The 65-year-old, who is considered one of the most influential figures in gospel music, shared the news on social media, calling the album a “heartfelt farewell.” 

He told fans, “We recorded something special, my last and final recording titled ‘Finally’ I can’t wait for you to hear these songs.”

“We have got wonderful songs and great artist featured on it. It is work of love saying thank you and farewell to the recording industry. We are leaving a mark that will glorify God.”

While this marks the end of his studio recording career, McClurkin plans to continue his work through preaching, teaching, and community service, focusing on his pastoral calling.

Donald Andrew McClurkin is an American gospel singer and minister. He has won three Grammy awards, ten Stellar awards, two soul train awards amongst others. He is one of the best-selling gospel artists, selling over 13 million albums

Pranks, originally intended as harmless jokes or playful surprises, have increasingly taken forms that promote deception, manipulation, and at times, emotional harm. As Christians, this rising culture presents critical challenges to our biblical commitment to truth, integrity, and fidelity. The Scriptures repeatedly call believers to uphold truthfulness (Ephesians 4:25) and to abstain from all forms of deceit (1 Peter 2:1). When pranks, even under the guise of humour, are rooted in falsehood, they subtly erode the moral fabric that Christian teachings labour to establish in the hearts of the faithful.

The impact of this trend on religious convictions is profound. Many believers, often unconsciously, begin to accommodate deception as socially acceptable, thereby diluting their sensitivity to sin. Truth, which is fundamental to the Gospel, becomes relativised when lying is excused for entertainment. Similarly, integrity—the quality of being consistently honest and morally upright—is compromised when individuals participate in or applaud activities that are based on misleading others. Fidelity, especially in the sense of loyalty to Christ’s character, also suffers when Christians endorse behaviour that contradicts the life of truth and love Christ exemplified (John 14:6). These erosions do not occur suddenly; rather, they creep subtly into the believer’s conscience, weakening their commitment to living as “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

From a scriptural perspective, the agenda behind much of modern pranking appears to align with a broader cultural movement towards trivialising sin, numbing consciences, and undermining the seriousness of truth. Jesus warned in Matthew 24:12 that in the last days, “because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” The normalisation of deceptive humour desensitises society to lying and cruelty, making light of behaviours that Scripture clearly condemns. Furthermore, Satan, described as “the father of lies” (John 8:44), seeks to subtly influence society to accept falsehood in small doses, eventually leading to larger moral compromises. Therefore, Christians must discern the spirit behind popular trends, recognising that not all that amuses aligns with the holiness and truth of God.

To safeguard their hearts and testimony, Christians must apply careful discernment before participating in or endorsing pranks. Ten distinguishing points can serve as a guide:

[1] Does the prank involve deliberate lying or misleading?
[2] Does it cause fear, shame, or emotional harm?
[3] Does it treat others with dignity and respect?
[4] Would I be comfortable if the prank were done to me?
[5] Does it reflect Christ’s love and kindness?
[6] Does it uphold or undermine the command to “let your yes be yes” (Matthew 5:37)?
[7] Is it aimed at building up rather than tearing down?
[8] Would it bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31)?
[9] Does it reinforce or weaken my witness as a follower of Christ?
[10] Can it be shared without apology in a gathering of believers?

By measuring actions against these principles, believers can avoid participating in a culture that distorts Christian values under the pretext of humour.

In conclusion, while humour and laughter are gifts from God, they must never come at the expense of truth, love, and righteousness. The prevalence of pranking on social media is a subtle threat to Christian convictions, often promoting deceit and inconsideration. Believers are called to be different—to shine as lights in a world darkened by moral compromise (Philippians 2:15). By staying rooted in Scripture and exercising godly discernment, Christians can resist the cultural tides that seek to erode their integrity and remain faithful witnesses to the truth and grace of the Gospel.

Gershinen Paul Dajur

In a statement released on Thursday, the company said: “No Subscription, No Problem! Turn on your DStv decoder for an unforgettable holiday gift—72 hours of unlimited access to all content and channels, completely free!”

The offer, open to both active and inactive subscribers, allows viewers to explore the full DStv Premium experience at no cost. “Celebrate the season with access to the best in sports, kids’ programming, movies, and local dramas—no payments or calls required,” the statement added.

DStv aims to make this December memorable, inviting everyone to enjoy three days of unmatched entertainment as the year comes to a close.

