News

‘How Satan controlled my life without me even knowing’

Published

2 months ago

March 21, 2026

In a nation grappling with complex security challenges, deep religious sensitivities and growing calls for justice, the voice of the church continues to resonate across communities. For Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, a cleric with the Church of Christ in Nations, the story is both deeply personal and profoundly national.

In his recent interview with Ryan Miller, which was monitored by The Nation, Dachomo recalled his turbulent past marked by crime and addiction to a life of faith, leadership and advocacy, a journey which reflects a dramatic transformation. Yet, beyond his personal testimony lies a broader narrative—one that speaks to the struggles of many communities, particularly in northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.

Dachomo’s early years were marked by hardship and instability. Losing his father at the age of six, he drifted through life without direction, eventually falling into crime and substance abuse.

“I lost my mother at the age of six and began living recklessly. I was sleeping on the streets and was an associate of a group of robbers. I lived without God, smoking and drinking heavily. I even remember removing pages of the Bible to wrap Indian hemp. Satan was controlling my life without me even knowing it.”

However, in 1985, he experienced what he described as a life-changing spiritual encounter.

“That moment changed everything. I could no longer go back to my old ways. I turned my life to Christ and began a new journey,” he said.

Despite initial skepticism from those around him, Dachomo said he found acceptance within the church and gradually grew into ministry, focusing on evangelism and youth outreach. Over the years, he rose to leadership, overseeing multiple congregations.

Beyond his personal transformation, Rev. Dachomo has become an outspoken voice on the security situation in Nigeria, particularly in regions such as Plateau State and Southern Kaduna.

According to him, the challenges facing Christian communities are longstanding and deeply rooted.

“This did not start today. There are historical tensions that go back decades. Many communities have faced repeated violence, displacement and marginalisation,” he said.

He described a pattern of attacks that have disrupted lives and livelihoods, forcing many to flee ancestral homes.

Complex web of violence

Dachomo pointed to the activities of multiple armed groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, as well as other factions operating across northern Nigeria.

“There are different groups, and sometimes they even fight among themselves. But ordinary people are the ones suffering the consequences,” he explained.

He noted that the impact is particularly severe in rural communities, where access to security is limited, and attacks often go unreported.

While official figures vary, Rev. Dachomo believes the scale of violence is significantly underreported. “Thousands have been killed, and many more are missing. What you hear publicly is only a fraction,” he said.

He also raised concerns about ongoing abductions and the lack of consistent media coverage. “There are incidents happening even now that many people do not hear about,” he added.

The cleric also expressed concern over what he described as systemic challenges within governance and national institutions.

“Sometimes, it feels like the truth is not fully told. There are issues around representation and trust that need to be addressed,” he said.

He called for greater transparency, fairness and inclusiveness in national systems, particularly within security structures.

Personal loss and pain

In an emotional account, Rev. Dachomo shared his own experiences of loss.

“My grandmother was killed. My uncle, too. My friend’s entire family was burned in their home,” he said.

He described visiting affected communities and witnessing the aftermath of attacks, scenes he said remain deeply etched in his memory. “These are experiences you carry with you for life,” he added.

Despite these painful experiences, Dachomo emphasised the importance of faith and forgiveness.

In one instance, he recounted sheltering individuals from another faith during a crisis. “They came to me for safety, and I protected them. That is what my faith teaches,” he said.

He stressed that the situation should not be reduced to a simplistic narrative of religion alone. “There are good and bad people in every group. What we need is understanding and humanity,” he noted.

Call for unity and global attention

Dachomo urged both Nigerians and the international community to pay closer attention to the situation and support efforts toward peace and rebuilding. “We need unity, justice and sincere leadership. Violence will not solve our problems,” he said.

He also called for humanitarian support for displaced persons and communities seeking to rebuild their lives. “Many people have lost everything. They need help to start again,” he added.

Despite the challenges, Dachomo remains hopeful about Nigeria’s future. “No matter how difficult things are, I believe change is possible. Nigeria can still find peace if we commit to truth and fairness,” he said.

Even in the face of personal risk, he insists on standing firm. “My faith gives me strength. I will continue to speak and stand for what is right,” he declared.

For him, the message is clear: “We have not lost our faith. What we ask is simple—do not ignore us.”

News

Adeboye backs Remi Tinubu’s RCCG pastor title

Published

2 weeks ago

May 2, 2026

The Exclusives

Despite mounting pressure from various quarters, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has stated that Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, will continue to hold her position as an ordained pastor in the church.

Adeboye made the clarification during the church’s monthly Holy Ghost Service, explaining that Mrs Tinubu was ordained as an Assistant Pastor more than a decade ago—well before her husband, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emerged as a presidential contender.

He noted that her ordination followed the church’s established procedures and emphasised that she had not violated any of its doctrines or regulations.

The cleric also dismissed calls from some quarters demanding that she be stripped of the title, stressing that the church would not yield to external pressure on internal matters.

Adeboye further rejected claims that the church is aligned with any political interest, reiterating that it remains a place of worship open to all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation.

He made the clarification during the May edition of the church’s Holy Ghost Service, themed ‘Excellent Counsel,’ where he responded to public perceptions linking the RCCG with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adeboye said such assumptions overlook the diverse political representation within the church.

“Some people are saying RCCG is an APC church. I just smile. In RCCG, you will find a governor from the Peoples Democratic Party sitting down with a governor from the Labour Party, APC, and APGA.

“By the special help of God, we are representative of the whole nation, and that is what we will continue to be,” he said.

He stressed that the pulpit is not used for political expression, regardless of the status of worshippers present.

According to him, church activities are focused on prayer and worship rather than political engagement or announcements.

“If you saw one governor among us today dancing and you were expecting he would be called forward to say something, we don’t do that. But if you come to worship with us, you are welcome. Our duty is to pray for everybody,” he added.

The cleric also commented on Nigeria’s political future, particularly the 2027 general election, stating that ultimate outcomes are already known in the divine order.

“The one that will rule has been decided by God before we were born. He knows the end from the beginning,” he said, urging citizens to remain prayerful while fulfilling their responsibilities.

Adeboye further addressed his participation in past civic protests, explaining that his involvement was based on directives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

“That was because the then chairman of CAN asked all Christians to go out for a peaceful protest. If he talks tomorrow and asks me to march, I will,” he said.

He emphasised that his public actions are guided by the umbrella Christian body on national issues affecting believers.

News

Xenophobia tensions: FG summons South African envoy

Published

2 weeks ago

May 2, 2026

The Exclusives

The Nigerian government has summoned the South African High Commission in Nigeria over ongoing protests in South Africa targeting foreign nationals, which have reportedly led to the killing of at least two Nigerians and attacks on Nigerian-owned businesses.

According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria), Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Acting High Commissioner has been invited to a meeting scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026.

Ebienfa stated that the most senior official at the South African mission in Abuja is expected to attend the meeting.

He explained that the engagement is intended to formally communicate the Nigerian government’s deep concern over the recent incidents, which could strain the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

The statement reads: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has extended an invitation to the Acting High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa for a meeting scheduled to take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

“The objective of this engagement is to formally convey the Nigerian Government’s profound concern regarding recent events that have the potential to impact the established cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

“Discussions will primarily focus on the ongoing demonstrations by various groups within South Africa and the documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.

“The Ministry is aware of the growing discontent among Nigerians concerning the treatment of their nationals in South Africa. Nevertheless, it implores the Nigerian public to remain calm and reiterates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa.”

News

Varsity clears N3bn staff salary arrears

Published

2 weeks ago

May 2, 2026

The Exclusives

The Osun State Government has cleared outstanding salary arrears owed to workers of the state-owned University of Ilesa (UNILESA).

Management of the institution confirmed that Governor Ademola Adeleke released N3 billion to offset the backlog of unpaid salaries owed to staff of the university. The governor also approved the regularisation of about 300 casual workers, granting them permanent employment.

Speaking with journalists during a briefing to commemorate the institution’s third anniversary, themed “Three Years of Purposeful Leadership, Growth and Institutional Transformation,” the Vice Chancellor, Taiwo Asaolu, commended Adeleke for the administration’s support since the university was established.

Asaolu also disclosed that no fewer than 3,661 students of the university benefited from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in 2026.

According to him, the institution currently has a student population of about 15,000, with 3,661 students benefiting from the federal government’s NELFUND initiative. He added that Governor Adeleke also approved a tuition-free policy for students in the Faculties of Education and Agriculture.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the current management inherited dilapidated and obsolete facilities, demoralised staff, a dwindling student population of fewer than 1,000, overgrown surroundings and poor infrastructure.

However, he said the institution has since recorded significant progress and now runs 97 academic programmes, all of which have been approved by the National Universities Commission.

“We inherited over 300 staff on temporary appointments from the defunct Osun State College of Education, Ilesa. Many of them had been in such unfortunate and inhumane conditions, receiving salaries of less than N25,000 per month. Those on permanent appointment were also owed several allowances. When we assumed duty, agitations from these staff constituted a major setback to the smooth take-off of the University.

“The Governor rose to the occasion and provided lasting solutions: all temporary staff were granted permanent appointments, and all outstanding allowances owed to permanent staff, amounting to over Three Billion Naira (₦3billion) only, were fully paid. Retired staff of the defunct College and next-of-kin of deceased staff also benefited from this payment.”

He equally confirmed that “Within the last three years, the University has enjoyed tremendous support from TETFund, Owa Obokun, Oba Clement Haastrup, the Ijesa Community, among others. You will see the various projects funded or donated by them during your guided tour of the campus.”

Speaking about the accommodation for students, he said TETFund released over N750million for the school, while about N2 billion has been made available for the construction of hostels.