Faith Cathedral International Church, Egbeda, Lagos, recently hosted its annual Christmas Carol service, an event filled with music, drama, and the joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The evening was more than just a seasonal gathering; it was a heartfelt expression of faith, unity, and the church’s commitment to nurturing its members, especially the youth.

A Night of Spiritual and Cultural Delight

The highlight of the celebration was the Christmas Carol, where angelic voices filled the air with songs of hope and redemption. The event also featured a beautifully staged miracle play that vividly portrayed the nativity story, reminding attendees of the true essence of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of humanity. Adding a touch of elegance and artistry, a group of young performers graced the stage with a ballet dance, captivating the audience with their graceful movements that symbolized the joy and peace of the season.

Sister Omo, who coordinated the event, shared her thoughts on the significance of involving young people in such activities. “We are passionate about ensuring that the youth are not just spectators but active participants in celebrating and glorifying God. This season is a time of reflection and joy, and we believe guiding these kids in the right path through events like this can have a lasting impact on their lives,” she explained.

Voices of Gratitude and Inspiration

One of the participants, Pearl Ngozi Nwosu, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to be part of the celebration. “We thank God and the church for allowing us to take part in this wonderful experience. Being in the presence of God and celebrating His love fills us with joy and gratitude,” she said.

The church’s General Overseer, Pastor Fred Obetoh, also delivered a powerful message during the event, emphasizing the importance of faith and the need to counter the distractions of modern life. “We are thrilled to see young people excited about serving God. In a world where materialism and wokeness are increasingly influencing the youth, it’s heartening to see them dedicating their talents to the Lord’s vineyard,” he remarked.

He also reflected on the meaning of Christmas, saying, “This season is a time to remember God’s immense love for us, demonstrated by the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Christmas is not just a holiday; it’s a joyful celebration of God’s grace and the hope He brought to the world.”

A Church Rooted in Community and Faith

Faith Cathedral International Church, located in the bustling neighborhood of Egbeda, Lagos, is more than just a place of worship; it’s a community that embodies the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Known for its vibrant programs and inclusive approach, the church is a spiritual home for individuals and families seeking to grow in their faith.

Under the dedicated leadership of Pastor Fred Obetoh, the church has become a beacon of hope, particularly for young people. Its numerous initiatives, such as youth mentorship, skill acquisition programs, and outreach projects, reflect its commitment to shaping a morally upright and empowered generation.

The annual Christmas Carol is a cornerstone of the church’s calendar, bringing members together to reflect on the message of Christ’s birth while fostering a sense of togetherness and spiritual renewal.

A Season to Reflect and Rejoice

As the evening came to a close, it was clear that the event had touched many hearts. The laughter of children, the melodies of timeless carols, and the profound words of gratitude and hope shared by Pastor Fred and others painted a picture of a community united in faith and love.

The Christmas Carol at Faith Cathedral International Church wasn’t just an event; it was a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the importance of coming together to celebrate God’s greatest gift to humanity.

 

In an era where the boundaries of right and wrong often seem blurred, Pastor Fred Obetoh stands out as a beacon of faith and integrity. Recognized as a chosen vessel of God, Pastor Obetoh will be celebrating his birthday, offering a special thanksgiving for God’s mercies, goodness, and health, enabling him to continue his divine mission.

As the General Overseer of Faith Cathedral International Ministries in Egbeda, Lagos, Pastor Fred Obetoh has distinguished himself through steadfast devotion and scandal-free leadership. His commitment to truthfully following God has set him apart in the often tumultuous landscape of Pentecostalism, underscoring his divine selection for God’s work.

Tributes have already begun to pour in from congregants and well-wishers. The church, via a heartfelt Facebook post, declared: “Happy birthday to God’s general! Show me a man who loves God more than anything else and is never ashamed of the gospel of Christ. A man whose daily activity revolves around God’s service in His vineyard.”

The message continued, highlighting Pastor Obetoh’s multifaceted role: “He’s a teacher, a friend, a mentor, a father, and a philanthropist; blessed with godly wisdom and a listening ear. A terror to the kingdom of darkness; a gift to the body of Christ, here’s a giant who’s unassuming and humble to a fault.”