His death was confirmed by Bolaji Amusan, also known as Mr. Latin, the President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), through an Instagram post. “Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, affectionately known as AGBAKO, has left us. Details of his burial will be shared later. Good night, father, 25/02/1923 to 31/10/2024,” Mr. Latin announced. Born on February 25, 1923, Agbako captivated audiences with his commanding screen presence and unforgettable portrayals of strong, fearless characters.

Celebrated for his roles that highlighted his exceptional acting skills, Agbako brought life to characters such as warriors, villains, and chiefs in numerous traditional Yoruba films. His ability to embody these roles with intensity and charisma established him as a household name and solidified his legacy in Nollywood.

Further information regarding his burial arrangements is expected to be shared in due course.

In a post on his Instagram page the veteran claimed that the make-believe romance scenes are breaking down “moral defenses” of the actors and weakening their abilities to control their lust.

He said, “Hear me, actors(sic) and actresses!

“Dear Movie-Maker,You think you are doing great movies? You think you are making money? You think you are getting popular?

“Dear Movie Actor! You have acted in many movies in Nigeria and all your achievement in life has been that. You have kissed several ladies and romanced many girls on film set, the roles you love to play in movies are roles where men have to kiss you and where you have to play love roles.

“My Dear Movie Actor! Honorable Nollywoodian! How many ladies have you kissed on movie sets? Dear Screen Goddess of the Nollywood empire, how many actors have done love scenes with you in movies?

Different mouths have kissed your mouth in the name of being professional!

“You have been directed by lustful directors to romance Ladies on film set before more than twenty people who are behind the camera. It is like playing love with a woman in the market place! And your moral defences are breaking down daily before your very eyes! You can no longer control your lust!

“Eh! You! Mr. Man. You are a married man, and you are kissing many ladies and your wife and children Aae watching you in movies in their homes and you think things will be alright with your wife? And you think your children will be ok in their mind?”

Sensational Bamidele is also the leader of the live band that performs with Nyesom Wike of Rivers State during the inauguration of projects in the state.

On his Facebook page on Friday, the singer revealed that his vehicle, which conveyed some of his crew members, had a head-on collision with another vehicle, causing his car to somersault eight times.

Sensational Bamidele wrote, “He moves mountains, and He causes walls to fall. By His power, he performed miracles. And I am standing here only because He made away.

“Guys and families, Sensational Bamidele is alive to give God more and more praise for his mercies endureth forever.

“My boys that were with me are also alive to join in the praise. Glory to God who stood tall and said it’s not yet time. Amen.”

The singer further revealed that there were fatalities in the accident on the side of the other vehicle but did not disclose the number, as he also debunked rumours that he died in the accident.

Sharing a picture of the damaged car, Bamidele wrote, “This is my vehicle that somersaulted over eight times into the bush from the road. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.

“They had a head-on collision with us. The devil came so very late. Please debunk the rumours because I am alive. If God be for me.”

The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, His Grace, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry Ndukuba said this when he paid an unscheduled visit to the trainees at the High Definition Film Academy in Gwarinpa, Abuja on Monday 31st October, 2022.

The primate who was happy with the organisation and training environment said he was there to monitor, evaluate and bless the trainees before their graduation on Thursday 3rd November 2022.

Archbishop Ndukuba said that the church believed in empowering the youths to accelerate economic prosperity and minimize restiveness.

He said the church intended to invest on the youths through economic and social empowerment by offering skills training mostly to indigent families, to give them a future and take them away from social vices.

The primate explained that the trainees were selected based on their passion and interests.

He advised them to be focused and determined for a breakthrough, saying, “they were already keying and tapping into wealth and the mountain of influence”.

“Discover yourself and the talent the Lord has kept for you and use it to glorify him and the society.

“What you have taken time to train in, God will help you achieve greater heights in them,” he added.

The primate told the youths that the road to success wasn’t easy, but very rewarding if they remained committed.

He added that the Joshua generation’s mission was to mobilise young people for a better future, urging them not to disappoint their families and the church.

In his speech, Mr Ndubueze Ugazi, Chairman of Joshua Generation Movie Team of the Anglican Communion, said the 65 students were trained in different categories of film production.

He said they were also trained in acting, cinematography and scriptwriting.

Ugazi said they were expected at the end of the training to launch into the works of filmmaking and takeover the industry for God.

