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Iginla, Suleman among top four emerging billionaire prophets in Nigeria
Prophets are widely known as the voice of God. They are labelled as God’s oracle and which explains why many seek them for spiritual assistance.
One man who can be labelled the forerunner of raw prophetic ministration in this dispensation is Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua.
But here, we present to you the leading four emerging prophets in Nigeria with mega ministries including their net worth.
£ 1- Pro. Joshua Iginla
Bro. Joshua Iginla is arguably the leading voice amongst the emerging prophetic voices in this present generation. This humble but powerful clergy whose ministry Champions Royal Assembly based in Kubwa, Abuja has become a force to be reckoned with globally is arguably the rave of the moment.
His prophetic prowess, Word impact, stunning deliverance ministration and unusual miraculous service has made him an enviable voice amongst his peers.
Aside that, he became a line crosser and record breaker when he celebrated his birthday and 25 years in ministry three years back by launching 33 books in a day. Aside that, he dashed out 22 exotic cars at once to celebrities and members of his ministry. His 80,000 seater capacity auditorium in Abuja is still the rave of the moment and he is also currently building another world class record breaking 100,000 seater auditorium in South Africa . Aside that, the clincher was his multibillion Naira challenger Jet which he humbly showcased earlier this year while marking his birthday.
Bro iginla as he is widely known is a daring prophetic voice whose ministrations has become globally accepted now and several people across the world now flock his Kubwa church for salvation, healing, deliverance and prophetic assistance. In fact, his church has become a Jerusalem of sort for dignitaries across the world.
Interestingly, His Champions Television which translates globally has several million followers who partner with the fiery man of God. All his staffers and members have never ceased to attest to how he has been a channel of blessing to them both spiritually and physically. We reliably gathered that all his staffers lived comfortably courtesy of the clergy and have their own ride. According to them, he believes charity begins at home and that he is a failure if he can’t translate the blessings of God in his life to people around him. His ministry is arguably worth over N30 billion.
£ 2 Apostle Johnson Suleman
Apostle Johnson Suleman’s story began few days after he was born. Some men travelled from Warri to Benin (the place of his birth), and requested to see him.
They said they had a message from God. His parents desired to know what the message was. The men said God told them that a man had been born who would be a prophet unto God and minister in His presence.
His parents refused to listen further because they were not Christians. As the young Johnson began to grow, his parents noticed that he had a soft spot for the things of God. He started moving out with the brethren for evangelism and prayers.
On June 20, 1994, he saw a revelation: the world was set before him with Acts 10:38 written on it. He had read through the Bible three times but never noticed the content of Acts 10:38.
The scripture says: “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him” — Acts 10:38. His interpretation? God wanted him to preach the gospel in all parts of the world.
There and then, he thanked God and asked for directions. On April 29, 1998, he joined the Armor of God Church, Lagos, as an Assistant Pastor. He had a series of revelations from God in which he was instructed on the spiritual powers God had given him and how he would go about the task before him.
This culminated in a 24-hour encounter with the Lord in which He gave him a piece of cloth and said: “Take, wipe out tears from the face of people all over the world, through the revelation of the word, manifestation of my power and reality of the Holy Spirit. Go and produce people of fire and enviable destinies.” The above encounters formed the background of Omega Fire Ministries International, which was established in 2004. The leader of the congregation is by name Apostle Johnson Suleman. The ministry believes in the fire operation of the Spirit of God that refines, purifies and equally destroys.
Omega Fire Ministries Int’l was officially inaugurated on the 1st of February 2004 in Auchi, Edo State – Nigeria and is presided by the General of the Prophetic; Apostle Johnson Suleman.
The miraculous is a common occurrence in the ministry as God confirms the Mandate given to his servant with infallible proofs. God’s servant Apostle Johnson Suleman is endowed with a rare prophetic insight; A Grace that has confirmed and established several African Leaders.
He speaks as an Oracle Of God on national and global matters as it affect the political, social and economic atmosphere of nations across continents of the world. The Accuracy of his uncommon prophetic analysis and confirmed predictions has earned him a name and fame in various fields of human endeavor. Omega Fire Ministries Int’l is one the fastest growing ministries in Africa. With just Eleven years of operation their branch network spreads across Europe, America and various parts of Africa. The International Headquarter Church of the Omega Fire Ministries Int’l is located in KM 132, Okene/Abuja Expressway, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria.
By prophetic standard, Apostle Johnson Suleman is an Apostle of prophetic reverence and veneration, the man redefines the word simplicity: simple in speech or sermon, even simpler in his deeds and his dressing. And still far simple in how he addresses serious issues.
The “oracle of God” did not rest on his oars as he continues to give the church its global outreach. He distributes his message globally through Facebook and a 24-hour Christian television channel called Celebration TV,’ as well as a 24-hour Christian radio station ‘Voice of Fire Radio’.
