Text: Acts 2:1-13

2:1  When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all ^[a]with one accord in one place.

2:2  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 

2:3 Then there appeared to them ^[b]divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 

2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

2:5  And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 

2:6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.

2:7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?

2:8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own ^[c]language in which we were born? 

2:9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 

2:10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

2:11  Cretans and ^[d]Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 

2:12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” 

2:13    Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

STUDY:

Our Lord Jesus Christ had earlier devoted quality time in teaching His disciples about the person of the Holy Spirit and His importance in believers’ lives (Acts 1:4-8). During his teaching, He explained that being baptised with water was not all that God wanted for His children, but that they should be baptised with the Holy Ghost as well (Acts 1:4; Joel 2:28, 29 Luke 24:49). The teachings of Christ present to believers the benefits they will derive from being baptised in the Holy Ghost. The baptism of the Holy Ghost makes supernatural power available for the believers (Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49). Holy Ghost baptism releases boldness upon the believers for an effective life of witnessing for Christ (Acts 1:8; 4:31). The Holy Ghost baptism enhances the manifestations of spiritual gift in believers’ life (Acts 2:1-4, 11; Joel 2:28, 29).

Our text for today serves as a guide to the possibility of spirit baptism. What God did for Christ’s disciples in the upper room on the day of Pentecost can be replicated in the life God’s children who thirst and hunger for righteousness and are ready to come to Him in faith (Acts 1:39; Joel 2:28; Matt. 5:6; Acts 15:8, 9). To be baptised with the Holy Ghost, the believer must be pure and thirsty, with evidence of hunger for the fullness and the power of God. He/she must also ask in faith (Matt. 5:8; John 7:37, 38; Luke 11:9-13).

Prayer: 

Let your spirit rest upon me, O Lord.

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Reports had earlier suggested that Owoseni might not participate in the exercise over concerns surrounding the credibility of the process.

Sources within the party disclosed that the retired police officer decided to pull out due to alleged plans by certain interests to infiltrate the party structure and destabilise the primaries through violence.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Owoseni said he was stepping aside from the Accord Party after observing what he described as troubling developments within the party.

“I speak with a heavy but resolute heart,” he stated while addressing members and supporters of the party.

Owoseni also expressed sympathy to families affected by the recent attack in Ogbomoso, describing the security situation in the state as disturbing.

“I commiserate deeply with the families of those who were gruesomely murdered during the attack,” he said.

According to him, the current security challenges facing the country should ordinarily dominate public discourse rather than political activities.

However, he noted that he owed his supporters an explanation regarding his decision to withdraw from the race.

“Within the past twelve hours, ongoing developments in the party point to orchestrated plans to ensure that our gubernatorial aspiration via the platform of the Accord Party is not achieved,” he stated.

Owoseni accused unnamed political forces of infiltrating and manipulating the Accord Party structure in Oyo State in a bid to sustain political control.

“The first is the total infiltration and manipulation of the Party structure, especially at the State level, by elements within the State who will go to any lengths to ensure that perpetuity in government is sustained,” he said.

He further alleged that thuggery and violence were being introduced into the process to frustrate the conduct of the primaries.

“Secondly, thuggery and violence are emerging as instruments to destabilise the Party to ensure that the entire process is stalemated,” he added.

The former police commissioner assured supporters that his decision does not signal the end of his political ambition, insisting that the pursuit of better governance for the people remains his priority.

Owoseni thanked his supporters for standing by him since the beginning of the political journey and appealed for their understanding over his withdrawal from the party’s governorship contest.

Text: Acts 1:9-26

1:9  Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

1:10   And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 

1:11  who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

1:12  Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. 

1:13  And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 

1:14  These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

1:15  And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the ^[c]disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said,

1:16 “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; 

1:17 for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

1:18  (Now this man purchased a field with the ^[d]wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his ^[e]entrails gushed out. 

1:19 And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)

1:20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be ^[f]desolate, And let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his ^[g]office.’

1:21 “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

1:22  beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

1:23 And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 

1:24  And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen 

1:25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”

1:26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

STUDY:

The account in our text today describes the events following Jesus’ ascension, a period of transition and uncertainty for the disciples. After witnessing Jesus ascend into heaven, the disciples were instructed to await the promised Holy Spirit, a time of preparation for the challenging mission ahead. Judas Iscariot’s betrayal created a void within the group, necessitating the selection of a new apostle. Through prayer and casting of lots, Matthias was chosen, highlighting the importance of seeking God’s guidance in crucial decisions. In this, we see the early church’s reliance on God’s leading as they prepared for their mission. The disciples’ decision to replace Judas with Matthias through prayer and casting lots, demonstrates their trust in God’s sovereignty and His ability to guide their decisions.

