Opinion

The Abomination Of Desolation

Published

4 years ago

September 12, 2022

In 167 BC, Antiochus IV, also known as Antiochus the mad, the Greek Seleucian King of Syria conquered Jerusalem. To cement his hold, to subdue, and Hellenize the Jews, he outlawed the daily sacrifice at the temple, and in its place, he sacrificed pigs on God’s altar to Zeus. According to most Bible scholars, the sacrilegious act of Antiochus IV in God’s temple at Jerusalem was a partial fulfillment of a prophecy in the book of Daniel, and a foreshadowing of what is to come at the end when the Anti-Christ is revealed. To a layman’s understanding, the abomination of desolation refers to the adulteration of the holy rite.

In one sense, it is a state when Satan and his demons have taken the place of God in the Church. It is a state where the alter of God is turned a bed of immorality, where rape, paedophilia, and even incest hold sway. Two weeks ago, the media trended with the story of a 12-year-old girl that was raped and impregnated by her pastor, Michael Abiodun. According to the story, the girl’s mother sent her to the pastor for prayers in the hope of casting out the demon that took the lives of her other children. But instead of casting out any demon, her pastor became the demon that touched the unclean thing and ate the forbidden fruit. This precious little girl is only the latest victim of so many others who had been violated by so-called pastors under the influence of the devil, or by the direction of the ‘holy spirit’’.

This evil is alive, and well in every denomination in the country. However, it has a higher prevalence rate in what most Nigerians refer to as a one-man church. It brings to life, the words of another prophet who once lamented that because of people like these pastors, the LORD’s name is blasphemed, brought to disrepute among the unbelievers. Cases like this abound. Last month, news had it that one pastor Enoch Sule in Kaduna State impregnated two sisters during a prayer session on the mountain. According to the story, the holy spirit had instructed that they should pray naked. In February, one pastor Michael Onoyume in Delta State was in the news for impregnating a married woman, whose wedding ceremony he conducted. In 2021, a pastor in Lagos, Cletus OIatunji defiled and impregnated a 14-year-old member of his church, and also procured abortion to terminate the pregnancy.

In August 2020, one pastor Ebenezer Ajigbotoluwa impregnated two sisters; he also duped their mother of about N2 million. His defence was that every man of God is hunted by the devil, except the one whose time has not yet come. Also in 2020, in far away UK, a Nigerian pastor, Michael Olurunbi, was convicted for sexually assaulting six girls and a boy; however, the sad part was that his wife, Juliana Olurunbi aided and abated it.
In an Ibadan court in 2019, a woman accused her husband, pastor Adeyemi Adekunle, of impregnating two church members; and she prayed the court to dissolve her 18- year old marriage.

The cases are uncountable, but what is most heart-wrenching are cases of incest committed by some of these pastors; like a case in 2020, of one pastor Oyefemi Oyebola, who was reported to the police for raping and impregnating his daughter, and procuring abortion for her on three occasions. He was even arranging for family planning before his bubble burst.
The abomination of desolation in our Churches today percolates through the whole spectrum, and it ranges from various kinds of financial exploitation, sexual crimes, and outright murder.

Unfortunately, it would not stop because evil seems to have turned our daily reality; and church men and women have outsourced their brains, making their pastors, daddy, and mummy GOs the fountain of all wisdom. It ought not to be so for any true Christian. In fact, God calls His people to worship Him in spirit and in truth; He calls them to worship Him with their entire minds. He says to his people, “you must be holy unto me, for I the LORD I am holy. It is very easy to miss the import of the term mind, as used in the scriptures unless it is clearly understood as the seat of the human intellect, reason, and will.

The implication is that Christians must know God for themselves;. Yes their pastors can preach and teach, but they must think for themselves. The onus is on them to go back and search the scriptures for themselves to ascertain if the teachings and doctrines espoused by them were in tandem with extant scriptures. They should follow the example of Berean Christians that Paul referred to as honourable because they did not take his teaching hook, line, and sinker.

They went back to search the scriptures to confirm if Paul’s teachings were in line with the scripture. Take for instance the case of Timothy Ngwu, a randy pastor who allegedly impregnated 20 women in his congregation in 2019 under the instruction of the holy spirit. How was it possible that all these women, including married ones and their husbands, believed Ngwu’s prophecy, that the holy spirit has instructed him to impregnate anyone chosen and revealed irrespective of whether she is married or not? During an interview, he was bold enough to say that he never slept with any married woman without the consent of the husband.

It is easy to ask why, or how come. Or, what passage of the Bible did Ngwu use to hoodwink his victims, and if the victims read the passages for themselves? Evidently, the women and their husbands are lazy-minded. Come to think of it, most Christians today are very educated, yet they indulge pastors, joining them to do very stupid things that our uneducated Christian grandparents would never imagine. You may recall some months ago, in a viral video where we saw young men and women bathing naked at a stream under the instruction of an acclaimed poster, Onye Eze Jesus. We were awestruck by the spectacle, but he preaches the Bible, under the instruction of the holy spirit. But if Paul were to be alive today, his words would have been, O foolish Nigerians, who have bewitched you.

