Celebration for Olubamidele!

 1125 Words for Our Audu!

A proud Egba man through and through — grounded, resilient, warm-hearted, and full of quiet pride. A man standing tall, though he has a brother towering over him in height; he is taller in grace, charisma, loyalty, wisdom, and glory.

The kind of brother who may not always call… but somehow always shows up exactly when it matters most. Shocked was I when he stepped in with Olurotimi at my 55th, sorry scratch that, 50th.

Raise your glass and toast to my brother... who fights me all the time because I query why I have to call him Brother Dele when he is only two years, 2 weeks and 2 days older. I can here a sweetheart saying, lo ra l'oja! I can only echo, f'ona han mi.

Raise your glass and toast to classy Mr. Oluwabamidele TiOluwatope Famuyiwa, soon to be Mayor of MK.

I pray for you egbon mi, God will continue to strengthen you with wisdom, peace, and uncommon favour. Your hands will never lack provision for the people you love. I declare that the sacrifices you make for family and friends will return to you as joy, honour, wellness, wealth and lasting fulfillment. I pray your home remain covered in grace, your path directed by God, your laughter remains contagious and your blessed wife and outstanding children remain channels of happiness. I pray that you will continue to stand tall in dignity, strength, and divine purpose.

I decree that you will be refilled and refueled as you wait upon the Lord. Elohim shall renew your strength and you shall mount up with wings as eagles after the order in Isaiah 40:31

After the order in Numbers 6:24–26 I decree that The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Happy 55th Birthday to the Audu of Ibiyemi and Olukunle Famuyiwa clan.

They say the first child in an African family is born twice, once as a baby, and again as an unpaid assistant father.

My brother did not have other siblings jumping at his first wail; he arrived with invisible responsibilities strapped to him like ceremonial agbada.

As the first of five, he mastered the sacred art of carrying everybody’s matter. House cleaning? Present. Family drama? Present. Emergency mechanic negotiations? Present. Random advice nobody asked for but everybody needed? Always present.

Here’s the funny thing, this son of Ibiyemi hardly calls. You can wait for “How are you?” call tl next Easter. But let there be one family crisis or just sneeze near danger and suddenly your phone rings and he is negotiating appearing like an action hero entering scene three of a Nollywood blockbuster. Flights booked. Bags packed. Face serious. Wallet loaded.

At a recent funeral for the patriarch of a family close to ours, while everyone was buried in sympathy, service of songs logistics, and emotional exhaustion, one woman discovered her phone had been stolen. Most people would have sighed dramatically and said, “Ah! Eeya! These things happen.” Not Oluwabamidele. My brother turned into a one-man investigative task force, Omo Olopa! The next thing, he is asking questions, following up information on the venue's camera. Following leads. Coordinating people. Going far beyond obligation because somewhere inside him lives a stubborn refusal to ignore another person’s distress. That is who Tolutope is.

His names? Dad's family named him Olubamidele because names from the clan are predicated by Olu but MAMI's family stuck to their Tolutope because this was the name MAMI received from the Holy Spirit and when Grandma Fatolu-Odu arrived the hospital to celebrate the birth of her grandson she chanted, Tolutope. It wasn't family rivalry, it was just two principled families sticking to the name Eleduwa whispered to them.

You would expect my brother to be British like MAMI or Native like Bami, somehow, he chose to be the life of every party, picking their personable personae (oyinbo repete).

Give him music, friends - old and new, small pepper soup, plus two hours, and suddenly strangers are laughing like cousins at a December reunion. Talking about chopping life, he few years ago was laughing out loud and went back headlong, face down. Death starred him in the face but Jesu Kristi said rara o!

Se ba o ku, ise o tan. He continues to carry joy naturally, the kind that makes room lighter without trying too hard. The kind of man whose arrival changes the temperature and flips the thermostat of a gathering. Once he arrives, water turns to wine and cassava turns to lafun with ooyọ. Not that he cares much about lafun as Eko recultured him aa Lagos Bobo. I said that to say he would make appropriate provision for whatever is missing.

But beneath every roaring laughter sits wisdom. Not the noisy type that quotes motivational speakers every five minutes. His wisdom is quieter, seasoned; sometimes hidden inside jokes and side comments that only make sense three months later when life humbles you properly.

I still share the ko-ko-ka joke at events to which I am invited as emcee... I bought this lovely pair of shoes and was demo-ing, he was present and most likely MAMI too in the apartment we shared at Adeniji Adele... As I walked with my shoes doing ko-ko-ka and singing "bata mi a dun kokoka, ready to style out for my next television programme, Oluwabamidele whispered aloud in pidgin, "Beta shoe no dey make noise!" Damn! He burst my bubble right there. I almost smacked his head with newspaper rolls!

He may skip church o, he is NOT SU like Motun and Omolola, but nobody who knows him doubts that he walks with deep awareness that God directs the script of his life. Faith for him is less performance, more presence of mind.

And love? Ah. That chapter matured beautifully with Abiola, his heartthrob. If she wants to start a fight, let her ignore any of his siblings when we arrive! But she is so sweet. We love and honour her not as wife but the one after me in the line up of dames in our Eko-Egba Kingdom. Yes, I yari for the drama of call your elder brother's wife sister. Lailai! If we start am 25 yeara ago e for don become entitlement.

He grew into a man who loves his wife deeply — not just loudly, but sacrificially. The kind of love that shows up in responsibility, protection, consistency, and provision. He stands firmly for his nuclear family while still stretching his hands toward the extended one, carrying both with dignity even when nobody sees the cost.

Quadruplet Miracle

Quadruplet Miracle: Join Me To Bless This Family

A faith leader called me last week about a couple with miracle births. 

I have seen God work miracles through me before - like helping a son with a heart condition get surgery in India and a girl with a tongue-tie get healed. 

Now, I'm called to support this couple, blessed to the glory of God with quads at 50 and 63!

The babies' arrival was unexpected, and bills are piling. The father is a missionary, helping others, and the mother who is a business woman is unable to work as she heals from surgery and tend to her bundles of blessings. 

You have supported me before to bless lives, let's come together AGAIN to bless this family.

What do we need?

- 3.5M to clear hospital bills

- 2.5M for a home (I have a place in mind that needs basic touch up yo make it conducive)

- 2M for basic needs

- 2M for business investment for the mother

If you desire to sow into this blessing, reach me on whatsapp 📲 wa.me/2347086507744. 

join me to make a difference!

Hurricane Report: Kingston, Jamaica

Three delegates for Feast of Esther, founded by faith matriarch, Pastor Foluke Adeboye, arrived in Jamaica Kingston on Friday for a conference for female faith leaders on Saturday. Defying all odds they prayerfully held the conference which seemed salvation, rededication, deliverance, healing and transformation to all participants as the President for USA - Pastor Anthonia Adeyeye of Abundant Life Christian Church Brooklyn delivered the message urging women to take up their role as Esthers to stand on their watch. 

Though safe to travel on Sunday as scheduled, the delegates are locked down on Kingston because airlines cancelled flights and the country officials closed the airport much earlier than the projected landfall by Melissa. One wonders if this is genuinely for safety or greedily to curry the favour of international partners. 

But the delegates have turned the inability to travel to a prayer retreat as they continue to hold up the nation in prayer with Dr. Omolola Omoteso and Pastor Bridget Adeoye leading prayers for global peace. 

Category 5 hurricane, code named Melissa, made landfall in Jamaica, bringing catastrophic winds, storm surges, and flash flooding. 

Though storm's sustained winds is reported to have reached up to 175 mph, with gusts exceeding 200 mph, particularly in mountainous areas, Kingston, Jamaica is currently experiencing major hurricane conditions with strong sustained winds of 35 to 50 mph, with gusts potentially stronger. 

Steady rain with showers and thunderstorms continue into late afternoon with high of 82°F (28°C). 

The hurricane intensified in some areas of Jamaica bringing catastrophic flash flooding and landslides. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected, with the highs reaching low 80s and variable clouds overnight and a chance of showers. Low around 80F, with SW winds at 25 to 35 mph. 

The cloud and storm is moving over Jamaica, and crossing to eastern Cuba, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos by Wednesday. 

Rainfall of 20-40 inches hit some areas leading to catastrophic flash flooding and landslides. 

Up to 13 feet of storm surge hit some areas with strong wind and caused extensive coastal flooding and extensive infrastructure damage to homes, hospitals and schools in southwestern Jamaica, cutting off communities from power supplies and overwhelming local authorities. 

Many who responded to mandatory evacuations orders were safely accommodated in  over 650 shelters opened across the country. 

Melissa is now centered off the northern coast of Jamaica after rushing ashore as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history. It is now downgraded to Category 4 hurricane as it heads next toward Cuba. 

While Melissa has reportedly not caused any death directly, three in Jamaica died during storm preparations, three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic.

It is important for the nation to rally round counsellors and chaplains and open a tollfree line through which persons seeking comfort, counsel and encouragement can get help. A woman found at a restaurant transfixed in fear was promptly counselled and calmed by Chaplain Omolola.  There can be a surve in mental health issues as an indirect impact of the hurricane.

