Adeboye is 84 years today.

In a tribute he personally wrote, Tinubu described Adeboye as one of Nigeria’s greatest gifts, adding that he was a spiritual fortress, interceding for Nigeria and its people to God Almighty.

He praised his humility and wisdom, stressing that Adeboye’s contributions to the nation extended beyond the pulpit.

He prayed that God Almighty would continue to bless him with good health and strength.

The statement reads in full:

“Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), is one of our nation’s greatest gifts: a spiritual fortress, interceding for Nigeria and its people to God Almighty.

“His humility is genuine, and his wisdom runs deep beyond the ordinary. His contributions to our nation extend beyond the pulpit—where he ministers to souls—to philanthropy, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.

“We celebrate the grace of stewardship and leadership upon the life of Pastor Adeboye, fondly called Daddy G.O., as he marks his 84th birthday on March 2, 2026.

“We congratulate him and join his wife, Pastor Foluke, members of the RCCG, and the Body of Christ in gratitude to God for the General Overseer’s exceptional life of impact that transcends cultures and borders.

“We thank the Lord’s own servant for his unceasing prayers for our nation and commend his patriotic zeal,  manifest determination and commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

“We also acknowledge the unique leadership role of the renowned clergyman, whose teachings over the past five decades continue to shape and transform lives across generations in the country and beyond.

“As Daddy G.O. celebrates this special day, we pray that God Almighty continue to bless him with good health and strength as he continues his good work in the Lord’s vineyard.”

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If the videos we are seeing on TikTok and other social media platforms are real, then clubbers might have had the inglorious opportunity to sample a gospel song and move their bodies on the dancing floors the same way Afrobeats and Amapiano hits would normally make them do. ‘No Turning Back II,’ a gospel anthem now providing the rhythm to twerking and vodka shots in night clubs is not just a case of the playful irreverence of random DJ’s but another page in the fat book of attention economy, where algorithms, cultural hybridity, and the hunger for engagement converge.

Given the emotions around Pentecostalism, I need to make full disclosure here: One, I do attend a Pentecostal church and have no intention of leaving. Two, until the last Sunday of May, I had never heard of Akinade Ibuoye, known as Gaise Baba or his hit song, ‘No Turning Back II,’ which featured Lawrence Oyor. As it turned out, the Teens Choir of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) where my family worships ministered that song as part of the special programmes commemorating the 2025 Children’s Day. I liked it and as I always do with some of these songs; actually, took note to download and add it to my iTunes playlist after church. At the end of the service, I found out from one of our children – who quite unlike him, came to ask me whether I liked the ministration by the Teens Choir – that the song had been trending on TikTok, where people were already posting videos of themselves vibing to it.

The manner in which the song moved from the pew to party raises urgent questions: How does a worship song become a club banger? Who benefits from this crossover? And what does it say about the blurred lines between the sacred and the secular in Nigeria’s digital age? As I explored in my analysis of Pentecostal livestreaming, the political economy of digital worship is fraught with contradictions – where faith, technology, and commerce intersect, often at the expense of spiritual intentionality. This case of this trending song – actually a remix of an older version – is no different.

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The treatment of Gaise Baba’s song confirms that sacred origins alone do not disable the digital afterlife. Like many Nigerian gospel tracks, ‘No Turning Back II’ may have started life as a song created for Christian worship – an artiste’s declaration of commitment to his faith and intended for ushering in people into God’s presence at solemn services. Given what we have seen since the remix was released on YouTube, its power appears to lie in its simplicity: a repetitive, emotive chorus anchored by a rhythm that’s both meditative and danceable. Yet, its transition to secular spaces isn’t entirely unexpected. The livestreams of Pastor Jerry Eze’s New Season Prophetic Prayers (NSPPD), a platform for spiritual warfare made him the highest paid YouTuber because a Pentecostal church programme satisfies the ‘performance’ threshold for global audiences.

What sets this song apart is its organic, algorithm-driven takeover. Unlike deliberate gospel-pop crossovers (think Moses Bliss and Frank Edwards hits), ‘No Turning Back II’ has taken a ride on the back of the most effective social media model to spread through unplanned remix culture. TikTok edits paired its rhythms with dance routines, skits, and – intriguingly – nightclub short videos. The song has raced to 8.1 million YouTube views in just two and a half weeks, eclipsing the ‘failure’ of the original song released almost a year prior, which has so far managed 1.3 million views. Here, the parallels to Pentecostal livestreams are stark. Seize moments of emotional peaks – whether prophetic declarations or worship choruses – to hijack attention spans. For emphasis, the algorithm, indifferent to context, rewards engagement, and this helps to explain why the remix of a song that had struggled to catch attention when it was first released is being pushed into feeds far beyond its intended audience.

I have seen videos of people criticising the song as failing their test of spirituality because it is being sampled in clubs but I would leave that judgment for church folks to deal with. My focus here is on helping people to make sense of the digital culture that has taken a gospel song from the sacred confines of churches to the sacrilege of nightclubs. Two quick things: first, I have been told by clubbers that smart DJs have long known that they needed to add popular songs into their playlist – most times sampling them for 30 seconds. Second, the criticisms by some Christian leaders seem hollow because it sounds like the church wants to be allowed to dictate what aspects of the world is allowed into the sanctuary. From the moment churches designed services to resemble music shows; they opened the door to the free movement of young folks between the altar and the nightclub.

I understand the anger of the sanctimonious church folks and can relate to the heated debates about the secular adoption of this song. For some, it’s harmless fun – a testament to the song’s infectious energy. If you paid attention, you could hear comments as, ‘even sinners need bops!’ Others, particularly church leaders, decry it as cultural sacrilege, arguing that stripping the song of its spiritual context reduces worship to background noise for hedonism. If we manage to ignore emotions, we can easily identify the clear pattern of the unforced errors that the Pentecostal church in Nigeria is committing. When worship becomes content, who dictates its boundaries? Nigerian Pentecostalism itself thrives on aesthetic spectacle – services are incomplete without fog machines and special lighting effects that mirror those at nightclubs; so, if churches can weaponise viral tactics to harvest attention and remain relevant, are they qualified to fault nightclubs for doing the same?

The song’s crossover appeal highlights the asymmetrical power dynamics of digital platforms. While the original artist may gain fleeting visibility, the real winners are platforms and DJs. YouTube and TikTok monetise the engagement; nightclubs profit from the novelty. The artist, unless they’ve negotiated sync licenses, likely sees little financial return. Plus, the Pentecostal church loses some of its deep-rooted members who question the aggressive application of modern marketing strategies to attract and keep young folks. There is nothing wrong in optimising church management but if it is too extractive; it would hurt its very objective of helping to evangelise the young folks.

Notice the danger by paying attention to the song. To go viral, it had to conform: shorten the chorus for Reels, amp the bass for clubs, mute the sermon for memes. The result? A worship as content, stripped of theology to fit the attention economy’s appetite – something that is already maxed out with the commodification of church programming and livestreaming.

The nightclub sampling of ‘No Turning Back II’ reminds us of the convergence of the sacred and secular worlds into a third, unstable space, something called cultural hybridity.

The debate echoes my earlier analysis of Pentecostal livestreaming: Can gospel content thrive online without compromising its soul? Artists face a Faustian bargain – lean into virality and risk dilution, or resist and remain obscure. Consider the rise of ‘gospel rappers’ who secularise their sound to chart, or pastors who rebrand sermons as TED Talks for clout. I really do feel for Pentecostal church leaders who have to figure out a way to catch and maintain the attention of the young folks especially Gen Z. That generation consumes culture irreverently – prayer videos as ASMR, worship songs as gym playlists. To them, the sacred or secular binary is outdated. But this raises a theological red flag: If gospel music becomes unmoored from its purpose, does it still serve as worship? I leave the question to everyone who has vibed to that song.

The viral life of ‘No Turning Back II’ is a parable for Nigeria’s digital culture: exhilarating, exploitative, and ethically fraught. The song’s swift movement from the altar to the club underscores how platforms flatten meaning into engagement metrics, rewarding those who play the game. Look closely and you would be tempted to think that the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria has mastered the art of harnessing cultural hybridity to its advantage; strategically embracing and promoting gospel artists who master the digital playbook. Take Bidemi Olaoba: his performance at the 2024 edition of The Experience Lagos highlights the Pentecostal movement’s willingness to align sacred messaging to platform logic in its effort to evangelise Gen Z. His emergence, therefore, as the de facto poster boy for Gen Z evangelism, sounds like Pentecostal pragmatism, the aim of which is to meet restless youth where they are.

But there’s hope – and a lesson from Pentecostal livestreaming. The backlash itself is a form of digital literacy. True, the convergence of faith and digital capitalism is inevitable but the question is whether we’ll let it redefine Pentecostal worship – or reclaim it. If a gospel song can soundtrack both revival and revelry, maybe the message isn’t lost – just waiting to be redeemed.

The nightclub sampling of ‘No Turning Back II’ reminds us of the convergence of the sacred and secular worlds into a third, unstable space, something called cultural hybridity. The only difference, of course, is that this is less a natural cultural evolution and more a byproduct of platform imperialism. Algorithms flatten the song’s theological intent into pure affect – a beat for clubs, a meme for Gen Z, the result isn’t organic cultural exchange, but extractive hybridity with platforms profiting from the aesthetic of Pentecostal spirituality while erasing its substance. For Pentecostal church leaders and content creators, the choice is brutal – conform to these hybridised logics or risk irrelevance.

Dr. Olaniyan is the Convener, Centre for Social Media Research, Lagos.

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Rewane, the CEO of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, who is the keynote speaker is expected to give an in-depth analysis of Nigeria’s macroeconomic challenges and opportunities.

He will also discuss the importance of policy-driven solutions in mitigating economic volatility.

Ms Olive Emodi will moderate the panel discussion featuring esteemed economists as panelists.

Dr Abiodun Adedipe, Founder/Chief Consultant, B Adedipe & Associates, Mr Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, Founder/CEO of Nairametrics, and Mr Opeyemi Agbaje, CEO, RTC Advisory Services Limited.

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They will be deliberating on crucial economic themes, offering expert perspectives on the state of the economy and potential pathways to stability.

The summit is expected to enjoy impressive turnout, with approximately over 500 physical attendees and additional virtual participants billed to engage in the discussions.

Pastor Tunde Netufo, the Assistant Pastor in Charge of Region 11 and Pastor in Charge of Lagos Province 20, reaffirmed the church commitment to fostering economic literacy and resilience and encouraging continued dialogue on Nigeria’s financial future.

The renowned Chartered Accountant stated further that “Nigeria’s economic development and knowledge of it impacts on our existence are the main reasons, we as a church have decided to organise this summit. It is also one of our contributions to the economic discuss and the overall wellbeing of our people.”

The summit comes at a critical time as the nation is still grappling with the aftermath of subsidy removal and exchange liberalization policies which have significantly impacted inflation and household economies.

With the recent passage of the 2025 budget, the summit will seek to provide businesses and families with a clearer understanding of the economic variables at play.

The financial experts and who have been assembled will expectedly expound on the trends and policy options, and offer strategic insights for navigating the present economic climate.

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The congratulatory message was made public on Monday in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

He said the president shared in the joy of the special occasion with Pastor Adeboye’s family, particularly his wife, Pastor Foluke, spiritual leaders and members of the RCCG, the body of Christ, and the clergy.

He said President Tinubu acknowledged the unique leadership role of the renowned clergyman whose teachings for more than five decades continued to shape and change lives across generations in the country and beyond.

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The president extolled Pastor Adeboye’s humility and wisdom and commended his contributions, even beyond the pulpit, to healthcare and education in Nigeria.

President Tinubu prayed that God Almighty would continue to keep his servant, Daddy G.O., in good health and strength as he carried on his stewardship in the Lord’s vineyard.

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The RCCG stand-alone parish currently undergoing transformation courtesy of its project committee, is already wearing a new look with constant project works ongoing to further beautify the house of God.

As the year draws to a close, the pastorate under the leadership of Assistant Pastor In charge of Province, Pastor Abiodun Layinka, is set to end year 2024 on a high spiritually and physically.

In the past four months, so much work has been done in the church including flooring the entire compound, putting tiles on the fence and also improving on the entire sound system quality to boost all the programmes of the parish.

Pastor Layinka however stated that it was important to end the year on a high, hence, the need to inject programmes to further boost the spirituality of the entire church.

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“We are going to have praise singing session in the last Sunday of October and November while there will be a special prayer session for all First Borns in the second week of November.

“Our usual monthly vigil will also take place in a special way while we will also be joining the province and our region for other year ending activities. It has been a year of ups and downs and we will also be praying for our leaders and the entire country with the hope of enjoying better tidings as the year goes to an end,” Layinka said.

Meanwhile, the RCCG Emmanuel Youths are also staging a Youth Hangout today October 20th at the main auditorium of the church.

Youth leader, Micheal Sangotope, told our correspondent that all was set for the event expected to further boost the involvement of youths in the entire programmes of the parish.

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The burial took place on Wednesday at OAU Cemetery after a funeral service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Ile-Ife.

In his sermon, Pastor Olu Okotoni said death was unavoidable and that everyone should prepare ahead of his or her last day on earth.

Okotoni, who noted that Olawuyi’s death came unexpectedly, said that man was appointed to die once and thereafter, judgment.

He said the deceased made a sacrificial service to save the life of another junior staff who was first attacked by the lion.

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“We believe we will see him again on the glorious day.

“He was a born again Christian until his last breath and he lived a fulfilled life,” he said.

Olawuyi, an Assistant Chief Veterinary Technologist, was killed by a nine-year-old lion at the zoological garden on February 19.

The deceased was attacked while attempting to rescue a woman who was initially attacked by the lion.

Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, OAU Public Relations Officer, had in a statement said the male lion was thereafter euthanised.

The late Olawuyi was said to have been in charge of the zoological garden for over a decade before the ghastly incident.

The wife of the deceased, children, as well as members of staff of the university were present at the funeral service.

Source: NAN

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Adeboye, while speaking at the interdenominational thanksgiving services for the traditional ruler at Beulah Baptist Conference, Ogbomoso, said Olaoye was destined to be a king.

