馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
President Tinubu celebrates Pastor Kumuyi's 85th birthday, commends his spiritual impact
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Pastor William Kumuyi, founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, on his 85th birthday. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Pastor Kumuyi as a remarkable man of God whose faith and dedication have shaped one of Nigeria's most influential Christian ministries for over five decades. The President praised Pastor Kumuyi's impact on believers in Nigeria and globally, noting that his voice, writings, and ministry, including the Global Crusade with Kumuyi, have reached millions. President Tinubu highlighted that Pastor Kumuyi's ministry has transformed lives, restored families, inspired leaders, and strengthened the faith of generations. He prayed for Pastor Kumuyi's continued health and vitality. Born on June 6, 1941, in Erin-Ijesha, Osun State, Pastor Kumuyi founded the Deeper Life Bible Church in 1973 as a campus fellowship at the University of Lagos, where he was a mathematics lecturer. The ministry has since expanded into one of Africa's largest Pentecostal denominations, with congregations in over 150 countries.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Lebanon has announced that citizens from 13 African countries are eligible for a tourist visa on arrival. This policy allows travelers from these nations to enter Lebanon without obtaining a visa from a Lebanese embassy prior to their departure. The eligible countries include Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia from North Africa; Ghana, C么te d鈥橧voire, and Nigeria from West Africa; and Comoros, Djibouti, and Somalia from East Africa. Upon arrival at Lebanese airports or land border crossings, eligible travelers will be issued a one-month tourist visa, provided they meet specific entry conditions. These conditions include presenting a confirmed return or onward travel ticket, proof of accommodation such as a confirmed hotel booking or a verified residential address with the host's contact number, and evidence of sufficient financial means, specifically at least $2,000 in cash or a certified bank cheque of the same value. Failure to meet these requirements may lead to refusal of entry, even if the traveler is from an eligible country.
Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, has voiced concerns regarding the proposed 2026 federal budget, advocating for increased transparency, accountability, and robust oversight in public fund management. In a statement, Frank highlighted that the ongoing public debate surrounding the budget has intensified scrutiny of government spending, emphasizing the need for financial management institutions to uphold openness and accountability. He urged the Federal Government to enhance accountability mechanisms to rebuild public trust and ensure prudent management of resources. Frank stated that recent revelations and controversies around the 2026 budget reinforce the perception of the current administration as one of Nigeria鈥檚 most troubling in recent history. He added that allegations of inflated budgetary provisions and questionable expenditures raise new concerns about the budgeting process's credibility. The former APC spokesman also called on the National Assembly to fulfill its constitutional duty of scrutinizing government expenditure and providing effective oversight. He noted that public perception of the legislature's lack of independence could weaken democratic institutions and public trust. Frank appealed to Nigeria鈥檚 international development partners to continue support while encouraging stricter safeguards to ensure transparent management of development assistance. He also urged Nigerians to peacefully demand greater
Former Nigeria women鈥檚 national team players have cautioned that the Federal Government鈥檚 failure to fulfill promises made to the Super Falcons could jeopardize the team鈥檚 pursuit of an 11th Women鈥檚 Africa Cup of Nations title and qualification for the next FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup. Members of the United Ex-Super Falcons Worldwide, meeting in Chicago, expressed concern that the government has not yet delivered on promises of $100,000, land allocations, and other rewards for each player, a year after the team's success. Former player Patience Avre stated that the uncertainty surrounding these unfulfilled promises has negatively impacted the morale of current players preparing for the tournament in Morocco. She added that players are hesitant to complain openly for fear of being dropped. The former players are appealing to the Federal Government, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to motivate the current squad and ensure both past and present Super Falcons players benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda, citing historical poor treatment of ex-players. In contrast, Nigeria鈥檚 women鈥檚 basketball team, D鈥橳igress, received their promised $100,000 and housing units after winning the 2025 Women鈥檚 AfroBasket. The National Sports Commission attributed the delay for the Super Falcons to the postponement of their camping program ahead of the 2026 WAFCON, noting that the Super Eagles received their land documents and national honors certificates before