Text: “And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow Me. And he arose and followed Him.” – Mark 2:14
By Henry O. Adelegan
Every journey to greatness begins with a decision. The choices we make shape our destiny, either leading us toward fulfillment or down a path of regret. As Isaiah 30:21 reminds us, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” This Lenten season calls us to make the most important decision of all—to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
The Bible is filled with stories of people who answered God’s call and experienced life-changing transformation. Levi, a tax collector, was simply going about his daily work when Jesus passed by and said, “Follow Me.” Without hesitation, he left everything behind—and his destiny was forever changed.
Levi was not alone in making such a radical decision. Elisha, a successful businessman, abandoned his plowing to follow the call of God (1 Kings 19:19-21). Simon Peter, after witnessing a miraculous catch of fish, left his boat and career to become a disciple (Luke 5:1-11). James and John, the sons of Zebedee, also abandoned their fishing nets to walk in Jesus’ footsteps (Mark 1:19-20). These men all followed Christ and ended their lives in fulfillment, purpose, and divine greatness.
As children of God, we are also called to follow Him, no matter the cost. “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” (1 Peter 2:21). Mrs. Cecil Frances Alexander (1818–1895) was the wife of His Grace, The Most Rev’d William Alexander, the Archbishop and Primate of All Ireland. She was a prolific hymn writer with hundreds of hymns attributed to her and one of the hymns which spoke about the heartbeat of Jesus Christ concerning following Him says that. Jesus calls us o’er the tumult. Of our life’s wild restless sea; Day by day his sweet voice soundeth, Saying, “Christian, follow me!”
Life is full of struggles—broken homes, financial hardship, shattered dreams, and emotional pain. Many are enduring their marriages instead of enjoying them, while others feel lost in the chaos of life. But when we choose to follow Jesus, He holds everything together (Colossians 1:17). He is the God who restores: As the Lord lives, that lost child will return home, that fractured marriage will be healed, the joy you once knew will be rekindled and your lost job will be replaced with something greater.
God is the one who brings hope in hopeless situations. “There is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again… at the scent of water, it will bud.” (Job 14:7-9). Mordecai, once a mere gatekeeper, was elevated to a position of royalty. Naaman, a leper who left his home in shame, returned in victory and celebration (2 Kings 5:1-14). When we follow Christ, He leads us to restoration, fulfillment, and divine peace (Matthew 4:19-20; Matthew 11:28).
During this season of Lent, Jesus is calling you: “Follow Me.” He is waiting with open arms to give you rest, peace, and eternal life. The decision is yours. This Lent, make the decision that will change your destiny—follow Him. It is not about following the church on social media; it is about following Christ, who will shape your life into a testimony for the world to see, through your words and deeds.
Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to follow You in all my ways. Lead me on the path of righteousness and fulfillment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.a
US-based Nigerian businessman/finance expert, Habeeb Fasuyi tells Gboyega Alaka why he is supporting Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with loans without collaterals.
What inspired your venture into loan business?
That’s a bit of a long story, but I’ll try to cut it short. What actually inspired me was growing up and seeing a whole lot of petty traders who never had access to capital and consequently did the same business for more than thirty years but were never able to grow. The truth is there is never going to be any business that will ever grow or develop without having access to capital, either in form of borrowing, grant or share capital. Unfortunately, most of these petty traders never had that opportunity. I grew up with a friend whose mum had a corner shop or home front shop, which she had been running before he was born and which remained the same way and size throughout our primary, secondary and college; and she was never able to hire a single person. That means she never grew. And this was over a period of 20 years. Looking back, I can tell that what made her remain so was because she never had access to capital, which is the bane of millions of other petty traders.
As a Nigerian, you may also understand that for a good number of these people, it is the fear associated with not being able to pay back and the consequences. How do you assuage this phobia?
Good question; and that is what makes the difference between Option Financial Services and the rest. Our objective is in line with government objectives, not to create an interest rate that will kill the business owner. To start with, not all the small businesses would qualify for a bank loan, chiefly because of the stringent conditions, paperwork and the formalities required. We’ve been in the business now over 36 months, and in the process, we have been able to give over 750 million naira to small business owners; we’ve been able to help over a thousand business owners. However, not all of them will be able to qualify for this loan – because of the way the loan qualification is structured. This is why we came up with Daily Loan Solution initiative, which we launched December 5 last year. As a way of further alleviating the fear around loans, we have made the interest rate so easy and competitive at 10 per cent. Even the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has pegged loan interest for commercial banks at 27.5 per cent. So if you really look at it, the interest doesn’t cover our overhead, salary and other expenses; which goes to show that it was designed with the objective of helping small business owners, not really for profit maximisation.