In reporting most of these stories, most national dailies use the term, “acclaimed pastor” signposting the incongruity of such behaviour for men of the cloth. But are all pastors? No. Are all prophets? No. Do all have gifts of healing? No. Have all been called? No. But many have called themselves, and their God is their belly. They are the charlatans amongst us. Hunger and unemployment are the siamese twins that are diluting, and driving Christianity into extinction, while the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) sleeps.

Should anyone be allowed to start a Church? Of course not. It might not sound nice, but is there a Biblical standard for who can be a pastor, and church governance as a whole? Yes. Has CAN or the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) used this criterion as set forth in the books of Timothy and Jude? No. Why? Because the world is influencing the Church instead of the other way around, and the immorality has festered like gangrene.

The weight of immorality has made it impossible for Church organisations to act; some even go as far as covering up such cases to protect their names, and that of the pastors. It is high time the government compels CAN, PFN, through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), to add an extra layer of verification, that requires pastors and intending GOs to get a ‘Good Report Form’ filled out by at least 300 verifiable persons before they are registered, including church elders. Would it eradicate the abomination in the church? No. but it would weed out as many predatory pastors as possible.

Christians know that God will hold every pastor accountable, and those who have committed crimes would suffer the wrath of the law in the here and now, but most Christians must take responsibility, they must read the Bible for themselves. Even though God’s word is comprehended through revelation, according to the Bible, He still invites His people to approach His word with reason, just like any other literature. People should not go to church leaving common sense at home.

If for instance, the mother of this 12 year old, in the current case used her common sense, being fully aware of the world we live in, this evil may never have happened. But trusted blindly, and today her daughter is in the news. Her husband is also not without sin in this saga. If his wife did not clear with him before she allowed their daughter to attend a solo prayer session, then he is an absentee father. My mother has an Igbo parable that when translated, means that, after blaming the kite or hawk for taking the chicken, you also blame the chicken for being at the wrong place at the wrong time

The abomination of desolation is the operative doctrine of most of our Churches, and as a result, millions of hitherto good Christians are suffering for it. It ought not to be so. The solution to this madness is in every Christian home, even on mobile phones. That solution happens to be the same Bible that millions have been deceived with. It must be read with reasoning and common sense, verifying whatever daddy or mummy GO says.

By: Raphael Pepple

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

2 weeks ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”

In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.

One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.

As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.

Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.

Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.

These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.

Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

Published

2 weeks ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote “A society that celebrates wealth without questioning its source gradually breeds a generation that despises hard work, glorifies fraud, and ultimately destroys itself from within.”

Nigeria’s battle against insecurity is not limited to terrorism. Another destructive force—popularly known as “Yahoo”—has steadily eaten into the nation’s moral and social fabric. Internet fraud, which has become synonymous with “Yahoo” in local parlance, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s image, economy, and future. The activities of internet fraudsters have tarnished the country’s reputation globally. As a result, many law-abiding Nigerians abroad or seeking legitimate opportunities overseas often face suspicion and discrimination because of the notoriety created by these criminal elements. Originally, Yahoo was merely the name of an internet search engine created in 1994 by Stanford graduates Jerry Yang and David Filo. In Nigeria, however, the term has evolved into a culture driven by greed and materialism. It has become a disturbing subculture with its own language and values.

Expressions such as “mugu fall, guy man chop” celebrate the exploitation of unsuspecting victims, portraying fraud as intelligence and deceit as success. Yahoo boys are notorious for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. They parade expensive cars, spend lavishly, and often display arrogance towards elders and society. Their extravagant lifestyle has even been blamed for rising rents and increased cost of living in cities such as Port Harcourt. Following crackdowns in Delta and Edo states, there have been concerns over the growing presence of these elements in Rivers State. What is particularly disturbing is that many of these young men and women, some as young as teenagers, have no legitimate source of income yet live in luxury. Their actions have ruined businesses, impoverished victims, and in some cases pushed people into depression, heart attacks, and suicide.

Yet, they continue to operate openly with frightening confidence. The prevalence of Yahoo culture reflects the deep moral decay in society. Sadly, some families not only tolerate the illicit activities of their children but celebrate and pray for their success. Anyone who condemns the practice often becomes the target of abuse and ridicule. A Port Harcourt-based pastor once experienced fierce backlash from Yahoo sympathisers after speaking against the menace. Nigeria’s permissive environment has unintentionally allowed the practice to flourish. Weak institutions, compromised law enforcement, and families unwilling to question the source of sudden wealth among unemployed youths have all contributed to the problem. The virtues of patience, diligence, and integrity are steadily being replaced by greed and a desperate desire for quick riches.

Perhaps one of the greatest casualties of Yahoo culture is education. The value of years of hard work and academic excellence has been diminished. Many young people now dismiss formal education as a scam, while apprenticeship and vocational training are increasingly looked down upon. The obsession with easy money has encouraged school dropout rates and undermined the culture of honest enterprise. An even more disturbing dimension is the emergence of what many describe as “Yahoo Phase II”—a phenomenon associated with ritual practices and occult beliefs. Although stories surrounding these practices are often difficult to verify, reports of ritual killings, organ harvesting, and other horrific crimes have heightened public fears. Young people seeking wealth at all costs are said to subject themselves to bizarre and inhumane instructions from self-styled spiritualists, resulting in unimaginable tragedies.

