Our Emirates flight landed in Medinah city at about 3:00 a.m on May 16, and we proceeded straight to the hotel. Medinah, we were told, is home to the Prophet Muhammad’s Mosque and his final resting place. Driving through the city, I noticed the mountains which took me back memory lane of a movie some of us watched growing up titled The Message, a film about the early days of Islam.

As I looked at the mountains, I was wondering if these were the same landscapes that witnessed some of the defining moments in Islamic history.
I still remember the stories of great companions such as Hamzat and Umar and how they were depicted in The Message defending their faith against persecution by the idol worshipping Arabs of the time.

One story that struck me from the narration was the martyrdom of Hamzat. According to our interlocutor, a slave was used by the opponents of Islam to kill the great warrior. Ideally, in Islam, in times of war, women and slaves are exempted from being attacked; but the oppressor wickedly used one of their slaves to penetrate the camp of the oppressed muslims, and as a result Hamzat was killed.

This story reminded me about the complexities of war and the sacrifices made by those who stood firmly for their faith.
On arriving at the hotel, I dropped my luggage along with others in the lobby and noticed a magnificent structure at a distance.

On enquiry I was told that it was the Prophet’s Mosque. I must say that I was humbled and speechless for a moment on seeing the beauty and grandeur of the mosque. This is a place that has been described as the second -holiest site in Islam and the final resting place of the Prophet Muhammad (PUBH).

Looking at the magnificent edifice from the window of my hotel room, I was eager to visit. So, I did on Saturday morning and I was further humbled. The architecture, the exquisite design, the rugs and the general ambience was a sight to behold. I felt immediate ease and peace seeing the place and the millions of worshippers trooping in and out of the spiritual building. The mosque was about or less than five-minute walk from my hotel and because of that I was going there practically every day to observe my daily prayers.

I spent three days in Medina, visiting some of the historical places, including the spot where the second battle of Badr took place and the first mosque of Prophet Muhammed(PBUH). And one thing that particularly caught my attention was the cleanliness of the mosques and their surroundings. The facilities were spotless and the workers were friendly and helpful. I was impressed with the level of maintenance and that left a lasting impression on me.

The Journey to Makkah:
On Tuesday, we departed Medinah for Makkah at about 8:30 p.m. I was worried initially to travel that late in the night for a journey that I learnt would take about hours, but my fellow pilgrims assuredly calmed me down that this is not Nigeria and that the roads are safe. Despite his confidence, I still had my internal fear.

But this confidence in the security of another country made me reflect at the security situation in my home country. Especially hearing about the news of the abduction of the Ogbomosho students and teachers while we were there. I sincerely pray for their safe return.

True to my fellow pilgrim’s statement, we drove on a smooth road for eight hours and arrived safely in Makkah. During the journey, I found myself hoping that one day Nigeria will get to a point where we don’t have to worry about traveling long distances because of insecurity, bad roads and possibility of breakdown of vehicles. The lesson I drew from this experience is pure leadership with a vision and purpose.

The good roads, and the safety we enjoyed during that journey did not happen by accident. It was the result of deliberate planning, vision and commitment. Leadership matters.

Throughout the activities of the pilgrimage, we were enjoined to pray for Nigeria and our leaders. Islam teaches believers to respect authority and pray for their leaders’ success – knowing that good leadership benefits society as a whole.

As I reflected on Nigeria, I prayed that our nation would be blessed with visionary leaders who prioritize the safety, welfare, and prosperity of the people. While corruption remains a major challenge, I have always believed that poor leadership is equally damaging. Development requires leaders who think beyond the present and build for future generations.

A Lesson in Tolerance
Another important lesson Hajj taught me was tolerance. This year, the participating pilgrims were estimated to be about two million from different parts of the world and as such overcrowding was inevitable. During some of the activities – including Tawaf,(the circumambulation of the Ka’bah) and movement to Jamarat to throw pebbles and even moving in and out of mosques, one should expect to be bumped into, stepped on, delayed or pushed along by the crowd. In my view, this is a test of our ego as a people and instead of reacting aggressively to the situation, we should understand that everyone is Allah’s guest and striving to fulfil the same scared obligation.

