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History and origin of Tupocracy

Published

6 years ago

January 25, 2020

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Tupocracy is a socio-political culture or doctrine invented by Dr. Godwin Akpan Amaowoh, a Nigerian Clergyman, in 2006 as the brainchild of his doctoral dissertation at Nigeria’s foremost institution of higher Education, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Faculty of the Social Sciences. The Dissertation Topic was An Understanding of Tupos in Pauline Letters on the Pastoral Ministry of the Church and its implication for Contemporary society. The concept was recognized by the Board of Examiners with the Rev. Fr. Prof. Vincent Nyoyoko of the University of Port Harcourt as External Examiner/Chairman. The Board scored him Distinction, being a huge contribution to knowledge and recommended that the concept be published as an acceptable political doctrine. Hence, in 2007, Dr. Amaowoh published the book, Tupocracy: Leadership by example for the Church and Civil society. Subsequent editions, including the current one (4th edition, 2018) carried the name of his PhD Supervisor, the Rev. Prof. E. N. Chinwoku (formerly Onwu) as Co-author. For inventing Tupocracy, Dr. Amaowoh was inducted into the Nigerian Books of Record, published by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture which saw it as a big honour to Nigeria and Africa at large.

Full definition of Tupocracy: Tupocracy is a system of government involving people who lead by positive example based on transparency, integrity, altruism, patriotism and godly character which is worthy of emulation by their colleagues and followers. Tupocracy is one word for leadership by example, coined from two Greek words, tupos (example, pattern, model which is worthy of emulation) and Krateia (government, leadership, rulership or administration), in the family of Democracy, Autocracy, Aristocracy, etc.

Tupocracy as a political doctrine: One of the major challenges which the world is facing today is the absence of good leadership. This has precipitated poverty, insecurity, instability, war, ethnic tensions, criminality, corruption in the land and dissatisfaction and despair among the citizenry in many nations. People are looking for role models in politics, religion, civil service, the academia, business, the Private sector and even in the family but they are grossly in short supply. The answer to this delima is found in Tupocracy which is rightly predicated on the age-old axiom that “example is better than precept.” Based on this, the Tupocract says, “Emulate me in all things”; “Do as I do” and not “Do as I say.” He does not contradict himself or what he says as a leader by negative example in conduct, ip so facto, he is a role model. The beauty of Democracy, as a world acclaimed political doctrine, lies in Tupocracy. Dr. Amaowoh has therefore recommended Tupocracy to be adopted as the handmaid of Democracy, without which Democracy becomes “Dem all cracy”, meaning, “Governance by insane people.”

The Need and Importance of Tupocracy in Governance: Tupocracy ensures transparency, integrity and moral rectitude in governance/leadership. Governance or leadership should not be an all comer’s affair. It should be for people whose lifestyles are worthy of emulation whether they are Presidents, Governors, Legislators, Judicial Officers, Ministers, Commissioners or Chairmen of Local Government Areas, Councilors, Mayors, Police Officers, Military or Paramilitary Officers, traditional Rulers, Heads of Schools, Managers of Industries or Religious Leaders. Tupocracy earns leaders high reputation and respect because followers have nothing against them. It will be a huge disappointment that those we address as “His Excellency”, “His Honour”, Distinguished”, “Honourable”, etc, go to jail for corrupt practices or they hide behind impunity privilege to commit heinous and atrocious crimes.

Furthermore, Tupocracy ensures equality before the law because those in governance will show example in obedience to the laws of the land. So far, although leadership by example has been a household word, its impact has not been felt like Democracy and others. With this invention, Tupocracy will become the vehicle to popularize the maxim. Thus, Tupocratic institutions will be built alongside Democratic institutions and Politicians may say in their manifestoes that they will lead tupocratically because they are Tupocrats. Wrong styles of leadership will be branded as untupocratic. One can imagine the level of sanity, peace, prosperity, security, progress and stability that will be experienced under Tupocratic governments as there will be sanity in the electoral system, awards and executions of contracts, the independence of the Judiciary, being free from manipulation by the Executive and the Legistrature, etc.