Regardless of the myths and realities surrounding these claims, one fact remains undeniable: the pursuit of wealth without values has devastating consequences. Society is increasingly witnessing cases of substance abuse, mental instability, and mysterious deaths among youths whose lives are built on criminality and desperation. Nigeria cannot afford to remain indifferent while a generation is consumed by greed and moral bankruptcy. Combating Yahoo culture requires more than arrests and prosecutions. Families must instill values of honesty and hard work. Religious leaders, educators, and community leaders must consistently promote integrity. Government institutions must strengthen the rule of law and ensure that crime does not pay. Above all, society must stop celebrating wealth without questioning its source. No nation can attain sustainable development when fraud is admired, hard work is ridiculed, and criminality is rewarded.

The future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that values character above riches and integrity above material possessions. If this dangerous culture is left unchecked, the consequences will be severe. But if the nation collectively chooses the path of morality, accountability, and industry, there remains hope that the tide can be reversed and the country’s dignity restored.

By; Confidence Adoo

Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’ Prescription

Published

3 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “In an age of advanced medicine and endless health information, the greatest prescription may still be the oldest one: know yourself. True health begins when we understand our bodies, emotions, habits and choices.”

The 21st century has ushered in extraordinary progress in science, technology and medicine. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives can now be prevented or treated. Information is available instantly, while fitness applications, health trackers and modern healthcare facilities have become part of everyday life. Yet, despite these advances, many people continue to struggle with physical illnesses, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle-related diseases. This contradiction raises an important question: Why are people becoming increasingly unhealthy in an age of remarkable medical advancement? Part of the answer may lie in the timeless wisdom associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates: “Know thyself.” Though spoken more than two thousand years ago, these words remain profoundly relevant today. They remind us that genuine wellbeing begins with self-understanding.

Knowing oneself goes beyond knowing one’s name, occupation or social status. It involves understanding one’s body, emotions, habits, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. It means recognizing how daily choices affect physical, mental and emotional health. In many respects, self-knowledge forms the foundation of healthy living. One of the greatest health challenges today is the tendency to ignore warning signs until serious problems emerge. Many people neglect symptoms such as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Because they are disconnected from their bodies, they fail to recognize that their health is gradually deteriorating. A person who truly knows himself pays attention to these signals. Such an individual understands which foods nourish the body and which habits undermine health. They recognize when rest is necessary,

when stress levels become dangerous and when professional medical attention should be sought. Self-awareness encourages preventive action long before illness develops. The same principle applies to mental and emotional health. Modern life is filled with pressures. Social media often encourages unhealthy comparisons, while economic challenges, family responsibilities and workplace demands create enormous psychological burdens. Many people suffer silently because they have not learned to understand or manage their emotions. Knowing oneself means recognizing emotional triggers, vulnerabilities and sources of stress. It involves identifying feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or frustration before they become overwhelming. Self-aware individuals are more likely to seek support, adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain emotional balance.

Self-knowledge also promotes discipline. Many of today’s health problems are linked to lifestyle choices. Excessive consumption of processed foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse, physical inactivity and poor sleeping habits contribute significantly to disease burdens around the world. Most people are aware of these risks. The challenge is often not a lack of information but a lack of self-understanding. Individuals who understand their motivations, weaknesses and tendencies are better equipped to resist harmful habits and develop healthier routines. In this way, self-knowledge becomes a powerful tool for self-control. Socrates also taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While philosophical in origin, this statement has practical implications for health. Examining one’s life encourages honest reflection. Are we eating wisely? Are we exercising enough?

Are we sleeping adequately? Are we managing stress effectively? Are we maintaining healthy relationships? These are not merely philosophical questions. They are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Honest answers can reveal habits that require improvement and inspire positive change. Ironically, while technology has made health information more accessible, it has also made self-understanding more difficult. Many people spend hours following social media trends and public personalities while paying little attention to their own health. They know more about celebrities than they know about their blood pressure, sleep quality or emotional wellbeing. A healthier society will require more than modern hospitals and advanced medications. It will require citizens who actively seek to understand themselves. Preventive healthcare begins with personal awareness.

Parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers all have important roles to play in promoting self-awareness. Young people should be taught not only academic subjects but also emotional intelligence, self-reflection, healthy lifestyle habits and personal responsibility. Ultimately, Socrates’ ancient wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. A person who understands himself is more likely to make healthy decisions, maintain emotional stability, build resilience and seek help when necessary. The journey to good health does not begin in a hospital, pharmacy or gymnasium. It begins within. As the world continues to confront complex health challenges, perhaps the most powerful prescription requires no expensive technology or medication. It is the enduring wisdom that has stood the test of time: know yourself. In understanding ourselves, we discover one of the surest paths to healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi