Renowned bishop and motivational speaker, Funke Felix-Adejumo, has emphasised the importance of securing one’s financial future and leaving a lasting inheritance for future generations.
In a viral video, she stated that by age 40, individuals should own land, and by 45, they should have acquired property.
She also encouraged married couples to strive for a minimum number of houses equivalent to the number of children they have.
The bishop’s words were rooted in biblical principles, citing the verse “a righteous man leaves an inheritance” (Proverbs 13:22).
She emphasised that true righteousness is not just about outward appearances, but about living a life that secures a stable future for oneself and one’s loved ones.
She said: “If at 50 you still have to be living in a rented apartment, I’m sent to you. You can’t be forty years old and not have a land, and you can’t be forty-five and not have a property.
“Those of you that are married. The minimum number of houses you should have is the number of children you have. When the bible says ‘a righteous man leaves an inheritance’, the righteousness is not about the removal of earrings. Don’t live your life in such a way that you’ll need your children’s help when you’re old. When your children come to bless you, let them feel privileged, let it be to provoke something”.
Formerly Reverend Funke Felix-Adejumo, she was elevated to the position of Bishop by Bishop Francis Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
The event took place at the headquarters of Agape Christian Ministries in Akure, Ondo State, and was graced by notable dignitaries, clergy, and worshippers from across Nigeria.
One of the Leading Christian Ministries, Gbenga Dahunsi Ministries International (The Set Apart Church) Ibadan, headed by Pastor Gbenga Dahunsi, has raised the bar of evangelism in Nigeria by giving educational scholarships to students of Loyola College, Ibadan.
The latest scholarship was given to the most outstanding student of the boys-only government-owned college, Babatunde Oluwadarasimi, to encourage him and spur others to pursue academic excellence.
During the visit to the ancient school, Pastor Gbenga Dahunsi said it was necessary to match evangelism with humanitarian efforts so that the problems associated with body and soul can be treated together.
He added that the ministry has determined not only to strengthen the students’ faith but also to reaffirm the ministry’s commitment to education and youth development in Nigeria.
“As a pastor, I am a proponent of humanitarian gestures. Charity is part of our activities in the church,
“We do give free medical Health care services for the sick, provide food items, clothes, academic sponsorships such as payment of school fees, provision of stationery and provision of boreholes to a lot of communities.
”The initiative, inspired by the grace of God, saw students being ministered with the gospel of Christ, leading to numerous conversions and a powerful baptism in the Holy Spirit.
“Beyond spiritual empowerment, the ministry extended its hands of kindness by providing students with essential stationery sets, ensuring they are well-equipped for their academic journey,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gbenga Dahunsi Ministry International, through its humanitarian outreach programme, has touched many lives in several communities in the country.
The ministry’s outreach programme has touched many lives in several communities by donating food items, cash gifts, and toiletries to orphanage homes and vulnerable persons, particularly in the Southern part of the country.
Pastor Dahunsi advised all meaningful Nigerians to embark on humanitarian jobs across the country to feed the poor, give scholarships, and create better lives for the less privileged persons in the country.
While appreciating the team of Gbenga Dahunsi Ministries International, the school principal of Loyola College Ibadan, Mrs Olaniran, thanked Pastor Dahunsi and the members for their humanitarian gestures.
She believes the scholarship will uplift the minds of students to strive for excellence in their studies.
Yenagoa-based Jonah Okah writes on the exploits of the police special squad code-named Puff Adder, which has seen it restore normalcy and peace in Bayelsa, a state hitherto held by the jugular by men of the underworld. He also makes a case for appropriate rewards and promotion for gallant officers in general police.
The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has suffered image crisis over the years on allegations of corruption and incompetence. Notably, the issue of corruption is generally an endemic problem pervading all sectors and institutions in Nigeria. It touches the judiciary, the civil service, the military, even the banking sector. Therefore, it is misplaced to selectively isolate the police.
In spite of the corruption allegations, the fact remains that there are still many good elements across all sectors.
However, no objective and dispassionate mind will hesitate to dismiss the allegation of incompetence as a warped view from puerile and malicious perspectives. The Nigeria Police Force have proven its competence and excellence in service both in local and international peace and security operations and have earned Nigeria a pride of place in the comity of nations.
Most times, one feels pity for the country’s Police for the thankless service it renders in the fight against crime, ranging from the task of contending with men of the underworld, to that of strong men in power over corruption, economic sabotage and sundry crimes.
