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Celestial Church Mourns as 3 Prominent Clerics Pass Away on New Year’s Day
Three prominent clerics from the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) tragically passed away on the first day of 2025. The deceased include Evangelist Oladotun Elusanmi, Shepherd Olumuyiwa Michael, and Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Johnson Olajuwon.
Elusanmi was the Shepherd of the Orisun Ayo Parish in Ilupeju, while Michael served as the Shepherd In-Charge of Christ Testimony Parish in Ikorodu. Olajuwon, until his death, was the prophet at the Celestial Church of Christ, Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa Cathedral, located at the International Headquarters in Ketu, Lagos.
The news of their passing has deeply affected the Celestial Church community, with members expressing their grief on various social media platforms. Superior Evangelist Kayode Ajala, the Secretary of the Pastor in Council and Head of Media and Publicity for CCC worldwide, confirmed Olajuwon’s death on the church’s official website. Ajala described the suddenness of his passing as a shock to many, especially since Olajuwon had read the second lesson at the cross-over service and was in good health and high spirits just hours before his death.
In a tribute shared on Facebook, Olatosho Oshoffa, the Shepherd of CCC International Headquarters in Ketu, described Olajuwon as a dedicated, loyal, and truthful servant of God. Similarly, the CCC Christ Testimony Parish in Ikorodu announced Michael’s death on its Facebook page, while Elusanmi’s passing was confirmed via the ‘Celestialgeneration’ Instagram account the same day.
In an interview on Saturday, Ajala urged against any superstitious interpretations of the deaths, stating that such beliefs contradict the Christian faith. He emphasized that death is a natural part of life and should not be seen as mysterious or extraordinary, regardless of the coincidence of three deaths occurring on the same day. He further quoted the Bible, stating, “There is a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to laugh, and a time to cry,” reminding followers that everyone has a set time to leave this world.
Ajala also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the Celestial Church leadership would provide support during this difficult time. He concluded by stressing that while the church is in mourning, it is important not to attach any superstitious meanings to the deaths, as the Celestial community continues to pray for protection from sudden death.
The passing of these beloved clergymen has left a deep void in the Celestial Church community, with many mourning their loss and reflecting on their contributions to the church.
…commend his leadership qualities, contribution to national development
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives’ Committee onthe Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Muktar Betara has congratulated Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago on his 51st birthday.
Rep. Betara who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, in a congratulatory message admitted Governor Bago’s relentless advocacy for Nigerites as well as the meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development while serving as Member of the House of Representatives.
Thrilled by the leadership qualities of Governor Bago, he applauded various unprecedented developmental projects initiated since his assumption of office in 2023.
He said: “Your Excellency, on this special occasion of your 51st birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you.
“This milestone is a testament to a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Niger State and Nigeria at large.
“As the Governor of Niger State, your visionary leadership has continued to inspire hope and transformation across various sectors.
“Your dedication to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and especially, agriculture, and security has significantly improved the lives of the people, reinforcing your reputation as a leader who prioritises the welfare of his people.
“Your efforts in fostering economic growth and good governance have set a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.
“Before assuming office as Governor, your impactful tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives was marked by your relentless advocacy for your constituents and meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development.
“As you celebrate this new chapter of your life, may you continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Niger State toward greater heights. Happy birthday !”
…as currency swap boosting bilateral trade
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian government is deepening economic collaboration with China to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known when she received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s longstanding ties with China, spanning over five decades, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic expansion and resilience.
Outlining key areas where Nigeria seeks Chinese support, including electric vehicle production, digital technology, renewable energy, and agriculture, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged China’s significant role in Nigeria’s road and rail infrastructure development and noted that the country is taking concrete steps to modernize its ports and power sector to attract more investment.
She also highlighted the importance of cultural ties, and noted the growing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with China, highlighting that the ongoing currency swap agreement is already enhancing trade relations between both nations.
“It’s quite interesting that a large population of Nigeria youth is inching towards Chinese Language. A lot of Nigerian Universities are desirous to offer Chinese Language. Chinese had become the language of trade in the world.
“Nigeria-China will continue to relate not just bilaterally but multilaterally.
“We expect that we will continue to get the support of China but we will always reciprocate that multilaterally.
“In line with President Tinubu’s plan to industrialise Nigeria, we expect Chinese cooperation in establishing assembly plants of electric vehicles; digital communication, renewable energy, all aspects of digital technology, agriculture because of food insecurity as the government is interested in seeing that food gets to the poorest of the poor. Government is not just talking about food but has established a separate Ministry of Livestock,” the minister stated.
She urged China to extend trade tariff exemptions to its exports, similar to the concessions already granted to 33 other African nations, emphasising that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes stronger ties between citizens and deeper country-to-country partnerships.
In response, Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, describing the country as a key strategic partner. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) had elevated diplomatic and economic engagements between both nations.
Amb. Yu highlighted ongoing collaborations in infrastructure, including roads, railway modernization, power, industrial parks, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He disclosed that trade volume between the two nations exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigeria’s exports to China accounting for over 25% of this figure.
He further underscored the role of manufacturing in industrialization, pointing to the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement as a tool to enhance financial cooperation, boost bilateral trade, and attract more investment.
Expressing optimism about the future, the envoy stated that these efforts would ultimately yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens in both countries.
He said: “We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. China would want Nigeria to play a big role in the international scene. We want Nigeria to become a member of G-20. These will all provide opportunity for China and Nigeria to further work together closely.
“For China, we have been very consistent. We give grant to any African countries; we don’t give any conditions.”
He further acknowledged that it was important that the two countries met to review how far they have performed in their bilateral cooperation.
Speaker Abbas Hails Governor Bago @51
Betara Celebrates Governor Bago @51
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Economic Ties with China
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