Admittedly, the fight against corruption in any nation can never be won unless their leaders lead by example in all matters, namely: financial matters, award of contracts, electoral matters, patriotism and the Rule of Law. Based on transparency, Tupocracy will checkmate greed, nepotism, personal aggrandizement, ethnic chauvinism, embezzlement of public funds and injustice in the process of governance. Tupocracy will bring about the practice of the Golden Rule, “Do to others what you would want other people to do to you.” Tupocrats are leaders who justify the saying that leaders should be above board. The bane of any society is the preponderance of unscrupulous and unconscionable leaders who have thrown moral values to the winds in their leadership styles.

Hopefully, Tupocracy will take its seat with other systems of governments like Democracy, Autocracy, Oligarchy, Aristocracy, Bureaucracy, etc. Tupocracy is a wake-up call as well as a moral guide for all leaders, whether in Religion or civil society, who need the respect, loyalty, welfare and co-operation of their followers. There is a popular saying that when we take care of our character, our reputation will take care of itself. Leaders should know that they are Mentors who should mentor followers by positive example in all walks of life. Unfortunately, in most nations one bad leader will hand over to another bad leader to sustain the vicious circle of bad leadership and its attendant unpleasant consequences.

Biblical examples of Tupocrats and what they said.

1. Abraham: When there was to be a conflict between Abraham and his nephew and mentee, Lot, Abraham as a man of peace said, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.” (Gen 13:7-9)

This is an example of making concessions to avoi
d conflict.

2. Joseph: Joseph was not vindictive to punish or kill his brothers who maltreated him but he forgave them and provided a safe place for them in Egypt: “Joseph said to them, Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” (Gen 13:7-9)

This is an example of non-vindictiveness and forgiveness by leaders.

3. Samuel: As a judge and prophet in Israel, Samuel was just and transparent in all things and so he said in his valedictory speech, “ Now Samuel said to all Israel: “Indeed I have heeded your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a king over you. And now here is the king, walking before you; and I am old and gray headed, and look, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my childhood to this day. Here I am. Witness against me before the Lord and before His anointed: Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind my eyes? I will restore it to you.” And they said, “You have not cheated us or oppressed us, nor have you taken anything from any man’s hand.” Then he said to them, “The Lord is witness against you, and His anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.”( 1 Sam 12:1-5).

Can the contemporary leader be bold to address his citizens and staff like this, including Asset declaration?

4. Jesus Christ: The Lord Jesus Christ was exemplary in love, compassion, humility, obedience to God and the laws of the land, righteousness, forgiveness, mercy, goodness and in all good works. He said, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (John 13:12-17):

This is an example of love, humility and service to humanity which He urged His disciples to emulate.

The Lord also said this about loving one another as he loved them, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35).

5. Paul: St. Paul taught in many passages of the Bible that people should emulate him, “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me.”

(I Cor. 4:15-16) He said again, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. (1 Cor. 11:1)

6. Peter: St. Peter showed positive example as a pastoral leader and urged other leaders to do same and not lead as Dictators, “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Pet. 5:2-3).

Contemporary emphasis on Tupocracy

T. C. Oden in his book Classical Pastoral Care (2000:174) opined that the character and moral formation of those who provide spiritual care must be sound enough to elicit confidence in the care of receivers, that one cannot correct something in another when in oneself it has remained uncorrected.

Again, he says, quoting Baxter, that people should take heed to themselves, lest their example contradict their doctrine, lest they unsay with their lives what they say with their tongues. They should do as they say.

In the same vein, Hurst (1955:38) in his book And He gave Teachers, quoted Emerson, “What you are thunders so loud I cannot hear what you say.”

Most of those who talk about leadership by example in the contemporary period are of the opinion that “the preceptor must keep the precept.” This is the maxim of Tupocracy, whether in the religious or civil society. In Tupocracy, the Character Ethic Paradigm supercedes the Personality Ethic Paradigm of leadership. It will be absurd for one who is a thief to tell his followers to stop stealing. It will be difficult for a proud leader to teach his followers humility. It will be difficult for a corrupt leader to stop corruption in his government. Even a leader who does not show example in punctuality will find it difficult to fight lateness to duty among his staff. The world needs Tupocracy for peace, order and prosperity to reign.