Interestingly, no one bothers about the challenges of poor motivation, poor reward system, poor equipment and the poverty of financial security after retirement from service. Still, the police continue to receive unnecessary bashing of unwarranted accusations.
In Bayelsa State, there is no doubting the fact that until recently, the state was a hot bed of epic battles waged by men of the underworld. Like the Hobbesian state, it was a place where lives became short and brutish, with increasing wave of cult-related killings, piracy and pipelines vandalisation alongside activities of kidnappers becoming the order of the day.
In response to the wild state of insecurity, the Bayelsa State Police Command set up a special squad nicknamed PUFF ADDER, to confront headlong the activities of the dare-devil criminals in the nooks and crannies of the Bayelsa landscape, with a no-nonsense operational officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Chris Nwaogbo.
The mandate of CSP Chris Nwaogbo-led operation team was specifically to restore peace and security in conjunction with other operation commands, backed by the motivational-spirit conscious Police Commissioner, Mr. Francis Itu of the Bayelsa State Command.
This also came on the heels of daily reports of bank robberies in Yenagoa, the state capital, one of which claimed the life of a legal practitioner, Mr. Abel Uzi, who was gunned down and the money found on him taken away in broad day light.The Chris Nwaogbo-led Puff Adder special squad swung into action like the baptism of fire, conducted discreet investigations, arrested the suspects and brought them to book. To say the least, it was a result-oriented operation that elevated the Bayelsa Police Command, and earned them thumbs-up from residents of Yenagoa.
Today, banks are enjoying absolute peace and security in the state, because the police have put in place strategic measures to forestall further occurrences.
The Puff Adder special squad is the most dreaded security intervention squad in the state. The fear of squad is widely believed to be the beginning of wisdom. Literally, the squad can be compared to Panti in Lagos, where positive results in the fight against crime are routinely recorded.
With the crack team of investigators, those who have the privilege to know the high risk the CSP Nwaogbo-led team takes, often wonder how they have gone about achieving the relative peace and security in the state.
Of course, the fight against criminals is not a tea party. While citizens are enjoying the comfort of their homes, these great men and women of courage who have signed the contract to provide security are busy sacrificing their energy, comfort and putting their lives on the line by going to criminal hideouts in the creeks, the sea and on land.
Without doubt, many temptations come their way in terms of mouthwatering offer of bribes by suspects and their godfathers, among whom are politicians, to scuttle justice; which is no mean task.
Recounting how they resisted one of such bribe offers, CSP Chris Nwaogbo threatened to arrest a high profile politician who attempted to bribe him with N50 million to circumvent the course of justice in the case of a suspect under investigation for kidnapping. The team had successfully rescued the victim and was pushing for the kidnapper to face the full weight of the law.
So, when people make hasty generalisation of corruption against the police, it kills the morale of good and decent officers with conscience, who are dutifully discharging their duties.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Francis Itu, is not left out. In the course of his duty, he has, on several occasions, resisted bribe offers, one of which was about N500 million. This was an exciting moment in his career and service to the nation.
This, understandably, is why CSP Nwaogbo expressed his anger and frustration at what he described as frivolous petitions against him recently by the Baylesa State branch of the Nigeria Bar Association, when he said: “My brother, in case you don’t know, Puff Adder stopped the kidnapping of bank managers and business men in this town called Yenagoa. Since after the arrest of a popular kidnapper (name withheld) and his gang, have you heard of kidnapping again in Bayelsa? The NBA has not told anyone her problems if there is any please. I’m even tired of risking my life in the creeks of Bayelsa State. How many police officers have you heard in Nigeria that goes to the creeks to rescue victims of kidnapping or you think it is an easy task? Yet the NBA will not give me fair hearing and just jumped into conclusion, writing frivolous petitions. When you lose my kind of officer, you will understand what insecurity is all about,” he said.
CSP Chris Nwaogbo further stated that, “Puff Adder will continue to operate within the ambit of the law and will not succumb to any form of blackmail by a few politically exposed members of the NBA who are out to blackmail Puff Adder in a bid to cover up their failed agenda to undercut the cause of justice. When Puff Adder arrested the armed robbers that killed their colleague called Abel Uzi, and he was charged to court and freed by the court under questionable circumstances, the NBA, Yenagoa Branch, lost its critical and pretentious voice. In other states, the NBA is a partner in progress in the fight against crime”.
