Is 5G the Tech Apocalypse? Why Some Africans Think It’s the ‘Mark of the Beast’

“5G technology is not just about communication. It is also about controlling the world. It’s about domination and manipulation of people. The reason why people are getting sick now is not because of a virus; it’s because of 5G. They want to tell you that it’s a virus, but it’s not a virus. It’s 5G. The 5G technology is a system of control. They want to use it to take over the world.”

Chris Oyakhilome_Nigeria

“5G technology is the work of the devil. It is designed to harm humanity and is linked to the spread of COVID-19.”

Timothy Omotoso (South Africa)

Um, no, these men are not living under a rock. Again, no, they are not out of touch with the world. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, for instance, has a PhD in Theology and is a prominent religious leader with a net worth ranging from $60 million to $130 million. His influence extends across numerous countries, and he has millions of followers in over 145 branches on five continents who closely heed his opinions.

Similarly, Pastor Timothy Omotoso, with his extensive network and significant presence in South Africa, commands substantial attention and respect in religious circles. Professor Igho Onakpoya, a well-respected academic with a background in medicine and research, brings a scholarly perspective to the debate, while Dr. Gabriel Oyibo, known for his contributions to science and medicine, has significant achievements and credentials that lend considerable authority to his statements, which are followed by many.

I wish no one gave a squat about their take on technology. However, after these statements gained traction, they fueled widespread fears and skepticism about 5G technology. Many Africans suddenly became scared of 5G. The fear wasn’t just a ripple; it turned into a wave of apprehension across the continent. Things just went berserk. Whispers about “control and surveillance” cranked up the tension. The alarm? “We’re all going to be tracked!” (Playing now: “Tubular Bells” from The Exorcist)

In Nigeria, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s and Professor Igho Onakpoya’s alarming claims about 5G being linked to COVID-19 and other dangers set off a storm. People quickly started to react, and it wasn’t just talk. In Lagos and Abuja, there were organized protests and public demonstrations against the rollout of 5G technology. These gatherings saw hundreds of people voicing their concerns and demanding a halt to 5G installations.

In South Africa, Pastor Timothy Omotoso’s statements about 5G being a tool of the devil fueled similar fears. In cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, community groups and activists rallied against the technology. There were petitions circulated to block or delay 5G installations, and many local councils faced pressure from residents to reconsider their 5G plans.

In Kenya and Ghana, people took to platforms like Twitter and Facebook to share warnings about 5G, often linking it to various conspiracy theories. These campaigns were lively and persuasive, spreading fear and suspicion among the public.In some areas, the resistance was so strong that people took “personal precautions.” In Nairobi, many folks started avoiding areas where 5G infrastructure was being installed and even purchased shielding materials to block signals (yup, aluminum foil came to the rescue), believing these actions would protect them from supposed harm.

So yes, the 5G scare is a real thing in Africa because it taps into deeper concerns about technology, health, and privacy. The fears are fueled by uncertainty and a lack of clear, accessible information, combined with influential voices amplifying these concerns.

But wait a minute. We haven’t even looked at what the hell 5G is anyways. So before we get onto the whole 5G shenanigan, let’s unpack what this technology actually entails and why it’s causing such a stir.

First off, some straight-ass, off-the-pack, direct-in-the-face explanation of what 5G is NOT:

Number 1: It is not a health hazard.

Despite the fear, there is no scientific evidence linking 5G to serious health risks. Seriously, this technology operates within safe exposure limits set by international health organizations.

Number 2: Can’t believe I’ll have to write this, but folks, 5G is not the Antichrist.

It is not a religious figure or entity. It’s just a new generation of mobile network technology with no connection to religious or apocalyptic notions. Yes, there are global challenges and issues we need to address. Yes the world is gonna end. But no, it’s not 5G causing or hastening the end of planet earth.

Number 3: It is not a global surveillance tool.

It is not designed to invade your privacy. It’s a network technology aimed at improving communication and connectivity. Think about it. If 5G were a surveillance tool and could track every movement, listen to every conversation, or read every message, we’d be in a very different world right now.

Do you think 4G is a surveillance tool? I mean, you use 4G and 3G and 2G every day, and they’ve been around for a while. They provide connectivity, enable calls, and let you browse the web, but they’re not spying on you. So why 5G? Now I’m aware that any technology can be misused if the proper safeguards aren’t in place, but that’s a question of implementation and regulation, not the technology itself.

Number 4: It is not a secret weapon.

It does not have some superpower to control minds or manipulate people. It cannot cause health problems or spread diseases. It cannot track every individual or invade personal privacy on its own. 5G is simply a technology designed to enhance communication by providing faster internet speeds, lower latency, and improved connectivity. Its purpose is to support more efficient and reliable network performance, not to serve as a covert tool for control or manipulation.

Number 5: It is not the cause of COVID-19!!!

There is absolutely no evidence linking 5G technology to the spread of the coronavirus. The virus is a biological pathogen, not a byproduct of network technology.

Well, what then is 5G?

Thanks for asking. In the most simple terms, it’s the 5th generation of mobile network technology. The “G” stands for “generation.” Each generation represents an advancement in technology, from 2G’s text and voice capabilities to 3G’s introduction of mobile internet, and 4G’s high-speed data and streaming.

As technology advanced, the need for better services led to 2G in the early 1990s, which introduced digital voice and text messaging. So when your grandfather used his Nokia 3310, he was using the 2G network for digital voice communication and text messaging.

3G arrived in the early 2000s, bringing mobile internet and faster data transfer, making it possible to browse the web and use applications on mobile devices. Then, 4G, introduced in the late 2000s, significantly increased data speeds, enabling high-definition streaming and more robust online experiences.

Now, 5G is here, starting around 2019, designed to deliver even faster speeds, lower latency, and support for a vast number of connected devices. Each generation builds on the previous one, addressing new needs and technological possibilities.