NEWS IN BRIEF

EKITI STATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR TO BE BURIED IN ADO-EKITI.

LEADERSHIOP JOURNALISTS CHARGED WITH FORGERY, RELEASED ON CONDITIONAL BAIL.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT LAMENTS SKILL ACQUISITION GAP AMONG YOUTHS.

FOREIGN AIRLINES GET TOW WEEK ULTIMATUM FOR REVENUE AUTOMATION.

LAGOS LG BOSS KIDNAPPED, KIDNAPPERS DEMAND $1M RANSOM.

JONATHAN YET TO DECIDE ON 2015.

CLUB RELEGATED FROM PREMIER LEAGUE TO RECEIVE £60M BOOST.

FEDERAL GOVT TO SET UP NATIONAL COUNCIL OVER POWER.

FEDERAL GOVT PRIOTISES LAGOS IBADAN EXPRESSWAY, SECOND NIGER BRIDGE.

MAN BEATS UP LANLORD ATTACKS POLICEMAN.

NIGERIA HAS JUST 600 PAEDIATRICIANS FOR 40M CHILDREN.

PARDON FOR ALAMIEYESEIGHA IS PROPER AND CONSTITUTIONAL.

FIDELITY BANK PROFITS RISES BY 239% TO N18B

PAY COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS BEFORE AMNESTY--IKEDIFE

HIS RESULT WAS WITHHELD FIVE TIMES BY WAEC;NOW LASPOTECH BEST GRADUATING STUDENT

LASPOTECH BEST GRADUATING STUDENT

Bakare Opeoluwa’s courage to stand strong in the face of adversity is legendary. Five times, he sat for the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination and five times his results were withheld. Not because he was involved in any examination malpractice, but for reasons best known to the West African Examination Council.

After his sixth attempt, his full result was however released. He cleared all his papers and applied to the university to read Computer Engineering, his dream discipline. But this was not to be, as his score was below the cut-off point. That is why he opted for polytechnic education and eventually got admission to study Computer Engineering at the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu.

But in spite of his challenges, Bakare, who had lost his father, graduated on Thursday as the best LASPOTECH graduating student during the institution’s 21st convocation. With a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.97 out of a possible 4.0, Bakare bagged a Higher National Diploma certificate in Computer Engineering. He also made history by becoming the all-time best graduate of the polytechnic.

Born 27 years ago in Illisan-Remo, a town in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, Bakare attended Expressway Primary School, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos between 1990 and 1995. He left in Primary Five for Community Primary School, Shangisha, Magodo, where he completed his primary school education in 1996. From there, the last child in a family of seven proceeded to Ikosi High School, Ketu, Lagos, for his secondary school education.

Speaking after he received over 10 awards from the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Joke Orelope-Adefulire, who represented Governor Babatunde Fashola at the convocation, Bakare said his road to academic success was not an easy one.

“I finished my secondary school education in 2002. When the WASSCE result was released, WAEC released my English, Mathematics and Physics, but others were withheld. I thought the others would be released, but at the end of the day, they were not. With just three credits, I could not proceed to the university to study computer engineering.

“The following year, I enrolled to retake my papers. I studied hard, but when the results were released, mine was not. And that was how I continued sitting for the same exam in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Still my results were not released. I became disturbed but not discouraged.

“In 2006, I did both the May/June and November/December WASSCE and, to the glory of God, one was released and I cleared all my papers,” he says.

But what was he doing during the long wait, apart from preparing for examinations? Bakare said his love for computer moved him to enrol for a diploma certificate in Computer Appreciation at Dequeue Software, Sagamu, Ogun State.

“I was truly troubled during those years, but because I love computer, I enrolled for a diploma course in computer appreciation at the institute in Sagamu. I did so well that I came out with distinction.”

 So, how did he cope with the frustration of writing examinations repeatedly? Bakare said it was not easy, but he was determined to have tertiary education.

“Although it wasn’t easy, I was determined to be educated and successful in life. I knew I had what it takes to be successful in me and I knew that even great men always have their ups and downs. But I was encouraged by God and my brothers, Dr. S.A. Bakare and Barrister Ola Bakare. I will also say that my zeal to become the greatest engineer that has ever lived helped me to go through the difficult period,” he says.

He advises youths who are passing through similar situations to be focused and persistent in following their dreams.

