News

OPINION: Something Is Damn Wrong With Damina!

Published

1 year ago

September 13, 2024

Tunde Odesola

Before my two kòrókòró eyes, I saw a flea metamorphosed into a lion. This is not fàbú, it’s true. I watched a bug grow into a beast, and I saw a small, toothy boy, whose jerry curls fluffed down his shoulders, dribbling his way to stardom. All of the flea, the bug, and the fluffy-haired boy spectacles unravelled on football pitches worldwide. I know because I’m a witness just like you.

Lionel Messi is the flea that grew into a lion. As a child footballer, his two older brothers called him La Pulgita aka Little Flea, and as he grew up, the nickname changed to La Pulga – The Flea, because of the way the football glued to his little feet.

The bug that turned into a beast is Christiano Ronaldo aka El Bicho, a Spanish nickname that means The Bug. Messi’s alter ego and defenders’ nightmare, CR7 was christened El Bicho by Spanish broadcaster, Manolo Lama, when he newly arrived at La Liga.

You know who the small, toothy lad is, don’t you? Well, he’s Ronaldo de Assis Moreira aka Ronaldinho Gaucho. The suffix, ‘inho’, was added to his name to distinguish him from the bigger Ronaldo in the Brazilian national team. And the name stuck.

Over time, the acorns of Messi, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho grew into oaks in the forest of a thousand players, distinguishing themselves with countless awards, trophies and soccer milestones, with Messi emerging as the Greatest of All Time.

In their idiom, the English say, ‘Good things come in small packages’. In their wisdom, the Yoruba warn, ‘Though the needle is small, it’s not food for the chicken’. The flea is small. The bug is small, too. So is ‘Inho’. But they’re all mighty in their smallness.

The flea doesn’t fly. Because it’s wingless. But it jumps. When the flea jumps on the scrotum, the wise call on wisdom – it’s better to suffer the sucking pain than to swat the flea on its perch, hit or miss, the scrotum will shriek in agony; cracked eggplants are useless, please, beware.

A confrontational chicken has landed on the swingy rope of Nigeria’s Christendom, neither the chicken nor the rope is at rest anymore. Christendom needs wisdom to unlock the proboscis of the flea from the flesh of its host. Otherwise, things will get messier, and the essence of the ongoing doctrinal interrogation among Nigerian Christian clerics will only burn in the crucible of hate. But this shouldn’t be the case. At the end of the doctrinal exchange, the message of Christ should be clearer for people to understand. That’s the only way the ongoing ‘war’ in the body of Christ won’t be futile.

One fake, childish and empty-barrel preacher in Edo State, Sule, who calls himself Man of God, describes controversial Uyo-based cleric, Abel Damina, as a short man. Were Damina a footballer, he probably would’ve ranked alongside Messi, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, with Sule cheering him on amid shouts of La Shortie!

I got to know Damina this year after he dropped nuclear missiles on prosperity gospel, a doctrine which has pauperised many Nigerian Christians, turning them into cash cows lactating on the altars of greedy clerics – akin to the sons of Eli – Hophni and Phineas – who hijacked the choicest meat sacrifices offered to the Lord at Shiloh. Priests of Israel, Hophni and Phineas, who conveyed God’s messages to His people, also had sex with the women who served in the Tabernacle just like many idolised Nigerian clerics do today.

In today’s Nigeria, church rats are no longer poor; they now wear designer clothes, shoes, and glasses, and sit cross-legged in front rows of the pews, along with big cats in government, who have looted more than enough for generations unborn, and are ready to remit their tithes so that blessings may abound. Also among the front-row occupiers are criminals such as murderers, oil thieves, Yahoo-Yahoo kingpins, rapists and election riggers – known to church leaders, whose mouths have been sealed by filthy lucre.

MORE FROM THE AUTHOR: OPINION: The Bile In Oshiomhole’s Heart

The hard-line posture struck by Dr Abel Damina against orthodoxy in Nigerian Christendom is not new. He has some silent Nigerian Christian revolutionaries, many of whom have gone before him while some are still practising. The audacity with which the Founder and President of Abel Damina Ministries International is tearing apart the curtains of Nigeria’s Holy of Holies is what is unsettling. Shortly, I’ll tell you why I love Damina to keep up the good job.

Talking about religious heretics, Marcion comes to mind. Marcion was an early Christian theologian and evangelist, who preached in Rome around 144 AD, expressing his belief in the benevolent God of the Gospel who sent Jesus Christ into the world as Savior – as opposed to the ‘malevolent Demiurge or creator God, identified with the Hebrew God of the Old Testament’, whom he rejected. But Damina identifies with both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

A silent revolutionary in Nigeria’s Christendom is a Baptist believer who goes by the simple title of Brother, not Archbishop, not Supreme Evangelist or Lord Bishop or Most Superior Evangelist or General Overseer. His name is Brother Gbile Akanni. Unlike Damina, Akanni is neither loud nor arrogant and has been preaching the gospel since the 1970s. He’s based in Gboko, Benue State.

Unlike many Nigerian celebrity clerics, Akanni’s modus operandi is Christlike. Like Jesus – his Lord and Savior – Akanni doesn’t demand tithes or offerings in his meetings. He runs a big school for children of missionaries and the underprivileged free of charge. Akanni, whose source of income comes from support from members of the public, who share his vision, doesn’t run a church. Akanni’s outreach is Peace House and he provides his indigent members with transport money.

Another uncommon preacher in Offa, Kwara State, Prof Duro Adegboye, left Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as the Dean, Faculty of Science, to embark on his missionary journey. His ministry, Gospel Unlimited, has mentored great Nigerian gospel leaders such as Panam Percy Paul. Dedicating his life solely to the service of God, octogenarian Adegboye doesn’t demand tithes or offerings in his programmes and he also caters to the welfare of his members.

The Head, of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus House, Huntsville, Alabama, USA, Pastor Peter Oyediran, is another selfless cleric, who uses personal funds and time to win souls for Christ.

MORE FROM THE AUTHOR: OPINION: Mike Ejeagha And The Power Of Music

In a telephone chat, a friend and newshound colleague-turned gospeller, Gbenga Osinaike, described Akanni and Adegboye as men of God with outstanding works that depart from prosperity gospel.

The Publisher of Church Times Nigeria, Osinaike, who disclosed to me some of the evangelical contributions of Akanni and Adegboye, agreed that Damina has a firm grip on some doctrinal issues but called for moderation in his approach.

For me, I think if there was a party to be cautioned in this imbroglio, it should first be the bandits in shepherds’ clothes who prey on the masses who visit their churches to pray. By the time the fox is chased away, it would be clear that the chicken had no reason for clucking so loudly if not for the intruding fox.

The truth is that Damina has made many Christians, religious scholars and non-Christians to study the Holy Bible more for clarification on many of his teachings, which initially sound implausible but upon further interrogation become plausible.

Before Damina, there was no public display of doctrinal teachings of the scriptures on the scale the bald preacher has elevated it, shedding light on canonical issues with profound understanding and pedagogic simplicity.

The doctrinal tussle on prosperity gospel, which Damina has smashed to smithereens, I’m sure, would have witnessed a reduction in tollgate taking, sorry, tithe taking in churches across the country.

I agree Damina is haughty, aggressive and sarcastic, vices not approved by Christ Jesus but the rot among Nigerian celebrity clerics is so repulsive that I’m in support of Damina if his approach will drum reason into the greedy ears of Nigeria’s big-name clerics, especially.

Nearly all the yeyebrity clerics preach the vindictive gospel of God, who is ready and willing to kill if the worshipper doesn’t part with tithes and offerings, making the discernible Christian think that mosques are run without neck-breaking financial contributions because the money mosques realise don’t go to feed the insatiable greed of Daddy and Mummy, along with that of their spoilt children, relatives, concubines and babalawo.

I dare say Damina needs a measure of audacity to face the principalities in high places in Nigerian churches. I believe he has plenty of it, though. When popular cleric, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, openly repented from his belief in tithe, nobody called him names because his renouncement was considered gentle and unobtrusive. But for Damina, who’s not Lagos-based, and not tied to the apron strings of any renowned godfather, his audacity was seen as arrogance even when young prosperity gospelers ‘flexed’ and called him names.

There has been no backlash within Nigerian Christendom against all the clerics bringing the gospel of Christ into disrepute but when Damina spoke against tithing and prosperity gospel, he became an enemy of the gospel. I love you, Damina. Carry go!

Email: tundeodes2003@yahoo.com

Facebook: @Tunde Odesola

X: @Tunde_Odesola

News

Step-by-step Guide On How To Register For 2026 UTME

Published

11 minutes ago

December 8, 2025

Editor

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released a detailed guide for candidates preparing to register for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

This is as the board outlines the required steps, important warnings, and common challenges encountered during profile code generation.

The update was published on the Board’s official X handle on Sunday.

In the announcement, JAMB emphasised that candidates must ensure all personal information—especially those linked to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)—are accurate before registration begins.

Profile Code Generation
“Ensure your details on NIMC and others, i.e., O’Level/A-Level results, are the same. Send: NIN (leave one space) your 11-digit NIN number to 55019 or 66019. For example, NIN 00000011111 to 55019/66019,” it stated.

JAMB further warned that once a profile code is generated, it cannot be changed, as the candidate’s biodata is automatically retrieved from NIMC’s database.

Here is the step-by-step registration procedure.
The Board outlined the following steps:

1. Visit an approved centre:

Candidates are to proceed to the nearest JAMB office or an accredited CBT centre to begin registration.

2. E-PIN vending:

Candidates should only purchase e-PINs from authorised channels such as banks, approved vendors, and recognised online platforms.

3. Use the correct template:

JAMB stressed: “Ensure that you are given the correct registration template to fill out.”

4. Final submission:

All applicants must cross-check and confirm every detail before final submission at the centre.

Important Tips for Candidates
JAMB also issued several precautionary guidelines:

1. Candidates should make all necessary corrections with NIMC early (name, date of birth, gender, state of origin) and confirm that the updates reflect on their NIMC portal.

2. GSM numbers and email addresses used for registration are unique identifiers—they must be functional, correct, and not shared.

3. Candidates experiencing biometric issues must visit the nearest JAMB office.

4. A dual-screen system must be used during registration so candidates can verify their photographs and biometric data in real time.

Common Challenges in Profile Code Generation, Solution

JAMB also addressed the most frequent errors students face:

1. “Record Not Found”

Solution: Visit the nearest NIMC office for validation.

2. “Wrong Parameter”

This means the message format was incorrect.

Solution: Resend using the correct format: NIN 00000011111.

3. “Your NIN has already been registered with GSM number…”

This indicates a previous profile code request.

Solution: Retrieve the SIM card originally used and resend the request.

4. “Unable to verify your NIN at the moment [NIMC: UNKNOWN]”

Solution: Wait and try again later.

The 2026 JAMB UTME form will be on sale from January to March 2026.

News

Why My Lineage Qualifies Me For Awujale Throne — K1 De-Ultimate

Published

17 minutes ago

December 8, 2025

Editor

Legendary Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De-Ultimate, has slammed critics questioning his lineage and his intention to become the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

K1 also said it was his right to take over the vacant stool while performing on stage at an event on Sunday.

During his performance, the popular musician invoked the spirit of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, to intercede in the controversial claim of his lineage.

According to him, the lineage began raising a dust after he declared his interest in contesting for the vacant stool of the revered Awujale.

Citing his erstwhile titles, including Olori Omo-Oba Akile Ijebu (the leader of Ijebuland princes), bestowed on him by the late monarch, Ayinde revealed that the king was not a covetous person and he did not buy his way to get the title.

He said, “I am from the fidipotemole in Ijebu Ode, It is the same me that is also from the Fusegbunwa of Ijebu-Ode, if you are then questioning my lineage at this point, we will meet at Popo. If it is because of the kingship I am vying for, it is my right, you can’t shut me up.

“Late Kabiesi Awujale, Oba Adetona was of sound mind when he bestowed on me the title of Olori Omo-Oba if I’m not from a royal lineage. Awujale is not a covetous person; I therefore invoke your spirit to please reveal what is hidden to the people. They want to cover up the truth.”

Popo, as referred to by K1 is a symbolic place in Ijebu-Ode, it is near the palace of the Awujale, and known for its historical kingdom established by the descendants of the Ijebuland.

Recall that the 67-year-old Fuji maestro had declared his intention to vie for the vacant stool of Awujale, citing that he would bring a rare combination of cultural influence, national recognition, and political connections to a succession process closely watched across Yorubaland.

According to a now-circulating letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, his candidacy is formally guided by the provisions of Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

“I, Otunba Wasiu Ayinde Adewale Olasunkanmi Omogbolahan Anifowoshe, MON, hereby formally notify the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of my intention to be considered for the vacant stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland, subject strictly to the provisions of Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws,” the letter partly read.

K1 emphasised his ancestry as a key qualification, citing his royal lineage.

”I was born on 3rd March, 1957, and I am bona fide son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Agunsebi Quarters, tracing my ancestry to the Oba Jadiara lineage, which qualifies me to present myself for consideration in accordance with established tradition,” he wrote.

The Oba Jadiara lineage is a historic branch of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, which has the exclusive right to present candidates for the Awujale stool according to rotational custom. (https://punchng.com/explainer-why-kwam-1-wants-the-awujale-throne/)

However, in a twist of turn, the Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode directed K1 to prove his legitimate membership of the ruling house, following his declaration to fill the vacant stool of Awujale of Ijebuland.

