Read Prof. Jega's epic response to Orubebe this morning

Tuesday, March 31, 2015


After PDP party agent Godsday Orubebe created an embarrassing scene at the collation centre in Abuja this morning, trying to disrupt announcement of results  a very calm Jega told him;

"Mr Orubebe, you are a former Minister of the Federal Republic .You are a statesman in your own right. You should be careful about what you say or what allegations or accusations you make. Certainly you should be careful about your public conduct"

Jega's response to Orubebe has been hailed as mature and worthy of praise. In fact, there's a meaning for Jega now. 'Jega' - meaning - 'To be inexplicably chilled in the midst of stupidity or conflict". lol. Prof Jega's full response after the cut

"You have made two comments. One is that you submitted a petition  which I refused to accept. Secondly you claimed that there was a result released by the APC which you alleged that we gave to them or I gave to them. With regards to the first point, yesterday after we took the first batch of results in this hall and as we declared a recess until 4pm, as I was walking down back to the office, my PA came to me and said that here are some papers that Dr Bello Fadile, a representative of the PDP said that he should collect it; that I said Dr Fadile should give him those papers. I told him that I didn't tell Dr Fadile to give any papers to you. Return them to him because Dr Fadile, after we declared for recess came on to this platform. As a party agent, he is not supposed to do that and gave some documents to my PA who is writing results here. and I am sure some of the agents and some of the pressmen may have seen that and I told my PA to take back those documents to him. If he told you I told him to give you any documents, I did not. Take them back to him, Subsequently, Dr Fadile sent me a text message saying that there are petitions and that he wants to submit them. I told him we don't collect petitions on the platform when we are declaring results and then he said I should have left my office open so that they can submit those petitions in my office. I told him our secretary, the secretary to the commission is not anywhere in this hall. She is in her office and that her business is to receive communication. If they are important enough, she would bring them to me here. I have started collation. I cannot be receiving petition in this hall or in this platform. And when I replied that text message, he replied again and said Okay, he will see what he can do. I interpreted the text as he was going to take that petition or whatever document he has to the secretary of the commission. As I speak with you now, I have not received anything from the secretary to the commission. That is regards to the issue of the so called petition. 

Regarding results published by APC on its website, I do not give results to anybody. The results were announced formally as INEC are results declared here. And we have warned everybody to be careful and to ensure that the do not declare results which we have not officially announced. So as far as I am concerned I have not seen any results. I have not given anybody any results. So for you to even engage me on that issue I think frankly that is not fair to me. I have not seen the results. How can I speak on something that I have not seen. So please let us be careful of what we say or do so that we do not disrupt a process that has ended peacefully and in a matter of hours we would be able to finish it.". Jega said

Posted by Linda Ikeji at 5:03 PM

Nigeria election: Muhammadu Buhari set for victory

BBC 15 Minutes ago


Gen Buhari's supporters have been celebrating as final results come in 

Opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari is on the verge of a historic victory over Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, with most votes counted.

Gen Buhari, a former military ruler, is ahead by almost three million votes, with results still to come from just three states.
Analysts say it is hard to see how Mr Jonathan can overcome this lead.
The opposition has never won a presidential election in Nigeria, Africa's most populous state.
Observers have generally praised the election but there have been allegations of fraud, which could lead to protests and violence.
More than 800 people were killed in protests after Mr Jonathan beat Gen Buhari in the previous election.

Results so far:
Gen Buhari: 14.2m votes;
Passed 25% threshold in 24 states
Mr Jonathan: 11.4m votes;
Passed 25% threshold in 24 states
Results from 33 states + Abuja
Candidates needs 25% in 24 states for first-round victory

If Your Candididate Losses, How Will You Cope?

...8 Things You Can Do If Your Candidate Losses This Election.





Posted by Ambassador T. Brikins

You   believed your candidate will win and it and it turned out he or she did not win.

Two things may have have happened. Your choice was wrong or you think inside you, "I  was cheated ".