Against all odds, Operation Puff Adder has busted over 50 cases of kidnapping and high profile cases of armed robbery and brought them to book. Among these are those of the kidnappers of 115-year-old Chief Titus Isu, the kidnap of Emmanuel Ogodo and Osazuwa Micheal, Staff of Azikiel Company. Others include those of Vivian Obinna Okoye, Dr. Ogregede Ileimokumo, Chief Pichard Seiba, the Paramount ruler of Okordia clan.
With the full assistance of the security conscious governor of the state, Senator Douye Diri, the Chris Nwaogbo-led Puff Adder squad in conjunction with CP Francis Itu, Bayelsa has become the most peaceful and secured state in the Niger Delta and (arguably) in the southern part of Nigeria generally.
It is against this background that a former Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa, CP Hilary Opara, recommended him and other officers for special promotion.
Even ardent critics of the police in Bayelsa have lavishly conceded that Puff Adder is the best thing to have happened to the state in the fight against crime since its creation.
They have proved against the naysayers that the police are a friend indeed, contrary to the misconceptions by some segments of the society.
Therefore, the police deserve the support and understanding of the general public, as the business of security is a collective responsibility of all.
We must appreciate those who sacrifice their comfort for the peace and security of all in the midst of poor reward system.
This is where the Inspector General of police, IGP, needs to reinvent a new reward system by identifying officers like those at Puff Adder and other intervention operations for special recognition and promotion.
The Force Headquarters and the Police Service Commission need to reject the worn-out saying that police reward is in heaven. Police officers are humans and deserve the best of motivation and reward while on earth. They have families and responsibilities; so no amount of reward is too much for their priceless sacrifices for the general good of the citizens.
The federal and state governments should take cognizance of the fact that there is an inseparable nexus between security and sustainable development. This is where they should go beyond the golden handshake and precepts by identifying fine officers like Chris Nwaogbo who leads Puff Adder under the committed leadership of CP Francis Itu and consider them for life-changing reward both by the Force Command and the State government.
On the part of officers of Puff Adder, they should not let up the fine spirit in them despite the daunting challenges and the distractions by arm-twisting critics. History will certainly vindicate their historic exploits in the fight against crime, as their rewards will certainly come in the fullness of time.
A new documentary, entitled “The Odyssey”, is set to detail Yoruba music’s 100-year history to Afrobeats and beyond. “The Odyssey” will take viewers on an illuminating journey through the history of Yoruba music, its cultural significance, and its impact on Afrobeats, and evolution of different subcultures in the last century, including Were, Sakara, Apala, Juju, AfroJuju, and Fuji, among many others.
“The Odyssey, which will feature a stellar cast of producers, including singer and songwriter Adekunle Gold, is garnering attention within the music industry and sets sights on global audiences. The documentary directed by award-winning filmmaker Abba T. Makama and produced by executive producer Bobo Omotayo, takes viewers on an immersive journey through the captivating rhythms and rich history of Yoruba music, revealing its profound influence on the global music scene and role in shaping the emergence of Afrobeats.
White House Productions has announced that Gold will serve as a co-producer alongside Tosin Ashafa, Omotayo, to enhance the documentary’s storyline with his knowledge of the industry, network, and love of Yoruba music. This formidable group is committed to providing an exciting, genuine look at our history, culture, and where we’re going from here.
Abba Makama, Director: “Working with these producers, each with their own backgrounds and perspectives has enlivened the creative process. We’ve already captured some incredibly fascinating interviews, and Adekunle Gold’s involvement adds a new dynamic layer to the story.”
On his part, the executive producer said: “Our goal from the start has been to make a documentary that gives justice to Yoruba music by showcasing its essence. Our dedication to genuine and diverse storytelling is strengthened by Adekunle Gold’s addition to our team. The film, which is now under production, also features some of Nigeria’s most revered music historians, academics, chart-topping artists, music legends, iconic producers, record label owners, and music journalists, both past and present.”
Gold, the co-producer stated: “This documentary is more than simply another project; it’s an opportunity to highlight the history of a sound that has shaped and will continue to shape music culture around the world. Working with the rest of the team, I can’t wait to bring this story to life with authenticity, energy, and enthusiasm.”
