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OPINION: Why Not Leave The Olukoyas Alone?

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OPINION: Why Not Leave The Olukoyas Alone?

FUNKE OSAE-BROWN

I have read with amusement in the last few months the many lies and false accusations being bandied on social media about Dr. Daniel Olukoya, founder of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries and his wife.

OPINION: Why Not Leave The Olukoyas Alone?

I wondered if his accusers ever truly know the man they have so much written about? They have posted so many false stories and cast aspersions on his person. I wondered at the liberty social media has given to so many people who have become overnight journalists. They lack the basic training of journalism. They seemed to be unaware of the motto: ‘truth is sacred’ in journalism. They lack understanding about the principle of fairness and the importance of hearing both sides of the story. They have been so blinded by their prejudices that they never even bothered to share the man’s side of the story. They never bothered to reach out to him through his aides to ask for his side of the story. They deliberately ignored the statement he issued stating his side of the story. That’s is when truly their reports can be considered as journalistic.

 

These fire brigade journalists have endangered our profession such that it is difficult for unsuspecting and undiscerning readers to know which ‘news’ outlet is genuine online as many fake content aggregators and not journalists took the liberty of YouTube and Facebook to open all manner of channels feeding gullible consumers with contents full of bile and hatred.

Penning this, I know it is easy for his accusers to easily label me as a paid agent of Dr. Olukoya. That’s the easiest way for them to shy away from the truth and ignore their conscience as often as they tell these lies about Dr. Olukoya.

I read with the utmost disdain, a certain post claiming Dr. Olukoya and his wife are divorced. When did that happen? I have been attending MFM since 1997. The last time I checked over the weekend, Mrs. Olukoya still held her weekly Evening of Hymns which was broadcast on all the ministry’s social media platform including hers. She still did a prayer video to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Prayer Rain. So, when did the divorce take place?

One of his critics accused him of hiding his son and ask why his wife is living in the United Kingdom? If I may ask, why shouldn’t Dr. Olukoya relocate his family abroad if he deems it fit? If that’s what suits him, why can’t he? There are people whose wives and children are living in Canada, the UK and the US and their husbands are working in Nigeria? What makes Dr. Olukoya’s case different? Besides, I understand his wife is doing her PhD in the UK. So, because her husband has a ministry her career as a visual artist should be put on hold? Or her academic career should wait? Since when did it become a crime for the wife of a G.O. to stop being ambitious career-wise? I can’t understand the prejudiced and misogynistic views about her.

Curiously, most of the people who are vilifying Mrs. Olukoya are women!!! I will never stop saying that we women are our own worst enemies. Why are we always so antagonistic of one another? Why can’t we support and lift one another? Funny enough, these women would have done worse if they were in her shoes. They are the type who won’t let church members go near their husbands. They are the kind who would sit in counselling rooms with their husbands just to show they are in control. They are usually control-freak. Yet in her magnanimity, she has encouraged her husband to assist many church members. There are so many church members that Dr. Olukoya has paid or is currently paying their tuition secondary and higher institutions. There are many members that he sent to school both at home and abroad. There are many church members that he is currently paying their house rents. Many people are living free in the church’s accommodation. How many of these women criticising Mrs Olukoya will allow their husbands to do all these and not call it a waste of precious resources? Sadly, his critics have at one time or the other benefited from his largesse.

Why should the amount he has in his personal account be a problem for anyone? This is a man who has a PhD and has many research works and books to his credit? Someone of his status should be driving exotic cars yet Dr. Olukoya drives a Toyota Sienna. I know this personally.

I was at the inauguration ceremony of current Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwoolu. Unknowingly, Dr. Olukoya’s car was parked next to me. Where I stood with fellow journalists, I saw him coming towards the car with his wife. He entered the car. Shortly after his driver drove off. Unlike other G.O’s Dr. Olukoya drives a Toyota Sienna as a Doctor of Molecular Genetics!

I have known him not to be an ostentatious man. In the late 1990s when I started attending MFM on Wednesday revival service he would just wear a polo shirt and trouser and come to preach. Even on Sundays when he wears suit till today, his suits are usually slightly oversized. He doesn’t wear fitted suits that brings out his shape. To put it simply, he doesn’t care about such things.

Those who are claiming he is using their glory to grow his ministry. Why don’t they start their ministry for them to know what it feels like? How many can boast of 20 people in attendance at their first meeting excluding them and the members of their families? Why don’t they go and steal people’s glory to start and grow their ministries so they can know how easy it is to do so.

I have been attending MFM and I have been a beneficiary of their prayers. I am a living testimony of what their style of prayer has done and can do. All my prayers were answered without any pastor laying hands in me. I attend their meetings and pray with my mouth. I received answers to them. That is the kind of church MFM is.

