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PICTORIAL: Glamour As Oyedepo Celebrates 70th Birthday In Style
Published
10 months agoon
By
Editor
The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church, aka Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo’s 70th birthday celebration was a grand affair, bringing together prominent men and women of God, public officials, and other dignitaries from across Nigeria.
Oyedepo was honoured at his church’s headquarters in Ota, Ogun State.
The impressive guest list included former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Pastor E. A Adeboye and Pastor Mrs Fola Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Archbishop Margaret Idahosa of Church of God Mission International; Bishop Mike Okonkwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, TREM, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Reverend Sam Aboyeji, Pastors David and Peace Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries, Pastors Paul and Becky Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Bishop FEB Idahosa, Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, Pastor Korede Komaiya, Pastor Yemi Davids, Pastor Sam Olubiyo, Pastor Shola Osunmakinde, Pastor Victor Abugo from Germany, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, Pastor Jerry Eze, and Pastor Godman Akinlabi amongst others.
Also, Governors Abiodun Dapo of Ogun State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta were in attendance, along with Senator Gbenga Daniel and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
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The Olomu of Omu Aran, High Chiefs of the Olota Of Ota, Professor Jerry Gana, members of the Senate, and House of Representatives were also present.
Pastor Adeboye and his wife extended heartfelt birthday wishes to Oyedepo, praising his dedication to the ministry and impact on countless lives and his role in expanding God’s Kingdom.
The Adeboyes also prayed for God’s continued grace and strength upon Oyedepo as he entered a new decade of service.
President Bola Tinubu also commended Oyedepo’s legacy in grooming leaders and his church’s significant contributions to education, health, and entrepreneurship.
He noted Oyedepo and his church’s remarkable impact on millions through educational and health institutions, as well as his entrepreneurial spirit which reawakened a new movement for growth in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
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Similarly, Abiodun described Oyedepo as a religious leader whose teachings have brought millions closer to God and fostered a spirit of empowerment and resilience
Idahosa, wife of the late Bishop Benson Idahosa, delivered a heartfelt tribute, thanking Oyedepo for his unwavering support over the years.
“Since my husband’s passing 26 years ago, Bishop Oyedepo has stood by me, my children, and our ministry. Your spiritual lineage is vast, and my children are among those you’ve guided with the word of faith,” she said.
Oyedepo received a Rolls Royce Cullinan and a generous donation of one billion naira from one of his sons towards feeding over 50,000 people at Canaanland during the celebration.
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News
UNICEF Urges Women To Breastfeed Babies Within One Hour Of Birth, Warns Against Breastmilk Substitutes Usage
Published
7 hours agoon
August 2, 2025By
Editor
The United Nations Children’s Fund has called on pregnant women in Borno State to initiate their newborns into breastmilk consumption within one hour of birth
Speaking during the flag-off event of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week on Saturday in Maiduguri, the state capital, the UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Busiku, stated that only 35.5 per cent of children in Nigeria were initiated to breastmilk within one hour of birth, and only 28.8 per cent were exclusively breastfed
According to him, this year’s theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support System”, highlights the urgent need to prioritise actions and systems leading to equitable access to breastfeeding, especially for vulnerable women in rural and conflict-affected areas.
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He said, “Only 35.5 per cent of children in Nigeria were initiated to breastmilk within one hour of birth, and only 28.8 per cent were exclusively breastfed.
“Every child born in Borno State deserves to be initiated to breastmilk within one hour of birth, exclusively, breastfed for the next six months of life and continue breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond”
Francis also warned against the use of breastmilk substitutes and unsafe water, while noting that it poses a serious health risk to infants
“The use of breastmilk substitutes and unsafe water in our communities can pose serious risks to the health of infants. It is therefore critical that the state enacts, enforces, and monitors the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes to protect children and promote breastfeeding,” he advised.
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He emphasised that breast milk provides all essential nutrients infants need in the first six months and offers maximum protection against illness and supports health growth and development
The UNICEF boss further called on the Borno state government and stakeholders to strengthen maternal protection polices, increase funding support, revitalise baby-friendly initiatives and prioritise community-level nutrition interventions.
“Together, through strategic partnerships, innovative approaches, and sustained commitment, we can transform breastfeeding practices across Borno state. UNICEF remains steadfast in its support to the government and partners in this vital vision”, he concluded.
News
NBA Slams Niger Gov Over Shutting Down Of Radio Station
Published
8 hours agoon
August 2, 2025By
Editor
The Nigerian Bar Association has called on the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, to immediately withdraw what it described as an unconstitutional order shutting down Badeggi FM in the state.
The NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN), in a statement on Saturday, emphasised that only the National Broadcasting Commission had the legal authority to regulate or shut down broadcasting operations in the country as anything contrary will amount to press gagging.
The Association urged the governor to rescind his directive ordering the immediate closure of the privately owned Badeggi 90.1 FM.
It stressed that the action, reportedly carried out through instructions to the State Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Homeland Security, allegedly involved profiling the station’s owner and marking the premises for demolition.
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The statement read, “This constitutes executive rascality of the highest order. It is a blatant abuse of power that undermines constitutional democracy and the rule of law. The Governor lacks the constitutional or legal authority to revoke broadcast licences or shut down any media establishment. In Nigeria, only the National Broadcasting Commission has the statutory mandate to regulate broadcasting, including the suspension or revocation of licences, subject to due process.
“It is imperative to state that the Commissioner of Police or any security agency must not act on unlawful executive directives. Security agencies are bound by law to act within constitutional limits and not as instruments for political intimidation or media suppression.
“The Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression under Section 39, including the right to own, operate, and access media. No person, regardless of office, has the right to arbitrarily restrict or shut down a media house without due process of law. This unlawful closure, without regulatory sanction or judicial backing, is a dangerous assault on press freedom and democratic governance.”
The NBA further stated that Governor Bago’s directive is entirely unlawful and of no legal effect.
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Osigwe maintained that the Commissioner of Police and other relevant authorities must refuse to implement illegal orders that infringe on constitutional rights, reiterating that media regulation must follow due process through established statutory mechanisms, not arbitrary executive action.
The Association also noted that the actions taken against Badeggi FM constitute a direct affront to press freedom and violate Nigeria’s democratic norms.
“We call on Governor Bago to immediately withdraw this directive and refrain from further unconstitutional acts. The NBA also urges all levels of government to uphold the rule of law, respect constitutional boundaries, and protect the freedom of the press. A free and independent media is not a privilege – it is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of any democratic society,” the statement read.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors has condemned the recent closure of Badeggi Radio by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, describing the action as a direct assault on press freedom and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, on Saturday, the Guild said the governor acted outside his constitutional powers and bypassed due process in ordering the shutdown of the station.
“This act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where a free press is essential for holding those in power accountable,” the Guild said.
Citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the NGE emphasised that press freedom and freedom of expression are guaranteed rights that must be protected.
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The Guild noted that only the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission has the legal authority to sanction broadcast stations, and only after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the broadcast code.
“The closure of Badeggi Radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy.
“Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station. The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.
“We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out. This should go beyond observing the anomaly.
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“The Federal Government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station while an investigation is carried out,” the statement read.
The editors likened the governor’s action to the arbitrary clampdowns experienced during military rule, warning that such decisions erode the democratic progress made since 1999.
“Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago,” the Guild stated.
While acknowledging that Bago had alleged that the station incited violence, the Guild insisted that such a serious accusation must first be investigated and proven before any punitive measure is taken.
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“Governor Bago’s allegation of incitement of violence by the radio station is a serious issue, which has to be investigated and proven before any action can be taken. We urge the media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals,” the statement read.
The editors urged media professionals to operate responsibly and adhere strictly to the code of ethics of journalism, but stressed that due process must always be followed by authorities.
“The Guild reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and demands that governments at all levels respect and uphold this fundamental right,” the statement concluded.
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