Secondly, we want to make repayment, which is always the fear of people, easier, by making it possible for them to make repayment on daily basis, or weekly, if they like. Even though that comes at extra cost to us, we want to make it easier for them who sell every day and make profit every day. We have gone further to make it easier for them by excluding Saturdays and Sundays; irrespective of whether they operate and make sales on those days. It was designed for those who may ordinarily not qualify to access loans from regular or other financial institutions, or grants.
I find the ‘no collateral’ part interesting. Don’t you think that is risky, and that people could disappear with your money?
If we’re scared, we’re not going to be in business. Are we trying to put in measures to forestall such? Yes. The reason this set of people do not have access to loans in the first place is because they cannot provide collateral. Also, not all of them are bad. So we’re still going to take that risk, but it’s going to be calculated risk; not blanket risk. It’s going to be what our Underwriting Department are going to be able to look into very well; not that everybody that applies qualifies. We’ve got to be able to verify that you’ve been in business; and you have some character witnesses to get at least a minimum of one guarantor that can vouch for you. However, if this happens despite all these precautions, what makes the difference between Option Financial Services and the rest is that we still sit down with our customers and see how to restructure the repayment. Part of the reasons our bad debt or non-performing loans have been so small is because we are not so callous with the borrower; we believe that if they succeed, we succeed. So far we’ve had less than one percent non-performing loans.
How do you ensure such level of compliance?
We monitor them, we remind them. Do we have non-compliance? I’d say almost none. But do we have delays – say making payment like days later? Yes, we’ve had that, but we’ve been able to work around it. We have sales reps that are on-field, who follow-up with them and who alert us if any of them is going to have problems. So we move in and try to save the situation. We had a case of a customer, whose husband died and as a result was unable to pay; so we decided to give the client like two weeks before we followed up to discuss the way forward. These are things that ordinarily, other finance organisations might not be able to do.
How well do those who need this ‘Daily Loan Solution’ facility know about it?
It’s picking up. Part of the objectives of the launch we did on December 5, 2024 in Lagos was to let people know about it. Between the launch date, Friday and the following Monday, two working days, we received over 600 loan applications. Even community leaders, Obas and Iyalojas are reaching out to us. Our target is to reach at least 5,000 small business owners in the second quarter of this year. But even that is like scratching the surface in a country where you have over 40million people in the small business bracket.
What’s behind your decision to focus only on Lagos?
Because we have limited resources. We want to start from where the need is more; where the highest number of small business owners reside. Lagos is the capital of the financial power of Nigeria. Lagos is where more than 50 percent of small business owners in Nigeria reside. As we succeed, we shall progress to other neighbouring states and regions.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I grew up and did all my schooling here in Nigeria. I studied accounting at Yaba College of Technology (HND); thereafter, I went to the Federal University of Technology, Akure for my MBA (1996). I lectured for a while in YabaTech and UNILAG (visiting lecturer), before setting up an accounting class, FAST (First Attempt Success Tutors) in Gbagada, where I was Director of Studies. In 1997, I brought to Lagos the satellite campus of FUTA (1997); at the same time, I was working with GlaxoSmithkline (GSK). Later I travelled to the United States where I did my CP exams and then moved for my PhD. Currently I have four companies in the US: Sharf Pointers Financial Services, an auditing and accounting services company; we currently have over1000 clients. I also have Ultimate Tax Relief, which focuses on taxes – tax compliance and tax resolution. Because of the rate of our success in the US, we have also set up the same company in Nigeria to replicate that success and be of help to Nigerians. We later added Option Financial Services.
With over 60 million Nigerians enmeshed in sports betting pastime across the country, the industry seems a very exciting and economically promising one, especially for revenue-seeking governments, but for the individuals entangled by its allure, it can be devastating and life-threatening, as those caught in the habit are hardly ever able to come out unscathed. Udeh Onyebuchi writes.
To non-participants and non-players, it’s a quiet epidemic sweeping across Nigeria – a somewhat insidious menace lurking beneath glittering promises of fortune and fame. Over 60 million Nigerians, aged between 18 and 40, are said to daily funnel approximately $5.5 million into sports betting—an activity that, on the surface, appears like an accessible form of entertainment but is, in reality, a powerful engine for addiction and despair.