This passage reminds us that the church must always seek God’s leading in its mission and decisions. Just as the early disciples relied on prayer and God’s guidance, we, too, must prioritise seeking His will in our church activities. By doing so, we ensure that our actions align with His purposes and that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfil our calling. Trusting in God’s leading brings unity and clarity, enabling the church to effectively carry out its mission in the world.

Prayer: 

Lord, help me to patiently await your guidance and help me to seek your wisdom in all my decisions. Amen.

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The event, held at St. James Cathedral, Okebola, Ibadan, drew clergy, church members, and dignitaries who gathered to celebrate the life and impact of the retiring bishop.

Delivering the sermon, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province and Bishop of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, urged Christians to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude to God, regardless of circumstances.

He encouraged the congregation to focus more on divine blessings rather than unmet expectations, describing thanksgiving as a vital expression of faith. Drawing from biblical examples, he emphasized the importance of consistent appreciation to God for His guidance and provision.

Speaking directly about the retiring cleric, Aladekugbe reflected on Bishop Akinfenwa’s life journey, noting that his rise in ministry was a testament to divine grace and perseverance. He described him as a man shaped by vision, humility, humour, wisdom, and selfless commitment to service.

The Archbishop also offered words of counsel for retirement life, advising the cleric to remain socially engaged and active. He encouraged him to adopt a healthy lifestyle, manage his finances wisely, build a new daily routine, and continue setting meaningful goals. According to him, retirement should be a phase of purposeful living rather than isolation.

“Retirement can sometimes be lonely, so it is important to stay connected, visit places, enjoy nature, and remain active,” he noted.

Tributes were also led by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, who expressed gratitude to God for preserving Bishop Akinfenwa throughout his years of service and granting him a peaceful retirement in good health.

Born on May 24, 1956, Akinfenwa was ordained as a priest in 1986. He later became Bishop of Sokoto Diocese in 1998 before assuming leadership of the Ibadan Anglican Diocese in 2000, a position he held for 26 years.

His retirement marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in the history of the Ibadan Anglican Diocese, with many describing his ministry as impactful, dedicated, and deeply influential.

Text: Acts 1:1-8

1:1   he former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

1:2  until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen,

1:3  to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

1:4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; .

1:5  for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 

1:6  Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

1:7And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 

1:8  But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be ^[c]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

STUDY:

After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples, filled with anticipation and perhaps a touch of uncertainty, gathered in Jerusalem as instructed. He tells them to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit, which will empower them to be His witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This emphasises the importance of patience and reliance on God’s timing, even when we are eager to see His plans unfold.

The disciples are promised power only when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This power would equip them to be effective witnesses of Jesus, overcoming fear and sharing the gospel with boldness. Jesus’ final command is to be witnesses to Him “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This underscores the global scope of the gospel and the responsibility of believers to share their faith with the world. As believers, we need to cultivate patience and trust in God’s timing as we wait for His guidance and direction. We must allow the Holy Spirit to empower us to be effective witnesses of Jesus in our daily lives and participate in the global mission of sharing the gospel with those around us.

Prayer: 

Lord, help me to patiently await your guidance, and trust in your timing. Amen.

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According to USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler, the policy is expected to reduce the number of migrants who remain illegally in the United States after unsuccessful residency applications. “We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly,” Kahler said.

He explained that, except in extraordinary circumstances, foreigners seeking adjustment of status would now be required to complete their residency applications through US consular offices in their home countries under the supervision of the US Department of State. “From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances,” the statement added.

The policy is expected to affect temporary visitors such as students, tourists and workers who entered the United States on nonimmigrant visas. According to USCIS, nonimmigrant visas are intended for temporary purposes and should not automatically become the first step toward permanent residency.

“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the U.S. for a short time and for a specific purpose. Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over,” the agency stated.

USCIS further explained that processing applications abroad would help the agency focus more resources on other immigration matters, including applications involving victims of violent crimes, human trafficking cases and naturalisation requests. “The law was written this way for a reason, and despite the fact that it has been ignored for years, following it will help make our system fairer and more efficient,” the statement said.

