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T.B Joshua: A permanent fixture in the Lord’s vineyard

Published

5 years ago

October 5, 2019

Sahara Weekly

SCOAN HOLDS FIRST THANKSGIVING CHURCH SERVICE ON SUNDAY.

T.B Joshua: A permanent fixture in the Lord's vineyard

T.B Joshua: A permanent fixture in the Lord’s vineyard

Bolaji Tunji

Since the early 90s when Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua popularly called T.B Joshua’ s fame was on the ascendancy, he had always been trailed by one controversy or the other, but like a Phoenix that regenerates from ashes, he had always come out of those controversies, stronger. Not really for one day did his popularity waned. I recall that in those early days, one of the major issues that confronted the Prophet in the Synagogue was his source of power. The speculation then was he had some extraneous powers that had aided him in all the miracles that the church was known.

Indeed, some even whispered to those who cared to listen that T.B Joshua could never be heard calling the name, Jesus, thus confirming the fact that he had other powers behind him rather than that of the Almighty creator of the heavens and the Earth. To feed these speculations, it was said he had a place in the marshland of Egbe where even angels fear to trod. The marshland, incidentally was where the ministry took off, a story of a humble beginning. That lie fizzled out because it had nothing to feed on. It died like others before it.

The story also came up that T. B Joshua got his powers from India and some ancient Asian countries. That also fell flat as one wondered why those who gave him the power could not wrought those miracles in their country or the source from where the power came from. The story went on and on because his was a phenomenon that defied human explanation.

I recall that as a cub journalist, my first contact with him and the Synagogue was borne out of fear which later turned out unfounded. At one of our Editorial meetings, a colleague who lived around the same axis as the church’s location had arrived the office breathless that Monday afternoon. He had a story to tell. On the way to work, he had sighted a horde of policemen around the church and was not sure what they were up to. The Editor had queried why he did not stop to find out and do a report. His response was indicative of the unfounded rumour that surrounded the Synagogue at the time. He told all of us in the Editor’s office that he could not do the report because of the unpalatable stories he had heard; that anyone that did a report on T.B Joshua would develop mental illness and probably end up a patient of “Yaba on the left’ or a tenant of a similar enclave in Aro, Abeokuta. Of course he could not substantiate what he said, he was only adamant on one point – no amount of persuasion would take him to the church to do the report.

Whether due to foolhardiness, ignorance or courage, yours truly decided to take up the challenge. After several visits to the church a very comprehensive report about the church and the man in the church was done. After the publication, I have never had cause to visit a psychiatric hospital.

But the Society was not done with T.B Joshua. The ‘war’came from the Christian fold, most of the men of God forgot the teaching of the Bible, they judged, forgetting judgement is the Almighty’s. They more or less ostracised T.B Joshua. But he seemed to thrive on such adversities. The church that the ‘blind’ seers predicted would soon fold or would not last is still waxing stronger almost three decades after their carnally -inspired predictions.

Today, if you are talking religious tourism, the name that readily comes to mind is T.B Joshua’s and the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Ikotun-Egbe, Nigeria. The church can be described as the biggest religious tourism destination in the whole of the African continent today. The Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) said six out of every 10 foreign travellers coming into Nigeria are Synagogue bound. The popularity of the church has led to more flights coming into Lagos from within and outside the country. Domestic visitors to the church come from far-flung places knowing they were bound for the solution to whatever problems they came to present. In and around the church location, businesses have also sprung up, thus empowering more local businesses and their owners. There are hotels around for those who are not Lagos residents. Restaurants and stores are equally making brisk businesses.

His teaching and preaching is not only feed for the soul, the physical is equally fed. Philanthropic gestures in places like Haiti after a devastating earthquake, Indonesian poor and the downtrodden, Mexico and Colombia are among the countries that have felt his touch of philanthropy. Nations have honoured him. In Israel, he is a spectacle who is accorded, symbolically, the donkey ride into Jerusalem. The red carpet is ever laid for him during any of his visits. He had even been urged to establish a religious presence in that country with land already available for that purpose. During his visit to Dominican Republic in 2017, he was accorded the royalty treatment. He was met at the Las Americas airport by the leadership of that country. It was a carnival like atmosphere. By the time he ended his crusade about three days later, Dominica stood still. And to appreciate him, he was honoured with the highest award in that country by the parliament.

Consequently, the accolades in the last 30 years, from a humble beginning to the present growth, spreading the gospel and providing succour in all corners of the World, have made something poignantly clear, T.B Joshua is a permanent fixture in the Lord’s vineyard. He can never be wished away.

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NNPC Clarifies Naira Crude Contract with Dangote Refinery

Published

5 days ago

March 10, 2025

Sahara Weekly

NNPCL Slams False Report on Petrol Imports, Sets Record Straight

NNPC Clarifies Naira Crude Contract with Dangote Refinery

NNPC Limited has addressed recent reports circulating on social media regarding the alleged unilateral termination of its crude oil sales agreement with Dangote Refinery.

In a statement by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC clarified that the contract for the sale of crude oil in Naira was structured as a six-month agreement, subject to availability, and is set to expire at the end of March 2025. Discussions are currently ongoing to establish a new contract.

Since October 2024, NNPC has supplied over 48 million barrels of crude oil to Dangote Refinery under this arrangement. In total, more than 84 million barrels have been made available to the refinery since it commenced operations in 2023.

NNPC Limited reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local refining by supplying crude oil under mutually agreed terms and conditions, ensuring stability in Nigeria’s energy sector.

