The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Bribery and bills

    Bribery and bills

    Unbelievable! Scandalous! Ibrahim Auyo, a member of the House of Representatives representing Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency, Jigawa State, dropped a bombshell during a meeting with his constituents. 

    In a video of the meeting, which went viral, the lawmaker, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made claims that seemed to have a   ring of truth because they came from an insider. Speaking in Hausa, he said: “Since I was elected as a member in 2015, no individual has given me a bill to pass, either from Auyo, Hadejia, or Kafin Hausa. They are just pretending.” This was part of his defence after some people had accused him of poor representation based on his alleged failure to sponsor bills in the House.   

    He continued: “And also, even the bills and petitions are paid for. You have to pay from N3 million, N2 million, or N1 million to present it.

    “And after you present the bill, you must follow up by lobbying the whole 360 members of the House to accept the bill.”

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    Expectedly, this response to criticism of his legislative performance by some of his constituents provoked public outrage. His claim that money usually changed hands among House members in the process of presenting bills puts the legislators in a bad light. 

    However, he also said he was open to receiving proposals from the constituency. “For the bills, I give each community the chance to present theirs,” he stated, adding, “They should sit with their community leaders, write down their needs, and bring them to me in Auyo.

     “Even if I am not in Auyo and I am in Abuja, they should delegate two or three people from the LGA to meet my team so we can confirm it is from the constituency and see if I can address it or not…

    “I have my representatives—they should go through them. If they do so, I can first review it; if I can do it myself, I will. If it is a bill, I can also present it.”

    This suggests he would be willing to pay to be allowed to present a bill, given his claim that such a practice exists.  If it does, that would be another condemnable instance of political corruption. 

    The Deputy Spokesperson, House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and “a deliberate attempt to mislead Nigerians.” He added that Auyo “has been grappling with mental health challenges, which have significantly impacted his participation in the 10th Assembly.” He also said the lawmaker “has recorded less than 10 percent attendance and has contributed zero bills, motions, or petitions.”

     He asked: “Where is his proof of these alleged payments?” Indeed, Auyo should corroborate his claims, if he can. More importantly, the anti-corruption agencies have a duty to investigate the bribery allegations.

  • Why quest for food sufficiency may remain elusive

    Why quest for food sufficiency may remain elusive

    • By Bashir Bello

    Sir: Nigeria’s dream of achieving food and agricultural sufficiency will remain elusive unless we radically change our strategy. Over the years, various agricultural policies and programmes have been implemented, yet results remain minimal. The glaring failure of numerous agricultural programmes vis-a-vis the CBN-funded NIRSAL programme, designed to enhance the agricultural value chain and boost farming as a business, is evident in the rising cost of food and farm commodities.

    We must shift gears and abandon outdated methods for innovative approaches. Agriculture is our future; Nigeria’s prosperity lies not in oil, but in the agricultural sector. Yet, our farming practices still rely heavily on manual labour instead of capital investment and advanced training to adopt modern methods.

    Agriculture today is no longer confined to land alone. It extends to water bodies and even vertical spaces. Reliance on land, labour, and natural endowments is no longer a guarantee for surplus production. The next stage demands the adoption of scientific and technological processes; indoor farming with greenhouses and mega green complexes, aquaponics, hydroponics, vertical farming, and eliminating dependence on unpredictable weather.

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    These methods can also reduce or even remove the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Consider the Netherlands: with less than 1% of the U.S. landmass, it is the world’s second-largest food exporter, earning nearly $90 billion last year. By perfecting growing conditions and maximizing space, yields can reach up to 350 times that of conventional farming. Dutch greenhouses produce 35% of the nation’s vegetables using only 1% of its farmland, and the country is moving toward complete control of the production process, removing reliance on sunlight and other unpredictable elements caused by climate change. Precision farming guarantees full control from seed to harvest.

    Modern farming is about capital and technology; investments in infrastructure, energy, scientific equipment, and machinery, coupled with intensive farmer training and retraining.

    The UN estimates that global food demand will rise by 70% by 2050 as the population grows, even as farmland and water resources shrink due to global warming. For Nigeria, with a rapidly growing population and stagnant agricultural output, the gap between food demand and supply is widening dangerously.

    Securing our food future requires environmental sustainability and a shift to futuristic farming. This involves high-tech, capital-driven agriculture through collaboration between government, scientists, and industry. We must borrow a leaf from world leaders in agriculture, rather than clinging to traditional methods that cannot meet the needs of tomorrow.

