society
TB JOSHUA, A PHENOMENA IN THE MYSTERY OF UNIVERSE BY DARE ADEJUMO
TB JOSHUA, A PHENOMENA IN THE MYSTERY OF UNIVERSE
BY DARE ADEJUMO
There is something quite extraordinary and intriguing about TEMITOPE BALOGUN JOSHUA the Prophet!
Most people spent around nine months in their mothers’ wombs before they were born but TBJOSHUA’S case was different. He stayed in the womb to spend double periods, eighteen solid months!
Born on June 12, 1963 in a rustic village to peasant parents reminiscence of the biblical birth in the manger of our Lord Jesus Christ, TEMITOPE was obviously an unusual child.
Mysteriously, a few days after his birth, a fiercely errant heavy boulder from the nearby rock pierced the roof of the house, just at the exact center of where he was laid on the mat smashing everything around him but the little baby boy TEMITOPE was miraculously protected and unhurt to the amazement of everyone around!
TBJoshua was a big puzzle, an enigma abinitio. As a child he was a precocious one. The little TEMITOPE stood out in character, understanding, knowledge with a propulsive bold faculty that used to transmogrify the elders. In life, what people do not know they call names and what they know but cannot explain no matter how real it is, they deride because of their impure hearts!
He grew up facing the vicissitudes of life without losing focus of his assignment on earth as he grew up more in grace, wisdom and power till when the time came for him to announce his apostolicism.
The Bible had more or less become a moonlight tales in several quarters when TBJOSHUA emerged. Christianity and church going had become a camouflage as worshipping had degenerated to mere ceremonies without power. TBJoshua, the game changer invigorated and rejuvenated the ruggedness of the early church, the real Christianity that was in abeyance!
That was the beginning of his ordeals with modern Pharisees and saduces!
Persecuted in life and death, TBJOSHUA was the most abused prophet of our time. He was under the siege of concocted lies yet he never lost focus. The radiance of his legacy, the glorious works of God for which he was born and died for continue to blossom beyond human imagination and to the chagrin of his traducers.
He was the golden tree planted by the river that brought forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf could not wither and whatever he laid his hand on prospered.
“I cannot but do the work of my Master Jesus Christ. Jesus loves sinners but he hates sins and his mission was to redeem the world and bring sinners into repentance in order for them to be attuned with God. Why should I discriminate against those people you people like Pharisees all regard as sinners by their appearance, dressing or lifestyles from coming to me? Jesus is interested in them to have an encounter with Him” he once stated when some people were wondering of his open arms to all that came to him.
“Many of your big people cannot come here because of the evil powers they worship or what they carry inside their clothes because the power of God would expose and neutralise them the moment they step here”, he also once commented.
TBJOSHUA was a man who walked not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the path of sinners, nor sat in the seat of the scornful; but his delight was in the law of the Lord in which he medicated day and night. This was very palpable and apparent in his life.
Corollarily, he introduced faith bracelets for use by SCOAN’S members for the purpose of making them imbibe in the culture of true meditation on the Words of God as he often told us: “‘the greatest achievement you can have in life is the ability to hear from God”.
TBJOSHUA was the prophet of the prophets. He had no time for frivolity and wonton desires. Can you ever imagine or believe that TBJOSHUA did not have a personal house outside the church where he lived or the open prayer mountain where he spent most of his time on knees? He lived the Word, taught the Word and preached the Word with power. He was the chip of the apostolic old block holding tenaciously to the old rugged cross! Before he departed the world he issued out some prayers which he called timeless prayers that can never expire. Today whenever his voice is heard in the prayer it brings comotion into the kingdom of darkness with various manifestations of unclean spirits. With his “distance is not a barrier to power of God”, once you pray with him on Emmanuel television or merely touch the television screen while the prayer is going on, the power of God would touch you visibly. It’s amazing and unfathomable! God is awesome!
TBJoshua brought people closer to God. Through him people came to understand the God they worshipped and not an imaginary being you just worship for worship sake in the common meretricious bandwagonism!
The humblest human being you can ever come across, in him you would learn and see the greatness that lies in simplicity.
