Connect with us
Advertisment

celebrity radar - gossips

OPINION: Why Not Leave The Olukoyas Alone?

Published

on

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.

Advertisment

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.

Advertisment

 

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisment

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

celebrity radar - gossips

REVIEW OF, ‘THE LEGEND OF BURATAI 2’ By Hannatu Lot Dickson

Published

on

AMBASSADOR (LT. GENERAL RTD) TUKUR BURATAI, WOULD BE AN INVALUABLE ASSET TO THE GOVERNMENT OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU. By Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi

REVIEW OF, ‘THE LEGEND OF BURATAI 2’

By Hannatu Lot Dickson

The Legend of Buratai Volume 2 is authored by General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, the former Chief of Staff of the Nigerian Army. The book was Published by Sprezzatura Publishing Ltd. Cover design by Mereo Books. It was published October 13, 2021 in English Language. It has 125 pages with ISBN-10: * 186151915X and ISBN-13: * 978-1861519153.

Advertisment

 

The author Tukur Yusuf Buratai CFR psc(+) NAM GSS ndc (BD) was born 24 November 1960. He is a retired Nigerian army lieutenant general, former Chief of Army Staff appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2015, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin. He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1983 and has had multiple command, administrative, and instructional appointments.

Advertisment

 

The Legend of Buratai 2 is a novel base on true-life story of General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, the former Chief of Army Staff. It is a novel of eight (8) chapters and has one hundred and twenty-five (125) pages. Each of these chapters and pages is so richly engaging and informative from start to finish.
Just a recap of the plot summary, the book is the enthralling true-life story in his own words, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, the Chief of Staff of the Nigerian Army, who rose to legendary status by dint of hard work, bravery, diligence, excellence and honesty. His journey through life is presented as an exemplary story for all who would aspire to follow his path. His childhood and formative years were also captured.

 

Advertisement

 

The preliminary pages of “The Legend of Buratai 2” begins with the titled page where the titled of the book was boldly written and the author’s name. Then followed by the cover page design which contains the cover photo which was taken in Ngamdu. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusufu Buratai is clearly seen in the picture with troops during operations against Boko Haram terrorists at the Nigerian Army Special Super Camp Ngamdu, Borno State in April 2020. He was practically leading the combat operations. Them followed by the content page which outlines the book’s structure, listing chapters, which helps readers navigate the book’s organization and content.

 

The Photographic Acknowledgement section credits the sources of photographs used in the book, acknowledging photographs taken from the personal album of the author. Followed by a heartfelt message dedicating the book to all young people in Nigeria, and especially those of the Nigerian Military School and the Nigerian Defence Academy.

 

The Publisher’s Note and acknowledgement pages expressed gratitude while the Forward was written by Major General Paul Tarfa mni (Rtd), who described General Buratai’s records of service as Chief of Staff of Nigerian Army as legendary and cannot be surpassed. ‘He is a General who inspires his subjects by leading from the front’. He further, provided context, endorsement, and insights into the book’s significance.

 

 

The author begins chapter one by talking about the beginning which captures the lineage, nuclear family and the journey of Yusufu Buratai especially when he joined the RWAFF. Chapter four depict the miraculous escape from the pond as a child, Dr. Gidado Kumo and John Atanda spoke in chapter three and four, while chapter five and six described the author’s encounters with Snakes and Ghost respectively. chapter seven followed with matters bordering on patriotisms and chapter eight list several principles guiding Lt. General TY Buratai, a few out of those principles are: Do not bother about what people say,; Commit to improving yourself to the extent that you do not have time to compete or criticize others; Let excellence be your trademark anywhere you find yourself; Do not be too proud to retrace your steps back to the right path; Listen more and say less; Always lead with courage or not at all; Honour your words as your bond and never make a promise you can’t keep…
The plot is set in Buratai town, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State to Potiskum, Yobe State. The genre is non-fiction.

 

The book, ‘The Legend of Buratai 2’ is the best pick for young minds in need of inspiration and mentorship. It is a captivating and fascinating masterpiece, rich in original history, military tactics, strategies and important life lessons with a touch of spirituality straight from the mind and experiences of true and pragmatic General TY Buratai.