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Union Bank’s Endless Possibilities Campaign Wins Bronze at the 2026 Pitcher Awards

Published

2 days ago

June 2, 2026

Mega Awareness

Union Bank of Nigeria’s Endless Possibilities campaign has won Bronze in the Heritage category at the 2026 Pitcher Awards, one of Africa’s foremost platforms for creative excellence. The campaign was also shortlisted in the Craft category for Film Craft, a recognition of the artistry and technical quality behind the work. These recognitions were awarded following adjudication alongside qualifying entries from across the African continent.The Heritage win carries a particular resonance. It recognises the bank’s ability to honour its rich heritage while maintaining relevance with contemporary audiences.For more than a century, Union Bank has been woven into the fabric of Nigeria’s economic and social progress, and Endless Possibilities continues that story rather than departing from it. Built to celebrate the ambition and resourcefulness of Nigerians who dream and create against the odds, the campaign mirrors the very qualities that have sustained the Bank across generations. To be honoured in a category defined by history, identity and cultural continuity, is to have that legacy recognised on a continental stage.Commenting on the award, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank of Nigeria, said: “We are honoured to be recognised at the 2026 Pitcher Awards for Endless Possibilities. This achievement reflects our commitment to telling authentic stories that resonate with the Nigerian spirit and reinforce our promise to support the dreams and progress of the communities we serve. We are equally proud of the Film Craft shortlist, which speaks to the talent and collaboration behind the work.”This recognition on the African stage, adds to Union Bank’s growing reputation for storytelling that is locally grounded and broadly resonant. As the Bank deepens its connections with audiences across the country and continent, it remains committed to work that inspires confidence, possibility and progress.About Union Bank of Nigeria Plc’s Established in 1917, Union Bank is a leading provider of financial services in Nigeria, renowned for its “Simpler, Smarter Banking” philosophy. With a nationwide network and a strong focus on digital innovation, Union Bank continues to empower individuals, businesses, and the public sector to achieve lasting success.The Bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria. The Bank offers a range of banking services to individual and corporate clients, including current, savings, and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing, and trade finance. The Bank also offers customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs, and POS Systems.More information can be found at: www.unionbankng.comMedia Enquiries: Olufisayo Adelekun+234 (0) 201 271 6800mediarelations@unionbankng.com

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Multichoice Rolls Out Special DStv, GOtv World Cup Offers

Published

2 days ago

June 2, 2026

Mega Awareness

MultiChoice, a CANAL+ company, has introduced special World Cup bundle offers on DStv and GOtv to give more Nigerians access to football’s biggest event.

From Monday, 1 June 2026, new DStv customers can purchase an HD decoder, dish kit and one-month DStv Yanga subscription for ₦15,000, while new GOtv customers can get a GOtv decoder, antenna and one-month GOtv Jolli subscription for ₦15,000.

The offer comes as anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The tournament, the biggest in FIFA World Cup history, will feature 48 national teams, including 10 African nations, competing across 104 matches over 39 days.

Commenting on the offer, Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Kemi Omotosho, said the company is focused on making the FIFA World Cup experience more accessible to football fans across the country.

“The FIFA World Cup is more than just a tournament – it’s a shared global moment. Our goal is to ensure that fans in Nigeria can experience every goal, every story and every unforgettable moment as it happens. Through our special World Cup bundle offers, we are making it more affordable for customers to get connected ahead of the tournament,” she stated.

As Africa’s home of football, SuperSport on DStv will deliver comprehensive, round-the-clock coverage of the tournament. Viewers will enjoy live broadcasts of all 104 FIFA World Cup matches, four dedicated 24-hour World Cup channels and a bonus pop-up channel showcasing the best moments in World Cup history. To make navigation easier, selected SuperSport channels will be renamed for the duration of the tournament, ensuring customers can easily find and follow the action.

Beyond the live matches, viewers will enjoy a rich slate of FIFA World Cup programming, including match highlights, expert analysis, exclusive tournament magazine shows, African football stories and behind-the-scenes content.

The World Cup coverage on SuperSport will also feature multiple language commentary options, including pidgin delivered through a distinct Pan-African lens, featuring top local commentators.

Customers will also have the flexibility to watch the tournament their way through Live TV, Catch Up, replays and on DStv Stream, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action, whether at home or on the move.

The promotional offer is available for a limited period, giving football fans an affordable way to get connected ahead of the world’s biggest football spectacle.

