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Folarin Kehinde

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RCCG Youth Church Marks One-Year Anniversary With Message of Spiritual Excellence

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Redeemed Christian Church of God, House of David Royal Seed Youth Church, celebrated its one-year anniversary with a powerful gathering themed “Excelling by the spirit”.

The event brought together young people from within and beyond the church community to reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in shaping purposeful and impactful lives.

Youth President Mr. Ajayi Peter explained that the decision to hold the anniversary celebration was inspired by gratitude for God’s help and the remarkable journey of the youth church over the past year.

“We believed it was important to mark this moment, “It’s a landmark for us a launch into a new phase of what God will yet do.”he said.

Speaking on the event theme, Peter emphasized that true excellence and meaningful progress in life stem from a connection with God.

He highlighted that many youths today face intense pressure from the desire to cash out early to the pursuit of quick success yet lasting success cannot be achieved without divine guidance.

Drawing from Genesis 1:1–3, he explained that just as the world was void until the Spirit of God moved, a life without Christ remains empty and directionless.

“Any man who is not in Christ is in darkness, until the Spirit of God moves in a person, their life cannot have meaning or clarity. In everything we do, if we rule out God, nothing will work.” he said.

Peter urged youths not only to enjoy the program but to allow the teachings shared to produce real transformation.

He encouraged them to meditate on the messages, apply new strategies learned, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide their decisions.

“Don’t just walk away from today’s experience without an impact, apply every word spoken, and with God’s help, you will see change.”

The guest minister, Pastor Ayodeji Oyinlola, further expanded on the theme with a sermon titled “Excelling by the Spirit.”

He defined excellence as being exceptionally good at something doing the very best.

Citing Daniel 6:1–3, he noted that the spirit of excellence comes from God, and the ultimate motivation behind excellence must be to glorify Him.

The anniversary program concluded with prayers, worship, and renewed commitment among the youth to pursue God-centered excellence in every aspect of their lives.

 

 

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Uncategorized

World Toilet Day 2025: Nigerian Red Cross Calls for Urgent Investment in Sanitation

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian Red Cross Society, NRCS, has urged the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to step up investment in sanitation infrastructure as the nation joins the global community to mark World Toilet Day 2025.

Speaking in Abuja, Secretary General of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Dr. Abubakar Kende, praised the Federal Ministry of Environment for its collaboration and leadership on sanitation issues.

This year’s theme, “We’ll Always Need the Toilet,” Dr. Kende humorously underscores a serious message stating that no matter how the world changes, access to safe sanitation remains an essential human right.

He emphasized that the 2025 theme highlights the urgent need to expand safely managed sanitation in the face of rising global pressures including climate change, aging infrastructure, population growth, and widening inequality.

The Red Cross highlighted key challenges threatening sanitation systems nationwide which include

Climate stress, chronic undercapitalization, rapid population growth, social and behavioral barriers.

Dr. Kende noted that the NRCS, working with the Global Task Force for Cholera Control (GTFCC) Country Support Platform hosted within the IFRC, has partnered closely with the Ministry of Environment and other agencies to develop the National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control (NSPACC).

The plan places sanitation and hygiene at its core, recognizing them as essential tools in preventing waterborne diseases such as cholera.

He reaffirmed the Red Cross’s commitment to supporting the National Cholera Plan, national sanitation strategies, and the activities marking the November 25 commemoration.

“As our world changes through innovation, migration, economic shifts, and climate uncertainties one reality remains unchanged: we will always need the toilet.

“We stand with the Government and partners in amplifying this message.”Dr. Kende said.

He congratulated the Minister of Environment, ministry staff, the inter-ministerial committee, development partners, and all Nigerians working to improve sanitation nationwide wishing the nation a meaningful and impactful World Toilet Day 2025.

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Headlines

Kidnapped Niger students, teachers now 315 – CAN, Catholic Diocese

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The number of kidnapped students and teachers in Niger State is now 315. The Catholic Diocese of of Kontagora gave the update on Saturday.

Also, the Church denied ever receiving government order to close down school: “It just a way to shift blame.”

