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Category: Sunday magazine

Furore over 45-year-old female kidnap suspect allegedly tortured to death in DSS custody

A 45-year old woman, Salamatu Adamu, arrested and detained over a case of kidnapping, has been allegedly tortured to death in custody by personnel of the Nasarawa State Command of the Department of State Security Services (DSS).

Salamatu, a mother of two girls and a boy resident in Tudun Kofa in Lafia, the state capital, was known to be working with a grains grinding machine operator in front of her residence.

Investigation revealed that a little boy in the area, whose details had not been ascertained at the time of filing this report, was abducted, and a man, whose identity was also yet to be ascertained, informed the DSS that Salamatu knew the whereabouts of the missing boy.

The man was said to have claimed in a statement to DSS that he was in a nearby mosque when he saw Salamatu chasing a number of children she felt were disturbing her with their play, adding that since the children left the scene to another location to continue playing, the little boy in question had not been seen.

The husband of the deceased woman Mr. Musa Shittu Mohammed and his family have, however, appealed to the Director General of DSS, Mr. Ahmed Abubakar Bichi, to ensure that the perpetrators of the “inhuman act” are brought to book.

Mohammed said: “We appeal to your good office, as a citadel of fairness, to intervene and order a discrete investigation on the perpetrators of this illegal and inhuman act and to ensure that justice is served for the peaceful repose of her soul.

“If not, we will be forced to explore legal arsenal against your establishment without notice,” the husband said through his counsel.

An eyewitness, who did not want his name in print, confided in our correspondent that Salamatu was picked up by some fierce looking men dressed in all black, who forcibly dragged the deceased into a Sharon vehicle and asked her to kneel in the vehicle while some of other DSS personnel were busy beating her until they zoomed off.

A complaint letter written to the Director General of the DSS, National Headquarters, Abuja, dated 17th November, 2023 and signed by Abubakar Abubakar Dogara Esq and eight other practitioners of A. A. Dogara & Co, was obtained by our correspondent in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

A. A. Dogara & Co, is a Lafia based law firm, engaged by the husband of the deceased, Mallam Musa Shittu Mohammed, to unravel the circumstances surrounding Salamatu’s death and ensure that justice prevails.

The letter titled “Complaint against the Nasarawa State Office of the Department of State Security Services (DSS), on the unlawful detention and eventual murder of Salamatu Adamu of Tudun Kofa in Lafia, Nasarawa State,” detailed how the deceased woman was arrested and tortured by personnel of the state command of DSS.

The counsel to the deceased woman said: “It is our client’s firm instruction that on the 7th day of November, 2023, at about 9am, while he was working on his farmland at the Federal University of Lafia in Lafia, Nasarawa State, he received a distress call from his wife (Salamatu Adamu), who in his considered opinion appeared and/or sounded to have been in some kind of danger and needed his help.

“However, due to the noise from the background, he couldn’t fathom what was happening to her.

“Our client immediately switched off his call and placed a call across to her, but her number was no longer connecting, as the officers of the DSSS had switched off her GSM handset.

“Our client consequently rushed back home only to be greeted with the devastating news from his daughter that his wife was picked up by some unknown men in a Sharon vehicle, whom upon further investigations, our client later discovered to be personnel of the Department of State Security Services, serving in Lafia, the Nasarawa State Command.

“Considering how disturbing the incident was, our client immediately swung into action and visited the Nigeria Police Force Area Command along Jos Road, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Lafia Command and all other Divisional Police Headquarters within the state capital, but there was no trace of her from the men that took her away from their residence.

“It was against this backdrop that our client reported the situation to the Madakin Lafia, Alhaji Isiaka Dauda, and the Madakin recommended that he should report the matter to the Divisional Police Officer in charge of “A” division in Lafia.

“It is our client’s further brief that the following day being 8th day of November, 2023, our client then reported the matter to the DPO as recommended by the Madakin.

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“Upon the said report, our client together with the DPO then visited the Department of State Services at Lafia and made the same inquiry about his wife, but they were told that the head of operations was not on seat, and they asked out client to drop his contact to enable them reach out to him for a possible appointment with their head of operations, which he gladly did.

“However, towards the late hours of the said day, our client got a call from them, asking him to come around tomorrow morning in respect of the case he reported.

“The next day, on reaching their office, our client was told that there was not any woman in their custody that matched his description; however, he could check her out at the Specialist Hospital.

“On reaching the said Specialist Hospital, our client was also told that there was not any woman that matched his description currently on admission in the hospital unless our client would have to check the morgue.

“Our client reluctantly visited the morgue only to receive the shock of his life, finding the body of his wife lying lifeless without any explanation as to what happened to her, and how his healthy and vibrant wife ended up in a morgue without any lawful justification.

“He was however informed that her corpse was deposited by some personnel of the Department of State Services.

“Considering the mysterious circumstances surrounding her arrest, unlawful incarcerations and eventual murder, our client and his family are devastated and constrained to take any legal actions against the perpetrators of this dastardly and heinous act.”

Responding to the ugly situation, Mr. Muhammed Musa of the Department of State Services (DSS), said he could not speak on the matter unless he sought permission from the National Headquarters, adding that as soon as he got the permission to speak he would call our correspondent and speak on the issue. He had, however not called back at the time of filing in this report.

His words: “I am not authorised to speak on the matter. The petition is directly to the national headquarters and not the Nasarawa State Command of DSS.”

January 21, 2024
Foundation to commence distribution of free textbooks to indigent students

The Tola Olukilede Foundation and Heal the Word Movement have concluded plans to commence free distribution of English and Mathematics textbooks to indigent secondary school students preparing for the West African School Certificate Examination across Nigeria, starting with Ondo State, the home state of the organisations’ founder.