This taught me about accommodating others, exercising patience and demonstrating tolerance even in an uncomfortable moment. Tolerance is the lesson here.

The Spirit of Generosity
Another thing that also stood out for me is the level of generosity of the people and some organizations. During my stay, I cant remember using my own money to buy bottled water because at every point you turn to, there is water everywhere, In fact, people were given free bottled water on the street as Sadaqat(charity) and organizations will come with a big truck to distribute water , sometimes snacks for the pilgrims. In fact they will even beg you to take it.

This is a commendable effort as it helps the pilgrims who needs to be well hydrated to carry out hajj exercise. Water was not treated like a commodity to be commercialized and was widely available to only those who can afford it.

And I think this is what government at all levels should consider. For instance, I remember during the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande in Lagos State, there was water everywhere; but suddenly the water disappeared and this can be attributed to the failure of the successive governments after him to make necessary investment to develop the sector.

In my view, something as basic as water should be made available and affordable for the citizens. Government must recognize this responsibility.

Respect for the Environment
During one of the lecture series, we were taught about the importance of protecting environment and not engaging indiscriminate cutting of trees. We were told it is forbidden to cut any trees in Haram or killing animals anyhow. Those acts are prohibited. The land must be respected and protected.

And this takes me to the issue of climate change where the climate activists have continued to campaign against deforestation because of its negative impact on the ecosystems. It is time high time we paid adequate attention to this because Nigeria, like the rest of the African countries, contribute only a small percentage to the global greenhouse gas emissions, yet bear the greatest impact.

As our own way of contributing to the global climate action, we must do our bit to protect our forests, prevent indiscriminate cutting of trees and preserve the environment.

These are some of the lessons and experiences I brought back from Makkah. Hajj was more than a spiritual endeavor, it was an opportunity to learn and reflect on humanity, tolerance, generosity and leadership.
Hajj Mabrur!

P.S. By the way, I observed some positive improvements at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport(MMIA). Kudos!

*Buhari writes from Lagos.

Gallagher came to the meeting with an entourage that included visitors from the Vatican, as well as leaders of the Catholic community in Nigeria.

According to a statement by Professor Salisu Shehu, the Deputy Secretary-General of the NSCIA, the essence of the visit was to promote mutual understanding and emphasise the need for cooperation across religious and faith communities in promoting peace and peaceful coexistence, while also working towards maintaining and improving the security situation, not just in Nigeria but across the world.

In his welcome remarks the Sultan praised the Catholic community, especially in Nigeria, for being very cooperative and committed to peaceful coexistence in the country.
He also acknowledged their willingness to work together with him through various interfaith organisations and activities to ensure that peace and security are promoted in Nigeria.

One of the major issues discussed was the need to fight hate speech because, to a large extent, hate speech has been most injurious to peaceful coexistence in the country. It has created what may be described as perceptual and relational crises among faith communities in Nigeria.

Therefore, there was a strong call for all religious and faith communities to work together to combat hate speech, especially the growing and unfortunate phenomenon whereby some individuals openly insult religious leaders.

There was therefore a call to tame such behaviour and ensure that people refrain from insulting not only important religious figures but even ordinary individuals, who equally deserve respect.

Another issue discussed was the need to fight fake news. The religious leaders described fake news as an evil being used to precipitate trouble in the country.

The leaders also discussed the need to address the overall moral perversion that is holding sway in the world today.

“We are witnessing a great deal of moral degeneration and moral perversion globally, and it is the duty of religious leaders and faith workers to ensure that these challenges are confronted,” the meeting noted.

Finally, there was a discussion on the need to fight atheism, with the leaders expressing alarm at the growing rejection of God/religion among young people, both within the Muslim and Christian communities.

Bishop Okonkwo delivers sermon on God’s infinite mercy for the believers

The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) Atlanta (God’s Embassy Smyrna) celebrated the 46th wedding anniversary of the presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo and his wife Dr. Peace Okonkwo in a lively worship session that included cutting of wedding anniversary cakes and and an all star worship session and profound sermon of God’s infinite mercy for believers delivered by Bishop Mike Okonkwo.

Bishop Okonkwo, taking his readings from the books of 2 Samuel 19: 1-7, Roman’s 4: 25, Matthew 22: 29 and 1 Corinthians 6, recounted the story of Mephiboseth, the surviving lame son of Jonathan and his father’s friend King David.

The account of King David in the height of his glory as King of Israel seeking out the surviving son of his friend Jonathan, son of King Saul to bless him not because of any personal merits but the but his ancestral lineage to Jonathan, King David’s friend.

The Bishop used the story to draw parallels with present day believers of the gospel. That the greatest thing that can happen to any human being is to get ” born again”. That this affords the believer the infinite grace of God’s mercy by reconciling every believer to God”. After being “born again”, the next thing is mind renewal, a continuous. mind renewal as part of God’s agenda for the believer.

This ensures for the believer like Mephiboseth unmerited favour and mercy from God.

Bishop Okonkwo reminded the congregation that they are not an accident but part of God’s original plan for mankind.

“We matter to God, he is involved in our lives. God doesn’t want us to be defeated in this life” he said.

But unfortunately, according to Bishop Okonkwo, most believers are going about not knowing who they are, their identity in christ Jesus.

“The scripture is filled with treasures but unfortunately most believers don’t access this knowledge in the word of God” he said.

Citing the scriptures from Matthew 22: 29 and 1 Corinthians 6, Bishop Okonkwo said that most believers are destroyed for lack of knowledge. He noted that the devil is walking around looking for who he will destroy. Noting that it is believers without knowledge of the word of God that may fall prey to the devil.
He therefore counseled his listeners to fortify themselves with the knowledge of the word of God.

“Continue to innoculate yourselves with the living word of God by attending church service, Bible studies and self study of the word of God. It is in so doing that believers can benefit from God’s assurance of eternal victory over the devil,” he admonished.

Bishop Okonkwo urged the congregation to ” be still, calm and to know that God is God and will never forsake his own.

“Stop looking at yourself from the standpoint of human eyes. You are not ordinary. It is already well with you. What you have been waiting for will no longer tarry. You are called to Glory. Therefore, there are no more worries, no more shame. Thus sayeth the lord, my thoughts for you are good, it is to give you an expected end.”

The wedding anniversary celebration and church service was attended by a contigent of former Super Eagles players led by Mr. Paul Okoku and Mr. Samson Siasia, who is a member of TREM Atlanta (God’s Embassy Smyrna) with his family.

Mr. Okoku said he is so blessed with the Bishop’s ministration. Mr. Siasia reiterated that he is glad he was present for the Bishop’s sermon.

Two long time parishioners of TREM Atlanta (God’s Embassy Smyrna), Mrs. Tilda Dike and Deaconess Bisi Oloye, said the visitation and apostolic message by Bishop Mike Okonkwo have elevated their desire to serve God till the very end of their apportioned time on earth.

“I sincerely hope to testify to God’s mercy in enabling me to cope with my mother’s transition from this earth. Before now I have been greatly troubled by God’s seeming indifference to the pain of my loss. After the Bishop’s sermon, I have a profound new revelation of God’s eternal love and mercy even in the midst of my sufferings”, said Mrs. Tilda Dike.

Deaconess Bisi Olaoye revealed the immense peace of mind she now has with the challenges of bringing up teenage and young adult children in America. The Bishop laid it down in my soul that it is well with me and my family and I believed such transcendent revelation from God.

* Report by Mr Kingsley Dike

Founders or may I say certain personalities after whom religions were founded were earlier exposed to self, nature and to Whom all came from into being.

These personalities could not be fully known no matter how close or fervent in belief one could be to them. For those of us of this age we could only read, hear and are taught about them by those to him we decide to entrust all authorities.

Whereas Mary, mother of our Lord Jesus the Christ was singled out amongst many virgins of her time, even as his mother, Jesus had to remind her his mission was to accomplish the assignment given to him by his” Father in Heaven”.