Whatever, may be the reason, you are not God. Only God makes and delivers perfect decisions. You need to respect the seeming verdict of the people or God's permissive or perfect will.

Today, one of the biggest changes in Nigeria is currently happening-  Nigeria is right now announcing  a new President and you are at risk as your emotion will hurt.  That is if your candidate lost.

Election victories can be a big downer . Close to half of the population will be down  emotionally.

Whatever you may have done spiritual or physical, technical or professional, the fact remains only one person can win. And that person has won.

General Gowon and Ojukwu, "enemies" sharing a meal.

These unfortunate Nigerians had no meal to share. Think somebody.

“Do you not know that in a race all runners compete, but (only) one receives the prize?” 1Corinthians9:24.

Yesterday morning as I walked  by the High Court in Ikeja, South West of Nigeria to  collect my  National Drivers license which  was being processed  for about a year now, I saw a new banner with the inscribed  message "Special Election Tribunal".

So,  there is a place to vent your anger if your candidate loses.  But it will take your money, time, energy, emotions, pain etc. Please any form of illegality is not in it.  That will be cool if you limit your disappointment to yourself and not even involve your personal sphere of influence.

“I feel very depressed,” former U.S. Ambassador John Price told a reporter, about Mitt Romney losing the presidential elections in 2012. “ It was a very depressing evening, I thought we would win.”

Some have lost long time  friends.

After George W. Bush’s victory in 2004, Andrew Laguer, President of a conservative think tank in D.C. said, he had a major falling out with a Democrat he had known since high school.

The emotional impact of a political loss on supporters can be devastating.

Researchers have discovered that the pains of losing presidential election dominates the joy of winning it, is consistent with existing research that “bad” events in life immediately impact us more than the “good” ones.

 People are  loss conscious. Put in Nigeria's currency , Naira and Kobo, you may be more upset losing N1,000 than you are happy about gaining N1,000.

Indeed the emotional impact of a political loss on supporters can be enormous. When Lincoln was elected, some believed the wrong person was elected – the South seceded.
  

2012 came  presidential victory for president and Democrat Barak Obama, and the defeat of Republican Nominee Mitt Romney.

“The election was really about saving America” a Romney supporter told CBS political analyst. “And I get really emotional about that.”

This blog is about Christian perspective and sits very well with Christian decision makers.

Politics today is highly driven by emotions. Emotion  is in  the realm of the flesh, the zone that Satan launches attack on people.

It is people  who are led by the Spirit of God, that are the sons of God. Romans 8:14. You should not be driven by your emotions but your spirit. The sons of God are not violent people. Don't allow your flesh-emotions to recruit you into the devil's army.

King Saul was so obsessed with jealousy regarding  the young David that it drove him to take one wrong decision after another until he rested in the bosom of a witch- the witch of endor and died a most disgraceful death. His position as the king of Israel with state  power  behind him could not upturn God’s choice.

We need to learn and know and recognize “that the Most High (God) rules the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whomever he will” Daniel . 4:25.

Today, March 31, 2015 may mar or make your life. It contains only 24 hours. But the eternal and supernatural wisdom of God says, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."Psalm 118:24.

Warning. You are only permitted to rejoice and be glad in it. You disobey this if you made today.

 A day may be too short but it is big enough for you  to make a life’s decision  that could lead  to life or death.

So, your  mind is the first place to guide against. Scriptural guideline for this is in Philippians 4:6-8.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Take a look into the content of a day.

Eighty thousand heart  heart beats.

One thousand four hundred and forty minutes.

A complete rotation of the earth.

A circle of the sundial.

Two dozen flips of the hourglass.

Both a sunrise and a sunset.

Your  vote belongs to yesterday where you voted…

Today is under your control. Use it for good not evil.

How you cope?

1. Have faith and hope that your love for your country should determine what you do.

2. Remember that people matter more than politics.

You may have to avoid some people until things calm  down, but it’s important to remember that there’s a reason you love and value people. In fact God commands you to love your neighbor as yourself.

