Bishop Margaret Bolanle Odeleke will be standing at the pulpit, between June 17th and 19th 2024 to celebrate her 50 years of preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Fifty years had passed since she first began her journey as a young Lady Evangelist. At 74, she will be celebrating a half-century of dedicated service to the Lord.
As she reflected on her journey, Bishop Odeleke’s mind wandered back to the early days, when she had faced countless challenges and doubts. But her unwavering faith and determination had propelled her forward, and she had gone on to build a thriving ministry that had touched the lives of thousands.
Over the years, she had baptized countless babies, married numerous couples, and comforted grieving families. She had also founded several schools, maternity homes and community programs, leaving an indelible mark on her community and the entire world.
It’s certain that as she will be looking out at the congregation, Bishop Odeleke’s heart will swell with pride and gratitude as she had been called by God to serve, and she had given her life fully to that calling.
The service will be a grand celebration, with music, dance, and testimonials from those whose lives she had touched.
Prominent clerics, including Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Bishop Wale Oke, Apostle Wole Oladiyun and Chairman of Lagos State Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop Stephen Adegbite will all be ministering at the three day event.
Bishop Odeleke will be listening to the heartfelt tributes, with her heart full of joy and thanksgiving.
As she will be raising her hands in praise, the congregation erupting in applause, cheering and whistling for the beloved Bishop who had given her life to the Lord and to them.
It’ll be a moment etched in their memories forever, a testament to the power of dedication, faith, and service.
Odeleke’s 50 years on the pulpit were a shining example of what it means to live a life fully surrendered to God, and her legacy would continue to inspire generations to come.
Eid ul-Adha is a significant religious practice in Islam that commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah SWT.
The practice involves the sacrifice of livestock animals during the festival of Eid ul-Adha, which marks the completion of the Hajj.
The story of Udhiyah is based on the Holy Quran’s account of Prophet Ibrahim’s dream, in which he was commanded by Allah SWT to sacrifice his only son.
The brave submission of both Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail to the will of Allah SWT is celebrated by Muslims worldwide through the act of Udhiyah.
Below are the essential Udhiyah rules to follow:
1. Intention: The sacrifice must be made to obey Allah SWT and follow the sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
2. Timing: Udhiyah can only be performed between the 10th and 12th of Dhul Hajj.
3. Animal selection: Only specific livestock animals like sheep, goats, cows, and camels are permissible for Udhiyah.
4. Age requirement: The animal must be at least six months old for sheep and one year old for goats.
5. Health condition: The animal must be healthy and free from any visible defects.
6. Slaughtering method: The animal must be slaughtered swiftly and humanely, following Islamic guidelines.
7. Distribution: The meat from Udhiyah must be distributed among family, friends, and the poor, with a focus on those in need.
By following these guidelines and understanding the history and significance of Udhiyah, Muslims can fulfill this important religious obligation and honour the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismail.
A cleric, Prophet Adegboyega Ologbonyo, has urged the Federal government to change the Constitution.
The cleric, who is the planter, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Boanerges Worldwide, said constitutional amendment is one of major remedies to various challenges confronting the nation.
Speaking with newsmen in Orun Ekiti at the 15th anniversary thanksgiving service of the church with the theme: “Inexplicable God”, the cleric also demanded cut of cost of governance and slashing of jumbo pay to politicians.
He said: “Nigerian government still has a lot of work to do and the major thing they could do, is to change the constitution and everything will change.
“Our system is not working and Nigeria is a diverse country with different types of ethnic groups. And in such a society, if there is no system that will work for those diverse people, things will not work. The developed countries, function on a good system that will control everybody.
“The best thing President Bola Tinubu should do is to lobby and find a way of bringing the national assembly members on board and other stakeholders together to develop a system that will work for us.
“This one that we inherited from our colonial master and the military cannot work. We are using more or lass a decree it is only the title that is being changed . Majority of Nigerians didn’t make any input when the 1999 constitution is being put together.
The CAC Essien Regional Superintendent Ogun/Benin Republic, Pastor Isaac Eyebiokin, described Ologbonyo as a responsible gentleman of God who is always ready to obey the will of God .
He advised people to obey and do the will of God because He is the creator and people are not on earth for themselves .
A member of Ade Ologbonyo foundation, Mrs Oyinade Samuel-Eluwole said: “There is something about the church and the man of God. It used to be lost hope foundation.
Samuel-Eluwole, who is the founder, Elizabethan Humanitarian Life H&H Foundation, said the cleric started when he didn’t have anything and was taking good care of the widow.
Rev. (Mrs) Ibukun Odusote of Foursquare Gospel Church, Asokoro Abuja while speaking about prophet Ologbonyo said he is a man God with abundant grace upon his life.
“We have been coming here for the past 6 years and what we have seen is that , is from glory to glory and we are seeing development in the lives of men, the most interesting attraction for us is that it’s hidden in a village, a place you will think nothing good can come out from,” he stated.
The late leader of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Temitope Joshua, touched many lives while he was alive.
Aside from his generosity, the late cleric was known for his knack for prayer, perseverance, self-discipline, and dedication to the things of God.
It is almost an understatement to say that he drew people to God.
Loved by many, and even in death, they still talk about him in the present.
Little wonder, during the third anniversary of his glorious departure from the earth on June 5, 2021, all-night praise and worship were held in his honour at the SCOAN headquarters, Lagos.
The event attracted people from all over the world.
Speaking during the event to honour the late televangelist, his daughter Promise, said: “I’m his favourite daughter, but he loved all of us equally. Yes, indeed. At the very core, Prophet TB Joshua’s life is marked by a virtuous commitment to raising soldiers of Christ, not just locally, but also globally.”
Joshua, who would have been 61 on June 5, attracted many foreigners to the headquarters of the church in Ikotun-Egbe, a Lagos suburb.
The SCOAN host community will continue to remember the late cleric for putting the community on a world map.
Promise disclosed that her father, Joshua, superintendent a church of all seasons, saying, “A ministry where satanic cages and demonic bondages are broken. Even to the shock and the admiration of even the unbelievers.
“A ministry that has stood the test of time that continues to stand the test of time, and that will continue to stand the test of time to the glory of God. Yes. But Prophet TB Joshua was not just this global Christian leader and fatherly covering to so many people all around the world.”
Preaching love, she urged the church to celebrate the values that her father stood for which was love. “Love that sees beyond hatred. That is, when you are hated, you should love. Love that sees beyond intimidation.”
A South African nationalist and former South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Dr. Kirstan Nematandam, who flew into Nigeria to partake in the solemn night ceremony, described the all-night praise and worship event as “A spiritual high watershed, and a great moment in all continents of the world to thank God for the grace of T.B. Joshua on earth in His ineffable love for mankind and His creation.
He described T.B. Joshua as a great man of God whose life was Christ-like, living the word and practising the word. “He was the light shining in the darkness, the most humble man you could ever come across who touched the lives of millions, preaching the Word with power and with an extraordinary philanthropy across the universe,” he said.
Notwithstanding the simultaneous happening of the event in several nations, many still flew into Ikotun-Egbe SCOAN’s headquarters.
The serenation of the late cleric lit up the Ikotun-Egbe SCOAN’s headquarters with international visitors from many African countries, America, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, filling the cathedral to the brim.
The atmosphere was ecclesiastically electrifying as people from diverse languages from all walks of life spoke glowingly of the transformational power of God in their lives through their encounters with T.B. Joshua.
A leading Pastor from Argentina who came to Ikotun Egbe for the event, Pastor Robert Acosta said: “The men of God who impacted lives and transformed generations under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit never die. The Bible says, ‘Their works with them continue’.
“The teachings, the example, the impartation continue to live on in our hearts and our lives. Prophet T.B. Joshua, his life, example, and ministry, have been a gift from God to the whole world but in a particular way to my life, my wife and family, and to our church and congregation.
“He was our pastor, our friend, for five years until he passed on to glory, and we continue to live with the legacy he had left us. The impartation we had received from the Holy Spirit through the life of the man of God, continues to bring healing to the sick, continues to raise cripples, and perform amazing miracles and deliverances; not only should we but we want to honour God for the life of the man of God, that is why we come to Nigeria to exalt God and I believe that just as in the days of Elisha, when he had already departed, there was anointing in his bones, I believe there is still much anointing to continue resurrecting lives and ministries, not by a man that had passed on to glory, but by the Spirit of God that continues to operate.
“We have come to honour God with joyful activities for this great man of God. He has been for me a father in the Lord, a friend, and a pastor, and has been an honour from heaven to have walked and shared time with him, his teachings, his advice, and his prayers have transformed our lives.
“Even today, in our radios, discipleships, and meetings his teachings are still alive. God has done it through the man of God.”
Also paying glowing tributes to the late SCOAN leader, a leading Brazilian cleric, Pastor Sandro Gomes dos Santos, who was happy to be in Nigeria again said: “I am here to celebrate the birthday of Prophet T.B. Joshua, a unique man, a unique prophet, a great man of God and his legacy remains. It is ageless and cannot be forgotten. The good works he did here on earth are wonderful and cannot be forgotten.
“Prophet T.B. Joshua impacted my life not only with his ministry of miracles, signs, and wonders but with his love for the Word. When he spoke the Word it went straight into my heart and changed the way I was and the way I thought. His teaching on offence and forgiveness completely changed my heart. With him, I learned how to let go of offence and the importance of having a pure heart.
“He exemplified everything he taught; his life was a life of excellence. Prophet T.B. Joshua’s legacy is beyond time and will remain forever. He is a special man of God, there is no other like him. The opportunity to be here on this anniversary for me is a gift from God.
“I come to honour the life of Prophet T.B. Joshua and his legacy. As the Bible says: He who honours a prophet receives a prophet’s reward. This is an opportunity given by God, not man. God in His infinite grace allowed me to come and showed me that
“His anointing and power continue here in this ministry through Pastor Evelyn Joshua. There is a fresh anointing, something new and extraordinary. The wonders of God continue to work here at SCOAN. God has done great and extraordinary things through Prophet T.B. Joshua and that mantle continues to rest upon Pastor Evelyn Joshua, just as it did with Elisha. I am so grateful to be here to celebrate the life and legacy of Prophet T.B. Joshua”.
Segun Olanipekun, one of the coordinators of the church, who was full of excitement, disclosed to the vivacious crowd present at the event that the last three years had been of joyful activities and the ministry had greatly expanded. “Some of the programmes that I can remember that have taken place under Pastor Evelyn Joshua’s leadership are: The church was reopened after about two years of lockdown, we had a three-day revival on the prayer mountain,
Akure branch was reopened frequent weekly charity work in the church, Partners, revival, crusade, and charity meetings in South Africa, Ghana, Lusaka, Zambia, Madrid in Spain, Kenya, France, Germany, UK, USA, Canada and Nigeria.
“The tempo for these activities has been more reinforced. The church has remained in the precious arms of the Lord. It has been a wonderful three years of God’s tremendous grace for the church.
“Synagogue Church Of All Nations SCOAN today is the exemplification of the biblical word of Prophet Isaiah: the mills of God grind slowly but they grind exceedingly fine.”
Only a few men in Nigeria’s creative landscape could match her talent, grit, and bravery. Bolanle Austen-Peters is a connoisseur of arts with many different hats. She is a lawyer, public speaker, mentor, theatre/film director and producer. Bolanle discussed how she’s navigating in a male-dominated sector, and the importance of hanging onto one’s passion at this year’s NBA Women’s Forum Conference, writes OLAITAN GANIU.
Olanle’s name has become synonymous with the country’s creative sector, but only a few know that she had a successful career as a lawyer.
With pressure from her family, she obtained a degree in Law at the University of Lagos and later attended the London School of Economics and Political Science. But despite her academic journey, she was passionate about arts and culture.
After completing her degrees in the 1990s, her father insisted she work with him at his law firm, Afe Babalola and Co., which Bolanle agreed to. But after some years, she leaped forward to follow her dream.
“One day, I just said I was done. I was not doing this law anymore. Having a family full of lawyers—my father and sisters—I decided to take a different path,” she said.
FORGING AHEAD
It was a make-or-break situation for her but she was determined to forge her identity. In 2003, she decided to grasp the nettle by delving into the creative world, setting up an educational and cultural hub, Terra Kulture.
She said, “There is only one thing that is important: ‘Know what you want to do, and know what makes you happy, “she emphasized, quoting an American actress and media proprietor, Oprah Winfrey. “Once you know what you want to do, the stars will align behind you.”
Reminiscing about her humble beginning, she narrated that many people questioned her moves. “When I started, a lot of people came over to me and said ‘Do you know what you are doing?’
You know, anything you want to start, many people without a clear understanding and some form of ignorance will come up to you and say, ‘What are you doing? You’re selling rice? Because to them, a restaurant is just about selling rice, just because they can’t see the art behind it.”
The 55-year-old cultural entrepreneur underscored that the gallery was established to promote the richness and diversity of Nigerian languages, arts, and culture while providing a haven for art practitioners.
She said, “Having a gallery is about storytelling. I believe that changing the narrative of your country is probably more important than a lot of other jobs. But to a lot of minds, they didn’t get it.”
Through hard work, persistence, and tenacity, she has surpassed and defied expectations. Her contribution has not only enhanced the creative sector but also changed viewpoints and reshaped storylines.
For over sixteen years, the centre has produced some globally acclaimed Nigerian stage plays and musicals including, ‘Saro the Musical’, ‘Fela, and the Kalakuta Queens’, etc. It has also organised over 300 art exhibitions, 140 plays, and over 70 book readings while over 30,000 people have visited the art hub on school tours, excursions and attended its Nigerian language classes.
“10 years ago I dared to dream. It was scary. It wasn’t easy. Nothing is ever easy especially breaking boundaries but ‘Saro the Musical’ was born.
She added, “When we started, theatre in Nigeria was dead, but today, we have Nigerian Theatres and plays showing across the country, including London, Dubai, South Africa, America, Egypt and others. This is because some of us just kept doing it, till the world took note and we haven’t started. The journey has just started.”
BREAKING THROUGH THE CELLULOID CEILING
A decade later, she spread her tentacle as a filmmaker when she launched her audiovisual production, Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP Productions) in 2013.
She co-produced a thriller film titled, ‘93 Days’ in 2016. The project was nominated for several awards. It got seven categories for the 2017 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), making it the highest-nominated film in the 2017 AMAA.
Ever since, she has continued to produce and direct many big-budget films including ‘The Blink Lagosians,’ ‘Man Enough,’ ‘Collision Course’ and several others.
“The same goes for movies, I started movies 2018 and we’ve risen to be one of the top production outfits in Nigeria with our movies recognised by global streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Showmax, and others.”
Her latest movie titled, ‘Funmilayo Ransome Kuti,’ is currently making history as the highest-grossing biopic ever in Nigeria and West Africa. The cinematic project featured an array of actors including Joke Silva, Kehinde Bankole, Ibrahim Suleiman, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Adebayo Salami, Keppy Ekpeyoung, Adunni Ade, Omowunmi Dada, Patrick Diabuah and others.
” We broke the record of highest biopic ever sold in Nigeria n West Africa. A film, “Ayinla” held this record previously. This is a difficult genre to sell but with God nothing is impossible.”
BALANCING GENDER EQUALITY
Dating back to the nascent period of the 1990s, the Nigerian film industry was hegemonized and controlled by men. But over the years, the industry has continued to witness a significant rise in female filmmakers.
Bolanle alongside other creative women including Jade Osiberu, Biodun Stephen, Mo Abudu, and Funke Akindele, are pushing boundaries, dismantling systemic barriers, and creating films that resonate with audiences worldwide.
“A couple of years ago, the creative sector was dominated by men. Today, women are the biggest directors and producers in Nollywood,” she said.
Explaining that “In less than 10 years, we changed the narrative. What did we do? We became bolder. I am one of those. Men used to produce a lot of films and a woman will do one film in five years. So I said, is it to produce? Okay, let’s start producing.
“Today, we have great female directors like Jade Osiberu, Kemi Adetiba, Omoni Oboli including myself, so many women, who just jumped into the ring and make sure that their voices do count just as the male counterparts.”
While strides have been achieved by these female filmmakers, gender parity remains a goal for Bolanle. “We are rivalling men in that space,” she declared.
“Having a great number of female producers didn’t happen by accident, women were strategic. We said, no, we don’t want to be actors; we want to be a director and producer.
“The more people like myself stand up to be counted, the more I impact the women coming after me because they see me and they know that it is possible.”
A SHINING STAR, LIGHTING OTHERS
She believed that one of the strategies for reducing unemployment is to invest in the creative industry. This, according to her, informed her decision to establish Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) to empower youth with relevant up-to-date technical and practical skills.
In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the academy has graduated thousands of young people with film production skills. “Our students have been able to transform their talent into wealth and that is commendable. The courses we offer are completely free of charge, courtesy of Mastercard Foundation.
“Nigeria needs to invest more in the creative space for us to move on. We need to create a new future for our children to positively promote the brand and grow the economy.”
I just want to appreciate you for your encouraging posts on sexual purity! May God bless you abundantly momma. I pray death doesn’t take you away. You’d be alive to witness my testimony of getting married as a virgin. I’m going to share my testimony with you soon! You’d live long in Jesus name. May God bless and keep you! I love you like kilodeeeeeee!
Pelumi
Good afternoon ma’am
I want to personally appreciate you for the speech you gave in my school; UNITY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL AGEGE. I am the head girl you hugged. I have been trying all means to get through you, I even checked your books for any information but there wasn’t any. I was glad when I searched for APOSTLE OF CHASTITY ( I actually saw that printed on your clothes) and your name popped up. I appreciate your efforts in raising spiritually filled, physically cleansed girls who will stay undefiled till their wedding night. I love every bit of all you said that day, it made me seek God’s face more, I became emotionally strong where I can’t easily fall into the distractor’s hands – BOYFRIEND. I’ve read two of your books – BECOMING AN ALPHA FEMALE and LETTERS TO MY DAUGHTER, I can’t wait to start reading WISDOM FOR GIRLS, it’s so unfortunate that I won’t be able to read THE BEAUTY OF LIFE; which is your first book, I guess and LIFE NUGGETS FOR GIRLS.
You are a strong feminist. If we have people like you in the society, I bet our world won’t be totally depraved as you do say. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done in the lives of many females.
I pray that the good God continues to bless and keep you. The lord will shine his face upon you lest any evil befall you. I’m so happy for the enlightenment I’ve received. I pray the Lord clothe you with goodness, crown you with excellence and wrap you in the mighty shadow of His wings. God bless you continually ma.
Thank you ma’am, Barr. Temilolu Oluwakemi Okeowo
From: Adeola, Atarah Adebayo.
My darlings,
Last Sunday, I published the letters of 2 ladies whose suitors who are pastors want sex before marriage and I opined that NO TRUE PASTOR WOULD ASK YOU FOR SEX BEFORE MARRIAGE! You may wish to Google the article and read!
It would interest you to know there are more occult masters parading themselves as pastors than the genuinely-called! And even those called by God can be used by the devil too! A good number of ladies have confessed how a strange spirit came over them in one particular church such that whenever they saw their pastor, they’d be sexually-aroused till he slept with them! According to them, this same pastor hypnotised 3 of his choristers and raped them countless times and even in their dreams!!! Yet they couldn’t speak out until he emptied them of their virtues- two of them even aborted pregnancies for him! I cringe when I see the way the general public idolizes this guy! What a pity! This is a very serious matter!
Parents…parents…parents….beg your girls to stop looking for pastors up and down! Don’t let them dash away what should give them a fulfilled life, announce them in the world some day and give you a life you can never dream of! More and more destiny devourers are arising daily! MAY THEY NOT TURN YOUR DAUGHTERS/TREASURES TO SPIRITUAL IMBECILES! So many victims have been sucked dry- no jobs, no money, no suitors etc. Just existing in cyclic problems, while the so-called pastor is enjoying their virtues! Very very sad! I won’t say or write what I’m not sure of!
Girls…girls…girls, may you never encounter evil men who will hypnotize you, suck you dry, body, soul and spirit and then tell the world you want to destroy their ministry! Yes! If you’re bold enough to speak out and not strongly backed by God, our sick world would turn you to the predator and victimize you, so be careful in your dealings with these men and ACQUAINT YOURSELF WITH GOD! If as a born-again Christian, you still can’t hear from God, I’m sorry you aren’t a serious Christian! There’s nothing wrong in having a pastor as your father-figure whose teachings/anointing can assist you in life, but be too sure of and too careful with who you’re dealing with! MAY ALL GOD HAS GIVEN YOU TO SHINE IN LIFE NOT BE STOLEN IN ONE FELL SWOOP IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME! Girls…girls…girls…..!
FINAL WORD
Chastity does not belong to the past. It saves you a lot of trouble, preserves your beautiful destiny and stands you out from the crowd. You are better off not engaging in pre-marital and extra-marital sex. Stay chaste!
Evangelist Temilolu O. Okeowo is the founder and Head girl of The Girls Apostolic Ministry of All Nations, an apostolic ministry for girls in their teens and twenties, and Girls Club of Nigeria, an NGO for Nigerian girls aimed at influencing a positive change. She published her debut-book for girls – THE BEAUTY OF LIFE – as an undergraduate and has other books and publications. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003 and is a Certified Forensics Examiner.
•I invite you to follow me on Facebook –TEMILOLU OKEOWO Instagram @ Okeowotemilolu
Abraham Olorunnimilo is the founder of Cornerstone Film International and Cornerstone Charity Mission Academy (CCMS). He is passionate about educating the less privileged children. In this interview with Olaitan Ganiu, he speaks on the importance of education to the nation’s growth, and why he is empowering pupils through zero-fee school, from primary to secondary level, among other issues.
What led you to set up a tuition-free school? When I was young, I was very brilliant. But I lost my parents at a tender age. I lost my father and my mum when I was under 10. I loved to further my education but there was no helping hand. So I had to drop out. Everyone knew I had a vision. But they tried to attack my education when I was young.
When I gave my life to Christ, I used to feel the impact of not having someone to sponsor me to school. When I see children roaming about, I do feel what they are feeling. I saw how students pay extremely high fees in schools owned by big churches, I used to be worried. I used to say if God gave me money like those big churches, I would organize a free school.
But when we got to Papalanto, Ogun State, God said I should go and start a free school. Where do I get the money? We are not running a flamboyant ministry. We are not a ministry that depends on offering and all that, but God said we should start.
One day, God ministered to us that discipline and fear of God were no longer taught in schools, unlike in the past years. He said we should be instilling the fear of God and discipline into children to catch them young. So, we want to instill discipline into the children so that anywhere they go, they can be good ambassadors of the school and good citizens. That is our vision: to reduce stubbornness and arrogance in our youths of today by imparting skills to them alongside education.
