*Hails rescue of Oyo teachers, pupils

The Global Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Prophet Samuel Kayode Abiara, has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the welfare of security personnel and the families of officers who die in the line of duty.

Abiara appealed while reacting to the successful rescue of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The cleric also commended President Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the nation’s security agencies for securing the freedom of the victims, who spent 56 days in captivity before regaining their freedom through a coordinated security operation.

Speaking at a press briefing, Abiara expressed gratitude over the safe return of the teachers and pupils, describing the rescue as a testament to the commitment of the government and security agencies to combating insecurity.

He praised the administration of President Tinubu for sustaining efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, while urging the Federal Government to further improve the welfare of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.

According to him, better salaries, allowances and welfare packages would boost the morale of security personnel and enhance their effectiveness in protecting lives and property.

Abiara also appealed to the Federal Government to ensure adequate support for the families of security officers who lost their lives while serving the country.

“I appeal directly to President Bola Tinubu to take proper care of the families of security personnel who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Their spouses and children should not be abandoned. Our soldiers risk everything in defence of Nigeria, and their welfare must remain a top priority,” he said.

On the country’s security situation, the cleric urged Nigerians not to lose confidence in the current administration, stressing that insecurity is a global challenge and not peculiar to Nigeria.

He attributed the rise in violence and moral decadence across the world to biblical prophecies concerning the end times, citing the days of Noah and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of periods characterised by widespread wickedness.

Abiara noted that countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and France had also faced serious security threats, including terrorism linked to groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda, but eventually made significant progress in addressing them.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges through sustained efforts by the government and security agencies.

The cleric also urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and continue supporting initiatives aimed at restoring peace and security across the country.

He further commended the unity displayed by Nigerians during the Oriire abduction, noting that Christians, Muslims and traditional worshippers joined together in prayer for the safe return of the victims.

“It was not just one religion that prayed. Nigerians from different faiths and ethnic backgrounds joined together in prayer, and we thank God that the children have returned safely. Let us remain peaceful and hopeful. Nigeria will overcome this difficult period,” Abiara said.

The Founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Prophet Elijah Ayodele, has insisted that he will not retract his prophecy concerning the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Senator Mohammed Musa Kwankwaso, despite the threat of legal action.

Kwankwaso had reportedly threatened to sue the cleric for N10 billion over remarks alleging that he would betray the party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general election.

Ayodele had claimed that Kwankwaso’s political ambition could undermine Obi’s presidential bid and that the former Kano State governor would ultimately pursue his personal interests.

Responding to the legal threat, the cleric maintained that he stood by his prophecy, stressing that prophetic messages were open to different interpretations.

“I stand by my message. People are free to interpret prophetic statements differently, just as dreams may have various interpretations. If anyone believes that going to court is the proper course of action, that is their prerogative. For this prophecy, for anything that I said, I stand by it.”

The prophet stated further that while he was not sure where the prophecy would lead him, he explained that “One can only die once. Mind you that you may have the power to kill somebody; you can’t kill the soul. You can only kill the body. You are the one who wants to become president. I don’t want to become president. If you feel that taking me to court is the best, go ahead.

“If you feel that you don’t need it, so be it. N10 billion suit is not enough; let them put it to N10 trillion. That will make it fine. My duty is simply to declare what I believe God has revealed to me, and I remain steadfast in that responsibility.

On the purported rift with former Power Minister, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, he dismissed the insinuation, saying there was no dispute between the two of them.

Ayodele said Adelabu merely expressed his personal opinion.

“I have always regarded Chief Adelabu with affection and goodwill, and I still wish him success in his political aspirations. He is my son. His election as Governor of Oyo State is in my hands, ” he said.

Activities marking the retirement ceremony of the Primate of The First African Church Mission, The Most Rev. Sunday Oludare Matilukuro (JP), have been unveiled, with church leaders paying glowing tributes to his decades of impactful ministry and leadership.