Earlier, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Niger State chapter, Most Rev Bulus Yohanna, disclosed same figures.

He said following a verification exercise and further inquiries, the number of abducted students was updated to 303, with the total number of victims now 315, including 12 teachers.

He made the revelation in a statement released on Saturday through his media aide, Daniel Atori, saying the increase came after a verification exercise and final census.

“The total number of victims abducted from St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area is now 303 students and 12 teachers.

“At present, 303 students, both male and female, and 12 teachers — four female and eight male — remain abducted, bringing the total number of victims to 315.

“The school’s enrolment stands at 629, with 430 in the primary section and 199 in the secondary,” he added.

On directive for closure from the state government, the Bishop said: “Contrary to rumours, no circular or warning was received from the government or security agencies.

“This narrative appears to be an afterthought aimed at shifting blame. In 2022, when security concerns arose, the school shut down immediately. We have always complied with security advisories, whether formal or informal.

“The school is owned by the Catholic Diocese, not any individual. No Reverend Sisters travelled to Abuja, as alleged.

“Anyone making such claims should provide proof or retract the statements. Our Education Secretary confirmed he received no circulars, written or verbal, and the National Association of Private Schools also received none.”

 

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Bandits Abudctions
Headlines

Again, terrorists invade Catholic School in Niger, kidnap students, staff

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

An unconfirmed number of students and staff have been abducted at St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

Details of the abduction remain sketchy, but sources told Daily Trust that many students were taken during a raid on the school.

A source from one of the Catholic churches in Niger State confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, noting that the school was still compiling its records.

“Yes, it is true, but I am not in a position to give details. The church will issue an official statement later in the day,” he said.

When contacted, the Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would provide details later.

However, the Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, confirmed the attack via telephone.

He said the terrorists stormed the school between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., adding that the actual number of abducted students and staff had yet to be determined as authorities continue their assessments.

The incident comes just days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, heightening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across the region.

 

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Bandits
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Eruku Church Attack: Bandits Place N100m Ransom On Each Of 38 Abductees

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The bandits that abducted some 38 worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku in Ekiti local government area of Kwara State have placed N100 ransom on the head of each abductees.

LEADING REPORTERS gathered that the kidnappers have started contacting the families of the victims who were abducted during a church service on Tuesday.

A community leader and Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun whose four relatives were among the kidnapped victims confirmed this to LEADERSHIP on Thursday.

Olukotun, who said he was in the church with five of his family members when the incident occurred, said he and one of his wards escaped the attack around 6:06 p.m through the church’s window.

He confirmed that the kidnappers have made contact with the people of the community and are demanding N100m as ransom on each of the 38 victims.

“From what we gathered from the kidnappers camp, they (kidnappers) have grouped the victims according to their relations and are now calling our people through each of the group.

 

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Nnamdi Kanu
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BREAKING: Court sentences Kanu to life imprisonment

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment.

He was handed the life sentence on counts 1, 4, 5, and 6 of the charge, while it handed him 20-year jail term on count three and five years on count 7, without the option of fine.

Trial Justice James Omotosho said his decision not to pass death sentence on the defendant was owing to a Biblical injunction that demanded the show of mercy.

He ordered that Kanu should be kept in protective custody, even as a radio transmitter he illegally imported into the country was forfeited to the federal government.

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Lakurawa
Headlines

JUST IN: Terrorists Strike Again, Kidnap Four Farmers in Kwara Community

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Terrorists have carried out another attack in Kwara State, abducting four rice farmers in Bokungi Village, Edu Local Government Area.

The incident comes less than 24 hours after gunmen stormed a church in Eruku, also in Kwara State.

According to reports, the latest abduction occurred on Wednesday evening while the farmers were working in their fields during the peak of the harvest season.

According to a community source, the attackers arrived suddenly, surrounding the farmers as they gathered their harvested rice.

“It has been confirmed that bandits struck again at Bokungi under the Lafiagi Emirate. Four people were abducted. Information is still emerging,” the source said.

Residents said the gunmen operated for several minutes without resistance, forcing the farmers into the nearby bush before taking them to an unknown location.