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I Have An Idea For Govt, Families For February 14 -Ajadi

Published

4 weeks ago

February 14, 2025

Sahara Weekly

I Have An Idea For Govt, Families For February 14
-Ajadi

It is February 14, and Nigerian politician, entrepreneur and humanist, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo says he has an idea for governments, organisations and couples that would revolutionise society’s cohesion.
He in fact, has thrown a challenge to these quarters, concerning this year’s St Valentin’s Day, how they should celebrate it differently and more impactfully.

According to him, it should go beyond mere commemorations to heart-felt interventions and legacy projects that improve the wellbeing of people in the society

The entrepreneur-politician said, there could be no better way to join in an event that is synonymous with love, than sinking or implementing projects or programmes that truly touch the lives of the people, changing it for the better.

Sincere affection for the people, he said, should be enough motivation for others holding responsible positions in government, to go beyond tokenism this time but really provide for their people, life-transforming projects and policies.

Even for those who may not have material things to give, Ambassador Ajadi is of the opinion that the season of St Valentine, should motive them to love and care genuinely, shun greed, selfishness, wickedness, materialism bitterness, hate, murder, and the other vices which tend to characterise the society.

It is excellent to see individual lovers sharing cards and gifts at Valentine Day, but how about seeing projects tied to uplifting the people and improving their lifestyles being commissioned and handed over this season as a token of love”, he asked.

Commending organisations and individuals who usually reach out to the underprivileged during St Valentine Day every February 14, Ambassador Ajadi urged them not to relent, as they were fulfilling a great role in society for which they would be rewarded at due time.

“You will agree with me that, if we can imbibe this style of celebration, it will help us to achieve a lot improving the lives of our people, and making the society generally safer.

“It is something that any representative who truly loves his constituency should think about, execute a life impactful project, borne out of genuine love for your constituency that you can deliver during the season of February 14”.

Bemoaning the increasing hardship in the country, he urged Nigerians not to allow them to stop being one another’s keeper.

Ajadi who recently celebrated his marriage anniversary also challenged couples to use Valentina day celebration to renew their relationship.

According to him, families have a lot of roles to play in society even as healthy families will translate to healthy societies and vice versa.

“My admonition to couples is to use this February 14 Valentine’s Day to profess their love afresh to their partners.

“They should remember that they owe each other genuine affection and love, which will also show on their children.

“Let the love professed by St. Valentine on February 14 be seen in their actions towards one another.

“Let couples be there for each come rain, come shine and our society will be better again “.

Bemoaning the rampant cases of ritual killing, kidnapping and murders, he described them also as symptoms of a lack of genuine love in the society

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NIHOTOUR and NUC Forge Groundbreaking Partnership to Elevate Tourism & Hospitality Education in Nigeria

Published

4 weeks ago

February 14, 2025

Sahara Weekly

NIHOTOUR and NUC Forge Groundbreaking Partnership to Elevate Tourism & Hospitality Education in Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – [14-02-2025] – The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) have taken a bold step toward revolutionising tourism and hospitality education in Nigeria. In a high-level meeting between Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, FIMC, Director-General/CEO of NIHOTOUR, and the Executive Secretary of NUC, both institutions agreed to strategic collaborations that will align university programs with global industry standards.

The Executive Secretary of NUC strongly supported the initiative, emphasizing the need for standardized training, certification, and industry relevance in Nigeria’s growing tourism sector.

Key Areas of Collaboration:

1. Accreditation & Curriculum Development—NIHOTOUR and NUC will collaborate to integrate industry-relevant training standards into university hospitality and tourism programs. A National Benchmark for Hospitality and Tourism Studies will also be developed to align with global best practices.

2. Certification & Licensing of University Graduates – Graduates of tourism and hospitality-related courses will be required to obtain NIHOTOUR’s professional certification before being fully recognized in the industry. A joint certification pathway will be created, allowing university students to earn both an academic degree (NUC-accredited) and an industry-recognized certification (NIHOTOUR).

3. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) & Faculty Training – NIHOTOUR will provide specialised training for lecturers in tourism and hospitality programs, ensuring they are equipped with modern teaching methodologies and industry knowledge.

4. Research & Innovation in Hospitality & Tourism – The collaboration will support joint research projects, conferences, and publications aimed at improving tourism education, skills development, and policy implementation. The NIHOTOUR–NUC Research Grants will fund workforce development, sustainability, and digital transformation studies.

5. Strengthening University-Industry Linkages—Internship and apprenticeship programs will be introduced, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in NIHOTOUR-certified establishments. An industry mentorship program will also be developed to connect students and faculty with seasoned tourism and hospitality professionals.

6. Policy Advocacy & Regulation – NIHOTOUR and NUC will streamline national hospitality and tourism education policies, ensuring compliance with NIHOTOUR’s regulatory mandate. A joint task force will monitor and evaluate education standards across Nigerian universities.

7. Creation of a Tourism & Hospitality Academy University – Both institutions will explore the establishment of a Tourism & Hospitality Academy University to set new benchmarks for excellence in tourism and hospitality education in Nigeria.

Speaking after the meeting, Dr. Abisoye Fagade reaffirmed NIHOTOUR’s commitment to raising the standards of tourism and hospitality training in Nigeria.

“This collaboration with NUC marks a turning point in how we prepare the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals. By integrating NIHOTOUR’s industry expertise with university education, we will ensure our graduates are globally competitive, industry-ready, and equipped to drive Nigeria’s tourism sector to greater heights,” he said.

The collaboration between NIHOTOUR and NUC signals a new era for tourism and hospitality education in Nigeria, laying a solid foundation for skills development, innovation, and sustainable industry growth.