Tim Godfrey’s Collaboration With Oxlade On “Infinity” Sparks Mixed Reactions Among Christians

Tim Godfrey’s Collaboration With Oxlade On “Infinity” Sparks Mixed Reactions Among Christians

Nigerian gospel artist Tim Godfrey has stirred mixed reactions online following the release of his new single “Infinity,” featuring Afrobeats singer Oxlade. The track, which dropped this week, serves as the seventh song on Godfrey’s upcoming 12-track studio album No Label. It blends contemporary gospel rhythms with Oxlade’s smooth R&B and Afrobeats style, creating a fusion that has drawn both praise and criticism. While many listeners have hailed the collaboration for its creativity and crossover appeal, others — particularly within Nigeria’s Christian community — have questioned the choice of featuring Oxlade, who is widely known for secular hits such as “Ku Lo Sa” and “Away.” In a statement unveiling the song, Godfrey described Infinity as a “magnificent piece” that aligns with his vision of spreading faith-driven music to a broader audience. The single follows Praise the Lord, which also appears on the forthcoming album. Reactions on social media have been divided, with supporters celebrating the blend of genres as a modern expression of worship, while critics argue that inviting a secular artist onto a gospel record undermines the sacred nature of the message.

Read More

Tim Godfrey Criticizes Churches for Poor Treatment of Gospel Artists, Reveals Being Paid in Yams and Live Chicken

Gospel singer Tim Godfrey has raised concerns over the way some churches in Nigeria treat gospel artists, revealing that he has been paid with yams and even a live chicken for his performances. In a video shared on Thursday by AsakuGRN on X, the award-winning singer expressed frustration over the lack of fair compensation for gospel performers, saying it has made performing in Nigeria increasingly challenging. “I don’t like coming. I come to Nigeria, but it has become difficult because of how artists are being treated,” Godfrey said in the viral clip. He described receiving food items instead of monetary payment and questioned how artists are expected to meet basic expenses. “I have collected tubers of yams as honorarium. I have even received a living, breathing chicken. How am I supposed to pay school fees, rent, or buy property with that? It’s completely unfair,” he added. The singer’s remarks have sparked widespread debate on social media about the ethics of church payments for gospel performances and the need to properly support artists in ministry settings.  

Read More

Arsenal Held To 1–1 Draw By Ten-Man Chelsea As Merino Cancels Chalobah’s Header

Arsenal left Stamford Bridge with a single point after Mikel Merino wiped out Trevoh Chalobah’s opener in a contest that felt equal parts chess match and street fight, even after Chelsea were reduced to 10 men. The evening opened with promise on both ends: Bukayo Saka drifted into a pocket of daylight but couldn’t turn it into gold, while Estêvão flashed a reminder of his threat without delivering the final spark. The rhythm never quite settled. Every duel carried a charge, and Moisés Caicedo cranked up the voltage when he flew into Merino with a studs-up challenge that caught the Spaniard above the foot. Merino hobbled but survived, refusing to surrender his place in the storm. Chelsea, a man down, refused to retreat into a shell. Early in the second half, Reece James curled in a teasing corner from the left, and Chalobah rose through the crowd to thump home his third league goal of the campaign, the roar from the stands swelling like blue thunder. Mikel Arteta had both Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Jesus waiting on the bench, but Arsenal found their breakthrough through a midfielder who’s been moonlighting as a poacher. Saka clipped in a searching cross, and Merino ghosted into the box to guide it home just before the hour mark, a finish with all the calm of a man flicking a switch. Arsenal pushed. Chelsea bent but refused to break. Robert Sánchez delivered two heroic moments late on, first smothering Merino’s low strike, then springing up to hurl himself into the path of Gyökeres’ rebound, absorbing the impact and the applause in one breath. For Arsenal, the draw tasted like a meal missing seasoning. They never truly exploited their advantage, and the chance to widen their grip slipped away. They still end the weekend five points clear after Manchester City’s win over Leeds. Chelsea, meanwhile, battled with grit sharpened by adversity, matching their visitors stride for stride and climbing back into third place ahead of Aston Villa.

Read More

OAP Dotun Accuses U.S. Embassy Of Aiding Ex-Wife In Secretly Relocating Their Children To America Amid Custody Case