Doing , carrying and accomplishing such an assignment and experiencing the pangs of pain at the Cross of Calvary, he again reminded his mother and those sorrowing around not to cry for him but for themselves including you and I today mere mourners, wailers and moaners.

So we read history about what was, what might not have been actual and how such journalists of old reported such being objective, subjective, inductive or deductive as such no option for us than take their recordings and records maybe hook, line and sinker.

In putting self into reports, records, dictates, observances and immutability of what the scriptures of our various religions contain, the changing “Self” from birth to old age would discover variants in meanings and values we attribute to our various religions and those of others.

Our lives may be meaningful or totally meaningless even in our religions because of the science of life and living which individual or collective experiences are..

Certain experiences dictate to us how actual or relative we should be in our religious inclination, disposition and persuasion thus necessitating further need for further search and admittance of personal conviction if not even confusion.
I concur with prophet Mohammed (saw) who gave injunction to all Muslims, including you and I to search for “KNOWLEDGE” as far as humanly possible.

This to me and my tiny knowledge is to help attain” Peaceful coexistence”.

Little wonder a Muslim scholar in particular hardly rejects sharing ideas and thoughts on and/or over his religion with those of others.
Invite an average Islamic scholar to an interfaith seminar you would be better assured of his readiness to grace the occasion anytime, any day.

Little wonder the pain of each and everyone of us when our cherished religions are misunderstood, misinterpreted, misappropriated and misrepresented.

In such belief and misconception without knowledge, where ignorance, poverty, disunity and misrule reign supreme in the society according to to Ustaz Oguzhan Dirican, “Peace” becomes elusive.
Things fall apart as centre does not hold.

For peace to reign and tranquility to obtain, many of us of mystical persuasions yearn and in humble quest see God’s hands in every religion.
Mystical students world over pride in going further to appreciate similarities in all religions but anchor much more in the spiritual kernels inherent in every religion.

The ultimate desire of such mystical student either in his or her religious persuasion is to ” Have a personal and Intimate awareness of God of his understanding within the domain of Self”,.
The “Spiritual Kernel” of all religions is the mystical way of proving to self like Jesus the Christ once intoned,
” My Father and I are one”.

Further to this, our lord Jesus the Christ concluded,
” That same Father is in you and greater things you can all do”.

The question then is, be one a religionist or seeker beyond mere religious observances,, its propagation or even its fundamentalism, what then is your role in search for Peace?
How tolerant or otherwise are you in respect of your religion and those of others?
Think about it.

Ruling on a case of wilful destruction of priplvate property, the Court, sitting in Warri mandates the payment to the Egbesu believers of the Osuopele Beniseide Temple in Ojobo for the destruction of their traditional shrine by Owan and his followers, which occurred under the pretext of combating evil spirits.

According to a reporting by Warri Today, Prophet Owan, accompanied by members of his congregation, unlawfully entered the traditional worship center of Osuopele Beniseide on December 20, 2024, resulting in significant damage to the worship house and various historical artifacts.

The incident was promptly reported to the Chairman of the Izon Cultural Heritage Council (ICHC) and the Apostle of the Woyin Temple in Yenagoa, leading to an immediate investigation and the subsequent filing of a lawsuit against the prophet.

Following the court proceedings, a ruling was issued on June 29, 2026, stating:

“A DECLARATION is made that the Harassment of the Applicant and worshippers of Osuopele Benesede Opu-Oru Temple Deities by the 1st to 9th Respondents is discriminatory, unconstitutional, wrongful and a violation of the provisions of Sections 10 and 38 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Applicants’ Rights”

The court further ruled that “AN ORDER is made directing the 1st to 9th Respondents from further harassing and intimidating the Applicant and worshipers of the Osuopele Benesede Opu- Oru Temple Deities and to maintain a 10 kilometers distance away from the Applicant and worshippers of the the Osuopele Benesede Opu- Oru Temple Deities.

Further judgement states as follows:

“AN ORDER is made directing the 1st to 9th Respondents to rebuild the Osuopele Benesede Opu Oru Temple Deities destroyed by the 1st to 9th Respondents on 20/12/2024 at Ojobo Community.

4. AN ORDER is made directing the 1st to 9th Respondents to jointly and severally pay the sum of 100,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) only as exemplary damages for unlawful destruction of the Osuopele Benesede Opu- Oru Temple Deities.

5. AN ORDER is made directing the 1st to 9th Respondents to jointly and severally pay to the Applicant the sum of ¥100,000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) Only as general damages for the destruction and untold ridicule/humiliation suffered by the Applicant, its worshippers and believers, the Osuopele Benesede Opu-Oru Temple/Deities and the gross violation of his constitutionally guaranteed rights.

6. AN ORDER is made directing the 1st to 9th Respondents jointly and severally to pay the Applicant the sum ₩5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) Only as cost of filing this suit.

7. AN ORDER is made directing the 1st to 9th Respondents to make a Public apology in (2) different Daily National Newspapers circulating in Nigeria.

ISSUED AT WARRI under the Seal of the Court and the Hand of the Presiding Judge this 29th day of June, 2026.

The Spokesperson of the ICHC, Odede Precious described the judgement as a correction of an aged long Injustice, he therefore advised the prophet and his members to comply also warning others to stop the intimidation and unjust persecution of traditional adherents.

The scholars made the call during the 4th An-Nadwah Annual Scholars’ Colloquium organised by the Standard Bearers Islamic Organization (SBIO), Ile-Ife Branch, held on Sunday at the Ife Central Mosque, Enuwa, Ile-Ife.

The colloquium, themed “Marriage and Its Contemporary Challenges: Rulings and Guidance,” brought together Islamic scholars, professionals, students and members of the Muslim community for an interactive panel discussion where participants sought Islamic perspectives on a wide range of marital and family-related issues.

Speaking during the session, Sheikh Dhikrullah Shaafi’i maintained that Islam remains a complete way of life with comprehensive guidance for every marital challenge, stressing that many crises in homes today arise when people substitute divine guidance with cultural practices, personal emotions and societal trends.

On the increasing rate of migration among married couples, the Grand Mufti cautioned Muslims against relocating to societies whose legal and moral systems could endanger their faith and family values.

While acknowledging that migration may become necessary for reasons such as education or medical treatment, he maintained that preserving one’s religion should always take precedence over economic pursuits, warning that environments hostile to Islamic values often expose Muslim families to moral and parental challenges capable of weakening the institution of marriage.

He also condemned the widespread belief in some communities that persistent marital misfortunes are caused by the “bad luck” of a wife, describing such notions as remnants of ignorance that have no place in Islam. Instead, he urged spouses to cultivate love, mercy, patience and appreciation for one another, reminding husbands to treat their wives with kindness and gentleness in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

He further advised that family disputes should be resolved through dialogue, wisdom and sincere consultation rather than hostility or violence.

Addressing concerns surrounding polygamy and marital disputes, Sheikh Shaafi’i explained that while Islam permits polygamy under clearly defined conditions, it places a greater responsibility on the husband to maintain justice and fairness.

He urged men to handle such situations with maturity and wisdom, adding that respected family members or trusted mediators should be involved whenever misunderstandings threaten the peace of the home.

He equally outlined Islamic principles guiding divorce and child custody, emphasising that separation, where unavoidable, must be conducted with dignity, justice and full compliance with Islamic rulings.

Contributing, Dr. Zafaran Adeniyi urged Muslims to view marriage beyond emotional attachment, describing it as a sacred institution governed by divine principles.

Drawing from his years of experience in marriage counselling, he observed that many marital challenges stem from neglecting Islamic guidance in financial dealings, decision-making and family responsibilities.

On migration, Dr. Adeniyi warned against pursuing relocation abroad solely for economic reasons without considering its consequences on faith and family stability. According to him, many desperate attempts to leave the country have resulted in exploitation, including cases of human trafficking, while separation between spouses often creates emotional and spiritual difficulties capable of destabilising marriages.

He therefore advised Muslims to ensure that any decision to relocate strengthens rather than weakens their relationship with Allah and their family life.

Speaking on financial management within marriage, Dr. Adeniyi clarified that although joint bank accounts may be utilised for specific shared projects, they should not automatically replace individual financial responsibilities because of the legal and Islamic implications surrounding inheritance and family obligations.

He stressed the need for openness, accountability and financial transparency between spouses, adding that every financial arrangement should align with Islamic principles and avoid future disputes.

The marriage counsellor also addressed other contemporary issues, including the payment of Mahr, DNA testing, family leadership and moral discipline. He maintained that Islam does not permit the deliberate neglect of a wife’s Mahr, warning that violating such obligations carries serious spiritual consequences. On DNA testing, he explained that while modern technology has its place, Islamic law does not rely on DNA evidence alone to invalidate paternity without other legally recognised proofs.

He further stressed that although the husband bears the responsibility of leadership within the family, Islamic leadership is founded on consultation, justice and compassion rather than authoritarianism.

The proposed agreement announced on Monday is tied to the archdiocese’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy case and would resolve all lawsuits brought against it under California Assembly Bill 218, a 2019 law that temporarily revived decades-old civil claims that would otherwise have been barred by the statute of limitations.

As part of the settlement, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone will be required to write an apology letter to each survivor, according to lawyers for the plaintiffs. The archdiocese will also have to implement a series of child-protection and transparency reforms, including maintaining and publishing a list of clergy accused of abuse and banning confidentiality agreements that silence survivors.

Cordileone said in a letter to the faithful that “no financial settlement can erase the painful legacy” of past abuse, but argued that the proposal offers “a path toward fair compensation for survivors who have carried the burden of this abuse for a lifetime.”

“Although most of the sexual abuse claims… involve incidents dating back many decades and individuals who are deceased or no longer in ministry, we accept responsibility for the failures that allowed this harm to occur,” he wrote. “I sincerely apologize to all those who have suffered because of those failures.”

The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy protection in August 2023 after facing more than 500 civil lawsuits. A survivor-led committee is expected to help establish protocols for distributing the funds, with each claimant given an opportunity to submit their story to an independent allocator.

The Archdiocese of San Francisco serves around 442,000 Catholics across San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin counties. In its statement, the archdiocese said parishes, schools, and other related entities would have to contribute funds and unrestricted assets to the settlement, while donor-restricted donations and annual appeal funds would not be used.

The San Francisco case is the latest in a wave of large settlements and bankruptcy filings by Catholic dioceses across the US, many triggered by state laws reopening legal windows for historical abuse claims.

Earlier this year, the Diocese of Brooklyn said it was seeking to settle around 1,100 child sex abuse claims, most dating back to the 1960s and 1970s.

In October 2024, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay $880 million to settle 1,353 claims of childhood sexual abuse, the largest single settlement of its kind involving a Catholic archdiocese.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023 after Maryland passed a law removing the statute of limitations for child sex abuse lawsuits.

Group organises special prayer for release of abducted students, tutors

The Muslim Community of Oyo State has strongly condemned the recent Sharia-related demands made by abductors, declaring that terrorists do not represent Islamic values and cannot speak for Muslims.

The leadership of the community issued this statement today following recent criminal acts where kidnappers attempted to justify their actions using religious rhetoric.

In a statement signed by Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, Chairman and Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, Secretary-General, the community clarified that Islam strictly forbids kidnapping, terrorism, and the extortion of innocent citizens.

The group emphasized that legitimate Sharia advocates for justice, peace, and the protection of human life, which directly contradicts the violent actions of criminals.

Furthermore, the Muslim Community of Oyo State reiterated its full support for law enforcement agencies and urged authorities to track down the perpetrators swiftly.

In The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 3 verse 32, Almighty Allah says :

‘ Therefore, We have ordained that, he who slays a soul for spreading mischief on earth shall be as if he had slain all mankind and he who saves a life shall be as if he had given life to all mankind. And indeed, again and again,did our messengers come to them with clear directives, yet many of them continue to commit excesses on earth’

The leadership called on all Muslims and residents of Oyo State to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and reject any attempts to distort the peaceful teachings of Islam.

