The Senior Pastor of General Assembly International Christian Church, Pastor Tunde Kanimodo, recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of his ministry. In an interview with Adeola Ogunlade, he spoke about his journey from a staunch Islamic background to a pastor; calling into ministry, raising mature Christians as God’s generals. Excerpts
How do you feel seeing the church recently clocked 5; the mark of grace?
I feel so good and happy. My heart is full of gratitude to God for seeing the church clock five. The church clocking five is grace. Some people started ministry at the same time as me but couldn’t continue. With the little, we have done and how far God has helped us within these five years, I’m full of joy.
Share with us about your background, including your rebirth encounter
This is an awesome request that I like, particularly about my rebirth encounter.
I had an Islamic background. We were staunch Islamic believers in my family. It was grace that found me. Before my encounter with Christ, I was a hater of Christianity and Christians. In Islam, we were indoctrinated to see all Christians as kefirs (unbelievers). By the grace of God, I will be 55- years- old this year, and till now, I have never tasted pork for you to know how deep I was in the Islamic faith before I met Christ. Muslims don’t eat pork. Muslims believe that it is only unbelievers like Christians that eat pork. How grace found me and converted me to a Christian is beyond my comprehension. My journey of conversion to a Christian began during my national youth service in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. I left home for youth service as a faithful Muslim. I went for the national service with my Quran, tasbih (Muslim prayer rosary), and other Islamic materials to help my growth in the Islamic faith. Unfortunately, I found myself residing with a Christian family in Port Harcourt.
Tell us about your experience as a staunch Muslim residing with a Christian family.
Whenever the family wanted to pray they would seek my indulgence to join them in the prayer, telling me that both Christians and Muslims pray to the same God. So, I started joining them in their prayer but would still observe my ablutions (Islamic prayers). One fateful night I joined the family in a night prayer in their living room. After the prayer, I returned to my room, slept off, and had an unforgettable mysterious encounter that led me to Jesus Christ. I saw myself in a dream surrounded by chariots of some masked people that looked like Nigeriens with bows and arrows in their hands. There were over one thousand masked people with bows and arrows in their hands. I asked myself, how would I escape this? Suddenly, I screamed, Jesus! And I saw my hand lifted and turned to fire. I moved the hand down, swung it right and left, and saw the chariots with their riders catch fire. When I woke up I was amazed.
After your rebirth, how did you eventually receive the call to ministry?
After my rebirth encounter, I started attending church activities. Along the line, I became a worker in my former church. But I never envisaged becoming a pastor despite that I was committed and dedicated to service in my former church. For several years, I was the coordinator of a particular programme in the church. I was three times chairman of the national convention of the church. I was zealous in the work of God probably because of my Islamic background. In Islam, you don’t joke with the work of God. Later, I began receiving the promptings of a call to ministry, but never took them seriously. Severally I argued with the Holy Spirit that I don’t have to start another church to work for God. I showed the Holy Spirit some examples of men of God doing great works for God without running a church. Yet, several men of God, including my senior prophet kept telling me the messages that God gave to them about me to start a ministry. This confirmed the promptings I have also been receiving in that direction. But for me, I was more content serving under a church than facing the troubles of leading another church. Eventually, I prayed about the promptings and messages and we started the ministry five years ago.
What is the mandate of your calling, and the gifts God endowed you for it?
The mandate of the General Assembly International Christian Church is to raise generals for God. When we say generals, we are talking about mature Christians who can stand out in all ramifications; standing in the gap in all situations for the body of Christ. So, our mandate is to raise mature Christians that will trouble the kingdom of darkness to expand the kingdom of God. The gifts God endowed us for these mandates are the gifts of the teaching of the word of God, prayer, and the fire of God through the Holy Ghost in Christ Jesus. These are the gifts helping us.
How will you describe the journey of the church so far in these five years?
The journey so far has been awesome though with some ups and downs at the start. It was very rough when we started. We started the ministry on leased property. By the time we got to the roofing of the church structure, we had no money to continue. So, I had to sell the only car I had then to enable us to roof the structure. I understand nobody crosses over to the city of greatness without crossing the border of sacrifice. My Siena car was about 11 months old then. So, I had to sell that car to enable us to continue the building. The beginning was indeed rough but today we are very grateful to God.
Later the Lord gave me a better car. Though we had a small beginning, we refused to remain small. We continue growing higher every day. It was indeed hard at the beginning but grace was sufficient for us. Grace makes it easy and simple for us in this journey so far. We bless God for that.
Who are those you look up to as your mentors or role models in ministry?
My mentor is Prophet Peter Olowoporoku. I was brought up in ministry under his tutelage. He is a man of God I love so much. I look up to Baba E.A Adeboye as my grandfather in ministry. I also look up to Bishop David Oyedepo and Apostle Joshua Selman as my mentors. I particularly love Apostle Joshua Selman so much.
If Christ tarries, what are your plans or vision for the church in the next five years when it will mark your 10th anniversary?
If the Lord tarries, our vision in the next five years is to accomplish what the Lord told us to raise generals for Him. We want to raise as many generals as possible. We are presently in our temporary place of worship. Our vision in the next two years is to get a befitting and massive place of worship with a very encouraging capacity to expand the kingdom of God.
With yet another railway related abduction and a couple of derailments, there are worries that a certain fear around the resuscitated system may be growing. But Gboyega Alaka, who went to town, found out that the people are adamant.
First, it was the Abuja-Kaduna train bomb attack. The date was March 28, 2022 and 14 persons were killed while 63 were declared abducted. It was novel and unexpected. Passengers, who for economic reasons or phobia for flying, had embraced the train culture, because of a perceived safety and escape from rampaging bandits, were taken aback.
Though released in batches, the last of the victims of that sad but unforgettable incident spent close to six months in the kidnappers’ den; with the kidnappers smiling home with a speculated total sum of about N6billion.
