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OMOWUNMI AKANDE GOES HOME IN A BLAZE OF GLORY By Idowu Ajanaku

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8 years ago

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OMOWUNMI AKANDE GOES HOME IN A BLAZE OF GLORY

By Idowu Ajanaku

“A wife of noble character who can find?

 She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

 She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life”.

– Proverbs 31: 10-12

The recent sudden demise of Mrs. Omowunmi Bisi Akande, one-time First Lady of Osun State and late wife to the All Progressives Congress(APC) chieftain, Chief Bisi Akande at the age of 73 years brings to the fore the nobility of a life well spent in the selfless service to God and Mankind. At this moment of grief it is natural for the husband, children, grand children, members of the family and friends to mourn, to groan and lament the great loss of the epitome of humility, simplicity and an uncommon grace. But what matters now are the lessons of life hers has taught those left behind. That is what this tribute is all about.

“Mama”, as she was fondly called by her many admirers symbolized Love as an unfailing element of sacrifice of one’s cherished comfort and convenience in the pursuit of that of others. That is the first fascinating factor about her -an attribute her bereaved husband would gladly tell one and all.

For instance, not many knew that she, a renowned, devout Christian was married to Akande, a man steeped in the practice of Islam!  As the great thinker, George Sand rightly noted: “There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved in return”. That was the symbiotic relationship that existed between her and her loving husband.

Mrs. Akande, in her lifetime and more so for the 51 years of her marriage became a beautiful brand for lasting love. In fact, it was such that they were so bonded in fruitful friendship like Siamese twins that remained inseparable come ringing rain or scolding sunshine.

The second lesson is Consistency. There were testy periods of trials and tribulations, painful, perilous times she had to go through in her chequered journey of life. But she bore it all with uncommon tolerance and equanimity. For instance, she remained stoic when her beloved husband was sent to jail after the 1983 coup d tat by then General Muhammadu Buhari- led military putsch.

Also, recently she remained a pillar of support in her husband’s trying time when he had to undergo knee surgery in Philadelphia, United States.  So cool and calm was she that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode could not help but notice the trait in her when he paid a surprise visit to the family there in the U.S. Yours truly could attest to this as well.

Another easily noticeable virtue that defined her life trajectory was Humility. Perhaps, this could be attributed to her proper grooming from childhood and her devoted service in God’s vineyard. As Ephesians 4: 2-3 states: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”.

She was such one humble First Lady that would go out of her way to cook, not only for her husband but everyone who visited them. And this was amply demonstrated when Chief Akande was a Deputy Governor in the old Oyo State and later when he became the governor of Osun State.

In all these, Mrs. Akande remains an enduring inspiration to the younger generation of Nigerian girls. They should bow to drink from her fountain of biblical knowledge which she put to good use in her family and the links with the world at large. She lived according to the wise words in Titus 2: 4-5: “ Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,  to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”

One is not surprised therefore, that despite the fact that her husband is a Muslim he never considered nor regretted not marrying a harem of women. He found in her exceptional qualities others could not have possessed. This is an eloquent  testimony to her being a virtuous woman and also Akande living as a man of high moral standards. These are lessons for all couples to glean from.

It also falls in tandem with what Hubert Humphrey said, that: “The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it”. Akande, in reminiscing over his late wife  can say that all over again. As we commiserate with his family, we pray the good Lord grant her gentle soul eternal bliss.

Ajanaku, a journalist writes from Lagos

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime

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4 days ago

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May 6, 2025

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#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime

#FreeVDM Trends as EFCC Secures Court Order to Remand VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Cybercrime

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has obtained a court order to remand controversial social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), pending the conclusion of an investigation into alleged cybercrime offences.

VDM was dramatically arrested last Friday outside a bank in the Wuse area of Abuja by a combined team of EFCC operatives, Department of State Services (DSS) officers, and the Nigeria Police Force. Eyewitnesses say the activist was apprehended moments after leaving the bank, sparking immediate online outrage.

The arrest has ignited a social media firestorm, with the hashtag #FreeVDM dominating trends across platforms throughout the weekend. Many critics argue that the arrest is yet another attempt by authorities to intimidate dissenting voices online.

“The remand order was granted to allow us to complete our investigation and finalize the charges,” a senior EFCC official told reporters, noting that charges would be filed under the Cybercrimes Act once investigations are complete.