As one former player, John Agu, who has since admitted he was a victim, bitterly recalled; in just seven years, he lost nearly 8 million Naira to the habit. Now that is a stark testimony to the unyielding grip of gambling addiction. The industry’s allure is potent: celebrity endorsements and attractive digital interfaces seduce the young and the vulnerable into a cycle where winning is a fleeting mirage and losing becomes a recurring reality.
Tales of desperation and regret
In a candid and harrowing interview, a 23-year-old, who has battled sports betting for nearly a decade, paints a vivid picture of addiction and its corrosive impact. Starting at the tender age of 14, introduced by a friend, he found himself drawn into a world where the thrill of the game overshadowed all caution. “I realised I was addicted when I started doing crazy things just to win,” he admits.
His narrative reveals a series of escalating tragedies: borrowing money on credit, deceiving trusted family members and church members, and even enduring the shame of debt collectors confiscating his meager belongings. His journey is punctuated by desperate treks across cities—from Zaria to Kaduna and Abuja—in a frantic bid to recoup lost funds, even as he recalls a nightmarish stint in prison for failing to pay a N78,000 bet. The cost was not merely financial; relationships crumbled, self-respect was eroded, and the specter of regret loomed large.
Another poignant account comes from an anonymous veteran of the gambling scene who began his escapade 25 years ago in Lagos. In his early days, the practice of “Baba Ijebu”—a term synonymous with a particular style of betting—provided both a livelihood and an intoxicating rush. However, as debts mounted and terminals were seized from him by creditors, the man confessed that the “zeal” of winning, even when it was out of reach, had cost him dearly. From selling prized possessions like sewing machines and even a shop once valued at N1.2 million, to being forced into a life of constant evasion; his testimony underscores a fundamental truth: once addicted, the promise of a turnaround rarely outweighs the devastation wrought by loss.
In another incident, a young man committed suicide, leaving a suicide note narrating how he could not free himself from a devastating betting habit. According to him, “I found no joy in living. I found myself addicted to gambling; this is a habit I have greatly wished I could stop. I have tried severely but still found myself doing it,” the note read.
Those who knew him recalled that despite having numerous connections and sources of income, once he made any amount of money, straight to online gaming sites or directly to their offices he went, to place bets.
The double-edged sword of celebrity endorsements and digital temptations
The modern sports betting landscape in Nigeria is bolstered by perceptive marketing and celebrity endorsements. Prominent figures, On Air personalities (OAPs), and social media influencers—such as the likes of Akinde known as “Mr. Bayo” and Ogunlade “Mayor of Ekiti” Mayowa—command significant followings by offering game predictions and advice. In a Twitter exchange, one frustrated punter, nicknamed Fast9, lamented a near 50-million-Naira loss and pleaded for mentorship. Mr. Bayo’s response, emphasising, “Losing is a must,” reflects a pervasive narrative that normalises losses as an inevitable part of the betting experience. Such messages, disseminated widely through social platforms, not only glamorise the risk but also subtly downplay the perilous path to addiction.
The numbers behind the game
Statistical snapshots paint a grim picture of an industry that has become interwoven with the fabric of the Nigerian life. According to recent data, Nigeria’s betting industry is valued at around $2 billion, with revenue figures suggesting that on any given week, roughly $40 million is wagered across the country. More than 65 million Nigerians are engaged in betting activities—a figure that underlines both the popularity and the peril of the pastime. For many, sports betting is not a casual diversion but a desperate bid to supplement daily income, a coping mechanism amid economic hardship. Even as the industry promises quick riches, the harsh reality is that the average punter often finds himself trapped in a cycle of chasing losses—a cycle that has, in some tragic instances, led to suicide and the shattering of families.
Regulation: a fragile balance between revenue and responsibility
Behind the glossy ads and user-friendly apps lies a regulatory framework that is struggling to keep pace with the industry’s explosive growth. The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), established under the National Lottery Act of 2005, is tasked with overseeing the sector. Yet, critics argue that the dual mandate of regulating and profiting from gambling leaves much to be desired. Legal experts like Segun Oladejo contend that while licensed operators are supposed to adhere to strict guidelines, the reality is that enforcement is lax. In Lagos State, where regulations are even more stringent, the government’s approach remains predominantly revenue-driven rather than focused on mitigating the social and psychological harms of gambling.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, while delivering a keynote address, noted that “The National Lottery Trust Fund was established with a clear mandate: To harness the potential of lottery revenues for the betterment of our society. This Strategic Plan is a roadmap that will guide us in maximising the impact of our initiatives, ensuring that every naira generated contributes to the development of critical sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure.”