Nigerian OAP Dotun has gone public with allegations that the United States Embassy in Nigeria played a role in allowing his ex-wife, Taiwo Oyebanjo, to relocate their two daughters to America without his permission, even though a custody case was still active in a Nigerian court at the time. Dotun and Taiwo, who were married for eight years, have been in a long-running dispute over custody. He has repeatedly claimed that Taiwo, her relatives, and her brother D’Banj have shut him out of the children’s lives despite a court ruling that granted both parents joint custody. Speaking out on social media, Dotun said the children left Nigeria three years ago in direct violation of a court order that barred either parent from taking them abroad. He noted that he kept the original passports and that the order explicitly required his consent before any travel could take place. Despite this, he alleged that the American embassy issued fresh passports for the children — U.S. citizens by birth — without informing him, checking for consent, or reviewing existing court restrictions. He described the embassy’s conduct as biased and negligent, writing that “The American embassy in Nigeria is an enabler of child abduction… very biased. No proper investigation.” He added that he had written to the embassy for years but chose to remain silent until now. Dotun also accused former U.S. Consul-General Mary Beth Leonard of presiding over what he called a “compromised and biased process,” claiming the embassy ignored its two-parent consent requirement. He suggested that “papers were most likely forged, or games played,” insisting that the manner in which the children obtained new passports was irregular. According to him, the situation not only breached his parental rights but dragged a domestic custody matter into an international confrontation. He questioned how the children were cleared to leave Nigeria despite a court case, travel restrictions, and his refusal to grant consent. He argued that the process showed disregard for the rights of a non-American parent, saying, “Even though my children are U.S. citizens, their mother is not. Issuing new passports without my consent or a court mandate shows a failure to protect the rights of a non-American father.” In his posts, he also criticised the system, writing, “When a court gives an order in a country. Is it null & void just because someone can cook up the best lies? I feel it is apparent that whatever @POTUS is trying to clean up in the immigration system is somewhat valid especially to people that lie to gain access. The American embassy it’s time to provide my kids or give me a fair hearing. Una don buy better market.” He went on to accuse unnamed individuals of submitting fake documents and defamatory publications to justify the relocation, adding, “Do you not need the consent of both parents to issue a passport? Do you realize people submit fake documents and publications to mar the reputation of people. It’s 3 years now American embassy; Where are my kids?” As at the time this report was filed, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria had not issued any public statement in response to Dotun’s claims.

Read More

Zirkzee And Mount Secure 2-1 Comeback Win For Manchester United At Crystal Palace

Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount scored second-half goals to guide Manchester United to a hard-fought 2-1 Premier League win at Crystal Palace, helping the team bounce back after Monday’s disappointing loss to 10-man Everton. Palace took the lead in the 36th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a retaken penalty after his initial attempt struck the ball twice. The goal threatened to extend Manchester United’s struggles under Ruben Amorim following their first defeat in six matches. United responded after the break, with Zirkzee opening his account for the season and netting his first league goal since December with a precise low strike in the 54th minute. Mount then curled in a goal nine minutes later to complete the turnaround. Despite a brief Palace response, United held on to secure their fourth win in seven games, moving into the Premier League’s top half and just four points behind rivals Manchester City. Amorim made tactical adjustments following the Everton defeat, swapping his full-backs in the 3-4-2-1 formation at Selhurst Park. United started brightly against a Palace side set up in the same formation, with Casemiro forcing a close-range save from Dean Henderson within the first minute. Mateta continued to trouble United’s defence, with a shot narrowly missing after Matthijs de Ligt’s clearance struck teammate Leny Yoro. The visitors’ resilience ultimately paid off as Zirkzee and Mount turned the game in their favour.

Read More

Delta Retired High Court Judge Justice Ifeoma Okogwu Found Dead In Asaba Home

Retired Delta State High Court judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, was discovered dead in her Asaba residence, sparking a police investigation into the circumstances of her death. According to security sources, her body was found in the sitting room of her home at No. 8 Tom Halen Street, behind IBTC Bank, with her hands and legs bound and her mouth covered with a wrapper. Her brother, Emeka Okogwu, reported the discovery to the police around 8:00 a.m. while visiting her home, leading to the immediate deployment of patrol teams to the scene. The on-duty security guard, Lucky Matthew, was arrested for questioning, while another guard, Godwin Vanen, is missing and currently being sought by authorities. Justice Okogwu’s body was removed and taken to Maduemeie Hospital Mortuary, Asaba. The case has been handed over to SCID Asaba for discreet investigation as police work to determine the motive and identify the attackers. Forensic evidence is being gathered from the residence. Residents expressed shock over the incident, describing Justice Okogwu as a quiet and respected member of the community. Security experts called for stricter monitoring of residential security personnel following the killing. The Delta State Police Command reassured the public of its commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and maintaining safety in Asaba.

Read More

Parents Of Niger Schoolchildren Abducted From St. Mary Protest Government Inaction

Parents of children abducted from St. Mary Catholic Schools in Papiri, Agwarra LGA of Niger State, protested on Saturday, accusing the state government of inaction eight days after the attack. More than 200 parents gathered at the school to register their names and those of their missing children, many travelling long distances on motorcycles to participate. The school was attacked on 21 November, when gunmen kidnapped over 300 pupils and 12 teachers, days after 26 schoolgirls were abducted in another part of the state. About 50 students escaped after two days, but most remain in captivity. Despite assurances that special security teams had been deployed, parents said no state officials had contacted them. They carried placards reading “Bring Back Our Girls,” “Is Education a Crime?” and “Our Children Are Still in Captivity,” accusing the government of silence and neglect. Stephen Okafor, the school’s Director of Communication, said the registration exercise was ordered by the state government and noted that the turnout shows the abduction is real. Cleric Linus Arege added that 215 parents and guardians had been documented under the supervision of Agwarra Local Government officials and the Catholic Diocese. Joseph Dimas, whose son Julius, a JSS 2 student, is still missing, criticised the government for initially denying the abduction. Emmanuel Ejeh, whose older children graduated from the school without incident, said he never expected such an attack. Bishop Bulus Yohanna of the Kontagora Diocese, proprietor of the school, appealed for prayers and expressed hope that the abducted students and staff would be rescued soon, noting the challenge of mobilising parents from more than 50 communities. Principal Felicia Gyam dismissed claims of prior warnings, and Headmistress Blessing Amodu described the ordeal as emotionally draining, urging authorities to step up rescue efforts. Attempts to reach the Niger State Government were unsuccessful, as messages sent to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, had not been answered.

