The achievement was announced on Sunday by the Nigeria Spelling Bee through a post on its official Facebook page.

“Team Nigeria has won the Gold Award in the Middle School Group Category at the Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China,” the organisation wrote.

Also celebrating the feat, Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, confirmed that two of its students, Maryam Yusuf and Abdurrahman Yusuf, were among the medal winners at the international competition.

The school stated, “Ar-Raheem International College students Maryam Yusuf and Abdurrahman Yusuf won medals at the Spelling Bee World Cup final in Shanghai, China 2026.”

The victory comes during Nigeria’s maiden appearance at the Spelling Bee World Cup after qualifying through the Nigeria Spelling Bee and the African Spelling Bee Championship.

The Nigerian team comprised Oluwadamilola Adeolu of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti, Abdurrahman Yusuf and Maryam Yusuf of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, and Chinedu Okediachi of Madonna International Schools, Asaba.

Before the tournament, the Nigeria Spelling Bee described the country’s qualification as a historic achievement.

“For the first time ever, Nigeria will be represented at the Spelling Bee World Cup, as four outstanding young spellers prepare to compete in Shanghai, China, from July 10 to 20, 2026,” the organisers said.

They noted that the students had progressed from the Nigeria Spelling Bee to the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, before earning a place on the world stage.

The organisers added that the team was representing not only Nigeria but the entire African continent.

“As they compete against the world’s finest young spellers, they carry with them the hopes of a nation and the pride of an entire continent. Join us in wishing Team Nigeria a successful outing as they make history at the Spelling Bee World Cup 2026,” the statement read.

Ahead of the competition, Adeolu expressed optimism about representing Nigeria globally.

“I am proud to be part of the Nigerian Spelling Bee and African Spelling Bee delegation travelling to the Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China, to represent Nigeria,” she said.

She added that she looked forward to competing with top young spellers from around the world, improving her vocabulary and confidence, and bringing the championship trophy back to Nigeria.

Adeolu qualified for the World Cup after winning the Junior category at the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, where she outperformed contestants from more than 30 African countries.

At the same continental competition, Abdurrahman Yusuf finished third, while Team Nigeria emerged as the second-best overall team, further cementing the country’s growing reputation in international spelling contests.

PUNCH

The Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe Air Forces Africa, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, disclosed this during a virtual press briefing on the outcome of the African Chiefs of Defence Conference 2026.

According to Anderson, the military operation in the Lake Chad Basin has been concluded, prompting the withdrawal of most U.S. personnel. However, he said Washington remains committed to supporting Nigeria through intelligence collaboration at the request of the Nigerian government.

“The operation in the Lake Chad Basin of Nigeria not only helped countries in that immediate region, it also disrupted the ISIS network globally,” Anderson said.

He added that while most U.S. forces involved in the mission had left Nigeria, intelligence cooperation would continue to assist Nigerian security agencies in tackling terrorism.

Anderson described Nigeria as a capable partner with a strong military, noting that cooperation between both countries had produced significant gains in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh).

He said intelligence provided through the partnership, combined with Nigerian military operations, contributed to the successful operation that eliminated Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, the second-in-command of ISIS, who was responsible for the group’s global operations, media activities and recruitment.

According to him, the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and specialised support over prolonged foreign military deployments.

He also called for stronger intelligence cooperation among African countries to combat terrorism, illicit trafficking and other transnational crimes.

The U.S. general revealed that improved intelligence sharing recently contributed to the interception of a record 31-ton shipment of cocaine originating from South America and transiting through the West African coast.

He said the operation involved coordination between U.S. agencies, AFRICOM and partner nations before a Spanish naval vessel intercepted the shipment.

Anderson stressed that sustained collaboration among African countries, international partners and the private sector would remain essential to addressing security threats while promoting economic stability and investment across the continent.

The United States deployed about 200 military personnel to Nigeria in February 2026 to support intelligence, surveillance and counterterrorism operations in the Lake Chad Basin as part of expanded security cooperation between both countries.

The partnership culminated in May 2026 with a joint U.S.-Nigerian operation that killed Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki at his hideout in Borno State.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this on Monday while speaking with journalists in Abuja, saying Nigeria’s concerns stem from the alleged harassment, attacks and destruction of properties belonging to Nigerians residing in South Africa.

According to the minister, the Federal Government is reviewing available options in response to the situation, adding that retaliation has not been ruled out.