“The team invites potential partners to explore opportunities for innovative and brand collaborations. An example of this is a current collaboration with the award-winning photographer, Andrew Esiebo. Esiebo has become a part of the crew, capturing unique and intimate moments with the subjects in the documentary, both in private settings and onstage. This captivating collection of images will highlight a distinctive exhibition that underscores the profound emotion and energy of these figures. While the Odyssey’s release date will be announced soon, the exhibition will open alongside the premiere of the documentary, offering audiences a vibrant experience that honours the essence of Yoruba music through both visual and auditory elements,” the film’s producer stated.
Makama is an award-winning filmmaker and visual artist from Nigeria. His feature film debut, “Green White Green” had its 2016 world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival. Since then it has screened at over twenty international film festivals, including the Stockholm International Film Festival,
On the other hand, Omotayo is a force in the promotion and preservation of Yoruba music, with a remarkable portfolio of pioneering programmes and events, especially under his cultural umbrella “FUJI: A Opera’. FUJI: A Opera” is a multi-dimensional entertainment platform that deconstructs and reimagines the mysterious Fuji music genre for a new generation of music and cultural enthusiasts.
Gold is a Nigerian born and bred singer-songwriter who gained recognition from his very first release, “Sade” a love song released as a cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life” which led to him signing a recording contract with a Nigerian label YBNL just two weeks after its release.
Fourteen-Year-Old Kelvin King needs a total of N15million for second heart surgery in India.
His father, Samora King, a graphic designer, is therefore appealing to good-spirited Nigerians to come to their aid to help them pay for the surgery and save their boy’s life.
Said the father, the surgery itself is N9million while the remaining N6million is for flight and accommodation.
Born in 2010, the father said they first discovered the boy had a hole in his heart when he was about eight months old. “The condition was discovered at LUTH (Lagos University Teaching Hospital); thereafter, we were referred to India, where we had the first surgery. Later they told us that he would need another surgery when he comes of age and that the first was a minor one to keep him going, since he was then a baby,” the father told The Nation.
Recently, little Kelvin has begun to fall sick, so they were told it’s time for the second and final surgery.
Both parents of the boy are therefore appealing to Nigerians to come to their aid, as they don’t want to lose their little boy.
Donors can send their support to: Olamilekan Kelvin King GTB 0108685308
Activist, politician and society lady, Fatimah Bello speaks with Gboyega Alaka on her foray into politics, why she mobilised women with disability for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the last election, the accident that led to loss of her leg, her love aso-oke clothing business, women in leadership and more.
Last weekend, Hajia Fatimah Bello aka Fati Bello aka Jumrash held a special event to announce her full return to her Aso-Oke clothing business. The event, held at Banex Plaza, in highbrow Lekki, Lagos, was an evening of fashion and culture alongside plenty to eat and drink. She further made it worth the while of the guests by offloading her rich stock at a whopping 40 percent discount.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Hajia Bello said the occasion was to announce her full return to her business after a long hiatus during which she dedicated herself and time to politics. “In the last couple of years I was very active in politics and that meant my business played second fiddle. I, however, have no regrets, as I am a women leader among my demographic and I thought I should use my position to rally my people for my party, the All Progressives Congress APC and my candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. So now that I’m done with that assignment, I decided it was time to get fully back to my business; and what better way to announce my full return than this!”
Asked to explain what she meant by her demographic, Hajia Bello said: “I’m an accident victim. I was involved in an accident where I lost a leg; as a result, I go about with one prosthetic leg. So you could say I’m a person living with a disability. Because of my generosity and influence, these people have come to accept and see me as a leader among them, and that is why I was able to wield my influence to rally them for my candidate. Because of the success God has blessed me with; I have been able to extend some generosity to my people. I also inspire them by telling them that being disabled does not mean the end of the world; neither does it mean they should live a hopeless life or be destitute. Because of the way I have been able to overcome my own trauma after the accident, hospitals invite me over to motivate accident victims who are feeling disillusioned because they lost an arm or leg. I tell them my story and urge them to quit self-pity and go chase their dreams. I have lost two children, Jummai and Rasheed, in an accident; I have been in an accident myself, in which I lost a leg; I even lost my husband! What fate can be worse than that? Yet here I am, standing and soldiering on. I also give them money and whatever I could afford to assist them.”
On how she coped with the accident, she said: “My religion, Islam, gives me strength. Islam teaches us to take whatever befalls us in good fate; and that’s what I’ve done. Jumrash was formed from the names of my two late children, as a way of immortalising them.”
Mobilising women with disability for Tinubu
“I have a strong belief that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president would turn things around for Nigeria. Here is a man who already has everything; so you could not say he was running for the position to enrich himself. Aside from that, he had this leadership quality that is unparalleled. His achievements as governor of Lagos State also speak for him. Besides, I have this special relationship with his daughter, Iyaloja Folashade Tinubu-Ojo. She stood by me during my trying times, especially after I lost my husband. So supporting her father was non-negotiable.”
Asked how she has been coping with reactions of people in the face of the rising economic hardship in the country since her preferred candidate assumed office, Bello laughed and said: “I have been telling them not to despair and that things will be alright sooner than they expect. I believe the president took the decisions he took that brought this temporary hardship because they are the only way out. Tinubu is not one who would inflict hardship on his people, except it is the only way out. I believe Nigerians will have the last laugh. All we need is patience.”
Women and leadership
“As far as I am concerned women are the builders of society. They build the homes, which make up the society. Why then can they not be entrusted with leadership? If given a chance, women will make better leaders, because they are born leaders and builders.”
The Apostolic Church Nigeria has elected new national leaders for the church.
The church which is one of the a Pentecostal Christian denomination in Nigeria with its national headquarters in Lagos and international headquarters in Penygroes, United Kingdom, is divided into territories within Nigeria.
The election which was held yesterday, Thursday, February 06 was conducted at the National Headquarters of the Church in Lagos.
According to the results of election as presented by the Chief Returning Officer, Pastor David Ajibade, Pastor Dr. Lawrence .O. Oladele from LAWNA Territory emerged as the new National President of the church with 388 votes, while Pastor Jude O. D Ekele came distant second having garnered 196 votes.
Pastor E. U. Johnson from Akwa-Ibom State Territory, was also elected as Vice-President with 297 votes, defeating his close contestant Pastor Prof N.E. George who polled 278 votes.
In the race for the position of National Secretary, Pastor Prof. Benjamin Fakae from the Maritime Territory emerged winner after polling 323 votes to defeat Pastor I.B. Zorzor, who garnered 155 votes.
Pastor Prof B.B. Fakae was a former Rector of the Rivers State Polytechnic, Bori, before he later became the Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt.
Pastor Dr. Isaac G. Awotanmi of LAWNA Territory was also victories having been elected as the new Deputy National Secretary, after securing 301 votes to triumph over Pastor Dr. Titus O. Akinbami, who polled 171 votes.
Pastor O.A. Nyong from Cross Rivers State Territory emerged victorious in the race for National Finance Secretary, garnering 304 votes to defeat Pastor W. U. Ikpi, who got 134 votes.
However, Pastor S.A. Ogu from LAWNA Territory was nominated as the National Deputy Finance Secretary.
The election result was announced by the incumbent President of the church, Pastor S.E. Igwe who is set for retirement.
It was gathered that the newly elected leaders would be officially inducted in August 2025.
Welcoming the election result, the President-elect of the church Pastor Oladele appreciated the incumbentt leadership of the church for laying exemplary leadership.
He said: “We want to appreciate our father, the National President whose his exemplary leadership we are all benefitting from. Our father the Vice-President/LAWNA Territorial Chairman, we appreciate you so much. All National officers and all the NEC members, we thank you and we appreciate you all. We want to tell our fathers that we shall humbly learn from them. We shall patiently submit ourselves for their Christ-like mind to be poured into us before we assumed office.
“May I say this to the fathers whom we contest together that there is no victor and there is vanquish. We have not won and you have not lost. We are the same, we need you, we need to cooperate together, the Church must move forward, and we are one. So, I thank you and I thank our fathers. God bless you all.”
The incumbent leadership of the church began operation on the 30th of July 2017.
Evangelist Mike Bamiloye has reminded Christians of the importance of being mindful of their online presence.
He emphasised that believers will one day stand before the judgment throne of the Lord to defend how they used social media – either to support or oppose the kingdom of God.
Bamiloye’s message serves as a call to action, encouraging Christians to reflect on their social media usage and ensure it aligns with their faith.
“All you children of God on Social Media, be prepared to stand before the judgement throne of the Lord Jesus. to defend how you used it. For or Against the Kingdom of God”, he wrote on Instagram.
United Kingdom-based Nigerian gospel singer Peter Owoola has revealed the inspiration behind his new song, Oloriaye, meaning “The One Who Owns the Heavens and the Earth.”
