By Eric Elezuo

In less than one week, the 109 members of Nigeria’s upper chamber, the Senate, will assemble to elect one of their own as their president, to supervise the activities of not just the 10th Senate, but the 10th National Assembly (NASS) comprising the senate and the House of Representatives.

Presently, tempers are high as regards who is fit to bear the toga of Senate President even as the the camp of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are in disarray over zoning.

With the inauguration of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidency, it was believed that the stage will be set for a smooth transition from the ninth to the 10th Senate, but that is not to be.

Prior to the present, the Tinubu administration had anointed certain members of the party to take the leadership of the National Assembly, especially party members to follow suit, while cajoling members of the opposition to also toe their line. However, the choices of the party have not resonated perfectly with other members, who are nursing the interest to grab the plum position. While the party chose former Akwa Ibom State governor, and former Minister of the Niger Delta, Chief Godswill Akpabio as it’s preferred candidate for the presidency,  other interested parties are not having any of it, thereby creating a huge dissension in the party.

The likes of former Abia State governor, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, former Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari and Osira Izunaso, all ranking members of the senate, are also interested in the position, and seem not to agree in the supremacy of the party in this regard.

The APC has, in its wisdom zoned the presidency to the Christian South considering the both the president and the vice president are Muslims. While the president is from southwest, the Vice president is from the northeast. Consequently, the northwest, represented by Mr Yari, and believing they have a greater stake for giving Tinubu a larger number of votes, should be considered above all others. The southeast block, which Uzor Kalu claim to represent, are asking for equity, saying the Igbo deserve the third highest ranking position in the country. Izunaso is also from the southeast.

But with mounting opposition to the anointing of Akpabio, report says that Tinubu may have revoked his support for the former Niger Delta Minister. This is following the protests of senate whip, Uzor Orji Kalu, and Abdulaziz Yari.

Kalu and Yari have said they are still in the race for senate president, with the former governor of Abia hinting at an alliance with the former.

Again, the APC National chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, had also admitted that the leadership of the party had not consulted widely concerning the issue.

The chairman said the party was reviewing the nominations to see if the decision could be reversed.

“We must as democrats open up. We will go back to the drawing board. We owe our party that duty to take a look whether what was done can be changed; what was done needs some changes or reviews,” Adamu said.

The chairman’s stand spoke volumes of the fact that party leadership was divided over the nominations, giving a clear indication that every interested candidate may be on his own as the election day draws nearer. A source told TheCable however, that a meeting of the party’s leadership has been fixed for Thursday to find a solution to the impasse.

But whichever way the election goes next week, one of these four men will most likely head the 10th National Assembly

GODSWILL OBOT AKPABIO

Formerly a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he served as two terms governor of Akwa Ibom State between 2007 and 2015, Akpabio was born on December 9, 1962. Originally trained as a lawyer, he was elected into the senate after his tenure as governor, and rose to become the minority leader. He later served as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs after defectingvto the APC in 2018, from 2019 to May 2022 when he resigned to contest the ticket of his party for the 2023 presidential election. He however stepped down for the eventual winner, Bola Tinubu, on the day of the primary election. 

Akpabio was revered as the uncommon governor while his days lasted in Akwa Ibom for some of the gigantic strides he took in his administration.

However, Akpabio is bedeviled with a corruption baggage, which is not sitting well with members of his party. Much as he was originally anointed as the party’s choice, oppositions are trailing his candidacy. It is on record that Akpabio did not contest the ticket of his party for the Senatorial election as he was contesting the presidency

ORJI UZOR KALU

Also a former two terms governor, Kalu governed Abia State between 1999 and 2007 under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was elected into the senate on the platform of the Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA), a party he formed. Presently,  he is the House Chip Whip while representing Abia Nortg Senatorial District.

Aside being a politician, Kalu, who was born on April 21, 1960, is also a businessman, who owns SLOK Holding, the Daily Sun and New Telegraph newspapers.

