Personality in Focus
Ebuka Obi: An Uncommon ‘Man of God’
The term “Man of God” had long since lost its luster. Therefore, for anyone who has encountered the zestful spiritual director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, Lagos, Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi, referring to him as a “Man of God” will be a paradox, given what we know about men of God.
Our Men of God have built a fluffy reputation as prosperity preachers. “The more you give, the more God blesses you”, they tell their ever-trusting followers. No longer content with 10 percent tithe, they now ask the congregation for “first fruit” – their entire first salary as well as the full salary for the first month of the year! For whatever problems they are seeking answers to, they are told to sow seeds to “provoke” God to grant their wishes. Many pastors even have price lists for prayer points, from healing to employment, business opportunities, life partners, fruit of the womb, contracts, visas.
But this is not the message at Evangelist Ebuka’s Zion City located at Ago, Okota. Not only does he abide by the Biblical injunction of “freely you were given, freely shall you give”, but he often declares that “any pastor who asks for money for prayers or for seeds and offerings to obtain answers to prayers is not a true prophet of God”. And you want to call him “man of God” like the others?
He preaches salvation, urges his members to fast and pray ceaselessly, to shun sin and embrace Christ as the sure way to obtain answers to prayers. Miracles are not for sale, he says. At Zion City and online, he does not ask for tithes or seeds. Which other man of God is like him?
Everyday, thousands of people from different states in Nigeria, the United States, UK, Asia and other parts of the world troop to Zion City in search of salvation and miracles. Millions more across the globe follow him online.
The first time I watched him on YouTube after a relation sent the link to me, I heard Evangelist Ebuka boast about his “Prophecy with instant solution”. I instantly dismissed him just as another “man of God” with bogus claims to visions and miracles.
But I was wrong. I have heard people at Zion giving mind-blowing testimonies – healing of terminal illnesses, stroke, paralysis, conceptions after years of barrenness, breakthroughs in careers and businesses, amongst others. Apart from those who received their miracles at the center, many others did so after he mentioned their cases during his “Open Heavens” online prophetic prayers. During one of my visits to the ministry, I witnessed two standout cases. One was a professor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who threw away the crutches he had been on for years after Ebuka prayed for him. The second was a woman who came all the way from the United States in search of solution to her 16-year-old hearing problem after exhausting all possible medical options in America. The woman who could only hear with hearing aids was completely healed at Zion and discarded the equipment. There were also many others who testified that the prophecies they were given were “on point”, like we say.
We have heard of men of God who arrange miracles or who prod people to give testimonies even when the healing has not occurred with the assurance that God will act on their faith and heal them. But for Evangelist Ebuka, the testimonies come in droves. He has a team which thoroughly scrutinizes and verifies claims of those who want to give testimonies before they are allowed to mount the podium to share their story. You are made to show evidence of “before” and “after” conditions to the panel to prove the miracle before it is accepted. Every day, the queue is so long that Ebuka has to cut many off so he could move on to his ministrations and deliverance sessions. This oftentimes leaves many complaining that they were not given time to share their miracles with the congregation. Surely, this is not the usual man of God!
While many men of God are associated with luxury and indulgence, Evangelist Ebuka lives a life of denial and self-abnegation like the prophets of old. Those close to him confirm he goes for several days every week without food, drinks only water and spends all his time between his ministry, the chapel and prayer retreats at mountains and monasteries.
He refuses to use the ministry’s funds for his personal needs or to be paid salaries or allowances like the elders advise. Even when he didn’t have a car some years ago, he opted for public transportation despite the ministry being rich enough to buy him any car of his choice. “God will provide all my needs”, he replied the elders when they insisted on buying a car for him. Today, his words have come true. Gifts of brand new cars flood his compound, the latest being a Tesla car by someone who said he had a major business breakthrough after the evangelist prayed for him.
With his huge followership and the incredible miracles God is performing through him, Ebuka can easily be one of the richest men of God in Nigeria if he asks for seed, tithe or money for prayers like the rest. During his last birthday celebration on October 22 which was attended by prominent politicians and businessmen, including governors and senators, he refused a $300,000 gift from a politician because the Holy Spirit advised him not to accept it. Instead of collecting gifts from the political leaders of south east who were present, he told them the only gift he desired was for them to meet the President to plead for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
He has established Seraphic Hospital to provide free treatment to poor patients, and Seraphic foundation to cater to the needs of thousands of orphans, widows and others in need. He is currently building a monumental hospital for people with mental health conditions in Anambra State. He has also embarked on a campaign to stop an evil practice in Igbo land where people are forced to appear before deities and shrines in the name of settling disputes.
