Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola Celebrates 120th Posthumous Birthday

Joseph Ayo Babalola who was born on 25th April 1904 and died on the 26th of July 1959 was the founder of the Christ Apostolic Church, popularly called Aladura in Nigeria. He was credited with special healing powers and the anointing of the Holyspirit.

In 1930 Faith Tabernacle affiliated with the British Apostolic Church. Then following a schism in the Apostolic Church about 1940, Bablola went with a new independent church, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), where he continued his healing and revivalistic activities until his death. The CAC regards Babalola as an apostle and his revival ministry as the beginning of the church. A CAC retreat center was built at Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State where Babalola was first called in 1928.

The Christ Apostolic Church has not died along with Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola in 1959. In fact it has grown rapidly over the years, with many churches under the Christ Apostolic Church name but each church with a specific branch name. The Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) a private Nigerian university located in Ikeji-Arakeji in Osun State, established by the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide is named after him, located at the place where he says he was called by God in 1928.

He was the first prophet God used to lead a great revival in Nigeria after the raising of a 10 years old boy in 1930.

He was the first General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church, a church that metamorphosed from a prayer group popularly called Egbe Aladura in Nigeria.

The Aladura Movement nucleated at Ijebu-Ode in 1918. Babalola was endowed with healing powers.

Joseph Ayodele Babalola was born of Yoruba parents, David Rotimi and Madam Marta Talabi on April 25, 1904 who belonged to the Anglican Church. The family lived at Odo-Owa, a small town about ninety kilometres from Ilorin in Kwara State, Nigeria. His father was the Ba ba Ijo (“church father”) of the C.M.S. Church at Odo-Owa.On January 18, 1914, young Babalola was taken by his brother M. 0. Rotimi, a Sunday school teacher in the C.M.S. Church at Ilofa, who later took him to Osogbo.
Babalola started school at Ilofa and got as far as standard five at All Saints’ School, Osogbo. However, he quit school when he decided to learn a trade and became a motor mechanic apprentice. Again, he did not continue long in this vocation before joining the Public Works Department (PWD). He was among the road workers who constructed the road from Igbara-Oke to Ilesa, working as a steam roller driver.

Babalola’s was a specific and personal call. Babalola’s strange experience started on the night of September 25th, 1928 when he suddenly became restless and could not sleep. This went on for a week and he had no inkling of the causes of such a strange experience. The climax came one day when he was, as usual, working on the Ilesa-Igbara-Oke road. Suddenly the steam roller’s engine stopped to his utter amazement. There was no visible mechanical problem, and Joseph became confused and perplexed. He was in this state of confusion when a great voice “like the sound of many waters” called him three times. The voice was loud and clear and it told him that he would die if he refused to heed the divine call to go into the world and preach. Babalola did not want to listen to this voice and he responded like many of the Biblical prophets, who, when they were called out by Yahweh as prophets, did not normally yield to the first call. So, Babalola gave in only after he had received the assurance of divine guidance.

To answer the call, he had to resign his appointment with the Public Works Department. Mr. Fergusson, the head of his unit, tried to dissuade him from resigning but the young man was bent on going on the Lord’s mission. The same voice came to Joseph a second time asking him to fast for seven days. The experience led him to a personal retreat in the home of Joseph Fapounda a Christian leader in Christ Missionary Society in Ipetu Ijesa in Ogun State Nigeria.

In a vision he had, Jesus appeared to him in a white robe along with a very tall man who revealed that it was this Jesus who asked me to speak with you. The man in a dazzling robe spoke at length about the mission he was to embark upon. The man also told him of the persecutions he would face and at the same time assured him of God’s protection and victory. A hand prayer bell was given to Babalola as a symbol. He was told that the sound of the bell would always drive away evil spirits. He was also given a bottle of “life- giving water” to heal all manners of sickness. Consequently, wherever and whenever he prayed into water for therapeutic purposes, effective healing was procured for those who drank the water. Thus, Babalola became a prophet and a man with extraordinary powers.

   

Biography of Honorable Adejoro Adeogun

Adejoro Adeogun is a Nigerian politician and businessman who served as a member of the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023, representing Akoko South East/South West Federal Constituency. He held key positions in the 9th Assembly, including Deputy Chairman of the Committee on National Security and Intelligence and Chairman of an Ad Hoc Committee on recovered loots. Before entering politics, Adeogun had a successful business career, serving as Managing Director of Magnum and Hunter Limited and holding board positions in three other companies. He also worked in public service as Managing Director of the Rivers State Waste Management Company, where he implemented reforms and improved service delivery. Adeogun has a strong educational background, with degrees from Manchester Business School, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, and the University of Ibadan. He is also the founder of Brentonwoods and Trinity Leadership Foundation, which focuses on empowering youths, nurturing young leaders, and nation- building through educational initiatives and mentoring programs

Maendeleo Africa Fellowship Open Applications for 2025 Program

Evolufy Africa, a non-profit organisation has officially opened its application portal for submissions into  Cohort 5 of the Maendeleo Africa Fellowship Program (2025).

