Nigeria@61: We must bury our differences to attain our bright future, Archbishop Martins charges citizens
As the nation marks its 61stIndependence anniversary amidst so much insecurity and other areas of anxiety, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins has assured Nigerians that a bright future still lies ahead provided there is sincerity of purpose and the will to be just and equitable from all and sundry.
In his 61st Independence anniversary message to Nigerians signed by the Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, Archbishop Martins, while noting that the country was passing through one of its most challenging periods since independence in 1960, urged the various ethnic nationalities not to give up on the unity of the country, but to take the necessary proactive steps to right the wrongs that have afflicted us and build a nation that all would be proud to associate with.
Archbishop Martins accused members of the political class across the various political parties of deliberately and continuously playing the ethnic and religious cards across the various ethnic nationalities to further perpetuate unhealthy rivalry in the polity for their selfish parochial interests.
He said most of Nigeria’s problems can be solved if the political actors and their associates would set aside their mundane selfish interests and work for the common good and the welfare of all.
“At this time that we celebrate the 61st independence anniversary of our country, we must thank God for the gift of life and for keeping the country together, despite the atrocities being committed by criminals of various descriptions who through their atrocious acts of blood-letting have led thousands of our fellow citizens to their untimely death and loss of properties. It is indeed a miracle of sorts that despite all these anomalies across the land, we are still here to mark this year’s independence. We pray that this will not be the last and that ourcountry will continue to thrive.
We shall thrive again only if we are able to address the critical issues of discontent among us. We are all aware of the issues that need to be addressed but which the leadership at all levels has not found the will to address. Such issues as insecurity, ethnicism, the activities of Boko Haram and bandits, nepotism, corruption, unemployment, poverty, lack of good healthcare system, religious bigotry and fanaticism e.t.c. are leading the country in the direction of disintegration. Evil is thriving in our land because most of those in positions of leadership and majority of the followers over the years have failed to do the needful. And unfortunately, no one is being held accountable. The celebration of the independence anniversary of our country, presents us with another opportunity to reason together and face the reality that all is not well with us. We must be brave enough to confront these challenges with honesty and objectivity or else we risk the disintegration of the country; God forbid!!”
Archbishop Martins also reiterated his call for a total overhaul of the present structure of governance in country. According to him, the present system is so badly skewed that there would always be people who feel left out and unjustly treated in the scheme of things within the country. Therefore, there is a need for discussion and negotiation among the peoples of Nigeria so that we can attain the restructuring that would move the country away from the brink of failure that we have found ourselves.
Finally, he said: The Scriptures have told us that the unless the Lord builds the house, the labourer labours in vain. We must therefore continue to ask God in prayers for the unity and prosperity of the country as well as the security of lives and properties of the people. Since all things are possible with God, we are assured that Nigeria will be great again. God bless Nigeria and restore all that we have lost over the years. Amen
Ansar-ud-Deen Society Congratulates Pope Leo XIV, Felicitates with Nigerian Catholic Church
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Catholic community in Nigeria and globally on the successful completion of the Papal Conclave and the election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV.
Adeniji
In a statement signed by the National President, Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Prince Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, FCArb, the society described the election of Robert Prevost, the first Pope from the Americas, as a truly historic moment, marking a significant chapter in the history of the Catholic Church.
Kazeem said this historic moment signifies not only the continuity of apostolic leadership but also reaffirms the unity, faith, and resilience of the global Catholic Church.
He noted, “We commend the Catholic faithful in Nigeria for their steadfast prayers, unwavering devotion, and commitment to the spiritual well-being of the Church throughout this sacred process.
“As the Catholic community in Nigeria joins the universal Church in welcoming the new Pontiff, we pray that his papacy will be blessed with wisdom, humility, and a deep dedication to the mission of peace, justice, and service to all humanity. May his leadership inspire renewed hope, strengthen faith, and advance the work of the Gospel both in Nigeria and across the world,” the Ansar-ud-Deen president noted.
According to Kazeem, while the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria remains committed to fostering interfaith harmony and understanding, in the spirit of interfaith harmony, the Ansar-ud-Deen Society invokes the words of the Qur’an:
“… And you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers are those who say, ‘We are Christians.’ That is because among them are priests and monks, and because they are not arrogant.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:82)
“May Almighty Allah continue to bless the Catholic Church in Nigeria, strengthen the bonds of peace between our communities, and grant abundant grace to Pope Leo XIV as he leads the flock of Christ with compassion and justice.”
Jah Jehovah Jireh to Hold 7th Anniversary ThanksGiving on June 27 in USA
By AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
Sunday 27th April 2025, All roads leads to Bissonet Street, Houston Texas, 77099 Suite 203 USA as Jah Jehovah Jireh Mount of Salvation will be holding it’s 7th Anniversary Thanksgiving for all members of its church across the globe.
Jah Jireh is a member of C$S Church Agbo Jesu world wide.
The venue for this year Thanksgiving will be at the prestigious complex 11965 Bissonet Street Houston Texas 77099 suite 203 USA.
August24news.com religious Editor, AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM gathered that the 2025 Thanksgiving shall be CHRIST IN ME, THE HQPE OF GLORY Colossians 12.7.
According to to the Host and Elder-in- Charge of Jah Jireh Salvation Church SNR/PRO. SNR AP. Modupe Arinola Ojajuni-Rahman told newsmen that the significant of the thanks giving is to partake in prayers and praising of almighty God.
Speaking Further, She Emphasize that One of the major activities that is expected of us as God’s children in Cherubum and Seraphim Church is to be active in praise worshipping for what he has done in our lives.
For Prayers, Guidance and Counseling Elder Module Rahman Ojajuni can be contacted through the church email address jjjmountsalvation@yahoo.com.
A Night Where JESUS WINS As dusk settles on the bustling city of Lagos on Friday, the 6th of December, something extraordinary begins to unfold.
August24news.com gathered that Thousands will gather under the open skies at Tafawa Balewa Square, as they have for the past 18 years, united by one anthem: JESUS WINS.
This year, House On The Rock Church will once again host THE EXPERIENCE, an all-night gospel music concert that will start at 7 pm and run all the way until dawn on Saturday.
Leading the hundreds of thousands gathered at the venue, and the millions who will join online in worship, are Travis Greene, Donnie McClurkin, Chevelle Franklyn, Chee, Israel Houghton, NathanielBassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Mercy Chinwo, Ebuka Songs, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Sinach, Frank Edwards,Prinx Emmanuel, Mr M & Revelation, Moses Bliss, Micah Stampley, Bidemi Olaoba, and the Lagos Metropolitan Gospel Choir (LMGC).
The event will also feature Rachel Adewale and Precious Emmanuel, among others.Despite being attended by notable dignitaries and leaders in government, politics, the diplomatic corps, business, and the Church, THE EXPERIENCE remains a free-to-attend concert, therebyallowing people from different age groups, socio-economic classes, or religious beliefs to be part of this incredible night.
THE EXPERIENCE continues to be a time for believers across denominations, cultures, and nations to come together and offer praise to God.
This year, with the theme JESUS WINS, the message is one of unity and victory in the face of the daunting economic and social challenges here in Nigeria,and the atmosphere of uncertainty and unrest across different parts of the globe.
The night will echo with a collective victory shout, one that declares Jesus as the light and the only hope of theworld.
When the sun rises on Saturday, December 7th, one thing will be clear in Lagos and around the world-JESUS WINS.