TBJOSHUA was a turning point not only in the development of the history of Christianity in the world but also as the loadstar in the illumination and advancement of the spiritual knowledge concerning the essence of humanity and mankind in Creation
TBJOSHUA was a bundle of love, the most generous human being without any discrimination I have ever come across. Your background, colour, religion or tribe was completely irrelevant to him. It’s difficult to offend him in any way. The love in him, the grace of holiness in his focus and concern for you even in your foolishness would magnetize his sympathy and blessing. He did not have two eyes; the only one he had was the one that saw only what his Master, Jesus Christ wanted. There was no way anybody could meet TBJOSHUA and remain the same. In him was an oil of blessing incessantly flowing.
He was not an academic person, though he honoured and cherished learning. Here was a man with little or no education but his wisdom and prowess of intelligence would humble any man with a prodigy of learning. He was not given to verbosity but his lucid short conversation with you would expose the inadequacy of the chains of your degrees.
TBJOSHUA was unimaginably very deep! He was the only pastor or prophet who would hold crusades in different countries without collecting offerings or taxing the crusade organizers for any monetary support. Instead he would be the one to carry out additional stupendous charity works and donations for such countries.
At home or abroad, he never for once printed any envelopes for donation of any kind for church works. “No, have you ever seen me printing envelopes asking for donations? No I won’t do that because whenever God truly sends you on a mission, He would always put in the hearts of those who would support the mission” he once decried the situation in Cameroon where there was a massive advert for donations towards establishing a branch of Synagogue Church in Yaounde without his consent or knowledge.Your tithes, thanksgivings and offerings were meaningless to TBJOSHUA. He would tell you tersely: “go to your church where you worship, don’t bring it here because you received healings or miracles. God had already answered your prayers there before you came”. That was TBJoshua who was never happy with the reckless individualism in several Christian quarters, the disunity among the churches and servants of God that could have made them work together as a team for Jesus Christ. Even for his church members he would tell them: “take such monies to the sick, orphans and those in need. God would hear your prayers if you do that”. Material acquisition was completely meaningless to him.
He was never a burden to anyone but a carrier of other people’s burdens.
A workaholic and exemplary leader, whose good works touched the lives of millions of people across the globe,TBJOSHUA was a thorn in the flesh of religious shenanigans and charlatans, the agents of darkness, the spiritual highway robbers, masquerading as servants of God dishing out and feeding people with stone disguised as bread by their exposure through the reality of what was happening in the Synagogue Church of All Nations!
“A true prophet of God would not be asking questions before telling you the mind of God for you. He would not allow you to talk before addressing you. “Prophecy is a complete package. Once it’s from God, your bondage is automatically broken when delivered. Once I talk to you that’s all. Have you ever seen me prophesying to people and still asking them to go and do anything for their problems to solve? No, It’s like breathing. Just go and sin no more your past is over”, he said.
TBJoshua was the quintessential prophet of God. You cannot be a true follower of TBJoshua, listening and attending his teachings, following his footsteps and lifestyles and still put your hands in dirty or sinful things. The fear of TBJoshua from exposing your secret sins was the beginning of wisdom to worship in truth and spirit in SCOAN for those who were awake. I personally witnessed instances where he could just be walking and suddenly stop and say: “you, you (pointing at a person)stand up. You are a member of this church and you are still patronizing the witch doctor or babalawo! What’s this I am looking at inside your cupboard or a corner in the room of your house? Such infidels would collapse and confess immediately with faithless excuses and be crying for God’s forgiveness. You cannot hide from him because he would dissect you from the womb and things of centuries from your background to your amazement. Sometimes it could be on the television screen that he would see you and immediately ask you to be fetched out. You cannot escape from his spiritual antennae of capturing people with a sinful lifestyle once he sees you.
That’s the TBJOSHUA, the man of God in the Synagogue who would not compromise with evils. He was the light shining in darkness that people in darkness could not comprehend!
In the words of Williams Shakespeare, you came, you saw and you conquered! Your legacy of love, pure Christianity, service to humanity like a Colossus has continued to be-stride the entire world breaking and chartering all fetters and shackles of darkness veiling the human eyes.
Reclaiming Identity: Why Nigerians Must Know Their State Flags, Capitals, and Heritage
By George Omagbemi
Sylvester
In the intricate mosaic that is Nigeria, a federation of 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory, it is both ironic and alarming that many citizens are unaware of their own state’s flag, capital, or historical relevance. In a nation grappling with identity crises, ethnic disunity, and declining national consciousness, such ignorance is not merely a trivial gap in civic knowledge but a serious deficit that weakens our collective fabric.
This article argues, with 100% factual backing, that every Nigerian should know their state flag, its colors and symbolism, the capital city, and what their state is uniquely known for ie. economically, historically, and culturally. More so, it is time to elevate state flags to the same civic prominence as the Nigerian national flag. This is not merely a symbolic gesture, it is also a critical step toward nurturing inclusive patriotism, strengthening federal identity, and reviving cultural pride.
The Foundation of Identity: States as Building Blocks
Nigeria’s current federal structure, enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is built upon 36 constituent states, each with a unique cultural and economic identity. These states are not arbitrary divisions; they are legacies of historical evolution; from colonial provinces to regions and finally states. From Lagos to Borno, Bayelsa to Sokoto, each state carries a story of struggle, resilience, and distinction.
Knowing one’s state flag and capital should be the minimum requirement of citizenship. These are not mere symbols but they are repositories of history and pride. In the United States, individual state flags are displayed in government offices, classrooms and even private homes. In India, every state celebrates its own formation day with fanfare, highlighting local heroes, culture and achievements. Nigeria must follow suit if it hopes to rebuild patriotism from the grassroots up.
A Legacy of Leadership: Military and Civilian Administrations
Nigeria’s journey through governance, military and civilian has shaped the identity and development trajectory of each state. For instance, the creation of 12 states by General Yakubu Gowon in 1967 was a direct response to ethnic tensions and a strategic move to weaken Biafra’s secessionist agenda. Subsequent expansions under Murtala Mohammed (1976), Ibrahim Babangida (1987 and 1991), and General Sani Abacha (1996) brought the total to 36 states.
Each state has evolved through this complex political history, yet citizens remain uninformed of the very symbols that represent them. How can one claim state pride when they cannot identify their flag or describe the meaning of its colors?
Importance of State Flags: Colors and Meanings
Although Nigeria’s federal system permits states to create their own emblems and flags, public awareness and usage are dismally low. A few examples illustrate this deficit:
Lagos State Flag: Green, blue, and white. Green symbolizes agriculture, blue denotes the Atlantic Ocean, and white stands for peace. Lagosians should proudly display this flag alongside the Nigerian green-white-green.
Delta State Flag: Green, white, and blue.
Green – agriculture and the state’s rich vegetation.
White – peace and unity among the diverse ethnic groups.
Blue – the River Niger and the state’s vast water resources.
Delta State, known as the Big Heart of the Nation, is rich in oil and gas, cultural diversity, and resilient people. A flag reflecting these attributes deserves prominent display in public institutions to foster pride and unity.
Rivers State Flag: Blue, white, and green. Blue symbolizes the River Niger, white peace, and green for agriculture. Given its status as the oil capital of Nigeria, this identity should be celebrated more openly.
These flags were not arbitrarily designed—they reflect deep-seated realities and aspirations of each people. Yet, due to poor civic education and lack of emphasis by successive administrations, many Nigerians cannot recognize these flags, let alone interpret them.
A comprehensive list of state flags and their colors, though not officially standardized in all 36 states, must be curated and taught in schools. States without official flags must be encouraged to develop them, backed by legislative frameworks to ensure adoption and proper display.
Cultural and Economic Uniqueness: What States Are Known For
Each state in Nigeria has a comparative advantage and cultural uniqueness. For example:
Kaduna is a hub of military and educational institutions.
Enugu is known as the “Coal City,” rich in mining history.
Benue is Nigeria’s food basket, dominant in yam and fruit production.
Ogun is a cornerstone of industrial activity.
Osun is home to the sacred Osun-Osogbo Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cross River boasts of Obudu Cattle Ranch and Calabar Carnival.
Understanding these unique identities fosters internal tourism, regional development, and national cohesion. Citizens must be taught to appreciate their state’s economic potential and cultural wealth, not just as passive observers but as participants in its growth.
