The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has responded to claims that he once protested against former President Goodluck Jonathan's government.

What he said

Speaking at the church's monthly Holy Ghost Service, in comments reported on Sunday, 1 November 2026, Adeboye said he did not carry any placard against Jonathan. He explained that the event was a prayer walk and a march against corruption, aimed at drawing attention to the country's problems. He added that he has never protested against any government and that his role is to pray for those in authority.

Why it came up

Clips and posts claiming that the cleric had carried a placard against the Jonathan administration have circulated online in recent weeks, as supporters of different candidates debate the role of religious leaders in politics ahead of the 2027 elections. Some critics argued that church leaders who spoke out under Jonathan have been quieter under the current government.

Background

Adeboye leads one of Nigeria's largest churches, with branches around the world, and his statements are closely followed. Religious leaders have played a prominent part in national debates on insecurity and the economy. Several pastors and Islamic clerics have also spoken out this week about the elections and religious freedom.

How people reacted

His explanation drew mixed reactions. Some members welcomed the clarification, while others insisted the march was widely seen as a protest at the time.

Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, the Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, has reportedly introduced his new wife to the congregation, bringing fresh attention to his personal life and to the church's leadership.

Photos from the occasion show the couple dressed in matching red outfits, smiling together on the church stage.

Background

For those who may not know, Pastor Jimmy was previously married to Kemi Odukoya, and the marriage produced two children. That marriage reportedly ended some years ago.

His sister, who also serves as an associate pastor in the church, has spoken publicly about the breakdown of her own marriage, including her personal experiences and how her faith in God carried her through that difficult period.

The Fountain of Life Church was founded by their late parents, Pastors Taiwo and Bimbo Odukoya, and the children have continued the family's ministry.

A question about double standards

The news raises a question about how marriage and divorce are discussed in some Nigerian churches.

Many religious institutions regularly remind ordinary members that marriage is sacred and that the Bible says God hates divorce. Some believers are even made to feel guilty for leaving marriages that have become unbearable.

Yet when divorce happens within prominent pastoral families, the conversation often becomes more understanding. Suddenly, people are encouraged to consider personal circumstances, healing, forgiveness and new beginnings.

Perhaps they should. Pastors are human beings too. But shouldn't ordinary church members receive that same understanding?

Finding love again

There is nothing wrong with anyone finding love again after a failed marriage. The concern is the apparent gap between what some churches preach to their members and how they respond when their own leaders face similar situations.

So the question is this: if divorce can be understood and accepted when it involves church leaders, why should ordinary Christians sometimes be made to feel condemned for the same decision?

What is your opinion?

Nigerians without smartphones or internet access may soon be able to borrow money through a new government-backed scheme.

What was unveiled

The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) launched SPARK at a 'CREDICORP for All' event in Aba, Abia State, attended by more than 1,000 residents, according to reports on Sunday, 1 November 2026. The product works on USSD, the basic mobile service available on simple feature phones, allowing eligible users to start credit transactions without a data connection.

Who it is for

SPARK is aimed at first-time borrowers, low-income earners and others who are poorly served by traditional banks. CREDICORP says it will also help users build formal credit histories by borrowing and repaying responsibly. Loan sizes, interest rates and eligibility rules were not disclosed, and the USSD code has not yet been published. CREDICORP expects the product to be widely available before the end of 2026.

Who spoke

CREDICORP's chief executive, Uzoma Nwagba, spoke at the event, along with a representative of Abia Governor Alex Otti and an official of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated.

Background

CREDICORP was set up in 2024 to expand access to consumer credit, so that Nigerians can buy goods such as phones, solar systems and household items and pay over time. Many Nigerians rely on online loan apps, some of which have been criticised for high interest rates and harsh debt-recovery methods.

A warning

Officials urged people to wait for official announcements and to avoid unverified platforms claiming to register people for SPARK loans.

A new pan-African bank dedicated to financing energy projects has officially started work in Nigeria's capital.

What happened

The Africa Energy Bank held its first general meeting in Abuja and named Helmy Ghazi as its first president, according to a statement by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) reported on Sunday, 1 November 2026. The bank has an authorised capital of $5 billion.

What the bank will do

The bank was set up by Afreximbank and the African Petroleum Producers' Organisation (APPO) to fund oil, gas and other energy infrastructure on the continent. Afreximbank estimates that Africa needs about $200 billion in energy investment to meet its development needs. Supporters of the bank say it will help African producers finance projects at a time when many Western lenders have pulled back from funding oil and gas.

Background

Nigeria won the bid to host the bank's headquarters, beating other African countries, and the Federal Government has promoted the institution as a sign of investor confidence. African oil producers have long complained that it is difficult to raise money for fossil fuel projects as global banks shift towards renewable energy. The bank is expected to fund a mix of projects, including gas processing, refineries and power generation.

What it means

For Nigeria, hosting the bank could bring jobs, international meetings and closer ties with energy investors, though analysts say its success will depend on how quickly it can raise funds and start lending.