Some industry insiders have even suggested that betting companies should engage in self-regulation, including the temporary banning of habitual gamblers to allow for recovery—a proposal that underscores the desperate need for a more humane approach to oversight.
International comparisons further illuminate the disparities in regulatory approaches. In the United Kingdom, for instance, strict measures such as the ban on using credit cards for betting and limits on daily wagers are designed to curb excessive gambling. Meanwhile, the United States, with its patchwork of state laws under the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, presents a contrasting model where wagering remains heavily restricted outside of designated areas like Nevada. These contrasting models raise important questions about whether Nigeria’s current system—largely seen as a tax-generating machine—is equipped to handle the far-reaching social fallout from gambling addiction.
When the price is too high: social and personal costs
The human cost of sports betting addiction is palpable. Beyond the staggering monetary losses, lives are being derailed. In December 2021, in Abuja, a man named Adegbite took his own life after losing N150,000—a tragic event that reverberated through the community. Similarly, in May 2023, Samuel Adegoke, a polytechnic student, driven to desperation by mounting losses, ended his life after losing his school fees to gambling. These are not isolated incidents but rather part of a larger, disturbing trend. Friends and family members recount the devastating impact: strained relationships, ruined reputations, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness that can only be described as the slow death of a promising future. The shame and isolation that accompany the loss are compounded by a society that often blames the individual rather than addressing the systemic issues at play.
Like sports betting, like narcotics addiction
Medical experts now recognise that gambling addiction is not merely a lapse in judgment but a chronic, relapsing brain disorder—one that shares many characteristics with drug dependency. A mental health expert at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Calabar, Dr. Victor Essien, explains that those suffering from this impulse control disorder experience a cycle of growing tension, temporary relief upon betting, and eventual guilt. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and, in some cases, pharmacological interventions are now considered essential in the treatment of gambling addiction. Consultant therapist Dedoyin Ajayi likens the grip of sports betting to that of narcotics, emphasising the urgent need for rehabilitation facilities and affordable mental health care to address the crisis.
Addiction counselor, David Folaranmi, adds that without substantial support and intervention, the cycle of addiction is likely to continue unabated, further eroding the fabric of communities already reeling under economic and social pressures.
A double-edged sword: industry innovation and exploitation
While the dark side of sports betting casts a long shadow, the industry itself is not without its modern marvels. SportyBet, one of Nigeria’s leading betting platforms, has recently unveiled innovations that underscore its commitment to fast and fair payouts. The platform boasts a maximum payout of NGN 100 million and cites examples where bettors have walked away with winnings exceeding NGN 65 million on a single bet. A spokesperson for SportyBet proudly emphasised that “timely payouts are of the essence” and that the company’s commitment to user experience remains unwavering.
However, these technological and financial advances come at a steep cost. For every jackpot celebrated in the press, there are countless individuals whose lives have been upended by the relentless lure of the bet. The promise of quick wealth, when juxtaposed against the backdrop of personal ruin and social decay, reveals a sobering paradox at the heart of modern gambling.
Cultural currents and the rise of virtual betting
Sports betting in Nigeria is not solely about the love for football—it is deeply interwoven with the nation’s cultural fabric. For many, placing a bet is as routine as buying groceries; a practice driven by both necessity and habit. With the advent of mobile technology, betting has transitioned online, making it accessible around the clock. Virtual sports betting, in particular, has carved out a niche by offering wagers on computer-simulated events, ensuring that the thrill of the game never wanes even when live matches are not in season. This 24/7 availability has only amplified the risks, with studies indicating that those who engage in mobile betting are significantly more prone to developing gambling problems. As one research summary noted, the rate of gambling issues among online sports bettors is markedly higher than among those who bet in traditional, physical venues.
The scale of sports betting in Nigeria is staggering. Reports indicate that over 65 million Nigerians are active participants in this industry, placing an estimated 14 million bets every day. With daily wagers averaging around $15, and platforms issuing more than 100 betting licenses across the country, the phenomenon is not just a matter of individual loss—it has become a national economic force. While proponents tout sports betting as a legitimate form of supplemental income and a driver of technological innovation, the underlying reality for many is one of precarious financial instability. For a nation where many live hand-to-mouth, the seduction of a quick win masks a far more destructive potential: the gradual erosion of financial security, social cohesion, and personal dignity.