Like most politicians, Kalu also has corruption baggage, and was convicted by the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court in December 2019 and sentenced to 12 years in prison for N7.65 billion fraud. He was convicted for defrauding the government of Abia State using his company, Slok Nigeria Limited.

In May 2020, the Supreme Court of Nigeria ruled that his trial was wrongly conducted and released him from prison while ordering a retrial. The retrial is yet to hold.

ABDULAZIZ YARI

Probably the youngest of the quad at 55, Yari served as governor of Zamfara State from 2011 to 2019. He was first elected on the platform of the the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) before becoming amber of APC following a merger. Yari is among the school of thought that believes the northwest deserves the senate presidency, and him the right candidate even as he is assuming Senatorial duties for the first time.

Zamfara, the state he governed for eight remains the one of the poorest states in Nigeria.

OSITA IZUNASO

Representing Imo West Senatorial district, Izunaso prides himself as the most experienced and highest ranked of all South South and Southeast senators.

He believes he has a robust and outstanding legislative and National Assembly experience spanning from 1992 when he served as the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of House of Representatives to 1999 when he was appointed as the Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate. He is the only one among the four, who has not held executive powers, but has consistently remained in the legislative corridors as a lawmaker.

Izunaso once survived a recall by his constituency in 2009, and ever since, has remained in the legislative Chambers.

By Eric Elezuo

The morning of Sunday, June 6, 2021 was particularly shattering for many adherents of the Christian faith, especially those of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN). The overseer of the congregation, Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, had passed away the night before, June 5, 2021 shortly after presiding over a meeting with Emmanuel TV Partners.

The message that heralded the unbelievable occurrence read:

“Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” – Amos 3:7

“On Saturday 5th June 2021, Prophet TB Joshua spoke during the Emmanuel TV Partners Meeting: “Time for everything – time to come here for prayer and time to return home after the service.”

“God has taken His servant Prophet TB Joshua home – as it should be by divine will. His last moments on earth were spent in the service of God. This is what he was born for, lived for and died for.

“As Prophet TB Joshua says, “The greatest way to use life is to spend it on something that will outlive it”.

“Prophet TB Joshua leaves a legacy of service and sacrifice to God’s Kingdom that is living for generations yet unborn.

“The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations and Emmanuel TV Family appreciate your love, prayers and concern at this time and request a time of privacy for the family.

Here are Prophet TB Joshua’s last words: “Watch and pray.”

“One life for Christ is all we have; one life for Christ is so dear.

The peace of the world was temporarily interrupted as it got ready for a glorious Sunday service. Prophet TB Joshua, the ebullient TV Evangelist, who carved a niche for himself in every area of life including, and especially giving, has died, and just one week to his 58th birthday.

If ever there was a man, other than Jesus Christ, who attracted so much controversy in the course of performing his duties across board, that man is Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, popularly known by all and sundry as TB Joshua. He was a man, who waded through popular dislikes, even among members of same profession to become a champion in propagating the Word of God. Among his superlatives was hosting congregants from over 50 nations of the world in a mega crusade in Jesus’ native home, Nazareth, in June 2019

Incidentally born on one of Nigeria’s most important dates, June 12, (1963), TB Joshua was a combination of so many talents ranging from shepherding flocks as a pastor, a prolific televangelist, a die-hard philanthropist and above all, an unrepentant lover of God. He was the leader and founder of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN), a Christian organisation, which he nurtured from scratch to becoming a force to reckon with among religious organisations the world over. The ministry runs the Emmanuel TV television station from Lagos, and is transmitted globally.

For a man whose birth was foretold 100 years earlier, spent extra six months in his mother’s womb as well as escaped death when a quarry explosion near his house sent rocks through its roof just seven days after his birth, according to his official biography, it was obvious that TB Joshua was destined for greatness.

Prophet Joshua, who was known as “small pastor” because of his love for the Bible during his school days, attended St. Stephen’s Anglican Primary School in Arigidi Akoko, from 1971 to 1977. Though he wasn’t opportune to complete one year of secondary school education, he attended evening school, which he combined with casual jobs and teaching of bible lessons. Joshua was destined to work in the Lord’s vineyard, and that explains why his attempt to join the military was thwarted as result of a train breakdown.

It is difficult to believe that Prophet TB Joshua became as popular as he was before death cut his journey short on June 5, 2021 considering the avalanche of persecution he had to endure right from the onset of his ministerial calling. Most of these persecutions, unfortunately were from his colleagues in evangelism and ministration. They accused him of not being genuine, saying his style of ministration is suspicious and fake. It is also on record that most of his critics constantly visit his church discreetly for spiritual assistance. However, the man who was variously described as the ‘Oprah of evangelism’ continued to wax stronger in his God given calling. He was known across Africa, Europe, the Orients and Latin America and had an overwhelming social media presence; 3,500,000 fans on Facebook; over 1,000,000 YouTube subscribers and is the world’s most viewed Christian ministry on the platform before his passing.

TB’s church, simply referred to as The Synagogue, and headquartered at Ikotun, Lagos, Nigeria, has remained a Mecca/meeting point of some sort for as many that require one solution or another to life issues. In fact, testimonies abound of what God was using him to do in his life time. The church is said to attract more “weekly attendees than the combined number of visitors to Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.” Not only that, it also provides popular services which have resulted in an enormous boost for local businesses and hoteliers. He constantly helped Nigeria derive foreign revenue due to the influx of worshippers year in and year out. The church is practically “Nigeria’s biggest tourist attraction”. It is surprising to note therefore, that until his death, the ‘Man of God’ had only one branch of the church, located in Ghana.

Apart from ordinary people whose testimonies of healing and turnaround cannot be readily overemphasized, notable personalities cutting across celebrities, politicians, football stars among others found one form of succour or another after visiting the late Prophet.

Among celebrity visitations to The Synagogue were the wife of Ghanaian goal keeper, Richard Kingson, notable Ghanaian human rights lawyer, Kwabla Senanu, Ghanaian musician, Denise Williams, veteran Nigerian Nollywood Actress, Camilla Mberekpe, Jim Iyke, Kanu Nwankwo, Kenyan Olympic athlete, Mercy Cherono, Hamza Al-Mustapha among others. It was also known that politicians seeking public offices also make the place their home.

Many have said that Prophet Joshua was travelling shy, but he visited many places in his efforts to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and dished out philanthropic gestures. Among such places include Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Paraguay, London, Korea and others where he held powerful soul winning and vision impacting crusades.

His giving ability was legendary, and he was involved in extensive humanitarian projects worldwide, using The Synagogue. He was once said to have spent an estimated $20 million on charitable activities. His giving cuts across orphans, widows, elderly, physically challenged and destitute. There is also a rehabilitation programme for militants from Nigeria’s volatile Niger Delta region, repentant armed robbers and sex workers who came to the church for ‘deliverance’.

Humble to the core, he was known to join his team in most of the humanitarian journeys they undertook to less-privileged communities. Again, his June 12 birthday was celebrated by assisting less-privileged individuals in their societies by his large followers, every year.

TB Joshua and SCOAN contributed immensely to communities and individuals from within and outside Nigeria. In 2010 when the Haiti earthquake occurred, Joshua sent a team of medical personnel and humanitarian workers to the affected area, establishing a field hospital called ‘Clinique Emmanuel’.

Also in 2016, he provided over $500,000 worth of humanitarian aid to victims of earthquake in Ecuador. He additionally sent support to nations such as Philippines, India and Ghana in the wake of varying natural disasters. He was also a key supporter of sports, and is credited with discovering the duo of Sani Emmanuel and Ogenyi Onazi from his club, My Peoples FC.

He was at a time voted as among the most famous prophets. Joshua made prophesies that came to pass just as he said them. An isolated case was the Malaysian Airlines MH370 event in 2014.