Again, the community where the school is situated is a very remote area. Many people moved here because they couldn’t afford the house rent in the city, so a lot of residents don’t have money to send their children to school. God commanded us to reduce this burden on these parents who have no means to send their kids to school.
I remember a widow relocated to this area and she was sourcing suitable schools for her kids but the school fees were so high. When she came here, and we told her that we were running a zero-school-fee, she swiftly brought her children to start free of charge. She later came to appreciate me but I told her all glory be to God.
What are the challenges you face operating a charity school?
Even those who are receiving money from students have challenges not to talk of us who don’t receive money. Here, we don’t receive any money. We don’t take even five kobo from any parent. So, we are facing a lot of challenges and we need people’s assistance and support. God said we should not collect any money at all. That’s why we have children beyond religious and ethnic boundaries.
We have over 150 students here and nobody pays any farthing. We also give free uniforms. Some of the pupils don’t have books because this is a very remote area. So we look for means to get them books. We want to make everything free but financially it has not been easy.
Sometimes when officials of the Education Board in Ogun State come here, they always threaten to shut the school. But I always tell them this is a free school, if you want to lock it, you can lock it. And they will just go back. Another challenge is that we want the classroom to be more conducive, so we need furniture, qualified teachers, and money to reach a high standard.
Do you receive financial support from individuals, corporate organizations or the government?
There has not been any financial support from the government or any corporate bodies. We have sent letters to corporate bodies. Nobody came to our aid. We sent messages out online but only a few individuals responded as they sent us some tokens once a while.
So far, I have been using some little money I made from the ministry, we added them to run the school.
Are you open to partnership with government, corporate organisations or NGOs?
Yes. If you have a vision that is real, you cannot execute it alone. The only thing is that our goal cannot be tampered with. We have a goal, rules, and discipline. God said we should make it free.
In recent years, Lagos State has faced persistent threats from flooding and building collapses, causing widespread devastation, property loss, and fatalities. To address these issues, the state government has implemented several long-term measures, such as dredging canals and demolishing structures built on drainage systems. Although these actions have met with objections from some residents, property owners, and stakeholders, but the state maintains that they are necessary for the greater good of the people of Lagos. IBRAHIM ADAM reports.
Since 2023, the Lagos State government has intensified efforts to clear illegal structures encroaching on waterways. These demolitions aimed at reducing flooding risks, improving water flow, and protecting lives and property. However, the process has faced resistance from affected residents and property owners, who cite inadequate compensation and a lack of alternative housing solutions.
Areas like Marina, Lekki, Agege, Victoria Island, Oshodi, Amuwo Odofin, Ilupeju, Ogudu, Maryland, Gbagada have been affected in Lagos, extending as far as Magboro, Mowe, and Ibafo in Ogun State. Consequently, residents and property owners have expressed regret over losing properties valued at billions of naira.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, had warned that 148 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 31 states are at high risk of flooding this year during the official unveiling of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) in Abuja, emphasising the importance of proactive measures and community engagement to minimise possible damage.
The identified states include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.
Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, highlighted the critical role of the partnership with the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in enhancing the nation’s disaster preparedness.
This collaboration, he explained as essential in addressing the increasing frequency and severity of flooding incidents across the country. Anosike noted that this partnership has significantly improved efforts to mitigate flooding impacts through early warning systems.
Early rain disaster
According to Ibrahim Farinloye, the Lagos Territorial Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the early morning flood of Tuesday, February 20 (2024) in the Command/Ipaja area of Lagos, affected approximately 151 houses. Preliminary assessments showed that residents were evacuated from 23 houses in Oke Ishagun, 35 houses in Isale Aboru, 29 in the Ikola community and 15 in Olubodun Majiyagbe-Ajayi. Additionally, 12 houses on Makinde Street, 16 on Olokowo Street, and 21 on Adeola Street were impacted.
Farinloye indicated that the excessive downpour was a strong indicator of the rainfall expected in 2024.
He explained that heavy rains between May 1 and 15, 2023, displaced about 436 families in Lagos State. This period also saw around 228 houses either partially or completely destroyed, and 13 electricity poles affected.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed that the government issued demolition orders to residents of the impacted areas, including Mende Villa Estate, which received two notices in 2021 and 2023. He insisted the demolition of buildings was legal.
While inspecting the drainage and canals at Obalende, Dodan Barracks, Oniru, and Lekki Phase II, Wahab said: “There are man-made challenges everywhere. We have to check the canal path and the water path for the waste water. Developers have built to block water paths and water will always find its level,”
At Dodan Barracks, Wahab said there were ongoing discussions with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) on how to resolve the challenges with their drainage channels.
“We have served them notices that will last for seven days. We have to carry out demolition to create and open up the path for the water to enter the primary channel created by the state government.”
At Obalende, the commissioner said on-the-spot inspection showed that everywhere under the bridge had been converted to ‘motor parks’.
“People have forgotten that the environment is the master of man. We have this petition for the past few weeks that people are building on the canal. So we just came to verify and what we saw is not encouraging at all. From the beginning down to the other end of it, they have blocked part of the canal. So, virtually all the houses on this side of the state are always flooded.”
The commissioner’s statement followed claims made by a property developer in Mende Villa that sufficient notice was not provided before the start of the demolition exercise.
Wahab stated that his predecessor, Tunji Bello, issued violation notices in 2021 to properties encroaching on the setback of the System One drainage channel in Mende Villa, Maryland. He added that the latest notifications were sent to the developers in November 2023.
The commissioner queried: “If there were no notices, how come the Developer has been engaging us with documents and correspondences for the past month?”
He also highlighted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s generosity in redistributing the right-of-way more equitably, allocating it 60/40 (60% to Mende and 40% to Ogudu) instead of the original 140 meters exclusively on the Mende side.
“I went there myself. If I was mischievous, I wouldn’t be there with them. I would have given the order from the office but I said no, I owe them a duty to explain to them that even the governor had approved that we reduced the width from 140 to 100.”
He advised those who believe their rights have been violated to seek redress in the courts.
“Are one or two persons hurt? I’ll tell you maybe yes, maybe no. But I can tell you we served them notices since 2021 and the honourable member representing them is aware of it. We’ve had meetings upon meetings but the rains have started and the government needs to do what they have to do,”
Renewal of urban efforts
The city of Lagos is known for its rapid urbanisation and population growth. With this growth comes the need for more infrastructure and housing, leading to the construction of numerous buildings. However, due to poor planning and lack of regulation, many of these buildings are constructed without proper permits or adherence to building codes. Consequently, the city has witnessed an increase in the number of collapsed buildings, posing a significant threat to the safety and well-being of Lagosians and necessitating the need for the demolition of these structures.
The demolition of these buildings, particularly the dilapidated ones, has been a key focus of the government’s urban renewal initiatives. These structures, frequently abandoned or inadequately maintained, present substantial safety risks to both occupants and surrounding communities.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), between January 1 and November 30, 2023, Lagos recorded 23 building collapses. The Building Collapse Prevention Guild, in a report recently, revealed that 553 buildings collapsed in Nigeria between 1974 and April 2023, with Lagos State accounting for about 326 in the last 49 years. The Lagos figure represents about 59.05 percent of the 553 recorded cases.
The Guild also recorded that there were at least 62 crumbles in 2022, resulting in 84 deaths and injuring 113 persons, with Lagos recording the highest – 20 cases. Lagos was trailed by Kano and Anambra states with five cases each, while Delta and Jigawa recorded four each.
However, the statistics from the LASEMA on building collapse in Lagos in 2022 put the cases of building crumbling in 2022 at more than double the figure presented by the Guild – 46.
Expressing concern, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu accused real estate practitioners of complicity in the development, stating that they do not build according to the property laws of the state.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Visland Engineering Limited and former Vice Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Victoria Island Branch, Christian Okwori, agreed that lessons were not taken from the past incidents of building collapse, especially that of the 21-story building at Gerald Road, Ikoyi on November 1, 2021. At least 44 people died in that unfortunate incident, including the developer Femi Osibona.
“In all honesty, no lesson has been learned; that is why we keep repeating the evil cycle of setting up committees all the time and shoving suggested measures aside. As I stated at the last stakeholders’ meeting in Ikoyi, building collapses in Lagos will be a recurrent decimal if we keep ignoring already proffered solutions.”
Some of the buildings that crumbled in 2023 included the two incidents in January – the one-storey building in Ikeja and an abandoned two-story building on Olokodana Street, Okokomaiko.
In August 2023, some construction workers escaped death when the two-story building they were working on in Ikeja collapsed. In September 2023, at least two persons were hospitalised while others escaped with minor injuries when a building comprising over 500 rooms at Oduntan Street, Kosofe Local Council collapsed. The collapse was attributed to a downpour.
Similarly, in November 2023, a woman said to be in her 80s, died during a partial collapse of a two-storey building along Borno Way, near Oyingbo. There was also another incident in November, following the collapse of a three-storey building at Ikpoh Street, Surulere.
80% of buildings in Lekki have no government approval
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Lagos, Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed that 80 percent of the buildings in the Ibeju Lekki-Epe corridor do not have official approval.
Olumide explained that despite the stringent procedures involved in obtaining government approval, property developers and owners continue to evade due process.
“My team and I were in the Ibeju Lekki and Epe axis and you would agree that anybody passing through that corridor would see a lot of estates marked. We went there, and I can tell you that from what we saw, over 80 percent of them do not have approval. The procedure to get approval is first to get the planning information as to what those areas have been zoned for. In this case, what we have is agricultural land, and people now go to their families to buy agricultural land.
“Of course, those lands would be sold because those families do not know the use such land would be put to. The next thing to do is the fence permit. If you missed the earlier information on not knowing the area zoning, at the point of getting the fence permit, you would be able to detect what the area is zoned for. After that, the layout permits a large expanse of land. So, you can see all these layers. But people still go ahead to start advertising.
“Some have even gone to the extent of displaying the sizes they want to sell. Imagine someone in the diaspora who wants to send money without any knowledge. Then, no approval is eventually gotten. Even if they pass the assignment and the survey to them, we would not grant the individual permit, because that area is not zoned for that purpose.”
UN warning and World Bank report
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs published a climate and mobility case study on Lagos in January, revealing that if nothing is done, the metropolis may sink by 2050.
The survey found that much of the coastal city was less than 6 meters above sea level: “Lagos and the Niger Delta region are particularly low, with an easily flooded network of estuaries, rivers, creeks, and streams.”
The UN report noted that rising sea levels and ocean surges were understood to be the most pressing climate-related risks to the state but that rain-induced flooding and salt water intrusion occur more frequently, especially in communities adjacent to the coast and lagoons.
“Although the number of rainy days has decreased, the overall intensity of rainfall has increased, adding pressure on drainage systems.”
A World Bank research in 2020 showed that flood damage in Lagos State costs $3.992 billion per year, accounting for 4.1 percent of the state’s GDP and 10% nationally.
The research, published in Nature Communications journal, shows that 300 million people worldwide currently live in areas that become flooded at least once a year, and that half of such places would be below the high tide line by mid-century.
NCF red alert and LERSA react
The Director-General of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), Joseph Onoja, warned that if measures are not quickly put in place, the Atlantic Ocean will soon affect the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
Onoja gave the warning at a meeting on ocean encroachment between Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association which was attended by the Senator representing the Lagos Central Senatorial District, Wasiu Eshinlokun, and the Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Authority.
Onoja explained that over 130 meters of land had been encroached upon by the Atlantic Ocean in four years, and in 2024, a projection of another 50 meters would be gone if no immediate intervention was made.
Concerned by the situation, Senator Eshinlokun assured that long-term solution to the areas affected by the ocean surge would be his priority. He also asked the NCF and the LERSA Infrastructure Committee to come up with solutions for review and possible implementation.
LERSA President, Sulyman Bello, said no one would be happy seeing their property demolished but that the association would not stand for illegality.
He advised residents and prospective ones to use the check-in platforms in the state to be sure their property had all the approvals before buying any property in the area or any part of the state.
“LERSA will never stand for illegal demolition of property but we are also aware that this environment is suffering from a lot of flooding and a lot of other environmental challenges on account of abuse of water channels, canals, and contravention of water guidelines.
“We also know there are people who would have genuine cases of having got approval from the government and such should be entitled to compensation. However, those who built on canals and waterways have no case. The Lagos State government has to do what it has to do. We all have been begging the government not to turn its eyes away from the Lekki area because of the many challenges that we are facing.
Ethnicity, religion not considered, says Sanwo-Olu
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has criticised the use of ethnicity and religion in the recent demolition of buildings in the state.
Sanwo-Olu said only buildings that contravene the laws of the state are demolished.
“We only remove the structures of those that contravened the State’s building and development laws. We don’t consider the ethnic or religious background of those defaulting our laws. We cannot compromise the laws; we need to rescue the city.”
Demolition not targeted at any group
Oluyinka Olumide refuted claims that the demolitions are aimed at South-Easterners in the state, asserting that the structures in question were hastily erected during the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020.
“Anybody can own a building in Lagos so long as you go along with the laid-down rules. It’s unfortunate that maybe what we have of recently happens to concern those from certain parts of the country.
Olumide challenged the owners of the demolished structures to provide their construction approvals.
“Those buildings causing this uproar are buildings rushed during the COVID period when activities of enforcement officers were at the low ebb because of restriction of movement and you could see that when those buildings were demolished, nobody has come forward to say they were demolished under approval.”
Peter Obi displaying hypocrisy – Reno Omokri
A former presidential spokesman, Reno Omokri, has said former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi is displaying hypocrisy over the demolition of illegal buildings in Lagos State.
Obi had condemned the demolition of buildings in Lagos and other parts of the country, saying the government should know that there is hardship in the country and should carry out enforcement with a human face.
“Why is Peter Obi condemning the demolition of illegal properties in Lagos when he has not condemned the burning of Chinedu and Omama in his hometown of Onitsha, like he condemned the burning of Deborah Samuels on May 12, 2022?
“He says the demolition exercise by the Lagos State Government is ill-timed, yet he did not say anything when the Anambra State Government demolished illegal properties this year.
“Peter Obi claims he is speaking for “the poor in our midst. Now, this is very confusing. Because it was the houses of the poor that were demolished in Anambra and he did not speak. But, the homes being demolished in Lagos are primarily owned by multimillionaires.
“One of them even gave an interview and boasted that he spent ₦300 million on his mansion. Why did Peter not speak for the poor when Anambra was demolishing properties? Is Peter Obi now saying crime is not okay in Anambra but okay in Lagos?”
Following the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama, Delta State and the backlash from the military that has left many scampering to safety, the Oriabore family in Ugheli are currently ruing the disappearance of their son, Castro Omozokpia Oriabore, whom they said took off following onslaught by rampaging ‘Area Boys’, who are accusing innocent youths of playing informants to the military. His cousin, Smart Emenya spoke with Gboyega Alaka.
For well over two weeks, Smart Emenya and his relatives in Lagos and Ugheli in Delta State have been embroiled in a search for their cousin, Castro Omozokpia Oriabore, 25.
According to Emenya, who lives in Ketu, Lagos and works as a businessman, Oriabore, who lived in Ugheli, Delta State, the last they heard from him was that he left their cousin’s place in Oshodi in Lagos, following attempts to kidnap him by some hoodlums.
Emenya said the young man had had to relocate from his Ugheli base to Abuja, following the manhunt that followed the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama Community in Ugheli Local Government Area on March 14.
“According to reports reaching us in Lagos, soldiers had swooped on the community and environs in anger, attacking everybody in sight and burning houses of suspected culprits or conspirators and co-conspirators in reprisal attacks. Unfortunately, some of the Area Boys had turned the heat on innocent men in communities around, accusing them of giving the soldiers information about the culprits of the unfortunate incident. Having seen the way the boys attacked and killed two local workers, our brother decided to relocate from the community to Abuja. However, we learnt they traced him to our cousin’s place in Wuse, Abuja and he had to again run to Lagos.
“At about that time, I think May 13, he called to brief me of his predicament and told me to send my address and description to my place, which I did. He said he would be coming two days later, on the May 15. However, I waited for him throughout on the 15th and even started calling him when it was getting too late, but his phone was switched off. I later learnt he had lost his phone while trying to escape from the boys. The following day, 31/05/2024, I went to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ketu to lodge a report of a missing person. In my panic, it never occurred to me to call any of our cousins in Lagos. I just couldn’t think straight. I even thought he had been kidnapped or fallen into the hands of street urchins who may have robbed and murdered him. You know that is common these days. Meanwhile, because he had lost his phone, he could not communicate with me.
“It was a week after I had lodged the complaint that I learnt he changed his mind at the last minute and opted to go stay with another of our brother in Oshodi. One of our brothers whom he confided in advised him to go to Monday’s place in Oshodi instead. His argument was that if the bad boys could trace him to Abuja, then they could well trace him to my place, since most of our brothers back home knew my place and knew how close I am to him.”
Curiously, Emenya said the boys still traced him to Monday’s residence in Oshodi and almost kidnapped him in broad daylight.
“Apparently they have informants even within the family circle, as they again traced him to Wilfred’s place in Oshodi, where they caught up with him as he went to buy some stuff across the street. I learnt they started beating him, accusing him of being a traitor and almost forced him into a space bus, until a soldier interfered and saved him from their clutches.
“Unfortunately, Monday was not at home because it was mid-day, and instead of waiting to tell that one what had happened, he simply packed his stuff and left. Since then, nobody knows his whereabouts. The whole family is perturbed and really frantic, because he is a young man trying to find his feet. To make matters worse, he does not know anywhere in Lagos nor is he familiar with Lagos life. We only hope and pray that he is safe wherever he is.
Osun Development Foundation celebrate founding fathers at a Lagos gala
The ‘who is who’ in Osun State and their friends recently gathered in Lagos to celebrate Osun Development Association, its founding fathers and young trailblazers and chart way forward. Gboyega Alaka reports.
It was a gathering of the crème of Osun State recently, as Osun Development Association (ODA) held a Grand Reception and Honours Event to celebrate founding members as well as inaugurate a Council of Elders and induct new members and thought leaders.
The event, which took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, was chaired by no other than Oonirisa, Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) who doubled as Father of the Day.
And though it took him time to arrive, having been engrossed in a seven-day seclusion ritual to, according to him, mark the Yoruba New Year Day, the Ooni, resplendent in his all white attire and royal beads, lit up the occasion with his sassy comments, rendition of Yoruba history and even presented awards and took photographs with virtually everyone.
The Chief Host was Dr. Segun Aina, who also delivered the welcome address, seized the opportunity to remind the audience that the founding fathers of Osun Development Association (ODA), namely: Prof. Olu Aina, Chief Inaolaji Aboaba, Prince Tunde Ponnle, Late Chief Benjamin Adigun and Late Prince Duro Oyinlola and Late Tunde Odetola; not excluding Lt. Gen Alani Akinrinade (Rtrd) and Engr. Mrs. Joanna Maduka, were the reason for the august gathering, while Dr. Seye Adeyeye, DG, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission) delivered a resounding keynote address on: Pioneering Progress: A Blueprint for Sustainable development in Osun State.
Otunba Lai Oriowo representing the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, delivered His Excellency’s address.
Be on the table and not on the menu – Adelusi-Adeluyi
Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, President, Ugbimo Ure Ekiti and a friend of the state, in a goodwill message, drew the similarities between Osun and Ekiti, citing their proximity to each other, the fact that Osun River, through which the state derived its name and upon which it has so leveraged, takes roots from Ekiti State and the fact that ODA is a replica of the Ugbimo Ure Ekiti. While appreciating the vision and works of the founding fathers of ODA, saying all those to be honoured on the night, both dead and living were deserving of it, Adelusi-Adeluyi said very few associations in Nigeria had achieved what it had achieved.
He drew attention to the fact that “the most respect traditional ruler in Yoruba-land, leading professionals, some of the wealthiest, even some big people in Lagos, it is the Osun in them that is driving them.”
He pointed out that both Osun and Ekiti are being under-marketed and called for more concerted efforts, including that both should develop leaders and “ensure that we are on the table and not be on the menu”.
Governor Adeleke in his speech, acknowledged the efforts of associations like the ODA, noting that “non-governmental groups are important partners whose expertise, resources and networking strengths are required to back up state institutions in health, education, economic growth, digital economy and several other areas. We are therefore open to partnership to deliver on our five point agenda as a state government.”
He reeled out the states Five-point agenda as- “workers’ welfare, financial inclusion, localisation, people centered infra upgrade, social sector upliftment and agro-industrialisation.”
He stated that his administration’s programmes are predicated on strict need assessment across the three Senatorial District, while demonstrating high degree of transparency and accountability.
“I ensure our contractors have no kickbacks to pay and they work with an eye to deliver the public good. The zero tolerance for corruption is combined with an ambitious infra agenda that is accompanied with a soft infra focus so that as we are building the roads, we are also building the people,” the Governor stated.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Oyeleye, who did not forget to mention how he was conscripted into the herculean task by Dr Tunji Olugbodi, said the list of honorees on the night was a testimony that Osun State is blessed “with a rich list of high achievers – people who rose to greatness on the launching pad of integrity, commitment, foresight and hard work;” and therefore challenged the “group to make it a priority to nurture and mentor indigent indigenes of Osun State to become other high achievers like their esteemed members.”
He stated that the title of his address was chosen as “a call to action – a challenge to chart a new course, to move beyond mere rhetoric, and to harness the immense potential that Osun State holds for growth and prosperity.”
Osun at a Glance
Reviewing Osun State at a glance, Oyeleye said the current debt per capital was N33,266, while the state’s IGR per capita stood at N5,185, which meant that the state had limited ability to raise its own revenue and reduce dependence on federal allocations.
He further stated that “The capital expenditure (capex) per capita is relatively low at ₦5,700, which implies that the state may be struggling to invest adequately in infrastructure and development projects.”
The implication of this, he said is that “of a state that is incapable of investing in its own future, in critical infrastructure and development projects that are essential for long-term growth.”
He proceeded to analyse the revenue sources of the state, which showed that the state relied more on external funding, which he said underlined the reason the states infrastructure such as health and education were in parlous state.
Oyeleye therefore challenged the esteemed audience: “My dear elders of Osun State, we must ask ourselves: “How can we, as a collective of non-partisan elders, thought leaders, technocrats, and top professionals, drive the transformative change that our beloved state so desperately needs? This is why I titled my speech “pioneering progress”. We must challenge ourselves to lay the foundation for the sustainable development of Osun State, irrespective of which political party is in power.”
The event also witnessed the recognition of young trailblazers like Foluso Gbadamosi, a digital transformation consultant and Kola Aina, a venture capitalist and founding partner at Ventures Platform.