As a result, the train’s operation was suspended indefinitely, and only recommenced December 5, 2022 – nine months after – 251 days precisely.
But while there may be a certain joy and relief over the return of the train, many worry that fear and apathy may trail its resumption.
A testimony to that worry was what played out on the first day of resumption of operations of the trains, when only 71 passengers boarded a 588-seater train.
The Nation correspondent, who went on that first trip, noted that the first train that left the Idu Station had majority of its coaches empty.
A female passenger on that trip, however, told The Nation that the railway remained her best option, the fear of kidnappers notwithstanding.
“I believe there is no safest means to travel in Nigeria. Whether you go by road or air, anyhow you travel, it is God that protects. They started working today and there is no issue for me to use the train. I live in Delta State and my husband is in Zaria. I always come to Abuja and take the train to Rigasa and then I proceed to Zaria. I am always on the road. When the operation was suspended, we all went back to the abandoned road and we started using it. The same mindset that we had that God will guide us is the same mindset we have now and that is why I am here.”
Another, a man, however, said pointedly that he could not continue to live in fear, and that travelling by road was in itself, a greater risk.
“I live in Kaduna and I came in by road yesterday to Abuja and it was a risk I took. I could be in my home and get attacked but I only hope that their services are improved with more security. The truth is we cannot continue to live in fear; the road is not safe either, so we have to live our lives. I am here to take the risk because every day is a risk.”
Igueben, kidnap too many
However, just as many were beginning to readjust to the railway life, the January 7 Igueben Train Station abduction of 31 persons waiting to board the Warri-Itakpe train en route Abuja, put some sour taste in the mouth.
Though the victims of this abduction didn’t stay long in the kidnappers’ den, and some of those in connection with the incident are currently undergoing trials, many fear that the train may have emerged as the new target of kidnappers, which may well scare travellers away from this newly resuscitated means of travelling.
Add the Igueben incident to the derailment of the same (Warri-Itakpe) train barely a week after in a Kogi forest, and yet another derailment of the Abuja-Kaduna train around Kubwa on January 27, and one may begin to understand why a genuine fear of the train system may be gaining ground.
The Kogi derailment reportedly sent fears through the passengers, as many were said to have scampered into the bush, for fear of kidnappers descending on them.
That fear was made more palpable by emerging fact that the rail line may have been deliberately vandalised to halt its progress.
A former chairman of the Bayelsa Vigilante Agency, Prince Douye Koroye, who was on the train, alleged that it might be a case of suspected terrorists cutting the rail line.
Another report on the incident stated outright that “the rail tracks were badly damaged.”
We can’t continue to live in fear
However, rather than cower and run away from the rail system, it seems many Nigerians, who have found a favourite in the train system, have resolved to soldier on using the train, in spite of the various threats.
An official at the Idu Train Station, Abuja, told our correspondent that the Abuja-Kaduna train currently run at full capacity.
According to him, the station has been witnessing cases where tickets run out and passengers have to reschedule their trips to the next day.
“We have two categories of trains; one is identified as the Abuja train while the other is the Kaduna train.
“The Kaduna train has eight economy coaches with 88 seat capacity and four business coaches with 68 capacity each.
“The Abuja train has five economy coaches with 88 seat capacity, two business coaches with 68 and 56-seat capacity, and one executive with 24 seats.
“So on peak days, which are mostly Fridays and Sundays, we experience full capacity. Abuja to Kaduna train on Fridays is mostly filled because most people travel out for the weekend and then we witness full capacity again on Sunday; Kaduna-Abuja,” the official said.
Our people are determined not to be slaves to fear – Igueben monarch
The above situation was corroborated by the traditional ruler of Igueben, HRH Ehizojie Eluojierior I Onogie of Igueben and Okaigun of Esanland, who stated unequivocally that there is no fear whatsoever.
“I can tell you that the people are not afraid. Having recovered the victims, and with some suspects being prosecuted for aiding the kidnap, the atmosphere is relaxed now and people were even hoping and praying that operations at the Igueben station resumed, so they could continue with their lives.” the traditional ruler stated.
Reacting further, HRH Eluojierior said, “I believe that Nigerians are determined to use the train now, more than ever before. Look at the roads, they are not passable. Look at the cost of fuel. Those factors give fear more that the rail that is so cheap and smooth before this attack. Luckily, the victims were rescued quickly, so people are happy and relaxed now. Even the Kaduna incident that is worse, the people are resilient and have resumed patronage of the train, once it was reopened. It means the people are determined to continue using the train in spite of the seeming danger. Our people are determined not to be slaves to fear or to these kidnappers who are heartless.
“If you look at the energy with which my hunters and the vigilantes combed the bush before the state security came in to complement and rescue these people within one week, you would know that people are not afraid. They don’t want to surrender to these AK47 wielding bandits.”
Asked if security measures were being put in place at the station to forestall future occurrences of such incident, HRH Eluojierior said, ” We cannot determine that now as the station has not resumed operation. When that happens, I will tell you. However, I am very sure that before they resume there, they will put necessary security measures in place, including CCTV cameras, which I recommended.”
On the suspects being investigated, the monarch said they are locals suspected to have given out the bush to the ‘Fulani’ kidnappers after collecting money from them.
Asked how he knew the kidnappers were Fulani, he said, “We know that some persons in that bush were keeping these Fulani, and that was the information given to the security upon which those people being prosecuted were picked up. We understand that these Fulani gave out some cows to some persons, and money as well in order to gain entry. But I wouldn’t know if any Fulani is among those being prosecuted.”
Igueben Station, an economic plus
As at the time of this interview, the monarch noted that he could not wait for the Igueben Station to be reopened. His reason is that it is impacting greatly on the local economy.
“The community was growing tremendously. It is not just Igueben alone as a matter of fact. You know Igueben Local Government consists of eight communities. The station is close to the entire Ishan. Edo Central use it because it is close to them; part of Iromi use it, Ekpoma use it, Ebere use it; and those are not Igueben per se. But they have found it convenient. The attackers took advantage of the fact that this particular station usually recorded a good number of waiting passengers, going to Abuja or Warri.”
‘There is a sense of comfort and security when you’re using the train’
Henry Digu, a regular train passenger on the Warri Itakpe train route shares his experience
Henry Digu
How often do you use the train?
I stay in Abuja and my family are in Warri; so I use the train a lot. I can call myself a regular user of the train service. The train travels from Warri to Itakpe; which is just before Lokoja, and from there, I take a connecting bus to Abuja. It enables passengers to cut off all the bad spots on the Benin-Abuja road. And then it is safe.
Do you find it comfortable and suitable?
It is very comfortable and very good for the journey; and the price is good, especially when it first took off. Initially, they started with just over N2,000 to Itakpe; then I would take N2,500 bus to Abuja. That way, I spent less than N5,000 to Abuja, which was good. Sometime last year, it was increased to N3,000; and then the buses, due to fuel scarcity, also increased to N4,000, making N7,000. Late last year, the fair was again increased to N5,000. But of course these prices are for the regular coaches. For the VIP, it started with N5000, and then moved to N9,000. As for me, I use the regular, because I see no difference.
Have you encountered any interruption since you started using the train?
Honestly, no. But some other people have. I have heard people complain so. There was a time I was coming to Warri from Abuja, and on getting to Itakpe, the train came late and the people that came with it said it broke down on the way. There was another occasion when I wanted to board it from Warri and the train arrived late the previous night; they said it was because it broke down. But I can tell you it is not a regular thing.
Have those who experienced the breakdown ever expressed their fear of being attacked or abducted in the forest?
Yes, there is always that fear. When the January 7 kidnap incident at Igueben station occurred, it naturally threw some fear into some people. I, for example, was supposed to travel that Saturday along with my family who had come to visit me, but for some reasons, I changed my mind to Sunday. It was on our way to the train station at Warri that we learnt for the first time that there had been an attack and kidnap at the Igueben train station the previous day. The interesting thing was that I still saw a lot of people at the station, even though they were aware of the attack.
What does that spell for you?
There is a sense of comfort and security when you’re using the train that is not quite there when you’re using the road transportation. Trains rarely have accidents; even kidnapping is not common on it. On this occasion, I came to Warri using the train; and since the derailment some days back, the train has not operated. What that means is that I may have to use the road transportation and I’m a bit scared. I have not used road transport on that axis in a long time. I’m not comfortable at all but if it was the train, I never have this kind of fear, because I know that before I know it I would be in Itakpe, where I would join a bus to Abuja.
You said you were surprised at the crowd despite news of attack; were you expecting a kind of apathy?
Yes. You know when you hear that people were kidnapped just the day before, you expect people to at least react negatively by holding on for a while. Personally, if I had heard of the news before leaving home, we may not have come out, but we were already on the way to the station when we heard the news. I was also surprised that most of the people I met at the train station already heard of the incident, yet they still came out in droves. It’s as if they really didn’t care. I’m sure they were like, how many people would they kidnap? You know the train takes a lot of passengers at a go. A single coach takes about 88 passengers, and the train has about 8 to 9 coaches. And sometimes, it is filled up with some passengers even standing.
Would I be right to say that there is security at the Warri Station because it is a major station?
The Warri station will be difficult to attack because Ujewu, where it is located is kind of developed, whereas the other train stations along the route are in isolated places; places that are not so developed, so such attacks can easily take place.
Did you notice any change in patronage in those isolated stations after that Igueben attack?
No, there were no changes. People still came out to patronise the train as if there were no such incident. What I think the government should do is ensure that every train station is well-secured. Two, there should always be an advanced security team that would give signal when there is danger threat. Because this train tracks passes through some isolated forests. Sometimes, as the train travels in the bush, you could see some cattle rearers but of course you cannot say every cattle rearer you see is a bandit or kidnapper. Basically, we should develop some measures to combat such incidences.
When that Abuja attack happened, did it put some scare in you?
No, I had no fear. We never expected that on this axis. The Kaduna-Abuja train track is one straight journey. They do not have any stop. It is unlike that of this axis, where there are close to ten or eleven stops, and every station has some kind of security as well. So if you’re going to do that on this route, then you know you run the risk of being intercepted at any time. This part of the country is also densely populated compared to the northern part that is sparsely populated. There are several settlements along the railway here, but that is not the case with Abuja Kaduna rail line.
Also because of these train stations, development has started coming to the vicinity of every area where they are situated. People buy plots of lands and start building and coming up with businesses as well. So it is affecting the areas positively economically.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, has stated that the policies and projects of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu in Lagos State have done so much good for the educational sector in the state. In this ineterview with Assistant Editor, ‘Dare Odufowokan, the Professor of Health Education, who was the Provost of the Lagos State owned Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education until the transmutation of the colleges of education in the state to a University and her appointment as Acting Vice Chancellor, explained the reasons for the change and concluded that LASUED was established to fill a gap in the education sector of the state. Excerpts
As the Vice Chancellor of LASUED after the Colleges of Education in Lagos were transmuted into a University. Do you think it is a good decision on the part of the governor to give Lagos State three Universities?
If you consider the issue of enrolment in the Colleges of Education, you will appreciate what the governor has done. We had issues with enrolment because parents no longer want to send their wards to get NCE. Everybody wants to go to the University. Our society place a lot of importance on paper qualification. We care less about hands on skills. We had dwindling enrolments as students were not coming to the colleges at Ijanikin and Epe anymore. So, government thought that instead of spending hugely on the colleges without students, why not let us make it a university to lower the pressure on the only state university then?
