Category: Sunday magazine

  • Pastor Adeboye to hold one-day open crusade in Ilogbo-Ekiti

    Pastor Adeboye to hold one-day open crusade in Ilogbo-Ekiti

    The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, will hold a one-day open crusade in Ilogbo-Ekiti, located in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on December 23.

    The event, titled ‘Operation Light Up Ilogbo-Ekiti’, is organised by the Ilogbo-Ekiti Roundtable Development Initiative (IRDI), a non-profit organization founded by distinguished sons and daughters of the community, including Pastor Oladele Bamigboye, Dr. Omojola Awosusi, Prof. Sunday Olayemi, and other notable figures.

    Expected to attend the crusade are Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, members of his executive council, House of Assembly representatives, and top traditional and religious leaders from within and outside the state.

    Read Also: Adeboye holds open crusade in Ilogbo-Ekiti Dec 23

    Professor Raphael Olusola Aluko, President of IRDI, stated that the event aims to pray for the prosperity and development of Ilogbo-Ekiti and its people worldwide, as well as the entire state of Ekiti.

    Prof. Aluko, a Professor of Architecture at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, expressed excitement about hosting the globally respected Pastor Adeboye, adding that the event would not only benefit Ilogbo-Ekiti but would be a state-wide occasion. Governor Oyebanji and his cabinet will be present to receive the esteemed guest.

    In addition to the crusade, the IRDI has planned a 7-day program that includes a daily crusade, free medical outreach, and the distribution of food items to the elderly, widows, and other vulnerable groups.

    The community of Ilogbo-Ekiti, home to the late Professor Omotayo Asabi Olutoye, the first professor of Oral Yoruba literature, and his son, Prof. Oluyinka Olutoye, who performed a groundbreaking surgical procedure in the U.S., will also host RCCG members and traditional rulers from Ekiti and neighbouring states at the event.

  • GATHER25 unveils first wave of international line-up for global event

    GATHER25 unveils first wave of international line-up for global event

    Gather25, a trailblazing global gathering of Christians founded by Jennie Allen, has unveiled the first of its contributors for the upcoming event in 2025.

    According to the organisers, Gather25 will feature a multi-denominational, international line up of Christian teachers, storytellers and prayer guides from six continents, Gather25 aims to showcase powerful stories of how God is transforming communities and hearts around the world.

    The event, with a schedule that will circumnavigate the globe over 25 hours, celebrates a line-up of individuals who bring a unique perspective of how God is moving in their context.

    Together, they are partnering with Gather25’s mission to mobilize Christians everywhere to reach the 5.5 billion people on earth who have yet to encounter Jesus.

    Through live-streaming technology and AI, Gather25 will connect with Christians in homes, in churches, in stadiums, or on their phones, across six continents, with each continent hosting a portion of the 25 hours.

    The teachers, storytellers, and prayer guides include: Jennie Allen – Founder & Visionary of Gather25, Bible teacher, author, the visionary behind IF:Gathering; Pastor Charles Mugisha – Founder and President of Africa New Life Ministries; Matt Maher – Gospel artist and songwriter, known for favorites like “Lord, I Need You.”; Mark Varughese – Founder and Senior Leader of Kingdomcity; Matt Redman – Double GRAMMY®-Award winning worship leader and songwriter; Priscilla Shirer – A New York Times Best-Selling author and actress featuring in movies like War Room; Sinach – Gospel artist and songwriter, known for favorites like “Way Maker.”; Tasha Cobbs Leonard – GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter; Rorisang Thandekiso – A multi-talented media personality and musician, and the founder of “Jesus This Jesus That.” and Rick Warren – Author of The Purpose Driven Life, his books have been translated into 200 languages.

    Pastor Charles Mugisha said: “Gather25 is a global collaboration of Christians who are instrumental in connecting the global church from the ground up.

    “Gather25 gives, for the first time in history, Africa a voice to share the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ more than ever before.

    “I have a feeling in my heart that (Gather25) is a God thing. The Bible commissions us to go and take the Gospel to all nations and for the first time, I see that we can actually take the Gospel to all the nations in 25 hours. That’s exciting for me!”

    According to the orgainsers, the event will kick off in the United States at 01:00 UTC on Saturday, 1st March 2025, and will journey around the globe, concluding in Peru at 02:00 UTC on Sunday, 2nd March 2025. This continuous broadcast is designed to empower Christians worldwide through inspiring stories and testimonies of God’s work across nations.

