CAN, RCCG, Winners adopt virtual crossover night services - Newstrends
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CAN, RCCG, Winners adopt virtual crossover night services

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Christian Association of Nigeria, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel) have asked members not to hold crossover services in churches on Thursday December 31st.

This, they said on Tuesday, was part of adjustments in their programmes to ensure that none of their members would violate the 12 midnight – 4am curfew imposed by the Federal Government to contain COVID-19 spread.

The CAN aligned with government’s ban on watch-night (crossover) service that usually heralds the New Year.

It said the service, usually extending to 12am on the first day of the year, should not hold so that Christians could maintain a strict adherence to COVID-19, protocols.

But the Osun State government reviewed its position on the countdown to the New Year.

It said, “The government has decided to allow crossover religious gatherings, being sensitive to the mood of the season. But any organisation holding crossover service must note that they are expected to close the service early and everyone must be off the streets by 1am,” Osun Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, said.

CAN’s National President Rev. Samson Ayokunle advised state chapters to adhere strictly to directives by relevant government authorities on the crossover night service.

“There is no sacrifice that is too much to put an end to the Coronavirus pandemic in the interest of all and sundry,” Ayokunle said in a statement in Abuja yesterday.

Already, the Ondo State government has vowed to prosecute any church leader that may violate its ban on the midnight service.

However, in Lagos State, the local chapter of CAN and the state government agreed that services should end by 11pm on Thursday.

In a memo to all parishes signed by its Assistant General Overseer (AGO) in charge of Admin/Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola, the RCCG said it would do live streaming of the crossover service.

It urged members to link up virtually on Dove Television and other online platforms.

The January 8 Holy Ghost Service (HGS) would also be conducted by the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, virtually, Odesola said in the memo.

According to him, the mission took the decision in compliance with the government’s directive.

Winners’ Chapel service and Bishop David Oyedpo’s sermon scheduled to start from 6pm on Thursday will be streamed live and viewed by members at all viewing centres affiliated to the church.

Winners’ Chapel said, “Where the government places an embargo on the Crossover Night service, churches may meet earlier to praise and give God praises for the gift of life despite the pandemic and to place their requests for 2021 before God.

Ayokunle also urged Christian leaders to cooperate with the government, saying the directive was understandable.

He said, “We understand the unfortunate state COVID19 infection has put everybody world over, which caused some state governments to place total ban on crossover night service and we are not happy that we would not be able to enter into the New Year prayerfully in joint fellowship with our brothers and sisters.

“We, however, urge you all to abide by the directives of each state government on this so as to prevent the spread of the infection. One thing that is certain is that, the end of COVID-19 is here at last in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ.

“In those states, services should be closed about 10:30pm or at most 11:00pm to enable worshippers to return home on time. It is a passing phase and this too shall pass away in Jesus Name. Very soon, the pandemic will become history and we will return to our usual routine services in Jesus’ Name.”

Ondo State government warned church leaders against violating its directives to avoid prosecution.

It stated this in response to a statement by the state chairman of CAN, Rev. John Oladapo, that churched should hold cross over service in defiance of the state government directive.

Oladapo was reported to have called on Christians to disregard the government’s directive because relevant stakeholders were not consulted.

But the Chairman of the Ondo State Inter-ministerial Committee on COVID-19, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, said COVID-19 was primarily a health issue and not a religious issue.

Lagos CAN Chairman, Bishop Steven Adegbite, backed down on earlier directive to members that they end the service by 12.15am and that members who could not return home should pass the night in churches till day break.

In a statement, Adegbite supported government’s directive that the crossover service should terminate by 11pm.

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From Royal Wedding to Courtroom War: Gana’s Son, Wife in Explosive Split

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From Royal Wedding to Courtroom War: Gana’s Son, Wife in Explosive Split

What began as one of Nigeria’s most glamorous society weddings in 2014 has reportedly unraveled into a tense legal showdown, marked by allegations, silence, and an escalating custody dispute.

When James Gana, son of elder statesman and former Minister of Information Jerry Gana, married Akwa Ibom royal figure Jessica Edet, the ceremony drew national attention. Political heavyweights, traditional rulers, and high society figures gathered in Akwa Ibom State to witness what many described as a symbolic union of influence and prestige.

More than a decade later, that image of unity has sharply faded.

Cracks Beneath the Surface

Multiple sources familiar with the situation indicate that the marriage had been under strain for some time before the situation escalated into formal legal action. While details remain closely guarded, insiders suggest that irreconcilable differences may have led to the breakdown.

It is alleged that James Gana filed for divorce, though official court documents have not been made public to confirm this claim.

Custody Battle Emerges

At the center of the dispute is the couple’s son, with both parties reportedly seeking custody. Legal observers note that such battles, especially among high-profile families, often become prolonged and emotionally charged.

Family law practitioners contacted by our correspondent explain that Nigerian courts typically prioritize the welfare of the child, but outcomes can vary depending on circumstances presented during proceedings.

Allegations and Social Media Noise

The case has also been complicated by a wave of unverified claims circulating online, including controversial accusations targeted at Jessica Edet. Terms and insinuations trending on social media have added a layer of public scrutiny, though none of these claims have been substantiated in court.

Observers warn that such narratives, often amplified without evidence, risk distorting public perception and inflaming an already delicate situation.

Silence from Key Parties

Efforts to obtain official statements from both James Gana and Jessica Edet have so far yielded no response. Associates close to the families have also declined to comment, citing the sensitivity of the matter and ongoing legal proceedings.

From Celebration to Litigation

The reported breakdown of the marriage highlights how even the most celebrated unions can face private challenges far removed from public glamour. What was once a widely admired relationship has now become a subject of legal scrutiny and public speculation.

As proceedings continue, attention remains fixed on the courtroom, where the final outcome—particularly regarding custody—will likely define the next chapter of this high-profile separation.

From Royal Wedding to Courtroom War: Gana’s Son, Wife in Explosive Split

 

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Three Feared Dead as Journalists’ Bus Crashes on Enugu–Onitsha Expressway

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An accident scene
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Three Feared Dead as Journalists’ Bus Crashes on Enugu–Onitsha Expressway

At least three persons have been confirmed dead following a tragic motor accident along the notorious Onyeama Hills axis of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway in Enugu.

The accident involved a black Toyota Sienna bus conveying journalists who were reportedly on an official assignment to Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the state. Several occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries of varying degrees.

Among those injured are Chimaroke Ugwu, a reporter with Nigerian Television Authority and Chairman of the NTA Chapel, alongside his cameraman, Jerry. Also affected are Kelechi Ehirim, a reporter with African Independent Television and Secretary of the Private Broadcast Chapel, as well as his cameraman, Ifeanyi Ogbodo.

The identities of the deceased victims were yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the police were at the scene carrying out rescue operations and managing traffic to prevent further incidents.

The Onyeama Hills stretch of the expressway has long been regarded as a high-risk corridor due to its steep terrain and frequent record of accidents. Authorities have commenced investigations to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash.

Further updates are expected as more details emerge.

 

Three Feared Dead as Journalists’ Bus Crashes on Enugu–Onitsha Expressway

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How Gunmen Storm Akure Clinic, Abduct Three Health Workers

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How Gunmen Storm Akure Clinic, Abduct Three Health Workers

Akure, Ondo State – In a brazen late-night raid, armed men abducted three health workers from a Primary Health Clinic in Ijebu, a suburb of Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The security guard on duty, Olawale Yaya, told TVC News that the attackers executed the operation with alarming precision. According to him, the assailants arrived in a high-end SUV, which he identified as either a Toyota Venza or a Lexus. The vehicle was parked outside the clinic before the abduction.

“They took three staff members. The gunmen parked on the road. They came with an expensive jeep. It looks like a Toyota Venza or Lexus SUV. It’s not a small sedan car. It’s an SUV. It’s not a bus. It’s a high-end SUV. The gunmen even pressed a button to open the boot. After opening it, they forced the three people inside and drove off,” Yaya recounted.

The attackers specifically targeted staff members who were on duty, assaulting them before forcing them into the boot of their vehicle. The guard described the assailants’ familiarity with the vehicle as “disturbing,” noting how they effortlessly operated the automatic boot before making their escape.

Security agencies in the state have been alerted, and investigations are ongoing to locate the kidnapped health workers and apprehend the perpetrators.

 

How Gunmen Storm Akure Clinic, Abduct Three Health Workers

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