Are you a young African committed to driving change in your community? Evolufy Africa invites passionate youth to apply for the Maendeleo Africa Fellowship Program (MAFP) 2025 — an intensive, impact-driven fellowship designed to empower the next generation of African changemakers. 

About the Maendeleo Africa Fellowship

The Maendeleo Fellowship is tailored for NGO founders, volunteers, and young social impact leaders working across the SDGs. It offers a transformational journey in leadership development, civic engagement, self-discovery, and strategic collaboration, equipping fellows to lead boldly and build solutions that matter. 

Why You Should Apply

Gain hands-on training in leadership, innovation, and community development Receive mentorship from seasoned African professionals and experts Join a vibrant network of changemakers across 15+ African countries Design and implement your own impact project Access internship opportunities in the development sector Since its launch, Maendeleo has trained over 400 youth leaders and catalyzed 9+ high-impact community projects in education, health, and agriculture. 

Eligibility

African youth aged 18–35 Active in community service, NGO work, or social entrepreneurship Committed to advancing the SDGs and solving real challenges 

Application Timelines

 Application Opens: April 7, 2025 Deadline: April 19, 2025 Apply Now:https://forms.gle/FsTwv5kB2ETjCnX3A

Biography of Senator Dino Melaye

Senator Dino Melaye is a lawyer, activist, patriot, and above all, a servant of the Nigerian people. His journey through politics has never been conventional. He has stood in the lion's den, challenged giants, and raised his voice when silence seemed safer. He has been praised and persecuted, celebrated and vilified-but he has never wavered in his mission to speak the truth, no matter the cost. Born in Ayetoro Gbede, Kogi State, his roots are grounded in the rich soil of resilience. From the halls of Ahmadu Bello University to the chambers of the National Assembly, he has never forgotten who he is or why he fights. He has taken risks that shook the foundations of power, called out corruption where it thrived, and dared to remain upright when others bowed. Against All Odds is more than a book-it is a reflection of his battles, beliefs, and scars. It is the story of a man who has been pushed, tested, and tried, but never broken. Through these pages, he invites you to walk with him through the fire-and witness how he turned resistance into resilience.

 

Senator Dino Melaye is active on social media. You can connect with him via his official handles on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X 

Biography of Fathia Balogun Williams

Actress Fathia Balogun Williams is a veteran female actress, movie producer, and director in the Nollywood movie industry. With a career spanning above twenty years...

Fathia Balogun is the Chief Executive Officer, House Of Faiteer. She is a multiple award Winning Actress, Film Maker and dedicated Mother.

Movies by Fathia Balogun

Fathia Balogun has produced, directed and featured in over 200 movies. The list includes:

• Movie Title
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Fathia Balogun Williams is active on social media. You can connect with her via her official handles on Facebook, Instagram, X and Tiktok

Opinion: Oil- The Niger Delta Tale

It was a cold night. Mama and Papa had returned late from work that day for they had to finish up the leftover works of the previous week. They had come in tired and needed a shower, dinner and rest. I however went to do the cooking.
It was almost fifteen minutes gone. Dad and mum were done with the shower and were seated at the dining. Then I saw a thing...

The two hands of the car's wiper sway in the likes of a mass choir waving halleluyah on the windscreen which was punctuated with rain drops and had the tires rolling as a remote controlled toy. The vehicle made almost no noise and it carried no vehicle number. It was a new vehicle, a peugeot model.
It was just another few metres when he pulled the brakes. He was at his destination. I wondered what this son of man needed at this time- the cold, rain and time of night considered. He had possibly come on a visit. He hopped out of the vehicle with his movement ordered to make sure his traces were covered. "Was the car stolen?, What does he want?", I queried in thought.

I saw him. The young man in the black hoodie. He moved towards the high building opposite the street with my eyes following his silhouette. Thereafter, I saw nothing... No traces.

I turned back and left for the dining room with the food plates in my hand when I heard a bang. It portrayed someone trying to break a safe. Silence followed and I kept calm. For the next few minutes,

I heard nothing and so resumed my move towards the dining. I could hear papa and mama giggle
over coffee, my brothers seated patiently in wait for me.

