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Ighele urges Christian journalists to build influence, plan for future

Published

1 week ago

February 28, 2026

The Presiding Bishop of Holy Spirit Mission (Happy Family), Bishop Charles Ighele, has urged Christian journalists to leverage digital platforms, build personal influence and begin early preparation for life after active service.

He spoke at the 2026 Annual Training and Retreat of the Christian Faith Reporters Association (CFRA) in Lagos, themed, ‘The Future of Faith Reporting in Nigeria: Threats, Opportunities and Relevance.’

Ighele, who also chairs CFRA’s Board of Trustees, described social media as both a threat and an opportunity in modern journalism.

“Social media has become a major force. If you don’t position yourself well, you can become irrelevant,” he said, urging journalists to understand the boundaries set by their employers regarding podcasts and personal platforms. “If there is a threat, you must learn to operate within it.”

He stressed that influence now extends beyond newsroom titles. “You must make a name for yourself beyond what you are doing officially,” he said, encouraging creativity within ethical and professional limits.

On career sustainability, Ighele advised journalists to plan for retirement from the first day of employment. “Diversify and build something you can rely on after your career ends,” he said, noting that earning capacity often declines with age.

Delivering the keynote address, Contributing Editor at Conversation Africa, Mr Wale Fatade, emphasised punctuality, integrity and proactive retirement planning.

He urged journalists to cultivate discipline and good habits early in their careers.

“The day you start a job is the day you start your retirement plan. You should be able to live well more than twenty years after retirement,” Fatade said.

He encouraged reporters to read widely, expand their skills and build strong professional networks.

He also advised aspiring journalists to study indigenous languages such as Yoruba and Igbo, alongside courses like History, Statistics and Mathematics, citing the growing need for local-language proficiency in the media.

Drawing from 1 Samuel 12:2, Fatade highlighted the importance of integrity, challenging journalists to reflect on whether they could defend their careers without accusations of bias or corruption.

He warned against sensationalism and stressed that ethical journalism leaves a lasting legacy.

Fatade shared his personal retirement strategy, including plans to establish a Yoruba community radio station in Osun State to sustain him and his family after active service.

In his presentation, media consultant and Programme Officer at the International Press Centre, Sanmi Falobi, urged participants to adopt deliberate goal-setting strategies. He guided attendees through practical sessions on identifying career challenges and mapping out measurable steps toward professional growth.

“You must celebrate your strengths and address your weaknesses frontally,” Falobi advised, encouraging journalists to diversify their income streams in response to the changing media landscape.

Earlier, CFRA President Adeola Ogunlade described the retreat as a critical moment for reflection and recommitment.

He said the way Christian faith is reported has implications for national unity and public trust.

“We must never sacrifice facts for sentiment or trade credibility for applause,” Ogunlade said, urging members to see journalism as a calling rooted in truth, balance and courage.

The retreat featured lectures, discussions and strategy sessions aimed at equipping Christian reporters to remain credible, ethical and relevant in Nigeria’s evolving media environment.

Worship

Why I’m still relevant, by Adeboye

Published

12 hours ago

March 7, 2026

The Exclusives

As the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, clocked 84 last week, he took time to reveal some of his life secrets.

Despite his tight schedule and old age, he has continued to be active, without any sign of weakness.

But last week, he unravelled some of the mysteries surrounding his life.

In a recent devotional message titled ‘Forget and Press Forward,’ published in the RCCG daily devotional Open Heavens, the cleric shared the secret behind his enduring relevance.

“I turn 84 today, and by God’s grace, I am still doing exploits in His kingdom because I have learnt not to hang on to the past,” he said.

Adeboye emphasised that dwelling on past successes or failures can hinder spiritual growth.

Referencing biblical teachings, he encouraged believers to rely on God’s “mercies that are new every morning” and continually pursue fresh spiritual renewal.

Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in from Christian leaders and ministries across the world.

Koinonia Global described Adeboye as a father in faith whose ministry has refreshed nations and strengthened the global church.

“We give thanks to God for 84 impactful years marked by a life that has revived hearts and exalted the name of Jesus across the earth,” the ministry said.

Adeboye’s son, Leke Adeboye, also reflected on his father’s enduring dedication.

“Even at 84, my father still shows up daily without excuses. His dreams and vision keep him going. He remains fully submitted to God and continues to serve with joy. What a legacy,” he said.

Born in 1942, Adeboye joined RCCG in the early 1970s as an interpreter for the church’s founder, Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi.

In 1981, he succeeded him as the General Overseer.

Under his leadership, RCCG transformed from a relatively small Nigerian church into a global evangelical movement.

Today, the church operates thousands of parishes across Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East.

Beyond evangelism, the church has established schools, universities, health centres, and numerous humanitarian programmes aimed at addressing social and economic challenges.

Worship

Gospel music, tool for healing, says Tosin Bee

Published

1 week ago

February 28, 2026

The Exclusives

Widely travelled Nigerian gospel artist, Oluwatosin Adejumobi, aka Tosin Bee ,’ has said that contrary to opinion held in certain quarters, music and ministry are intertwined.

“They flow from the same purpose. My artistry is an extension of my ministry, so when I create music, I’m not switching hats; I’m expressing the same calling in a different language,” he said.