“Well, that is a situation that we are considering. This is up to our legislature. This is up to the highest level of government, but it’s not off the table,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that Nigeria’s position is influenced by its historic support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, stressing that many Nigerians are unhappy with the treatment being meted out to fellow citizens in the country.

“Nigeria is not happy with South Africa. Nigeria is not happy because Nigeria has sacrificed much for the South African struggle for independence. Nigeria committed funds and resources to support South Africa,” she said.

She also dismissed claims that the affected Nigerians were largely undocumented migrants, insisting that many of them are legitimate residents and business owners.

According to her, several Nigerians have suffered attacks, while businesses and properties belonging to them have been looted or destroyed.

The minister further disclosed that arrangements for the evacuation of Nigerians willing to return home are ongoing, following directives from President Bola Tinubu.

She said the President had directed that affected citizens be given the opportunity to return to Nigeria safely, while a crisis response unit has been established within Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa to coordinate assistance.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that the evacuation exercise is being carried out in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant government agencies to ensure adequate support for returnees.

The development follows the Federal Government’s decision to extend the screening exercise for Nigerians seeking evacuation from South Africa to June 10, 2026.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier revealed that more than 500 Nigerians had been screened and cleared, while over 1,000 citizens indicated interest in returning home.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to lawful migration management, stating that xenophobia, violence and intimidation have no place in the country.

In a national address on Sunday, Ramaphosa condemned actions such as unlawful demands for identification documents, obstruction of access to public services, and attacks against foreign nationals, describing them as unacceptable.

punch

This marks a significant 40.5% increase from the N14.6 trillion recorded during the same period in 2024.

The Presidency has hailed this as a historic shift in the country’s fiscal landscape, attributing the surge to a strong performance in non-oil revenue. Of the total revenue, an impressive N15.69 trillion was generated from non-oil sources, meaning that for the first time in decades, non-oil receipts now account for three out of every four naira collected by the government.

President Bola Tinubu, while addressing a delegation of The Buhari Organisation (TBO), noted that the government has not needed to borrow from local banks since the beginning of the year, a clear sign of improved fiscal health. 

The statement highlighted that the revenue growth is a direct result of his administration’s reforms aimed at strengthening tax compliance, digitizing tax administration, and broadening the nation’s fiscal base.

The impact of this fiscal turnaround is already being felt, with unprecedented disbursements from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). 

“For the first time in history, monthly allocations to states and local governments crossed ₦2 trillion in July 2025, providing subnational governments with greater fiscal space to fund food security, infrastructure, and social services.”

Customs collections also over-performed, with N3.68 trillion realized in the first half of the year, which is N390 billion above the target and represents 56% of the full-year goal. This success is attributed to systemic changes, including the automation of filings and tighter enforcement.

Commenting on the figures, Bayo Onanuga, Spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, stated, “Nigeria’s fiscal foundations are being reshaped. For the first time in decades, oil is no longer the dominant driver of government revenue. The combination of reforms, compliance, and digitisation powers a more resilient economy. The task ahead is to ensure that these gains are felt in the lives of our citizens and in better schools, hospitals, roads, and jobs.”

While the Presidency is pleased with the progress, it also acknowledged that the current revenue figures still fall short of the government’s ambitious spending plans for education, healthcare, and infrastructure. 

“Notwithstanding, these increases in revenues do not yet match the President’s ambitions for expenditures on education, health, and infrastructure; therefore, all efforts are being made to address these gaps,” the statement read.

It noted that efforts are still ongoing to close these gaps and ensure the benefits are translated into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

Read the full statement below:

The body spoke on the threat of poverty and ‘extreme religious favoritism’. The Synod lamented on the fact that ransom was always paid by the government when senior military officers are captured by either bandits of terrorists.

“Terrorists are called hunters. Fulani will leave Yobe and Kano to be hunters in Rivers state with AK-47. Herdsmen move about with gun, if this happens to another tribe the culprits will be termed criminals,” according to the Synod.

“As Nigeria approaches 2027 general elections, the integrity and functionality of it’s democratic institutions face serious challenges. Despite constitutional democracy since 1999, systemic electoral fraud, political violence, corruption, weak institutions and voter apathy continue to threaten the legitimacy of the electoral process.”

The group, led by Archbishop Isaac Nwaobia, cautioned that Nigeria faces increasing political instability, declining public trust, and a slide away from democracy unless significant reforms are implemented. They urged the government to reform the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and embrace technology, improve electoral logistics, enhance civic and voter education, ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, and enable Diaspora voting.

Reminding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria’s abundant human talent, natural resources, and divine favor, the body pointed out the widespread hardship, injustice, and despair experienced by many Nigerians.

He emphasized the moral weight of leadership, stating it’s a “sacred calling” beyond politics. He stressed that true good governance is measured by how well the poor and vulnerable are cared for, and by upholding truth. He warned President Tinubu that many Nigerians feel let down by the difference between promises and reality, and that nepotism, corruption, and lack of accountability should not be tolerated.

He further urged the government to act with justice, fairness, and humility, warning that anything less would be tyranny. He also called for the protection of judicial independence, ensuring judges are free from political influence.

Primate Ndukuba made the call while speaking at the official opening of the Church of Nigeria’s Anglican Chancellors, Registrars, and Legal Officers Conference (ACRLOC) which held in Abuja on Tuesday 30^th July, 2024 with the theme, ‘To Whom Shall We Go?’ (John 6:68).

Archbishop Ndukuba acknowledged that citizens have the right to register their grievances through protest, but he called for restraint. He also expressed concern over the government’s inability to address issues of infrastructural projects in public schools and rural communities.

The primate expressed dissatisfaction over the handling of the economy by the government, making reference to the increasing level of hardship, starvation, and economic difficulties faced by Nigerians.

“On the planned mass demonstration against hardship in Nigeria, we accept that the citizens have right to demonstrate as enshrined in the constitution.

“Given the Socio-economic situation, insecurity and apparent hunger and anger in our nation, we call for restraint and caution for all the organizers and those who want to participate in this demonstration.

“We plead for patience on the part of the people and request the police, the military and other enforcement agencies to be cautious in handling this demonstration to make sure that we do not have a reoccurrence of the EndSARS massacre again,” he said.

The primate who also commended the federal government for the steps taken so far to address the situation and complaints of the people, however advised those speaking for the government to tone down their messages and be more conciliatory.

“We both encourage the organizers and government to engage in dialogue and negotiations for the sake of peace, law and order because there is a possibility that miscreants and political disgruntled people can hijack a peace protest and turn it into a weapon to settle scores and destroy lives and property.

“Above all, we call Nigerians to prayer and solemn assembly to seek the face and intervention of God in our nation. We call for an end to corruption and looting of the treasure of this nation,” he said.

The primate also called for accountability and an intensified investigation into leaders who are ‘evil and sacred cows,’ commending the appointment of Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but urged the government to heed calls for accountability.

While addressing the issue of insecurity, which he described as a growing concern that resembles the internal conflicts in Somalia and South Sudan, the cleric called for the establishment of a state or regional police force to address the challenge.

“Our nation, Nigeria, is going through tough times. The country is facing increasing hardship, starvation, and economic difficulties. The appointment of Olanipekun Olukoyede to head the EFCC is commendable, but the calls for accountability are not being heeded.

“The investigation into leaders who are seen as evil and sacred cows must be intensified, and leadership should be seen as a sacred trust from God.

“Nigeria’s insecurity is a growing concern, resembling the internal conflicts in Somalia and South Sudan. The establishment of a State or Regional Police Force can help each zone respond to insecurity, bringing stability, security, and economic growth,” he said.

On the economy, Primate Ndukuba said Economic Policy Planners and Think-Tank have made efforts to stabilise the exchange rate, but further action is needed to address factors like high debt levels, reckless borrowing, corruption, and eroded investor confidence.

He maintained that continuous borrowing also contributes to inflation, affecting the cost of living for ordinary citizens.

“Nigeria is facing challenges due to fuel scarcity and increased electricity tariffs, which are making life difficult for citizens. We are urging the government to intervene and be empathetic in the ongoing negotiation on the review of wages for Nigerian workers in such a way that it will truly alleviate the suffering of the masses.

“It is good that policies promoting entrepreneurship in the digital space are also being implemented to stimulate economic growth and employment. The 2024 budget and Nigeria’s debt profile are intertwined, and the government must balance borrowing for infrastructure with debt sustainability for long-term economic health.

“Food security is crucial for the country’s growth and stability, and we are encouraging citizens to engage in farming and food production. It is time for “Operation Feed Your Family” to help families meet basic food  needs,” he added.