The announcement comes months after former US President Donald Trump reportedly suspended the processing of green card and citizenship applications involving Nigerians and nationals of several other countries affected by a US travel ban policy. According to reports, the suspension affected immigrants from selected African and Asian countries, including individuals already residing legally in the United States who were seeking permanent residency or citizenship.

The Trump administration had also directed USCIS to freeze immigration petitions from nationals of 19 countries covered under the travel restrictions announced in June 2025.

CHANNELS

Text: John 20:19-31

20:19   Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 

20:20   When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

20:21   So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 

20:22  And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

20:23   If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

20:24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came

20:25  The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

20:26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 

20:27  Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”

20:28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

20:29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

20:30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book;

20:31   but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

STUDY:

On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together behind locked doors, fearful of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus appeared among them and said, “Peace be with you!” He showed them His hands and His side, and the disciples were overjoyed. Jesus then breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This passage is significant for Pentecost Sunday, as it marks the moment when Jesus imparted the Holy Spirit to His disciples. The Holy Spirit is a gift that empowers believers to live out their faith, providing guidance, comfort, and strength. Jesus’ appearance to the disciples in their time of fear and uncertainty reminds us that He is always with us, offering peace and the assurance of His presence.

As we celebrate Pentecost, reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. Are you open to His guidance and empowerment? Life is full of troubles and the only source of joy and unending peace is the Holy Spirit. Jesus spoke about the need and work of the Holy Spirit in John 14:16, “And I will pray for the father; and he shall give another comforter; that he may abide with you forever.” One of the promises of Jesus is that He will not leave us comfortless. In every challenge or trouble, the Holy Spirit equips us to be victorious, share the gospel, and live in a way that honours God. Just as the disciples were transformed by the Spirit, we, too, can experience renewal and boldness in our faith. Invite the Holy Spirit and seek His guidance in your decisions, His comfort in your struggles, and His strength in your weaknesses. Trust that He is with you, empowering you to live out your faith with courage and conviction.

Prayer: 

Dear Holy Spirit, please empower me to overcome my fears and doubts, share my love with the world, and experience the fullness of your peace. Amen

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Rev. Olamitoke is currently battling end-stage kidney failure. According to the diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev’d Dr. Akinwande Godwin Odubena, the priests has been on dialysis for several months, receiving support from the Diocese of Ijebu North and recently the Diocese of Lagos.

However, medical experts have advised that only a kidney transplant can fully restore his health and save his life.
The transplant surgery with post-operative care, and medications is estimated to cost between Thirty-Seven Million Naira (₦37,000,000) and Forty-Two Million Naira (₦42,000,000).

In an official letter addressed to ACNN, his lordship, the Bishop of Ijebu North, the diocese highlighted that Rev. Olamitoke has during the few years that he has served in the diocese made very impactful service reaching the lowly, counselling the broken-hearted, and faithfully proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Bishop recounted that at Rev. Olamitoke’s 40th birthday Thanksgiving service last year, the priest selflessly requested that all intended gifts and donations should be directed to the small church he pastors instead of himself — a rare demonstration of sacrifice.

Referencing the biblical injunction from James 5:14: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” the Bishop appeals to the entire Body of Christ:
To pray fervently for God’s healing hand upon Rev. Olamitoke and for divine wisdom for the medical team.

The Diocesan specially requests all and sundry to give sacrificially to a special public fundraising for the kidney transplant surgery for Rev’d. Olamitoke.

He equally asked that the appeal be shared widely within the body of Christ, family, friends, and networks to save the servant of God.

This is more than a medical need — it is a rescue mission for a dedicated servant of God. God heals, medicine still remains one of the instruments God uses to make healing available to His people. Therefore, let us rally round to contribute to making the kidney transplant possible for our dearly beloved priest.

Details of where to send your contributions to are right there on the screen.

Bank: First Bank
Account Number: 3101529993
Account Name: OLAMITOKE OLATUSI (OLAMITOKE OLATUSI OJO)

For more details, contact the Diocese of Ijebu North or His Biological Brother, Mr. Olafimihan Olamitoke
On: +234 805 572 9803

Text: Genesis 9:1-19

9:1  So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. 

9:2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. 

9:3  Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. 

9:4  But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. 

9:5  Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man’s brother I will require the life of man.

9:6 “Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man. 

9:7 And as for you, be fruitful and multiply; Bring forth abundantly in the earth And multiply in it.”

9:8Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying:

9:9 “And as for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you and with your descendants after you, 

9:10 and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, every beast of the earth.  

9:11  Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.”

9:12 And God said: “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 

9:13    I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. 

9:14 It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; .

9:15  and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.

9:16 The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”

9:17  And God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

9:18  Now the sons of Noah who went out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And Ham was the father of Canaan.

9:19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated.

STUDY:

A covenant is an agreement between two parties. God was pleased with the burnt offerings Noah offered, as we read in Genesis 8:30-21. Through this offering, God blessed Noah and his family to be fruitful, multiply and replenish the earth. God placed His fear upon every beast of the earth in the extension of God’s love towards Noah, that is, God decided to make a covenant with him and his generation and, by extension, all living creatures.

This is a covenant of divine protection and divine fruitfulness: God promised not to wipe away with flood any longer. He made a token of the covenant by setting the rainbow in the cloud.

The faithfulness of God can be seen today. The rainbow has been seen by countless generations after Noah, even till today. You are precious before God; for you were made in His image. His covenant of peace, fruitfulness and abundant blessings, remain forever. However, for these covenants to be activated, God expects total obedience, giving honour to his words and a heart of gratitude through giving. Keep a good relationship with Him, and you will enjoy the fulfilment of his covenants with your life.

Prayer: 

Lord, please help me to walk under your covenant of preservation and fruitfulness. Amen.

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Olanipekun made the remark on Wednesday in Ibadan while delivering a valedictory lecture titled, “From the Cross to the Crown: The Travails and Triumphs of Faith,” during activities marking the retirement and 70th birthday celebration of the Bishop of the Ibadan Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr Joseph Olatunji Akinfenwa, and his wife, Mrs Comfort Akinfenwa.

According to the senior lawyer, the Church must continue to endure its trials with faith, courage and conviction.

He described Bishop Akinfenwa, who is retiring after 26 years of service as bishop of the Ibadan Diocese, as an exceptional clergyman whose intellectual depth and humility distinguish him.

Olanipekun also praised the bishop’s wife, describing her as a strong pillar behind the success of his ministry and a devoted supporter of the gospel.

In his lecture, the legal luminary spoke extensively on the burden of faith, the trials of the early Church, the Nicene Creed, and the spiritual significance of perseverance in Christianity.

He also reflected on the evolution of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria, noting that the Church has grown into a global ecclesiastical body with shared doctrines and heritage.

Despite the progress recorded, Olanipekun said the Church in Nigeria is still striving toward becoming a better version of itself.

“As we celebrate Bishop Akinfenwa, we still behold a Church that is negotiating and yearning for its own better self,” he stated.

Speaking on the bishop’s legacy, Olanipekun said Akinfenwa carried the burden of ministry with unwavering faith and dedication.

“He passed through the travails of life and his calling unperturbed through his unalloyed faith in the Lord, and his robe remains clean, without stain,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Justice of the Supreme Court and Chancellor of the Ibadan Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, described the lecture as a call for spiritual and moral rebirth within society.

According to her, Christianity teaches that glory often comes through suffering and perseverance.

“Christianity is the only faith and tradition where suffering is not seen as a tragedy, but as the way to salvation,” she said.

Justice Ogunwumiju also highlighted the achievements of Bishop Akinfenwa during his years of service, including the establishment of new archdeaconries, mission fields, churches, youth programmes, scholarship initiatives and a primary healthcare centre.

She described his stewardship as one marked by courage, commitment and service to humanity.

Responding, the retiring bishop thanked the organisers, family members and well-wishers for honouring him.

Bishop Akinfenwa described the lecture delivered by Olanipekun as spiritually and intellectually enriching, adding that the Christian faith requires dedication, compassion and continuous service to God.

He noted that ministry is not a solitary journey and acknowledged the support of many individuals throughout his 26 years as bishop.

The bishop also expressed appreciation to the people of Ibadan, describing the city as rich in history, faith and resilience.

Bishop Akinfenwa was ordained priest in 1986 in Kaduna, became Bishop of Sokoto in 1998, and was later transferred to the Ibadan Diocese in 2000 before emerging Archbishop of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province in 2003.

Tribune