In a personal note to Pastor Obetoh, the church added: “Daddy, as you clock a year wiser today, we join the hosts of heaven to celebrate the gift of you! We appreciate the efforts, prayers, and intercessions; the advice, the corrections, and the many sacrifices of love towards us, your children. We love you and we pray that God’s grace will be multiplied upon your life daily and your ministry will never suffer shipwreck. You will not fail, fall, falter, nor faint in Jesus’ name. Once more, happy birthday, Daddy!”

The celebrations mark a significant moment for Pastor Fred Obetoh and the Faith Cathedral International Ministries community, reflecting on his unwavering dedication and the profound impact of his ministry.

 

Anthony Emeka Nwosu
Faith Cathedral International Ministries
Egbeda, Lagos

**#PastorFredsDay #FCIM**

Today, Nigeria joins the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day, recognizing the remarkable progress and contributions of women worldwide.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating International Women’s Day!” underscores the importance of acknowledging the strength, resilience, and achievements of women in various spheres of life.

From influential leaders to nurturing mothers, women continue to shape our societies, driving positive change and inspiring future generations. International Women’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey towards gender equality and empowerment.

While celebrating the milestones achieved, it is crucial to recognize the persistent challenges that women face and reaffirm our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world. Empowering women to reach their full potential is not only a moral imperative but also essential for sustainable development and progress.

As we honor the women who lead with grace, courage, and compassion, let us also reaffirm our collective efforts to break down barriers and create opportunities for every woman and girl to thrive.

In the spirit of gratitude, Nigeria extends its heartfelt appreciation to the invaluable contributions of women in every aspect of society.

Happy International Women’s Day! #IWD2024

Chioma Hope Okoli,the founder of Olivet Cloud Limited lately celebrated her birthday ,though in line with the social distance rules, it was a low keyed one. That is not the issue. We took time to look at the strides this beautiful lady with a beautiful heart has made in the ICT ecosystem.

Threading where the angels have failed figuratively, Chi as fondly called by many has demonstrated that women can make tremendous impact in an ecosystem traditionally reserved for men by founding Olivet Cloud Limited. Oliveth is one of the foremost indigenous ICT with emphasis on cloud computing. Having developed strategic relationship with global partners and OEMs such as SAGE , Kudigo and others , Oliveth can be said not to be a small fry in the ICT space ! A force to be recognized.

Over the years Chioma has shown to be a source of inspiration to women and young girls ! She is passionate about mentoring young women especially in the line of STEM courses (science technology engineering and maths ). Over the years she has won awards and recognition for her contribution in various aspects of life.

Her team at Olivet took to social media and said ” Our Success  at Olivet Cloud Solutions is not dominated in financial values but the value we place on our people. Today We are Celebrating Our Own Managing Director, Happy Birthday to Engr Chioma Okoli – Chima.”

” May the Lord Crown your year with all goodness. Happy Birthday from All of Us @ Olivet Cloud Solutions. We celebrate you on this special Occasion. Under your leadership, We have all succeeded more than we could have ever imagined.Thanks and happy birthday! Boss”, the added.

Remembered the time we went to her office , my colleague Clara Lingo was wowed by her simplicity. She said ” with her strides in the business space, Chioma still maintains that simplicity and not the air of importance that is associated with some founders and chief executives. I totally admire her and I wish to be mentored by her.”

With hands in a couple of pies,apart from her turf in the ICT space, she is also the Managing Director  of Hopelyn Cleaning Enterprises. A seasoned engineer, having graduated from the prestigious University of Nigeria ,a former technical support engineer for Google apps and a whole lot. Chioma’s contributions to the society is there for people to see though she doesn’t make noise about them. It is her nature to keep it simple!

Olivet was incorporated as integrated IT Solutions Company, Olivet Cloud Solutions Nigeria Limited offers entity specific software development, customization and integration of complex enterprise level solutions.

Olivet Cloud Solutions Nigeria Limited is a leading Sage X3 ERP, Sage 300 ERP (Accpac) and Sage CRM solution provider in the Nigeria. Based in Lagos, Olivet Cloud Solutions Nigeria Limited is a Sage partner with vision is to deliver innovative, tailored information technology solutions and services that contributes to the customer’s success.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu