Personality in Focus
Food for Living: The Man, Ebuka Obi
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By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
The man, Ebuka Obi, means several things to different people. To some, he is an evangelist, prophet and man of God, while to others, he is the controversial prophet. Some others see him as the Elijah of our time, just as many others call him our daddy in the Lord. But because he is regarded as a prophet, he is called so many names with many of the names reflecting the numerous anointing gifts and talent God has bestowed on him. Again, some of his ardent followers see him as the son of Omecharafancha, Okworuhancha and Ohuruhancha. What these three different names suggest is that the prophet is the son of the God that does everything, says everything and sees everything.
Evangelist Ebuka Obi is an uncommon man of God, who has transformed many lives, families and businesses. A man, whose humility speaks volumes. A man, who will for no reason at all ascribe honour to himself, but consistently honours God through whose power he affects people. And of course, no one has ever had an encounter with Evangelist Ebuka Obi and remains the same.
In a society littered with many ‘fake’ prosperity-pastors, who also wear the fake toga of anointing, and claiming many names such as healing ministers, prophets, trained and ordained pastors and men of God, the interesting thing about Evangelist Ebuka Obi is that he was called and ordained to be a prophet right from his mother’s womb. He would always say, he never attended Bible School, and that he was not trained to be a pastor, evangelist or minister by anybody. According to him, whatever he is doing started when he was eight years old.
The big question therefore, is who is Evangelist Ebuka Obi? Evangelist Ebuka Obi, is a Nigerian Catholic preacher, prophet and the Founder and Spiritual Director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach (ZPMO), a non-denominational prayer ministry, located at Ago-Okota, Lagos, Nigeria.
His ministry is said to have grown to 170 branches worldwide. He is also the founder of Seraphic Home Foundation which caters for poor people and widows, and facilitates payment of school fees for indigent students.
In 2009, Obi founded the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach in Lagos. Not intending it as a church, he refuses to collect tithes, perform baptisms, weddings, or bazaars. He also welcomes everyone of any religion to the prayer ground.
A little background story about Evangelist Ebuka Obi. According to Evangelist Ebuka, his mother was barren for eleven years, and she cried to God like Hannah did begging God if he gives him a son, she will dedicate him to God and as God will have it, God blessed her with twins (two boys). According to Evangelist Ebuka Obi’s mother, when she was pregnant, she was in a trance and she heard a voice telling her she will give birth to two boys and the second child will be called Chukwuebuka, which means God is great. She was also told God will use him to deliver his people who have been held in bondage.
Truth to the message she received, when Evangelist Ebuka was born, there was no single hair on his hair. As a matter of fact, he started hearing from God when he was eight years old. According to Evangelist Ebuka Obi, when he was a little boy pregnant women would ask him what about the gender of their child and his response would be unmistaken true. Even in primary school, he always tells his teachers what will happen, and his answer is always accurate. In some cases, they do consult him, and his response was unmistaken.
According to Evangelist Ebuka Obi, he always preaches the word of God in his village until one day his father felt uncomfortable with this preaching because he felt he was doing too much. He tried to stop, but Reverend Fr. Luke Odinkemere advised me not to discourage Evangelist Ebuka Obi from preaching the word of God. He further told him, God will use Ebuka Obi to set free his people and families who have been held in bondage.
Revered Father Luke Odinkamere was seen as the spiritual leader who groomed Evangelist Ebuka Obi to be the man of God he is today. Rev. Father Luke Odinkemere normally takes Evangelist Ebuka Obi to do deliverance on families and perform exorcisms, because even as a little boy, Ebuka Obi has an uncommon ability by the grace of God to locate buried diabolical objects, which Father Odinkemere verified through digging.
At the age of 12, Reverend Fr. Luke Odinkamere took Evangelist Ebuka Obi to the altar to make a vow. These vows included commitments to remain chaste until marriage, stay within the Catholic Church, and avoid being driven by materialism. As a result, Ebuka Obi was careful to uphold this vow, even avoiding interactions with women, including his sisters. These three covenants according to Evangelist Obi he has kept them.
There’s no doubt no matter how good someone is, he must surely have detractors who would like to see his downfall, and this is where the enemies of progress converge to discuss Evangelist Ebuka Obi. of course, what do you expect, it is the man with the ball everyone is attacking. If you are nothing, nobody will talk about you. According to Bill Cosby, “the only way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, do nothing and be nothing”. It’s not possible for anyone to be in this world without saying anything, doing anything and being nothing.