While being intentional with his time, spiritual life, he revealed that prayer, service to humanity, and obedience to God has continued to guide the kind of music he makes and the platforms he accepts.

“When God is at the center, everything else finds its place naturally. For me, music becomes a tool, not a distraction, and ministry becomes impactful beyond the four walls of the church.”

Tosin Bee’s praise songs, including ‘Adurotini,’ ‘More Than Able’, and ‘Songs of Joy,’ have enjoyed both acceptance and review in different quarters.

“We just released the third instalment of our signature live praise recording known as ‘Praise Unlimited 3.’

This is coming after the resounding success of ‘Praise Unlimited Volumes 1 and 2,’ which millions have enjoyed all over the world. According to Tosin Bee, ‘Praise Unlimited 3’ represents a significant milestone in the ‘Praise Unlimited’ series.’

He disclosed that the project showcased the remarkable growth and development his team, BeezleNation, has had.

While many find it difficult to balance career and other aspects of life, such as family and personal time, the gospel artist said he had done very well by being intentional and setting priorities.

“As much as music is a big part of my life, it cannot come before God, family and personal well-being. These are things I’m deliberate about – because they keep me grounded.”

On the up-and-coming artists, Tosin Bee advised that they should focus on building relationships with God, nurture it, grow it, and then they can start working on their platforms.

“Our type of music is not just about having a good voice or being talented; you have to work on ensuring your music carries a positive message, and that your lifestyle reflects what you sing and minister.”

He believes that gospel music plays a major role in society, especially at a time when people are facing different challenges– including economic uncertainty and emotional struggles.

“Our music brings hope, reassurance, and a reminder of God’s presence.

“It’s a tool for healing, encouragement, and spiritual awakening. Gospel music helps shape values, strengthen faith, and unite people across different backgrounds. In Nigeria, particularly, it has become a voice that speaks peace, resilience, and purpose to the nation. It reminds us of who we are, where our help comes from, and the fact that God is still very much involved in our everyday lives,‘ he disclosed.

Worship

Six years after # EndSARS, Lagos pastor seeks help to rebuild razed church

Published

1 week ago

February 28, 2026

The Exclusives

Six years after his church was destroyed during the October 2020 #EndSARS unrest, the founder of CAC, Warrior for Christ Mission, Fagba, Lagos, Prophet Dr Solomon Olukunmi Ajao (JP), has renewed his appeal to the Federal and Lagos State Governments, non-governmental organisations and well-meaning Nigerians for assistance to rebuild the worship centre.

The cleric said the church building, located at 9 Railway Line, off Jonathan Coker Road, Fagba Junction, was set ablaze by hoodlums on October 21, 2020, at the height of the protests. His newly purchased Subaru Jeep was also destroyed in the inferno.

According to him, the total value of the property lost runs into tens of millions of naira.

“I am using this opportunity again to appeal to the Lagos State Government to help us rebuild the church that was set ablaze during the #EndSARS protest so that we can continue to propagate the gospel of Christ in a conducive atmosphere,” Ajao said.

The prophet, who said he had spent over 30 years in ministry, stressed that he had never previously sought public assistance.

“For over three decades in God’s vineyard, I have not done anything shady to tarnish my image. I have not gone to anyone for help because God has been faithful to us. I don’t exploit my members. I always tell them to give according to their capacity because God loves a cheerful giver,” he said.

Since the destruction, the congregation has been worshipping outdoors.

“We have been worshipping under the sun. During the rainy season, it is even worse; many times, we get drenched during services. It was through voluntary donations that we managed to put up a temporary tent,” he explained.

Ajao added that after nearly three years of holding services under a makeshift canopy, the church was partially rebuilt through sacrificial contributions from members.

According to him, a modest six-by-six block structure was erected and roofed with salvaged burnt corrugated sheets, work he said he personally supervised and executed.

Recounting the events that led to the attack, the Oyo State-born cleric linked the incident to tensions in the area that predated the protests.

He said a dispute arose after a food vendor was allowed by the local Baale to operate in front of the church premises, a development he opposed.

He claimed that disagreements between the church and the food sellers escalated, creating resentment.

During the #EndSARS unrest, he alleged, the church became an easy target.

“Everything was burnt to ashes, including the car I had just bought. The structure became unsafe and needs to be completely demolished,” he said.

It was gathered that violence later erupted in the area following disputes over levies imposed on truck drivers transporting cows from the North to the Lagos abattoir, which reportedly heightened ethnic tensions and led to the destruction of several properties.

Ajao said no fewer than 25 buildings were affected.

He disclosed that top government officials, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, visited the scene after the incident.

“They came, took pictures and gave some money to petty traders,” he alleged, adding that although some victims were later compensated, his church was not.

Ajao said he submitted all required documents to the Lagos State Government office in Oregun, Ikeja, and was informed that his name appeared on the list of beneficiaries.

He explained that professional quantity surveyors initially assessed his loss at about ₦80 million, but the figure was later reviewed downward by officials to ₦48.7 million.

“Since then, I have not received a dime,” he said.

In a final appeal, Ajao urged the government and kind-hearted Nigerians to come to his aid.

“We are almost exposed whenever it rains, and there is no place to hide. If the government can help us reconstruct the church, it will be my joy. If not, they should find an alternative way to compensate us for this great loss,” he said.