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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.
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The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.
“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.
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Continuing, DSS said Ezenwa’s arrest underscores the Service’s determination to safeguard Nigerians from the fraudulent schemes of unpatriotic elements. “Citizens are therefore encouraged to remain vigilant, verify information from official sources and report suspicious recruitment adverts or individuals attempting to extort money under false pretense.”
The agency assured that it will continue to protect the integrity of its recruitment process while ensuring that perpetrators of fraud face the full weight of the law.
Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.
In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”
Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.
“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,”he added.
Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.
In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.
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“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!
“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.
The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.
“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.
“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.
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“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,”he added.
Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.
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“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.
“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,”he said.