Olaoye was a senior pastor in RCCG before being selected and approved for the Soun’s stool.

He will receive his staff of office as the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso on December 19.

The cleric, who was replying critics, who queried him for not stopping Olaoye from vying for the position of his forebears in Ogbomoso, said he could not stand against the will of God.

“When he came to inform me about the development, I told him to go and pray.

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“Shortly after, he came back and said he has not heard anything and I told him to go back and pray again.

“After a while, he came back and said that God has spoken to him and have heard him loud and clear that he should go ahead.

“It was then that I told him to go because it has been destined, I knew that long ago, but I want God to speak to him directly.

“To my critics, if I said No and God said Yes, whose word is the final, God of course.

“So, I cannot stop him because Pastor Olaoye was destined to be a king even before he was born and thank God it is coming into fruition,” he said.

Adeboye, in his sermon, reading  from Act of Apostles Chapter 15 verse18, counselled the traditional ruler to embrace the people and promote peace and unity among his subjects.

After the sermon, Pastor Adeboye anointed the king and his wife and prayed for his peaceful and prosperous reign as Soun.

Oba Olaoye, while addressing the congregation said, “Pastor Adeboye is my spiritual role model. He has been a father to me; it’s an unforgivable sin if anyone reports me to Pastor Adeboye.

“I am happy that the person who laid a hand on me to become a pastor is the same, who anointed me when I became a king.

“To my people in Ogbomoso, let us work together, let us develop this land and let’s make this land a place, where our sons and daughters will be proud of,  I believe it’s a new dawn for Ogbomoso.

Group of clergymen offered special prayers for the royal father, Ogbomoso, Oyo State and Nigeria in general.

The clergymen include President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Israel Akanji; Bishop Titus Olayinka, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Pastor J.S. Adegoke, and Rev Solomon Isola.

Other men of God are former president of the seminary, Prof. Nihinlola Emiola, Rev. Stephen Ayankeye, Bishop Ademola Moradeyo, Titus Olayinka, Bishop of Anglican Church, Rev Johnson Adeniji, Prophet Akintola and Baba Awoye, among others.

Source: NAN

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Mr Soji Ganzallo, the Commander, Ogun State So-Safe Corps, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Abeokuta on Sunday.

Gonzallo explained that men of the corps, however, rescued the seven church members and killed one of the kidnappers during a rescue operation.

According to a statement made available to newsmen by the So-Safe Director of Information and Public Relations, Moruf Yusuf, Ganzallo was reported as saying that the incident occurred at 12 :00 a.m. on Saturday.

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“The Owode-Egba Zonal Command of the corps, under Jimoh Omoniyi, received a distress call that some members of the RCCG, Desires of Nations Parish, under Ogun Province 22, Abule-Ori in Obafemi Owode local government area were attacked during a vigil.

“That seven members of the church were kidnapped and the pastor killed.

“Officers of the corps were charged to go after the suspects to rescue the victims unhurt and the officers swung into action immediately,” he said.

Ganzallo disclosed that the seven victims were rescued unhurt, while one of the kidnappers was killed, saying many of the suspects sustained serious injury during a fire exchange.

He said that a joint team of the police and the So-Safe Corps were already after the fleeing kidnappers to capture them alive.

The commander said that the body of the dead kidnapper had been deposited in a nearby morgue.

Source: NAN

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Buhari equally felicitated with family, friends and other church leaders within and outside the country, thankful for Adeboye’s positive influence on people and institutions, with a focus on expanding the kingdom of God on earth.

Recalling the visits and prayers, especially when he was ill and recuperating, President Buhari said he remained grateful for the friendliness and wise counsels of the General Overseer over many years.

The president prayed that the Almighty God would continue to bless and guide Pastor Adeboye and his family.

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Adeboye, during the Crossover live Service 2022-2023, at the New Arena, Simawa in Ogun, categorized his prophecies into World, RCCG Members, and Individuals.

In his message, he said for the 2023 world prophecies, migration would take a new turn in the new year.

According to him, the world would be “relatively more peaceful.”

The clergy added that the  weather pattern would be ” more erratic”,  but it would be nice wherever God’s children were.

The general overseer during his proclamation said for individual prophecies, “2023, our biggest challenge of 2022 would lead to our biggest testimony in 2023.

“In 2023, the Lord will speak peace to some troubled homes.

“In 2023, for quite a few people, there would be restoration of lost glories.”

Adeboye also said that “Many trouble makers will lose the ability to make trouble this year.”

He further stated that “Few balloons will be deflated this year”.

The cleric said that “There will be a bit of wealth transfer.”

Generally, 2023 is a year of many opportunities.

Prayers were made to restore the world, Nigeria, communities and families.

More prayers were said for the country to overcome its challenges and avert further troubles in its economy and activities.

Source: NAN

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