The Primate also urged citizens to engage in farming and food production, citing the need for food security.

In addition, Archbishop Ndukuba reaffirmed the Church of Nigeria’s stance against the revisionist rejection of the authority of scriptures, homosexuality, and human sexuality.

He emphasized the need to maintain biblical orthodoxy and the cherished Anglican heritage.

“Our commitment to the stance of the Church of Nigeria against the revisionist rejection of the authority of the scriptures, homosexuality, and human sexuality, and heretical teachings… remains resolute,” the Archbishop added.

The Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, also spoke at the conference, urging participants to remain committed to serving in their roles despite facing challenges. He emphasized the need to connect with God’s Word and remain steadfast in one’s beliefs and responsibilities.

The Registrar of the Church of Nigeria, Mrs Kehinde Ajoni also resonated with the Archbishop’s message, as she emphasized the need for participants at the conference and indeed Nigerians to turn to God and closer to Him in the face of challenges.

By Korede Akintunde

Leading the names on the 23-man list is the in-form Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, whose hat-trick on Wednesday handed his side the Europa League trophy

Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen is not left out of the squad after being instrumental in the Bavarian side winning their first league title in 30 years while going unbeaten for 51 games in the process.

Also on the list are Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Terem Moffi, with Udinese of Italy goalkeeper Maduka Okoye returning to the team after being out for some time.

The Super Eagles will take on South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Friday, June 7 at 8 pm, and then fly to Abidjan to tackle Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Monday, June 10, at 5 pm Nigeria time.

See the full list below: 

Goalkeepers:

Stanley Nwabali
Maduka Okoye
Ojo Olorunleke

Defenders:
Chidozie Awaziem
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Sadiq Ismael
Oluwasemilogo Ajayi
Calvin Bassey
Benjamin Tanimu

Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi
Raphael Onyedika
Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi
Frank Onyeka
Alex Iwobi
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

Forwards:
Nathan Tella
Victor Osimhen
Kelechi Iheanacho
Samuel Chukwueze
Paul Onuachu
Ademola Lookman
Victor Boniface
Terem Moffi

This was made known in a press statement personally signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, The Most Rev’d Dr Henry Ndukuba and made available to press on Saturday 29th July 2023.

Recall that the 9th National Assembly introduced a bill on the establishment of a bill on Christain Education and regulations in Nigeria which has passed the first reading but suspended due to several opposition from Churches.

The Church of Nigeria statement further read below;

By its Title, the Bill purports to introduce mandatory certification of the contents of Christian Religious Education, including Christian Education Syllabuses and curricula. It also seeks to approve and monitor how Christian Religious Education is taught in all schools and to accredit the programmes of Christian Theological Institutions and Seminaries, and certify Christian Religion Education Instructors.

The Church of Nigeria notes that the Bill purports to be retroactive and that existing Church owned Seminaries and Religious Faith based Institutions are not exempted.

Primarily, the Church of Nigeria rejects the Bill for being inconsistent with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution by seeking to interfere with its entrenched Constitutional rights of freedom of religion.

The establishment of curricula, the duration and content of training courses in respect of Christian education at any level is recognized as being entirely within the prerogative of religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.

Registered Christian Churches such as the Church of Nigeria with long established and globally recognized training institutions and products must maintain the right to adhere to their own training methods and content and cannot have same curtailed.

We therefore recommend a consultative forum to discuss the issues of concern relating to the regulation of standards pertaining to Christian education, without interference with the freedom to teach and to learn in accordance with long established educational curricula of well established Churches.

Meanwhile, the Church of Nigeria rejects the National Council of Christian Education Bill and urges that it be withdrawn forthwith by its sponsors.

He stated these in his presidential address delivered during the first session of the 12th synod of Abuja Diocese with the theme: “Synodality: The Transforming Journey with Jesus Christ” which held on Saturday, 20th May, 2023 at St. Matthew’s Church Maitama, Abuja.

Archbishop Ndukuba noted that having interacted with political actors, the Anglican Communion demands of the President-Elect and his Team, the Governors-elect and the National and State Legislators that emerged victorious at the Polls to give due diligence to the following; 1. Security of Lives and Property, 2. Education of young Nigerians, 3. Health-care Delivery, 4. National Economy, 5. Rule of Law and Law Enforcement, 6. An All-Inclusive Government, 7. Infrastructural Neglect should be addressed, 8. Completion and operation of Critical Industries, 9. Building a United and Prosperous Nation.

FULL TEXT BELOW;

The 2023 National Elections: The National Elections of 2023 have come and gone and we thank the Almighty God for preserving this Nation in peace. We congratulate the citizens of this country for their resilience and patriotism, especially the young people. The change in the political landscape in Nigeria is evident. It shows that the birth of the New Nigeria where every citizen is free and impunity in public and private sphere is eradicated, is actually possible. The conduct of the elections have also exposed the loopholes in our system and areas of further legislative work in order to get us on the right democratic path.

We congratulate all our political parties and the political contestants in all the parties. The spate of intimidation of opponents and electoral violence, especially in the bid to rig elections results must be criminalised. The level of incompetence and paralysing of the implementation of the Laws guiding the conduct of the elections must be mitigated.

We must congratulate all those declared winners in the past election and encourage them to be magnanimous in victory. This is a call to duty and a service opportunity to our citizens and above all, it is an opportunity to make a difference in the service of God and Humanity. Write your names in the Annals of History, positively. Those who did not win are encouraged to be calm and peaceful for the sake of the good of our citizens. We thank all Nigerians for maintaining peace and do encourage all aggrieved persons to seek redress in the Courts of Law and Electoral Tribunals.

Once again this is the time to test the resilience of our Legal System as indeed the enduring hope for Justice, Equity and fairness for all citizens. The Judicial Officers and lawyers must not disappoint God and the common man. We look forward in great expectation to a new dawn for our Nation Nigeria. At such a time as this, we call on every citizen to join hands and let us rise up and build together. We call on God’s people to keep watching and praying for the incoming administration.

THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE CITIZENS: Having interacted with political actors, the Anglican Communion demands of the President-Elect and his Team, the Governors-elect and the National and State Legislators that emerged victorious at the Polls to give due diligence to the following, namely:

1. Security of Lives and Property: Nigerian citizens demand that Government put high priority on the security of lives and property of citizens by providing adequate security for all citizens. The present state of insecurity and attacks on Christian Churches, Communities and indeed the citizens of this country, is worrisome. The security of lives and property of citizens will foster economic growth of the country.
2. Education of young Nigerians: The Government should ensure that education of our children at all levels is given top priority, as this is the best legacy our country can bequeath to her youth.
3. Health-care Delivery: The Government should improve the Health-Care Delivery System, so that the current Medical Tourism among top Government Functionaries and privileged few can be completely eradicated or reduced. We have the capacity to provide and be a destination for Health Tourism, at least in Africa.
4. National Economy: We have great apprehension over the Rising Inflation, Debt Servicing burden, Fuel Subsidy and fear for the future of Nigeria. Alleviating the suffering of the masses should be the priority of the Government, hence the Church demands adequate provision of education, economic empowerment and job creation/employment opportunities for the teeming youths and citizens. The provision of grants and loans for indigent people as a social safe-net for the citizens will offer every citizen the opportunity to contribute to the development of the country they call their own.
5. Rule of Law and Law Enforcement: The Church frowns at the negligent attitude of the leaders and lack of political will to enforce the Rule of Law. We therefore advise the Government to maintain the Rule of Law and uphold civil rights, justice and equity. The Judiciary should be made to serve the citizens in matters of Justice and Equity. Decentralizing the Police Force and creation of State Police will help to improve on Security and maintenance of Law and Order.
6. An All-Inclusive Government: The Church requests that our leaders should make a comprehensive assessment of the policies and procedures of governance to be able to make governance in Nigeria an all-inclusive affair. The Government should ensure that appointment into Political offices is not lopsided or done based on sentiment or sectional interests. We have an opportunity to give a new direction to this country, therefore competence and sacrifice for the good of all the citizens must be priority consideration. The enforcement of the Federal Character and other regulatory policies will help to restore balance and fairness in the country.
7. Infrastructural Neglect should be addressed: We encourage the incoming Government to address the problem of Infrastructural neglect, and see to the full execution and completion of road construction projects, schools and other basic infrastructure and make up for the long infrastructural deficiencies we have suffered in the country. The Church demands that the Government should provide social amenities especially, Electricity, good Public Transport System and Housing for the citizens because this will enhance better life for the citizens.
8. Completion and operation of Critical Industries: The Government needs to take as very important the development of key critical projects that are strategic for more Economic and Technological Development of the country, especially, the Ajaokuta Steel Industry, our Refineries and the need for Modular Refineries, Textile Industries and other Agro-based Industries. These sectors will engender fast economic growth and employment opportunities in the country.
9. Building a United and Prosperous Nation: The Church yearns for a Rebirth of our Nation through the Leadership that ensures Security of lives and property, a growing economy with a great future, respect for the rights, welfare and equity for all citizens, irrespective of Tribe, Religion, political affiliations and other preferences, but above all, we need a Nigeria where no person is haunted or oppressed.

Culled From The Presidential Address of The Primate of The Church of Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja Diocese, to The First Session of The Twelfth Synod of The Diocese Of Abuja, Held at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church Maitama, Abuja on Saturday, 20th May 2023.

Korede Akintunde

CoN Communication Officer. +234-8032321280

 Prayer:

Give us grace O LORD, not only to hear your Word with our outward ears, but also to receive it into our hearts and show forth the fruits of your holy Word in our daily life for the glory of your great Name, Jesus Christ our LORD, Amen.

Greetings:

We greet you dear people of God who have come from far and near to be part of this glorious service of thanksgiving to God for the wonderful and fulfilled life of Chief Ernest Adegunle Shonekan. We thank you for coming and pray that as you have come in peace and safety, you’ll return to your places of abode safely and in peace; in the peerless Name of Jesus Christ.

Watch Video on Youtube Here:

Text:

Please turn with me to 1Thess 4:13-14

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.”

Little over two thousand years ago, through the missionary efforts of Apostle Paul, Timothy and Silas, a church was planted in the city of Thessalonica, which at that time was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. Though the young church was fairly well grounded in the doctrines of the Church, members were not so sure of what would happen to them at the end of time and at the second coming of Christ; more so that some of their fellow members were dying. These new converts were part of the Greco-Roman society in which not a few believed that death was the end of everything. But they had left their old ways and religion and were now part of the new community of Christ. They believed Jesus was coming back; but what would be the portion of the dead members. So, whenever they lost any of their loved ones, they grieved endlessly and hopelessly.

This was what occasioned the writing of the first Epistle to the Thessalonian Church by Apostle Paul not only to inform and educate them, but to strengthen their faith and to encourage the church.

By using the metaphor of ‘sleep’ (which ordinarily is temporary) and not death; Paul helped the people to realise that their loved ones they thought had died and for whom all hope was lost would rise again, for they were but merely ‘asleep’ in the LORD. For the believer, death doesn’t have the final say. What is the Bible saying?

It’s simple. The Bible is saying to us all that when a true believer in Christ Jesus has come to the end of his earthly pilgrimage, he falls asleep in the LORD and at the Parousia, he will rise again but to a new life, a life that has no end in the eternal kingdom of God. In that Kingdom, Saint John tells us in Revelation 21: 3-4

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

People of God, that’s where Ernest Adegunle Shonekan is now. He has left this world of thriving wickedness and the Church militant and is now at rest in the Church Triumphant.  Praise ye the LORD (3ce)

So, Auntie, Mrs Shonekan, the children and all the people, do not grieve endlessly and hopelessly like those who are without Christ. Rather, rejoice and be thankful to the LORD that after this dark world of sin, better things await those who know, love and serve the LORD. Thanks be to God.

A word or two will be appropriate at this point about the life and times of this great man of faith, man of prayer who was utterly committed to the things of the LORD. He was ever humble and totally unassuming. His love for God was easily visible in his relationship with people around him. To his dear wife and children, he was the best husband and father anyone could ever wish to have.

In the Church of God, he was a great pillar and shining example of authentic Christianity. In spite of his enviable high position in the society, he served as a church steward. His virtuous footprints are discernible here in Lagos, Abuja, Abeokuta, Ekpoma and many more. He would spend and be spent in service of the LORD. Regardless of whatever was going on, he remained steadfast and in so far as we know didn’t compromise his Christian faith and virtues.

In the world of business, he was a noted captain of industry and guru of the boardroom. As the head of the largest business conglomerate in Nigeria and West Africa, (UAC) he was not only very resourceful and successful, he was well established and contended. (See brochure)

He was not a politician. But, as he journeyed on in his life pilgrimage, at a point without thinking, planning or asking for it, he found himself in the ever dark and dreary and murky waters of Nigerian politics. Following the infamous annulment of the 1993 Presidential elections, the aftermath of which threw the country into chaos, he was invited and persuaded to head the Interim National Government, ING. Those were not the best of times for Nigeria and certainly not for any political leader. The situation was tense.