3.Hang out more with people who think as you do.

This may be a better way to express your emotion.

4.      Keep in mind that a presidential term is four years. The next election year could be another story.

6.      Respect this outcome.

Nigeria  was built on the belief that everyone has a voice, and (hopefully) the winning candidate won fair and square. "Instead of trying to call for an investigation, threatening to leave or corrupting the minds of young people, why not appreciate the fact you live in a free country? You may not be happy with the results, but the people have spoken and like it or not, this is who was chosen. Remember why you love this country. Remember you’re still free to say anything and spoof your elected officials on the social media. You dealt with Obasanjo for eight years, and Yar'Adua and Jonathan for eight years before that. You can find a way to deal with whoever is elected, respect the office of the President and live civilly as an example to others. And no matter who is elected, remember that deep down, that person has the country’s best interest at heart. If this still doesn’t help…the founding fathers were wise in instituting term limits, so your next chance for change is only four years away.".
7. Search out something to appreciate in the new president.

8.       Move on with your life

Nigeria Election: Elder Orubebe of the PDP Confronts INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega Live On National Television

Godswill Orubebe in action

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

#Nigeria Decides

 It has been drama so far at the collation center of the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
A collation officer, Elder Godswill Orubebe of the PDP Confronted the INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega Live On National Television when the second batch of the announcement of the presidential election result was about to commence.
In a tantrum which lasted for more than 15 minutes  Orubebe was accusing the INEC chairman of being partial, tribalistic, selective, and that he has been compromised and they’ve lost confidence in him.
According to what we gathered, there are allegations of INEC releasing doctored results for the APC, which have given the APC a massive lead against the PDP.
Here is part of what Orubebe said during the confrontation:-
“Mr Chairman you are partial and selective! We have lost confidence in you. You are compromised!”

In her posting Linda Ikeji reported that, Orubebe accused Professor Jega of being  selective, partial and is tribalistic. He said APC had written a letter to INEC concerning an alleged rigging in Rivers state which he immediately sent a committee to investigate the issue but that when PDP wrote protest letters on the elections in Katsina, Kaduna and Jigawa, Jega did not send anyone to attend to their protest.

Orubebe, who is a former Minister of Niger Delta, is now calling for Jega to stop result collation. He sat on stage and refused to allow the result announcement to continue...

 Elder Godswill OrubebeOrubebe became a Supervisory Councilor, and later Chairman of Burutu LGA. In July 2007, President Umaru Yar'Adua appointed him Minister of Special Duties.  Later he became Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs when that ministry was created in December 2008. In January 2010 he said that the proposed 10% equity share policy on infrastructural development in the Niger Delta region would make vandalism and crisis a thing of the past.

<sup>Elder Peter Godsday Orubebe (born 6 June 1959) was appointed Nigerian Minister of Niger Delta on 6 April 2010 when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan announced his new cabinet.

Orubebe was born on 6 June 1959 at Ogbobagbene, Burutu Local Government Area in Delta State. He is of Ijaw origin.[1] He attended the University of Lagos, gaining a B.Sc in Political Science in 1985. Later he obtained a Masters Degree in International Relations from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in 2005.  
Additional Report by Ambassador T. Brikins</sup> 

Gordon College Reaffirms Ban on Students, Faculty Engaging in Extramarital Sex, Homosexuality

(Photo: Mark Spooner)

 By Michael Gryboski , Christian Post Reporter

The A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel at Gordon College, a Christian academic institution located in Wenham, Massachusetts.

A Massachusetts Christian academic institute under fire for maintaining a policy for students and faculty that only allows for sex within heterosexual marriage has reaffirmed its stance.
Gordon College, a Christian school located in Wenham, announced earlier this week that it's maintaining its conduct policy barring sex outside of marriage, including adultery and homosexuality.
Administrators at the college also announced Monday that they will form a task force called "Life Together" that will aim to work on human sexuality issues in the campus community.

