As the Easter season draws near, there’s a buzz of activity at Daba Ministries International — a growing, spirit-filled church led by the dynamic and deeply prophetic Prophet Itode Iloye, fondly called Commander CSI by his followers. Some even call him “De lord of Caribbean,” a nickname that reflects the wide reach of his ministry and the uniqueness of his spiritual mantle.
In the midst of preparations, prayers, and community outreach, the Prophet took a moment to sit with us and share what Easter truly means — not just to him as a pastor, but as a believer, a father, and a man who understands the battles people face every day.
What followed was not a theological lecture, but a heartfelt conversation about hope, resilience, and the timeless power of the resurrection_
Q: Prophet Iloye, what does Easter mean to you on a personal level?
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(He pauses for a moment, his voice calm but weighted with emotion.)_
For me, Easter is everything. It’s a personal reminder that no matter how dark the night gets, morning will come. As a pastor, yes, I preach about the resurrection. But as a man, I’ve had my own seasons of pain, waiting, and hope. Easter reminds me that Jesus didn’t stay in the grave — and because of that, neither should we stay in the grave of our struggles. Whether it’s emotional, spiritual, or financial — resurrection is possible. That’s powerful.
Q: And what do you think people often miss about Easter?
I think many people see Easter as just a religious holiday or long weekend. But it’s much more than that. It’s the celebration of a divine love story — God sending His son to die for us, and then raising Him to give us life. That kind of love should move us. It should make us pause and say, “Wow, I’m worth dying for.” Easter is about forgiveness, a second chance, and the promise of something greater. We mustn’t lose that message in the noise.
Q: How can Christians today show that resurrection power in real life?
Let’s be honest — people are struggling. Inflation, insecurity, broken relationships. But resurrection power isn’t just something that happened in the Bible — it’s real today. We reflect it when we choose forgiveness over revenge, love over hate, faith over fear. When you help someone in need, when you speak truth, when you hold on to your faith in tough times — you’re showing the power of the resurrection.
Q: Has Easter shaped the way you preach or lead your ministry?
Completely. At Daba Ministries Int’l, I don’t just preach to inspire — I preach to heal, to lift, to revive. People walk into church burdened with pain, and I want them to leave knowing they can rise again. That’s the message of Easter. I want people to know that if Christ defeated the grave, then depression, failure, addiction — they don’t have the final say. That message shapes how we serve, pray, and relate to people.
Q: Why is the resurrection so important to the Christian faith?
Because it’s the proof that Jesus is who He said He is. If He didn’t rise, our faith would be empty. But He did — and that changes everything. It means we have hope not just for heaven, but for today. For every Christian, the resurrection is our anchor. It tells us that the worst thing is never the last thing.
Q: Some say Easter has lost its meaning in today’s world. What do you think?
That’s partly true. The world has gotten noisier — more about shopping, travel, and entertainment. But even in all that, people are still searching for something deeper. I believe the Church has a role to play — not by condemning, but by reminding. We have to live the message, not just preach it. People are watching how we love, how we treat others, how we handle challenges. That’s how we bring back the meaning.
Q: What role should the Church play in this season?
The Church must be a lighthouse — guiding people back to Christ. We should preach boldly, serve the community, and be a place of healing. We need to go beyond the pulpit and touch real lives. Easter gives us a chance to remind the world that Jesus didn’t just rise for the holy — He rose for the hurting, the broken, the forgotten.
Q: Is there a Bible verse about the resurrection that means a lot to you?
(smiling): Oh yes — 1 Corinthians 15:55-57. “Where, O death, is your sting? Where, O grave, is your victory? But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” That scripture lifts me up every time. It’s a bold declaration that death has lost. Pain has lost. That no matter how bad things look — God has already won the battle.
Q: How should Christians prepare their hearts during this Easter season?
With sincerity. This is a time to pray, fast if you can, and really search your heart. Ask yourself — “Where is my walk with God? What needs to change?” It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being willing. Easter is a good time to forgive people, reconnect with God, and decide to live with purpose.
Q: Finally, what’s your Easter message to people out there — especially those going through hard times?
My message is this — hope is alive. I know life can be tough. I know people are tired, worried, and sometimes wondering if God still sees them. But Easter is proof that God sees you. Jesus went through death so you could live. You’re not alone. You’re not forgotten. There’s still a resurrection waiting for you — in your marriage, in your dreams, in your spiritual life. Don’t give up. He rose — and because He did, you will too.
In the calm but confident voice of Prophet Itode Iloye, the Easter message is crystal clear: no matter what life throws at you, resurrection is still possible. In a world that often forgets the depth of this season, voices like his are helping many rediscover it — not just as a date on the calendar, but as a doorway to renewed faith, restored hope, and revived purpose.
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