Announcing this to the media at the official unveiling of 2,000 textbooks already procured for this purpose at its corporate head-office in Ota, Ogun State, Apostle Dr. Tola Olukilede said the project was inspired by a divine mandate to his non-denominational love movement to expand beyond its previous mandate of providing scholarship for orphans and indigent students, by also “supporting the students practically and physically.”

“Our aim primarily since 1999, has been to educate the orphaned children and the needy, for whom education may be out of reach, and to give them hope. We also minister to the widowed and the aged by giving them assistance one way or the other. Ours is a covenant of giving, as enshrined in the Bible. God gave us a mandate in 2023 that we should aside the regular scholarship, establish the pillars. Apart from just paying school fees, we should go ahead and support the students practically and physically. And we are taking this measure to start from giving them books, because students need books. So we decided to start giving books especially relevant books to students that are preparing for their WAEC. And this will be starting from Ondo State, because I’m an indigene of Ondo and I know the problem being faced by students, especially from my home town, Ilaramokin.”

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He added: “We are focusing on these two subjects because they are the foundation required for furthering to higher institutions and any student who can pass these two can manouvre himself through other subjects.”

He disclosed that the gesture will take-off from his alma mater, Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure, Ondo State, where he was of the 1974-79 set (1,500 books) and then proceed to Apostolic High School and Community Comprehensive High School, both in Ilaramokin, Ondo State.

Next, he said, the foundation plans to provide school uniforms and shoes to students whose parents are not able to afford it due to the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

Olukilede feels a compelling need to make the sacrifice to bridge these gaps, because such children, if not attended to, may eventually become problem to the nation.

January 21, 2024
Wesley Cathedral celebrates centenary in grand style

Celebrating 100 years of God’s faithfulness and commitment to service of bringing men and women to an atmosphere of worship was brought to the fore as the Wesley Cathedral Choir; Olowogbowo celebrated the Grand Finale of the Choir centenary recently at the church in Olowogbowo, Lagos.

Tagged: ‘Enter into His Gate with Thanksgiving’ brought worshippers from across the country. The event featured the Centenary Festival Thanksgiving and Induction of Honourary patrons and matrons and the launching of the church Youth Church. Many wore different traditional and English attire dancing and praising God. The event ended with a grand reception for members and guests.

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Speaking at the event, the Archbishop of Lagos, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos, Most Rev Isaac said that the centenary celebration is unique and it marks a year of praise for the church. A year of testimony and a year that God has favoured his people and the church. We must give thanks to God because of his faithfulness. Beyond the 100 years that the church has been growing and choirs performing, God is still honouring his name. We need to give thanks to him because his mercies endure forever.

He noted that the centenary celebration is a landmark achievement and very important to us as Methodists. It was one of the first denominations in Nigeria in 1842. The Cathedral is 150 years old. It calls for celebration indeed and an indication that God is with us.

“I am very optimistic today, things might look hard, but we should not dwell there, we are moving. Let us look up to God by faith, the future promises to be bright. With continuous prayer for the nation, we expect a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

In his words, Sir, Grand Patron, Wesley Cathedral, Olowogbowo Sir, Olusegun George, who was full of gratitude to God for the centenary celebration said that my task is to ensure the choir keep singing and stay true to their callings and to see to the welfare of the choir and the organists.

January 14, 2024
Nigeria’s money in wrong hands, Adeboye laments

The General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has said that there is money in Nigeria but is in the wrong hands, assuring Nigerians that a wind of change will blow on naira and wealth will change hands this year.

Adeboye said this recently at the Special Thanksgiving Service of the church held at the RCCG Headquarters, Throne of Grace Parish, Ebute Metta.

Tagged: “Supernatural Enlargement.

He said: “Don’t let anybody tell you money is not in this country, it’s just that it is in the wrong hands. This year, wealth will change hands. The wind is going to blow on the naira. Take my word for it”

“Long before the end of this year, you will know that you are on the mountaintop. Some will start the year as nobody, but before the end of the year, they will be somebody.

“If you do anything you can to serve God, he will not only reposition you, he will lift you to the mountaintop.”

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He highlighted the prerequisites to benefit from the largesse available in Nigeria this year and continually include forming the habit of praising God massively, readiness to serve God with whatever God has given, and staying connected with Him.

Adeboye who said lessons could be derived from King Solomon’s relationship with God in the Bible and advised Nigerians to put God first like the king and enjoy God’s benevolence.

“This year money will change hands and for as many that would benefit from this God’s goodness must be prepared to serve Him with the money.

“God is looking for those that will serve Him with the money He gives them and as long as Nigerians are ready to key into this, the sky will not be their limit,” he said.

The Special Assistant to the General Overseer (Administration) and Pastor in charge of Region One who expatriates on supernatural enlargement, advised Nigerians to play their role by being hardworking and diligent

January 14, 2024
‘We have left our core values as a church’

As the Year 2024 begins in earnest, and clerics reveal the minds of God for the year, the General Superintendent of Christ Redemption Bible Church, Prophet John Oluwadare spoke to ADEOLA OGUNLADE on the mind of God for the nation in the new year, why prophecies fail, and the reasons for his rejection to be the monarch of Ijebu-Ijesha, Osun State.

With lots of prophecies given to Nigerians in the New Year, what is the human factor in the fulfillment of God’s purpose and prophecies?

The church has a role to play. What has been affecting the nation is the negative statement coming from the pulpit. The Bible says that we should pray for our leaders but the reverse is what is prevalent in some churches.

I’m not saying that church leaders cannot voice their minds when they discover that the government is going out of the way, but not in the way and manner we are doing it. We have left our core values as a church. The church is adding more to the problem that the country is going through. On our part as the Christ Redemption Bible Church, Ketu, Lagos, I just came back from the mountain, we talked to God about our countries and families. The human factor is for every Nigerian to change their attitude and way of life. The fulfillment of the prophecy often depends on the attitude and actions of the one to whom the prophecy is given. Prophecies spoken to individuals or groups about what will happen to them in the future are usually conditional upon the actions and attitudes of the people addressed. The Bible says God is not a lair. In the course of this ministry, if God does not say something, we don’t say. One of the things I cherish most is my place in the kingdom. I don’t want to lose the kingdom or say things to entice people. At14 years old, I gave my life to Christ and was President of the Scripture Union. I did not get to the ministry because of my popularity. My mother worked with Apostle Babalola of the Christ Apostolic Church. By 25 years, I was praying for the sick, blind, and the dead rose. It was not money that led me to ministry. I can’t tell lies. My life has been a misery.

Why do prophecies fail?

It depends on the source of the prophecies. I have not given one that has failed. The Bible says that by their fruits, we shall know them. The people God is using, they are often not heard but when the time comes, God will do his work. I tell my colleagues that they should not rush me. I have seen a lot of pastors trying to introduce me to so many things but I tell them that it is too late.

What is God’s word for Nigeria in 2024?

It will be better and more glorious. God is speaking to his children to be effective and strategic if they want to be great in the New Year. Also, we should not joke with prayer. This country will experience massive progress. By April, things will pick up.

God said that we should be closer to him for us to successful in the New Year. For every child of God, God has a promise to favour them. God told me that every good parent should use Wednesday to pray for their children to avert any danger against them. There will abundant food surplus in 2024. Things will be cheaper. The scarcity of food items will drop. Nigerians should be patient with the government. God warned every one of us to avoid traveling late in the night as a lot of people will be missing either through accident, or kidnapping. The Lord says that Nigeria will be peaceful and there will be heavy rain and few houses will collapse as a result of the default in the structures.

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Government should take note and people should be careful about such houses to safeguard their lives. In job creation, there will be massive employment and youths will be happy with the government and will also develop an interest in the government. God said that there would be strange deliveries like twins, and triplets, among others. God will wipe away tears from people, especially waiting mothers. We should pray against two or three eminent Nigerians so that God can turn the table around for good.

Businesses will flourish. For the church, God said that we should pray that we will not fall sick in the New Year as God has promised better living conditions but some may only hear as they will be in sick beds battling with one ailment or the other.

More often, you have always supported the government in power which is cheering…

If you are born again and a real child of God, I am not criticising any church but when you see a thoroughbred child of God, he will not work against the government, you will rather pray for them, that is what the Bible says. The Bible says pray for our leaders not criticise them. What will be my gain if I criticise the government? Sometimes, some pastors criticise the government or raise unnecessary alarms just to create fear around themselves so that politicians will be looking for them. They are empty.

The government cannot solve Nigeria’s problem, what should it pay attention to in the New Year?

Government should focus more on the needs of the people and have compassion on them. The government in power can rewrite the history of the country if it can shun the elites and take care of the suffering masses with its policies and programmes. The downtrodden have suffered too much in Nigeria. The opulence of our politicians shows that they care less about the people who came out en mass to vote them into power. It will be on record for President Tinubu if the critical mass of the people feels the dividends of democracy.

With the recent enthronement of Pastor Ghandi Olaoye as Soun of Ogbomoso, what is your take on church leaders becoming traditional rulers?

To God be the glory, many of our brethren are well exposed and have traveled to great cities around the world. Today, no community wants nonentity to be their king. It is evident that many of these new sets of kings will not be involved in traditional worship but will not disturb them.

I was supposed to be the King of my place. I am from Ijebu-Ijesha in Osun State. My entire family wanted me to be the King some years back after the King died. My dad’s elder brother, one of Nigeria’s richest elites, rooted for me. He said that when it was our turn, the only person he could support and bring out was me. He thereafter invited me and my wife to his house in Maryland, Lagos. I told him that anything outside the kingdom assignment, I don’t want it. I have an Uncle, who is an engineer and lives in Canada came to me to convince my father’s elder brother to support him to be the King. I told him but he refused saying if am not interested, no other person would. There is no way you will not be involved in one or two things.

How hopeful can Nigeria be and your message to the government?

It is not today that things have gotten worse. Nigerian leaders will see something that will damage their names; they will want to put their heads to it. With this government in power, let us believe that this is the Lord’s doing. The first three months will be dicey. From April, things will take shape. Many dead businesses will come alive.

January 14, 2024
Vivian Okiche: Challenges taught me resilience

Vivian Okiche is an entrepreneur and real estate developer who is passionate about the things that she does. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, the CEO of Graygold Investment Limited takes you through her experiences and making an impact in the industry.

With over 10,000 satisfied clients, Okiche opens up on her strategy and how she became internationally known for her trustworthiness while dealing with her clientele. “My commitment to 100% integrity has earned me multiple awards and recognition in the industry”, she enthuses.

Happily, she takes you into her world and how she was inspired to go into the Real Estate business.

‘The inspiration behind entering the real estate business stemmed from a deep understanding of the importance of providing people with secure, affordable, and quality living spaces. For me, it is about making a positive impact on lives through valuable investments”.

Okiche goes on to talk about her experience working in the sector and the things that she has done differently. “I would say that my experience in the real estate sector has been dynamic. Over the years, we have focused on transparency, timely delivery, and meeting our customer’s expectations. What sets us apart is our commitment to honoring promises, ensuring instant allocation, and embracing innovative approaches in the market which is ever evolving”.

Looking back, Okiche informs that it hasn’t been a bed of roses. “You learn a lot with every project and each experience is different from the other. Some of the lessons learned taught me that flexibility and adaptability are crucial in this sector. It is very important to learn from the feedback you get from clients. Also important is understanding market trends, and being agile in response to challenges. All these have been invaluable lessons and I keep learning from time to time”.

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Now, you want to know some of the things that she is looking forward to in the sector and she replies this way: “We look forward to contributing significantly to closing the housing deficit, introducing innovative solutions, and establishing a benchmark for excellence in the industry”.

Okiche also talks about her experience working on her latest project and the priority this way: “Our experience in the current neighborhood has been enriching. It has been very interesting engaging with the community, understanding their needs, and aligning our projects with the local environment”.

Now, you want to know some of the memorable moments in the sector and she responds: “There have been a number of memorable moments. This

Includes some of the successful projects that we have launched, client satisfaction, and witnessing the positive impact our developments have had on the community”.

They all come with challenges, which Okiche describes as stepping stones that have built her personally as well as the brand. “The challenges for me include regulatory changes and market fluctuations, which of course are inevitable. However, overcoming these challenges has strengthened our resolve and taught us resilience”.

So, how will she compare life as an entrepreneur to what she was doing in the past you ask?

“Being an entrepreneur requires vision, risk-taking, and leadership. It’s a journey of constant learning and adaptability, offering a sense of fulfillment that actually surpasses any previous professional experiences”.

Talking about the new areas that she would be exploring and the other things that occupy her time, Okiche strongly believes that the best is yet to come. “We are exploring sustainable and eco-friendly developments which aim to contribute to environmental conservation while providing modern living spaces. In addition, we would also be doing more of community engagements, staying updated on industry trends, and fostering a positive work culture.

For young people who would like to go into the sector, Okiche’s advice is to build trust. “I think they need to embrace learning, stay innovative, and prioritize integrity. Real estate is about building trust, and success comes from a combination of passion, knowledge, and ethical business practices. Personally, I admire visionaries who have revolutionized industries, like Elon Musk, and leaders committed to social impact, such as Bill and Melinda Gates”.

The greatest influence for Okiche is the desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives through accessible and quality housing solutions. “My message to Nigerians is to invest wisely in real estate. It’s a tangible asset that secures your future and contributes to national development. Government needs to prioritize policies that encourage sustainable real estate development, as it plays a pivotal role in economic growth, job creation, and improving citizens’ quality of life”.

Okiche holds the prestigious office of President at Platinum Cape Realtors Group, which caters to over 20,000 active real estate brokers in Lagos State.

As a role model in the industry, she has also dedicated herself to training and mentoring youths, helping them to become better professionals and individuals.

Offering an insight into her career, in Lagos, Okiche talks passionately about her homeownership campaign and its overall impact. “This is the Mission1000 land and homeowners”, which then gave birth to “Mission 5000 land and homeowners. This is part of our efforts people achieve impressive returns on their real estate investments, and has been a huge success over the years”.

Okiche obtained her degree from Caritas University and furthered her education by earning a Professional Course Certification from the Lagos Business School (LBS) She also holds the prestigious title of Doctor in Real Estate Management and Development from the Chartered Institute of Public Resources and Politics, Ghana.

January 14, 2024
Selasi’s Top Ten

Trayc Selasi is a British-Ghanaian singer and songwriter. She tells OLAITAN GANIU her favourite things.

Favorite wrist watch

I am not a fan of the wristwatch. I don’t wear one. But if I had to choose, it would be a Hugo Boss watch because my partner’s got one and it’s quite nice.

Favorite car

The Mercedes G-wagon is my favourite car

Favorite designer

I’m not a designer girl. I like anything nice, but if I had to choose one, it would be Ghanaian designers. They are amazing and I can’t wait to work with them one day.

Favorite Perfume

I don’t have a favourite perfume, but I like my good-smelling Oud either from Dubai, Saudi Arabia or wherever.

Favorite travel destination

I love going to so many different places and seeing so many different cultures, but my ultimate favourite is Ghana. I love being back home. You know, being back home is just the ultimate.

Read Also; Helen Oduyemi: I learnt farming from my grandparents

Favorite song

My favourite song is ‘Soft Life’ by Seyi Shay and Banji Mak because I co-produced and co-wrote that song.

Favorite book

My favorite book is The Alchemist. I love reading that book. I would even be going back to read that book again for like the fourth or fifth time.

Favorite actor/artist

My favourite actor or artist? One I can think of right now, actor-wise, is Taraji P. Henson. She’s absolutely an amazing actor. For artists, I think who I love right now is Tems. She’s my favourite right now.

Favorite accessories

I love some good jewelry. I love my rings. I love some flower rings and African-shaped rings, triangle rings.

Favorite Food

Favourite food is beans and plantains. Yeah. If it’s not beans and plantain, then it’s Banku with red pepper sauce with fish and eggs. Yes, I’m a Ghanaian, and we love eggs.

January 14, 2024
Helen Oduyemi: I learnt farming from my grandparents

Helen Omowunmi Oduyemi is the CEO of Helen Genius Agro Products Limited and Shealux Limited. In this interview with YETUNDE OLADEINDE, she takes you into her world, learning from her grandparents who were farmers, Value addition, training and mentoring others, getting grants and support from the Central Bank, and Heritage Bank, and experience in export.

What has been the experience?

Shealux Limited is into value addition, shea butter, and black soap. We make cosmetics from shea butter and black soap, products, and skincare solutions for people using essential oils and herbs. All these are agro-related. For Helen Genius we deal with farm processing, agro-processing, the exportation of Agro produce, and real production. I started in 2016 in Osun state, and people started calling me the lady farmer from Etsaoke. I went into Agriculture because I saw a large gap coming from an agrarian community in Osun state. My grandparents are farmers and I saw that there was no dissemination of information. It was that information that I took to Etsa-oke, no improved seedlings, the framers were not notified. They do garri processing and the way they do the garri processing is not hygienic enough, there is drudgery and the effort that they need to put into it is just crazy. So, I decided that I would keep going there to train them, not thinking that I would be a farmer. I was a scientist. I studied Science Laboratory Technology at Ladoke Akintola University.

What did you do with Science Laboratory Technology (SLT)?

After studying SLT, I went to business school at the Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC), Lagos, then run by the Central Bank of Nigeria. I went there at Ikeja and did the course and I was inspired. I was able to write Concept notes and Business Plans. So, I felt that instead of looking for a job, I could be doing something with my time. I used to train people before I graduated in vocational skills under the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Oyo state then under Gov Alao Akala. They usually engage me to train villagers in the different zones for women empowerment.

What are some of the things that you were training them then?

I trained the local women hat making, confectionaries, cake making, soaps, and detergents and we segmented them. They will always come to the zonal office and I will be there with other facilitators. Then after school, I went back to Esa oke, my town and I tried to raise other people through vocational skills.

Then I saw the gaps for farmers. Then I said if these people provide the food that people eat then why is it difficult and they cannot afford the basic things in life? Why is it that only a few of them can afford a decent life? Then I saw that gap, the trees that my grandparents planted, people are still using that kind of seedling. People are still using that kind of low-yield seedling input to expect high-yield outputs, which is not possible.

So, I took it upon myself to organise with the king of our town in the palace. I started training people and I went to JDPC in Oyo the Reverend father and one of the members assisted because they saw the passion in me. That time they were doing vitamin A cassava stem under harvest clubs and they made me one of the advocators. At a time they gave me a whole pick-up of Vitamin A Cassava stems. Improved variety and I took it to Osun State. At that time the variety was not in Osun state and that was how I entered Agric fully. When people have one problem or the other they would call me and I started learning more. I did not study agriculture in school.

How did you learn?

I did not go to any agricultural school to learn about agric. I was born into Agric; I am a third-generation agriculturist. The use of herbs and agro-produce is a norm in my family. But improving on it was a challenge that I saw with people. My grandparents were royals, they had money. When they were alive, I did not know that farmers were poor. My grandmother had two 911 that carried oranges, and pineapples to Lagos and neighbouring towns for her. So, I didn’t know that farmers were poor; I used to think farmers were wealthy. I have always been participating in farming from a young age. My dad is an accountant and my mum is a teacher, they didn’t go to the farm. Later my dad after retiring went back to farming. But, I always got tips from my grandparents and I loved to always stay around them. So, every holiday I would follow Grandma to the farm. When I was going home, she would pack so many goodies for me. And there is that bond. She taught me a lot about business.

How many years have you been in farming?

I started in 2016. I registered the first company, Helen Genius Global Services in 2015 and got support from the Central Bank through Heritage Bank, EDP Youth Development Initiative. That was the first support that I got.

What gave you the opportunity?

I went to business school in 2012 and it was sponsored by CBN then. They gave us 3 million naira as a loan for the winners, about 90 of us out of 3000 applicants or more. At a stage, we got to three thousand people and then they had to screen us out till we had 90 people. Then in Osun state, out of the 90 people in Nigeria, I was one of the beneficiaries.

What did that exposure do to your business?

For the first time, I was able to have cash in the first place. I was just doing those things out of passion. My grandparents had died and my parents were just average. And they were not supporting what I was doing because they felt that you have not fed yourself, you are trying to help people. What is the meaning of this nonsense? However, I felt that even if I had the money and everyone around me was poor, then all of us were still poor. But, how do I convince villagers that what they are doing is wrong, when I don’t have proof of concept?

So, Heritage Bank was able to help me to have the cash to prove the concept. To say this is the way, everybody comes and follows. I have gone out to find out and knew that around that time they were rejecting Nigerian garri production, which is value added to cassava. I know that people around us in Ekiti state plant Cassava, but not as much as in Oyo state. So, when I got this fund, we bought stainless steel machines. So that whatever produce we have would be exportable.

We had challenges along the line but it was a good start. In a day in that factory, we could have like 10 people working. These were women who on a good day may not know where to go. It was standard and with that, we got a grant support from World Bank under GEM in 2018. That was 11 million naira support and our community started supplying wood. We wanted to have our station where we could generate power and run green energy. So, we started the bioproduction and that was where that project had to stop.

Looking back to when you started and now, what has changed?

When I started, I did not have enough information. I only had passion. I did not have any structure. If I am not there nothing works. My level of knowledge was low compared to now. I now have more resilience that no matter what happens n, things can always get better. And if we give it all it takes, it will be successful. I now know that my concepts are doable, they are achievable, they are replicable. Whatever we do in Osun state, we are replicating in Oyo state and can always diversify. I was not thinking of planting anything when I started. I just wanted to help other farmers. But over time, I saw a lot of lapses and realized that if we were going to prove this to people, you would have to do it first and let them see it. In 2019, we saw our cluster planting cotton, we tried some places with our hand and another with a hand pusher and saw the different outputs. So, we want all of them planting different things to be able to use a planter and not their hand. The hand would not give the actual plant population that is required to bring profit. No, I can create the economics of production for a particular crop before going to farm at all. Also, with herbs and other things that we have access to, I can map out a farm with the drone that we are now using. So, you can be sure that if you are planting on one hectare, it is one acre that you are using; sometimes the surveyor may not be accurate. In the past, you could put an input of 5 hectares on land that is 3 and a half acres. It happened to us at Onifufu village in Ibadan in 2019. When we brought the drone there, we found that what they told us they had measured was not the actual digital space that we had. That was a loss on its own. So, the information that we have now is way far better.

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Do you have young people that you are mentoring?

I have older not younger people that I am mentoring. In my circle, most times I am always the youngest. Most times, the people who are serious with life most times are above 40. In cosmetics, the Nigeria Export Promotion Council just recently gave us a hand of collaboration to mentor people into value addition of all these organic natural cosmetics for exports. We export palm oil, shea butter, and peeled beans. People send their requests for different foods, I do only agro products. The cosmetics we do are like food to the skin. From shea butter, mango butter, and cocoa butter Mango has butter inside the seed, which helps the skin to glow, for anti-aging. I keep learning and from SheTrades I can say that the transformation that I have had so far, 60 percent is because I am with SheTrades. They have trained us consistently and when you apply these things to your business, you discover that there is a whole lot inside of you to explore.

January 14, 2024
Why we hold meetings in hotels, public places – Lion Samuel Ayobola

Call him Nigeria’s number 1 Lion and you may just be right. However, Multiple Council Chairman, Lions Club International Multiple District 404 Nigeria, Lion Chief Samuel Ayobola’s unassuming personality, belies this huge position; until you start a conversation with him. In this interview with GBOYEGA ALAKA, he sheds light on the Lions Club structure, how his desire to support the less privileged led him to join the club 31 years ago and how he rose to the top position.

The title, Multiple Council Chairman’ of Lions Club International Multiple District 404 Nigeria, sounds like some club Governor-General or overseer. Could you explain it to us?

Let me explain the structure to you. We have a club that is known as the Lions Club. A Lions Club is headed by a President. Next to that is the Zone, which is made up of a minimum of five to six clubs, and headed by a Zone Chairperson. Then the number of clubs in one state or part thereof forms what is called a Region, which is made up of not less than ten clubs and headed by a Region Chairperson. Then you now have a District. A District is a collection of not less than 35 clubs and 1,250 members and is headed by a District Governor. Lest I forget, a standard Lions Club should have a minimum of 20 members. In a country or geographical area, where you have more than one district, you now have what is called a Multiple District. The Multiple Council Chairperson is expected to be a past District Governor, who now coordinates the sub-districts. So where you have two or more districts, you have a Multiple Council Chairperson as coordinator. He makes sure there is a meeting point between the various districts that make up the multiple districts. So, literally, I supervise all the districts across Nigeria.

How demanding can holding such a position be?

It is very demanding. Supervising district governors, leaves you with a lot of responsibilities. It is demanding in terms of time, resources and mental work. For instance, I don’t live in Lagos; I’m a member of Ilorin Central Lions Club and I live in Ilorin; but as we speak, I’m in Lagos for a Special Delegates Meeting to ratify a candidate for the position of International Director. We all came from all over Nigeria. The whole of Nigeria constitutes MD 404 (Multiple District 404); so anytime there is any activity that combines all the districts, be it in Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Abeokuta, wherever; as Multiple District Council chairperson, I have to be present. So most of the time, I’m on the road covering/supervising one activity or the other.

How did you get to this enviable position? It, surely, couldn’t have been a stroll in the park.

Our administrative structure is bottom-up. Before anything, you have to have served as Club President; then Zone Chairperson; Region Chairperson, before you can qualify to serve as District Governor. It is after serving as a District Governor that you can now qualify and aspire to be a Multiple Chairperson. I joined the club some 31 years ago.

For your members to have supported you all the way, there has to be something you’ve been bringing to the table. Tell us about it.

Of course, to get elected to such a position, you must have proven your mettle. So, with every sense of modesty, I believe I have shown that I have the capacity to lead. Besides, you must be able to interact freely; because for them to elect you, they must know you and know your onions. So once these qualities are met, it becomes relatively easy to climb up the ladder.

The popular opinion out there is that you must be wealthy or have some good money before you could join Lions Club, especially because of the projects you embark on.

It is not so. But again, you we need to define what it entails in terms of endowment to be a Lion. Clearly, you don’t need to be a millionaire or billionaire to be a Lion, but there are certain things/qualities you must possess before you can be admitted. First, you must have a sustainable means of livelihood. Don’t forget that the idea of Lionism is to help the needy; and a needy cannot help the needy. So you must be gainfully employed, to the extent that you can fend for yourself and have something left, which you can use to assist the less-privileged around you. Number two is to have the heart to share what you have with others. Some people are multi-billionaires, but to part with their money is difficult.

There is this belief that clubs like Lions Club gives members network opportunities to grow and attain better job/appointment opportunities. Is this a myth or reality?

To a large extent, if I say we are friends, what are we friends for, if we cannot lend helping hands to each other? Nonetheless, we always tell intending members at the point of interview not to come to the club because of personal benefits, but with a heart of service. Along the line, benefits may come. If you deal in batteries and I need a battery for my car, without doubt, you should be my first point of contact. Same if you’re a printer, a medical doctor or any other service you render. So of course we give our members priority and connect each other where there are opportunities.

You’ve been in the saddle as Multiple Council Chairman for six months; tell us about your activities or achievements so far.

First, we can only have one Multiple Council chairman in one country, which is my humble self, although we have six district governors. The first activity that I embarked upon at the beginning of the Lions Year, was the presentation activities of the district governors, where I also assisted them in raising funds, which they would use in carrying out projects in their various districts. By the way, we have six districts in Nigeria. We lost one of our members last year; he was a past council chairperson; so what we try to do is to insure our members under a welfare scheme, where we get certain sum from the insurance company, which we share among the deceased’s members’ family. This same out-gone year, we lost a prominent member, the doyen Lion in Nigeria actually, Pa Akintola Williams. He was the first Nigerian to be a Lion. As an association, we were able to organise a befitting burial service for him in conjunction with his family. This same year, our International President, Dr Patti Hill, visited us in Nigeria with his spouse, and we were able to give him that well known Nigerian hospitality. They were here for three days and they took advantage of their visit to see some of the projects embarked upon by Lions here. I have also taken Nigeria Lions Club to Ghana to participate in All African Forum; this is where all the Lions in Africa gather to interact and carry out lots of activities. Like every other human organisation, we also have challenges of little misunderstanding; there was a time we had issues between District 404B3 and B4; we successfully met and resolved the issues. We have also successfully had a Special Delegates Meeting, where we endorsed a candidate that’ll be presented for the position of International Director at the next International Convention taking place in Melbourne, Australia in June this year.

A major slogan of the Lions Club is, ‘Wherever there is a need, there is a Lion;’ in your 31 years as a Lion, which project have you led or been part of, which resonates with you the most?

Before I go straight to your question, let me quickly explain this: We have what we call Focus Areas. we have eight Focus Areas. Environment is one of them, Relieving Hunger, Sight Reservation, Youth Engagement, Pediatric cancer. And I would say it is our efforts towards caring for pediatric cancer that has touched me the most. When you have a 5, 6 years old child suffering from cancer, and you know that cancer has no cure; it could be very touching.

You were former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Kwara State; how did that impact on your activities as a Lion?

Normally, your background will always have a role to play in whatever you do. I retired as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports in 2018, but I had served in various other ministries and positions before then. In Lionism, we put the youths at the front burner, and that is why we have the youth arm and activities we refer to as the Leos: Leadership, Experience, Opportunities. This is to inculcate in them the heart of service and giving, even before they become gainfully employed. In like manner, as a Perm Sec in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, what we tried to do basically was to find ways to engage our youths – whether through sporting activities, skills acquisition, empowerment and all sorts; naturally, I tried to introduce this to the association too, to see how we could engage our youths in terms of skills acquisition. In any case, we have a programme known as Lions Quest, dedicated purposely to the upliftment of the youth. Personally, it has been my priority, wherever I find myself, to make sure that interests of our youths are adequately taken care of.

What inspired you to join the Lions Club? Years back, a lot of people saw it like some cult.

Back then, my boss in the ministry had been invited as a special guest of honour to their Investiture Ceremony, and he asked me to accompany him. There I saw how enthusiastic they all were about raising funds to help the less privileged. That naturally aroused a certain feeling in me. And I thought that if people could be so passionate about helping other people, why couldn’t I be part of them?

About Lions Club being perceived as a secret cult; yeah people used to think so, and that is why Lions Club meet in hotels. Our meeting is usually in public places/hotels, and we don’t meet at night; so that people can have access to us, listen to what is being discussed; just to convince everyone that there is nothing secret about Lions Club.

Let me also use this opportunity to invite pubic spirited individuals, people of means and sustainable income with the heart to give, to come and join us. Like the bible says, ‘the harvest is plentiful but the hands are few;’ in the same manner, the enormity of work to be done is much; so the more the merrier.

How have you juggled your responsibility as a Number One Lion with family?

Well, I’ve been married for 37 years and I’ve been a lion for 31 years, that means my family have lived with this way of life for so long. What distabilises the family is when you change your pattern of life suddenly. Besides, all my three children are grown up. Two are married and the last would be getting married anytime soon. Besides, my wife is also a Lion, so she understands everything I do.

January 14, 2024
BBC documentary: Our memories of T.B. Joshua, by neighbours

• Dele Momodu, Fani-Kayode defend late prophet

As more reactions continue to trail the recent BBC documentary on the alleged escapades of the late TB Joshua, ADEOLA OGUNLADE, who visited the church’s neighbourhood in the Ikotun suburb of Lagos, captures the feeling of residents of the community, a good number of who were admirers and beneficiaries of the late televangelist’s renowned generosity.

Last Friday morning, the premises of the Synagogue Church of all Nation (SCOAN), Ikotun, Lagos, was calm with security operatives on ground. A retinue of people were seen paying their respects to the late televangelist by looking at his giant portraits displayed by the side of the church. Some stretched forth their hands to the pictures praying while a man was seen kneeling and praying with his hands on Prophet TB Joshua’s picture. Not too far away, rubbles of the collapsed church guest house which claimed the lives of 116 people a few years back could be seen.

Just a few days back, precisely, Monday, the BBC had aired a three-hour documentary on the late founder of the church, the late Temitope Balogun Joshua. The three-part documentary featured over two dozen SCOAN ex-members (disciples), taking turns to share accounts of alleged sexual assaults, manipulation, forced abortion, and other abuses attributed to the late cleric in his lifetime.

These individuals are from Nigeria, South Africa, the United Kingdom among others.

Reacting to the allegations, SCOAN Public Affairs Director, Dare Adejumo in a statement, said the BBC documentary, titled: ‘Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua,’ portrayed the late founder in a negative light.

Adejumo claimed that the individuals the BBC interviewed and featured in the expository documentary were unfamiliar to the church.

Adejumo maintained that the documentary was aimed at tarnishing the image of the late T.B. Joshua.

SCOAN stated that while investigating and reporting are at the core of journalism, straying from ethical principles is unacceptable.

Highlighting journalism’s role as a societal watchdog, the church stressed the importance of fairness, balance, and objectivity for the media to maintain dignity as the fourth estate of the realm.

Church neighbours react

While there have been different reactions to the BBC report, those who knew Joshua while he was alive have continued to maintain that the late preacher was a man of God.

One of the late SCOAN leader’s neighbours, a middle-aged woman, who spoke to The Nation on condition of anonymity, said that the BBC documentary is a lie, as it is a plot to discredit the good works the late TB Joshua did to so many people and residents within the community.

“The late TB Joshua had a wife. I am not sure he has the time to engage in nefarious activities. During Yuletide season, he sent a whole trailer of rice to the community, with lots of money. He was a good man. We are not perturbed by the plethora of allegations levelled against him.”

Also, a trader, who sells fast moving consumer goods and lives on Adekunjo Street right opposite the church, said her daughter told her about the video going around about the late TB Joshua. “The question is why didn’t they release the videos while he was alive, so he could clear himself of all the allegations? I told my daughter not to join them in discrediting TB Joshua. His judgment is not in our hands but in the hands of God. The BBC documentary is suspicious and unnecessary, especially after the man had died”

Also, a couple who are members of the church and who lives on Adamo Street, not too far from the church area, said that the BBC report was ‘a piece of fake news’.

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According to the couple, the wife of the late evangelist and Lead Pastor of the church, Evelyn Joshua, had announced to them that the church’s popular satellite broadcast channel, Emmanuel TV, would go off Dove TV, Startime and DSTV from the 17th of January, saying that the station was supposed to be free but the church was paying so much to retain it on the satellite networks.

A flier was also distributed to alert church members.

The couple said they suspected foul play in the BBC report and literally rained curses on the people behind the documentary. The church according to them started a long time ago and the miracles and the plethora of good works displayed by TB Joshua are worthy of note. The wife, a trader and nursing mother, said: “Can someone who performed so many great miracles across borders be doing such dastardly acts as portrayed in the documentary? TB Joshua’s evangelists are around today doing a lot of miracles; are they also using demonic power? It can never be true. We have not just seen miracles, we saw and we are seeing good works displayed by the church. From Agodo to Liasu Road and Aminu in the environs, scores of persons were given rice and money during the last Yuletide Season. The documentary is just a plot to discredit him and his ministry. It will not work.”

Also, a Muslim woman within the neighbourhood said the documentary was misconceived. “My husband did some work in the church and our house was greatly blessed.”

She said her husband repaired the air conditioning and the church gave him some work to do. He was not discriminated against because of his religion. “After payment for the job had been made, he would give every artisan who worked in his church extra transport to take them home. We miss him. I am a Muslim but we appreciate him. He started from a humble background and became a global brand.”

In the words of another woman, who deals in grocery on Adamo Street, “We are in support of the ministry, as the wife has continued the good strides and legacy her husband left behind.”

According to her, she has been living in Adamo Street for a while and from the much she knew, the late TB Joshua was a kind and spirited minister of God.

Evelyn Joshua reacts

In what could be considered her reaction, Pastor Evelyn Joshua, on her Facebook page, Friday, posted “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Prophet T.B. Joshua reminds us of the words of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ when He was on the Cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34) Prophet T.B. Joshua says: “Your response when you are hurt, embarrassed, misjudged, wrongly accused, persecuted and hated, determines your future.”

Even before the BBC documentary, Pastor (Mrs.) Joshua had responded to one of the women in the now fast-circulating tape, Mrs Bisola Johnson, who also accused the late T.B. Joshua of wrongdoing.

Pastor Evelyn Joshua, during a recent ministration in the church, said that the lady came to TB Joshua and narrated the story of being homeless and needing help. Joshua said the church later provided her a shelter at the synagogue. .

A video of her past in the church was also shown, where Johnson spoke of her homelessness.

“One day, she drank poison because her husband said that he was not interested in the marriage anymore. Her husband rushed her to the hospital. Two weeks later, she poured kerosene and petrol on her house, and the property worth N3 million got burnt.

“Over the years, Johnson wanted to be my friend and I said ‘No,’ because I didn’t know her. While living at the Synagogue, I noticed her ways were not pure but thankfully, the late Prophet, according to his wife, did not give in to her foolishness. “Stay away from foolish people so that you do not be like them.”

Also reacting to the BBC documentary, politician and Publisher Ovation magazine, who was also friend of the late prophet, Dele Momodu, drummed support for the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) amidst the controversy.

Momodu said that “although there is good and bad in every mortal”, the late Joshua was “an angel on earth.”

Femi Fani Kayode, former Aviation Minister also reacted to the documentary on his X account, questioning the legitimacy of these allegations. He said that as far as he was concerned, the late preacher was a blessing to the church and the Christian faith in Nigeria.

He tweeted, “So true! You touched many lives, fought a good fight, stood till the end, and established a great and enduring legacy. No man or institution can destroy it with dirty lies: not even the BBC! Continue to rest in peace brother and thanks for being such a blessing to the Church, the Christian faith, humanity, and our beloved nation Nigeria. We are and shall always be very proud of you.”

Rubbishing the BBC documentary, musician Daddy said: “Say what you like, the time wey the man dey here, una no talk, so who dey hear una blackmail?”

Another musician, Victor Adere also granted an interview to speak about how TB Joshua healed him and saved his family.

He said “In 2021, my dad, late Mr Emmanuel Adere introduced me and my entire family to SCOAN [in] 1996, and ever since then you have been a blessing to us.”

Tourism journalist, Okorie Uguru, who related closely with the late Joshua, also recounted his over a decade encounter with the late evangelist on his Facebook page.

“I related with the late Prophet T B Joshua for many years, and in all these years, I have no negative to say about him, except that he was a workaholic and drove his aides same way…. Anybody can say what they feel like saying, but I know what I know….”

January 14, 2024