Banks give billions in loans to churches for 'extortion' of members - Pastor

-

The Cele pastor said some churches got up to ₦4 billion in loans from banks to expand their ministries and reach more members globally.

Prophet Israel Ogundipe of the Celestial Church of Christ has revealed how some banks are encouraging and giving out huge sums as loans to churches to expand their ministries globally.

 


The popular prophet made this known while speaking with popular Nigerian On-Air Personality, Ifedayo Olarinde, also known as Daddy Freeze in an Instagram Live session on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

Ogundipe, who founded the Genesis Global Ministry in Lagos, said a bank gave him a similar loan offer to help him expand his ministry to reach more people globally.

He also claimed that, to convince him, the unnamed bank showed him details of churches that have keyed into the loan scheme.

The cleric further explained that from the list he was shown, some churches whose names he refused to mention took loans ranging from 3 billion to 4 billion naira.

“A bank called me two months ago and said they wish to loan me ₦1 billion. They offered me the loan and I asked them what for. They replied that they know churches are getting it (loan) and I would be able to pay it back because they know my church is big.

“Then I asked them how they want me to be paying back, and they said when we are doing revivals, crusades, we’ll be paying back monthly.

“And they mentioned some churches who got loans from them ranging from ₦3 billion to ₦4 billion. And I asked them how they expected me to pay back such an amount and they said those that collect such loans, that’s why they would never stop doing conferences, crusades, and revivals, and from there, they would get money to pay back,” the pastor said.

It’d be recalled that, in 2020, Ogundipe was found guilty and sentenced to jail for defrauding a London-based architect and converting her property for personal use.

The cleric was arraigned on a seven-count bordering on stealing, unlawful conversion of property, forgery, and fraudulently collecting sums of ₦14m and £ 12,000 from the victim between 2002 and 2005.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

FG declares Monday as Eid-ul-Mawlid holiday

-
Image
The Federal Government has declared Monday, September 16, 2024, as a public holiday to mark the celebration of the Eid-ul-Mawlid. Eid-ul-Mawlid is the commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government in a statement by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on Friday. While congratulating the Muslim Ummah on the occasion, he implored them to use the opportunity of the period to pray for enduring peace and a more prosperous egalitarian nation. The minister urged the Muslims and all Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of patience, sacrifice, and resilien  
Read more

Davido’s manager Asika proposes to girlfriend

-
Image
Nigerian music superstar Davido’s long-time manager, Asa Asika has proposed to his girlfriend, Leona Adesanya. The proposal, which was captured in a viral video, shows the talent manager guiding Adesanya to the venue, where he then popped the question. The video also captured friends and well-wishers cheering in the background as Davido proudly said, “He is my boy”. Davido also took to Instagram to share the heartwarming moment, declaring, “we got a BIG wedding to plan. I’m proud to say I saw ur ring first.” This comes a few months after his wedding to Chioma Rowland. The couple tied the knot in an elaborate ceremony at the Eko Hotel and Suites in June.  
Read more

Filmmaker, Pascal Atuma to release movie on “Japa” syndrome featuring Omoni Oboli, others

-
Image
Nigerian filmmaker, Pascal Atuma, who resides in Canada, is set to release his latest movie titled “Imported Wives,” which explores marriages affected by the Japa syndrome, featuring a stellar cast of Omoni Oboli, Nancy Isime, Mama Gee, Ngozi Nwosu, Linda Osifo, Joseph Benjamin and others. Atuma, who is both the director and producer of the film, disclosed to journalists in Lagos during a press conference ahead of the release. that the movie took him a year and eight months to complete. According to Atuma, the film highlights what occurs when men bring wives from villages in Africa to marry and then ‘import’ them abroad to start a new life. Atuma explained, “This movie reflects my growth as a filmmaker based on my past experiences. For me, a movie must be substantial. It was shot in Nigeria and Canada, but the auditions were conducted in the U.S.” He continued, “The movie follows a man in the U.S. or Canada who returns to Nigeria to marry a wife and bring her back. Once the wife settle
Read more

Sex has become trade everywhere — Actress, Chioma Ivoke

-
Image
In a reaction to the notion that “sex-for-roles” syndrome exists only in Nollywood, actress Chioma Ivoke, in an interview with Potpourri says nothing is farther from the truth as she maintains that sex is a weapon being used as a means to an end everywhere there are human interactions. She stated, “Sex for roles in all ramifications is messy to not just the girls but the guys as well. However, sex has become a trade for a lot of things in diverse firms and fields, not just confined to Nollywood or the entertainment industry. This is a condemnable act that should be curtailed or eradicated if possible.” On maintaining her privacy despite her public profile, Ivoke explained, “The thing one must understand is that social media is a marketplace where everyone across the globe might meet and as such, one must be disciplined enough to keep what is meant to be private private no matter the social media pressure.” When asked about balancing decency with flaunting her sex appeal, she said, “Wel
Read more

Sowore released after brief detention at Lagos airport

-
Image
The Nigerian Immigration Service initially detained Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Sunday immediately after his return to Nigeria. This occurred on the same day that members of the Take It Back Movement and other activists gathered at the airport in anticipation of his arrival. Sowore had been in the United States with his family. His flight departed from Washington Dulles International Airport at 6:14 AM EDT and landed in Lagos at approximately 9:43 AM WAT. When contacted on the telephone, Sowore disclosed that he was detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service and that his passport was seized. He stated that no reason was given for his detainment, and officials told him they were acting on instructions from higher authorities, needing to call Abuja for further direction on the matter. Sowore later confirmed his release via his X handle, stating, “I have just been released by the Nigerian Immigration
Read more

How Davido’s marriage inspired my new single — Morravey

-
Image
Singer, Daniella Danielle, aka Morravey, who is signed to Davido’s DMW label, has said that her soon-to-be-released single was inspired by the love, and some recent marriages, including that of her label boss. In an interview with Saturday Beats, she said, “Love is at the heart of my latest work. With so many people getting married, such as Davido and Yemolee, I felt I should create something special for all the lovebirds out there.” Reminiscing on her journey in the music industry so far, she said, “So far so good, it has been a good ride for me because I am signed to DMW and even though I relate with many men, they have been helping me and supporting my music.” Advising other female artistes, Morravey said, “Don’t stop doing what you are doing. Work hard and stay consistent. Utilise social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to showcase your work. It is essential to keep posting. Above all, pray and seek God’s guidance in everything you do. I always commit whateve
Read more

Germany opens doors to 250,000 Kenyan workers

-
Image
Germany has signed an agreement to allow 250,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers from Kenya to migrate under a new labour migration deal aimed at addressing workforce shortages in Europe’s largest economy. The agreement, which focuses on controlled and targeted migration, was signed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Kenyan President William Ruto in Berlin. As Kenya faces increasing challenges in providing employment and adequate income for its young professionals, Germany is experiencing a shortage of skilled labour. The deal offers a solution to both countries’ issues, creating opportunities for Kenyans to work in Germany while addressing the country’s labour demands. In a pilot phase of the program, five Kenyan bus drivers have already arrived in Flensburg, northern Germany, as part of the larger plan. Migration agreements like this one have become a key element of Germany’s broader efforts to manage immigration and labour shortages effectively. The deal will also simplify the re
Read more

Messi scores twice on return from injury as Inter Miami defeat Philadelphia Union 3-1

-
Image
Lionel Messi dazzled in his return from injury Saturday, scoring two goals in the space of four minutes and adding an assist in Inter Miami’s 3-1 Major League Soccer victory over the Philadelphia Union. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner hadn’t played since injuring his right ankle during the Copa America final on July 14, when he helped Argentina to victory over Colombia. Since then he had missed eight MLS games for his club and this month’s World Cup qualifiers for his country. Messi hadn’t played for Inter since June 1, but he didn’t miss a beat as he was inserted into the starting lineup. “The truth is that I’m a little tired,” he said after the match. “The heat and humidity in Miami don’t help much either, but I really wanted to come back, I had been off of the field for a long time. “Little by little I was training with the group, feeling good and that’s why we decided that I would start, and I’m very happy — very happy.” Miami coach Gerardo Martino was delighted to see his star c
Read more

Unanswered questions one year after Mohbad’s death

-
Image
Despite continuous investigation to unravel the true circumstances surrounding the death of late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, the air remains thick with unresolved questions and lingering grief. On September 12, 2024, while his family quietly commemorated the first year anniversary of his death, the shadows of uncertainty loomed larger than ever. Fans and loved ones are left grappling with a profound sense of loss and a desperate yearning for clarity. The singer had died in controversial circumstances on September 12, 2023 and there has been no concrete account for what led to the death of the late singer, though there have been wide and wild speculations from diverse quarters. In this piece, Saturday Beats takes a look at significant steps that have been taken towards the unraveling of the reason behind his death so far Inconclusive autopsy results Despite the fact that the body of the late singer was exhumed for the purpose of an autopsy to determine his death on September 2
Read more

Single ladies panic as bloodthirsty boyfriends slaugter lovers

-
Image
Many women are growing increasingly fearful following the rise in cases of boyfriends killing young women for ritual purposes in different states. The women view the killings as a reflection of societal failure, greed, and cruelty, leaving them feeling unsafe, even in public spaces. One recent case involved a 25-year-old man, identified simply as Elisha, who was arrested on May 14 for allegedly killing his lover in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Similarly, Christiana Idowu, a female student at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Ogun State, was kidnapped and killed on August 19 by one Ayomide Adeleye, who had previously been accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend in 2018. Other cases include the August 6 arrest of Fatai Mogaji in Lagos State for allegedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend, Opeyemi Shoyinka, to death, and the chilling murder of 19-year-old Damilola, a student at the Federal University in Lokoja. Damilola’s killer, 20-year-old Jeremiah Samson, was arrested after dismember
Read more