The Map and the Mind
Cartography is not merely a geographical exercise; it is a psychological one. The Nigerian map should be etched into every citizen’s consciousness. Every school should have a detailed political map of Nigeria highlighting all 36 states, capitals, and flags. Ministries, agencies, and local government offices should display both national and state flags as part of standard protocol. National pride must be decentralized.
Institutionalizing State Identity
To make this a reality, the following steps must be taken:
Compulsory Civic Education: Every primary and secondary school curriculum should include detailed instruction on state symbols, capitals, governors (past and present), cultural heritage, and economic potential.
Public Display Protocol: Just as the national flag is hoisted in schools and offices, state flags must be displayed prominently in all state institutions.
Flag Registration and Standardization: The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), should catalog all existing state flags and coordinate with state assemblies to design and ratify flags where absent.
National Day for State Celebrations: Like Nigeria’s Independence Day, each state should mark its creation day annually with parades, flag hoisting, cultural exhibitions, and public lectures on its identity and contribution to Nigeria.
Recognition in Diplomatic Missions: Nigerian embassies abroad should reflect all 36 states through visual displays, promoting investment, tourism, and diaspora engagement.
Reclaiming Nigeria from the Bottom Up
We often bemoan the disunity and lack of patriotism in Nigeria, yet overlook the fact that national unity is not built from the top, it is built from the states upward. A man proud of his hometown is more likely to be proud of his nation. A woman who understands her state’s history is more likely to value the nation’s struggles.
When citizens see both their state flag and the national flag waving in unison, they are reminded of the federal promise: unity in diversity.
Final Thoughts
A country that does not know itself cannot lead itself. It is time for Nigerians to stop reciting only the green-white-green and begin embracing the colors of their roots. We must teach our children not only who the president is, but who their first governor was. Not only where Abuja is, but where their ancestral hometown lies on the map. Not only what Nigeria is, but what their own state stands for.
Let us raise the flags of our states, not in competition with the Nigerian flag, but in harmonious complement. In those colors, shapes, and symbols lie the future of our unity, the power of our diversity, and the soul of our federation.
society
Royal Legacy, Diaspora Loyalty: Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa and the Vision of Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR
Royal Legacy, Diaspora Loyalty: Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa and the Vision of Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | South Africa
In an era where many traditional institutions grapple with relevance and impact, the Warri Kingdom stands tall under the progressive and visionary leadership of His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR. Since ascending the ancient throne of his forefathers, the 21st Olu of Warri has not only reinvigorated the Itsekiri nation but has also awakened a new consciousness within the diaspora—a sense of purpose, unity, and service.
This wave of renaissance has reached the shores of South Africa, where the Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa Chapter has emerged as a beacon of hope and development under the tireless leadership of Mr. Eyitemi Jakpa, the esteemed Olaga. More than just a diaspora group, this chapter exemplifies the deep connection between homeland and diaspora, inspired by the Olu’s clarion call for collective responsibility and cultural rejuvenation.
Royal Inspiration, Diaspora Mobilization
Since Ogiame Atuwatse III’s coronation in August 2021, the Warri Kingdom has witnessed a rebirth—not just within its traditional domain, but globally. His Majesty’s reign is rooted in compassion, service, and futuristic thinking. His message has been clear: the Itsekiri nation must rise as a people grounded in culture, driven by education, and united by purpose.
The Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa Chapter has answered this call with unwavering dedication. No longer content with just being observers, they have become active participants in shaping the destiny of their homeland. Their most notable contribution so far is in one of the most basic yet essential areas of life—access to clean water.
Lifelines from Afar: The Jack Pump Projects
In many rural communities, clean water is still a dream deferred. But for the people of Ugbuwangwe, Ode-Itsekiri, and Okotomu, that dream is becoming a reality thanks to the intervention of Ugbajo Itsekiri SA.
The chapter has successfully funded and installed three Jack Pumps:
Ugbuwangwe Community Water Pump Project (2024)
Ode-Itsekiri Community Water Pump Project (2024)
Okotomu Community Water Pump Project (ongoing, 2025)
These water projects do more than quench thirst—they uplift lives. Women and children no longer have to trek long distances to fetch water. The risk of waterborne diseases has drastically decreased. The impact is not just physical, but psychological. These communities now enjoy improved health, hygiene, and a renewed sense of dignity.