Meanwhile, under the aegis of The Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Al-Imam Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakar Agbotomokekere, the Muslim Community of Oyo State is organising a special prayer for the speedy and safe return of abductees from schools in Oriire Local Govt of Oyo State.

The prayer, to be led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Al-imam Abdul-Ganiyu Abubakar Agbotomokekere, will hold, in shaa Llaah, as follows:

Date : Sunday, June 7, 2026

Venue : Yidi Agodi Praying Ground, Ibadan

Time : 10.30 am

We implore all Muslims in Oyo State to join us at the prayer session.

We appreciate the intervention of Oyo State Govt, the Federal Goverment of Nigeria and pray to Almighty Allah, to help them in their onerous intervention. We also pray for our Security Agencies for the help and guidance of Allah, in their rescue efforts, so that there will not be any collateral casualty, as they conquer the criminals and bring back home safely, the abductees, amongst whom are toddlers as young as 2-year olds, exposed to very cruel treatment in the forests, in such a harsh condition. Our hearts bleed.

May Almighty Allah hearken to our fervent prayers.

“As I saw the remains of the man of God prophet TB Joshua looking at him on the television inside a transparent coffin, my goose flesh wildly arose. I was shaken and immediately overwhelmed with guilt and fear! The revelation came to me straightaway without any ambiguity, piecing my heart like a thunder: ‘here is a beloved son of God who has accomplished his assignment on earth’. My eyes were opened. I knelt down in tears and wept profusely asking God to forgive me because I was misled by our church leaders about his divine identity making me to have said bad things about him. It is a colossal spiritual tragedy for anyone to say any negative things against an anointed man God not even in ignorance”. This is Madam Florence Olowokere, a strong Pentecostalism Christian. “I have learnt a bitter lesson in not just believing anything about any prophet of God that the Holy Spirit did not directly reveal to me because of its fatal spiritual consequences no matter who is saying it. Now I have to go on my knees in fervent prayers and fasting to seek God’s face on any spiritual matters in order to avoid heaven’s damnation. May the Lord forgive me”, she further stated.

Madam Olowokere’s grace for self discovery of the truth and subsequent lamentation which not everyone living in spiritual error is privileged to have exemplify the pathological weakness and indolence of spirit of mankind in decoding the move of God and His adamantine will in Creation — the omniscient and omnipotent God whose ways are not our ways, whose thoughts are not our thoughts and whom the best of mankind cannot obtain one percent of His mightiness would ever remain the I AM THAT I AM!

Everything has its season in God’s unfathomable agenda.

As a God’s envoy,
TB Joshua was on earth at God’s chosen time. But unfortunately the earthmen once again woefully failed to fully recognise him even though the radiance of his divine light nevertheless illuminated the entire universe beyond any iota of doubt. Yet their ears and eyes were alive, but they were still unable to hear or see the radiant star, the finger of God because of their distorted souls, vanity and spiritual superficiality in several quarters!
“I don’t know why God chose me to be His vessel. This is what I was born for. This is what I will live for and this is what I will die for”, TB Joshua often said this without mincing words and indeed that was the window, the totality of his entire earth life to the end.
“I wish you know where TBJoshua is today. God has revealed this to me not once. His assignments with God right now is greater than what he did while on the earth” said Paul Odutola a man of nature and undisputable quiet servant of God, adding that “he had successfully completed his task before God joyfully translated him into a higher glory”.

Besides his master, Jesus Christ who intimated all his actions who suffered and was crucified on the cross and the evils against the early apostles, no other person on earth who carried the cross of Jesus has ever been persecuted like TB Joshua. All kinds of ridiculous lies were concocted against him just to bring down his ministry but they never succeeded as the man joyfully and courageously moved on in God’s precious arms and praying for his traducers!

He was an enigma and a big puzzle! Like the old Pharisees, empty Christian pastors who had turned churches into ventures and manipulations, reigning in the ignoramuses of their sheep’s mental slavery and spiritual distortions of the predominantly atrophied worshippers, ganged up and running Helter skelter all over against the true man of God.

His greatest offence was making the physiognomy of Jesus Christ and worshipping of God in truth and spirit to become real! He couldn’t be suborned. He was a thorn in the flesh of the modern Pharisees – religious shenanigans, boisterous charlants who are wolves in sheep clothing masquerading as mouth piece of God.

TBJoshua was a personification of love. He kept the hearth of his heart constantly pure. You could easily discern this in his purity, lifestyles, simplicity, humility, caring, open handedness and love ineffable to everyone that came to his paths.
You cannot be a genuine follower of TBJ, listening and attending to his teachings, following his lifestyles and still putting your hands in unclean things except you are cursed.
Your background, race or colour was irrelevant to him. The only eye he had was for his master, Jesus Christ and a better humanity. Could one really offend TBJ for 24 hours? I completely doubt it. The purity of love in him, the grace of holiness that encapsulated him and his deep sympathy for you in the ignorance of your foolish actions would still magnetise holy sympathy no matter your offence reminiscent of what Jesus did on the cross: “father forgive them for they know not what they do”.
His love for the unity of Christian churches on earth was poignant. He tried in vain to let other men of God especially in his country Nigeria to come together for positive symbiotic relationships and blessings of Christian oneness to no avail. “Where you are weak I am strong, and where you are strong I am weak. We are all a in team working for the glory of God, therefore let us be united in Christ and be led by love”, said severally and in actions by TBJoshua, adding that “Christianity should not be treated as a religion but as a relationship with God”. He maintained unequivocally that “if you call your self a Christian and you don’t have a relationship with God, you are wasting your time”. He did everything possible to bring a better spiritual sense to his generation but they could not perceive because he was obviously above their limited understanding of God’s roadmap in Creation. He would tell several people from other churches who received the touch of God through him and as a result wanted to joyfully do thanksgiving in scoan just as it was common in other churches not to do that in his church. Rather they should go back to their respective churches and do it there assuring them of continued God’s blessings if they did so and remain and be worshipping there.
TBJoshua would not compromise with evil. He had no time for frivolous and wanton desires. He would never take any advantage of you. He was never the common type that could be enlisted with materialism. The only man of God in the universe who would hold crusades abroad without collecting offerings which was the hidden target of most of his contemporaries in cassocks! He was not obsessed with crowds in the church but in the quality of your heart for God and sincere worship of the Most High in truth and spirit.

You could not hide from him.
His prophetic power was unimaginable. He was not the type to extract your mind before prophesying to you. He would reveal the hidden things of centuries, where you came from and your family backgrounds including your details in superb accuracy even while in the womb like a breeze! These were shocking facts!

Without putting the cat among the pigeons, TBJoshual was unimaginably deep in knowledge and wisdom. If you describe him as a person more than the Professor, Field Marshal you would be right despite his limited education. He was the God General indeed.

He was a quintessential man of God. Never a burden to anyone but a carrier of people’s burdens. A workaholic and exemplary leader in God’s vineyard who positively touched the lives of millions in all the continents of the world.
TBJoshua was a turning point in Christian history, the loadstar in the illumination and advancement of spiritual knowledge and humanity. His name would continue to resonate and stand out on earth when a true man of God is mentioned in genuine love for the poor all over the world and indefatigability for true Christian life for worshippers and advancement of a better humanity. He was the embodiment of his Master, Jesus Christ. His miraculous healings was legendary and his works in mending broken marriages, peace in war-torn countries would forever evergreen. He was the father and mother for the fatherless and motherless. He was the hope of scores of Nigerians who were stranded in foreign countries in crisis to be flown back and settled at home for meaningful and dignifying existence.

In the world today, his legacies are booming and continue to spread to every nook and cranny globally.

Thank God for his successor Pastor Evelyn Joshua his beloved wife who had gone through his husband’s spiritual mills and now doing wonders in the advancement of the legacies that TBJoshua stood for and represented.

Today every part of the world is rejoicing and celebrating the fifth anniversary of his passing in prayers and solemnity, giving thanks and glory to the Most High God for His love for mankind once again in TB JOSHUA.

*Dare Adejumo is a Lagos based journalist, public analyst and media consultant.

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