Voices calling for reform and rehabilitation
Across the country, voices are rising in protest of the unchecked proliferation of sports betting. Legal practitioners, mental health experts, and even insiders from the betting industry have called for stricter regulatory frameworks and more robust support systems for those ensnared by addiction. Critics argue that current measures are insufficient, with government regulators more focused on the tax revenue generated by the industry than on the well-being of its citizens. Proposals for reform include mandatory self-regulation within the industry, the creation of dedicated treatment centers for gambling addicts, and public awareness campaigns to educate the populace on the risks of excessive betting. As one addiction counsellor poignantly stated, “The government has to do more. It is not enough for the government to say these centres have licenses. They must also provide for the fallout from this business—an addiction that is literally tearing families apart.”
A call for collective action
The sprawling landscape of sports betting in Nigeria is a double-edged sword—one that promises wealth and excitement on one side while delivering financial ruin, broken families, and a host of mental health issues on the other. The evidence is overwhelming: from personal tragedies and systemic regulatory failures to the seductive innovation of modern betting platforms, the battle against gambling addiction is both urgent and complex.
Addressing this crisis will require a concerted effort by government agencies, industry players, mental health professionals, and society at large. Only by acknowledging the true cost of sports betting and implementing comprehensive reforms can Nigeria hope to break free from the cycle of addiction that ensnares millions each day.
As the world marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 under the theme, ‘For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality,’, the Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCoN) has once again urged the Nigerian government to take urgent steps toward securing the release of Leah Sharibu, who has remained in captivity for seven years.
Leah, one of 110 schoolgirls abducted on February 19, 2018, from the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), was reportedly denied freedom for refusing to renounce her Christian faith. While her schoolmates were eventually released, she remains a hostage, symbolizing the plight of countless women and girls held captive by terrorist groups.
In a statement signed by its president, Adeola Ogunlade, ACCoN expressed deep frustration over the government’s failure to secure Leah’s release, alongside thousands of other women and girls still in captivity.
“Leah Sharibu has tragically spent most of her adolescent years in captivity simply for holding true to her faith,” ACCoN stated.
The association urged the Federal Government, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts toward securing the freedom of Leah and others still held by terrorist factions.
ACCoN described Leah’s continued captivity as a grim reminder of Nigeria’s security crisis and the urgent need to uphold fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion.
“Leah’s courage in the face of unimaginable adversity remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, especially for young girls in Nigeria,” the statement continued.
“We reaffirm our commitment to being a voice for the voiceless and advocating for peace, justice, and security in Nigeria.”
As the world celebrates women’s resilience and rights, ACCoN insists that Leah Sharibu’s story must not be forgotten and that every effort must be made to bring her home safely.
The General Overseer, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye has urged parents to raise their children in the way of the Lord, emphasizing that proper upbringing is key to securing their future.
Adeboye who ministered recently at the RCCG headquarters (Throne of Grace), Ebute Metta, Lagos on the topic: ‘Greater Tomorrow’ during the monthly thanksgiving service, said that God commanded parents to train their children in the way of the Lord, stating that their decisions today will shape their future.
He said “Parents, wake up! Train your children in the way of the Lord. If you allow them to do what they like, you are ruining your future. Be firm.
“Those parents who are highly sophisticated and highly educated that would say that their children should be allowed to sow their wild oats when those children are doing wrong things are only ruining their future,” he said.
He reminded Nigerians of three phases in life which are the past, the present and the future, adding that of the three phases, the most important is ‘tomorrow’, and that the decision taken today will definitely affect tomorrow.
He further remarked that according to the scriptures, a greater tomorrow is guaranteed for the righteous, while a terrible future is the lot of the wicked.
Adeboye who clocked 83 called on the youth as a father to not only obey their parents but honour them for their days to be long on earth and for their future to be greater than that of their parents.
Special Assistant to the General Overseer (Administration), who is also the Pastor, Region 1, Dele Balogun told the youth to honour a man of God such as Adeboye who is humble and a role model and therefore eschew a life of getting rich quickly to the detriment of their future and destiny.
Adeboye gave the nuggets for a greater tomorrow by sowing good seed, diligence, humility and submission to God.
Popular evangelist and founder of The Word Commission International, The Word Assembly Churches in Ilorin, Kwara State, Rev. Isaac Omolehin, has recounted his life’s journey—one marked by trials, rejection, and eventual triumph. Speaking during a recent online programme celebrating his 74th birthday, monitored by ADEOLA OGUNLADE, Omolehin reflected on his past struggles and how those who once despised him are now among those celebrating him.
There is nothing that God cannot do in a man’s life. Up till today. I still wonder how I got here; how I got to where I am is still a puzzle and it surprises me because nobody gave me a chance in life to become anything from day one when I was born, so my early life was rough,” he said.
Omolehin, who was never accustomed to celebrating birthdays, described this year’s milestone as unique. “This year’s birthday has been so special because people all over the world are celebrating me. People sent money to me. Someone said he was sending me money for chicken but sent enough for a cow,” he said.
Humble beginning
Born in Iluke Bunu, Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria, Omolehin is the President and Founder of Word Assembly Ministries in Ilorin, Kwara State. His early years were filled with hardship, although his father was a known and reputable man, he did not invest in his children’s future—not out of neglect or dislike but that was the same experience all the children had. This left young Omolehin without the financial or emotional support he needed.
Life was further complicated by constant threats, forcing his mother to move him from town to town to protect him from those who sought his life. His siblings were not as fortunate; some fell victim to the evil forces that haunted his family. Omolehin attended five different primary schools due to these frequent relocations, yet he consistently excelled academically, always securing the top position in his classes.
During his childhood, he suffered from a mysterious illness. His mother, desperate for a cure, sought the help of a prophet who recommended a ritual bath in a river. However, Omolehin, despite not knowing God nor does he know the Bible at the time, resolved to defy the ritual. “I reflected within myself that ‘is it because of the sickness that I would be taken to the river and bath in the river?. I said it should not be that difficult. As a primary school pupil, I told myself that I would recover.” To everyone’s amazement, he miraculously recovered before his mother returned with the ritual items.
Life of hardship, determination
About 50 years ago, Omolehin found himself in Ilorin without a clear agenda, with no house and nowhere to sleep, where he took on the role of a farmhand for a family.
He also assisted in frying and selling puff-puff. It was during this humble phase that he met his wife, then an undergraduate at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State. Their relationship faced opposition, with some ridiculing his wife for choosing him. His close friends told his wife while they were courting “They told her she was yet to find a human being to marry, and asked, when would I make it in life?” Omolehin recalled.
However, she remained steadfast, and today, even those who mocked them witness the extraordinary ways God has blessed their lives.
Omolehin’s early years in ministry were marked by financial struggles, but never a lack of anointing.
He shared how he encountered a disciple of Apostle Ayodele Babalola, who warned him never to engage in fights or try to defend himself. “He told me never to fight for myself because God would always fight for me. Over the years, I have seen that all those who wronged me never ended well. I am not an ordinary person and that is why God kept seeing me through all dangers till this very moment. Things that should have killed me had happened to me, but God spared me. There was nothing I ever lacked that I now lack. That is the reason; it is not easy for me to backslide. God led me through things that should have killed me. Now, I knew that there were only tests of faith.
Marriage built on faith
Reflecting on his marriage, Omolehin attributed much of his success to his wife’s unwavering support. “If I am celebrating today, it is because of my wife. She is the one to be celebrated.”
He recalled their wedding preparations, which were fraught with challenges. When they informed his wife’s uncle—who was to stand in as the father of the day—he refused to see them. “My wife is the one to be celebrated. Before our wedding, we went to one of her uncles who was to stand in for us as the father of the day on our wedding day to tell him about the wedding. The uncle did not come out to see us. We waited for hours. He did not come out. I told my wife to let us leave. We left the place. “But 40 years after, the same uncle needed my assistance. He is the monarch of their town.”
He desperately sought Omolehin’s intervention after a series of mysterious deaths plagued their community. A CAC prophet had declared that until Omolehin prayed for the town, the deaths would persist.
Omolehin eventually visited, prayed, and saw God intervene. To commemorate the occasion, he donated two cows, rice and other condiments for the town’s celebration. The plague of death in the town ceased.
Wedding of miracles
Their wedding, held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Ilorin, was sparsely attended by his wife’s relatives, many of whom could not fathom her choice. “Many of the relatives of my wife did not come because they could not imagine that she would marry me.”