Prophet Joshua’s exploits in ministration and care of the needy have not gone unnoticed. He received the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) by the Nigerian government in 2008 and was voted the Yoruba man of the decade by Pan-Yoruba media outlet, Irohin-Odua. He had been called one of Africa’s 50 most influential people by Pan-African magazines, The Africa Report and New African Magazine.

Forbes, in 2011, reported that Prophet Joshua was Nigeria’s third-richest pastor, although the church denied the claim.

Prophet Joshua was married to Evelyn Joshua, and they are blessed with three children among whom are Serah and Promise. A prophetess, Evelyn is today the general overseer of SCOAN, stepping into the big shoes left by the Prophet.

While many saw him as controversial, the Prophet continued to wax stronger in the service of God and humanity. It’s two years since his death, yet his legacies remained evergreen. Even in death, his name continues to draw followers and philanthropic

May his soul continue to enjoy eternal!

By Eric Elezuo

Dele Momodu, without an iota of doubt stands tall among those who have been diligent in businesses, and it is therefore, no surprise that he has stood, and is still standing not just before kings but with kings. The celebration of his 63 years birthday was another clear instance to prove how outstanding, connected and downrightly influential Aare Dele Momodu is.

Celebrated in his modest London home, Momodu’s 63 years birthday proved to be another melting point for the who is who in the society to further reach out to the man, many have christened Mr Principles. Both online and in person, the cream de la cream of the society ensured that the classic writer had the best of days.

At his home in London, the small crowd of well wishers witnessed a cameo appearance that will remain indelible in their minds. That was the unexpected visit of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the just concluded Presidential Election, Mr. Peter Obi. Obi’s presence proved Momodu’s continuous sermon of politics without bitterness. Others in attendance were Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, Mr. Yemi Edun, Fintech specialist, Dozy Mmobuosi, Princes Adedamola and Adeyemi Aderemi, Chairman Dan Ngerem and wife, and many others.

Born Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu on May 16, 1960, some 63 years ago, Chief Dele Momodu as he is known in the business circle, and Bob Dee, in the social stage, is by every standard a man who is diligent in his business. And it is no wonder that he has not only stood before kings, he had and continues to dine with kings. There is practically no influential person that Dele Momodu does not know across the length and breadth of Nigeria, Africa and on the inter-continental stage. He is that large!

Most men who had gone far in life are products of instructions well taken, and among such rare breeds is the man who has grown in leaps and bounds to become Chairman/CEO of Ovation Media Group, and creating a tripod publication namely Ovation International, a magazine that has given publicity to people from all over the world, and reflected the true of Africa; Ovation TV and The Boss Newspaper online, which he officially launched in 2015.

By every standard a rare breed, Momodu is many things in one; journalist/publisher, businessman, philanthropist, actor, politician and motivational speaker. Among all these he considers himself simply as a reporter, and even with a retinue of seasoned staff still ventures into the field to scoop exclusives. Those who have referred to him as a workaholic are not far from the truth. Even he, himself has an oft quoted line thus “those who come from poor background cannot afford to sleep too much”.

A beacon of the Momodu family, Dele, the last of three siblings, was ‘privileged’ to lose his father at the age of 13, and was therefore sentenced to the complete tutelage of his mother, and sometimes relatives. His mother became practically his mentor, teacher  and soulmate until she passed away on May 18, 2007, two days after Dele’s 47th birthday. According to him, one of the many morals his mother, who he revered next to God, taught him, is never to despair even when times are tough. Even in her near poverty state, Dele maintained that ‘she didn’t give up on me.’

The accomplished journalist, whose first name was derived from Ayobamidele, meaning “my joy has followed me home”, is a proud 1982 graduate of the University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) where he obtained a degree in Yoruba Language, and followed it up in 1988 with a master’s degree in English Literature.

He kicked off his professional career as a lecturer at the Oyo State College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife, between 1982 and 1983 while serving as a corps member. He went on to become the private secretary to the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo, a position he held from 1983 till 1985. In 1986, he was elevated to serve the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, managing his Motel Royal Limited.

A genuine seeker of academic knowledge, Momodu resigned soonest and pursued a post-graduate degree in English Literature. It was during this time that his multi-tasking ability was brought to the fore as started contributing articles to popular brands likes The Guardian, Sunday Tribune and others.

Better known as Bob Dee among friends and colleagues, Momodu is not a stranger to awards and honours as he has received hundreds for his work in the world of business, politics, literature, the music industry as well as the fashion industry. On July 30, 2016, Dele was awarded with an honorary doctorate degree (PhD) from the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana, earning him the title “Doctor of Humane Letters”.

A fiery and fearless writer, Dele has for years been writing a weekly column, Pendulum, published every Saturday on the back page of Thisday newspaper, which he piloted as the founding editor, and TheBoss Newspaper. The articles have been compiled into two volumes of a must read books titled ‘Pendulum: The Writings of Dele Momodu’, and was launched in July 2018.

Momodu’s articles are noted for highlighting issues in Nigeria, as well as ‘discussing popular topics, current events and famous people, often in a polemic style’. He has used this means to bring about fundamental changes in national and world politics. His down to earth analysis in his write-ups has made it possible for him to remain neutral and factual at all times, thereby keeping no enemies. He gave Buhari his support through Pendulum and renounced his support through the same means when he realised the President has failed in steering the country to greatness as earlier envisaged.

In May 1988, Momodu started his journalism journey when he was employed as Staff Writer with African Concord magazine, owned by late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. he did not just blend with the job, he blended with Chief Abiola, who became the epicentre of his new life philosophy. He highly highlighted this era when he celebrated his ’30 years of living and working in Lagos in 2018. The two part volumes were published in The Boss Newspapers.

A year later, he was transferred to Weekend Concord as a pioneer staff. He wrote the first cover story for the paper in March 1989. He also contributed to other publications such as the National Concord, Sunday Concord, Business Concord and the Yoruba newspaper Isokan. In May 1989, he became Literary Editor, and within six months, he became News Editor of the Weekend Concord. His rise was meteoritic. He held a promise of a class beater, and didn’t disappoint.

Among the many firsts Momodu later came to be known with is becoming the highest paid editor in Nigeria when between May 1990 and September 1991, he edited May Ellen Ezekiel’s celebrity magazine, Classique.

On resigning from Classique, he ventured into business, becoming Wonderloaf distributor, owned by his mentor, Chief Moshood Abiola. Afterwards, he started a public relations outfit, Celebrities-Goodwill Limited, which managed the accounts of Chief Moshood Abiola, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Mr. Hakeem Bello-Osagie and other distinguished Nigerians. Dele started from the beginning to snudge close to the best of citizens. It wasn’t therefore a surprise that even at his 30th birthday, the guest list was eye popping, and has kept improving ever since.

In 1993, Momodu came face to face with politics and its intrigues when he joined the Moshood Abiola Presidential Campaign Organization. After much efforts, Presidential election held on June 12, 1993 was annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida. There and then, he witnessed barefaced political persecution, enjoying the first bitter taste of a junta regime and its jackboot.

Much as he was severely punished by the reigning dictatorship for his pro-democratic views, he remained undeterred. He was to be arrested again in 1995 and charged with treason by the government of Sani Abacha. Momodu was accused of being one of the brains behind the pirate radio station, Radio Freedom (later Radio Kudirat), after the cold-blooded murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola. Momodu managed to escape disguised as a farmer through the Seme border into Cotonou, in Benin Republic, from where he fled to Togo, Ghana and eventually to the United Kingdom. For three agonising years, he could not re-enter his homeland, Nigeria. This is one story he has told repeatedly.

In 2011, Momodu ventured deeper into the murky waters of politics when he contested for the presidency. The graphic details of that era of his life is captured in the book ‘Fighting Lions’ by Ohimai Amaize.

Again, in 2022, Momodu reentered politics, joining the Peoples Democratic Party, and declaring intention to become contest for the office of the president. Having lost to the eventual winner of the primary election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Momodu, in the spirit of camaraderie, joined the candidate to campaign for the presidency as the Director of Communication and Strategy.

BIRTH OF WORLD FAMOUS OVATION

But like they say, challenges are the hurdles to greatness, Dele took the best advantage of those agonizing periods in the wilderness and conceived the Ovation International project that was to turn the face of entertainment and celebrity writing, and make him a praise upon the face of the earth.

Ovation was established in 1996 while in exile. Since then, he has expanded the brand, and it is now one of Africa’s most popular celebrity magazines. It is also reputed to be the only bi-lingual magazine in Africa, having editions printed in both English and French.

During the Ovation Carol of 2018, Momodu took time to emotionally honour those who helped his cause during the dark days, leading to the making of Ovation. He identified the super heroes as Mr. Fatoye, whom he said stirred the desire in him to set up the brand, and Chief Alex Duduyemi who released 10, 000 Pounds to begin the project.

Apart fro the wave Ovation is making across the world, Dele has held an annual event every year since 2008 known as the Ovation Red Carol (later changed to Ovation Carol and Awards), except in 2010, due to the 2011 presidential election which he was a candidate. The Carol, with the theme, ‘It’s All About Hope’, is held every December, and has become one of West Africa’s most popular annual Christmas events, involving musical performances, award presentations for varying charitable causes among others. From 2008-2012, it was held in Lagos, Nigeria, but was held in Accra, Ghana, in December 2013.

In 2013, former president of Ghana J. J. Rawlings attended, with Wyclef Jean as the headline act, along with many other international performers, including M.I, Ice Prince and Burna Boy from Nigeria. In 2015, the popularity the event had gained prompted the hosting of two shows for the first time – one in Lagos, Nigeria and the other in Accra, with Nigerian performer Wizkid headlining both events, as well as American singer Evelyn “Champagne” King for the Lagos show. As at date, there is hardly any musician of repute in Nigeria that has not been featured.

A magnanimous  and forgiven leader, he took in quick strides the campaign of calumny launched against him by David Adeleke, also known as Davido, when he stood to defend his cousin, Sophie Momodu, who had a baby for Davido and was being badly treated. With open arms, he took back the singer, remembering not the abuses he unleashed against him through the pages of the newspaper and music. In fact, Dele is known to even sing the same song that people think derides him. Consequently, against all odds, he initiated and spearheaded a great reconciliation moves that saw him bringing Davido on stage of Ovation Carol 2017 to perform. That singular act created an enigma out of the world’s own Bob Dee.

With offices in Ghana, Nigeria and England, Momodu has a workforce of over 200 persons; the same he pays regularly unlike many media owners.

He is an avid traveler of great repute, and has traversed the length and breadth of the globe, making friends with the who is who in today’s world politics, entertainment as well as business. There is hardly a country in the world Dele Momodu has not visited.

Momodu added another feather to his cap of glory when he was made the Aare Agbelugba of Yorubaland by a first class king, His Royal Highness, The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi Telu I in Iwo town. Among his many accolades is the singular honour of being a Fellow of Oxford University.

HIS BEAUTIFUL FAMILY

On December 19, 1992, Dele married his sweetheart, Mobolaji Abiodun Momodu, who he adores and honours. He lavishly hosted her to a 50th birthday celebration in December 2017, and they are blessed with four children: Pekan (1994), Yole (1996), Eniafe (1997) and Korewa (2004). Today, the four boys are becoming a force to reckon with in their chosen fields.

The world couldn’t ask for a better media mogul even as pages and ink won’t be enough to celebrate Bashorun Dele Momodu at 63.

Congratulations sir!