Nigerians demanded that General Babangida should leave office but for reasons best known to him, he was reluctant. But when it became clear that the political imbroglio if not quickly resolved could lead to violent agitation and mass bloodshed the Maradona of Nigerian politics created the transitional government to help usher in a new political arrangement. In the unfolding dangerous political drama, I remember that Chief Shonekan declined the offer to head the ING. Time was running out as Gen Babangida had fixed a date for himself to step aside.

As pressures mounted on Chief Shonekan from many quarters at home and abroad; he then said that he would to think about it. At this stage I remember vividly how his very good friend late Alhaji Dr Shehu Idris, at that time the Emir of Zazzau and this creature here addressing you were pleading with him to think of the pros and cons of not accepting the call to stand in the huge political gap. He was reminded that nationwide, tensions were running high and that anything could happen in the military barracks.

In addition, we also knew that from the very beginning of its journey to political nationhood (which it is yet to attain) Nigeria since Independence has been a blood- letting country. (Remember the western region operation “wet e”, the pogrom in northern Nigeria, the military coups and counter coups, the devastating 30-month civil war; hitherto unknown reckless armed robbery attacks and numerous political assassinations all of which sniffed precious life out of millions of innocent citizens.)

We were quick to realise that once violence broke out again, we would have no idea who would be consumed and who would remain. It was from this perspective that he was persuaded rather reluctantly to save the situation. He then decided that it was better, though equally risky to stand in the gap and avoid unnecessary bloodshed so that somehow, we would avoid a repeat of the 1963 dismal fiasco; and hopefully navigate through the political land mines to restore normalcy and democratic governance.

While some hailed him and breathed a deep sigh of relief, others did not welcome that decision. I still remember that the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Lipede called Chief Shonekan on phone repeatedly to come back home. Ironically, even some parts of the Church refused to give him benefit of the doubt. Pity.

Meanwhile, the political gladiators and the news media had a field day. They vilified and demonized him. To my utter consternation the same people who called him unprintable names in day time, would troop in to Akinola Aguda House Nicodemusly begging for all sorts of favours and political appointments. What a shame. (Aiye!) Some of those agitators claiming that on June 12 they stood were mere political opportunists and they made the loudest noise. I put it to you people of God on June 12 such people were feeding fat. Just as it is today, when we are suffering from the consequences of systemic failure, political opportunists are feeding fat on the present chaos. Nigeria has never had it so bad, (I reserve details for another occasion).

From our standpoint, Chief Shonekan put his life on the line for sake of this country. When Abacha struck, it was a fellow Yoruba man who put the gun on his head ordering him to sign his resignation. It may interest you to know that Chief Shonekan was not completely unaware of the possibility of the palace coup. Those close to him advised him to retire Gen Abacha and his clique and simultaneously announce the appointment of their replacement.

He wouldn’t. He reasoned that if Abacha was fired, the next in rank to him for appointment was a Yoruba man. If appointed, it would create a new problem as he, Shonekan, would be accused of tribalism and nepotism. And so, he not being a typical ambitious Nigerian politician refused to do anything to preserve himself in the office of Head of the Interim National Government. He would say to me, let us just continue to pray for God’s guidance and divine resolution to the challenges we were facing. In truth, we spent time praying and the LORD spared his precious life and came back home safely. The rest is history.

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Conclusion:

Say what you like about him.

We’ll thank God that Chief Shonekan has done what he was able to do for his family, his church and his country. He has finished his own race. He is now asleep in the LORD. When he wakes up at the end of time, at the second coming of Christ, it will be in the glorious eternal Kingdom of God and with all the saints reign with Christ.

How about you brethren? Are you today in the LORD Jesus Christ and He is in you? Jesus is your only guaranteed hope for gaining access to eternal life after this increasingly terrible world has passed away.

Let us be careful the life we live. Be weary of judging others especially when you don’t have all the facts of the matter. Take heed that you don’t spend your today in any way that may ruin your tomorrow. (Repeat the TEXT)

And now to the King Immortal, Invisible, the only wise God be all honour, glory, dominion and majesty now and forevermore. Amen

+Peter J Akinola.