More than twenty thousands applicants seek to get into LASU yearly while we barely have up to two thousand applicants in the colleges. Sometimes we go to town to do publicity and town-crying so as to get students. So, the idea of a University was welcome by all stakeholders when the process started under the Special Adviser to the Governor, Barrister Tokunbo Wahab. There were public hearings and retreats to ensure a successful process and by February 2022, the governor signed into law the bill establishing the University. So, low enrolment in the colleges was the basis. Also,Governor Sanwoolu as so much concern for our youths who are the ones desirous of University education.
They take JAMB year in year out, wating for admission all to no avail. They return to the streets to continue waiting. And Lagos has the capacity to run three Universities. Other states that are not as buoyant as Lagos, have more than one Universities. Governor Sanwoolu believes the decision to have more Universities will curb youth restiveness across the state. Also, the government wanted to stop the wasting of human and material resources in the colleges that were not being put to use due to the dwindling enrolment. It is these resources the university is using now and the enrolment as you can see during the matriculation today, has improved tremendously. Over three thousand students wee matriculated today. We have two campuses. Here at Ijanikin, we have some colleges and in Epe we have the others. Altogether, we have seven colleges.
What about the issue of funding? You’ve been at the saddle since February. What are your fears about funding by the government?
Lagos state government has been magnanimous to fund the new university appropriately and adequately. So, I have no fear at all. As long as we keep having a governor with the right mindset like Governor Sanwoolu, I believe education in Lagos will continue to go to great heights. The governor is really trying. Last year, universities were on strike, but not one school owned by Lagos was on strike. The magic is funding. The government is capable to fund and manage the three universities. The government has a policy of giving bursary and scholarships to indigent and indigene students. So, what they pay, which we call administrative charges, which is the lowest anywhere in the country, is also subsidized through bursary and scholarships.
I do not have fears because Governor Sanwoolu has education as his priority. It is one of the key priorities in his THEMES agenda. His government wants every child to be educated. This is taking education in Lagos to greater heights. In fact, previous administrations from 1999 till date in Lagos did so much for education. They all laid good foundations for Sanwoolu to build on. Education has been improving in the state from 1999. From primary to secondary and tertiary education in Lagos, infrastructures and policies are daily put in place to better education in the state. in all the divisions, structures are daily springing up.
How do you see the impacts of these government policies and projects on the society?
Education is enriches people. If you see artisans who got good education, you find out that they do better than others. Bringing the university here will create opportunities for youths in the host communities who are willing to go to school. The impact is huge on the communities around here and all over Lagos. A construction of 750-seater auditorium is going on here. 450-seater auditorium is being built in Epe. Sanwoolu is giving education the total support needed. He is not depriving the sector any of its needs.
Tablets and computers have been giving out in some schools as part of some pilot schemes to enhance learning and teaching across the state. The wife of the Governor also recently presented buildings that were donated to schools on the Island and in Badagry. There have also been a lot of collaborations with foreign and local partners to ensure that learning and teaching are improving. So, Governor Sanwoolu places a very high premium on education.
How are you able to joggle work and other contending interests as a woman?
I have to. I begged to apply for this job. Anything you out of your free will, requested to be entrusted with, you have to be committed to it. I applied for it because I am sure I can do it well and other things will not suffer. I am an early bird. I wake up pretty early. If I set my mind to get to a place early, I do effortlessly. Even when I was younger, I do school runs; my children never go to school late and I still get to my office early.
Was teaching something you set out to do or providence brought you this far in the academics?
I never set out to be a teacher. I will say it was providence. I wanted to be a newscaster and I sought admission to study mass communication. I couldn’t get that. I used to play handball. I represented Nigerian in many championships. It was at Rowe Park, Yaba that one of my coaches told me about a diploma in education course at the Lagos State University (LASU). I and my friend signified interest and we got the forms. We were admitted and that was how we started.
We were able to complete the two year diploma and got admitted into the degree cause at 200 level. After three years, I finished as the best student in the department and I was retained to teach. That was it. I started from the lowest rung of the structure as a Graduate Assistant in 1997 and I rose through the ranks to become a Professor in 2017. In the academics, it is either you publish or perish. You must write papers, present papers, attend conferences and keep developing yourself. It wasn’t easy but I did all I could and it turned out well for me.
Sometimes, I even had more than the publications I needed for promotion. I was just publishing and God crowned my effort at every point. I don’t set out to be or do anything. I just leave thing to God and he crowns my effort. I will say it has been God all the way. When the advert for the Provostship of the College of Education was out, some friends encouraged me to apply. I felt it was a political position that must have been ceded to somebody. I said I wasn’t interested. They pressured me and I applied all the same. I emerged one of the three selected candidates for the governor to choose from without lobbying for it. I was appointed eventually and that was it.
Same for my becoming a Vice Chancellor; I didn’t see it coming. It is God that has placed me there and he will make me successful. I don’t lke being praised. I believe it is after I am done here and gone elsewhere that I should be praised. I am working to make the place better than I inherited it. I sought and got help from people. The Oniba of Iba benevolently sponsored the construction our entrance gate while the Oloto of Oto-Awori gave us a 250-seater hall. We also have ongoing project from TETFUND. There is the sporting centre, one project I am very passionate about. And it is under construction now.
I have set for myself the ACHIEVE agenda as our plan to help the governor achieve his THEMES agenda. Our ACHIEVE is for Academic excellence – Community relations – Human capacity improvement – Infrastructural development – Entrepreneurship – Valuable research – Excellent professionalism.
How has it been since you came here from LASU?
Let me state clearly that LASUED was not established to simply add to the number of universities. The institution was created to meet a felt need for a university that will make a wholesome difference in addressing the education inequality among citizens. So, we are prepared to deliver our mandate of producing graduates who are globally competitive, and can contribute meaningfully to national development. And this requires a lot of work on my part.
I resumed office January 13 2020 as Provost. I hit the ground running and promptly set out to build on what they previous administrations have done. I looked into the academic culture, infrastructure, work ethics, and other things. We have achieved a lot in making the environment more serene and cleaner than it ever was before I came. My father was a sanitation officer, Wolewole. So, cleanliness was something I grew up with. It wasn’t easy getting people to agree with some of my innovations but I stuck to my ground and we made progress. I moved all the traders and hawkers on campus to the mammy market when I came. There was so much disorderliness before now.
They protested and didn’t want to go to the mammy market but I insisted. Now they are there and enjoying it. So also some academic issues too. When you are firm, it is interpreted as wickedness. But you need to be firm in this type of position. Some said it is because I came from the University. They felt I was feeling superior. But I told them all I do is to their benefits. So, many supported me and we made a lot of progress together. I became the Acting Vice Chancellor of LASUED in February 2022 when after the Colleges of Education in Lagos were transmuted into a University. I still do the work of the Provost because we still have two sets of students who have to exit.
I am more of a jean and casual person when it comes to clothes. However, the event will determine what I wear and how I put it together.
Favorite sports
I like going to the gym and I do this by waking up early.
Favourite colour
I like loud colours. It also depends on the event and my mood.
Favourite entrepreneur
It has to be me. I have always been business minded.
Favourite food
I tend to be religious with my food intake.
I like to use natural products such as oils, Shea butter, eating and drinking healthy food.
I take a lot of fruits and pineapple and sour soap is my best. Pineapple has some detoxifying benefits, same for sour soap.
Favorite product
I like Imaan products and they are from Morocco.
Favorite Hairdo
I am very versatile with my hair but I do like my Brazilian wigs, center part. If I am doing braids then it would be shuku or center part. I like my wigs, braids and my natural hair. I wash my natural hair, condition it with a conditioner and use Shea butter as well.
Favourite designer
I love Nigerian designers; they are doing a great job at the moment.
Favourite Make-up
I use Clarins; it’s a soft exfoliation cream. I also use sugar scrub.
Exfoliation for me is very important. And I don’t wear make up every single day. If I wear makeup today, then I will not wear it for the next two days. I have to use ex-foliation morning and night every day.
Tall, bold and beautiful. These words aptly capture Gold Ezennaya, model and winner of the 2022 Face of Zikel Beauty contest. Looking cool and trendy, she stood out and beat about 20 other contestants. In this encounter with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talked about the challenges, determination to excel in whatever she does and her expectations for the future.
Tell us about your experience winning the recent African Fashion for Peace world pageant?
I would say that my experience during and winning the pageant has been awesome.It opened my eyes to so many things with some lesson s learnt in the process. Also amazing was the support that I have received and the opportunities that have come with. It truly feels like an out-of-body experience.
What does the crown mean to you?
It may seem absurd, but just seeing the crown I feel like I experience a million-and-one thoughts and emotions simultaneously. To me, it showcases the support I’ve gained from so many people, the effort and work that I have put in to my modeling career as well as the milestones I can accomplish in the future.
How did you prepare for this and what do you think gave you an edge over others?
In all honesty, I had struggled a bit at start but I gradually progressed. I think my advantages stood at the fact that I am at such an early stage in my life.
Your mum is also a very creative person, how did she inspire you?
I could tell you all the ways she has inspired me but that would probably take up the whole page. Not only has my mum been very supportive throughout my career, she’s also pushed me to do my best
while I was at my worst. Knowing that she also at some point participate in these kinds of events creates a connection that is unique to us, and that invigorates me to work harder.
Tell us about your experience as a teenage model. What are some of the things that you have done?
Being a teenage model is pleasant for the most part. Although, there are definitely some drawbacks, I think it’s a cool experience. I mostly do runway shows for fashion designs. This is the first time I’ve had exposure to this type of event. I am thankful for winning and hope to be involved with other-such events.
What are the things that inspire you ?
I have a lot of inspirations and aspirations, but I mostly find myself being fueled by the idea of
making change in the world. It might be banal, but the vision of making an impact on someone’s life is enough to make me want to do more.
Let’s talk about some of the memorable moments ?
The most memorable moments were probably finding out that I won and receiving the crown. I was teeming with so much excitement but I still maintained a cool appearance. I was over the moon, it gave me a renewed air of confidence and satisfaction.
What are the challenges you encountered ?
I would say that the biggest challenge was overcoming my vote deficiency which was a result of my last minute application. I had genuine doubt about how this would play out, but ultimately, I am glad with the outcome.
What lessons has life taught you ?
So far in my life, I’ve learned that being a hard-worker is the most fruitful out-look. At a point in your life, you will realize that not everything can be handed to you on a silver plate. Sometimes, you need to be the one to carve your path for people to see you.
What are some of the other things that occupy your time?
Usually in my free-time I’m studying some of my passions, like psychology, linguistics and anthropology. I enjoy collecting semi-trivial knowledge about miscellaneous topics like medicine, history, arts and likely everything in-between.
Tell us about the people you admire?
I admire many run-way models, like Gigi Hadid, Anok Yai, Imaan Hammam. It is a nerve-wracking process to walk in front of so many people, so I admire their courage to do that.
Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life?
The greatest influence in my life is my mum. She is a constant support system and she is always trying to help me improve on my vision, mission, projects and style.
What is your definition of style?
I think style is any kind of self-expression through clothes and accessories that are influenced by the way people see the world around them. It is ever changing and it is unique to each individual.
What are some of the new things that you will like to do in future?
In general, I’d like to focus on school but I will continue to pursue modeling as an extra-curricular.
What advice do you have for young people who want to go into the sector ?
If you feel that it’s your calling then you should pursue it, but I would also advise that you have consent from a guardian to avoid any form of exploitation or negligence in the industry.
Folakemi Fatogbe is the creative director and founder of the recently launched fashion brand, OYAATO. She is also CEO and founder of The De-Risking Lab, immediate past Director of Risk Management at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde she talks about growing up, what she is most passionate about, and her foray into fashion entrepreneurship.
What are the things that you are passionate about?
Anyone who knows me well knows just how passionate l am about Project Nigeria. Project Nigeria is what brought me back home to contribute to. I am heaven-bent on pushing for a change in the Nigerian narrative. In my lifetime, l want to see Nigeria achieve a level of economic development and a GDP per capita that is commensurate with her God-endowed resources. Project Nigeria is what l came back home to contribute to. It is tragic that young Nigerians and even the less young feel that they have to ‘japa’ to get a decent quality of life.
We need to put mechanisms in place that will allow the best of us to rise to the top – this is not currently happening. We see first-class graduates roam the streets for years in search of jobs partly because many of our institutions recruit without advertising, thus killing the
Nigerian dreams of some of our most competent and deserving. This is one of the key reasons why I am particularly passionate about good corporate governance and risk management – which, by their very tenets, espouse strong ethical standards and processes within institutions.
I am also passionate about the need to address the political and economic inclusiveness of our youths and women and believe that entrepreneurship is a route towards achieving this. That said, l must also say how saddened l am by the needless sexualisation of competent women in their areas of endeavour in Nigeria – it discourages competent women from achieving their full potential and striving into positions in which they will be able to contribute even more meaningfully to Project Nigeria.
How do you push these your ideas. Do you have a non-governmental Organisation?
No, not through an NGO because I believe that we already have a large number of NGOs. Hence, I try to share my ideas through other avenues, such as through my writings, speaking at events, business advisory/training, or through mentoring. Last month, for example, I was in Ghana to provide corporate governance training to one of their key financial institutions. I have written a leadership book called, ‘Inspiring A Generation’ which has been used alongside leadership greats such as “The Five Habits of Highly Effective People” to train and mentor – from fresh graduates to board executives.
What is your book about?
It is a leadership cum motivational book woven around the election campaigns of President Barack Obama. I wrote the book at a time in my life when I was in dire need of inspiration. I looked around and found Barack and his journey to be a particularly huge source of inspiration.
What was the inspiration behind your brand name, Oyaato?
I was looking for a Nigerian word or name that would be easy to pronounce for anyone in the world. I also wanted something that was meaningful and that could drive the brand’s aesthetic and make it something that we could build a story around and use as a source of competitive advantage. The feedback we have received to date confirms that we are already on the right path: We constantly get feedback on how unique and fresh our pieces are. This is encouraging, Our brand name is spelt with a double ‘a’ and not an elongated ‘a’.
How did the idea of designing start?
When l was in university, we established a sorority (female club) called R’Avis. R’Avis is a short form of the term “Rara Avis”, Latin for a rare and exceptional person or bird. R’Avis was known for doing things with great style, e.g., we threw the best parties, and invitations to our events via our monochrome IVs were always highly sought after. I was the R’Avis Peak, i.e. head of this group of extremely driven and fashionable women. We have maintained our R’Avis sisterhood and passion for fashion over thirty years later. A number of my R’Avis sistafriends were at hand to support me at the launch of OYAATO with a number of them taking to the runway to get applause, in support of one of their R’Avis own – on the catwalk that day we had such fun even though we are all 50+. My Oyaato Supermodels included H.E. Bamidele Abiodun, Kemi Balogun, Dayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Funmi Lanre-Phillips, Funsho Olusanya, Ifeoma Ricketts and Bolanle Oduyale.
During our university days, we regularly supplemented our summer wardrobes with our ‘tailored’ wardrobes. I remember deriving much joy from trawling through any fashion magazines that l could play my hands on to create designs. I remember how on one occassion, my friend Funmi and I were stepping out to lectures in these navy-type skirt suits in navy blue adorned with brass buttons that we had designed and how our fellow Queenites hailed us: “You guys look like you just stepped out of Vogue!” We rarely wore jeans back then, and looking back, we were probably guilty of overdressing back then did not wear trainers. How times change!
At university, there were parties literally every weekend, it was commonplace for me to be asked by my friends and roommates to design a dress for them. I was particularly good at designing party dresses. The other day, H.E. Abiodun told Mr Tunde Lemo, one of my former bosses at the CBN, how I would rush off to the tailors, armed with my newly curated designs, as soon as I received my monthly allowance. Hilarious!!
So, I guess my creativity and love of design have always been there within me. It just manifests in different ways depending on the season in which I am in. Whether it is writing, property design and development, photography, or fashion.
Did you get this stylish side from your mum or dad?
Certainly not from my Dad. My dear late Dad, had little or no interest in fashion. I used to tease him about his unique take on fashion-forwardness, i.e., keeping his suits until they came back into fashion. If it is possible to inherit style-consciousness, l definitely inherited it from my maternal grandmother, who would never be knowingly caught without her ‘atike” or “tiró (Yoruba for powder and eyeliner respectively). My mother and daughter too. I remember hosting a party at home in the UK when my daughter stepped out fully decked and colour coordinated at age two. My friends were quite taken aback at how she had managed to pull her whole ensemble together without help from anyone. So I guess one could rightly say that I met the style-consciousness ‘at home’.
How would you describe your journey with brand OYAATO so far?
It’s been an interesting and exhilarating despite the hiccups that come from the most unlikely of places from the seemingly most simple of things like renting a business premises – where people think that they can distract you to the point of inertia. However, OYAATO is a brand whose time has come. If the feedback from our clients is anything to go buy, Team OYAATO is on to a good thing, with succession planning already built in to our business model, so press ahead, we shall – with much excitement for that which is to come for brand OYAATO.
How did you get into the CBN?
One of my friends from Business School, Mr Alfa Barry, then a partner at Deloitte Nigeria told me that he had seen my CV and that a number of people were very interested in speaking to me. Mr. Folusho Phillips was also helpful. They sent my CV to six banks and four banks called
me within 30 minutes that they wanted to see me. Then another good friend told me to consider CBN, but I declined. A number of my contacts argued that I should give the CBN further consideration particularly as it had a new governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who they felt I would be able to work well with. I came across his interview in the Financial Times and when I saw that his brand of central banking was not going to be just about inflation management but also economic development, my interest was piqued. Unbeknownst to me, a number of friends/ business contacts had also mentioned me to the CBN Governor.
All of this culminated in my leaving the UK and resuming at the CBN in October 2009 as the Special Adviser to the CBN Governor on Banking Reforms & Risk Management a role which I combined with that of being the Bank’s pioneer Director of Risk Management. Aside from the reforms, one of my key roles was to set up a new risk function for the Bank, as approved. The work Governor Sanusi and the team did to mitigate the risks arising from the Global Financial Crisis won the Bank considerable acclaim, including an invitation by the United States Congress to share with them how we were able to successfully shield depositors and stave off a financial system meltdown in Nigeria. We did a lot that we can be proud of till date. I had a great team at the CBN. It remains a big family.
What were your aspirations when you were young?
I was interested in being Nigeria’s president when I was young. I used to review political party manifestoes and engage in deep political discussion with my parents and my uncles that were in politics. At that time, I had two uncles who were gubernatorial candidates in major political parties and they would say, ‘Let’s listen to Kemi.’, even though I was only in form one. I wasn’t brought up in a family where the girls were taught to be seen and not heard so it was par for the course for me to speak my truth and engage in such discussions armed with my facts. Furthermore, our mother was always a working career person, so each of my sisters have followed suit. Each reaching for the stars in their respective fields of endeavor.
Why didn’t you pursue a career in politics?
The Second Republic killed all my political ambitions. Specifically what played out between the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the old Ondo State and the violence that erupted in the immediate aftermath. We lost a number of family friends to that mindless violence. I swapped my dream of political participation with a dream of contributing my skills to Project Nigeria, hence my time in public service via the CBN and my current reincarnation as an economic gap-filling and job creating double entrepreneur.
The West Africa Theological Seminary (WAT) Ipaja, Lagos has appointed an associate professor of the New Testament Dr. Daudu Gava as its new provost.
WATS, a non-denominational theological institute, was established in 1989 by Prof. Gary Maxey, an American missionary in Nigeria.
Gava’s appointment is coming eight months after the death of the school’s former provost, Pastor Oluwafemi Martins.
His appointment brings to seven the number of provosts that have served in the institution since its inception.
Gava was presented to the WATS community during a brief but impressive ceremony on Wednesday.
Chairman of WATS governing council Dr. Emmanuel Oluwayemi, the Vice Chairman, Dr. Kelvin Tapere, the Director of Administration, Dr. Tosin Awolalu who has been acting since the transition of Pastor Martins and a host of other lecturers and council members were at the presentation ceremony.
Oluwayemi expressed appreciation to God saying “tough times don’t last but tough people do. Leaders solve problems and see solutions because every problem has a solution. Today, God has answered our prayers because he has given WATS a new provost”.
He expressed confidence in the ability of the new provost stating that “God has sent him at a time like this in history to put WATS on the path of progress.”
According to Oluwayemi: “The arrival of the new provost is timely as the number seven represents perfection.”
He said Gava has been a friend of WATS and also an adjunct faculty member for over ten years. “Indeed, God does his own things in his own way in his own time and the time is now for WATS.”
While presenting Gava to the WATS community, he said, “On this first day of February 2023, the Governing Council Chairman officially unveils Dr. Daudu Gava as the new provost of WATS”
The founder of the school, Prof Maxey who could not attend the event expressed joy at the coming of Dr. Gava.
In a message read on his behalf, he regretted he could not be at the event due to ill health.
He however noted that “WATS has steadfastly passed through eight long months under the interim leadership of Dr. Tosin Awolalu, after the very unwelcome passing away of our beloved provost, Pastor Olufemi Martins.”
Maxey expressed gratitude to Dr. Awolalu for his steadfast leadership during this period saying, “ I for one will never forget it.
“But today is the most proper and appropriate time for ALL of us to sing and celebrate with the appointment and the assumption of office by our new provost, Dr. Dauda Gava.
“I wish to register my 100% backing of this development. I have known Dr. Gava for well over ten years, and have been with him in Lagos, Adamawa State, and the United States of America. I have seen him display a very firm love for WATS, and a long-standing desire to be part of this institution.”
While noting that Dr. Gava has a challenging task ahead of him, he said, “We believe in you. Our prayers and our constant support are with you.”
He called on the WATS community to pray for him and give him all the backing he needs to succeed.
The General Secretary of the EYN Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, Rev Daniel Mbaya who was also at the event expressed his excitement for the WATS community.
He noted that “Dr. Gava is one of the few outstanding men EYN is releasing to WATS as a partnership with WATS to promote the agenda of advancing God’s kingdom as practiced by EYN and WATS.”
He urged the WATS community to support him through prayers and other possible ways.
The EYN GS noted that “Dr. Gava has become the link between the North and the South which has opened the ground for partnership between WATS and EYN for leadership training and Kingdom advancement.
The new provost in a statement expressed his delight to be in WATS as God’s doing.
He said, “it is a new time and a new beginning for WATS”.
While conceding that leadership is not an easy task he expressed confidence that everything will be done appropriately to enable the Seminary to stand for its vision and mission.
He promised to work closely with the Governing Council Chairman for the progress of the school.
He thanked Dr. Awolalu for a job well done during his tenure as Acting Provost.
The Vice Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Dr. Kelvin Tapere closed the event with a short prayer and encouraged all stakeholders in the school to join hands to make the institution better.
Great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty. Magical music never leaves the memoryMany great works of art, poetry, and music are inspired by astral memories.
The desire to do noble, beautiful things here on Earth is also often a carryover of astral experiences between a person’s earth lives”. As a Journalist, I was able to get the attention of Monique for the past five years I have been attending her live stage performance just to interview her one on one.