    Each session will be hosted from a different country, featuring teaching, worship, stories and prayers from various locations within each session. The event will also unveil never-before-heard accounts from the underground church.

  • Investment in sport can reduce unemployment, says cleric

    Investment in sport can reduce unemployment, says cleric

    A cleric and Founder/Proprietor of Adamimogo Football Club, a National League One side, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, has charged government at allto invest more in sports which he said can provide job for many unemplo youths.

    He described investment in sport as a big business which government can use to empower youths and take them off the streets.

    Speaking after the final of the maiden edition of Sam Olu Alo Foundation Unity Cup 2024 with Elo High school Ayetoro-Ekiti emerging champions, the Cleric said through sports, employment can be generated and youths can get themselves engaged in profitable ventures and better their own lives. 

    According to him, government at all levels must see sport as big business, apart from generating revenue, teeming unemployed youth can get succour through it.

    He urged students to engage in sporting activities alongside their academics, saying it will create  additional sources of income and livelihood for them in the nearest future.

    He said they should be more focused on their studies and football careers as he intends to make the tourney an annual event to discover talents that will become stars across the world in the nearest future.

    The competition was powered by the organisation owned by the planter 

    of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Adamimogo Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain World Wide, Prophet Sam Olu Alo. The football tournament had secondary schools in Ido/Osi local government area of Ekiti state competing for honours.

    The champions, which had unbeaten runs throughout the tournament, Ist runner-up, Oganganmodu Grammar school, Ido-Ekiti, 2nd runner-up, Ifaki Grammar school Ifaki-Ekiti and 

    Methodist comprehensive High school Aaye-Ekiti which claimed 4th position were presented with medals, trophies and cash gifts.

    Also, three were cash prizes for all participating schools while Individual awards and cash prizes were presented to the highest goal scorer (golden boot), best goalkeeper (golden glove) most valuable player (plaque).

  • IBD Foundation hosts second edition of Christian Thanksgiving Concert

    IBD Foundation hosts second edition of Christian Thanksgiving Concert

    The IBD Foundation has hosted its annual sophomore edition of the Christian Thanksgiving Concert, a vibrant and heartwarming celebration of gratitude, praise, and worship, meticulously designed to culminate the year’s journey in a magnificent and uplifting manner. 

    This cherished event has quickly become a highlight in the community’s calendar, fostering a deep sense of unity and spiritual reflection among attendees.

    The 2024 edition of the IBD Foundation Christian Thanksgiving Concert, aptly themed “United in Thanksgiving,” took place on December 12, at the historic All Saints Anglican Church in Ilaro, Ogun State. 

    This year’s concert attracted a diverse array of Christians from various denominations and communities throughout the state, uniting them in a powerful shared expression of gratitude for God’s countless blessings and mercies received over the past year. 

    The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, as families, friends, and church groups gathered in joyous expectation.

    Attendees were treated to an impressive and carefully curated lineup of talented gospel artists, choirs, and musicians, each taking the stage to uplift spirits through soul-stirring songs, animated dance, and instrumental worship. 

    The concert featured notable names from the Nigerian gospel music scene that attendees eagerly anticipated. 

    Among them were the inspiring Apostle Debo Ojubuyi, known for his powerful messages through music; the soulful and captivating Oluwatoyin Ojagbemi; the dynamic Elijah Daniel, whose energy resonated with the crowd; the impactful Bois Olorun; the electrifying Vickeyz; and the anointed Amos Adeboye, each bringing their unique flair to the event. 

    The Event was hosted by Adeyemo Enoch Adejare known as Baba Alariya and Anna Olorunfemi. Their powerful performances created an atmosphere filled with joy and reverence and left the audience deeply moved, prompting spontaneous moments of praise and worship.

    In addition to the musical festivities, the IBD Foundation took the opportunity to bless the community in noteworthy ways. They provided nourishment and distributed essential food items to attendees, fostering a spirit of generosity and care within the congregation. 

    This gesture of kindness included staple provisions such as rice, beans, garri, semovita, and sealed ground pepper, all aimed at supporting those in need within the community. 

    The sight of families leaving with food packages added a layer of fulfillment to the event, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to philanthropy alongside spiritual upliftment.

    During the well-attended event, Mrs. Omolara Judith Egungbohun, the visionary founder of the IBD Foundation and devoted wife of Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, conveyed the heartfelt mission behind this year’s Christian Thanksgiving Concert. 

