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Rev. Azigiza Jnr, God’s own piece of work!
Born Victor Kpakpo Addo, his name Azigiza Jnr. resonates with the arts and entertainment circle as a professional dancer, musician and celebrated disc jockey who was on top of his game in the early 90s.
His hit songs, stage performance and dexterity on the turntable warmed the hearts of both young and old and earned him local and international recognition in that era.
But even after abandoning ‘worldly pleasures’ some 24 years ago to take up the cross, he continues to be an inspiration and stands out as a robust personality who was determined to make his future brighter than the past.
Rev Azigiza Jnr. and his wife, Mrs Trudy Edith Addo, currently lead the Citizen Fellowship Church at Basket Bus Stop on the Spintex Road in Accra with the vision of drawing people closer to God and helping them fulfil their destinies.
Interacting with The Spectator after the ‘Old School Mash Up Service’ on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at the church premises, the preacher man reflected on his life and career, the experience of shepherding his flock for the past two years as well as the prospects of an upcoming television show dubbed: ‘Testimony.’
Christian journey
Prior to starting the fast-growing and lively fellowship, Rev. Azigiza Jnr. served 16 years under his former pastor, Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Marmah Markwei of Living Streams Ministries International in Accra.
The journey to becoming a born-again Christian, according to him, was a “gradual process” made possible by his ability to start and excel at anything he sets his mind to do.
He said the test of giving his life to Christ was in the reluctance and doubt some people had in accepting him into Christendom.
“I was a young boy, when I said I wanted to start music and I did it. I said I wanted to become Africa’s No.1 disc jockey and I did it.
“My challenge as a born again was the fact that I was left hanging. The secular [world] knew I was no longer with them but the Gospel also saw me too demonic; they did not think God could save me to be with them,” he noted.
Be it as it may, he said, God’s validation remained superior to human perception, therefore, the cynicism rather spurred him on to execute the spiritual assignment unabated.
“The first time I went to a church to preach, a lot of people did not turn up because they knew Azigiza was coming but when I finished preaching, the few that came changed their perception [about me],” he added.
Citizen Fellowship
The Entrepreneur and Multimedia Consultant agreed the job of a Lead Pastor could be quite daunting but it was still “a worthy cause” as he was involved in all aspects of church management compared with his days as a Junior or Associate Pastor.
Rev. Azigiza quoted Ephesians 2:19: “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,” to explain how the name of the church ‘Citizen Fellowship’ was derived.
He said the congregation with the tagline “God Chasers, Hope Restorers and Society Impacters”, was unique because “the word of God is kept real, radical and tight.”
In addition to preaching the Gospel, he envisions the church becoming “a complete institution” to undertake other progressive initiatives to impact the lives of members and society positively.
Career
Rev. Azigiza was trained on the job as a presenter and DJ. He hosted shows including ‘Music for Your Dancing Feet’ on Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and Joy Fm before travelling to the United States of America.
Paying reverence to his mentor, Kwasi Kyei Darkwah popularly called KKD and other individuals, he attributed his fame to the “hunger for success” in the early days.
Asked about his current taste for music, the “Kehinka” and “Medo Wo Abena” singer said he paid attention to the lyrics of a wide range of secular music so he could provide good counsel to the youth in his church and beyond.
Testimony
The soon-to-be aired “Testimony” show, he said, would dramatise the experience of individuals from diverse backgrounds as they share their true stories that reflect the magnitude of God’s intervention in their lives.
Having been married for the past 20 years, the father of two identified tolerance, understanding, patience and the influence of spiritual role models as some of the ingredients of his lasting union.
“The road ahead is still long and we will continue to keep it [the marriage] God’s way”, he stressed.
Rev. Azigiza the author of the book “And So What”? published in 2018, said he intended empowering more readers through future write-ups. Part of the 92-page book captures a harrowing moment when he was nearly lynched for a petty theft he did not commit.
The anointed man of God who uses his personal experiences to coach his mentees through the “Azigiza Mentors You” initiative points out in his narrative that: “While we may never be able to go back into time and change the grey moments in our past, we always have the opportunity to make our today and tomorrow a better one.”
Advice
Acknowledging the role of good parental guidance in the overall development of an individual, he observed that “God has a Master Plan for everyone, therefore, young people should not be swayed by negative social norms.”
“Don’t make society define you because society did not create you. God has special plans for you so don’t jump the gun, continue to walk in the fear of God, keep your ways pure and your time would surely come,” he emphasised.
By Ernest Nutsugah
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