Community members also noted that rising insecurity in Edu LGA has forced many farming settlements to be abandoned, as farmers fear attacks during the harvest period when they are most vulnerable.

The Kwara State Police Command had not issued an official statement at the time of filing this report.

 

 

 

 

 

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Life Style

Ijebu-Ode gears up for major tourism boost

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

IJEBU-ODE is preparing to take centre stage in Nigeria’s fast-growing cultural tourism landscape as the ancient city gears up for the maiden edition of the Ijebu Shutdown Party, scheduled for December 20, 2025.

With its debut theme, “The Wonderland Experience,” the event is already being touted by tourism observers and entertainment enthusiasts as a potential game-changer for end-of-year travel and youth tourism in the South-West, according to a statement from the organisers on Tuesday.

Positioned as a fusion of music, art, fashion, and contemporary youth culture, the Ijebu Shutdown Party is targeting students, creatives, nightlife lovers, and young professionals from across Ogun State, Lagos, and neighbouring regions.

More importantly, it aims to reposition Ijebu-Ode as a December destination capable of drawing large visitor traffic, an ambition organisers say is long overdue.

Team Lead for the Ijebu Shutdown Party, Toyosola Amuludun, popularly known as Tall Dreaded Guy, said the initiative is part of a broader push to spotlight Ijebu-Ode as a city with untapped tourism and entertainment potential.

“Ijebu is ready for its spotlight. Our aim is to build a December culture that brings people home, attracts new faces, and firmly places our city on Nigeria’s entertainment and tourism map. This isn’t just a party — it’s a full-blown experience designed to redefine how December feels in Ijebu,” he said.

Tourism analysts note that events of this scale often become economic stimulators for host communities, especially in the festive season. Organisers project more than 2,000 attendees, including performers, DJs, influencers, fashion enthusiasts, and fun-seekers from across the South-West — numbers expected to translate into increased patronage for local hotels, restaurants, lounges, transport operators, fashion boutiques, and beauty vendors.

The Wonderland Experience will feature immersive stage and lighting design, a premium VIP zone, surprise performances, interactive games, a curated festival marketplace, and cinematic and photo zones — all elements typically associated with destination events that encourage visitor spending and extended stays.

For many residents, the growing buzz has revived memories of the pre-festival excitement associated with the globally celebrated Ojude-Oba Festival.

Some community members have even described the upcoming event as a new December signature for Ijebu, signalling a promising addition to the city’s cultural tourism calendar.

The statement stated that with sponsorship opportunities still open, brands looking to connect with the vibrant youth demographic are expected to leverage the platform as an entry point into one of the South-West’s emerging creative hubs.

 

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Headlines

INEC Upholds Turaki PDP NWC, Rejects Expelled Faction’s Delay Bid

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

In a resounding endorsement of democratic order and party legitimacy, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognized the authentic National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as the sole valid leadership.

INEC has categorically rejected a spurious letter from expelled claimants of Acting National Chairman of the Party, Mohammed Abdulrahman and Samuel Anyanwu, who sought to unlawfully postpone the Ekiti State gubernatorial primaries, thereby safeguarding the electoral timeline and exposing the duo’s desperate bid to sabotage Nigeria’s opposition vanguard.

The INEC affirmation underscores the electoral body’s commitment to constitutional fidelity, dismissing the November 6, 2025, letter signed by them

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Headlines

Gunshots rock PDP headquarters

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

There is currently tension at the headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja over attempts to hold parallel meetings.

The National Working Committee (NWC) elected in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, and the faction backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had fixed meetings for today.

Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the pro-Wike faction, had arrived the Wadata Plaza with some members of the faction.

Shortly after, members of the Taminu Turaki faction also arrived the headquarters but were prevented from going in.

However, two governors forced their way in, but as the other members of the faction tried to make their way in, security operatives fired gunshots and also released teargas to disperse them.

The situation triggered confusion as many scuttled to safety.

While addressing journalists in his office before the arrival of the other faction, Anyanwu had said the security beef up was normal was to prevent breakdown of law and order.

He said his faction was ready for Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings.

 

 

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