Dr Nath Aghraghra (DNA): A Beacon of Light to His Generation
Apostle Nathaniel Oghenerobo Aghraghra was born 40 years ago in a dark room at the newly commissioned Ikorodu General Hospital in Lagos because of malfunctioning electrical appliances that led to a sudden blackout. There were no flashlights or other temporary lighting sources for the medical team. The infant (Nath) popped out so quickly during the delivery session as if he needed no Doctor to push for his delivery, with excitement, the Doctor on duty called the newborn baby boy a Doctor and as he grew, his mom told him the story of his birth and the little Nath determined to become a medical Doctor. Still, now, he feels the absence of light at his birthplace was an indication of God to who he should become. Today, the symbolic events that characterised his birth have become the testimony of his very assignment and purpose in life. He believes he was born in the darkness to be a beacon of light to a generation.
He grew up in Epe, Lagos State. The fourth in a family of seven was brought up in a strict discipline, faith, and education home where modesty is the foundation. His parents instilled a culture of values, hard work, integrity, and deep love for God in him and his siblings.
Brought up in an environment of education culture, Nath excelled in academics and was famous in Epe town where he had his primary and secondary education, as a Sunday school boy because of his knowledge of the scriptures and passion for God. His love for education from a tender age gave him the privilege of being a Library prefect in both primary and secondary schools, a position that, played a significant role in his life in cultivating a sense of responsibility and leadership.
Nath was born again as a little boy and began to have encounters as a teenager before he was baptised at age 14, on April 11, 1998. In 2002, at 18, he was appointed a pastor for all the new intakes on the campus and that started his preaching journey to a congregation of his level mates as a freshman on campus. This journey transported him to his home church where he was engaged with preaching assignments that proved the manifestation of God in his life. He was trained and formally ordained a Pastor by His father, Rev. V. U Aghraghra on Sunday, November 14, 2007.
He was called into the office of an Apostle with an unplanned consecration on November 14, 2014, as a Global youth revivalist and refused to be addressed as an apostle until 2020.
As a young man, Nath was committed to his academic success and was involved in other activities that shaped his life and knowledge. At the time, he was a classroom teacher in primary and secondary schools. As an undergraduate, he participated in student politics and sports. He served as master of ceremonies at social events whilst maintaining an excellent academic performance. He was also a campus fellowship leader, which he combined with his studies.
As an authentic believer in Christ, his refusal to join any confraternity of campus cultism as a student leader shaped and led to his advocacy work about helping young people break free from the grip of cultism and other destructive vices.
Dr. Nath Aghraghra is a respected itinerant youth revivalist, transformational leader, sought-after speaker, author, dynamic teacher, and personal development coach. He is keen on driving revolutionary change in purposeful living and value re-engineering while empowering individuals and organisations to unlock their full potential through strategic training.
Dr. Aghraghra is the founder of RISE (Rapgen International School of Excellence), an initiative that aims at nurturing value-driven and visionary leaders for the next generation of Africans. His other initiatives are, S.T.Y.L.E (Save the Youth Leadership Empowerment), UPEX (Ultimate Purpose Experience) Program, ACTS (Affecting Communities through Service) and COAL (College of Apostolic Leaders).
He has authored some life-changing books, including, “Don’t Take it Easy”, “Scared But Never Quitting”, and “Mastering the Discipline of Saying NO!”. Dr Aghraghra’s life philosophy is captured in his quote: “Every man is a King in his kingdom, but until you discover your kingdom, you will never reign.”
Dr Aghraghra is happily married to his friend and partner, Stephanie, a consultant architect. They have three wonderful children; Awesome, Honour, and Temple.