“The essence of this vision by the Primate is to have Christians who will not shy away from the entertainment industry because of the storms and challenges in it,” he added.

He said the trainees would come out with the required technical, profession, and spiritual knowledge to launch into the world of filmmaking and be preaching Christ through films.

The Chief Executive Officer, High Definition Film Academy, Mr Bright Obasi urged the youth to tap the opportunities of the film industry.

“This is the right time to key into film making in Nigeria.

“You have big streamlines platforms coming and others already in Nigeria such as Netflix, Amazon and HPO; when you talk of profitability of film, this is the best time,” he added.

Godfrey, on his Instagram page, on Thursday, narrated his battle with an illness which almost left him paralyzed.

He said his illness started with back pain.

The singer wrote, “This picture right here was when I was admitted to the hospital. It started with me feeling some pain in my back, then a hellish pain in my arms.

“I went for an MRI and the scientists told me that my bones were 20 years older than my age—over 60 years old when I’m in my 40s. They also told me that my spinal cord disc had shifted and all these other complicated things were all happening to me at the same time.

“I was always in pain. Sometimes I would hold my hand to my face and cry so badly. They told me that I had overstretched my body and a lot of other evil reports.”

He added: “But as the song says, when there is a chance for evil, God turns it for good.

“I went home after some treatments and intensive prayers believing that I am healed and it is so.

“Right now, I’m really grateful to God for the gift of healing. I imagine the plan of the enemy was that I’ll be paralyzed, but God turned it around.

Credit: Instagram // timgodfreyworld

Though I was the People’s Warden, EFAC Leader, AYF Leader, Chairman of the Choir, Secretary of the Parochial Church Committee, Secretary and Chief Recorder of the Harvest Committee, and the Vice Chairman of Men Group 4, my marriage banns were not published in the church I threw my entire life serving in every capacity. I could not even wed in that church as I was regarded as a rebel without a cause.

So, even when men fail to acknowledge your zeal and fervency in the work of the Lord, never be discouraged. Keep serving Him. Keep loving Him. Time will tell.

Thank God that my father was a serving Priest in the same Diocese, so I moved to his last station, where my friend was also the Vicar to have my wedding. On my wedding day, there was no Bishop and no Archdeacon in attendance. Even many of my Clergy friends cleverly avoided the wedding because of its “controversial” nature… I won’t go into that. Only evangelical and bold Clergymen were in attendance and I give kudos to them…. they were then known as Rev. Canon Emmanuel Ekpunobi, Rev. Joe Ajaefobi, Rev. Chukwudi Ikeobi, Rev. Francis Onuora, and my father, Rev. Canon Abel Okwuchukwu Obi.

The wedding was simply fantastic. We did not record a single loss of any item. The EFAC brethren were at their organizational best. No single bottle of mineral broke or was lost. All the spoons and plates were counted and none was found missing. Everything was perfect.

The Master of Ceremony at our reception, Evangelist Gabriel Ubaezuonu was somehow prophetic. As myself and my loving wife were about to enter the reception hall, he asked everybody to stand up as he introduced us as, and I quote……His Lordship, the Lord Bishop of Omagba Diocese….people laughed. The Chairman of the occasion, now, Ven. Chuks Okoli, knowing the implication of that ecclesiastical impunity, took the microphone as soon as we entered and corrected him, saying that the MC was actually referring to me as the Bishop of Ndi Okokporo…that is, Bishop of Bachelors.

The man who proposed the toast on that day was Evangelist Ben Onyema while Late Evangelist Goddy Olum preached on the topic… Gini bu olileanya onye emeruru emeru mgbe Jehovah na esepu ndu ya? One of the most powerful salvation messages I ever listened to. I still remember vividly every illustration he used in that touching sermon.

After our wedding on May 20, 1995, our first child came on April 3, 1996, a boy. Our second baby came on March 20, 1998, a girl. Our third child came on June 15, 2001, a boy, and our last baby came on December 8, 2003. I was made a Deacon six days later, on December 14, 2003.

Twenty-five years later, we are where we are by the grace of God. With very little education, little exposure, and little connection but with highly-powered combined grace and favor at work, God has proved awesomely very faithful to us.

I pray that the grace of God will locate you and His favor overwhelm you as I commend you unto His unending love.

We covet your prayers too as we celebrate this Silver Jubilee Wedding Anniversary.