Owoola described how the song came to him unexpectedly while he was on a bus during his university days in Nigeria.
Owoola recallwd that he was in 300-level when he first received the song.
He was on a bus heading home when a moment of spontaneous worship led to the birth of Oloriaye.
“I can be anywhere—on the bus, in my house—and just worship. Worship brings joy, a joy that cannot be explained,” he said. He emphasized that joy is a powerful force that keeps a person spiritually strong, quoting the Bible: “Joy unspeakable.”
Though he had composed many songs before, Owoola said Oloriaye felt different. “I kept singing it through my 300 and 400-level days. Unlike other songs I had written for choirs, I held onto this one.”
The song, Owoola explained, is deeply rooted in biblical references. “The Bible says God sits in heaven and makes the earth His footstool. Oloriaye is about acknowledging that God is the ruler over all creation,” he said.
Owoola shared that recording the song was not easy. He attempted multiple times while still in Nigeria, but each effort failed. “Every time I tried to record, something would stop it. But when I moved to the UK, God made a way. I found a team, and this time, everything fell into place.”
He believes this struggle was a sign of spiritual warfare. “The devil is always interested in what God is interested in. If God has a plan for something, the enemy will try to fight it,” he explained.
Although Owoola has composed numerous gospel songs, Oloriaye stands out because of how it came to him. “Most of my songs were written in choir rehearsals, but this one came in a moment of deep worship. It wasn’t something I planned; God gave it to me,” he stated.
He also pointed out that, despite being received years ago, the song has not lost its spiritual impact. “Every time I sing it, it carries the same anointing, the same power. That’s how I know it is from God.”
As he prepares to share Oloriaye with a wider audience, Owoola is set to perform at Praise and Worship Word Wonder on February 15 in Dundee City Centre, United Kingdom.
For him, this performance is more than just a concert—it is an opportunity to bless others through worship. “God gave me this song, not just for me but for the people He wants to bless through it,” he said.
With Oloriaye, Owoola hopes to remind listeners that worship can happen anywhere, and God speaks to those who listen. “If you can recognize His voice, He will speak to you—even on a moving bus,” he concluded.
At the recently concluded Annual General Conference of the C&S Unification Church of Nigeria, held at LOC, Lekki, Lagos, His Most Eminence Prophet Dr. Solomon Adegboyega Alao shared his thoughts on the significance of the conference, efforts to foster unity within the church, and his stance on idolatry, polygamy, and other national issues. In this interview, he addresses misconceptions about the church’s structure, religious governance, and the role of faith in leadership, ADEOLA OGUNLADE was there.
Can you clarify your statement in which you said that your goal is to see C&S becoming a one-indivisible church with one constituent operating on one certificate and one constitution? Does it mean there is a crisis in C&S?
Every church in Nigeria is expected to have a registration certificate, which affirms its legitimacy. Each year, churches are also required to file annual returns, which cost about N36,000 per church. Considering that we have over 1,000 churches, the cumulative cost is quite substantial. However, if we were to operate under one certificate and constitution, it would significantly reduce administrative costs. This is part of our efforts to unify the church and streamline our operations.
I can’t do the calculations because I’m not good at mathematics. But you know what I mean by 36,000 multiplied by 1,000, what that is? Why can’t we save that? That’s what I mean. So, we desire to operate under one constitution, under one law and one leadership.
We are not in crisis. Now, our faith is stronger and stronger. At our Annual General Conference, we had delegates from outside the Nigerian community. We had members from different parts of the world, including Arabs. Hence, I want to state here that we are not in crisis, but I want to foster unity among ourselves.
Our ultimate goal is to see C & S Unification Church of Nigeria becoming one indivisible virile church with the constituent churches operating on only one certificate and one constitution under one leadership. With all the efforts made so far, we are now having zero tolerance for idolatry and fetish practices. The days of exposing Aladura priests to the stomach infrastructure are numbered. C&S is no longer a Nigeria-based church, having been operating outside–Europe, the Americas, Canada and many countries in Africa.
You spoke about religious diversity and its impact on governance. What are your thoughts on the role of faith in leadership?
Faith should unite, not divide us. In the past, leaders from different faiths—like Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe—coexisted and worked together for national progress. However, today, religion is sometimes manipulated for political gains. I was satisfied when a Muslim-Muslim presidential candidate came up in 2023. I supported the move, and the reason is that fact it is not about religion but having men of goodwill and impeccable character that will change the course of Nigeria.