Rick Sweeney, vice president of marketing and communications at Gordon College, provided The Christian Post with a statement from the academic institution on the matter.
"The taskforce, whose name is inspired by the Dietrich Bonhoeffer book of the same title, is one of several new initiatives focused on three key areas — residence life, campus programming and the overall educational experience," reads the statement.
"In addition, Gordon is bolstering its anti-bullying policies to ensure it is best serving all students. Gordon will conduct biennial surveys to assess the wellbeing of students as it relates to sexuality and sexual identity."
In an interview with CP, Sweeney explained the reasoning underpinning the decision on the part of Gordon's Board of Trustees.
"It was important to be clear [Gordon] supports the institutional commitment to orthodox biblical teaching around human sexuality," said Sweeney.
"At the same time, the college leadership is committed to ensuring we support and care for all students including those of diverse characteristics and backgrounds … while remaining faithful to our underlying Christian theological framework."
Over the past year, Gordon had made headlines over its official position that students and faculty cannot engage in sex outside of marriage or homosexual activities.
Last July, Salem's government ended its contract with Gordon over usage of the city's Old Town Hall due to the academic institute's ban on homosexual behavior.
Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll told CP in an earlier interview that Gordon College's "behavioral standards" policy was "in violation of the LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance that was unanimously adopted by the Salem City Council."
"The city does not contract with private parties that willfully discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, family status, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation," said Driscoll."… [T]he city terminated the contract because Gordon's behavioral standards code conflicted with our fully LGBT inclusive non-discrimination ordinance. It is not discriminatory to reject discrimination."
Gordon's recent reaffirmation comes as part of their process of discernment surrounding a pending report meant for their accreditor, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Last September, NEASC's Commission on Institutions of Higher Education and Gordon released a joint statement noting that Gordon was to undergo a process of discernment as to whether or not their policy on human sexuality was discriminatory.
Barbara Brittingham, president of the NEASC Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, provided CP with a copy of the joint statement.
"The commission has asked the college to submit a report for consideration at the commission's September 2015 meeting describing the process and its outcomes, to ensure that the College's policies and processes are non-discriminatory and that it ensures its ability to foster an atmosphere that respects and supports people of diverse characteristics and backgrounds," reads the statement from last year.
Brittingham explained to CP that Gordon is not under investigation for its policy and the institution is not on trial for maintaining its position on human sexuality.
"Gordon College is accredited through NEASC's Commission on Institutions of Higher Education and has been so continuously since 1961. The commission has enjoyed a positive relationship with Gordon College," said Brittingham.
"As indicated by the joint statement, the commission has asked Gordon College to submit a report for consideration at the commission's September meeting describing the college's discernment process and its outcomes."

Nigeria election: Results Expected Tomorrow

INEC Chairman dismisses PDP’s claim of victory in 23 states

Nigeria's election body says it expects to announce the first results of Saturday's keenly contested presidential poll on Tuesday.

Reacting to claims  of victory by the Peoples Democratic Party in 23 states as reported by the Director of Media and Publicity of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Femi Fani-Kayode.
Fani-Kayode had on his official Twitter page  on Sunday, said,”As we speak now, we are winning in 23 states and we have 64 per cent while the APC is winning in 14 states and has 36 per cent.”
But Jega, in a series of tweets on the official Twitter page of INEC, countered the claim.
He  urged Nigerians to be  “wary of declaration from people who are clearly partisan.”
Jega said in the tweets, “I don’t know where the PDP spokesman got his source but we have not collated results in 23 states.”

 

Fani-Kayode

But   Fani-Kayode said he got his statistics from “our  polling agents at every polling unit in the country. They gave us the numbers.”
The INEC boss stated that the collation  of results would begin by 12pm on Monday.
While justifying his reports, Fani-Kayode said he got his statistics from “our  polling agents at every polling unit in the country. They gave us the numbers.”