    •Bashir Bello,

    Kaduna

  • Who needs a National Council of Traditional Rulers?

    Who needs a National Council of Traditional Rulers?

    • By IfeanyiChukwu Afuba

    Sir: Five months after it came up for second reading at the senate, Senator Simon Lalong’s bill for creation of a national council for traditional rulers, has continued to receive knocks. Although the focus of widespread criticism of the bill, namely, designation of Sultan of Sokoto and Ooni of Ife, as permanent co-chairmen, has reportedly been denied by proponents of the bill, that disclaimer does not salvage the intended legislation.

    Beyond the historical involvement of the monarchy in government set out as general principles, Lalong’s bill latches on to a strange notion of security for contemporary relevance.

    How many traditional rulers from a state will be delegated to the monarchs’ council at Abuja? On whose behalf and to what extent of “jurisdiction” would the one or two state representatives at Abuja be engaged in security engineering? Would they be preoccupied with their constituencies, where they’re presumably informed, or would the focus be nationwide, addressing issues in areas beyond their knowledge and competence?

    And how do the security bodies, with institutional orientation, fit into this outlandish format?

    It should be pointed out at this stage that the uniformity element of the bill, being at variance with Nigeria’s plurality, is unhelpful. Unlike what obtains in the north, community governance, say in the southeast, is in the hands of town unions, not traditional rulers. The latter is a ceremonial office, given to the celebration of cultural heritage. Actual community administration, from security to civil matters to infrastructure, is vested in the town union leadership. The town union government operates with a written constitution under supervision of the state government. In this context, reliance on any other office beside the town union president for security advisory would be misplaced. At best, the traditional ruler may complement the reach of town union leadership.

    Efforts at creating a traditional rulers council for purposes of national security and peace should be better deployed toward establishment of state police. Greater result in law and order would flow from simultaneous operation of federal and state police in the country. The man on the ground in the state is the governor. He knows the terrain, the issues and actors at play in the state. With a police command under his authority, the task of peaceful coexistence and social order would be much easier compared to centralised police machinery.

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    Reality of a governor’s power to hire and fire under state police will make the state police commissioner to sit up and deliver unlike what obtains in the current system. Moreover, state police will function at little or no additional cost to states. The reason is simple: Unofficially, states presently bear the brunt of police operations in their jurisdiction just as they also bear the burden of rehabilitating federal roads.

    Fears have been expressed on the potential conflict between the proposed traditional rulers’ council and other organs of government. Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and a number of senators during deliberations on March 13, emphasised the need for clear-cut responsibilities in the bill.

    The senators were putting it mildly. Senator Lalong and his co-travellers on the medieval route are clearly out of touch with imperatives of our democratic order as well as the pulse of the people. It’s disappointing to find elected representatives advocating the creation of a feudal – oriented institution in a republican democracy in the twenty-first century!

    A role for traditional rulers in government translates to combination of feudal privilege with political authority.

    Already, Nigeria is weighed down with bursting governmental structure. Local, state and federal governments are plagued by over-bloated machinery. Several public service reforms, notably Stephen Oronsaye 2012 Report bemoan the trend of redundant establishments in the system. The task of scrapping these duplicated or irrelevant departments is still a long way from completion. Nigerians look forward to elimination of more areas of waste, not additions to the bureaucracy such as a council of traditional rulers. Reducing the cost of governance in favour of social services however does not stop at whittling down administrative organs. Some aspects of our government and politics require systemic surgery from the roots. Nigeria does not need bicameral, federal legislature. One legislative house is enough. The dual legislative chamber is a colossal drain on resources and time.

    •IfeanyiChukwu Afuba,

    <afubaifeanyichukwu@gmail.com>

  • Bauchi’s unflattering governance scorecard

    Bauchi’s unflattering governance scorecard

    Sir: A recent report by WikkiTimes revealed that the Bauchi State government spent almost N20 billion in just six months of 2025 on vehicles, consultancy services, and travels. This amount is more than the total capital spending on health and education combined for the same period.

    According to the state’s budget performance report for the first and second quarters of 2025, N5.82 billion was spent on vehicles alone, which is already 62.2% of the entire N9.37 billion budgeted for the year. Travels and transport cost N3.65 billion, representing 53.8% of the N6.79 billion annual allocation. Consultancy and other professional services consumed N10.58 billion, which is 80.1% of the N13.21 billion set aside for the whole year. The government has also spent N9.96 billion out of its N10 billion security vote, almost exhausting it in just half a year.

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    Meanwhile, key sectors that directly affect the lives of ordinary people are being neglected: The Ministry of Education, with N23.78 billion for the year, spent only N2.78 billion — just 11.7% of its budget. The Ministry of Higher Education used only N1.41 billion out of N13.85 billion — 10.2%. The Ministry of Health did slightly better, spending N13.99 billion out of N47.15 billion, but that is still less than 30% of its budget.

    This clearly shows a government that is prioritizing political and administrative expenses over the real needs of its people. Bauchi State does not need more luxury vehicles for politicians. What it needs is quality education, functional health care, job opportunities for young people, and good roads that truly serve communities.

    Without these basic services, crime and hardship will continue to rise. The people of Bauchi deserve a government that focuses on their welfare and works to develop the state in a way that benefits everyone — not just those in power.

    •Yasir Shehu Adam (Dan Liman),

    Bauchi

  • FRSC: Law enforcers turn lawbreakers?

    FRSC: Law enforcers turn lawbreakers?

    • By Oladebo A. O

    Sir: It is a bitter irony that the very agency charged with keeping our roads safe—the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)—often fails to meet the same standards it imposes on Nigerians.

    Their officers are quick to stop private car owners for lacking fire extinguishers or warning triangles, yet many of the FRSC’s official vehicles have no such gadgets. Some run on fairly used tyres (tokunbo), others on tyres long past expiry dates. When these vehicles break down in the middle of the road, they fail to display warning signs, turning themselves into hazards.

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    The hypocrisy runs deeper. Commercial buses, many without even the most basic safety equipment, are waived on after “settling” on the roadside. The message is clear: safety takes a back seat when bribes are involved.

    Road safety should not be a weapon of intimidation against law-abiding motorists while dangerous vehicles roam free. If the FRSC wants to be taken seriously, it must first clean its own house and lead by example. Until then, their roadblocks will be nothing more than toll gates for corruption.

    •Oladebo A. O,

    <oladeboyemi@gmail.com>

  • National single window comes to life after failed attempts

    National single window comes to life after failed attempts

    By Arabinrin Aderonke

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies are yielding great interest. Since taking office, he has implemented policies that are sustainable and beneficial to the Nigerian economy, one of which is the National Single Window (NSW). 

    Nigeria has always been a country of opportunity, but too often, those opportunities were lost in endless queues, paperwork, and delays. Anyone who has tried to move goods across our borders knows the struggle.

    In just two years, President Tinubu, whom we all affectionately call Jagaban, has proven that change is possible with his Renewed Hope Administration and unwavering conviction for national progress. With focus and determination, he is transforming the National Single Window from concept to reality, making trade simpler, faster, and fairer for every Nigerian trader.

    What exactly is this National Single Window project? Simply put, it is a digital platform designed to merge all trade-related processes into one system. For years, businesses have had to navigate different government offices, submit the same documents to different agencies, and wait endlessly for approvals. 

    The NSW changes that. With this system, importers, exporters, and other traders can submit permits, licenses, and customs documentation through a single portal.

    National Single Window was officially launched in April 2024, with President Tinubu identifying it as a major policy priority. Previous attempts in 2009/2010 and 2012/2013 failed, but the NSW is now on track to go live in the first quarter of 2026.

    This reform is backed by strong leadership, as exemplified by the work of Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, who has been delivering inter-agency collaboration. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) are working together to ensure seamless integration.

    The project is also being implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Their collective efforts are focused on meeting the 2026 deadline set by President Tinubu.

    President Tinubu’s vision is about building a Nigeria that works. Removing the long-standing fuel subsidies was not an easy decision; it came with discomfort, but it freed up trillions of naira for more investments. Roads are being built and repaired daily, public facilities are being upgraded, and more money is flowing into education and healthcare.

    This is the same man who addressed one of Nigeria’s long-standing problems with different exchange rates by bringing them together into one market-based rate. 

    This reduced the gap between the official rate and the black-market rate, helped steady the naira, and cut the fiscal deficit. It also made it easier for businesses and investors, both in Nigeria and abroad, to plan and operate.

    The National Single Window will save Nigeria billions of naira each year by cutting down delays, reducing corruption, and speeding up trade processes. Exporters will move goods faster, importers will avoid unnecessary demurrage charges, and small businesses will access global markets. 

    This system benefits not only big companies but also farmers, manufacturers, and local traders by removing the difficulty that has slowed our economy for years.

    Dr. Zacch has distinguished himself as a visionary and dependable MAN in directing the National Single Window to progress. As chair of the project’s Steering Committee, he has secured the necessary legal framework, united key agencies, and driven the harmonisation of trade processes. 