With this, the popular musician, who is the Olori Omooba of Ijebuland, is expected to complete the family’s royal lineage data form to establish his legitimate membership of the ruling house.

The Chairman of the ruling house, Abdulateef Owoyemi, stated that only bona fide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process of the next Awujale.

In the letter, which went viral on social media on Friday, the Fuji icon described himself as a bona fide son” of the ruling house, adding that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

Owoyemi said the Olori Omooba of Ijebu land had been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

He stressed that the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

News

FG Offered 4,000 Pregnant Women Free C-section – Report

Published

1 hour ago

December 8, 2025

Editor

No fewer than 4,000 pregnant women across Nigeria have received free caesarean sections under the National Health Insurance programme, marking one of the most remarkable gains recorded through the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative.

This is according to the 2025 health statistics report released by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The surgeries, fully subsidised and conducted in designated facilities, form part of a broader national push to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths and strengthen frontline health systems.

Launched in November 2024, MAMII is designed to reduce maternal deaths by 30 per cent and neonatal deaths by 20 per cent in 172 high-burden local government areas across the country.

The initiative deploys a suite of targeted, context-specific measures that focus on governance, accountability, community demand creation, skilled service delivery, and improved financing and performance management.

Since commencement, the programme has identified the major drivers of mortality in these LGAs and has begun implementing tailored solutions to address them.

“MAMII has achieved significant progress in strengthening Nigeria’s health system response to maternal and neonatal mortality. One hundred and eighty-six LGAs have developed context-specific costed work plans using the national comprehensive implementation guide to improve antenatal care attendance; over 400,000 pregnant women have been line-listed, with the number of referrals on the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System increased from 86 to 32,711, with 4,000 caesarean sections done at no cost to the pregnant women enrolled under the National Health Insurance programme.

“Lifesaving maternal, newborn and child health commodities have been distributed to over 500 facilities, and emergency transport systems have been activated in LGAs in 12 states. Early data trends show increased facility and antenatal attendance as well as skilled birth attendance.

“The gains made so far can be attributed to significant efforts by LGAs, states, and the Federal teams,” the report read partly.

The report noted that across the 172 LGAs, progress has been significant, as a total of 435 health facilities have been revitalised, while 729,724 women booked their first ANC visit before 20 weeks of pregnancy, and 794,205 women completed their fourth ANC visit.

Between the first and third quarters of 2025, the report showed that the LGAs recorded 731,559 deliveries, 21,172 stillbirths, 841 maternal deaths, and 1,245 neonatal deaths.

The health system indicators also show notable improvement. More than half (52 per cent) of the LGAs now have at least two Level-2 facilities, while 78 per cent have a Primary Health Centre in every ward under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

It added that there has been a 17 per cent reduction in maternal deaths and a 12 per cent reduction in newborn deaths in the intervention areas.

According to the report, 25 per cent of BHCPF facilities are linked to the SEMSAS/NEMSAS referral system, which has already processed 7,451 completed referrals.

The report also revealed that only 12 per cent of BHCPF facilities have at least two midwives, even as 47 per cent of LGAs have been equipped with heat-stable carbectocin, a key drug for preventing postpartum haemorrhage.

Meanwhile, 20 per cent of BHCPF facilities have at least one laboratory technician. To support community-level interventions, 411,296 women have been line-listed across the 172 LGAs for closer follow-up.

Despite the gains, the report stated that significant gaps remain.

“The key gaps identified include that many LGAs lack sufficient community health workers for household-level tracking and demand creation, and inadequate numbers of functional designated Basic and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care facilities.

“Emergency transport services are still limited in coverage, with delayed driver payments and weak digital systems. Similarly, Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response implementation remains weak across facilities in the 172 LGAs, and delays in the release of funds under the annual Operational Plans threaten continuity,” it stated.

To consolidate progress and sustain reductions in maternal and newborn mortality, experts recommend prioritising community health system strengthening and fully scaling functional BEmONC and CEmONC facilities.

“To sustain the continuous reduction in maternal and newborn deaths, stakeholders must prioritise strengthening community health systems, scaling BEmONC and CEmONC facilities, ensuring full functionality of emergency transport services, and institutionalising MPDSR in a timely manner, as these are critical to sustaining impact.

“With continued high-level coordination and the expansion of global best practices, MAMII can catalyse Nigeria’s progress toward reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths,” it added.