Soros says ready to invest $1 billion in Ukraine if West helps

George Soros, Chairman of Soros Fund Management, speaks during the session 'Recharging Europe' in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos January 23, 2015.

Reuters/Ruben Sprich

 Business | Mon Mar 30, 2015 3:38am EDT

VIENNA
(Reuters) - Billionaire financier George Soros is ready to invest $1 billion in Ukraine, if Western countries help private investment there. He also put the odds of Greece leaving the euro at a third, in an interview with Austrian newspaper Der Standard.
Soros has previously urged the West to step up aid to Ukraine, outlining steps towards a $50 billion financing package that he said should be viewed as a bulwark against an increasingly aggressive Russia.
"The West can help Ukraine by increasing attractiveness for investors. A political risk insurance is necessary. This could take the form of mezzanine financing at EU interest rates -- very close to zero," he said in an interview published on Monday.
"I stand ready. There are concrete investment ideas, for example in agriculture and infrastructure projects. I would put in $1 billion. This must generate a profit. My foundation would benefit from this ... Private engagement needs strong political leadership."The Hungarian-born hedge fund magnate, who made his name betting against the pound in 1992, also put the chance of Greece leaving the euro zone at a third. Last week he put it at 50:50.
(Reporting By Shadia Nasralla; Editing by Larry King)

Nigeria Election Update :Only Two States have Finished Collating Results.

Prof. Jega, Chair of INEC 

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega has said only two states has finished collating their results.

Giving an update on the general elections in the INEC Situation Room in Abuja, Professor Jega said that “as I speak to you, no original results have arrived here yet.

Very few states have collated results, I know that election results in Ekiti are collated.”
He advised Nigerians to be careful about making candidates winners because it is only INEC that can announce the winner.
Answering questions about INEC ad hoc staff not being paid because they are on contract, Prof Jega said advance payments were made and the balance would be paid after the election.
Collation of Results
Professor Jega promised that the commission would not commence collation unless the media is there to witness the exercise.
He said further: “We are doing our best but there would be lapses, every laps we identify is a lesson; inadequacies of materials, late commencement of election would not occur in other subsequent elections.”
Speaking further on the challenges INEC has had to contend with in this election, Prof. Jega said: “Crowd control is a challenge because a lot of voters came en mass to cast their votes. We would prepare for that in the subsequent elections.”
On the performance of INEC so far, Prof. Jega explained: “In general, there have been a remarkable improvement in the 2015 presidential election to the elections conducted in 2011.”
He also dismissed the hue and cry over the failure of the card reader, saying that it is insignificant given that only 1.25 per cent failure rate has been recorded out of 152, 000 of the device used.

 

The  INEC Chairman  also  said the Commission,  “commends the security agencies for their vigilance and dedication” and added that "In the course of the elections yesterday, the Commission has received reports of security challenges in some states that were repelled."

---

Nigeria's Top 10 Gospel Artists

Frank Edwards, Tope Alabi, Sinach, Buchi, Others Make Connect Nigeria’s Top 10 Gospel Artistes

 

Michael Abimboye

In Nigeria, Gospel music has mostly had to take the back seat especially as it concerns constant airplay and financial success. This is in spite of the fact that Nigerians are faithful adherents of two of the largest religions in the world. Occasionally, some Gospel artistes have had to add some flavour of secular music to their works to give it a broad appeal. But beyond the fact that the artistes on the Gosepel scene are largely overlooked for major concerts and endorsement deals by corporate firms, it is imperative to point out that they contribute in no small measure to upholding societal values and morals, while reinforcing the need to live a life that is praiseworthy to God and to humanity. In honour of these artistes, Connect Nigeria takes a look at ten artistes that stand out in present times.
Though there are other artistes that are considered honourable mentions good enough to be on this list, the compilation was carefully conducted by Connect Nigeria’s beat reporter, Michael Abimboye with consultation on listeners’ preferences. Tweet at him @mmakesense on Twitter if your favourite Gospel artiste is missing on the Top 10!