Apostle Suleman preaches the gospel alongside his wife Reverend Lizzy Johnson. Listeners receive salvation for their souls, accompanied with signs, miracles, prophetic ministration, and deliverance and healing.
Today, his trademark ‘I don’t serve a dead God – He is the same yesterday, the same today, the same forever more! – is one of the popular ringtones for mobile phone. He has also acquired his own private jet and the multibillion Naira projects sprawled all over Auchi could attest to the fact that his ministry is arguably worth over N25billion.
£3 Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin
Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin is an enigma, although he is considered a man of many principles by his critics.
He is from a dignified humble home and background and was born on the 15th of February 1972 into the family of late Pa Lst Fufeyin of Ofonibidi in Eguomo and Okusozimo quarter in Ojobo Burutu L.G.A. of Delta State as the twenty second out of thirty children and third out of four from Mama Asetu Fufeyin (Nee Boubeni) from a polygamous home.
He started his primary school education at Zuokumor primary school Ojobo, Burutu L.G.A., Delta State between 1981 – 1986 with an encouraging result which catapulted him into Gbesa Grammar School Ojobo between 1986 – 1992 with flying colours.
He was a hardworking business man who ventured into many businesses during his youth to make ends meet but encountered Jesus on his journey in the quest to make a living irrespective of many ups and downs like Saul and other apostles recorded in the Bible.
He was converted into Christianity even though he had involved in other religions in the course of finding his true purpose on earth.
The man’s turning point is a story to reckon with. He moved into his political scenario with little or no favour but acted as an eye opener into Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (M.F.M.) which catapulted him into an enviable height today.
In view of developing his relationship with his creator God Almighty, he went into the mountain for 21 days to seek divine direction to start his early ministry.
After his encounter with God at the mountain top, he started a small fellowship with God’s children under the umbrella of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries as a house fellowship coordinator where he ministered to people. His strong desire for the ultimate power of God inspired another 10 days on the mountain to seek for more empowerment from the Supreme Being that rules heaven and earth.
After his return from another 10 days of fasting and prayer on the mountain, he began a deliverance prayer outreach in a little space at Western Road off Airport Road, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria with prophetic manifestations. Thereafter, there arose controversial issues as to the name behind the mission. In a bid to further his divine purpose irrespective of challenges to stop his vision through the divine power of God, Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries was formed to carry on the work of God to save the unsaved, heal the sick and set the captives free.
The Man of God Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin became the founder and General Overseer of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries and the President of Mercy Television.
Today, Christ Mercyland Ministry is a success story not only in Nigeria but also all over the world.
Presently at Mercyland, the rich and the poor, the powerful in society and the down-trodden, members of parliament and chief executives, Olympic athletes, football superstars, Nollywood actors and actresses, comedians, security personnel are members of the church, all jostling for the common purpose which is to serve God in spirit and in truth at a sanctuary where the miracles happen fresh and raw.
With a congregation of over 100,000 members, and a multibillion naira auditorium that stands on an expense of 16 hectares of land under construction and Mercy TV beaming signals throughout the world, there is no better way to appreciate God other than to testify to the world the goodness of God in his life. He also has Mercy land camp which is built on water and can be accessed through speed boats.
The man of God explained that through Mercy TV, thousands of people have received their healing and other miracles too numerous to mention. His ministry is worth over N15 billion.
His uniqueness is the raw manifestation of power and precise prophetic ministrations which is why many called him Prophet Fresh and raw. He is also a chronic philanthropist.
£4 Prophet (Dr) Chris Okafor
Prophet (Dr) Chris Okafor is the founder and General Overseer of Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry (aka Liberation City), with headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. He is also the president of the Chris Okafor World outreach Ministries (COWON).
Known as the “Prophetic field Marshal” of God, Chris Okafor was a born mouthpiece of God. He started prophesying evidently at the age of eight. And since then, he has tremendously been fulfilling God’s purpose for him to liberate mankind from diverse afflictions and operations of Satan
The awesomeness of Almighty God is greatly manifested in this servant of God as translated in the high attitude of his spiritual and prophetic prowess, reflected in the sudden and astounding congregational explosion in the ministry, just in time. He is an agent of change and consequently many lives have been touched and transformed.
Presently, the great man of God is navigating the kingdom with tens of thousands of followers across the globe. The Chris Okafor world outreach Ministries (COWON) is an evangelistic wing of the ministry which has cut across edges of nations with a dynamic evangelistic team, taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to the door-steps of all.
Many have encountered the healing power of God through this Prophet. The lame have walked, the dead have risen, the blind have regained sight, the deaf and dumb have been restored, and the insane have been divinely repositioned. Today, Mountain of Liberation And Miracle Ministries has proliferated all over Nigeria and several countries abroad.
Dr. Chris Okafor founded the church (Mountain Of Liberation And Miracle Ministries (a.k.a Liberation City) in November 2003 in his then one bedroom apartment, before he later moved to Prismoni Primary School, Ojodu, where full church services commenced.
First, the church occupied a classroom, then a school hall. Worshippers that were trooping in soon became so many that the hall could no longer contain them, then the need for a bigger space arose and consequently, the church sought for a refuge at a spacious warehouse on No 9, Bashiru Street, Ojodu, Ikeja – Lagos..
Within a year, the crowd grew and the church resorted to mounting canopies and chairs outside, thinking this would solve the problem but rather, it became more a problem as the size of the overflow soon necessitated blocking of the street every Sunday. Then, there used to be about ten erected canopies outside and suddenly the overflow became more than the main auditorium.
Again the church sort for another space – this time to build a church and, a portion of land was found on Oshofisan Street where the church, now LIBERATION CITY, a well-structured church facility was built and commissioned in August, 2010. His Liberation Television spreads across the continents of the world and he is also a philanthropist. His net worth is estimated N12 billion.
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SANWO-OLU MOURNS POPULAR ISLAMIC CLERIC, SHEIKH MUYIDEEN AJANI BELLO
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of the renowned Nigerian Muslim scholar and preacher, Sheikh Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the death of Sheikh Bello, who died at the age of 84 on Friday, as a great loss to the country, particularly the Muslim community.
In a statement issued on Friday by Mr. Gboyega Akosile, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the late Sheikh Bello left an indelible mark on the Muslim community and his followers across the world, and he would be sorely missed.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also condoled with the deceased’s family, Muslim faithful, friends and Muslim community across the country over the demise of the renowned Islamic cleric.
He said: “Sheikh Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello lived a fulfilled life. He dedicated his life to the service of the people and the propagation of Islam. His death is a great loss, but we are consoled by the good life that he lived and the legacy that he left behind.
“On behalf of my family, the people and the Government of Lagos State, I commiserate with the immediate family, friends, associates and the entire Muslim community over the passing of elder statesman and Islamic scholar, Sheikh Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello, who passed away at the age of 84 years
“The late Sheikh Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello would be remembered for his great sacrifice and commitment to the propagation of Islam, honesty, dignity, harmony and moral development of our people.
“I pray that Allah grants the repose of the late Sheikh Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello Aljannah Firdaus and grant the deceased family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
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Zenith Bank Emerges ‘Bank Of The Year Nigeria In The Bankers Awards 2024
Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as ‘Bank of the Year, Nigeria’ in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2024.
The award, which was announced by The Banker Magazine, Financial Times Group, United Kingdom, during the awards ceremony held in London on December 4, 2024, is in recognition of the bank’s strong management, sound business model and strategy, and approach to sustainability and ESG banking practices.
The Banker’s ‘Bank of the Year’ accolade is among the most coveted and widely regarded award in the banking industry. Often contested by the world’s leading financial institutions, the winners span across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and Western Europe.Commenting on the award, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, said “We are delighted and honored to have been recognized as the Bank of the Year, Nigeria in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2024.
This award is a testament to the unwavering trust and loyalty of our esteemed customers, the unparalleled leadership and guidance of the Board and Management as well as the hard work and dedication of our staff. It also reflects our bank’s steadfast commitment to delivering excellent services to our customers and contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.
We will continue to invest in innovative technologies, expand our range of products and services, and maintain our commitment to exceptional customer service in order to sustain our position as Nigeria’s Number One Bank.” She lauded the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his visionary role in laying the foundation for a reputable, dominant and globally recognised financial institution known for innovation, superior performance, and the creation of premium value for all stakeholders. In November 2024, Zenith Bank commissioned its Paris Branch following the granting of the final approval by France’s banking regulator, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR).
This is part of the bank’s global expansion strategy, and its commitment to serving clients wherever their businesses are around the world.Zenith Bank has continued to earn numerous awards, with this latest accolade coming on the heels of several recognitions.
These include being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the fifteenth consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine. The Bank was also awarded the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020 and 2022; and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards.
Further recognitions include Best Bank in Nigeria for four years from 2020 to 2024 in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards and Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for 2022, 2023 and 2024 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.
The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 as well as Bank of the Year, 2023 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards. Zenith Bank was named Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.
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VAT Discourse And Tinubu’s Pan-Nigerian View
By Salamah Akindeko
If we agree with the utilitarianist view that one thing a leader must do is consider making choices that produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people, then Nigerians should commend President Bola Tinubu for choosing to break away from the past by elevating common national interest to a new level.
And this did not start when he became president as this leadership trait had been demonstrated in various spheres he had held sway. His antecedents speak for him.
