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How ‘Gay Curing’ Claims Led to Shutdown of TB Joshua’s TV Channel

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T.B. Joshua, a popular Nigerian televangelist has urged his followers to “pray for YouTube” for shutting down his account after he posted videos on his channel claiming to ‘cure’ gay members of his congregation of their sexuality.

How 'Gay Curing' Claims Led to Shutdown of TB Joshua’s TV Channel

“I got to know what happened to YouTube when I saw the viewers complaining… I want you to help me pray for YouTube… Don’t see them the other way around; see them as friends. We need to be strong,” T.B. Joshua said in a sermon posted on the ministry’s Facebook page at the weekend.

The YouTube channel of The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) — run by Joshua — was deactivated last week and can no longer be viewed by its nearly two million subscribers.

OpenDemocracy, a media rights group based in the UK, told CNN that it sent a message to YouTube on April 8 asking if the conversion therapy videos did not violate its policies.

“We noticed at least seven videos. In one video, T.B. Joshua slapped a woman and her partner whom he called her ‘second’ (partner) at least 16 times,” said Lydia Namubiru, OpenDemocracy’s Africa Editor.

“He said he was casting the ‘spirit of woman’ out of her,” Namubiru said as she narrated the content of the footage flagged to YouTube and Facebook by her organization. The woman later told Joshua that she no longer felt affection for her partner because of his intervention, Namubiru said.

“In yet another, a young person… is slapped several times and his dreadlocks are shaven off before he testifies that he is no longer attracted to men,” Namubiru added.

YouTube has not issued a public statement on the matter. CNN attempted to contact YouTube for comment but was not successful.

CNN saw an email sent to OpenDemocracy on April 13 by a YouTube spokesperson who stated: “YouTube’s Community Guidelines prohibits hate speech and we remove flagged videos and comments that violate these policies. In this case we have terminated the channel… We reviewed the videos flagged to us and took appropriate action, which resulted in the termination of the channel.”

Prosperity gospel’

Emmanuel TV, the broadcast arm of the church, airs in Africa on DSTV — a satellite service owned by South African firm MultiChoice.

SCOAN plays host to dozens of international guests, and local celebrities, who visit the worship center for prayers.

In 2011, Joshua was listed by Forbes as the third-richest pastor in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of between $10 – $15 million.

In a statement posted on Facebook last week, T.B. Joshua Ministries said it would appeal the decision by YouTube to suspend its channel.

“Emmanuel TV’s mission is to share the love of God with everyone — irrespective of race or religion — and we strongly oppose all forms of hate speech! We have had a long and fruitful relationship with YouTube and believe this decision was made in a haste… we are making every effort to appeal this decision and see the channel restored,” the statement said.

The Lagos-based megachurch also called on millions of its followers to protest on social media — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube — against YouTube’s action.

Reacting to Joshua’s doctrinal methods, a spokesman for the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), an umbrella body of Christian groups in the country, told CNN that the association “does not interfere in how churches are run or how individuals operate their worship centers.”

The YouTube sanction poses a big blow to Joshua, whose ministrations and humanitarian outreaches in different parts of the world are showcased on the popular video platform.

Joshua rose to prominence in the late 1990s following the boom of “prosperity gospel” — a Pentecostal doctrine that hinges good health and financial blessing on the depth of faith an individual is able to demonstrate.

He, however, suffered national infamy in 2014, after a building on SCOAN’s premises collapsed, killing more than 100 people — most of whom were foreigners from South Africa, Chinese state media, CCTV reported.

 

 


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Big Larry, Nollywood Actor is Dead

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Big Larry, a popular Nollywood actor has been pronounced dead on Friday by Stanley Ontop, film producer

Big Larry, Nollywood Actor is Dead

Big Larry

Details’ surrounding his sudden demise is yet to be known.

Big Larry’s death comes just a few weeks after the passing of another Nollywood actress, Sharon Okpamen, who died following childbirth.

Stanley Ontop his on Instagram  wrote: “Breaking News: Nollywood actor Big Lary just passed away. Je nke Oma big. What caused his demise is yet to be ascertained. May your soul rest in peace Big Lary. Nollywood Asaba Mourns. Shalom!!!”

Fans and admirers of the late actor have flocked to the post’s comment section to pay tribute to him.

