Religion

I regret my actions – Apostle Alilu apologises to Pastor Korede Komaiya

Published

3 months ago

March 24, 2025

The Senior Pastor of Word of Power Gospel Church International, Apostle Festus Alilu, has publicly apologized to Pastor Korede Komaiya of The Master’s International Church, Warri, Delta State.

This follows a recent comment made by Apostle Alilu against Pastor Komaiya via a video on his social media page, a move that sparked reactions from various quarters.

Consequently, some supporters of Pastor Komaiya reported the case to the police, leading to Apostle Alilu’s arrest and detention.

However, in a formal apology letter dated March 23, 2025, Apostle Alilu stated that he had removed the controversial video from his Facebook page and had also uploaded a new video apologizing for his actions.

He admitted that his comments were inappropriate and had negatively affected Pastor Komaiya’s reputation.

He wrote, “I write to express my sincere and unreserved apologies for a video I posted on my Facebook page on the 8th day of March 2025, where I criticized your style of preaching.

“I regret all the offensive content of the video and the negative effects on your reputation, congregation and the entire body of Christ.

“I have removed the video from my Facebook page, and I have also posted an apology video on the same platform.

“I humbly request your forgiveness and understanding on this matter so we can put it behind us and focus on our shared commitment to spreading the Gospel.”

Reacting to the apology, the Concerned Christian Youth Forum described the move as a welcome development.

The group, in a statement by its convener, Adama James Paul, applauded the reconciliation and urged others to follow suit.

“We believe that the Christian faith and its leaders should be respected and protected against defamation and cyberbullying.

“Do NOT defame or tarnish the reputation of anyone while criticizing their actions. Remember, you are only sharing your perception or opinion, and this must be done within the confines of the law.

“A criminal offense isn’t just against the victim but against the entire state. So do not come up with lame excuses that the victim is a Christian or Pastor and ought to have forgiven.”

Religion

2025 Hajj: Final batch of Kebbi pilgrims arrive from Saudi Arabia

Published

3 days ago

June 30, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The final batch of Kebbi State pilgrims has returned home following the completion of the 2025 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The return flight, carrying 418 pilgrims, landed at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Ambursa, on Sunday evening, marking the conclusion of the state’s airlift operations.

The pilgrims were from Aleiro Local Government Area, accompanied by officials of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, PWA, and other government representatives. Also onboard were the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera, who led this year’s delegation, and the PWA Chairman, Alhaji Faruku Musa Yaro Enabo.

Speaking shortly after arrival, Enabo described the Hajj exercise as successful, attributing the smooth coordination to the efforts of various stakeholders.

“We thank all those who played a role, both in Kebbi and in Saudi Arabia, for their cooperation and dedication throughout the pilgrimage,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, for his continued support and commitment to ensuring the well-being of pilgrims.

With the safe return of this final group, Kebbi becomes one of the states to have concluded its 2025 Hajj return operations without any major incident.

Religion

Hardship: Pastor Adeboye plans prayer for economic restoration

Published

5 days ago

June 28, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, is set to lead a national prayer session for the restoration of Nigeria’s economy.

This comes amid worsening economic hardship in the country.

The prayer session will be held during the RCCG’s July 2025 thanksgiving service, themed “Divine Intervention,” at the church’s national headquarters in Oyingbo, Lagos.

Speaking through his Special Assistant on Administration, Pastor Dele Balogun, Adeboye said the current challenges facing Nigeria and other nations are surmountable through faith and positive action.

“Our nation, Nigeria, as well as other nations of the world, are going through a challenging time. However, the good news is that these challenges are surmountable by faith, if we do not entertain doubt,” he said.

Adeboye called on Nigerians to move away from negative confessions and embrace faith-based thinking as a pathway to progress, expressing confidence that God could reverse the country’s economic decline.

He said the prayer initiative is intended to spark national transformation and open up “divine opportunities” for the country.

Also speaking, the Assistant Pastor in Charge of Province 1, RCCG, Pastor Olusegun Macaulay, noted that divine opportunities are often activated by God and benefit those who are spiritually connected.

Macaulay added that a dedicated team is already praying for the nation throughout the second half of the year, focusing on key areas such as the economy, environment, and national stability.

Religion

Second batch of Kwara pilgrims for 2025 Hajj return from Saudi Arabia

Published

1 week ago

June 24, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The second batch of 548 pilgrims from Kwara State has returned to Ilorin, the state capital, after successfully performing the 2025 Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims, along with one participant from Ondo State and three accompanying officials, were conveyed by Max Airline and arrived at the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, at precisely 7:01 p.m.

Leading the group were three state officials; Alhaja Khadijat Kuburat Abtawiy, Alhaji Abdullahi Kawu-Shuaib, and Hajia Sanni Ramat from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Ekwutosblog had earlier reported the return of the first batch of 558 pilgrims on Saturday, bringing the total number of Kwara pilgrims who have returned from the Holy Land to 1,106.

Meanwhile, the Max Airline aircraft that transported the pilgrims back to Nigeria departed the Tunde Idiagbon International Airport at approximately 8:52 p.m.