News
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
By: Balami Lazarus
One man with a Holy Bible forcefully tried in an attempt to disjoint and change the course of history of the 100-year centenary celebration of EYN-CCBN in Nigeria. What is the rationale for “celebring 100 years of existence at two different locations”? Likes of one Rev. Joel Billi, who lacks a sense of history, if given the chance, will turn historical events and their marks upside-down and inside-out to create different versions and interpretations.
Men are subjects of history and have always neglected the importance of their footprints in the place of history, failing to realize that their activities could be a topic of history in discourse. The tempest raised by Rev. Billi at the wake of the 100-year centenary celebration of Ekklesiya Yan’uwa a Nigeriya, Church of Brethren in Nigeria (EYN– CBN ) was alarming, dire, appalling, and hair-rraising that shook the church founded over 100 years ago: March 1923, to March 17th, 2024 (101 years) as of now.
As an observer of the events, I write not only in support of one Mr. Yohanna Yusufu Balami (YY Balami), as he is known. His book, “Emerging Issues and Concerns: The 76th EYN General Church Council (Majelisa),” 2023. Has brought to light the deliberate distortion and near-death of the history of EYN Church in Nigeria. Rev. Joel, the President of EYN-CCBN was at the peak of this urgly and unhealthy situation that nearly consumed EYN as a Christian organization with her churches and members.
Looking at the issues from a historical perspective, considering the fact that Rev. Billi has discredited the true and correct source of a living history from his actions in the aftermath of the church centenary celebration to mark its 100 years of existence at Garkida, where it first started in 1923,. He began this by using the privileges of his official capacity as President of EYN-CCBN to change the course of the living history of the church that first appeared in Ladin Gabas’ northeastern Nigeria, where it was planted precisely on March 17, 1923, under a living tamarind tree at Garkida in Adamawa State by two white, humble missionaries, Rev. Stover Kulp and Dr. Albert Helser.
The news of circumventing the centenary celebration has turned the entire church council into confusion; clerics and members were disturbed by this eruption. With repeated rejection of Rev. Stephen Billi intentions that lack merit with no justification, only but to distort and change the history of origin, date, and site bore out of selfishness wrapped in greed, ethnic and monetary capitalization on the gainers chart, nurtured and promoted by him.
The concerned elders of the church and other high-profile personalities from the region, Rev. Joel, refused to shift ground, and of course darkness fell that came with a thick smell of breakup rearing its head among her many church branches. He was near achieving this feat through the disunity he created, powered, and sponsored through his throng of’vultures’ for the sole purpose of personal interest by tempering with the history of 100 years. Rev. Billi has technically distorted the church history of Nigeria.
In spite of the historical relics—tombs and plagues—on and under the living Tamarind Tree, individuals like Rev. Billi have had the guts to dare see such glaring evidence of church history long before he was born. “All other places the EYN missionaries went to were on different dates after March 17, 1923. Kwarhi was not there and has no significant attachment to its history dating back to 100 years.
The 17th of March 1923 will always and forever remain our Founders Day in Garkida under the blessed Tamarind Tree, making it our spiritual headquarterss.” My individual concern is the near collapse of the church and the damage to the rich history of EYN-CCBN. The question on the lips of members is: What has March 15, 2023, to do with the coming of Rev. Stover Kulp and Dr. Albert Helser? I put it to Rev. Joel Stephen Billi that this is but a broad-day robbery of EYN history. However, the cries of members and some well-meaning individuals in the public have helped to water down his intentions, which might have caused catastrophe for the entire EYN Church. I believe such will and shall not happen again in EYN-CBN as a church.
Balami, a publisher and columnist.
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
News
NTAC DG Celebrates Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at 65, Commends His National Service Credentials
NTAC DG Celebrates Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at 65, Commends His National Service Credentials
By: Michael Mike
Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt.Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub has commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for his trailblazing leadership as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and for his current role as the National Security Adviser.