    She articulated the profound importance of promoting unity among believers, expressing gratitude for the year’s experiences, and igniting a spirit of renewal within the Christian community.

    “We started the year in good health, faith, and hope, so giving gratitude is a must to our creator. This is why we initiated the end-of-year Thanksgiving — to show gratitude and also to reach out to the less privileged within our host community. 

    “It’s an infusion of music, dance, comedy, and worship. We invite all church denominations because we all serve one God, seeking to foster a united religious body devoid of competition.”

    In a stirring call to action, Mrs. Egungbohun urged the Christian community to cultivate a spirit of oneness, emphasizing the need to support one another and collaborate in spreading God’s love and compassion both locally and globally. 

    She graciously honored spiritual leaders, pastors, ministers, dedicated men and women of faith, as well as the esteemed royal fathers and special guests present at the event, recognizing the invaluable contributions made by each in nurturing the community’s faith.

    Reflecting on the gathering’s essence, she remarked: “Today, we come together as one body in Christ, unified in faith and purpose. As outlined in Ephesians 4:3, we are reminded to ‘make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.’” 

    This reflection found resonance among attendees, prompting collective moments of meditation and prayer.

    As the crowd took a moment to reflect on the challenges and blessings of the past year, Mrs. Egungbohun poignantly noted: “Despite the trials we have faced, we recognize that God’s faithfulness has been our steadfast anchor. 

    This event serves as a precious occasion to celebrate our blessings, articulate our gratitude, and renew our commitment to live as radiant examples of Christ’s love.”

    In her closing remarks, she expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone who played a pivotal role in making the event a success. 

    “To my wonderful team, your dedication, prayers, and hard work have been truly invaluable and deeply appreciated.” 

    The warmth in her voice resonated with the audience, reinforcing a sense of belonging and community spirit.

    Mrs. Egungbohun also took a moment to acknowledge her husband, Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, for his unwavering support throughout the planning and execution of the concert. 

    Highlighting a significant yet often overlooked aspect, she noted that despite his Muslim faith, he made substantial contributions to the success of the Christian Thanksgiving Concert 2024. 

    This act exemplified his commitment to fostering unity and love across spiritual boundaries. 

    “My husband made this happen. He is a man who does not discriminate against any religion. Although he is a devoted Muslim, he has supported the work of Christ using his resources. If not for his immense support, the Thanksgiving concert would not have been as resounding a success.”

    Through this event, the IBD Foundation not only celebrated the spirit of Thanksgiving but also reinforced the vital message that unity and love amongst different faiths can pave the way for a more compassionate and harmonious community.

  • Why I closed down my church -Bishop Otuya

    Why I closed down my church -Bishop Otuya

    Bishop Dr. Priscilla Otuya, National President of the United Gospel Churches Association of Nigeria and Executive Vice President of KOGA Faith Foundation, speaks with ADEOLA OGUNLADE about socioeconomic challenges in the country, parenting in the digital age, the plight of female ministers, and why she chose to close down her church. Excerpts:

    AWhat is your take on the socioeconomic challenges Nigeria is facing, as many have described the challenges as man made?

    The world is going through a phase as it is written, and Nigeria is not isolated. As a preacher of the gospel, I know for a fact that there are many ‘factors’ that contribute to unfolding events in and around the world, God has his part, Satan has his part and humans have their part to play as well.

    For example, God throws a pebble into a pond or river, the pebble causes a ripple, and Satan rides on the ripple, and in the physical, men see the ripple as a natural occurrence. Truth is that nothing happens without God’s knowledge or permission, and the conclusion is that the ‘gods’ have their parts to play, as man have their roles to play. End goal is the fulfillment of the end time agenda.

    What can you say about parenting in a digital age and what practical tips can you give?

    We are admonished in the word of God to train up a child in the way he should go, and he will not depart from it. Every human being born into this world comes with what is known in some quarters as soul script, and real education is to help children to discover their soul script and empower them to work according to the content of the soul script. Reason we read in Joshua chapter 1 regarding meditation as a means of having good success.

    When a child is brought up with this knowledge and understanding, they can never be derailed in life, irrespective of the age we are. This is a good place to point out the fact that there is a difference between education and schooling, and the schooling system is one of the greatest challenges we have, for the fact that schooling is focused on the physical development and this ‘bias’ is what drives our children to look for knowledge when their spirit seeks expression. It really does not matter what age we are in,  what matters is the foundation on which we build and that which we have built the future of our children on.

    You often celebrate your husband publicly.  What practical suggestions do you have for a peaceful union home?

    If we follow the teachings and values of Christ that says the greatest should serve the not so great, then we won’t have most problems we have today in marriages. The husband is and remains the undisputed head of the family and if the husband sees himself as the servant as Christ admonished us, then we won’t have most marital issues we have today.

    We also know that there are areas where women are more endowed than men spiritually and in intelligence and if the wife sees her strength and intelligence as a tool for service in the life of the husband, then marriage will be beautiful as God ordained it to be.

    Read Also: Soludo wins best performing governor in PHC in Nigeria

    But why are we men and women competing against each other and creating an enabling environment for Satan and his coworkers to thrive? My practical suggestion is to adopt the teachings of Christ and live by it, bearing in mind that he did not come to establish a religion called Christianity, rather he came to seek and save the lost, and to reconcile men with God and with one another.

    From your experience what obstacles do female ministers face and what is the way out?

    The sad fact that women are seen as ‘brainless’ and lacking the capacity to make meaningful decisions no matter how anointed they are. The church that is supposed to protect women is guilty of abusing and oppressing them, and the signal that is sent from Christendom is that the purpose of Christ’s death and resurrection does not cover women.

    The church is telling the world one thing and doing another thing.  We preach and teach about women like Deborah but dwell on the curse of Genesis 3 verse 16. We teach and preach that all are equal before God, ‘No Jew, nor gentile, no male nor female’, but we relegate and oppress women, that is double standard and hypocrisy.

    Take for instance, a woman has never led the main pastoral associations in the nation since their inception, why? Are there no women who God can use to lead these associations? There was an instance when the president of one of these associations could not continue his role as president and the constitution states that the vice president takes over as president, but this didn’t happen, the constitution was ‘suspended’ because the Vice President was then a woman. Intra religious persecution, oppression and subjugation is one of the main challenges women face in ministry.

    Some feel you sometimes write as one who has been bruised by fellow ministers. Is this true?

    So true! I come from a family where we were raised with so much love and freedom and saw our parents go out of their way to help family and friends sacrificially, selflessly and I took that from them, and we see others as we see ourselves.

    I carried this mentality into my ministry and was driven by the zeal to help whether or not they asked for help.  I just took responsibility to help and I was badly burnt.

    Hatred, envy, betrayals, I must say without mincing words that it is in the ministry or vineyard that I began to experience wickedness firsthand. Tribalism and attempts made on my life and this use and dump thing is something else.

    Can you give a background of your ministry, what led you to closing the church you reportedly used to operate?

    There is this very wrong notion that everyone called by God should have a church or do ministry in certain ways.  The body of Christ is one, just like the human body, but has many parts, and each with their unique roles in keeping the body functioning well. God ordained the fivefold ministries offices for the leadership of the church and other ministry gifts for the edification of the body on earth, and one cannot over emphasise the importance of each part taking their original position and playing their role well.

    If I would sincerely define my role and place in the body of Christ according to my encounter with the Lord Himself and the assignment given, I would classify myself as a fivefold old apostle and apostles are not leaders of churches as we know it today. Apostles are God sent to leaders, and they speak the mind of God on every matter or situation, as against a church pastor whose job is to teach the people to know and follow God.

    The Lord himself took me on a tour of the kingdom during my encounter with Him and said His servants are focusing on what they see and regard as more charismatic gifts and that I should look for the missing and neglected part of the body and restore them, depending on His word.

    This assignment you will agree is not a denominational assignment.  It is an assignment to God’s servants and leaders and my first letter headed paper  read ‘Servant of Servants’. God instructed me from day one not to engage in organised church activities and I obeyed to a point, after which I caved in to pressure from friends and acquaintances. 

    My husband and I put up  a church building in three months without raising funds from anyone and God watched me finish and launch the work and a year into the takeoff, He appeared to me in the spirit and said, ‘if you do not close that thing you call church, you will not see my glory’. While I was brooding over what I had seen or heard, my third son called from school to say he had seen the same vision from God and the instruction was to close down the church and I did straight away. My assignment is to God’s servants and leaders not to church building.

  • Ighele, Aboyeji urge churches to champion entrepreneurship, drive industrialisation

    Ighele, Aboyeji urge churches to champion entrepreneurship, drive industrialisation

    The church has been called upon to play a more deliberate role in fostering entrepreneurship and providing funding for industrialisation to bridge the financial gap in making entrepreneurial ventures attractive to a larger population of Christians.

    This call was made by Bishop Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of Holy Spirit Mission (Happy Family), during his keynote address at the 2024 End-of-Year Forum organised by the Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCoN). The event, themed “The Church: Entrepreneurship and Innovation for a Prosperous Nigeria,” was held at Vineyard Christian Ministries, Lagos.

    Bishop Ighele emphasised the importance of the church actively dispatching its members into sectors that drive nation-building. He also encouraged church leaders to spearhead initiatives promoting agripreneurship.

    “The church must lead the charge in creating a prosperous Nigeria by empowering its members to engage in entrepreneurship and innovation,” he said.

    Highlighting the need for collaboration between the church and government, Ighele urged policymakers to focus on human development while leveraging Nigeria’s comparative advantage in agriculture. He revealed that the Holy Spirit Mission’s Institute of Entrepreneurship and Skills Development would commence operations in 2025 to deepen entrepreneurial skills among Christians.

    Also speaking, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, who served as the Father of the Day, underscored the church’s critical role in national development.

    Read Also: Rivers governorship: APC, PDP in early muscle-flexing

    “The church influences development through teachings and outreach that promote spiritual, social, and economic growth,” he said.

    Aboyeji highlighted initiatives such as the establishment of schools, hospitals, vocational centers, and ICT training programs—many offered free of charge—as ways the church has supported entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.

    He further noted, “The church, as the salt of the earth brings preservation and hope to the nation. As the light of the world, it points society toward peace, prosperity, and progress.”

    Adeola Ogunlade, President of ACCoN, emphasised the church’s role as a catalyst for sustainable development, urging it to create practical solutions to address youth unemployment.

    “Faith fuels innovation. The church must leverage its teachings to bridge the unemployment gap through entrepreneurship,” he said.

    The forum also featured a robust panel discussion with speakers, including Rev. Carol Ighele, Apostle Julius Opasola, and other church leaders and media experts. They deliberated extensively on the church’s role in human capital development and nation-building.

    The event provided a platform for meaningful conversations on how the church can advance Nigeria’s development through entrepreneurship and innovation, reaffirming its pivotal role in creating a prosperous society.

  • A Journey of Faith: Uchendu’s trilogy inspires transformation, deliverance

    A Journey of Faith: Uchendu’s trilogy inspires transformation, deliverance

    A deliverance minister and Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Mrs. Ngozi Efeonu Uchendu, has launched a trilogy of spiritually enriching books that promise to inspire hope, deliverance, and enlightenment.

    The books—Mastering Prayer, Breaking Curses and Limitations, and My Glory Must Shine—are born from divine inspiration and serve as a call to foster faith, spiritual growth, and a revival of the reading culture.

    Speaking about her journey, Mrs. Uchendu revealed that the global COVID-19 pandemic served as the catalyst for her writing mission.

    She explained: “The Holy Ghost directed me to write these books. During the lockdown, while others were constrained by circumstances, I found solace in prayer, study, and divine inspiration. These books are an extension of that journey, a way to reach people with God’s message and help them shine in their God-given destinies.”

    Read Also: Soludo wins best performing governor in PHC in Nigeria

    The trilogy offers both spiritual guidance and practical strategies to overcome life’s challenges. Mrs. Uchendu draws on her experiences as a deliverance minister to address key themes:

    She said that “Mastering Prayer: This book delves into the power of prayer as a lifestyle, not just a ritual, while Breaking Curses and Limitations focused on generational patterns and spiritual hindrances and my Glory Must Shine encourages readers to embrace their God-given potential and align with divine purpose to shine in their spiritual and personal lives.

    Uchendu further said :”The Bible says we are the light of the world. But many are hindered by unseen patterns and limitations. These books aim to identify and address such barriers, helping readers step into their God-ordained glory.”

    In addition to their spiritual message, the books address a broader societal challenge: the decline in the reading culture, especially in Africa. Mrs. Uchendu highlighted the transformative power of reading.

  • Nigerians to value lives

    Nigerians to value lives

    President of The Great Commission (TGC)  Christian Networks, Evangelist Andy Ikekhide has called on Nigerians to prioritise adding value to people’s lives.

    He made this appeal during a combined celebration of his birthday, 27th wedding anniversary, Ministers’ Revival Fire Conference, and his book dedication in Lagos. The book is  titled: Living the Life of Light.

    The event featured prayers, inspirational teachings, and word renditions, underscoring the core message of spreading the gospel through practical actions that enrich communities.

    Dr. Ikehide highlighted the diverse ways the gospel can manifest, stating: “There is a gospel message in water supply, community development, medical services, and every profession. In all aspects of life, the gospel can be expressed, and that is what we represent.”

    He emphasised the importance of being proactive in addressing the needs of others, encouraging individuals to make a difference in their spheres of influence.

    Read Also: Rivers governorship: APC, PDP in early muscle-flexing

    “We must not be oblivious to the needs of the people around us. Let us be intentional in addressing them in our own little way. This day is fulfilling because it’s an opportunity to invest in lives and lead others on the path of life. God has made us the light of the world, and it’s time to shine,” he said.

    As part of the celebration, Dr. Ikekhide launched his book, Living the Life of Light, a 12-chapter guide to discovering purpose, overcoming challenges, and inspiring transformation in others.

    Speaking about the book, Dr. Ikekhide explained: “It’s not just about celebration; it’s about advancing lives. This book challenges readers to reflect, respond, and become a beacon of hope and strength. It’s a call to action—to put value into people’s lives and make them better.”

    Reflecting on life’s challenges, Dr. Ikekhide shared personal anecdotes about resilience and unwavering faith. “There have been many times I thought of giving up, but giving up is not the solution,” he said.

    He likened the journey of life to pursuing a vision, despite restrictions and opposition. “You have oppression and restrictions, but the vision remains intact. You need passion to pursue it, perseverance to see it through, and most importantly, reliance on God.

    Dr. Ikekhide reminded everyone of the ultimate source of inspiration: “Without God, I am nothing. Put Him first and everything else will align.”

    With his faith-driven mission and passion for transformative leadership, Dr. Ikekhide continues to inspire countless individuals to live as lights in a challenging world.

  • Beware of rice racketeers this Yuletide!

    Beware of rice racketeers this Yuletide!

    When Mrs. Theresa Obioma went to the popular rice market in Daleko, Mushin, Lagos, she hoped to get good value for her money. With no known regular customer in the market, she approached one of this particular rice seller, a middle-aged woman.

    After agreeing on the price of N100,000 for a 50kg bag of long grain foreign rice, she requested that her purchase be put in the booth of her car.

    However, being aware of the dubious antics of the majority of the traders, she asked the woman if the rice was actually a full 50kg bag, to which the seller answered in the affirmative.

    Still apprehensive, she demanded that the bag of rice be weighed, and the obviously tampered scale indicated 50kg.

    Unsatisfied still, Mrs. Obioma asked the woman how many 850g D’rica cups of rice should be expected in the bag of rice and the seller expectedly said 64 cups.

    With that assurance Mrs. Obinna made full payment and warned the seller that her husband was a military man and if she finds out on the contrary that the bag of rice has lesser content, she would personally seek a refund. Again, the seller gave her all assurances that the bag of rice is exactly 50kg.

    Shortly after it began to drizzle when the loaders were at the point of hefting the bag of rice into the trunk of her car and it got a little soaked in the rain.

    On getting home, Madam Obioma became apprehensive that the rice may spoil because of the rain that touched the bag so she poured it onto a mat which she dragged under the ceiling fan to make sure that all the wetness was gotten rid of.

    By the next day, the rice had already dried so she proceeded to pour it back into the bag. However, on second thought, she decided to measure with that D’rica cup. To her consternation there were only 58 cups of rice instead of 64 cups despite all false assurances by the seller. By removing that six cups of rice, the seller had scammed her of N9,600 as a cup of that rice sells for N1,600.

    Read Also: Afe Babalola petitions LPDC, demands Farotimi’s disbarment

    Terribly disappointed and angry, Mrs. Obioma would later call the seller to express her misgivings and demand for a refund for the missing cups of rice.

    “If not for the fact that the bag of rice got wet, I wouldn’t have poured it out to dry so I would not have bothered to measure it,” lamented Obioma.

    The above anecdote becomes apposite in describing the growing tendencies by rice vendors to cheat unsuspecting customers and this is usually common during the festive periods.

    Rice is one of the major staple foods in Nigeria. It is consumed across all the geo-political zones and socioeconomic classes in Nigeria. Only about 57% of the 6.7 million metric tonnes of rice consumed in Nigeria annually is locally produced leading to a supply deficit of about 3 million metric tonnes.

    Meal of rice has always been popular but with the Christmas and New year celebrations, it has become a must have despite the continuous escalating prices. It is usually the main menu in every party. It is versatile, virtually everyone enjoys it, the ingredients to make it a tasty dish is easily accessible, one does not need a Doctorate degree to master the art of cooking it. It is easily handled and preserved.

    As the price continues to go up, some brands have come out with smaller rice packs to make it accessible for people who like buying in bags but who cannot muster large sums of money for the 50kg or 25kg bags. For those who also may not like to buy loose rice from traders that measure in cups/buckets, the small packs are for them.

    Currently there are two major rice grains in the market, the long and short grain. Consumers often ask which one is better but the answer is that both are good depending on your taste.

    Previously the long Tai grains were in more demand and the price margin with the short Indian grain was wide. However as things became tougher a lot of people started demanding for short grain because it was cheaper. Now those people are seeing the good sides of the short grain and are not ready to go back to the long grains. Currently a 50kg bag of long grain is N100k while the short grain is N85k.

    We equally have good brands of locally grown rice which demand has equally gone up. The quality has tremendously improved over the years that you can eat the rice without biting sand or stones. 50kg of such rice in Lagos sell as high as about N80k but in states where they are produced it is far cheaper.

    Another area consumers have to be particularly careful is concerning brand names. If you are one of those that patronise different sellers and is fuzzy about brand names then you have to be extra careful. A visit to rice markets reveals tailors openly sewing rice bags with different names. What it means is that any rice grain can be bagged under any brand name. The only way to beat them is to stick to a trusted seller, that way, you will have better chances of getting the exact brand you want.

    To be sure that you are buying exactly 50kg bag of rice, insist that the Seller measure the rice out for you. Genuine paint buckets will measure 12 full buckets of rice while a D’rica cup will give you 64 cups. To save time, insist they use paint buckets and keep alert, do not allow them to distract you.

    If other brands can follow the footsteps of the ‘Big Bull’ rice now, the issue of all that has been mentioned above and counterfeiting in the industry will be curtailed. The local rice brand introduced a holographic seal on its packaging to authenticate its products and provide consumers with peace of mind.

  • Muvmnt Studio celebrates Shobanjo’s legacy with star-studded podcast series

    Muvmnt Studio celebrates Shobanjo’s legacy with star-studded podcast series

    The Muvmnt Studio hosted an exclusive cocktail party to unveil a specially curated podcast series, “BB Uncovered: An 80-Year Odyssey,” to celebrate Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, a trailblazer in marketing and one of Africa’s most iconic business leaders.

    The podcast provided a platform to honour Dr. Shobanjo’s sterling career, and remarkable legacy. Attendees enjoyed exclusive previews of the podcast and heartfelt tributes from legends and industry experts, underscoring the profound influence BB has had on individuals and the industry at large.

    Fondly referred to as “BB” in close circles, Dr. Shobanjo’s achievements include founding trailblazing companies such as Insight Communications, now Insight Redefini, Quadrant MSL, All Seasons Zenith, Halogen Group amongst others.

    His contributions have transformed Nigeria’s marketing communications and security sectors while inspiring generations of professionals.

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    The event brought together an esteemed gathering of marketing legends, industry leaders, media icons, communications experts, family and friends who featured in the series. Notable attendees included luminaries like Sir Steve Omojafor, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Steve Babaeko, Lanre Adisa, and other prominent stakeholders, all celebrating a man whose visionary leadership has redefined industries across Nigeria and Africa.

    The three-part podcast series, now streaming exclusively on Muvmnt Studio, takes listeners on an inspiring journey through Dr. Shobanjo’s life from the lens of those privileged to experience him. It features deeply personal narratives from family, close friends, trusted allies, and professional peers. The series provides a rare and intimate insight into the challenges, triumphs, and principles that define his enduring legacy in marketing, advertising, and beyond.

    “BB Uncovered is more than a podcast series; it’s a tribute to resilience, innovation, impact and the relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Tosin Adefeko, CEO, AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency. “It is an opportunity to celebrate a visionary whose leadership has transformed industries and inspired countless lives including mine.”