That evening, I served dinner. I had a feeling that it was to be "The Last Supper", but my feelings could not be so true as I thought. "Did dad and mum not hear a thing?", I wondered...

I served silently and was done in no time. I moved on to sit when the bang came again. This time, louder than before. I looked at Dad, mum and my brothers and I saw indifference in them. They continued their chat as though nothing sounded...

Just then, the door went off, revealing him- the guy in a black hoodie who had concealed almost everything. His arsenal had only one hatchet. He marched in and filled an empty seat beside me. Then I saw trouble...

I had watched the start of the event unfold in one quick progression- the return from work, myself in the kitchen, the hoodie guy scene and my family having dinner. He had no reason whatsoever to come in that way. If he truly was the man I saw earlier, then our home was probably a mistake. I felt like getting on my feet but it was cold. I became frightened.

"I've got your names on my list, paid in full," he said, revealing the hatchet he had concealed under his jacket. He stood up and walked the table round. I looked at my father. He looked so helpless. My mother helped no issue, she was weeping already. He lined the family up and starting from father, he bludgeoned and hacked them- father, mum and my innocent brothers.
It was soon my turn. He stared hard into my face for long just before he turned around and left leaving me with the remains of my lovely little family of five.
I never forgot his face.

Overtime, I grew wondering what psychopath he was, why he murdered them and who paid in full. I wondered why my peaceful family of a father who worked with the Government Oil Regulation Agency, my mother who was a teacher in Agbabi Riverine area and my two promising siblings were murdered in cold blood. It was the beginning of the end.

I remember the stories of woe I read in primary school, years before the murder of my family and I conclude that we never feel the tragedy of loss by reading it. A tragic book is interesting when imagery is used to analyse suffering but it's awful when suffering is experienced in reality. No matter how well, the author can not fit the shoes of description if he has not experienced same.

  The hot slap landed on my cheeks as though I were another Jesus, taking the sins of the world. Caressing those cheeks turned another mistake as the full series of spontaneous slaps followed. Mami Kene as she was called is wife to my uncle who adopted me weeks after the cruelsome incident I suffered. However, she had not for once look with pity and count me as human.

Earlier this day, she had asked me to mop the floor which I had earlier done. I looked at the surface and saw barely no stain on it and wondered the need to do the mop again. It was then she hit me hard on the face. I could trace the map of Africa, intimately iinscribed by her palm on my face.

That was the least of punishments I received in that home. The only thing I however put in mind is the fact that one day, I would uncover the mystery of the person who paid in full, the price for the murder of my family. It was in this home that I finished my senior secondary school when my battles started in full...

The story in this article has replaced real names of persons and places. Any resemblance is not on purpose, should be taken lightly and the message should remain undistorted.

ExperTrait Consulting Launches Pro Bono Initiative to Support SMEs and Non-Profits, Strengthening Its Legacy of Impact

 

In a significant move to foster business development and economic growth, ExperTrait Consulting and Management Ltd has announced the launch of its Pro Bono Consulting Initiative. This initiative, which coincides with the company's 7th anniversary, reaffirms ExperTrait's commitment to empowering mission-driven organizations and strengthening the economic fabric of Nigeria and beyond. 

 

With a well-earned reputation for excellence in strategic consulting, ExperTrait will provide free expert advisory services to selected non-profits, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and government-led initiatives that require professional support but lack the financial resources to access high-level consulting services. 

 

According to Olatunbosun Onaopemipo Olalekan, the Principal Consultant of ExperTrait Consulting and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, Nigeria, the initiative is a reflection of the company's long-standing dedication to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable business growth. "At ExperTrait, we recognize the challenges faced by mission-driven organizations and emerging businesses. Over the years, we have built a track record of transforming businesses and shaping leaders. This initiative is our way of giving back, ensuring that more organizations have access to the strategic insights, governance frameworks, and financial planning tools necessary for long-term success," Olalekan stated. The company has been a key player in driving innovation and business sustainability, working across various industries to provide cutting-edge solutions in business development, corporate governance, marketing, financial planning, and digital transformation. Through this initiative, ExperTrait continues to extend its impact, reinforcing its status as a trailblazer in the consulting space. To ensure effective resource allocation, ExperTrait will select a maximum of five (5) beneficiaries per quarter, prioritizing organizations with high-impact potential and a strong commitment to social and economic development. 

 

As ExperTrait Consulting marks seven years of excellence, innovation, and transformative impact, this initiative further cements its legacy as a consulting firm dedicated not just to profit, but to purpose-driven growth. 

 

Interested organizations can apply by reaching out via the company's official communication channels or email [email protected].