Proud of his Igbo roots, he uses his platform to campaign for peace in the South East and an end to kidnapping and killings in the region in order to bring development to the region. He encourages his Igbo followers across the globe to ensure their children do not abandon their language and roots.
But like the prophets of old, his bourgeoning profile, flourishing ministry and candid preaching have made some people, including well established pastors, uncomfortable. His message of appreciation to Hope Uzodinma of Imo State for rebuilding the road to his home town was twisted by some to mean campaigning for the governor.
A strikingly handsome and charismatic figure, the Imo State-born Evangelist Ebuka is not yet married. I do not know how old he is, but his twin brother, Engineer CC Obi is married and already has three children. But I guess he is being kept back by the trepidation of having to divide his time between his family and the ministry he loves so much.
And how did he come about such enormous “anointing”? His story goes far back. At eight, he was already preaching in the streets early in the morning, a development that often pitted him against his father who chased him around with a cane to go to school. By the time he turned 12, he met a priest, Reverend Father Luke Odinkenmelu, who prophesied to him that the world would hear of his conquest in the Lord if he kept the following three injunctions: one, he must not leave the Catholic Church, two, he must remain a virgin until he married, and three, he must not be money-conscious. He accepted and made a vow at the altar. So far, Evangelist Ebuka says, he has kept the three vows, including remaining a virgin despite his dashing looks and the women that flock to Zion City.
No, Evangelist Ebuka is not the regular man of God, he is miles apart from the crowd. He is a rare prophet of his generation!
The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), has commiserated with the Nigerian Police Force, the Lagos State Command and the Commissioner of Lagos, CP Fatai Tijani over the loss to death of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Administration, Khan Salihu, who passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026 after a brief illness.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Eric Elezuo, on behalf of the president, Mayor Samson Oki, the Association expressed heartfelt condolences on the irreparable loss, noting that DCP Salihu was a thoroughbred Officer, who approached his job with discipline and equanimity, obtaining trust from both colleagues and the general public.
“With heart full of regret, but total submission to the will of Almighty God, we, the members of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), commiserate with the entire Nigerian Police Force family, especially the Lagos State Command, and its Commissioner, CP Fatai Tijani, on the death of DCP Khan Salihu,” the statement noted.
“DCP was a discipline officer, whose stock in trade revolves round professionalism, stewardship and the need to deliver on the security and safety framework of the Police, and Lagos State in particular, where he died in active service.
“He was an extremely professional senior officer, humble, discipline, media friendly, always willing to support.
“The Police hierarchy and the entire Nigerian media space will sincerely miss him even as we pray that Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaus,” the statement concluded.
According to the Lagos Command, “DCP Khan Salihu will be fondly remembered for his dedication, humility, professionalism, and selfless service to the nation and the Nigeria Police Force. His legacy of service and commitment will continue to inspire officers and men of the Command.”
May his soul rest in perfect peace just as God grants his family the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
Personality in Focus
Eminent Gents Int’l Announces Philanthropist Abiodun Enilari Paseda As New President
By Eric Elezuo
The Eminent Gents International Club, an association of eminent gentlemen, who have proved their mettle in the society, and committed to lending a helping to the upliftment of the society, has announced Sir Abiodun Paseda as its new president.
Paseda takes over from Eminent Otunba Olumide Owoseni, who performed creditably well during his tenure in office.
The announcement was made following a keenly contested electoral process, where Paseda was elected unopposed. His election, according to a cross section of the club members, was made possible as a result of the confidence members reposed in him owing to his acknowledged discipline, focus and leadership abilities.
Announcing the results, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Eminent Barr. Taiwo Odumosu, commended members for the maturity, discipline, and commitment they demonstrated throughout the process, noting that despite minor challenges encountered, members conducted themselves in a manner that reflected the values and ideals upon which the Club was founded.
Immediate Past President Eminent Otunba Olumide Owoseni
Barr. Odumosu congratulated the newly elected officers and urged them to provide purposeful and inclusive leadership capable of strengthening the unity and growth of the Club.
Among members of the executive council, who will be working with Eminent Paseda are Eminent Barr. Oluwaseun Basorun, who was elected as the Vice President and Eminent Ariyo Abass, who won the General Secretary position.
Others are Eminent Ganiu Omotoso for the office of the Assistant General Secretary, Eminent Akinsanya Olaseni as Financial Secretary, Eminent Muyiwa Jayesimi as the Treasurer, Eminent Barrister Yomi Akodu as the Public Relations Officer and Eminent Segun Fetuga, who won the position of the Social Secetary.
Eminent Odumosu admonished the incoming administration to ensure that no member is left behind in the affairs of the Club, and to place the welfare of members at the forefront of its programmes and policies in order to continue to enhance the beautiful etiquette of the almost 20 years Club.
The Eminent Gents International Club was established in 2006 as a group saddled with the responsibility of catering for the less privileged, the needy and the have-nots of the society. The Club strongly believes in giving back to the society, with an overriding philosophy, which revolves around pooling skills, resources and experience to create a sustainable change, and improve the lives of those in need.
New Vice President Eminent Barrister Oluwaseun Bashorun
Consequently, the Club has prioritise engagements in targeted initiatives aimed at addressing critical issues affecting the needy cutting across food, heathcare, shelter, clothing and not forgetting empowerment.
In his acceptance speech, Eminent Paseda pledged to live up to expectations, and ensure that the founding principles of the Club is not derailed.
He congratulated his co-executive council members, urging everyone to give their best performance to ensure the success of the administration in particular, and the Club in general.
A distinguished Nigerian based in London, England, Paseda is the Chief Executive Officer, Focus on Disabilities (FOD) Foundation, a not for profit organization that is saddled with the responsibility of seeing to the wellbeing of those living with disabilities. The organization, founded in 2010, has supervised the provision of sundry humanitarian assistance to people living with disabilities across Nigeria and the African continent with special mention to England, his place of residence.
He is a stern believer in the lifting of the downtrodden in the society, and has been awarded the Humanitarian award by Ceebee Gold Foundation.
A recipient of the BEFFTA Award, Africa achiever Award, Scotland among many others, Paseda has since 2012 been distributing movement enhancing materials to the disabled across the continent. Some of these distributions include 60 wheel chairs and disability aids in Kano and Kaduna states in 2012; distribution of clutches, wheel chairs, food items among other things in Ogun state in March and September 2013. Ever since, the selfless giver has not looked back in supporting the less privileged with his resources. He runs an all-expense paid home for people living with disabilities in Odogbolu, Ogun State
Paseda’s humanitarian outreach stretches across Africa and the UK where he is reputed to have touched a lot of lives.
A new chapter in clinical leadership has commenced at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, with the appointment of renowned Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. Olusola Adebisi, as the institution’s new Head of Clinical Services (HCS). He officially resumes duty today, Monday, June 15, 2026, following the expiration of the tenure of his predecessor, Dr. A.S. Adediran, whose stewardship contributed significantly to the advancement of clinical services within the tertiary healthcare institution.
The appointment, approved by the 7th Board of Management at its 6th Extraordinary Meeting held on June 8, 2026, is hailed as a strategic move that places one of the hospital’s most experienced clinicians and respected administrators at the helm of its clinical operations. With a distinguished career spanning renal medicine, healthcare leadership, organized medicine, and community service, Dr. Adebisi brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for excellence to the role.
Until his appointment, Dr. Adebisi served as Head of the Nephrology Unit at FMC Abeokuta, where he earned recognition as one of the leading authorities on kidney-related illnesses within the West African sub-region. A passionate advocate for preventive nephrology, he has spearheaded numerous community sensitization initiatives, including annual World Kidney Day campaigns aimed at promoting early detection and management of kidney disease. He has also mentored and supervised generations of resident doctors, medical officers, and specialized nephrology nurses, helping to sustain a culture of clinical excellence.
His leadership credentials extend beyond clinical practice. Dr. Adebisi previously served as Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), FMC Abeokuta Chapter, where he was instrumental in fostering professional harmony and academic advancement among consultants. He currently serves as Faculty Treasurer of the West African College of Physicians (WACP), a role that underscores his financial discipline, organizational trust, and administrative competence. His earlier engagements with the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) further enriched his understanding of Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Adebisi is actively involved in civic and community development. He currently serves as President of the Rotary Club in the Oke-Ona Egba District, championing humanitarian, maternal health, and community empowerment initiatives. He is also the Social Secretary of the Abeokuta Sports Club, contributing to social cohesion and cultural development within Ogun State.
A devout Christian and committed family man, Dr. Adebisi is widely respected for a leadership style rooted in integrity, compassion, and service. As Head of Clinical Services, he is expected to focus on strengthening patient-centred care, enhancing clinical research and residency training, improving interdepartmental collaboration, and promoting institutional harmony across all clinical cadres.
Speaking on his vision for the office, Dr. Adebisi emphasized the need for innovation, professionalism, and teamwork in healthcare delivery. “Our objective remains clear: to deliver compassionate, world-class, and accessible healthcare to our immediate community and beyond, fueled by clinical innovation, integrity, and absolute dedication to human life,” he said.
With his assumption of office today, stakeholders within and outside FMC Abeokuta express optimism that his blend of clinical expertise, administrative experience, and people-centred leadership will further strengthen the institution’s position as a leading centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, training, and research.
