As RCCG Lights Up Iconic Tafawa Balewa Square

 Charles Ajunwa 

The beauty and splendour of one of Nigeria’s revered national monuments, the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) originally Lagos Race Course, resonated in the hearts of many Nigerians who trooped out to the venue last Saturday in their thousands to participate in one-day crusade themed ‘Light Up Lagos’ organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). 

All roads that led to the iconic TBS located in Onikan area of Lagos Island, Lagos, were jam-packed as worshippers from different Christian denominations desiring positive changes in their lives alighted from their vehicles and made their way to the 14.5 hectare ceremonial ground which was filled to capacity.

The different security agencies on ground ensured that everything went smoothly and peacefully. 

Historically, TBS, was a sports field that hosted horse racing and also had a section for football and ground to play cricket. The land was provided to zzcolonial authorities by Oba Dosunmu in 1859, who thereafter built up the surrounding areas. The course was later demolished by the government of former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) to make way for Tafawa Balewa Square. In its hey days, the course hosted the Empire Day parades. The horse racing track was about seven to eight furlongs or a mile.

Today, tourists from within and outside Nigeria visit the TBS to see the very spot the British Union Jack flag was lowered and Nigeria’s Green White Green flag hoisted on October 1, 1960.

The entrance to the square has gigantic sculptures of four white horses hovering above the gate and seven red eagles, which are symbols from the national emblem signifying Strength and Dignity respectively.

Other monuments in the square include the Remembrance Arcade with memorials to World War I, World War II and Nigerian civil war victims and the 26-storey Independence House, built in 1963 which was for a long time, the tallest building in Nigeria.

In-between two towers standing at the back of the crusade giant stage, is a high structure cast with cement where Nigeria’s Coat of Arms is embossed and under it is written ‘Unity and Faith’. 

Major national events at TBS includes Nigeria’s independence celebration which took place on October 1, 1960 with the Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa, delivering his speech. Democracy Day, as well as other multifarious events such as musical jamborees and religious gatherings.

As people started arriving for the ‘Light Up Lagos’ crusade as early 6a.m., three trucks stocked with rice, garri and food items distributed small bags of food items to thousands of people who patiently waited to receive their own ‘Manna’ from Heaven. Those who have health issues were attended to by a team of medical personnel who took their names, checked their blood pressure before giving drugs to them. The two exercises continued until the end of the crusade.

The crusade started in the morning with prayer conference, followed by praise festival which featured popular Christian artistes like Chioma Jesus, Mercy Chinwo, Nathaniel Basey, Bidemi Olaoba, Dusin Oyekan, BJ Sax, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Bisi Ayeni, Yaya National Choir, and many others. 

Pastor Dele Balogun said the opening prayer, while Pastor Sunday Akande who offered intercessory prayer for Lagos, said the state is blessed. 

Chairman, Local Organising Committee for ‘Light Up Lagos’ crusade, Pastor Dele Jayeoba, said the crusade was part of appreciating the life of the General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeoye, who will clock 83 years soon. For the choice of the theme, ‘Light Up Lagos, he said that Jesus Christ represents the ‘Great Light’ whose presence chases away anything representing darkness in our lives as individuals and as a nation. 

Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lagos State chapter,  offered prayers for President Bola Ahmed, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, asking God to give them wisdom to pilot affairs of the country with God-fearing hearts. 

The first teaching by Pastor J.T. Kalejaiye centred on ‘Let The Glory Come Down’. Kalejaiye who took Bible text from Proverbs 3:45, said Glory is the opposite of shame. He enjoined Christians to always give God quality praising, emphasising that with quality praise God will come down to answer our prayers. 

Pastor Paul Eneche, who presided over the second teaching with theme ‘Let The Power Of God Come Down’, revealed that he gave his life to Jesus in 1978 when Pastor Adeboye had a crusade in Otukpo, Benue State. And he received the gift of the Holy Spirit the following year. Eneche, who took Bible text from Psalms 62:11, said all power belongs to God. Many people with different kinds of sicknesses received instant healing during his ministration. 

Pastor Adeboye popularly called Daddy G.O, when he mounted the podium, said he was going to give a father’s blessings. He took his Bible text from Acts 9:1-8, where Saul who persecuted Christians, “when Light of God shone on him several things happened in his life.” He said Saul who later became known as Paul ended well when he received the Light of God in his life. “He (Saul) became a peculiar treasure and performed special miracles in the Name of Jesus.” 

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu was represented by his Special Adviser on Christian Religious Matters, Very Rev. Bukola Adeleke, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu, was represented by Chief Tajudeen Adeleke, while Pastor Kunle Ajayi, Pastor Kalu Ndukwe, Pastor Yemi Davis, Apostle Michael Orokpo, Pastor Isaac Oyedepo and others were also present.