Connect with us

News

Some Pilgrim Board leaders are enablers of corruption, says EFCC Chairman

Published

on

EFCC chairman raises the alarm over cybercrime epidemic
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede
Spread the love

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, on Wednesday alleged that some pilgrim boards have been involved in corrupt practices in the country.

Olukoyede stated this at the Inter-Religious Council meeting in Abuja and the public presentation of the commission’s inter-faith manual to religious bodies.

While speaking about past investigations carried out by the commission, the EFCC chairman spoke on how monies released by government for both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages were siphoned.

He urged Christian leaders to use their platforms to champion the anti-corruption fight, explaining that the moral dignity of honest living must return through preaching.

Olukoyede also underscored the importance of the inter-faith manual in addressing topical issues that affect religious adherents.

Maduka College Advert

The EFCC, therefore, urged religious leaders to deploy their influence to sharpen the conscience of their faithful as part of Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign.

The leaders of the two major religions in the country, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Daniel Okoh, in their separate remarks, emphasis end the importance of fostering unity for a better Nigeria and leading the effort against corruption in the country.

The Executive Secretary of NIREC, Prof. Cornelius Omonokhua, said the second edition of the anti-corruption preaching and teaching manual was developed through the Interfaith Anti-Corruption Advisory Committee of the EFCC.

He said the manual and facilitators’ guides were designed to assist Christian and Muslim preachers in communicating authentic religious teachings against corruption while promoting peaceful coexistence.

Omonokhua said, “No nation can flourish in the face of corruption at all levels,” adding that a religious leader involved in corrupt practices could not claim to uphold the teachings of his faith.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who represented President Bola Tinubu, said religious leaders and other stakeholders had a role to play in addressing insecurity and other challenges confronting the country.

Akume said violence, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and terrorism had left many Nigerians afraid, including parents who were reluctant to send their children to school.

He said religious leaders, traditional rulers and the government must work together to counter narratives of division and conflict.

The event was attended by the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Daniel Okoh; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; former JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede; the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli; and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar El-Kanemi, among others.

The EFCC has previously identified engagement with faith-based organisations as part of its preventive anti-corruption strategy, including the development of interfaith manuals for Christians and Muslims.

News

Pastor Jimmy Odukoya Remarries, Introduces New Wife Mo Jasyme to Church Congregation

Published

on

Pastor Jimmy Odukoya with his new wife Mo Jasyme
Spread the love

Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Lagos, has officially introduced his new wife, Pastor Mo Jasyme, to members of his congregation during a Sunday service on November 1, 2026.

The introduction took place at the church’s headquarters in Ilupeju, Lagos, days after Odukoya sparked speculation about his marital status by sharing a photograph of two hands wearing wedding rings with the caption, “To New Beginnings.”

During the service, Odukoya said he had been navigating life alone since becoming the church’s senior pastor before finding a suitable partner.

Screenshot

He described Mo as the woman he had been searching for and presented her to the congregation as the church’s new first lady.

Maduka College Advert

Mo also addressed the congregation, expressing her delight at standing alongside her husband.

Pastor Tunde Bakare, General Overseer of The Citadel Global Community Church, who reportedly blessed the couple’s marriage in the United States, prayed for them and their union.

Bakare also disclosed that Mo is the daughter of Reverend Theophilus and Bolaji Daniel.

The marriage marks a new chapter in Odukoya’s personal life. His previous marriage to Oluwakemi Banjoko took place in London in March 2013, and the union produced two children before the couple separated.

Odukoya became Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church in 2023 following the death of his father, the church’s founder, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya.

Continue Reading

News

Tinubu concludes five-day Saudi Arabia visit

Published

on

President Tinubu Performs Umrah In Makkah
Spread the love

President Bola Tinubu has concluded his five-day visit to Saudi Arabia, where he performed Umrah, the lesser Hajj, and prayed for Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity.

The President disclosed this on his verified X handle, @OfficialPBAT, on Monday, saying he used the opportunity to pray for the nation and its citizens.

Tinubu stated in a four-paragraph post: “I have concluded my visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where, together with members of my delegation, I had the rare honour of entering the Holy Kaaba to pray, and of performing Umrah.

“I am deeply grateful to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud @KingSalman, and to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for extending this privilege to us, and for their gracious hospitality and brotherly care.

“It reflects the enduring bonds of faith and friendship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

Maduka College Advert

“In those sacred moments, I prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for our dear nation and for all Nigerians.”

The President arrived in Saudi Arabia last Thursday night through the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, where he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo, and Saudi Arabia’s Head of Royal Protocol, Ahmad bin Thafir.

Tinubu’s visit to Makkah focused on performing the religious rites associated with Umrah and offering prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress.

The President is expected to return to Nigeria this week following the completion of the spiritual exercise. (AriseNews TV)

Continue Reading

News

Power Belongs To Allah, He Can Take It From Me And Give Another Person, Tinubu Says During Mecca Visit

Published

on

Spread the love

President Bola Tinubu has said that political power belongs to Allah, who has the authority to give it to anyone and take it away, declaring that those entrusted with leadership must exercise it in accordance with God’s dictates.

Tinubu made the remarks while reflecting on his recent Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, where he was granted access to enter and pray inside the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah.

The President said his emergence as Nigeria’s leader was an extraordinary blessing from Allah, adding that he recognised that his position as President and Commander-in-Chief was not something he could claim to have attained solely through human effort.

Speaking about his understanding of divine authority, Tinubu said Allah was the ultimate giver and taker of power and that anyone who received such a privilege must use it responsibly.

“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority. He says, ‘If I give you, use it well. If you don’t use it in accordance with my dictates, I can take it from you and give it to another person. I am the only One who has that authority,” Tinubu said.

Maduka College Advert

He described his emergence as President as a special favour from God, given the large number of people in the country.

“Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being,” he said.

The President also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his delegation access to the Ka’abah, describing the experience as historic.

He said the green-white-green colours on the fencing around the Ka’abah reminded him of Nigeria’s national identity.

“I want to say a big thank you for the faith, for the recognition. I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in Green-White-Green, which reminds us of the Nigerian identity,” he said.

“I thank the Crown Prince and all the administrators of the holy land. I thank them for the hospitality and recognition given to me as the leader of the delegation and the country.

“We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome them with faith in God Almighty. I’m grateful forever. I thank the King and the royal Crown Prince.”

Tinubu was accompanied on the pilgrimage by several members of his cabinet, governors and business leaders.

Those in the delegation included Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.

Business leaders accompanying him included BUA Group Chairman, Abdulsamad Isiaka Rabiu, and Oando Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu.

The President’s remarks come amid his administration’s continued efforts to defend its policies and record in office.

Continue Reading

Trending

Maduka College Advert