Indeed, these Jack Pumps are not just mechanical installations—they are monuments of love, symbols of global Itsekiri solidarity, and a tribute to the royal vision that prioritizes the welfare of all Itsekiri people, whether at home or abroad.
Cultural Fidelity: Celebrating the Monarchy Abroad
The strength of a people lies not just in development but in the preservation of their identity. Ugbajo Itsekiri SA has remained true to this ideal, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to the Warri throne. The chapter has been visibly present at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd anniversaries of the reign of His Imperial Majesty during the Uge-Oyo Ekoro ceremonies held in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
These cultural pilgrimages to Warri are not mere formalities—they are spiritual homecomings. They are opportunities to reconnect with ancestral values, reaffirm loyalty to the Olu, and showcase to the world that no matter the distance, the bond between Itsekiris and their King remains unbroken.
Education as Empowerment: Lifting the Next Generation
Beyond physical development and cultural engagement, Ugbajo Itsekiri SA has also invested in the most powerful tool of transformation: education. In a deeply thoughtful initiative, the chapter donated 500 notebooks to students across three Itsekiri primary schools:
Orugbo Primary School
Agbeje Primary School
Ginuwa Primary School
This gesture may appear small to some, but to these children, it is an empowering gift—a passport to knowledge, a step toward a better future. It affirms the Olu’s belief that no Itsekiri child should be denied the tools needed to succeed in life. Education, under this royal philosophy, is not a privilege but a right.
The Royal Mandate: Development with Dignity
It is important to stress that none of these achievements occurred in isolation. They are the direct consequence of a royal philosophy that merges tradition with modernity. Ogiame Atuwatse III has redefined kingship, transforming it from ceremonial leadership into developmental statesmanship. He has made it clear that tradition must evolve to serve people better.
The Olu’s tireless efforts in promoting gender equity, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and global diplomacy have inspired Itsekiris worldwide to rise to the occasion. Under his reign, being a member of the Itsekiri nation is not just a matter of birth—it is a call to action.
A Call to Other Diaspora Chapters
The Ugbajo Itsekiri South Africa Chapter stands as a model of what is possible when the diaspora is mobilized for good. Their accomplishments should serve as a rallying call to other Itsekiri associations across Europe, America, Asia, and beyond. The Olu has created the vision; it is now up to every loyal subject to run with it.
There are roads to build, hospitals to equip, schools to support, and dreams to fulfill. In the words of the Olu, “If we do not build our nation, who will?” It is a question that echoes not only through the creeks of Delta State but also through the bustling cities of Johannesburg, London, Houston, and Tokyo.
Spiritual Monarch: The Sacred Names of Ogiame
His Majesty is not just a king in the political sense; he is also a deeply spiritual figure. The Olu of Warri holds sacred titles passed down through generations, each steeped in cultural, ancestral, and divine meaning. Among the many revered names by which he is known are:
Ogbowuru
Afọmasi
Afọtsẹ
Ọba N’Ame
Afọwẹrẹ tse wẹrẹ
Ugbobrikiti
Jẹnẹkpo Ọsọndada
Iyẹmẹriko Ogbe
Ẹkpẹnmuodidi
Ẹkunkpregedeọsọn
Ọba Omì u
Ọba oke
Ọba Ọluranran
Olaja ni Ojo
These titles are not mere honorifics—they are living expressions of the king’s spiritual mandate, his divine guardianship over the land and people, and his connection to the supernatural. They reflect a sacred trust, a kingship that transcends politics and touches the very soul of the Itsekiri nation.
Conclusion: Royalty, Responsibility, and Renaissance
The story of Ugbajo Itsekiri SA is more than a story of charity—it is a story of identity, purpose, and destiny. It is a story that affirms the enduring relevance of traditional leadership when it aligns with modern development goals.
Under the divine and distinguished reign of His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR, the Itsekiri people are writing a new chapter—one defined by unity, excellence, and global relevance. The King has set the tone; the diaspora is playing the music.
Together, they are dancing to a future that is bright, noble, and worthy of their proud heritage.
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