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Like Bayo Adelabu, Like King Saul: The Primate Ayodele Factor

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2 days ago

June 2, 2026

Mega Awareness

By Adeniyi Oluwasegun, Ibadan

Almost everyone is familiar with the story of King Saul, who was favoured as the first king to rule over Israel and was destined to reign until his death. However, his repeated disobedience to God’s servant led to the untimely end of his reign.His first major act of disobedience was recorded in 1 Samuel 13, when he took it upon himself to offer a sacrifice that should ordinarily have been performed by a priest, who at the time was Samuel. He was not patient enough to wait for Samuel, and this marked the beginning of the end for Saul.When Samuel arrived and saw that Saul had already offered the sacrifice, he was saddened and said:”You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart.”It appeared that King Saul had a penchant for disobedience, as he repeated the same mistake when God’s servant instructed him to completely destroy a nation. Instead, he kept some livestock, claiming they would be used as sacrifices to God. This ultimately led to the end of his reign. He had God’s servant with him, who warned him several times, but he ignored the warnings. Consequently, the same priest, Samuel, announced the end of his kingdom. Samuel possessed the guidance that could have ensured Saul’s kingdom was established forever, had he listened.”For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king.” (1 Samuel 15:23)Though these events occurred centuries ago, they appear similar to the situation involving former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, his ambition to govern Oyo State, and his conflict with Primate Elijah Ayodele, along with the consequences that followed.Some months ago, Bayo Adelabu, who was still serving as a minister at the time, petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest Primate Ayodele for allegedly speaking against his governorship ambition. The former minister claimed that the prophet had requested N150 million from him and that, after he refused to provide the money, Primate Ayodele began attacking his aspiration.He did not stop at writing a petition to the DSS. He also released text messages in an attempt to substantiate his claims, publicly disseminating private conversations between himself and the cleric. However, the messages did not support his allegation that Primate Ayodele requested N150 million. Rather, they showed that the prophet had asked him to purchase 1,000 trumpets, which the minister himself estimated would cost about N150 million.In response, Primate Ayodele confirmed that he had indeed spoken with the minister, who was seeking spiritual guidance regarding his governorship ambition. He explained that he advised Adelabu to purchase 1,000 trumpets, not for his personal use but as a spiritual item symbolising victory. According to the prophet, he never demanded a specific amount of money but merely asked the minister to inquire about the cost through any of his aides. Adelabu reportedly rejected the suggestion, and that marked the end of their conversation.However, the minister became upset when Primate Ayodele publicly declared that his governorship ambition would fail. During a live church service, the prophet stated that Adebayo Adelabu would not become the next governor of Oyo State.These were his words:”You have made a wrong mistake and a wrong pronouncement. Why must you say Emilokan? It is in the past, and this means you have failed. Adelabu, you have failed. Either you adjust it now, or you have failed, including the APC. I am giving you advice and a warning from God. With the word Emilokan, you have missed that governorship seat.”Instead of exercising patience and heeding the advice of the man of God, who urged him to adjust his statement because of its spiritual implications, Adelabu proceeded to petition the DSS in what appeared to be an attempt to ridicule the cleric. However, the DSS took no action, and the effort yielded no result.Just as Saul had access to the guidance that could have secured his kingdom forever but chose to follow his own path, Adelabu appeared to believe that intimidating God’s servant was the best way to advance his ambition. Little did he know that, just as Saul’s reign was rejected because of disobedience, his own ambition would also be rejected for not only disregarding spiritual counsel but also attempting to intimidate a man of God.Unfortunately for Adebayo Adelabu, his ambition was rejected not only by God, as some may interpret it, but also by members of his own party. A minister who resigned to contest in the primaries failed to secure the ticket, and the APC did not publicly release the detailed results. The party simply announced Alli Sharafadeen as its candidate in Oyo State, with President Bola Tinubu endorsing his candidacy.Adelabu could have secured victory—or at the very least earned the opportunity to have his name on the ballot—but, according to this perspective, his disobedience and impatience, much like Saul’s, led to his ultimate rejection. In previous election cycles, he at least appeared on the ballot, even though he lost to Governor Seyi Makinde. This time, however, his name will not even appear on the ballot paper.