Meanwhile, airlines in Kingston and Montego Bay are projected to open between tomorrow and Friday October 31, 2025.

Report by Dr. Omolola Omoteso

Dr. Omolola Omoteso-Famuyiwa is a journalist and minister who is passionate about sharing God's words for the healing of others.

Seneca Village: Speaking Still

What lies beneath your feet as you walk the length and width of Central Park New York is #SenecaVillage. Buried but still breathing, silenced but speaking still. Let children know that before Africans were labelled slaves, we were kings and queens, princes and princesses #JUSTICE

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Seneca Village was a vibrant community in 19th-century New York City, located in what is now Central Park. Founded in 1825 by free Black Americans, the village thrived as a self-sufficient neighbourhood with schools, churches, and cemeteries.

Here's what we know about Seneca Village

Location: The village spanned from 82nd to 89th Streets between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, covering about five acres of land.

Residents: Seneca Village was home to around 225 residents, primarily African Americans, with some Irish and German immigrants. Many residents owned their homes, which was rare for African Americans at the time.

Community Institutions:

All Angels' Church: A central institution and Episcopal church serving the villagers.

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church: Provided spiritual guidance and support to African American residents.

Coloured School No. 3: Educated children and offered opportunities for a better future.

Significance:

Seneca Village represented African American property ownership, community, and resilience in pre-Civil War New York.

It was a symbol of black self-sufficiency and a haven from the slums of downtown Manhattan.

Destruction: The village was forcibly removed in 1857 to make way for Central Park, with the city using eminent domain to acquire the land.

Residents were displaced, and many received little or no compensation for their lost properties.

Legacy: Efforts have been made to commemorate Seneca Village, including archaeological excavations, educational programmes, and commemorative plaques. The village's story serves as a reminder of the complexities of history and the importance of preserving the stories of marginalised communities.

I urge you, never let silence win.

Agony of Widowed Father Who Plays Mother's Role by Shakiru Fashina

A Nigerian journalist who lost his wife during stillbirth a week before her 35th birthday left with a three-year-old son. Given his very terrible and bitter experience of the demise of both mother and child at labour, I fainted instantly; I can't hold the shock; it was devastating; I lost everything because my life is meaningless without my better half. She is everything a man will wish for in a woman. I can't question God though, but it's extremely painful and an unfortunate experience for me.

Attribute her death to unprofessionalism by the nurse on duty and carelessness of My mother-in-law, who was receiving calls in front of my late wife, reiterating the lost child to people. I think that's what really made her BP rise uncontrollably before giving up the ghost. The responsibility of a two-turns one silently goes about the responsibilities—the unsung hero of his child's lives. Single fathers like this deserve a special salute despite being fraught with challenges. Onaolapo Olalekan Oduola shares this with Fly Cable News reports.  

Hear from the horse's mouth the agony of a single father.

The demise of my late wife exposes me to the other side of life. Humans are unpredictable beings. We have the tendency to change at any given time, and that has a phenomenon that we cannot comprehend because only God knows and only He alone can be perfect. But my experience as a single father has a ripple effect on the decisions I have been taking lately.

 

Since the demise, I've witnessed and experienced torture from my mother-in-law and my late wife's siblings. They have not been cooperating at all. At the funeral, they had access to my room; they carted away all that belongs to her (her phones, wearables, documents, and credit cards), unknowing to me. I was in shock because it was the least I expected from those I see as family. I never knew what was coming until a few weeks after I was called by cemetery attendance to come seal off the grave. While that was going on, her junior sister called and said that she needed to have the last phone that I bought with my own money for my late wife. I was shocked, drained, perplexed, and flabbergasted; I couldn't imagine what she was thinking or what's happening.

 

How could she? I just lost her sister, my lovely wedded wife. It was unbelievable; I can't even imagine, so I let that slide, but I had to reach someone older to relate with for the family to know what's going on, to my dismay; the responses I received afterwards had not been palatable.

 

After that day, it was November that the Lagos state government marked distressed buildings in my area, and mine was involved. I went to the hospital because I was placed on medical examination since I lost my wife. That afternoon I received a call that my house was about to be demolished by the officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency under the directive of Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. 

 

I dashed from the hospital straight home, but on my way I called my late wife's family since they have other valuables that belong to her. She came with a Volkswagen transport vehicle to cart all that was left of her and left with my belongings. I called a few friends that were around to help.

It wasn't a nice experience; the pain intensified because my late wife and I already planned that she wouldn't give birth here in Nigeria, but God knows best. She had her first degree at the University of Lagos University; we are planning for another degree in the UK, and that encouraged me to pay for her international course, which she couldn't attempt before she died.

 

I made the move to secure another apartment, but I was outsmarted by a fraudulent caretaker who absconded with $1.350 million paid for a mini-flat at a little too far from my previous residence. The day I was to move in, I met another occupant with a full load in there. I reached out to the caretaker but to know avail. When I eventually reached him, he told me my money was gone. How do I cope? I lost my wife; I lost my home; now it's another rootless experience from a man of God. 

 

Well, as a law-abiding citizen, I went straight to lodge a complaint at Denton Police Station before proceeding to Panti Police Station (Anti-Robbery Unit) Adekunle. While that was on, I tried as much as possible to make some move because I cannot afford to be homeless; I have a child to care for. He's staying with his grandma (my late wife's mother) long and short of it. I took another step that led to his arrest; I recovered the sum of $1.150 million with an undertaking that he'll refund in due time.

 

Be that as it may, I secured another apartment (a 2-bedroom flat) at Ilasa Mushin. I thought it was over; that was actually the beginning of my ordeal. My mother-in-law became something I can't express; she tortured me, she threatened me, and she reminded me of my late wife every day because, not for her demise, my son would have remained with me. I am a busy man; I work 24/7 to make sure my family receives the best treatment as a caring father and loving husband. She kept threatening me with my life and that of my son.

 

I am a responsible man, so I know what it takes to be there for my boy. I never let him feel the vacuum of my late wife. My family, however, has been supportive too, but because the demise of my wife left me and my mother-in-law with an open wound, I obliged that my son stay with her, not knowing that was my greatest mistake. I took her as my own mother.

 

At first she disenfranchised me full access to my son; she extorted me almost every two weeks; she tormented me to the point she went to Alakara police station to report that I wasn't father enough; I wasn't living up to responsibility as a father just because I want my boy to spend the weekend with me. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law laid ambush on me, tore my clothes, and disgraced me in the presence of my son before I was invited, and to their dismay, I didn't appear as described, and that drew the officers attention to know more about me, my occupation, and my late wife. They saw it as a family issue and advised we settle it amicably for my late wife's soul to be at peace.

 

She requested I pay her the sum of $20,000 as upkeep for a 3-year-old boy. Where is it done? Section 25 of the Child Rights Law stipulated that "I, the father, in case of the demise of my wife, SHOULD HAVE 100% CUSTODY OF MY SON'S FUTURE; more in case I don't pray for now that I am no more, my father should be in possession of my son." Well, it's nothing of my son, but I have spent; I was duped and in grievous pain. I thought she'd understand, but no, she doesn't. I, out of pity for my son, gave her 15,000 naira. To my surprise, I was called two weeks after that, and the money has been exhausted. For crying out loud My son is just 3; he can not even finish a 300-naira meal. At Christmas, I requested to take my son out because when my late wife was alive, that was how we spent our holiday. They reluctantly released him to me.

 

I wasn't even pulling any strings because these people don't understand how valuable they are to me. I cherished them even more than I do to my own immediate family. It's just so pathetic. That went on; during this period, I never made an attempt to report or take any legal action whatsoever. They kept visiting. How can you not take care of your grandson? What if I don't have a job? What if I left the country unannounced? What if I don't care?

 

One faithful day, my mother-in-law sneaked to my residence; she met my landlady on her way in; unfortunately, my landlady couldn't recognise her; she had to reintroduce herself. She (my landlady) accommodated her and listened to all she had to say before she took her leave. When she left, she went straight to Alakara Police Station again to lodge a complaint about what I know nothing about.

 

Luckily this time, my landlady escorted me and represented my mother. After long deliberation, the IPO in charge pacified both parties and advised that they let me have access anytime or any day I want to see my son. As if that was not enough, my next attempt was worse. I nearly lost my life for requesting to see my son. These experiences are gradually eroding the feeling to marry another woman because who knows what experience I'll go through from her family too?

 

Not withstanding, during this period of torment and torture, they took my son to parties, and God knows where. Sometimes, they never return till around 11 p.m. or the next day. Imagine a boy experiencing this at a very tender age. What on earth will a boy of 3 years be doing in a party till 11 p.m.? I believe in building a strong foundation as an elite for my boy. I've done everything in my capacity to make sure he lacks nothing, not even the absence of his mother.

 

To my greatest surprise, when I called that my boy would be with me during this festive period, my mother-in-law told me emphatically that she kept my son somewhere for reasons best known to her. I can't imagine this statement with how it made me feel I have to report back to Alakara Police Station, where they knew all that has been happening. On getting there, she was mandated to first reveal the whereabouts before a stipulated time and that she should provide my son on or before Thursday. But because of who she is, she refused to adhere. On Thursday, I was summoned in the morning, hoping my son was already in their custody. After all efforts, the case was transferred to Gender Unity in Ikeja, where SP Bimbola took over.

 

When my accomplice Inspector Phillips from Alakara and I got to Ikeja, I received a call that she (my mother-in-law) had been arrested with my son. She was transferred down to Ikeja, where the law took place. She was briefed adequately on the rights of a father and her stand. To God be the glory, my son is now with me, and we are living fine.

 

So if you ask me, it has not been a beautiful experience that my lovely wife is no more.May her gentle soul continue to rest in peace. Were there things that give you joy about them, and how do you spend your pastimes with them? Absolutely yes! The joy of fatherhood is written all over me now that my child is in my custody. I can at least know how he feels, I can get him what he wants at the right time, we talk always, and I am not playing my role as his father adequately and as prescribed by our norms, tradition, and the law.

 

Our pass time is well spent. My son enjoys playing video games, singing nursery rhymes, going on tours, and of course visiting the rest of my family. My late wife missed me so much. May God forgive my shortcomings and grant her internal rest. May God bless me and my son too.

Surviving Times of Crisis...

Crisis of any kind, including death of a loved one, can throw you off balance and leave you grappling for air like someone drowning.

Noting tips, building resilence and friendship can make the difference between dying and living, suffering and surviving.

In times of crisis, the following are essential tips to help you get by:

1. Faith or Spirituality: Your belief system will go a long way to determine your state of hopefulness and hopelessness. Connect to God or something greater than you; higher power, for comfort, solace, strength and guidance. Faith practices like praying and praising God would help turn our minds away from the crisis to Christ. Putting spiritual connection first can provide a strong foundation for navigating challenging times.

2. Connect to social contacts: Supportive relationships helps us survive crisis so connect with loved ones, family, friends, and community to provide support and practical help. Connect with those who can be present, listen, and encourage you to process your feelings.  Social contact provides us with opportunities to share our thoughts and our way of doing things. Try to think about the potentially good outcomes of a crisis – do not focus only on worst case scenarios.

3. Basic Needs: Access to food, water, shelter, and healthcare. Have an emergency stockpile of essential items, such as medications, prescriptions, pain relievers, and antacids. Also paper goods like toilet paper, paper towels, and disposable utensils. Non-perishable food items like rice, pasta, peanut butter, and canned goods. Other essentials like batteries, flashlights, and candles may come in handy.

4. Emotional Resilience: Coping skills and stress management are things that you should already have under your belt. If not, learn them and put them into action. For instance don't drink or dream and drive. Quit any behaviour like smoking, alcohol use that can affect your cognitive ability. Choose to be happy and manage your feelings.

5. Communication: Staying connected with others and access vital information. The root of the crisis will guide how to resolve it. If you are out of cash, you need information on how to resolve that. If you want to travel, speak with those who have travelled.

6. Hope and positivity: Finding meaning, purpose, and a sense of control. Think and believe that things can only get better and express in your words that you will survive and thrive.

7. Self Care: Make sure you get enough rest or sleep, eat well and healthy, and engage in exercises that bring you joy. You can try relaxing activities like swimming or meditation, practice gratitude, and take breaks. Keep in mind that taking care of your physical and emotional needs is crucial.

8. Seek Professional Help: Counselling, therapy, or coaching is accessible when needed. The living ask for help and there is always help around you when you let God lead you. Be sure to reach out to someone who can help you without shaming you.

9. Financial Stability: Do you have savings, insurance or financial assistance; time of crisis is when to draw from that resource. Ask yourself more can you do to be financially stable. Is there something you can sell, can you downsize, can you diversify, can you create art, can you translate trash to treasure.

10. Flexibility and Adaptability: Develop the ability to adjust to changing circumstances. Try to understand normal reactions to tragedy and avoid negative thoughts and behaviours. You can try to bring humour into your day or make out time to watch comedy.

Remember to lean on your loved ones, friends, and community for emotional support, and nurture your spiritual practice to find peace and guidance. The time of peace is when to find your 5... 5 people you can call on in times of crisis.

And please do not hesitate to reach out for professional help when needed.

You got this! And remember, you are not alone. Anne cares and she is here for you

Chaplain Anne

aka Rev. Dr. Omolola Omoteso