    His ability to balance strategic oversight with decisive action has not only advanced the project to a higher stage but also earned the trust of both local stakeholders and international partners.

    President Tinubu is showing the nation what leadership looks like. He has been making decisions, staying true to his resolve, and working to lift Nigeria to greater heights. 

    The National Single Window is one example of how he is turning ideas into solutions that improve the daily lives of Nigerians. He has given this project the political will it needs to succeed, showing that when a leader believes in the potential of his country, no challenge is too great to overcome.

    Read Also: National Single Window for operation in March 2026

    From one reform to another, a performing leader indeed, it can only be President Tinubu. He is setting the record straight by showing up, not with empty promises. 

    The change we have been shouting about for years is finally here, and you can see it happening. Who else is doing or can do it like this? What else can speak louder than what we are seeing? Step by step, life is getting better, and people can feel it. This is how Nigeria moves forward.

    _Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service_

  • The Ibom Air furore

    The Ibom Air furore

    • By Abdu Rafiu

    The last may not have been heard in the Ibom Air affair. I am referring to the incident that occurred just before the take off of Uyo-Lagos flight Q9 303 of the airliner on Sunday. The brouhaha escalated when the aircraft landed in Lagos. The lady at the centre of the messy controversy, Miss Comfort Emmason, was remanded in custody by an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court but was set free on Wednesday following intervention by Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo who had prevailed on the airline to cause the trial to be discontinued. Ibom Air was the complainant. Keyamo also successfully got the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to drop their flying ban for life slammed on the lady. The preponderance of public opinion was in her favour for which she expressed profound appreciation upon being freed from Kirikiri correctional custody. She has promised to state her version of the event after taking some rest and she has seen to her health, saying she was in pains at the moment. In her words, “Thank you so much for the prayers, love and support…I really appreciate y’all from the bottom of my heart. God bless you all.”

    The government waded in undoubtedly more concerned with bringing about understanding and reconciliation between the feuding parties. This is borne out of the Keyamo’s review of the incident and his conclusion that both sides had their shortcomings. The whole problem arose when Miss Comfort Emmason declined to heed the customary, basic and universal safety protocol for all air passengers to switch off electronic devices, chief among which is telephone. This was before the airliner’s take off from Uyo. Flight officers say electronic gadgets interfere with navigational and communication systems in the aircraft. Miss Emmason said she could not switch off her phone, which was of the sophisticated iPhone make, because it had issues. It took a man seated by her following apprehension by other passengers within ear shot to collect the phone from her and switch it off. But this was not until there had been altercations between her and an air hostess and the pilot intervened. The first air hostess that met her did not succeed in getting her to shut down the phone in line with the accustomed aviation safety procedures. A presumably more senior one then approached her, and an argument ensued. Calm was restored after the intervention of the pilot. But the worst was to come, this time upon the airliner landing in Lagos.

    In a conflict of this nature, there will be many versions of what happened and who did what. Everyone would look at the matter according to his own light and capacity to weigh and examine to be able to objectively separate the wheat from the chaff. An account, for example, said when the flight touched down in Lagos, Miss Emmason first went to the convenience before disembarking the aircraft. This raised suspicion among some passengers that she might be up to something. Their suspicion was soon to be proven right as she turned out to be the last passenger to disembark. It was alleged on her way out, she headed for the cabin where she tore off the wig and the pair of glasses from the hostess with whom she had altercations and threw the glasses on the floor. She gave her many slaps and used her shoe to hit her. In the unruly conduct, she also slapped some other crew member who attempted to intervene. Indeed, the airline said she made for the fire extinguisher to use it to cause damage to the aircraft and ground it. She assaulted the purser who prevented her from alighting from the aircraft; she had earlier stepped on a passenger. It then became necessary to forcibly remove her from the aircraft. This led to a struggle with the airline’s security who attempted to deboard her. She was brought out of the aircraft eventually and dragged on the ground. In the process her blouse was torn. Security was called in and after being handed over to the police she was taken to the magistrate’s court that ordered that she be remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

    Another account states that Miss Emmason was not rude. She was calm when she was approached. She said her phone was on a flight mode, a facility that does not exist in the aircraft. A co-passenger blamed the whole incident on an air hostess whom he said was power drunk. And contrary to the version in the foregoing, it was the air hostess, raising her voice who took the phone from her and smashed it on the floor and describing Emmason as useless— “All these useless children, all these people who have no respect. Do I look like your mate?” When Miss Emmason attempted to come out of the plane, she was blocked, indeed, pushed away by the purser. The arrival of FAAN security was being awaited. When they came she assaulted them too, slapping the ground supervisor.

    The government may have hastily intervened in the fray. The intervention, however, should not stop Ibom Air from heeding the directive of National Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to do the needful, a thorough investigation into the incident. The nation must get to the bottom of the matter. Did the confusion have to do with the psychological challenge of anybody to recognize the implications of their conduct? The findings of the investigations should be made public. It is a matter that should have been allowed to be tried in court. The truth of the incident would then have come out and the consequences would have served as a deterrence to future occurrences for passengers as well as to an airline operator. Because the lady was dragged on the ground and she had her clothes torn, she naturally triggered public sympathy and support swaying to her side. That the disgraceful treatment meted out to her evoked overwhelming disapproval and disgust evinces our respect for womanhood, which is how it should be. Women should be regarded as special, as treasure in all human communities.

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    However, there are unanswered questions to form the basis for my preliminary comments. If the young lady’s phone had issues such that she could not shut it down, why did she carry it with her into the aircraft? After all, there is hardly anyone of her apparent status who is not boasting of two phones. The man seated by her side had to take it from her to switch off. If the phone could be used to edit videos, it meant it was operational and could receive and transmit radiations capable of interfering with navigational and communication systems. If she had adhered to standard and universal air travel procedures, would any air hostess have picked on her out of nearly 150 passengers on board to enforce aviation rules? Predictably she enjoyed the benefit of what could be called the underdog, “small man and big man persecution” syndrome—the big man being the Ibom Air. No one is bothered about the safety of nearly 150 or so other passengers should the stubborn breach of flight protocols lead to the aircraft losing height and crashing, killing all on board. Is it being suggested that the convenience of one passenger undergirded by a flimsy excuse of a malfunctioning phone to the detriment of other travellers is more important than the safety of so many people on the flight? Here was a flight of barely one hour, why would simple protocol not be heeded for the good of all. How would you evacuate a passenger who is capable of causing harm not only to the crew and the aircraft if not forcibly?

    At all times, aviation rules must be firmly enforced to engender confidence in flights. Note should be taken of the proclivity of youths, male and female to punch away on their phones as soon as they enter an aircraft. They may switch off when the announcement is made to do so but as soon as the hostess going round to check on compliance turns her back, they reopen their phones. There have been occasions some other apprehensive passengers have been observed to take up defiant youths, scold and educate them. We are in the age of enchanting technological wonders, no doubt, and the use of cell phones can pass for an addiction in these times because of their multi-tasked deployment even when the eventual effects of their radiations on the users are yet conclusive; but rules are rules. Ibom Air must not shrink from enforcing all flight protocols.

    A thorough investigation into the Sunday Uyo-Lagos flight as demanded by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (ACNN) is good for the Akwa Ibom State airline. It is a leading airline. Hardly are its flights delayed or capriciously cancelled. Its flights take off on schedule.

    It has proven it has a lot of promise for the country.

    The Uyo-Lagos flight incident has, however, exposed yet our penchant to expose our fault lines. The misconduct at Abuja Airport involving renowned artiste Wasiu Ayinde and the incident involving Comfort Emmason at Lagos Airport are being given ethnic colouration. It is claimed that while Miss Emmason was promptly arraigned for trial for an unruly conduct in Ibom Air flight to Lagos, Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde who attempted to hinder a flight from out of Abuja was merely given a slap on the wrist and let go after a public apology. Ayinde also known as K1 De Ultimate was banned from taking flights for only six months. His conduct was appalling. He assailed the ValueJet officials, particularly the lady pilot. He was remorseful after the deed and promptly apologised. Whether the apology was enough to assuage hurt and feelings is a different matter and it is arguable. It is a matter for ACNN and FAAN to decide. It came before the incident in Uyo and Lagos. Ibom Air and NOA may have thought such conduct by passengers was getting out of hand and it required severity to put it in check.

    And come to think of it, the police high command said it received an official petition from the NCAA accusing Wasiu Ayinde Marshal of engaging in unruly conduct that obstructed the safe operation of an aircraft at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja.

    The police said it had begun a thorough investigation into the incident and gave the assurance of collaboration with stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with aviation laws. This means that despite Ayinde’s apology the matter is not closed. But what is being insinuated by some politicians is that Festus Keyamo or his boss, Bola Tinubu must have directed differential handling of the two occurrences in Abuja and Lagos! The two airliners are owned by Akwa Ibom State. There is no limit to the depth of filth the magic year 2027 will not drive our political gladiators!