When he took her to meet his father, the old man gave her N2 but gave Omolehin nothing.
One of the most striking moments was the ring saga. The couple traveled to Lagos to buy wedding rings but could only afford one—for the bride. On the wedding day, someone purchased a ring for Omolehin, but it turned out to be a hunter’s ring, unsuitable for the occasion. A kind woman in the church lent him her ring, which he returned after the ceremony. Since then, he has never worn a ring, despite now being able to afford multiple.
From lack to abundance
Omolehin recounted times of extreme lack, recalling a day when he begged for food. A brother initially agreed to give him raw beans but later reneged, following his wife’s disapproval. “Ironically, I still see that man today,” he mused.
Legacy of impact
Despite his early struggles, Omolehin pursued higher education, studying Animal Science at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. During his National Youth Service, he served as a Traveling Secretary with the Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES).
Married to Dr. Mrs. Christie Omolehin since October 1982, he was ordained in 1985 by Rev. Mike Oye. Today, they are blessed with four children, all of whom are pastors and missionaries serving in different nations. Beyond preaching the gospel across the world, Omolehin and his wife also run an orphanage in Ilorin, continuing their mission of service and compassion.
Rev. Isaac Omolehin’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and divine transformation. From rejection and suffering to global recognition, he remains a testament to God’s grace and unwavering faithfulness.
Lead pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo has shared a heartwarming testimony about receiving a luxury car gift from some members of his church.
According to Fatoyinbo, the surprise gift was a proof to the biblical principle of sowing and reaping.
He recalled how he and some fellow pastors had previously gifted a car to Bishop David Oyedepo, and how he had recently received a similar gift from his church members.
Fatoyinbo, who celebrated his 50th birthday on January 1, expressed his gratitude and surprise at the generous gesture.
He encouraged his followers to be generous and expect blessings in return, emphasising the importance of living a life of faith and reciprocity.
He wrote: “Last year myself and my covenant brother and two pastors in this nation, we bought a certain car for Bishop David Oyedepo. I was not even there when they presented it, because the bible says you will reap when you sow not where you sow.
“Do you know that January 1st was my 50th birthday? Some sons just came together and bought me the same car without me arranging it. I was surprised. So wake up. Dey play. Don’t wait till 80 before you wake up. Wake up now.”
Text: “….when they could not come nigh unto him….. they uncovered the roof where he was: and… let down the bed….” (Mark 2:4)
By Henry O. Adelegan
There are times in life when the road to one’s destination is blocked and forward movement or progress becomes impossible and delayed. Such hindrance or delay can either be physical or spiritual. In our world today, there are lots of people that desire marital progress, bliss and peace but are seemingly to no avail. It is also obvious in our polity that we have a retinue of graduates that are desirous of occupational breakthroughs all without result.
There are also occasions in life when friends or people one ought to lean on at one’s trying times have hands that are lacerated with thorns. There are also events in life when family members or colleagues who are supposed to assist to blow off the speck from ones hurting eyes have mouths that have been spiced with pepper. It is nonelective to note that when one gets to those ugly life junctures, it will be obvious that this life is empty and one will realise that human beings have limitations, lots of us are not dependable and many are unreliable, very self-centred and grossly wicked (Genesis 6:5). Anyone who trusts in a godfather, a leader, a ruler or any human being and takes his eyes off God the father is in for a life shocker. Godfathers, rulers and leaders will fail and disappoint but God the father, the ruler of the universe and the leader of leaders will always be there at the thicks and thins of life. (Jeremiah 17:5-8)
From the story of our text, there was a man who was with palsy at Capernaum, he was paralysed, possibly a spinal cord issue. When he heard that Jesus Christ, the miracle worker, was in town, he sought for assistance of four men to take him to where He was on a stretcher. He was confident that if only he could set his eyes on Jesus Christ, his problems of longstanding years would be over. Unfortunately for the paralysed man, when they brought him to the pavilion where Jesus Christ was, the entire compound was filled to the brim, and there was no way forward. The paralysed man with the men carrying him must have begged the people there to kindly allow him gain entry because of his terrible predicament but nobody bulged as they were also there to be attended to. They must have showed him their blind eyes, their issues of blood of many years, the corpses of their children strapped to their backs, their cancer issues, the hole in their hearts, their fruitlessness of many years etc. They must also have suggested to the sick man to return home and wait for another time because the people that needed divine attention were many.