To those critics taking Panadol for another man’s headache, I will advise you to desist. The data and time you are wasting castigating the Olukoyas use it to research businesses and professions you can do to move your life forward. More importantly, use it to start your online ministry if God is leading you to do so. Face your battle and fight it. Let God be the judge of the Olukoyas if they have at any time deviated from their calling. Don’t be another Miriam in the Bible who was fighting God’s fight against Moses. I believe you remember clearly the judgment that God passed on her, she became leprous. Hold on to your calling and face it squarely.

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Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai

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Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai

Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai

 

The Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS, Nigerian Army) and Former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador (Lt General rtd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai, CFR has said that Lagos State has all the qualifications of a modern city and is one of the most populated cities in Sub – Saharan Africa. He went further to affirm that Lagos is also indicative of the degree to which Nigeria’s economic, political, social, and cultural landscape is deeply embedded within the global system.

 

Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai

He made this assertion on Wednesday 20th November, 2024 as the keynote Speaker at the Second Edition of the Lagos State University of Education Security Summit, with the theme: Insecurity, Cost of Living and Good Governance in the 21st Century.

 

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai, while delivering the lecture in a paper titled: Lagos in Nigeria’s National Security and Defence Architecture: An Analysis.

 

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai postulated in his paper that, “The presence of strategic military installations, the verse Atlantic Ocean and extensive coastline has placed Lagos State on the strategic defense map of the Armed Forces of Nigeria”, He said further that, ” While the sea provides a strategic economic status it could also be vulnerable to external attacks across the ocean”.

 

In his paper, Ambassador Tukur Buratai reiterated that the Lagos State government should begin to look at the options and implications of having its own security.

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also emphasized the urgent necessity to bolster our nation’s troop level to 800,000. He said a larger and more robust force will enhance operational readiness, improve our country’s capacity to respond to various contingencies, and strengthen our alliance on the international stage.

 

 

He also called for the establishment of a Marine Corps for the Nigerian Navy to be strategically stationed in key regions such as Lagos, Borno, Cross River, and Port Harcourt.

 

 

He also raised the pressing issue of the persistent lack of stable power supply in Lagos. He asserted that the Lagos State Government must urgently prioritize the development of independent power generation.

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also lauded the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s strategy regarding security in Lagos, which provides an example for governor’s throughout Nigeria. He said the governor recognizes that genuine security transcends mere physical presence or reactive measures. He commended the governor’s innovative approach, which has redefined the urban governance, and has also set a benchmark for other states to follow.

 

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also recalled that during his tenure as the Chief of Army Staff, he had the distinct privilege of witnessing the fruitful collaboration between the Nigerian Army and Lagos State under the leadership of Former Governor Ambode and now Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

 

 

Ambassador Buratai, during the lecture, also appluaded the Lagos State Government on its infrastructural development in Lagos State, especially the Red and Blue Railway lines.

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also commended the Federal Government interventions in the development of Lagos State, while applauding the construction of the Lagos to Calabar Highway, he adviced the Lagos State and Federal Government on the security implications of opening up the high way, he suggested to the government to be proactive by early planning for its security when opened and becomes operational.

 

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education, Prof B. B Lafiaji-Okuneye welcomed Ambassador Tukur Buratai to the institution. In her words, she said, ” The great warlord and global peace ambassador is visiting our great institution for the first time. Sir, we appreciate you and what you stand for. Your desire for a Nigeria that is peaceful and safe, where the citizens and residents are free and are given every opportunity to prove their worth and contribute to the growth and development of the nation is evident “.

 

 

While making his contribution during the summit, the Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Lagos State, appreciated and commended Ambassador Buratai for adding value to the security summit and more importantly adding value to the Lagos State University of Education. The Commissioner also drew the attention of the participants of the summit to parts of Ambassador Buratai’s paper, where he elaborated on the strategy of social inclusiveness rather than the use of force to curb insecurity.

 

 

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Barr Tolani Sule on behalf of the Lagos State University of Education, presented a Plague of Honour to Ambassador Buratai for his role in nation building.

 

 

Other discussant at the Summit included, HRM, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, (Arolugbade 11, the Oloja of Epe Land and the Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs), HRM, Oba Momodu Afolabi Ashafa ( The Aladi of Ijanikin Kingdom), HRM, Oba (Dr) Aina Josiah Olanrewaju ( IKUYAMIKU 1, the Oloto of Oto Awori Kingdom) and HRH, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja JP ( ALADESHOYIN, the Paramount Ruler of Odo – Noforija Kingdom), all of whom spoke on the theme :Insecurity, Cost of Living and Good Governance in the 21st Century.

 

 

The event which was attended by various Traditional Rulers, Members of the Governing Council and Senate of the Institution, the Commissioner of Tertiary Education in Lagos State, Barr Tolani Sule, Captain of Industries, Security and Para Military Chiefs in Lagos State, various invited guests and the students.

 

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai’s delegation to the summit included, Lt General Lamidi Adeosun (rtd), Former Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Army, Colonel Emmanuel Adegbola (rtd), Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, Alhaja Toyyibat Adeosun, Alhaji Isa Dogo amongst others.

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Health, Insurance, And Entrepreneurship To Take Centre Stage At NASRE Foundation’s Third Media Outreach Event

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Health, Insurance, And Entrepreneurship To Take Centre Stage At NASRE Foundation’s Third Media Outreach Event

*Health, Insurance, And Entrepreneurship To Take Centre Stage At NASRE Foundation’s Third Media Outreach Event

 

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has announced the third edition of its Media Outreach Programme, scheduled for Thursday, 21st November 2024, at LTV 8, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, beginning at 12:00 pm.

Health, Insurance, And Entrepreneurship To Take Centre Stage At NASRE Foundation’s Third Media Outreach Event

In a statement by NASRE’s Media Director, Lateef Owodunni, explained that the last outreach for the year will not only focus on supporting vulnerable journalists, such as widowed and ailing members of the fourth estate, but also aims to empower active journalists through impactful sessions on health, insurance, and entrepreneurship.

“Our goal for this last edition of our outreach for the year is to broaden the scope of support we offer. Beyond providing relief to vulnerable journalists, we are introducing sessions on health, insurance, and entrepreneurship to ensure active journalists gain valuable insights that can positively impact their careers and personal lives,” Owodunni stated.

The Media Outreach Programme, which has benefitted numerous journalists in its earlier editions, is designed to foster solidarity, growth, and resilience within the media community.

This third edition promises to bring together media professionals, associations, and stakeholders in an inspiring and empowering atmosphere.

NASRE invites journalists, media associations, and enthusiasts to participate in this landmark event, which highlights the importance of care, collaboration, and innovation in addressing the challenges faced by those in the journalism profession.

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Nollywood Star, Arike Akinyanju Signs Multimillion-Naira Endorsement Deal with Busbis Fabrics

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Nollywood Star, Arike Akinyanju Signs Multimillion-Naira Endorsement Deal with Busbis Fabrics

 

Celebrated Nollywood actress, Arike Akinyanju, widely known as Eyinju Olodumare, has added another feather to her cap by signing a multimillion-naira endorsement deal with a Lagos-based textile powerhouse, Busbis Fabrics.

The deal, sealed on Monday, November 18th, 2024, marks a significant collaboration between the renowned actress and the top-rated luxury fabric brand. Busbis Fabrics, located at Royal Prince Supermarket, 7/8 Akerele Street, opposite Deeper Life Church, near Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, is known for offering exotic fabrics and accessories that define elegance and sophistication.

Busbis Fabrics is a leading name in the fashion industry, specializing in premium fabrics and accessories that cater to every occasion. With a reputation for excellence and luxury, the company’s partnership with Eyinju Olodumare aims to expand its reach and solidify its position as a go-to destination for high-quality fashion materials.

Speaking about the endorsement, Arike Akinyanju expressed her excitement over the deal, noting her admiration for the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation in the textile industry. “I am thrilled to represent a brand that embodies luxury and elegance. Busbis Fabrics is a name I trust, and I look forward to showcasing their stunning collections to my fans and followers,” she stated.

The endorsement will see Eyinju Olodumare serve as the brand ambassador for Busbis Fabrics, promoting its extensive range of luxury fabrics and accessories. With her influence and star power, the partnership is expected to enhance Busbis Fabrics’ visibility and attract more customers from across Nigeria and beyond.

Busbis Fabrics prides itself on delivering unmatched quality and an array of exotic fabrics for special moments, including weddings, parties, and other grand occasions. This partnership with a Nollywood star underscores their dedication to aligning with high-profile personalities who resonate with their brand values.

This endorsement is yet another testament to Eyinju Olodumare’s versatility and influence in the entertainment and fashion industries. As she embarks on this exciting journey with Busbis Fabrics, fans and customers alike are eager to see the magic this collaboration will bring to the world of fashion.

For those seeking unparalleled luxury and style, Busbis Fabrics, located in Gbagada, Lagos, is the ultimate destination.

Nollywood Star, Arike Akinyanju Signs Multimillion-Naira Endorsement Deal with Busbis Fabrics

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