In May last year, President Bola Tinubu reinforced this view that he is for all. He pledged to govern Nigeria impartially and in accordance with the Constitution as well as the rule of law. He went further to task the citizenry to embrace national affinity and brotherhood. To observers who look at things dispassionately, this avowed commitment of the President has largely reflected in how he has been running his administration since he took over the reins of government.
President Tinubu, in his inaugural speech, among other things, said: “Today, let us recommit our very selves to placing Nigeria in our hearts as the indispensable home for each and every one of us regardless of creed, ethnicity, or place of birth…The South must not only seek good for itself but must understand that its interests are served when good comes to the North. The North must see the South likewise,” he had said.
One area where President Tinubu has again shown fidelity to his commitment is on the discourse around sharing formula for Value-Added Tax (VAT). Let me use this opportunity to correct erroneous impression that the North is against the president’s tax bills. The disagreement voiced by some northern leaders is on the proposed adoption of derivation model/approach to sharing of VAT revenue. VAT is only a portion of the bills. For emphasis, the four bills currently being scrutinized by the parliament seek to overhaul and modernise the country’s fiscal landscape in a way that brings benefits to the citizens and the three tiers of government.
Revealing President Tinubu’s position at an interactive session with members of the parliament recently, chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, said the president is concerned that Lagos and three other states go home with 70% of VAT revenue monthly, with Lagos (the president’s state) collecting the lion’s share of 42%.
“Today, I just signed the data on VAT [sharing] for October. Lagos will take 42% of the VAT[revenue], Rivers will take 16%, Oyo State will take 5.2%, and the FCT will take 10%. Go and check; these three states [and the FCT] are taking more than 70%. Why? Because those are the places where the head offices of those companies.…states like Borno and Bauchi collect only 0.32% and 0.4% of VAT proceeds respectively, compared to Lagos’ 42%.
“Any day I sign off on the data, I don’t feel like I am a Nigerian because this is not what we represent in our prayer as a nation. That is why, in the wisdom of Mr. President, we need to change this structure,” Adedeji told the lawmakers.
Listening to Adedeji, one would know that President Tinubu is a fair and just leader. He could have directed that status quo be maintained when some northern leaders apparently misjudged his intention on the subject. After all, Lagos and two other states will continue to cash out, while majority of the states will be left with what they currently get from the pool. So, the current attempt at reengineering the tax system is a big sacrifice for which Tinubu should be commended.
While there has been opposition to an aspect of the bills from the North, it is salutary that there are equally voices of reason who have studied the Bills and have seen the goodness of the heart of President Tinubu. A pro-North former Kaduna senator, Shehu Sani, while commending the Bills, said they are not in any way anti-North. According to the fiery critic,” It’s in fact economically beneficial and fair to all parts. People should keep aside sentiments and read the Bills carefully. It is a comprehensive and bold move to harmonise and simplify tax administration and streamline its operations and enforcement “
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, at the interactive session, located the controversy surrounding the VAT aspect of the Bills rightly, describing it as a reflection of their importance. For him, such debates are healthy and necessary in a democracy.
Apart from the fact that these Bills will when passed into law and assented to make states to look inwards and rethink, the issues of imbalance, fairness would be addressed by promotion of equitable distribution of the VAT revenue. These are some of the grey areas the reforms seek to address.
That noted, the total benefits of the bills should have been considered by those raising issues on VAT. People forget easily the confusing overlap of multiple tax laws. For example, why should small businesses pay taxes to the three tiers of government, a development that makes taxation unnecessarily complex? Why should there be multiple laws dealing with almost similar aspects of taxes in such a way that compliance with tax obligation is made difficult for taxpayers? Why should Nigeria not have a law that regulates cryptocurrency operations within its territory? Why in 2024 should we as a country be operating under laws that were made in 1939 (Stamp Duty Act), laws that are archaic and unfit for businesses in this modern time? The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has to give way for the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) in order to accurately reflect the agency’s comprehensive services.
If there is any state that should be bellyaching over the proposal on restructuring of VAT sharing formula, it should be Lagos State. If there is any region whose voice should be loudest against the bills, it should be the South-West. But Lagos and the South-West understand where the President is coming from and have strong faith in his capacity to act in the best interest of the country.
With the town hall meeting held by Channels TV on the subject and with the kind of end-of-discussion explanation provided by Mr Taiwo Oyedele, who chaired the presidential committee on the matter, all opposition should stop henceforth. The National Assembly is there to look into the concerns raised by a few people and seek out ways to iron out those issues with vitiating the general objective of the Bills. It will not serve the interest of those speaking against the Bills if Lagos, which is going to be the biggest loser in the proposed VAT regime, sees reason to challenge either the status quo ante or the proposal. It will be recalled that in the immediate past administration, the issue of VAT sharing was litigated. A political option was sought to prevent the matter from running its full course.
Salamah Akindeko, a finance enthusiast, writes from Ila, Osun State