The sick man looked forward and there was no way – it was an obviously hopeless situation but the paralyzed man must have informed the men carrying him that he was unwilling to return home in his paralysed state. He must have told them that, if there was no way forward, let us look up for the way. This instruction must have come from what the Psalmist said in Psalms 121:1-2 that, I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. When Jesus Christ saw the faith of this man, when He saw their unconventional attitude, when He saw the paralyzed man as a man with the wisdom of God, He forgave his sins and the man of faith was singled out from the multitude for miracle of long standing years. While other sick people were pressing one another to get in through the door, the paralysed man found his way to Jesus Christ, not through the conventional access route but laboriously through the unscientific path – the roof! He looked up and he got up!
Beloved, it is not over with you, whenever you get to a dead end in any life matter and there is no way forward, please don’t feel bad or sad, don’t murmur or contemplate to go back, and don’t ever say it is over. Look up to Jesus Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:20. The hen that isn’t dead still has hope to eat maize. That troubling situation of your life shall, during this season of Lent, end in praises in the name of Jesus
Prayer: Lord, I look up to you, don’t let me ever be put to shame in the name of Jesus
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has called on Christians in Nigeria to uphold justice and fairness during the Lenten season.
In his Ash Wednesday message, Bishop Adegbite emphasised the importance of putting God at the center of their fasting and prayers.
“When you fast, you must uphold justice and fairness, God must be at the centre of it all,” he said.
Bishop Adegbite explained that Lent is a period of sober reflection, abstinence from food, water, and other pleasures, observed for forty days and forty nights.
He encouraged Nigerians to continue praying together, regardless of their religious affiliations, highlighting the significance of interfaith harmony.
The NCPC boss specifically called for prayers for President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other top government officials, seeking God’s wisdom and direction for them.
Text: “Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die…” – 2 Kings 20:1
Henry O. Adelegan
As we observe another Ash Wednesday today, we are reminded of the inevitable truth that death is a universal contract we all must honor. “Dust shall return to dust” (Genesis 3:19 cf Hebrews 9:27).
Regardless of age, health, wealth, status, or spiritual gifts, we all have an appointment with death—except those who remain alive at the second coming of Christ (Psalms 89:48; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Everything that starts must reach its end: a new garment frays, youth fades, possessions age, and temporary titles and positions eventually pass away (Ecclesiastes 12:3-7; Job 7:1).
The story of King Hezekiah is a poignant reminder. After God granted him victory over the mightier King Sennacherib, the prophet Isaiah brought the news that Hezekiah should prepare for death. Distressed, Hezekiah prayed fervently, and God granted him an additional fifteen years (2 Kings 20:2-6). Ultimately, however, he too met his end (2 Kings 20:21). This illustrates the cycle of life: there is a time to be born and a time to die (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)—”you shall return to dust.”
In times like ours, where societal divides grow wider and the promise of democracy fades, many seek to cling to earthly life above all. Efforts to escape death often manifest in frantic spending on healthcare or reliance on dubious spiritual shortcuts. Yet, when death comes, it is impartial to wealth or status, respecting neither fear nor false security (2 Peter 3:10).
On this Ash Wednesday, marking the start of a 40-day period of reflection and fasting, we are confronted with our mortality. “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” (Genesis 3:19). As ashes are placed on our foreheads, we are reminded that life is fleeting. We live in a time where extravagance often overshadows morality—where we pursue immediate gratification over lasting values.
The Almighty God is again calling us to remembrance: we will all give an account of our lives (Haggai 1:5) and our stewardship (Romans 14:10). Wealth may shield you temporarily from the consequences of your actions in this world, but before God, no human argument can prevail (Job 9:3).
Remember, nothing lasts forever. Our true legacy is determined by our relationship with Christ, the good we do, and how we uplift those around us (Matthew 25:30). This season invites us to engage in self-reflection, repentance, and change. Leaders, both political and spiritual, are urged to seek God’s mercy and realign with righteousness, lest we risk losing our purpose and light (Revelation 2:5).
Dear friends, as we humble ourselves during this sacred time, let us shift our focus away from the temporary distractions of this world. Commit to selfless service, nurture love and charity, and live in holiness and peace. In doing so, may God bless you, and when your time comes, may you be welcomed into His eternal kingdom with joy and honor.
•Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to live a life pleasing to You, so that when I stand before You, I may be welcomed as a faithful servant, in Jesus’ name.