Here we are finally on 27th of November 2022 at Solution Arena 156, Ikorodu road, Onipanu, Lagos Nigeria, Monique Temitope Lawal Popularly known as MONIQUE is a versatile artist that has audience on social media and other live stage followers, fans which is nothing less than 1 million, 500,000 audiences.
MONIQUE is a registered and well recognised member of GOMAN a National Musical Association of Nigeria who has received many awards for her amazing voice and performances both as a solo artist and also as a Group. Monique is the leader of Monique and the Atobiju Cultural Group who has performed far and wide nationally, internationally and intercontinentally.
Monique has been in the Music industries in Nigeria for more than a decade and she is an International Icon when it comes to diaspora recognitions.I was there again at the event organised by Victory International Church tagged: AMAZING GREATNESS where the audience of Monique and the Atobiju Cultural Group thrilled everyone including the invited international guest artist and other Cultural group that attended the Musical Concert in Lagos Nigeria which lasted days from December 6th -11th December 2022.
It was an unending joy, musical performance award recognition for Monique and Atobiju Cultural Group, performing alongside well known other international solo artist to mention few such as Beejay Sax, Bishop TV Adelakun, Wisdom Chigozie, Evangelist Dr. Bola Are.
As if that was not enough, immediately this performance gave birth to another International performance of Monique and the Atobiju Group in Ghana for two days after the online traffic followers craving and yelling for this group to come and replicate the same thing in Ghana Monique as a recognised group has done numerous solo performance, group performances and collaborations as a featured artist on international arena to mention few was the recent album track tagged: ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE which was recorded in Manchester United Kingdom on 27th of December 2022 as a guest artist of Dr. minister Omotayo Paul Oniya of OLD4C Music UK The audio track and video performance of this live stage recording blown up Monique’s fans all over the world.
To find out more please kindly go to her YouTube page and other social media fans page to enjoy and testify to all of this. Well done Monique and the Atobiju Cultural Group.” People in day-to-day life tend to skim the surface of things and be polite and careful, and that’s not the language I speak. I like talking about feelings, fears and memories, anguish and joy, and I find it in music”.
The Benue State Government has announced a donation of 50 million naira for the construction of a 30-room accommodation at the State Secretariat of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue State Chapter.
Governor Samuel Ortom announced the donation Monday, January 23rd, 2023 at the commissioning of the multipurpose Secretariat of CAN in Makurdi which was funded by the Benue State Government.
He expressed optimism that the building would be completed before the expiration of his tenure to provide accommodation for Christian leaders visiting the state as well as serve as a source of revenue generation for the Christian body.
The governor, who lauded CAN under the leadership of Rev. Akpen Leva for prudent utilization of the funds earlier provided for the Secretariat project, stated that the construction of the edifice was a deliberate move to give dignity to the state which has a predominantly Christian population.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to religious tolerance and harmony and commended the unity that exists among the various Christian blocks in the state.
According to Ortom, the ascendancy of two traditional rulers, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, and Och’Idoma, Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo who are both Christians was a product of the dedication of Benue State to God.
He further expressed gratitude to the President of CAN, His Eminence, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh for graciously honouring the state to dedicate the secretariat.
In his address, the President of CAN, Most Rev. Okoh, who dedicated the secretariat, described the event as historic, stating that the edifice shall remain a rallying point that enhances our movement toward Christian unity.
The CAN President declared that “The Church in Benue State has come to stay and it shall continue to break new grounds, the coalition of the forces of evil shall not be able to stop the move of God in this state.
“Instead of tears, God will bring joy, instead of extermination, helplessness, and devastation, God will bring restoration and abundance to his people in this state. There will be an upsurge in faith and revival like never before in Benue State. This is the beginning of the season of testimony and it shall never cease.”
Daniel Elijah Oluwatosin popularly known as Elijah Daniel Omo Majemu is an exceptional vocalist, worship leader and Convener of Worship Encounter speaks with Adeola Ogunlade on his entry into gospel music, challenges, and how he has stood out as a gospel singer.
What inspired your entry into gospel music?
The Church I was attending while growing up inspired my entry into gospel music. My mum was a chorister in that church, this allowed me to get engaged in church musical activities.
Tell me the challenges you face as a gospel music minister.
There are so many challenges we are facing, they include rejection, envy, and jealousy. It is surprising that at times you get to some places and the appreciation will be so poor. With no support, it’s just the Grace of God.
How have you been able to stand out in the sector?
I have been able to stand out because of the special mandate that God Has given to me.
Your songs are original and soul-lifting, how did you come about those songs?
Any song that comes out of my mouth is inspired by God.
Do you see gospel music as a career?
Yes, I see gospel music as a career
What is your dream for the future?
My dream for the future is to expand the gospel of Christ through my music and touch lives all over the world with my style.
Do you put so much energy into your songs?
Yes, I put so much energy into my songs because I don’t know the ones that will bless my fans so I put my energy into them all.
How many hours do you spend rehearsing your latest album?
At times in a day, I spend 9 hours on rehearsals, and sometimes, I spend up to 4 to 5 hours
Do you see singing as a talent and at what point did you notice that God wanted to use you as a gospel artiste?
Yes, I see it as a talent but the level of Grace at which God has given it to everyone is different. It was when I started having an understanding about a few things in life and ministry, I had to just take my music ministry so seriously, and ever since, God has been so faithful.
Are you in competition with any of the gospel artistes?
I’m not in competition with any gospel artiste
Are you thinking of collaborating with some of the A-list gospel artistes?
Why not? If God allows me to meet them and if He is telling me to bring any A-list gospel singers on board I will gladly do.
What is your advice to up-and-coming gospel artistes?
My advice to upcoming gospel artistes is that they should not get discouraged, they should stay focused and be consistent in what they are doing. Acknowledge God in all their ways. Let God himself order their steps, and let the goal be right.