The NTAC boss , who made the commendations on Saturday in Abuja, while celebrating the foremost lawyer and public servant, who turned 65 on Friday, also lauded Ribadu for steering Nigeria through complex security challenges with courage and integrity, stating that this has set an enduring example for all public officers to emulate.
In a message he personally signed and made available the media in Abuja,Buba emphasized the great roles Mallam Ribadu has continued to play in the evolution of the Nigerian state.
He said: “I have the honour to refer to the above subject-matter and avail myself of the opportunity of this auspicious moment to celebrate you, Dear Leader and Brother, on the occasion of your birthday celebration this year.
“Yesterday again marked yet another milestone of wisdom, dedication, and service as you celebrated 65 years of life, many of which you have invested in the service of our nation and humanity at large.
“Without the risk of reciting the obvious, Sir,
your trailblazing leadership as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where you transformed the fight against corruption, and now as the National Security Adviser, steering Nigeria through complex security challenges with courage and integrity, has set an enduring example for all of us to emulate.
“Your legacy of principled reform, selfless service, and steadfast patriotism continues to inspire countless Nigerians, especially the young professionals and Volunteers we work with every day. May Allah (SWT) continue to strengthen you for greater wisdom and performance as you age in wealth and wellness.
“For myself, my dear family and on behalf of the Management and staff of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), where with your kind support I have served as DG these past years, I extend heartfelt congratulations to you, Sir, on this remarkable milestone and solemn achievement.
“May Allah grant you good health, long life, and the special wisdom to keep guiding our nation toward peace, security, and prosperity.
“We pray that the years ahead bring you abundant joy, fulfillment, and the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of your tireless efforts in many more years of blessings.”
NTAC DG Celebrates Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at 65, Commends His National Service Credentials
Crime
Jihadist reportedly overrun gendarmerie camp in niger, kill 21 officers
Jihadist reportedly overrun gendarmerie camp in niger, kill 21 officers
By: Zagazola MAkama
Suspected jihadists on Friday attacked and seized control of the Gendarmerie Camp in Garbougna, Niger Republic, killing more than 21 gendarmes, according to security sources.
The attackers, believed to be affiliated with Sahel-based extremist groups, stormed the facility in large numbers, overwhelming security personnel during the early morning assault.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the insurgents also carted away several vehicles, along with a significant quantity of arms and ammunition stored at the camp.
“The situation is dire. The Garbougna gendarmerie post was overrun, and dozens of weapons and vehicles were taken. The number of casualties is still being compiled, but more than 21 gendarmes are feared killed,” one security source said.

The attack underscores the escalating insecurity in parts of Niger, where jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State continue to mount coordinated assaults on security formations and rural communities.
Niger’s military authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident as at the time of filing this report.
Zagazola recalls that the tri-border region spanning Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso has witnessed intensified jihadist activities in recent months, with security forces increasingly targeted in ambushes and camp raids.
Jihadist reportedly overrun gendarmerie camp in niger, kill 21 officers
News
Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty
Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has emphasized the critical role of independent broadcasters in promoting the country’s information sovereignty, national cohesion, and digital security.
Represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, at the Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN) 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference, on Thursday, Tuggar stressed that the broadcast sector is a key player in shaping Nigeria’s global narrative and ensuring internal stability.
The event’s theme, “Broadcasting for Information Sovereignty, National Cohesion and Digital Security,” according to the minister aligns with the nation’s foreign policy objectives.
He urged broadcasters to produce locally relevant content, counter disinformation, and bridge ethnic and cultural divides, adding that a united Nigeria commands greater international respect.
He also highlighted the need for robust digital security measures to protect against cyber threats and misinformation campaigns, warning that breaches in the sector could undermine national security.
He called for stronger collaboration between the government and media to safeguard Nigeria’s information ecosystem and project a positive global image.
The conference aimed to address the evolving challenges of broadcasting in a digital age.
Tuggar Appeals to Broadcaster to Promote Nigeria’s Information Sovereignty
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