Read More

Bandits Abduct Pastor, Wife And Worshippers After Attack On Kogi Church

Video from Ejiba in Yagba West, Kogi State, has captured the scene inside a Cherubim and Seraphim church moments after armed men attacked during Sunday service on November 30, 2025. The hall is left in disarray, with scattered footwear, abandoned Bibles, and personal items showing how quickly worshippers fled. The attackers abducted the pastor known as Orlando, his wife, and several congregants whose exact number remains uncertain. The incident has thrown the community into fear and renewed anxiety over persistent insecurity in the region. In the footage, the person recording walks through the empty church and describes what happened, saying: “I hid myself; this is the church where they abducted people. You are seeing where they kidnapped people at Ejiba. Please, save us. Baba Orlando, who is the head of this church, was abducted. You can see the inside. They didn’t bother to put off the speaker or anything.” The Ejiba attack mirrors a pattern of violent assaults on worship centres across Kogi and neighbouring states. On November 18, armed men invaded Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, in Eruku, Kwara State, during a service. They shot repeatedly to scare worshippers, killed at least five people, and abducted 38 individuals, including women, children, and the elderly. The Eruku community was left shaken, especially after a list of abducted members showed that 30 of the victims were women aged between seven and sixty-four. Initial information indicated ransom demands as high as ₦100 million per victim, later reduced to about ₦20 million. Relief finally came on November 23 when Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confirmed that all 38 abducted worshippers had been freed. Security agencies — the police, DSS, and NIA — coordinated the operation that secured their release.

Read More

Jonathan Briefs Tinubu, Describes Guinea Bissau Election As Ceremonial Coup

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to brief him on the recent elections in Guinea Bissau. Jonathan clarified that what has been widely reported as a coup in the country was not a genuine military takeover, but rather a “ceremonial coup” carried out by the head of state. Speaking to journalists, he said the election results were already known and criticized the arrest of the opposition candidate as unnecessary. “I came to brief Mr President on the events, which is the tradition for former presidents. For regional and continental matters, it is important for the sitting President to have first-hand information, especially when ECOWAS leaders meet and I am not present,” Jonathan said. He added, “The election was concluded, the collation of results was almost finished, and the winner should be officially announced. The military should not be removed, but the rightful winner must be recognized.” Jonathan urged ECOWAS to engage Guinea Bissau’s leadership, calling for the release of the opposition candidate, who had committed no crime. “He did not declare himself the winner, which would have been a treasonable act. There is no reason for his arrest,” he said. He further stressed that the election results should be announced and the legitimate winner inaugurated if the military agrees. Jonathan lamented the constant negative reports from Africa, noting, “What happened in Guinea Bissau is not a palace coup. Real coups are known to us. This was a ceremonial act conducted by the head of state himself, which is why I called it a ceremonial coup.”

Read More

Tinubu Forwards 32 Ambassadorial Nominees to Senate for Confirmation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh list of 32 ambassador-designate nominees to the Nigerian Senate for screening and confirmation. The list, announced on Saturday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, includes 17 non-career and 15 career diplomats. The nominees are expected to be deployed to key nations and multilateral institutions that are central to Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives. Non-Career Nominees Ogbonnaya Kalu (Abia) Reno Omokri (Delta) Mahmood Yakubu (Bauchi) – former INEC Chairman Bisi Angela Adebayo (Ekiti) – former Ekiti First Lady Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) – former governor Tasiu Musa Maigari (Katsina) – former Speaker, Katsina Assembly Yakubu N. Gambo (Plateau) Nora Ladi Daduut (Plateau) – former senator Femi Pedro (Lagos) – former Lagos deputy governor Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun) – former aviation minister Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu (Anambra) Fatima Florence Ajimobi (Oyo) – former First Lady Lola Akande (Lagos) – former commissioner Grace Bent (Adamawa) – former senator Victor Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) – former governor Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo) – businessman, former senator Paul Oga Adikwu (Benue) – former ambassador to the Holy See Career Nominees Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia) Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba) Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa) Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi) Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa) Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi) Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun) Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo) Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah (Edo) Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger) Shehu Barde (Katsina) Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno) Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna) Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kwara) Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun) If confirmed, the envoys will be posted to Nigeria’s missions across strategic countries including China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, UAE, Qatar, South Africa and Kenya, as well as major multilateral bodies like the United Nations, UNESCO and the African Union.

Read More