Sources familiar with the case say the EFCC is building a case focused on alleged violations involving online financial misconduct, which fall under the commission’s purview.

As of Monday morning, VDM remains in EFCC custody, with his legal team led by rights activist Deji Adeyanju confirming efforts to gain access to him and prepare a legal response.

“We are seeking to visit our client and are reviewing the legal implications of his arrest,” Adeyanju said in a statement.

Despite the mounting public interest and widespread speculation, the EFCC has yet to release an official statement detailing the arrest or outlining the specific charges VDM may face.

The arrest of VeryDarkMan adds to growing concerns over press freedom and digital expression in Nigeria, where several social media commentators have recently faced legal action for controversial posts.

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David Abioye Begins New Chapter with Launch of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly

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5 days ago

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May 5, 2025

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David Abioye Begins New Chapter with Launch of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly

David Abioye Launches New Church, Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, Amid Jubilant Crowd

Former Vice President and retired pastor of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Abioye, has officially inaugurated his new ministry, Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, marking a new chapter in his over four-decade-long spiritual journey.

The launch took place today, Sunday, May 4, 2025, during the ministry’s first Sunday service, which saw a massive turnout of enthusiastic worshippers. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as congregants gathered to witness what Abioye described as the “manifestation of God’s eternal purpose.”

In a passionate address during the inaugural service, Abioye emphasized that the establishment of the new church was not the result of public opinion or personal ambition, but a divine assignment birthed from deep spiritual conviction.

“May I make it very clear that the inauguration of this assembly is not in response to demands of people to start a church,” Abioye declared. “But by the emergence of God’s eternal purpose, ordained from the foundation of the word, which is just coming to light at His own time.”

The renowned cleric explained that the Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly is founded on divine direction and is dedicated to the spiritual development, edification, and victory of believers worldwide.

Clarifying his role in the new ministry, Abioye stated that he does not view himself as someone attempting to fulfill the entire Great Commission alone, but rather as a messenger raised for a specific divine assignment within God’s broader agenda.

“In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, for the spiritual development, edification, and triumph of the saints globally… this assembly is hereby inaugurated,” he declared, drawing a resounding “Amen” from the congregation.

The launch follows Abioye’s retirement from Living Faith Church in October 2024, alongside Pastor Thomas Aremu, after the church implemented a policy setting a mandatory retirement age for senior leaders. Abioye bowed out of active service at the age of 63, concluding a distinguished ministry career under the leadership of Bishop David Oyedepo.

As the curtain lifts on this new ministry, many see it not as a departure from Abioye’s legacy, but as a continuation of his divine calling—this time under a new banner with a global vision.

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Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

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1 week ago

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May 1, 2025

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Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

A spiritual wave is set to sweep across Dallas this October as the Outpouring Healing & Miracle Conference 2025 returns with greater power, purpose, and partnership. Hosted by Freedom for All Nations Outreach (FANO) of South Africa in collaboration with Power Haven Church (PHC) of Dallas, Texas, the two-day event is scheduled for October 3rd and 4th at 7 PM (CST) — with the venue to be announced soon.
Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers
Led by international minister Dr. Samuel Akinbodunse from South Africa , the conference promises an electrifying atmosphere of worship, healing, prophecy, and divine encounters. With an expected turnout of thousands, the organizers are making a call for volunteers to help support this mega-faith gathering.
The volunteer drive is open for various departments including:
Ushering
Protocol
Car Guard
Security
Music Ministry
Sound Engineering
Publicity
Logistics
Registration & Administration
Service Managers
Coordinators
Health Team
Welfare/Children Care
Transportation
Hospitality
Those willing to serve are encouraged to scan the QR code on the official event flyer to register and join the workforce powering this divine mission.
“This is more than just a conference — it’s a divine appointment,” said Dr. Akinbodunse. “We’re preparing a space where heaven meets earth, and every helping hand makes a difference.”
With a theme centered on healing and miracles, Outpouring 2025 is not only a spiritual highlight on the calendar, but also a unifying force drawing believers from across nations.
Stay tuned for the venue announcement and get ready to witness a powerful move of God in Dallas this October.
Power in Service: Texas Outpouring 2025 Led by Prophet Samuel Akinbodunse Calls for Volunteers

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