Nigeria News (Standard)
Kumuyi Marks 85th Birthday in Lagos as Tributes Pour In from Across Nigeria
President Tinubu, global church leaders honour Deeper Life founder’s legacy of faith and education on milestone anniversary
President Tinubu, global church leaders honour Deeper Life founder’s legacy of faith and education on milestone anniversary
Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, marked his 85th birthday in Lagos on Thursday, June 6, drawing tributes from President Bola Tinubu and Christian leaders worldwide. The milestone celebration highlights Kumuyi’s influence as one of Nigeria’s longest-serving clerics and an architect of a global church movement.
The renowned preacher was born on June 6, 1941, in Erin-Ijesha, Osun State. Raised in a devout Anglican family that prioritised daily worship and Bible reading, Kumuyi experienced a personal conversion during his secondary school years away from home. He completed his secondary education at Mayflower School, Ikenne, Ogun State in 1961 before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where he graduated top of his class with a First Class Honours degree in Mathematics in 1967. He later pursued postgraduate studies in Education at the University of Lagos.
Kumuyi began his career as a mathematics lecturer at the University of Lagos. In 1973, he started a Bible study group with 15 students seeking deeper understanding of scripture. This small fellowship eventually became the foundation for the Deeper Christian Life Ministry. In 1975, following disagreements over teachings on baptism of the Holy Spirit, he was expelled from the Apostolic Faith Church—a move that spurred him to continue independently.
The ministry grew rapidly after its formal establishment as Deeper Life Bible Church in 1982. Today, it has hundreds of thousands of members globally and branches across Africa, Europe and North America. Its international headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos—commissioned on April 24, 2018—can seat about 30,000 worshippers and was inaugurated in the presence of then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Kumuyi’s personal life reflects decades-long commitment to ministry. He married his first wife Abiodun Olowu—an early member of his Bible study group—in September 1980; they had two sons before her passing in April 2009. Eighteen months later, Kumuyi remarried Folasade Adenike Blaize in London while she served as Administrator for Deeper Life Bible Church there.
In marking his 85th birthday, President Tinubu praised Kumuyi’s dedication to faith and nation-building in an official message released Thursday morning. Other church leaders commended Kumuyi’s contributions to Christian literature and spiritual development. The Deeper Life congregation is expected to host special services through the weekend to celebrate their founder’s legacy.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals in Ndokwa West
One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road
One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two individuals suspected of vandalising electric cables in Ndokwa West Local Government Area on Tuesday, 25 June. The suspects were apprehended around 10:30pm along the Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road following a joint operation involving officers from Kwale Police Station and members of the local vigilante group.
According to a statement issued by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the security team acted swiftly on credible intelligence that some persons were removing and stealing electric cables in the area. Upon sighting law enforcement, the suspects attempted to flee the scene, resulting in one of them sustaining injuries during the pursuit. The injured suspect is currently receiving medical attention, while the other is in police custody.
Cable vandalism has become a significant concern in Delta State and across Nigeria, often leading to prolonged power outages and financial losses for communities. The state government has repeatedly called for increased vigilance by residents and closer collaboration with security agencies to combat such crimes.
SP Edafe stated that investigations are ongoing to determine if other individuals are involved in the syndicate. “We urge members of the public to continue providing timely information that can help us protect public infrastructure,” Edafe said in Thursday’s press release.
The police command assured residents that efforts will be intensified to prevent further incidents of cable theft in Ndokwa West and neighbouring communities. Authorities also reminded residents that anyone found engaging in vandalism or aiding such activities would face prosecution according to Nigerian law.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/delta-police-arrest-two-suspected-cable-vandals/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Trump Claims US Military Strikes in Borno Prevented Mass Killing of Christians by ISWAP
Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response
Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response
Former United States President Donald Trump has stated that military strikes authorised by his administration in Borno State helped prevent the mass killing of Christians by militants linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Trump made this assertion on Friday during an event held in Washington, where he defended his decision to target terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East region.
According to Trump, the US military operations significantly reduced attacks on Christian communities in Borno and neighbouring states, which had been facing repeated assaults from ISWAP fighters. He said, “As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations. They have a great Christian population. They were being butchered—thousands and thousands of people were being killed, children, women, old people, just being slaughtered, hacked to death.”
Trump added that the American intervention sent a strong warning to the militants responsible for these attacks. He claimed the strikes discouraged further violence against religious minorities in the region. The former president did not provide specific details regarding the timing or scale of the US operations referenced.
The Nigerian government and security agencies are yet to release any official statement confirming the reported strikes or commenting on Trump’s claims as at press time. In previous years, Borno State and other parts of North-East Nigeria have witnessed repeated attacks targeting both Muslim and Christian communities by various armed groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram.
Security analysts say international military cooperation is often conducted discreetly and that foreign involvement in counter-insurgency operations can carry both diplomatic and security implications for Nigeria. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding Trump’s statements.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Laid to Rest in Modakeke, Osun State
Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football
Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football
Adegboye Onigbinde, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, was buried on Saturday in Modakeke, Osun State. The burial ceremony drew family members, friends, and football stakeholders who came together to pay their last respects to the veteran tactician.
Onigbinde’s funeral was held at his hometown of Modakeke, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected football coaches. Attendees described him as a disciplinarian and a mentor whose contribution to Nigerian football development spanned decades. Many local residents and members of the football community gathered to honour his memory.
Onigbinde rose to national prominence when he managed the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He is credited with nurturing young talent and promoting professionalism in Nigerian football. His death is considered a significant loss by many in the sports fraternity, particularly those from Osun State and across the South-West geopolitical zone.
Though details of official statements were not available at press time, tributes have continued to pour in from fans and former players who worked with Onigbinde during his long career. They praised his dedication and commitment to raising the profile of Nigerian football on the world stage.
As Nigerians reflect on Onigbinde’s enduring legacy, sports analysts note that his impact will continue through coaches and players he mentored over the years. The Nigerian Football Federation is expected to organise further commemorative events in honour of his service.