Frank Edwards

Nicknamed Rich boy, Frank Ugochukwu Edwards, a member of Christ Embassy Church in Nigeria is signed to the church’s LoveWorld Records. Frank, a talented instrumentalist, broke into the scene with his debut album, The Definition, which was released in 2008. Frank returned to the studio and in 2010 and produced his second album, Angels on the Runway; he hit the market with another, ‘Unlimited’, in 2011.
Frank began singing at the age of ten years as he learnt how to play the piano from his father. Currently, he has four albums to his credit, with the latest one ‘Tag Jam’ released in November 2011 which took frank to the A-class of  Gospel artistes. He also made a cameo appearance in label mate Sinach’s video ‘I know who I am’.
In May 2011 he was nominated as the Gospel Artiste of the Year at the 6th Annual Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA). He won the award for the Best Gospel Rock Artiste in the 1st edition of the awards. He also won West Africa Best Male Vocalist in 2012 and Best Hit Single at the Love World Awards 2012.  Frank also bagged three awards at the Nigeria Gospel Music Awards (Male Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Male Vocal).


Sinach

Also signed to LoveWorld Records and a key member of the music team at Christ Embassy, Sinach has become a household name in Nigeria. She has over 200 songs to her credit, including  ‘Awesome God’, ‘Simply Devoted’, ‘I am Ready for Your Spirit’, ‘Shout of the King’, ‘All Things are possible’, ‘Born to Win’, ‘Fire in Me’, ‘More of You’, ‘No Failure with God’, ‘This is Your Season’; also winning the Song of the Year, Song Writer and Vocalist of the Year’ at the Love World Awards.
Inspired by the ministry of the word by her Pastor, Sinachi also ministers as a vocalist and worship leader of Christ Embassy, alongside LoveWorld Music team. Through her Godly talent, she has ministered to millions of people all over the world in mega programs such as Night of Bliss with Pastor Chris, Word at Work conventions with Pastor Chris, Youth Conferences with Pastor Chris, The Higher Life Conference, The Christ Embassy Healing School and many other programs by Pastor Chris with record attendances reaching millions.


Lara George

Regarded as one of the classiest Nigerian Gospel artistes, this multi-talented singer, producer and music director has a spell-binding and captivating voice, she was a member of the former KUSH group which was one of the contemporary Gospel music groups in Nigeria in the early 2000s. Lara released her first solo album in 2007 titled Ijoba Orun. The single was a hit and it still enjoys a huge support and airplay on radio stations, churches and homes.
The Lagos born singer and fourth child of five children developed passion for music while she was a member of the choir at her alma mater Queens College, Yaba Lagos, and kicked off her music career as a professional in 1997. She released her first hit single, ‘Ijoba Orun’ in 2007 and has since released hits like, ‘Orin’ ‘I will write a song’, ‘Season’, ‘Fig Tree’, ‘Forever in my Heart’, ‘I can’, ‘Ko ma si’ {Nobody like you}, ‘More than anything’, ‘Higher’, ‘Rise’, and ‘Higher’.
In 2008, the graduate of Law from the University of Lagos released her second album, ‘Forever in my heart’, which won her several awards, including the 2008 Voice of the Year Award at the Nigerian Music Awards, Female Artiste of the Year at the 2009 Nigerian Gospel Music Awards. Lara returned with a 14 track album in July 2009, which features Lord of Ajasa, and Midnight Crew’s Pat Uwaje. The album contains hit songs like ‘Run with You’ and ‘Ko le baje’.
Lara is married to Gbenga George and blessed with a son – Adeoba Alexander George. Her last album which was released in 2012 was titled ‘Higher’. Her husband, a legal practitioner also doubles as her manager.