 

 

The Legend of Buratai 2 has the potentials to recoup reinvigorate patriotism to our fatherland Nigeria. It also has the capability and potentials to make a young mind dream and do everything in their powers to live their dreams just like Lt. General TY Buratai.

 

 

The book is so real, it’s not a conventional love story with a perfectly Happy-Ever-After. It was infused with strong themes, I love how Lt Gen. TY Buratai recollected his childhood and formative years, how he was educating us on how to be patriotic and how he described ‘the wretched rustic life of a terrorist’ infused in a poem titled, ‘ARE YOU A TERRORIST?’
The themes in “The Legend of Buratai: Volume 2” include

– Hard work: General Tukur Yusuf Buratai’s rise to legendary status is attributed to his diligence and hard work.

 

– Bravery: General Buratai is known for his bravery and military tactics.
– Excellence: General Buratai’s journey to excellence is presented as an exemplary story for all who would aspire to follow his path.

 

– Honesty: General Buratai’s honesty is one of the key characteristics that contributed to his legendary status.

 

– Patriotism: The book is capable of reawakening patriotism to one’s fatherland, according to Moses A. Uyang, author and humanitarian.

 

– Diligence: Buratai’s diligence is another factor that contributed to his success.

 

The book is practically a handbook or a catalyst for youngsters who dear to dream, who wants to love and serve their country whole heartedly, be patriotic and serve humanity in all earnest and honesty.

 

The book offers a wide range of literary appreciation and acceptance, historical sources, and educative values. It is a foundation for historical and otherwise critical evaluation.

Advertisment
Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

Saturday Faaji : The Much Anticipated Neon Night With Osupa Saheed Is Here

Published

on

Saturday Faaji : The Much Anticipated Neon Night With Osupa Saheed Is Here

Saturday Faaji : The Much Anticipated Neon Night With Osupa Saheed Is Here

 

Advertisment

 

For some time now, the teeming fans of the undisputed King of Fuji Music, Saheed Osupa have been longing to see him back on stage on home soil due to his long absence oversee on tour.
Now, the much anticipated show, Neon Night with Osupa Saheed is here, the date is Saturday 18th May 2024, at prestigious RM Hall Magodo, Lagos.

Advertisment

 

 

Saturday Faaji : The Much Anticipated Neon Night With Osupa Saheed Is Here

Advertisement

Saheed Osupa would be thrilling his fans live on stage this time in another dimension, as all necessary things have been taken care of, including maximum security for this much anticipated event.

In the uniqueness of this Neon Night, with Osupa Saheed, the Lord of music will not be alone on stage as other fast rising artiste, Suave, The Omalicha’s crooner will also be performing on the same stage with Saheed Osupa alongside some other popular artistes.
It’s going to be a Bomb as this is the first show he would be doing in Lagos since he came into Nigeria.

A large percentage of his fans have been calling to register their joy that their favorite Fuji king would be performing that day. According to LAWBELL Manager in Nigeria ,OLABANJI ADELANA, he said the Canadian entertainment company packaging the show is fully prepared for the event and no stone would be left unturned

Advertisment
Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

Ogun Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Oludotun, Conferred Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers In Abuja

Published

on

Ogun Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Oludotun, Conferred Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers In Abuja

 

Advertisment

 

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has conferred the prestigious honor of Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) on Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, the Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry.

Advertisment

 

 

 

Advertisement

Ogun Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Oludotun, Conferred Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers In Abuja
The conferment ceremony took place in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, and is a testament to Engr. Oludotun’s dedication and expertise in the field of engineering.

Our correspondent reports that Engr. Oludotun, popularly known as Twinny, has had a distinguished career in engineering and public service.

The Forest Commissioner is also a registered engineer with the Council of Registered Engineers in Nigeria (COREN) and has held various leadership positions, including General Manager at Unistar Hi-Tech Systems Ltd and Commissioner for Rural Development in Ogun State.

His experience in policy development and leadership has driven inclusive and sustainable development in rural areas, improving the quality of life for residents and promoting social and economic progress.

The conferment of FNSE on Engr. Oludotun is a well-deserved recognition of his achievements and commitment to the engineering profession.

Engr. Oludotun is actively participated in various technical and management trainings, workshops, seminars, and conferences, both locally and internationally.

The Commissioner’s contributions to humanity have been recognized by various NGOs, and he has earned several outstanding awards and accolades.

Advertisment
Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending