said it was ironic that people in marketplaces no longer observe social distancing or hygiene yet remain open but the church is being suppressed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Punch reports that he argued that refusing to open the church was in contravention of the freedom of worship which is enshrined in the constitution.

The cleric added, “No handwashing, no nothing, everyone is in the market running over each other every day of the week and there is no outbreak from the market but there is now outbreak, perceived outbreak from the church. Prophets are God’s voices to the nations. Caution!

“Now, freedom of worship is no longer a constitutional right but now determined by some individuals. It is a hard thing to kick against the priest. This is no longer coronavirus in Lagos and Ogun. It is now anti-church virus clean and clear.”

Oyedepo said in the last one week, 10 people testified to have been healed of the disease.

The cleric argued that the church which had the power to heal people remained closed.

The Punch quoted him saying, “Can anybody silence the church? Never! I have never heard of anybody that God healed in the market but people get healed in every church day and night, real tangible healing. We have recorded 114 coronavirus healing testimonies. We got 10 this week.

“And that is the place that is vulnerable, not the market.”

Lagos, which is the epicentre of the pandemic, is yet to reopen places of worship.

Ogun State, which shares boundaries with Lagos, is home to the largest auditoriums of many big churches including the Redeemed Christian Church of God, the Mountain of Fire Prayer City and the Living Faith Church.

(NAN)

(PHOTO: File)

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Naira Records First Depreciation Against US Dollar Across Official, Black FX Markets

Published

3 minutes ago

November 28, 2025

Editor

The naira dropped for the first time on Thursday across official and parallel foreign exchange markets.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s data showed that the Naira depreciated slightly to N1,443.90 against the dollar on Thursday, down from N1,442.92.

This means that the Naira weakened marginally by N0.98 against the dollar on a day-to-day basis.

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JUST IN: EFCC Summons Ex-AGF Malami For Questioning

Published

2 hours ago

November 28, 2025

Editor

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has invited former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami for questioning.

Malami announced the development on his Facebook page on Friday, confirming that he had received a formal invitation from the anti-graft agency.

“I would like to inform my family and friends that I have been summoned by the EFCC to provide clarification on certain matters, and as a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I am determined to honour this invitation without any hesitation,” he wrote.

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Senate Confirms New FCC Chairman, Approves 37 Commissioners

Published

14 hours ago

November 27, 2025

Editor

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Hon. Ayo Omidiran, a former member of the House of Representatives, as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

At the same time, 37 commissioners representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were approved.

The confirmation followed the adoption of the report by the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, presented by Chairman Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh.

He informed the Senate that all nominees had successfully passed thorough screenings, submitted required documents—including Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) clearances, police reports, DSS vetting, and curriculum vitae—and had no criminal petitions filed against them.

The Senate conducted a state-by-state review in the Committee of the Whole, which was adopted when lawmakers returned to plenary.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, addressing the chamber after the unanimous confirmation, urged the appointees to serve with dedication and uphold public trust.

“Go and serve in the interest of the nation. I congratulate all the nominees and wish them a successful tenure,” he said.

Notable appointees include Peter Ogbonna Eze (Enugu State) and AbdulWasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah (Lagos State), while Mohammed Musa was retained as Secretary of the Commission.

Other confirmed commissioners are: Obinna Oriaku (Abia); Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa); Abubakar Atiku Bunu (Kebbi); Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun); Bema Olvadi Madayi (Adamawa); Dora Ebong (Akwa Ibom); Nnoli Nkechi Gloria (Anambra); Babangida Adamu Gwana (Bauchi); Sir Tonye Okio (Bayelsa); Aligba Eugene Tarkende (Benue); Engr. Modu Mustapha (Borno); Dr. Stella Odey Ekpo (Cross River); Ederin Lovette Idisi (Delta); Barr. Nwokpor Vincent Nduka (Ebonyi); Hon. Victor Sabor Edoror (Edo); Hon. Sola Fokanle (Ekiti); Ibrahim Baba Mairiga (Gombe); Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo); Ruth Jumai Ango (Kaduna); Muhammad Awwal Nayya (Kano); Hon. Anas Isah (Katsina); Bello Idris Eneye (Kogi); Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara); Alh. Isah Jibrin (Niger); Comrade Ajimudu Bola (Ondo); Prince Ayodeji Aleshinloye (Oyo); Hon. Pam Bolman (Plateau); Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers); Alh. Aminu Tambar (Sokoto); Bobboi Bala Kaigama (Taraba); Hon. Jibir Maigari (Yobe); Sani Garba (Zamfara); and Solomon Ayuba Dagami (FCT).

The Senate expressed confidence that the newly confirmed FCC leadership will enhance the commission’s capacity to promote equitable representation across Nigeria’s public institutions.