Buchi
 
Born in Kaduna, Nigeria to parents of Abia State origin, Buchi’s early education began in Enugu and took him through Methodist College, Uzuakoli and Federal Government College, Enugu. In 1983, he came to Lagos to study English Language and Literary Studies at the University of Lagos, where he obtained a BA in 1986 and a MA in 1988. Later in the same year, he took up an appointment to lecture at the same institution while studying for his doctorate degree. Buchi remained at the Department of English until 1994 when he yielded to the higher calling to propagate the Gospel of Jesus through writing and singing in the reggae genre.
While in the university, his casual involvement in black activism through reggae club grew more intense after listening to Oliver Thambo and the officials of ANC (African National Congress) from South Africa during the club’s exhibition on “Apartheid in South Africa”. Again, having studied the black activism literature of Dennis Bruts, Wole Soyinka, Muta Baruka and the likes, Buchi’s preoccupation with reggae music as an “outcry against oppression” became deeper. Little wonder he also became involved in one of the campus’ confraternities which at the time prided itself as an anti oppression movement. This preoccupation with reggae music took a new turn when his friend Ras Kimono invited him to join the team of deejays on the Floating Bukka – a reggae nightclub situated on a docked vessel in Marina, Lagos Island.
Foremost on the list of Buchi’s strong musical influences are Eric Donaldson, Joseph Hills, Burning Spear and Frankie Paul. In 1992, Buchi gave his life to Jesus Christ at the Christ Embassy Church and transferred himself from the nightclub to the choir of that ministry where he has remained till date. His first album released in 1999 (These Days) second album released in 2002 (So Beautiful) third album released in 2005 (What a Life). Buchi is married to Jane and they have four children. He has ministered in church concerts including Reinhard Bonnke’s stadium-packed outreaches. Multiple award winner including prestigious AMEN for Best in Gospel Category, 1999 Faith, POMP and TOMA Awards for Best Artiste, Reggae Artiste and Gospel Album of the Year variously.


Midnight Crew

Midnight crew, the faith-based musical group founded in 2001 when Patricia Uwaje King, Gbenga Oyebola, Odunayo Ojo and Mike Abdul teamed up is its 13 years of existence and has released four albums within the period: ‘Fusion’, ‘Tungba Unlimited’, ‘Igwe’ and ‘King Of Nations’.
Describing their music as eclectic, robust and full of character, taking something from every genre of music available, the crew has performed at several enviable platforms alongside Gospel music greats including Lionel Peterson, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Panam Percy Paul, Kurt Carr, Ron Kenoly, Bob Fitts, Ebenezer Obey, Israel Houghton, Tye Tribbett, Sammie Okposo, Fred Hammond and Don Moen.
The award-winning crew is also socially responsible as it lends helping hands to the helpless children of Koma Hills, helping to tell the world that these children still need clothes, medical care and formal education.
The Crew has won several national and international awards including Music Group of The Year: City People Awards, 2009; Gospel Artiste of The Year: Nigerian Entertainment Awards (USA), 2009; Best Traditional Song: Nigerian Gospel Music Awards, 2009; Most Popular Song of The Year: Nigerian Gospel Music Awards, 2009.
Other awards won are: 2009 Album of The Year at the Nigerian Gospel Music Awards; 2010 Best Non-UK based group at the Africa Gospel Music Awards UK; 2010 Best Non-UK Song of the Year at the Africa Gospel Music Awards UK amongst others.


Chris Morgan

 

The name Chris Morgan Abah Ochogwu might not sound familiar, but this talented Gospel singer, songwriter, composer, and performer is the brain behind “WORSHIP ON THE HILLS OF AFRICA”, a vision that is dedicated to raising people to worship God in spirit and in truth.
The Orokam-born Benue State singer is no doubt an accomplished music minister, whose songs are filled with the divine presence of God, with great lyrical depth and inspiration and a great message of hope for our generation. Morgan has also ministered on the same platform with great international Gospel singers. Since stepping into the Gospel podium, the Ifeoma crooner has continued to carve a niche for himself by marking the beginning of a new worship trend in Africa.
The Abuja-based gospel artiste is happily married to Queen Eunice.


