Prophet Israel Oladele of the Celestial Church of Christ, Genesis Global International Parish, has unveiled plans for the Luli Prayer Conference 2026, calling on members of the Celestial Church of Christ worldwide to embrace peace, unity and fervent prayers for Nigeria.

The Global Prophet made the announcement during a media briefing in Lagos, where he highlighted the spiritual significance of September 29, the founding day of the Celestial Church of Christ worldwide, describing it as a moment for thanksgiving, renewal and collective intercession.

According to him, this year’s conference will hold on September 29, 2026, at Genesis Global City, Alakuko, Lagos, bringing together Celestials, Christians and people of other faiths for a day of worship and prayer.

Prophet Oladele said the 2026 edition would place particular emphasis on praying for Nigeria as the country approaches another election cycle.

He noted that the church has a divine responsibility to continually seek God’s intervention for the nation’s peace, stability and progress, adding that the conference would extend beyond celebration to become a platform for prayers for Nigeria and the world.

“The Luli Prayer Conference is not just a celebration; it is a divine gathering where we unite in thanksgiving and seek God’s intervention for our nation and humanity,” he said.

The cleric also made a passionate appeal for unity within the Celestial Church of Christ, urging members across different parishes and regions to recognise their shared spiritual heritage.

He stressed that all Celestials are bound together by the legacy of the church’s founder, Reverend Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshofa, whose vision continues to define the identity of the worldwide church.

According to Prophet Oladele, differences among members should never overshadow the common foundation laid by the founder, as unity remains essential to preserving the church’s mission.

He described Reverend Oshofa’s legacy as a rallying point capable of bringing together Celestials across the globe, regardless of branch, location or personal differences.

Looking ahead, the Global Prophet announced that the 2027 Luli Prayer Conference would coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Celestial Church of Christ, promising what he described as an “explosive” global celebration.

He said preparations for the landmark anniversary would begin immediately after this year’s conference, with activities expected to unite Celestials from around the world in celebrating eight decades of the church’s existence.

Prophet Oladele reiterated that preserving the unity of the Celestial family remains vital to honouring the vision of Reverend S.B.J. Oshofa and ensuring the continued growth of the church worldwide.

He concluded the briefing by urging members to embrace their shared identity, work together in love and continue praying for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria.

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Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg has praised Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare’s goal-scoring instinct, describing his teammate as a specialist in positioning and a “monster in front of goal.”

Arokodare has made an impressive start to life at the Amsterdam club since joining on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring five goals in eight appearances across competitions. The 25-year-old’s loan deal runs until the summer of 2027 and includes an option for Ajax to make the move permanent.

Dolberg, who is competing with Arokodare for a starting place, said he had been paying attention to the Nigerian’s movement inside the penalty area and believes there are aspects of his game that he can adopt.

“I enjoy participating in the game, but the coach wants me to be more aggressive in front of goal. And I understand that. In that regard, I can learn something from Tolu, even though he is a competitor,” Dolberg said.

The Danish striker went further in his assessment of Arokodare, highlighting the Nigerian’s ability to find the right positions and finish chances.

“He is a specialist in choosing his position and is a monster in front of goal. I talk to him a lot about that. I need to start scoring more,” Dolberg added.
Arokodare’s form has made him one of Ajax’s most productive attackers early in the 2026/27 campaign. His five goals have come in eight appearances, with two assists also recorded during the opening weeks of his spell in Amsterdam.

The Nigerian has also made an impact in European competition, scoring twice in Ajax’s 5-3 victory over Sion in the Conference League qualifying play-off. He subsequently scored in the club’s 4-0 league victory over Telstar.

His performances have also attracted praise from former Ajax midfielder Marciano Vink, who described the forward as a player with considerable footballing quality after watching his early performances for the club.

Arokodare joined Ajax during the summer from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan, with the Dutch club holding an option to sign him permanently. Ajax’s official profile lists him as a Nigerian attacker and confirms his loan arrangement with Wolves.
For Dolberg, however, Arokodare’s influence extends beyond the competition for playing time. The Dane’s comments suggest that the Nigerian’s movement and efficiency inside the box are qualities he believes can help him improve his own scoring output.

The praise comes as Arokodare continues to establish himself at Ajax, with his early goalscoring form giving the Super Eagles another attacking option ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.