About Us
Welcome to Osha Nile Ministries, a dedicated resource for those seeking to explore and deepen their understanding of African religious traditions, specifically the Yoruba Lukumi practice. Founded in 1999, our ministry is led by passionate practitioners devoted to preserving, educating, and celebrating the richness of African spiritual heritage. We are committed to providing resources, guidance, and support that foster spiritual growth, cultural pride, and community empowerment.
What makes Osha Nile Ministries unique is our dedication to authentic representation, cultural integrity, and accessible education. Our unique ability to make a difference with those who suffer from mental illness and depression that can be detected with spiritual eye sets us apart from other ministries. We believe in honoring the sacred practices of our ancestors while making them relevant and accessible for today’s spiritual seekers. Our core values—respect, integrity, and enlightenment—guide every aspect of our work.
Here, you’ll find educational materials, spiritual tools, and community support designed to uplift and empower you on your spiritual journey. Explore, learn, and connect with a community that cherishes and preserves the wisdom of the Divine
Meet Our Founders
Meet our founders: Ode Niwe/Reverend Lazaro and Lazara Huesa(Oya Niwe), the visionary forces behind Osha Nile Ministries. With decades of combined experience and deep-rooted dedication to the ministry & Yoruba Lukumi tradition, Lazara and Rev. Lazaro bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the ministry. This mother and son duo, both esteemed Priests, they have devoted their lives to preserving, teaching, and sharing the beauty and wisdom of African religious practices and the love of the creator. Their mission is to provide a space where tradition meets accessibility, guiding spiritual seekers with integrity, respect, love and authenticity. Through Osha Nile Ministries, they continue to inspire and empower others to explore and honor their spiritual heritage.
Our Executive Team
Our executive team at Osha Nile Ministries is composed of dedicated leaders with a profound commitment to preserving and sharing the Yoruba Lukumi tradition. Each member brings unique skills and deep spiritual knowledge, working collaboratively to guide our ministry’s mission with integrity, respect, and cultural authenticity. Together, they oversee the development of educational resources, community outreach, and spiritual programs that serve as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern understanding. The executive team’s collective vision is to create a supportive, accessible space for all who wish to honor and deepen their connection to African religious traditions.
Ode Niwe/Rev Lazaro
Lazara
Shawn
Albert
Shannon
Mercedes
Lisa
Verina
What Sets Us Apart
Lukumi
Lukumi, also known as the Yoruba Lukumi tradition, is a spiritual practice rooted in the beliefs and customs of the Yoruba people of West Africa, particularly Nigeria. This tradition was carried to the Americas through the transatlantic slave trade, where it evolved and flourished, especially in regions like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Brazil. In the Lukumi faith, practitioners honor a supreme creator, Olodumare, and a pantheon of powerful deities called Orishas, each embodying different aspects of nature, life, and the human experience.
Lukumi rituals, music, dance, and prayers are vital ways practitioners connect with their ancestors and Orishas. Through ceremonies, offerings, and divination practices, followers seek guidance, healing, and balance in their lives. The tradition emphasizes respect for elders, ancestral wisdom, and community values, while also adapting to the diverse cultural landscapes in which it is practiced. Today, Lukumi is recognized and celebrated as a beautiful, resilient faith that continues to empower and uplift its practitioners worldwide.