Chairman of the Primate Retirement Committee, Dr Solomon Dap Komolafe, and the committee’s Secretary, Rt. Rev. Boma Williams, disclosed in a statement issued in Lagos that the Primate’s tenure will officially end in September 2026.

Primate’s retirement press briefing will be held on 30th June, 2026 at the  Christ Church Cathedral, Oyingbo, Ebute Metta, Lagos State, 11:00 am. Also,  the dedication of Primate’s Palace/Bishop Jones Theology Institute will be held  4th August, 2026, 12:00 noon.

Dedication of the Prayer City, Omu, Lagos State, comes up 13th August, 2026, noon.

Guest Speakers will give talks on  26th September, 2026, 12:00 noon at the  Christ Church Cathedral Oyingbo, Ebutte Metta, Lagos State.

On the 27th September, 2026, there will be a Change of Batton Service/Thankgivng @ Jehovah Shalom Premier Cathedral, Lagos, at 10:00am

The church described Matilukuro as a visionary leader whose years in office were marked by remarkable achievements in evangelism, humanitarian outreach, church growth, education and ministerial development.

According to Komolafe, the outgoing Primate spearheaded several landmark projects, including the construction of a Prayer City in Omu-Ijebu, Ogun State, acquisition of land for a model primary and secondary school, and the completion of the Bishop Jones Memorial Theological Institute in Ota, Ogun State, for the training of ministers.

He also oversaw the construction of a Primate’s Palace as the official residence of the church’s spiritual head and institutionalised a Bi-Annual Mandatory Refresher Training Programme for ministers.

Williams noted that Matilukuro and his wife, Lady Mercy O. Matilukuro, built and equipped a hostel facility at the Prayer City for the Christian Mothers’ Association of the Mission. He also credited the Primate with the successful recovery of two church-owned plots of land and commercial properties in Ogun State.

Describing him as a scholar and administrator of distinction, Williams said the church leader had mentored numerous ministers and inspired many young people toward personal development and excellence.

Matilukuro’s ministerial journey began more than 25 years ago as a Lay Preacher before his induction into the Holy Order of The First African Church Mission at St. Peter’s Parish, Odi-Olowo, Mushin, Lagos, in 1998.

He served at Jehovah Shalom Cathedral, Lagos, for nine years before moving to Christ Church Cathedral, Oyingbo, where his leadership qualities earned him appointment as Fort-Holder of Lagos Diocese. He was later consecrated and translated to Rivers Diocese in 2010.

Earlier this year, he was appointed Fort-Holder of the newly inaugurated Port Harcourt Archdiocese.

Throughout his ministry, he championed numerous developmental initiatives, including the growth and recognition of Our Saviour’s Parish, Iwaya; revitalisation of church activities at Oke-Agbo; restoration of flood-ravaged Emmanuel Parish, Makoko; and rehabilitation of St. Michael’s Parish, Rumuekpe, and Christ the King Parish, Ikpoama, in Rivers Diocese.

He also facilitated the planting of four new churches, played a key role in the establishment of the Port Harcourt Archdiocese, and supervised the completion and dedication of the new auditorium of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Port Harcourt.

Born on June 8, 1958, in Enugu State to Rev. Benjamin Ajayi Matilukuro and Sister Clementinah Olayemi Matilukuro, the Primate combines extensive academic and theological credentials. He holds qualifications in Business Administration, Management, Export and Shipping Management, Christian Theology and a PhD in Systematic Theology.

Beyond the pulpit, he has contributed significantly to education, serving as a lecturer in several tertiary institutions, including Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State Polytechnic and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology’s Lagos Outreach Centre.

Married to Lady Mercy O. Matilukuro since 1991, the Primate is also serving his second term as Vice President of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN).

As preparations for his retirement and handover ceremony gather momentum, members of The First African Church Mission and the wider Christian community continue to celebrate a cleric whose legacy of service, leadership and commitment to the growth of the church remains enduring.