    DRESS CODE FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

    Obafemi Awolowo University has joined a host of other universities such as Ahmadu Bello University, Admiralty University, University of Lagos and some polytechnics in drawing up a dress code for its students. Hair plaiting and braiding by male students or see-through blouses, or low and inappropriate neckline for females, for example, are banned on the campus. The students without knowing it are being saved from inconceivable bitter spiritual consequences now and in the future. Dresses that do not give dignity to either gender will drag down. The conduct will avenge itself most bitterly even beyond an earth life. The matter will be fully discussed next week

  • The points Pastor Fatoyinbo missed on Babalola

    The points Pastor Fatoyinbo missed on Babalola

    Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo’s bold remarks in a viral video have ignited significant controversy within Nigeria’s Christian community. His confident assertions regarding Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, the revered founder of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), have raised critical concerns and are compelling viewers to seriously reflect on the implications of his statements.

    Fatoyinbo’s claims of arriving at an event in a privately owned jet that had never been used, alongside his assertion of owning two jets, highlight a concerning the trend among some contemporary ministers. These statements reflect a troubling shift in the perception of spiritual authority, as they increasingly prioritise glorifying material wealth over genuine spiritual depth and integrity.

    A Legacy of fire, not flash

    Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola was a man of profound humility and deep spiritual conviction, rather than one of ostentation or extravagance. His life and ministry were characterized by a remarkable commitment to holiness, self-sacrifice, and an unwavering dedication to the revival of faith in a tumultuous era. Through his efforts, Babalola became a pivotal figure in colonial Nigeria, where his ministry brought about miraculous healings and mass conversions and instigated significant societal change that resonated across various communities.

    Babalola’s influence was far-reaching, extending well beyond the confines of the Church. His impact in both Nigeria and Ghana was so significant that colonial authorities recognised his stature and invited him to take part in notable events, including those that surrounded Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to West Africa in 1956. This acknowledgment from such prominent figures highlighted the respect he commanded and the transformative role he played during a critical period in history.

    Contrary to narratives that suggest Babalola “had grace but died poor,” such assertions lack historical accuracy and fail to comprehend the true nature of spiritual wealth. Babalola lived with dignity throughout his life, demonstrating that one could possess spiritual riches alongside material comforts. He owned a top-tier vehicle of his time, and his life was sustained not by human effort alone but through divine provision—rather than enduring deprivation, he enjoyed a life marked by both faith and respect.

    Apostle Babalola’s legacy clearly demonstrates that true spiritual wealth goes far beyond material possessions. It underscores the significance of nurturing one’s soul, serving others, and making a meaningful impact in the pursuit of a higher purpose.

    Wealth and the gospel: A necessary distinction

    The Gospel serves as a crucial reminder that we must be vigilant against the dangers of covetousness. Our lives should not be dictated by the mere accumulation of material possessions. This powerful message is clearly articulated in Luke 12:15, where Jesus explicitly warns against greed and highlights the futility of measuring one’s life by the extent of one’s possessions. It’s imperative that we recognize the truth in this teaching.

    When we evaluate our spiritual worth based on financial wealth or material success, we risk making a grave mistake, echoing the sin of Simony. This is illustrated in Acts 8:18–24, where Simon the Sorcerer seeks to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit, viewing spiritual gifts as commodities for sale. Such a transactional mindset diminishes the sacredness of God’s gifts and diverts believers from nurturing a genuine, heartfelt relationship with the divine.

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    While we recognise that God is capable of bestowing material blessings upon His servants, it is crucial to understand that these gifts should never be mistaken for the only indicator of divine favour or approval. The true treasures of God’s Kingdom extend far beyond material wealth; they encompass righteousness, peace, and joy that come through the Holy Spirit. These are gifts that surpass any earthly riches and possess an everlasting quality, touching our lives in profound ways that give us hope and purpose beyond our temporal existence. Therefore, rather than seeking validation and fulfilment through material means, we are called to pursue a deeper connection with God and to value the spiritual riches that truly enrich our lives.

    Honour where it is due

    Fatoyinbo’s rhetorical question, “Where are his children?” has stirred a significant reaction, particularly as it seemed to overlook the quiet strength and dignity of individuals like Mama Eunice Wuraola Ogini and Apeke Adeniyi, who remain devoted to their faith. Their lives exemplify the humility and grace that resonate with their father’s calling. In a society increasingly fixated on visibility and wealth, it’s important to recognize that God often works through those who are hidden and humble. Although the children of Apostle Babalola may not seek the spotlight, their legacy shines brightly and is deeply impactful.

    Flashback: What Louis Odion saw

    In 2019, renowned journalist Louis Odion delivered a powerful column titled “Rape, Fatoyinbo and Mrs. Dakolo,” addressing the grave moral crisis ignited by allegations against Pastor Fatoyinbo. He forcefully portrayed the situation as a profound betrayal of spiritual trust, illustrating how a young woman from a devout background could have been manipulated under the guise of pastoral care. Odion cautioned against the dangers of misusing religion, firmly asserting that spiritual tools can be exploited rather than used for genuine upliftment. His insights resonated deeply within the Nigerian context, directly linking to the country’s #MeToo movement and demanding an urgent reckoning within the Church.

    He underscored the seriousness of the allegations, stating, “To now seek to rationalise or trivialise such a grave allegation is to make a mockery of the pulpit and insult the intelligence of the faithful.” Odion’s reflections highlight the glaring irony of a figure burdened by unresolved moral issues questioning the legacy of Apostle Babalola. This situation serves as a stark reminder that charisma devoid of integrity can lead to disastrous consequences, reinforcing the critical need for spiritual authority to be anchored in moral character rather than mere spectacle.

    A call to doctrinal clarity

    This moment presents a significant opportunity for us to engage in correction rather than condemnation, fostering an environment of growth and understanding. As ministers of the Gospel, we bear a profound responsibility to not only teach sound doctrine but also to model spiritual integrity in our lives. It is crucial for the Body of Christ to be vigilant against the temptation of equating success solely with outward displays of achievement, such as large congregations or impressive programs. Instead, we must earnestly return to the foundational principles set forth by esteemed leaders like Apostle Babalola, who emphasized the vital importance of prayer, holiness, and sacrificial service in our ministry.

    In our efforts to build a Church that values depth and truth over the allure of spectacle and fleeting trends, we honour both the legacy of our spiritual ancestors and the God who called them to their divine mission. The words of 1 Timothy 5:17 remind us that those who lead well, especially those who dedicate themselves to the Word and doctrine, deserve double honour. This acknowledgment not only strengthens our leaders but also reinforces the importance of their role within the Body of Christ.

    We pray that this generation will rediscover the inherent beauty of a life fully dedicated to God. We hope our ministries will embody the enduring values of the Kingdom—values that prioritize spiritual depth, love, and truth—over the temporary allure of worldly achievements and recognition. By doing this, we aim to contribute to a Church that genuinely reflects the heart of Christ and engages meaningfully with the world around us.

    .Ademola, a Professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management, is the General Evangelist of CAC Nigeria and Overseas

  • Death, the leveller of men!

    Death, the leveller of men!

    In recent times, we’ve seen the transition of the powerful, but we must not ignore the transition of millions of ordinary people, for their lives also count. We are reminded of John Donne’s famous admonition that we should “never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee”, as it reminds us of our shared humanity.

    For the high and mighty, we are reminded of the wise counsel of former French President Charles de Gaulle. When sycophants and party hacks tried to dissuade him from resigning, he sternly told them that “the graveyard is full of the bodies of indispensable men” before throwing them out. Those who, for their own convenience, turn humans into deities would be well-advised to always remember de Gaulle’s words.

    The key point is that people shouldn’t be terrified of death. Even figures like the biblical Methuselah have passed on, yet the world continues to exist. This demonstrates that no individual is indispensable to the continuation of the world. Perhaps what truly terrifies people is not death itself, but the possibility that their lives were never truly lived. This is not surprising, as our earthly journey is full of twists and turns, making us question our impact and purpose.

    Go to Atan Cemetery and you will find people with names like Málomó, Kòkúmó, and Dúrójayé. These names, which mean ‘Don’t go again’, ‘He did not die’, and ‘Endure life’, are a reflection of the human desire to cheat death. Yet, as de Gaulle said, they are all now in the graveyard, lifeless. If Àìkú, a name that means ‘one who does not die’, eventually succumbs, what does that tell us?

    The Yoruba proverb says it all: “Ikú á pa eni à ń pè. Ikú á pa eni tí ń pe ni!” (Death is no respecter of persons. It kills the Celebrator, it kills the Piper). Once upon a time, those whose destinies now lie in the graveyard were the ones feeding their families and paying their children’s school fees. They were the ones providing shelter. At one time or another, they all flew away, never to dwell in this wide, wild world of war again!

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    The lack of intellectual honesty in analyzing transient historical interludes is deeply disturbing. Today, assessments of the high and mighty are often based on the words of paid hacks whose objectivity is questionable at best. These are not serious analysts but revisionists serving a specific agenda.

    It is worth pondering the lasting impact of what the high and mighty and their often-delusional supporters do with the rare opportunities given to them. This leads to a crucial question: In any honest assessment, will they be given the same kudos 30 or 50 years from now?

    Kudos must be given to people like Jawaharlal Nehru, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahamadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Lateef Jakande and Sam Mbakwe. These individuals have not merely faded into history; they have become legends. They decisively altered the perception of public service, proving that it could be an endeavour of lasting, positive impact rather than a fleeting opportunity for self-interest.

    Again, consider the lasting impact of Brazil’s current president, Ignacio Lula da Silva. In his first two terms, his administration, through social programmes like Bolsa Família, lifted 40 million people out of poverty, significantly reducing income inequality. This was accomplished within a democracy with a genuine separation of powers, where he controlled only a minority of the National Assembly.

    “De mortuis nil nisi bonum.” The misinterpretation of the Latin admonition that we should not “Speak no ill of the dead”, attributed to the Greek philosopher Chilon of Sparta, is reckless, immoral, and self-serving. The claptrap is a deliberate, dishonest distortion of its original meaning. The correct interpretation is that one should be circumspect in expressing one’s opinion or verdict on people who are not there to defend themselves.

    Those who use this claim to silence criticism are practising a disingenuous form of opportunism. Does a fair assessment of figures like Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Pol Pot, Idi Amin and Mobutu Sese Seko constitute ‘speaking ill of the dead’? Awolowo and Okpara have been gone for decades, yet life has continued. The world doesn’t stop because a powerful person is no more. The idea that we must sanitize history out of some misguided respect for the dead is a convenient myth, not a moral imperative.

    A person with a game-changing track record has no need for adulators and paid opportunists to secure a deserving place in the pantheon of history. His contributions alone would have earned it. This is the way it should be!

  • Komolafe: Five years and a timeless memory

    Komolafe: Five years and a timeless memory

    Five years ago, a rare breed of man departed this world, leaving behind a void that nobody has been able to fill. On August 11, 2020, my beloved father and confidant, Sunday Alaba Komolafe, bid this mortal coil a final farewell. He was 92!

    Reflecting on my father’s passing, I am reminded of his enduring legacy, which speaks to the power of genuine leadership and selflessness. His life illuminated the vast chasm between those who truly serve others and those who merely serve themselves. Baba Kayode, as he was fondly called, loved not just his children but also countless others who came under his guardianship. Dad didn’t just pay lip service to compassion, he lived it!

    Five years on, the memories of this beautiful soul still refuse to fade. His presence is so deeply felt that emotions still run high whenever my younger siblings – Olukayode, Olalekan, Olufunmilayo and Olufemi – and I discuss him. We often have to abruptly end our conversations before we all break down in tears.

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    But the pain runs deeper still. Five years on, I have yet to set foot in his bedroom – not out of a fear of ‘dusty’ relics, but because the sense of loss is still too raw. Similarly, I haven’t been able to muster the courage to visit his graveside, a ritual my family observes every year.

    His favourite chair remains untouched, a constant reminder of his absence. The profound sense of loss is so strong that even passing by Heavenly Gate, the embalmment facility in Osogbo where his remains were preserved before his burial in Ijebu-Jesa on September 11, 2020, brings back a flood of emotions.

    Pa Komolafe was a devoted Christian whose empathy was evident in his untiring commitment to his family, his community, and the upbringing of his children. He never amassed millions of naira. Yet, his actions laid bare a humility that defined his approach to life. Not only did he help us build lives of meaning and stability, he remained an open, purposeful door for everyone throughout his time here. Even when life was making up and breaking up, Dad gave us an education and the chance to become someone important.

    Five years on, I still miss my father deeply. His absence is a solemn truth: the graveyard is not only full of indispensable men but also offers a stark reflection of life’s transience and the fragility of human destiny.

    Baba Kayode was once the family’s breadwinner, our comforter, friend, and the faithful’s defender. What he left behind are decent examples of how a Christian gentleman should live. We, his children, now have a compelling duty to uphold and pass on these values to succeeding generations. This is the finest tribute we can pay to an exemplary life. Anything less would be a betrayal of his trust!

    May the Stone of Israel grant eternal rest to the soul of Pa Sunday Alaba Komolafe and continue to comfort those he left behind.

    May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!