 

 

 

 


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NIPR Appoints Rasheed Bolarinwa As Chairman of FinanceHub Committee

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Nigerian Institute of Public Relation’s (NIPR) governing council has announced the appointment of Rasheed Bolarinwa as the Chairman of its newly established FinanceHub Committee.

Rasheed Bolarinwa

Bolarinwa, who serves as the President of the Association of Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB), will lead the committee aimed at enhancing sustainable Public Relations practices within the banking, insurance, and pensions sectors.

Bolarinwa, currently the Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communication at Polaris Bank, brings extensive experience from journalism, public relations, and the financial sector.

Read Also: NIPR Lagos Chapter Announces Date for 11th conference, sets to discuss climate change, environment

His leadership is expected to drive significant improvements in PR practices across these financial sectors.

The FinanceHub Committee, which includes experts from banking, insurance, and pensions, is part of NIPR’s broader initiative to strengthen public relations across various sectors.

The committee’s formation aligns with NIPR’s strategy to foster sustainable and impactful PR practices in these critical areas of the economy.

In addition to Bolarinwa, NIPR has appointed other chairpersons for newly created sectoral hubs.

Mrs. Thelma Okoh will lead the Maritime Hub, Dr. Jossy Nkwocha will head the Energy Hub, and Mr. Basil Agboarumi will oversee the Aviation Hub. Dr. Ahmad Sajoh has been appointed to lead the Anti-Corruption and Consumer Protection Hub, while Miss Chimdi Neliaku will head the Young Practitioners Hub.

The appointment letters, signed by Uzoma Onyegbadue, Registrar/Secretary to the NIPR Governing Council, reflect NIPR’s commitment to enhancing public relations practices across these sectors.

NIPR Appoints Rasheed Bolarinwa as Chairman of FinanceHub Committee

At the inauguration of the new chairpersons and committee members, NIPR National President Dr. Ike Neliaku praised the appointees, highlighting their expertise and dedication.

“Your appointments are well-considered and reflect the confidence the NIPR council has in your abilities to advance the objectives of the Hub,” Neliaku stated.

He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the new appointees and emphasized the council’s support in driving positive change in public relations practices within their respective sectors.


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Nigeria Police Arrest Operator of Pirate Domain Streaming MultiChoice Content

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The operator behind www.score808.com.ng, a website notorious for streaming MultiChoice content illegally, has been arrested by the the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Force Intelligence Bureau of the Nigerian Police.

Nigeria Police Arrest Operator of Pirate Domain Streaming MultiChoice Content

The Police said that the arrest is a significant victory against internet piracy.

This domain was allegedly infamous for illegally streaming MultiChoice (SuperSport) content, drawing millions of visits from across Africa and beyond.

According to a statement, the arrest, which took place recently, in Osogbo, Osun State, marked a major milestone in the ongoing battle against intellectual property theft and online streaming piracy.

The capture followed an extensive investigation that spanned several months.

Despite efforts to evade detection by frequently changing locations, the IRT’s relentless pursuit ensured the eventual arrest.

The suspect remains in Police custody, with substantial evidence pointing to involvement in large-scale illegal streaming activities.

If convicted, the suspect could face a prison sentence of up to five years, the statement added.

“he scale of the illegal operation is evident from the website’s traffic statistics. The domain www.score808.com.ng garnered 3.1 million visits globally, with over 1.2 million visits originating from Africa alone,” it added.

Frikkie Jonker, director of Broadcasting and Cyber Piracy at Irdeto, expressed appreciation for the Nigeria Police’s dedication and support in this operation.

He commented, “All forms of piracy continue to pose a significant threat to the creative industry. At Irdeto, we are fully committed to addressing every facet of piracy, whether it occurs online or through other means. The arrest of this notorious pirate is a testament to what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies and private sectors work hand in hand. We sincerely appreciate the Nigerian Police’s unwavering support, which has led to this positive outcome.

“Online streaming piracy is not only a criminal offense but also poses significant risks to customers. Users who access pirated content are often exposed to malware, phishing attacks, and other cybersecurity threats that can compromise their personal information. Additionally, by engaging with illegal streams, customers inadvertently contribute to the erosion of the creative industry, undermining the livelihoods of thousands of people involved in content production and distribution.

 


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