“They should always hope in God for the best and always do what is right, irrespective of the situation they find themselves. They should also bear in mind that there is time for everything and that God’s time is the best. They should never lose hope. If I had lost hope, I would not have been able to achieve what God has helped me to achieve now,” he explains.

Bakare, who admitted that he set out to be the best when he resumed his study at LASPOTECH, said the factors that contributed to his feat include God, hard work, proper time management and persistence.

“The very first day I stepped into LASPOTECH, I wrote down my CGPA and hung it on the wall. Anytime I woke up in the morning, it was the first thing I saw and it always reminded me of where I was going and I worked towards it. I thank God that it paid off,” he says.

But why computer engineering and not another discipline? He notes, “Studying computer engineering had always been my childhood dream and I would like to transform Nigeria from being a consumer state to one of the greatest manufacturers of electronics/computer devices and systems in the world. I will also like to help in applying information technology to solve national problems.”

On how he would handle discrimination against polytechnic graduates in the job market, Bakare says this would not be a problem to him.

“Yes, polytechnic graduates are being discriminated against, but in my opinion, university graduates are not better off. By discriminating against HND holders, we are only making nonsense of the already troubled education system because everyone has a role to play in national development and if you really want to make a difference, then you will not only rely on what you are being taught in school. Whether you are a polytechnic graduate or a degree holder, the onus lies on you to develop yourself,” he adds.

Because he was involved in campus politics, Bakare notes that the greatest challenge he had while in school was how to maintain a balance between politicking and academics.

He applauded his mother and brothers for contributing financially and morally to his academic achievements.

“But I must say that some of my course mates, including Alli Kazeem, inspired me to be the best I could be through healthy academic competition. Kazeem, who gave me the toughest challenge, made a distinction. The only regret I have is that my late father is not here to see his boy making him proud,” Bakare says.

USA BANNED PREGNANT NIGERIAN WOMEN/CELEBRITIES FROM TRAVELLING

Hope of our celebrities who plan to travel to the United States of America to have their babies has finally come to a halt, as the new policy of Uncle Sam’s country may not favour 90% of them. The likes of Mercy Johnson who recently had her baby there should be thankful to God because she is likely going to be the last woman standing in Nollywood.

According to report gathered from Compass, the United States government appears to have tightened the noose on Nigerian pregnant women who have formed the habit of travelling to the US to deliver their babies. The women employ the ploy to ensure that such babies become citizens of the US in order to enjoy all the benefits of US citizenship.

However, with the new policy being introduced in the US, Nigeria women who travel abroad to deliver their babies may now have to opt for other countries other than the US or be multi-millionaires before they can have access to travelling for child delivery and qualify for automatic citizenship.

Most pregnant women in the past concealed their pregnancies during their visa interview or went for the interview with protruding tummies. But unfortunately for them now, women who are making such future plans may have the plans fall flat as the U.S embassy has got wind of the popular gimmick pregnant women use to secure visa for child delivery in the foreign country.

Already, the embassy has outlined some conditions which have to be met before such a visa which falls under medical tourism category is issued. But these conditions will not be favourable to many.

The applicant has to show proof of available funds of at least $140,000 (about N24 million) to pay medical fees; the applicant has to show proof of the need for medical attention in the U.S, such as high risk pregnancy and the likes.

US Embassy Chief of Consular Section, Ms Carol Cox disclosed that it would cost at least $60,000 to have a baby in the US and when complications arise from the delivery; the medical bills may go as high as $140,000.

Thus, fund availability, is very important as it is necessary to ensure that American taxpayers do not have to pay such bills, says Cox.

‘We owe the American public who pay taxes to make sure that those who seek medical services in the US pay for such services. This is essential because there are those who have the money and are not willing to pay.

‘It is very frustrating when you see a woman who is obviously pregnant. Sometimes seven months gone, tell you during a visa interview that she is just going to the US for a vacation,’ she said.

This new law was obviously made to discourage Nigerian women from travelling in the bid to get citizenship for such children but only those who need medical attention and can afford at least N24 million for medical bills will have the opportunity to deliver children in the country.

SOURCE;; NIGERIA FILMS

NEWS: NIGERIA NEWS IN BRIEF

...CROSS RIVERS STATE RELEASES TWO AGREEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO HELICOPTERS.
...NIGERIA EARNS N599BN FROM CRUDE OIL, FEDERAL GOVT OVERSPENDS N178BN.
...NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS TO SHUT MEDIA HOUSES OVER UNPAID SALARIES.
...DINO MELAYE SURVIVES ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT.
...COURT ORDER PETTY THIEF TO DO COMMUNITY SERVICE.
...NIGERIA UNREST WORRIES US COMMISSION.
...NIGERIAN CHRISTIAN GROUPS THREATENS RETALIATION OVER ISLAMIC ATTACKS.
...EKITI DISSOCIATES SELF FROM SOLICITING FUNDS FOR OLAYINKA'S BURIAL.
...TWO UNKNOWN GUNMEN SHOT WOMAN, SNATCHED SON.
...LONDON-BOUND BRITISH AIRWAYS FLIGHT CANCELLED OVER TECHNICAL FAULTS.
...NORTHERN LEADERS PROPOSE RECONCILIATION COMMISSION FOR BOKO HARAM.
...NNPC MD URGES GOV TO HELP FIND BROTHER'S KILLERS

STATEMENT ISSUED BY OVERCOMERS CHURCH OVER SOLOMON AKIYESI'S WEDDING

THE OVERCOMERS CHURCH WORLD OUTREACH IN AGUDA SURULERE ISSUED A STATEMENT OVER THE NOLLYWOOD ACTOR SOLOMON AKIYESI'S WEDDING THAT WAS DISRUPTED BY HIS PREGNANT WIFE:

“What was meant to be a day of celebration – the wedding ceremony of one of our members Uloma Agwu to Mr. Solomon Akiyesi at the Overcomers Church World Outreach in Aguda – was sullied by an ugly incident. Immediately following the praise and worship session and before the officiating commenced, a woman who claims to be the lawful wife of the groom disrupted the ceremony. She was accompanied by people who sought only to wreck havoc in the church. They were unruly and violent.

“We regret the ugly series of events that followed this brash display. At the Overcomers Church, we do our due diligence to ensure a couple set to wed is right in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of God. To the best of our knowledge, Mr. Akiyesi, was unmarried.

 “The groom, Mr. Akiyesi, has apologized to the Church, his bride-to-be, Ms. Agwu, and family and friends that gathered for the wedding. “This happened because I tried to cut corners,” he said. He admits he did not properly dissolve his previous marriage to his first wife and says he is determined to do what is necessary to rectify the awful situation. We apologize for the ugly scene this caused at our  Church and apologize to those who witnessed it. It is not exemplary behavior and not who we are as a Church.

“The General Overseer of the Overcomers Church World Outreach, Bishop N.E. Moses, addressed the congregation after order was restored.

“Bishop Moses prayed for the couple, Mr. Akiyesi and Ms. Agwu, but he did not legally wed them – no documents were signed so as not to disobey the law. Mr. Solomon Akiyesi and Ms Uloma Agwu will not be legally joined together until the matter is properly settled by lawful authorities.

 After reactions poured online, with a huge chunk condemning the church’s stand on the matter. Overcomers Church has issued fresh statements.

“This is a follow up to our statement from Saturday, April 13, following the disrupted wedding of Mr. Solomon Akiyesi to Ms. Uloma Agwu.

“In light of the media mayhem that has erupted with tabloids spinning their own version of events, we find it necessary to make a final statement on the matter and hope that listening ears and hearts will understand the decisions we have made as a church.

“Let’s start by addressing some of the rumours that have been perpetuated on several gossip blogs and tabloids.

“Mr. Akiyesi is not a member of the Overcomers Church World Outreach. We heard no word of an existing marriage to Mrs. Lilian Akiyesi.

“Many have pointed out that perhaps the Overcomers Church failed to do its due diligence in investigating Mr. Akiyesi thoroughly. We concede the point and will ensure that our Marriage Committee is equipped with a travel fund that will allow travel to visit with family members of engaged couples and ensure both the prospective brides and grooms are in fact who they say they are.

“Ms. Uloma Agwu is a staunch member of the Overcomers Church. We regret that she was deceived by Mr. Akiyesi who lied, not only to her, but her family and Church as well. There is however no dishonesty on her part. She was unaware that a Mrs. Akiyesi already existed.

“Furthermore, Ms. Agwu is not pregnant, as published by tabloids. 

That is a vicious lie that we hope to clear up.

“No semblance of a wedding between her and Mr. Akiyesi took place at the Overcomers Church on Saturday. No vows were said, no rings exchanged and no marriage certificate handed out and the Church has NO INTENTION of endorsing such a union.

“We respect the sanctity of Marriage at the Overcomers Church and will continue to uphold what is right and virtuous about the institution of marriage.

“We do not endorse divorce and work instead to counsel troubled marriages and build stronger unions. Those who know us, know that.

“Which brings us to the final misconception. The Overcomers Church does not fault Mrs. Lilian Akiyesi’s right to put a stop to a marriage that is not permissible in the eyes of the law and of God. As a matter of fact, we thank her for doing so and saving our sister, Ms. Agwu, from what would have been a disastrous union.

“What we DO NOT endorse and will not stand for as a church is a group of people bringing a fight into the House of God. We will protect and defend our house of worship.

“We learned that Mrs Akiyesi had arranged for police personnel days before the wedding and was already present at the Church hours before the wedding ceremony started. The right thing here would have been to alert church officials and present her case in a manner befitting a house of worship.

“The wedding would not have taken place, and Mr. Akiyesi and his wife would have been sent along to sort out their lives together; which is what we have done now.

“We strongly disapprove of the way Mrs. Akiyesi and her family and friends handled the matter. It brought shame to this house of worship. We also strongly abhor the actions Mr. Akiyesi, as well. His deception brought shame and disgrace, not only to the house of God, but also to his wife and Ms. Uloma Agwu.

“Let us state in no uncertain terms, the relationship between Ms. Agwu and Mr. Akiyesi was dissolved yesterday afternoon after all the facts were brought to light.

“We stand by our decision to pray for Mr. Akiyesi and Ms. Agwu following the ugly incident. No matter the wrongdoing, we commit all things into the hands of God, the ultimate judge. We will continue to support Ms. Agwu and pray for peace for all parties involved. We pray that God reaches into every heart and brings healing, so we can all move in our spiritual walk.”

NIGERIA NEWS IN BRIEF

... MINISTER PREPARES BILL TO STOP OVERSEA TREATMENT FOR OFFICIALS.
...COMMUNAL CONFLICT CLAIMS SEVEN LIVES IN CROSS RIVER STATE.
...FOUR PEOLE DIED, WHILE THREE OTHER WERE INJURED IN A BUILDING COLLAPSE IN OSUN STATE.
...NORTHERN GOVERNORS SET TO DUMP JONATHAN FOR 2015 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.
...FOUR GOVERNORS OPEN CONTACTS WITH BOKO HARAM.
...DELTA STATE TO GET ADDTIONAL 100 POLICE DIVISIONS.
...REPS DIVIDED OVER AMNESTY FOR BOKO HARAM.
...MEND REBELS ISSUE THREAT TO BOMB MOSQUES, KILL CLERICS.
...MULTIPLE AWARD-WINNER AND GOSPEL SINGER, MICHEAL WHYTE HAS AT LAST DROPPED A 14-TRACKER WITH ALRIGHT AS THE HIT TRACK.
...GOLDEN EAGLETS BEAT GHANA STARLETS BY SIX GOALS TO ONE.
REJECTION OF AMNESTY, HUMILIATION TO FG.
...NBC IMPOSES N2M FINE ON LIBERTY FM, KADUNA FOR PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT.

UNKNOWN GUNMEN KILLED NNPC MD'S BROTHER

There are unconfirmed reports that the younger brother of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group
Managing Director, Engr. Andrew La’ah Yakubu, may have been murdered in Kaduna earlier today.
The victim’s car was said to have been trailed by unknown gunmen who killed him around Kachia local government area of the
state.
Reports say the victim, who was on his way to attend a funeral in Zangon Kataf LGA, was in the company of his wife and a little girl when he was attacked.
Source: Y!Naija

NOLLYWOOD ACTOR SOLOMON AKIYESI'S WEDDING DISRUPTED BY FIRST WIFE.

SOLOMON AKIYESI

The Overcomers Church World Outreach in                                    
Surulere, Lagos, has issued an apology for
the disruption of the wedding between
Nollywood actor, Solomon Akiyesi, and
Uloma Agwu on Saturday.
Pandemonium broke out after the groom’s
wife from his first marriage stormed the
church as the marital union had gotten
underway, forcing the church to cancel the
ceremony.
“We regret the ugly series of events that
followed this brash display. At the
Overcomers Church, we do our due
diligence to ensure a couple set to wed is
right in the eyes of the law and in the eyes
of God,” said the church in a statement
signed by Chika Moses, the Media
Representative.
“To the best of our knowledge, Mr. Akiyesi
was unmarried. The Overcomers Church
World Outreach regrets that the woman
who disrupted the wedding chose such a
time to do so.
“There is no ideal situation here, but it
would have been right that she bring the
case before church officials in a manner
befitting a house of worship,” the church
added.
Mr. Akiyesi’s wife, Lilian, pregnant and
accompanied by friends, walked into the
marriage ceremony immediately after the
praise and worship session, as the minister
was about to begin officiating.
It took the efforts of police officers to
restore order within the church’s premises.
The church, in its statement, said that the
intending couple would not be “legally
joined together” until the matter is properly
settled by lawful authorities.
N.E Moses, the church’s General Overseer,
addressed the congregation after the
incident, according to the statement.
“Bishop Moses prayed for the couple, Mr.
Akiyesi and Ms. Agwu, but did not legally
wed them – no documents were signed so
as not to disobey the law…
“Our Bishop has urged us to take a lesson
from this and be careful of the decisions we
make in life, so the consequences don’t hurt
us in the future.”
Mr. Akiyesi, a graduate of the University of
Ibadan, has appeared in movies such as the
God of Shiloh, an unofficial biography of
David Oyedepo, the General Overseer of
Living Faith Church Worldwide.
He has also starred in such Nollywood
movies as Dumebi The Dirty Girl, alongside
Mercy Johnson and Kenneth Okonkwo; Wave
of Glory, alongside Ini Edo; and Mystery
Beads with Jackie Appiah, amongst others.
In his facebook post after the incident, Mr.
Akiyesi said that his earlier marriage to
Lilian, which unconfirmed sources say has
lasted for seven years, was “limiting and
retrogressing him.”
“Every man has a right to take away that
which will truncate his life. My marriage was
one of the many things limiting and
retrogressing me. If I find a better
alternative I doubt why I won’t take it. So
people should leave me alone (sic) pls.”
 SOURCE: ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT.

I LIKE TO LOOK GOOD; NOT TOO SIMPLE AND NOT OVER DRESSED EITHER- MERCY AIGBE

MERCY AIGBE TALKED ABOUT HER LIFE, ACTING CAREER, SCANDALS AND MANY MORE 

How did you find yourself in acting?

I have always known that I have the talent since my days in primary school. Professionally, I started acting in 2006 I studied Theatre Arts at the University of Lagos after getting my Ordinary National Diploma in Financial Studies from the Polytechnic Ibadan. I did that because I believe it is not enough for me to rely on my innate skills. There was every need to brush it up because there are some things you cannot learn on the job if you want to be addressed as a professional actor. I was meant to go back for my Higher National Diploma in financial studies but I decided to pursue my dream. After I graduated from the University of Lagos, I worked for a while.

Were your parents supportive of your career move?

My parents did not want me to be an actor. My father, especially, thought acting should be a hobby and not a profession. He belonged to the school of thought that acting could not put food on one’s table. Then, the belief was that actors were layabouts and never-do-wells. My father always insisted I did what he wanted because he believed he knew what was best for me.  At some point, he stopped paying my fees but because I am also stubborn like him. I had to get my uncles to talk to him before he soft-pedalled.

How did you raise funds to pay your fees?

My uncle paid for my first year and in my second year, my father took over.

What was the first movie you took part in?

I had featured in ‘Super Story,’ and ‘Papa Ajasco’ even before I delved into Yoruba movies. I did soaps like ‘Images’ produced by Fidelis Duker and I did another soap whose title I cannot recollect now, which was produced by Chico Ejiro. The Yoruba movie that defined my brand is entitled, ‘Ara,’ which was produced by Wemimo Olu Paul, a prominent producer in Ibadan, Oyo State. After ‘Ara’ was released into the market, I just discovered that I was getting more scripts from Yoruba movie producers and before I knew it, my face was everywhere.

Were you intimidated in any way as a fresher in the industry?

One thing that sets the Yoruba movie industry apart is their warmth and hospitality. They do not care about your background as long as you are good at what you do. Therefore, when I came in, they embraced me wholly, especially the established ones. When I started, my Yoruba was not very fluent because I hail from Benin, Edo State. That notwithstanding, my colleagues were very patient with me on set and even helped me to brush up my knowledge of the language.

Has there been any time you felt like opting out?

When I started, it was not easy because it was difficult to find people who wanted to take the risk with you. Every producer wants known and celebrated faces and not just any new comer. It was frustrating having to go for auditions, where, even if they picked you for a role, they would later drop you for one reason or the other. It was particularly frustrating for me because I had to leave a good job with a good salary and a car. But because I believe there is a special kind of joy attached to doing what you love best, I gave everything up for Nollywood.

How did you survive those tough times?

Before I decided to resign from my job, I had a shop where I sold cosmetics because I knew it was not going to be easy. I also knew I was going to be financially challenged. Even at that, it was not easy because the sale girls I hired were dishonest. I was not there to monitor the sales at my shop. I spent more time at audition venues. Back then, I remember I was on a location for two weeks feeding myself and sleeping in my car and at the end of it, all I got paid N2,000!

Now how much do you charge per role?

Well, I will just say that I am doing well. I cannot tell you how much I earn but its good enough to put food on my table and for me to do other things comfortably because I have paid my dues. I am blessed because my husband is doing well too.

What was the first movie you produced?

So far, I have produced six movies. The first movie I produced was entitled, ‘Abimbola’. Others are, ‘Afe Aye;’ ‘Hajia Jemila,’ ‘Osas Omoge Benin,’ ‘Gucci Girls,’ and I have another one, which is still in the making.

Would you choose producing over acting since that seems to be more financially rewarding?

No, I will not. I will go for acting any day because I love being in front of the camera and not behind.

How did you meet your husband?

I met him through a friend and he is supportive of my career. He met me as an actor and he knows I love my job.

How do you juggle your roles as a mother, wife, and actor?

It is a lot of hard work and actually takes the grace of God. I thank God I have a very understanding husband and that alone makes things easier. I also have my domestic staff as well as my family.

How do you relax when you are not working?

I spend quality time with my family. I take my two children out or I go somewhere exotic with my husband because I am a romantic at heart. So, any time I am off work, I try to bond with them.

What is your definition of style?

It is a way of life, a way of selling your personality, so you should never get it wrong. Everybody should be able to put clothes and accessories together in such a way that you get the best out of them. It also has to be comfortable and age-appropriate. I like to look good; not too simple and not over-dressed either.

What is your fashion fetish?

I have a whole lot. I love bags, shoes, costume jewellery, clothes and everything that has to do with fashion.  Even my husband and daughter, who is quite grown, complain about my love for fashion.

How do you deal with scandals associated with your person?

It comes with the job and this is something I have always known even before I got into the industry. You learn from people who delved into the profession before you. As an actor, some people are going to hate you for no reason. People would always want to pull you down but I thank God I have a very good husband. Both of us have developed thick skin and my husband trusts me. Even if we quarrel over anything, it would not be due to some stories concocted by some idle minds.

SOURCE;: PUNCH

PRIVATE JET A NECESSITY FOR ME TO MONITOR CHURCHES--PASTOR ADEBOYE

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeoye, has justified his ownership of a private jet, saying it is necessary for efficiency in his assignment.

Adeboye, who oversees churches in about 160 countries, stated this in an interview with Aljazeera, a global news channel aired on Saturday.

The interview was part of a documentary on the RCCG’s monthly Holy Ghost Congress, and revolved around the veracity of the miracles and the wealth of preachers and heads of churches.

Aljazeera’s Mohammed Adow, questioned the ownership of the palatial residences and the private jets by Nigerian church leaders, who he said had become wealthy through miracle preaching.

In response, Adeboye said a private jet was a necessity for him.

He said, “There are things you need, which you must have if you are to be efficient.”

Adow then said, “And a private jet is one of them?”

Adeboye replied, “If you have to oversee churches in 160 nations, you can’t do that on a bicycle.”

“If the people have not been getting their miracles, by now, they would have stopped coming. If you listen to some of the testimonies, you will hear of miracles of healing, miracles of deliverance, miracles of child birth; miracles of success in academics etc,” Adeboye said.