Nathaniel Bassey

Nathaniel Bassey, born in Lagos, Nigeria makes the list of Connect Nigeria’s top 10 Gospel was a minister in The Apostolic Church Bashua Assembly before taking up the position of director of music at the Redeemd Christian Church of God, developed a love for both music and the Gospel at a very young age.
According to the young music minister, he was inspired when he saw Dr Panam Percy Paul, a prominent Nigerian Gospel music icon in concert over twenty years ago and since then, his passion for music has grown and translated into various musical experiences.
Nathaniel’s debut album ‘Elohim’ was recorded and mixed in Cape Town, South Africa in the year 2008. It has been described as a spiritual and artistic masterpiece with the hit track ‘Someone’s knocking at the door’ a soft-rock tune currently generating so much interest locally and internationally.


Joe Praize

Joe Praize, singer and song writer, also belongs to the Christ Embassy Love World. Born Joseph Omo Ebhodaghe, the acclaimed Gospel music minister who hails from Edo State released his debut album, ‘My Praise’. Joe Praize has performed around the world including cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, KZN – all in South Africa, and countries like Canada, United Kingdom, United States, Nigeria, Ghana.
The award-winning singer bagged the 2010 song of the year award at the prestigious Love World Awards for the song ‘Mighty God’ which is the fifth track on his album ‘My Praise’. He was also nominated for Best African Gospel by SABC Crown Gospel Award in 2011.


Tope Alabi

She holds sway when it comes to singing Gospel in Yoruba language with over five albums to her credit and over 800 movie sound tracks.
The beautiful music minister who hails from Yewa, Imeko of Ogun State joined the then Jesters International, a theatre group with acts such as Jacob, Papilolo and Aderupoko at Ibadan and since then, she has distinguished herself as both a talented actress and singer.
Tope Alabi is a pacesetter of soundtrack makers in the Yoruba Home Video Industry.

SamSong

Samsong is a dynamic Nigerian Gospel artiste based in Abuja, Nigeria. He has had a successful recording career with radio hits like ‘Bianule’, and a handful of accolades such as The Psalmist Award in 2000, and recently being nominated for the Best Gospel Artiste by the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) in New York in 2008. He has graced the stage with Gospel greats like Marvin Winans, Donnie McClurkin and Panam Percy Paul, as well as successful mainstream artistes like Donnell Jones, Kenny Lattimore, 112, TuFace, D’Banj, Faze, and Styl Plus.
Born Samson Uche Mogekwu in Delta State, Nigeria. He discovered his talent for singing while in high school. It was also in high school he was adobted the stage name Samsong.
In 1991, he formed a quartet known as Praise Creation and  got signed to Ivory Music Label with a debut album in 1996 titled ‘Best of Life’. The group however broke up and Samsong became a solo artist, releasing his debut album in 2002, which was titled ‘Count Your Blessings’. His album was a success, garnering airplay, and resulting in winning The Psalmist Award that same year.
His sophomore album was released in 2004, ‘titled Still Counting’. He continued his award winning streak, snagging The Best Male Vocalist of the Year Award at Today’s Music Award in 2004, and Best Male Vocalist of The Year Award in 2005 at The Amen Awards. Samsong had become a bona fide celebrity and Gospel star at this point, having songs and videos in rotation on radio and TV, while receiving top billing at concerts.
At The Vigoma Awards in 2005, he received The Best Video of The Year Award. His third release which was titled ‘The World of My Dreams’ was issued in 2007 and was his most ambitious release yet. It featured a remake of the mega hit ‘One Love’ by music icon Onyeka Onwenu, in which he performed a duet with her. The album also had a collaboration where Samson recorded the track ‘Live Right’ with Styl-Plus.
His ambitious output was recognized as he was awarded with The Grace Honorary Award for Excellence in 2007. In 2008, he was nominated for The Best Gospel Artiste at The Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) held in New York City. He embarked on an international tour to promote his album, with stops at South Africa, the United Kingdom and Germany. In Germany, he had recorded and performed with Chris Lass, the famous German Gospel producer and artiste.