There is tension in Anambra State over the whereabouts of Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala (Retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi)

Archbishop was last seen on Friday when he embarked on a journey to Umuchu, a community in the State.

Muslim Council Urges FG to Withdraw Private Airstrip Approval for Bishop Oyedepo

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has asked the Federal Government to revoke the airstrip licence given to the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, founded by Bishop David Oyedepo.

The council’s call is contained in a communique issued at the end of the 10th meeting of the Expanded General Purpose Committee (EGPC) held at the Abuja National Mosque.

Stunned by thousands of storks flying over the sky in Gia Viễn dike, Ninh Bình – Nếm TV

Daily Trust reports that in October, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), announced the granting of the licence to the Living Faith Church for the construction of a private airstrip.

Keyamo said the airstrip would be managed by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), leading to controversies on the matter.

But members of the House of Representatives, to call for the revocation of airstrip licences issued to certain individuals and private organisations, citing security reasons.

Also in its communique, NSCIA described the licence as an aberration of the highest order that could threaten the peace and security of the country.

The council also recommended five new imams for the Abuja National Mosque in the communique signed by Prof. Salisu Shehu, Deputy Secretary-General, NSCIA said.

The meeting, which was presided over the President-General of NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, was attended by Muslim leaders across the country including the Deputy President General, NSCIA (South), Alh. Rasaki Oladejo; Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; Secretary General of NSCIA, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede; Deputy Secretary General of NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu; Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Prof. Khalid Abubakar; and Executive Secretary of Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN), Prof. Muslih Yahaya, among others.

It decried the non-recognition of Muslim marriage certificates by certain authorities within and outside Nigeria, thereby compelling Muslim couples to supplement valid Islamic Marriage certificates with official marriage certificates — “conditions of which are not in conformity with the Shariah.”

The council therefore decided to renew efforts in addressing the unwarranted discrimination

It reaffirmed its 1986 resolution that the only accredited agency for organising national musabaqah (national competition on Qur’anic recitation), on behalf of the Ummah of Nigeria, is the Centre for Islamic Studies, University of Sokoto (now Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto).

“No other person or group of persons is allowed to hijack the process or undermine the authority of the Centre on the issue of the musabaqah,” the council said.

He narrated an incident where a pastor of the church was arrested abroad for addressing a gathering with the phrase “ladies and gentlemen.”

Speaking on the topic “My Father’s House” during the church’s monthly thanksgiving program at the Throne of Grace, the RCCG national headquarters in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Pastor Adeboye highlighted the increasing moral decadence in the world. He urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, emphasizing that the end times are near.

“The end is nearer than you think,” he warned. “Things are getting worse, and this is a wake-up call. One of my pastors abroad was arrested, and his offence was simply addressing a gathering as ‘ladies and gentlemen.’ Some people reported him for discrimination, asking, ‘What about those who are neither ladies nor gentlemen?’”

Pastor Adeboye also recounted another troubling anecdote about a woman who referred to her dog as her husband during a discussion.

“She was asked about her husband, and she replied, ‘I took him to the vet before coming. He doesn’t talk.’ When asked who her husband was, she described a very handsome dog. Brethren, we are closer to the end than ever before,” he said.

He admonished Christians to take their faith seriously, urging them not to be swayed by the world’s moral decline.

“Those of you already in Christ, take this matter seriously. Do not let anyone weaken your stand. God is holy. Those still playing church—singing, clapping, and enjoying things without genuine commitment—remember, Jesus is coming back. The devil wants to harvest you, but you must not give him the opportunity. I want to see you in my Father’s house,” he emphasized.

Pastor Adeboye also reflected on the moral uprightness of earlier generations, noting their reverence for God and commitment to His commandments.

“In the olden days, people feared God, lived morally upright lives, and followed His commandments. Let us strive to return to that path,” he urged.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has expressed deep concern over the sharp decline in moral values globally.