Omo Darosha vs The Prodigal Son:
A Lesson in Wisdom, Wealth, and Water. Growing up, there was a phrase that could humble you faster than your mum calling your full government name:“Stop behaving like omo Darosha!”If you grew up in a Nigerian household, you already know. That phrase wasn’t a compliment. It was reserved for any child who finished provisions in two days, spent transport money on ice cream, or tried to impress friends with borrowed riches.
In short: packaging without substance. Ironically, the real Darosha, Chief Candido João Da Rocha (1860–1959), was the exact opposite of wasteful.So how did a man known for wisdom and wealth become the poster child for reckless spending? Let’s talk about it—Bible in hand, smile on face. Who Was the Real Darosha? Chief Candido João Da Rocha was a Brazilian-born Nigerian businessman whose story reads like a divine strategy meeting.• Born: 1860, in Bahia, Brazil• Roots: Son of João Esan Da Rocha, a former slave who returned to Nigeria and built a business•
Base: Lagos Island After his father’s death, Candido didn’t fold his hands and wait for destiny. He expanded the family business and became one of the first documented millionaires in Nigeria. And no, this wasn’t “Yahoo” wealth. This was hard work, vision, and consistency wealth.“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”— Proverbs 22:29. The First Water Millionaire (Yes, Water!)While others were complaining about Lagos Island’s water problems, Darosha did what wise people do: he solved a problem.He built a borehole and water fountain at his famous Water House on Kakawa Street, supplying clean water to residents and colonial officials.People were thirsty. Darosha said, “Hold my ledger.”That one idea earned him the nickname:
👉 “The First Water Millionaire.” Lesson?Money flows to solutions, not complaints.Just like Joseph in Egypt, Darosha saw a need and positioned himself wisely. Darosha Was Not the Prodigal Son . Now let’s address the confusion.The Bible tells us about the Prodigal Son—the one who collected inheritance, sprayed money on friends, women, and vibes, and later found himself eating with pigs.“And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine…”— Luke 15:14. Darosha? Nope. Not that guy.• He invested wisely• He was a money lender• He owned property (including the famous Bonanza Hotel)• He enjoyed life, yes—but with structure. Rumor even says he sent his dirty laundry to Britain to be washed. Was it extravagant? Maybe. But note this: only people with sustainable income can maintain luxury without collapse. Darosha worked hard and enjoyed hard. Balance.“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.”— Proverbs 10:22. Movement Is Part of Destiny. One powerful part of Darosha’s story is movement.He was told about his lineage. He heard the story of where he came from. And then he moved back to Lagos to establish himself.That reminds me of the children of Israel. God told them to leave Egypt and return to the land flowing with milk and honey. It wasn’t easy. They had to fight. They had to trust God. Destiny doesn’t happen sitting down.“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.”— Habakkuk 2:2. You can’t stay in one position forever. You must move to your place of assignment. Prayer is important. Planning is important. Movement is essential. No Man Is an Island (Even Jesus Had Disciples) Darosha didn’t do life alone. He had people working with him and for him. Because no matter how anointed you are, helpers matter.“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”— Luke 2:52. First God’s favor. Then man’s favor. Darosha had both. A Life of Impact, Not Just Income . Like Daniel, Darosha became relevant in his generation. He left footprints, not just bank accounts. But here’s the big question for us as Christians:• What are we doing for Jesus?• What impact are we making in our generation?• Do people see Christ in our daily lives—or just our Sunday outfits?“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”— Matthew 5:16 . Impact is not only physical. It’s spiritual.
Final Thought So next time someone says “omo Darosha” to describe wastefulness, gently correct them—with love and small laughter. Because the real Darosha was:✔ Wise✔ Diligent✔ Visionary✔ Impact-driven. May we not live like the prodigal son when God has called us to be faithful stewards, kingdom builders, and solution providers.Amen 🙏