Even Jeus Christ was not accepted in his town. It’s said, a prophet is not honored in his home. These ungrateful people won’t see the great work this great man is doing; they will look for any slight opportunity to paint him black. Some say he’s a making up prophecy, some say all his preaching is centered on sex, some say he’s not polished and civil the way he preaches and speaks to people.
Even Catholic Priests, Pastors and other ministers of the gospel are not left out. This set of preachers are personally pained because of the anointing on Ebuka Obi, while some Catholic congregations are not happy simply because they don’t know where his powers come from. For instance, some catholic priests and the laity would like the ministry to be managed by the church. Some of them are not happy with his style of preaching, but Evangelist Ebuka Obi has always said he’s a radical preacher. He described himself as an end time preacher, who preaches what other men of God are afraid to preach because they feel they will lose members.
But on the contrary, in Zion Ministry, the more Evangelist Ebuka Obi preaches against social vices and immorality, the more he attracts members to his ministry. Evangelist Obi always says the reason why people come to Zion is simply because of the anointing. After all, he’s not the most educated, but because he has what many people don’t have, they are attracted by the anointing on his head.
In our society, it’s easy to see people accusing and criticizing people, but they find it hard to appreciate or acknowledge the good work of the person. Anyone who has encountered Evangelist Obi can testify he’s indeed a gifted prophet who was ordained from the womb. His prophecies are 100% correct. He will always say, I don’t say what I don’t hear from God. indeed he’s blessed with the gift of healing, singing, preaching, vision and prophecy.
I have personally experienced his blessings spiritually and physically. I had the opportunity of presenting my two books and proposal to him and he prayed for it. I saw the hand of God upon the book and the program when my proposal was accepted by one of the New York City Department of Correction in New York. It may interest you to know that I have been working on this program for the last 5years, and have experiences of near success syndrome, but it took Evangelist Ebuka Obi one minute to lay his hand on the proposal, and the rest is history.
One may be wondering how he has been able to maintain and grow big like an institution, he always says he lives a life of sacrifice. According to Evangelist Obi, he barely sleeps two hours every night, rarely eats nor takes alcohol. He lives a life of sacrifice because according to him, it takes sacrifice to get to the top, but it takes a greater service to remain at the top.
I don’t really know if there’s any negative part of Ebuka Obi, if at all there’s any, it’s the fact that he’s too kind to a fault. Here’s a man who has built orphanage homes, Seraphic hospitals, sponsored hundreds and thousands of pupils and students in High School (secondary schools) and colleges. Here’s a man who has reconciled families and supported the less privileged. Where are we going to start from? Evangelist Ebuka Obi is a selfless man of God. He derives joy seeing people and being converted to God. There are numerous testimonies of his philanthropic gifts to those in need. Sometimes, I wonder if some of his haters don’t see how he’s restoring marriages and restoring families that have been held in bondage.
Just to let you know how authentic Evangelist Ebuka is, when he gives a prophecy, he’s so specific that he’ll call the subject’s name, date of birth, and an unmistaken specific incident that will give one a clear example of the case being mentioned.
What I don’t really understand is why some people will say he’s a ‘fake’ man of God; but each time I hear such ridiculous statements, the statement by Abraham Lincoln always comes to my mind, “you can deceive some people sometime, but you can’t deceive everyone at the same time”. The healing of Professor Arinze Chinwuba of the Anambra State University in which he threw away the double crutches which aided him to walk and the testimony of a former member of the National Assembly (Nigeria), Hon. Dr. Uche Nwole, endorsing the validity of Obi’s miracles, oppose accusations that some miracles performed at the Zion ministry may be faux. These are verifiable information.
How can one man make people travel all over the world on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis just to attend his programs. I have been privileged to attend some of his programs in Nigeria and Ireland, and I can personally testify to the goodness of God upon his life. I saw people healed instantly.
I can go on and on to speak about this great man of God, but as a sage would say, ‘a word is enough for the wise’.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer and author of Design Your Destiny Design and Unleash Your Destiny . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
The President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Dr. Yinka Folami, has commended the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) and its Director General, Dr. Ola Awakan, for putting together an impressive outing for Nigeria at the just concluded WTM London 2026, held at ExceL London between November 3 and 5, 2026.
Speaking on behalf of NANTA, the umbrella body for travel agencies in Nigeria, Dr. Folami said the NTDA’s outing was not just impressive, it was historic, it was dignified, it was Nigeria at its best.
Dr. Folami, who was represented in London by NANTA’s First Deputy President, Mustapha Mohammed, leading a high-powered NANTA delegation, with NANTA as the only association with a dedicated presence at the NTDA stand at WTM London, said he watched with pride as NTDA led Nigeria’s participation, with the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had commended Awakan for his immersive storytelling, collaboration and innovation in his first year in office.
He said: “On behalf of NANTA, I want to commend the Director General of NTDA, Dr. Ola Awakan, for putting together an impressive outing for Nigeria at WTM London. He did not just take Nigeria to London, he took Nigeria back to the world. After years of absence, after years of invisibility, Nigeria was seen, Nigeria was heard, Nigeria was engaged. The NTDA stand was a true national showcase. The storytelling was compelling. The partnerships were strategic. The visibility was real. This is what leadership looks like. This is what commitment looks like. And NANTA is proud to have stood side by side with NTDA in London.”
Dr. Folami noted that Nigeria’s participation at WTM 2026 enabled the country to present its tourism assets to a global audience, raising the profile of key destinations and products while opening new market possibilities, advancing collaboration, innovation and storytelling in promoting Nigeria’s tourism potential.
The NANTA President was emphatic: NANTA’s support for NTDA is not a one-off, it is a commitment.
“I want to assure Dr. Awakan and the entire NTDA that NANTA under my leadership will continue to support his leadership of NTDA. We will always partner with NTDA and other government tourism agencies to harness, develop, grow and market Nigerian tourism assets and destinations. That is our mandate. That is our promise. Government cannot do it alone. Private sector cannot do it alone. But together, government and private sector can put Nigeria where she belongs – on the world map, and on the world market.”
“We handed over in 2024 because we believe the goal is not who owns Nigeria’s stand, but that Nigeria has a stand. And now that NTDA has taken up the baton with such excellence, NANTA will stand beside NTDA – wherever Nigeria needs us, we will be there.”
In a special tribute, Dr. Folami appreciated Elizabeth Agbola, Founder and CEO of NTT Global Destinations, who worked hand in hand with NTDA to birth the return of Nigeria to the global tourism trade event.
“I want to specially appreciate our sister, Elizabeth Agbola, who worked hand in hand with Dr. Awakan to birth this return. Behind every successful outing, there are silent workers, there are bridge builders, there are people who make calls, and who encourage support for greater good. Elizabeth is one of them.
Dr. Folami prayed for greater visibility for Nigeria in international tourism expositions across the world.
“My prayer is that this WTM will not be a one-off. My prayer is that Nigeria will be at FITUR in Madrid, at ITB in Berlin, at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, at WTM in London, every year, with a bigger stand, with a bigger story, with bigger results. Visibility is not vanity. Visibility is business. If you are not seen, you are not sold. And Nigeria must be seen. Nigeria must be sold. May God give NTDA, NANTA, and all of us, the grace to sustain this momentum.”
The NANTA President also called on other players and associations to support government efforts to promote tourism in Nigeria.
“I am calling on all other players, all other associations – FTAN, NATOP, ATPN, hoteliers, tour operators, airlines, state tourism boards – let us support government efforts to promote tourism in Nigeria. Let us stop grumbling. Let us stop competing for who owns Nigeria. Let us compete for who serves Nigeria better. Government has done its part at WTM. Now we must do our part. Let us bring our products, let us bring our packages, let us bring our investments, and let us make Nigeria the destination of choice in Africa.”
Finally, Dr. Folami commended NANTA members and all stakeholders who came out in numbers to support NTDA and Nigeria’s return to WTM.
“To our NANTA members who travelled to London, who committed financial support to NANTA, who paid their way, who manned our stand, who marketed Nigeria with passion, I say thank you. To our NANTA BOT Chairman Alhaji Aminu Agoha, supported by BOT Member Alhaji Kabir Maiwada, who visibly graced the event with their support and presence, I say thank you, and To all stakeholders, FTAN, NATOP, AITEC World, the media, the diaspora community in the UK who stormed our pavilion, I say thank you. You came out in numbers to support NTDA and Nigeria’s return to WTM. You proved that when Nigeria calls, her children answer. This victory belongs to all of us.”
Dr. Folami concluded with a message of hope: “Nigeria is back. And by the grace of God, Nigeria is here to stay. NANTA will always partner with NTDA. NANTA will always put Nigeria first. That is not just our slogan. That is our legacy.”
Personality in Focus
Khaira Bala Emerges Winner of 16th UBA Foundation Essay Competition, Gets N15m Grant
Khaira Bala emerges winner of16th UBA Foundation Essay Competition, wins N15m
Khaira Ojima Bala of Metro International School, Abuja, has been crowned as Nigeria’s top secondary school essayist for 2026, emerging as the winner of the 16th edition of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition
Khaira, 15, was announced as the winner during the grand finale of the competition, where she received a N15m educational grant to study at any university in Africa. The event was held on Tuesday at UBA House, Marina, Lagos, and had a large audience which included finalists, parents, students, teachers and judges.
An elated Bala dedicated the award to her parents. “I am so happy right now. My parents have sacrificed so much for my education, and this award belongs to them as much as it belongs to me,” she said. “I also want to thank the UBA Foundation for believing in young people like me and giving us a platform to share our ideas.”
Unwanabasi Otobon Udom of Topfaith International Secondary School placed second, receiving N10 million, while Flourish Chibunumoma Ndamzi of University of Port Harcourt Women Association International Secondary School came third, receiving N7.5 million.
God’sfavour Ezekiel Udo of Federal Government Girls College, Ikot Obio Itong, and Uchenna Olivia Anyanwu of Coral Impacts International School, Abuja, came 4th and 5th, receiving N5 million and N3.5 million, respectively.
The 20 finalists emerged from over 15,000 entries submitted by senior secondary school students across Nigeria, as they wrote on the topic: “No nation can develop without food security. How can Nigeria deal with this problem?”
They also had the opportunity to be part of a one-day writing boot camp with the judges.
This year’s grants total N41 million, an 82% increase compared to the N22.5 million grant awarded last year, following the Foundation’s expansion of the number of winners from three to five as well as an increase in the value of each award.
All the 20 finalists also received several consolation prizes, including modern laptops to aid with their homework and research work. Their UBA accounts were also funded with N20,000 each as a token of appreciation from the bank’s Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba.
Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, told the 20 finalists that they were all winners and urged them to see their selection as proof of what hard work and curiosity can achieve.
“You were selected from more than 15,000 students, and you earned this place through your hard work, your curiosity and your determination. We do this because we believe in the future of this continent, and the best investment we can make in that future is in our youth,” Alawuba said. “This is corporate social responsibility, but it goes beyond that. UBA is more than a bank; it is an institution that plays a great role in the future of Africa. How can we say the future is Africa if our young people are not the ones driving it?”
Alawuba explained that the higher grants were a response to rising costs. “As inflation increases and it becomes more difficult to see a child through school, we have raised the amounts to make sure these students get to school. For us, that is important,” he said.
Alawuba also noted that the Foundation would consider writing workshops for participating schools as the competition grows, to build competence, confidence and critical thinking among students.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, who thanked parents, teachers and the judges for their support, described education as the surest investment in Africa’s future.
“Over 16 editions, we have watched our finalists go on to excel in universities and careers across the world, and that is the impact we set out to achieve,” Atta said. “So far we have spent over N3bn on this competition in the past 16 years and increasing the number of winners and the value of the grants means more young people can now pursue a university education without the burden of cost. We will keep strengthening the competition so that it continues to reward original thinking.”
The UBA Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of UBA. The National Essay Competition, which began in Nigeria in 2011, now runs in other African countries where the Bank operates, alongside the Foundation’s work in education, healthcare, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.
Personality in Focus
Technology Consumption: How Nigerian Engineers Could Shape the Future of Chip Design
Africa’s participation in the global technology industry should go beyond using digital products and services.
African engineers also have an opportunity to contribute to the technologies themselves, including the semiconductors that power smartphones, computers, vehicles and artificial intelligence. Nigerian semiconductor technology company ChipMango is working to develop this capability by connecting engineering education with practical chip-design and verification projects.
Through its investment in African venture capital funds, the European Investment Bank (EIB), under the Boost Africa initiative, is helping strengthen the ecosystem that supports innovative businesses like ChipMango. Boost Africa is a joint initiative of the EIB and African Development Bank, supported by the European Union.
Watch the video to discover ChipMango’s story and the opportunities it is helping create.
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