We need nationalists and not religious bigots who will serve the country and bring meaningful change. Nigerians want development and that is what matters in governance. Tough legislation should be put in place to deal with politicians employing religious bigotry, tribalism and ethnicity to advance their selfish interests.
Some are pushing the idea of bringing Sharia Court into the Southwest region.
Tafawa Balewa was a Muslim and Nnamdi Azikwe was a Christian, but religion never divided them. And we have customary courts, to deal with issues that relate to our customs. Those people who introduced Sharia, and said that anybody stealing goats should have their hands cut off, these same people stole millions, and billions of naira, and they are still going around with their two hands. What do you say about that? It was just a clever device to use religion to gain political power. And we don’t want that. There is no reason why we are not content with the customary court to deal with and advance our customs.
The issue of polygamy has been a subject of debate in religious circles. What is the stance of the C&S Unification Church?
The Bible does not encourage polygamy. Economically and morally, it is not practical in today’s world. While our forefathers may have practised polygamy due to ignorance or cultural norms, times have changed. Even in Islam, the Quran permits multiple wives only if a man can love them equally, which is nearly impossible. So, in C&S, we do not encourage polygamy. The new generation knows that you don’t need to teach anybody not to have more than one wife. The economy now dictates that one wife is enough. However, in those days people had seven, and ten children. The economy now decides that one is enough. So, time will kill those practices. Economically, it is not sensible. Biblical, it is not sensible. You may say all the five three names mentioned in the Bible have more than one wife. And you know what they went through.
The church has undergone significant changes over the years. What are some of the key milestones?
One of the greatest achievements is unifying the church under one structure. In the past, various factions engaged in practices that disturbed public peace, such as excessive use of candles and loud gatherings. Even the known Apoti-Eri is no longer fashionable today as some people claim that it is an idol.
The church had, in the recent past, been inundated with reports and complaints of some people involved in unchristian practices by the adoption of the Ark of Covenant, otherwise called Apoti Eri. The church rejects in its totality the practise and use of Apoti Eri among its members. Let me say this categorically that our church is a church of the 21st century and we have to live with the times. I tell you that Apoti Eri is completely abhorred in the church and we urge our members not to associate with anyone involved in it.
One of our greatest milestones is our commitment and thrives for evangelism. Winning souls for God and preparing them for heaven is our greatest commitment today. We are spending and doing all we can to tell the world about Jesus, the savior of the world. We are also making our impact in the educational sector and entrepreneurship so that our people can be gainfully engaged in productive ventures.
Today, we are more structured, and our congregations operate with discipline. Our goal is to have one church with one constitution, eliminating unnecessary financial and administrative burdens.
How is the church addressing the issue of youth unemployment?
This is a major issue that troubles my mind every day. We have a deluge of young minds that are unemployed. We recognize that unemployment is a national issue, and we are taking proactive steps. I always advise young people to not only pursue academic degrees but also acquire vocational and technical skills. To this end, we are working on establishing a university where graduates will be equipped with practical skills to start their businesses rather than seeking jobs. I say with all sense of honesty that none of our graduates in our university will look for jobs, but they will all be job creators. We are also going to give them start-up grants, if need be, to make their vision come through. We want our youths to be self-reliant, and this university will play a crucial role in achieving that vision.
Please, what is your take on the cost of governance in Nigeria?
I want to advocate for a return to the foundational principles established by Nigeria’s founding fathers—Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik of Africa), and Chief Obafemi Awolowo. These visionary leaders championed the country’s geopolitical structure, which consists of six zones designed to ensure balanced representation and prevent any single region from dominating governance. Revisiting their governance structures and leadership philosophies would help strengthen national unity, foster regional cooperation, and create a more equitable distribution of power and resources. Additionally, this approach could reduce recurrent expenditure, allowing for greater investment in infrastructure development. By embracing the original vision of balanced regional governance, Nigeria can promote sustainable growth and national cohesion.
What is the church’s vision for the future?
Our ultimate vision is unity—one church, one constitution, and one guiding principle. We are preparing our members for this transition through conferences and discussions. The upcoming centenary celebration is a significant milestone, and we hope to use it to further solidify our structure. With unity, faith, and dedication, we will continue to make progress.
