The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • How to identify your soul mate in your relationship

    By Rois Ola

    NO matter how much of an angel anyone claims to be, you get to realize that nobody is perfect.

    Everyone deserves to live a happy life. We all want to be happy and settle down with someone who will make us happy for ever, even if it sounds like a fairy tale. We still all search for Prince Charming or our Cinderella.

    If you can accept that no one is perfect in your search for a soul mate, then you will realize that though you are not looking for an angel, you are looking for someone who can make you happy for as long as humanly possible.

    The search for a soul mate works differently for everyone: some get to find theirs quite early in life; some never find one and make do with whatever they can get; and some find theirs  late in life. But is anytime truly late? Do we say God sends our soul mates to us at the right time? Will we or can we be patient enough to wait?

    Is a soul mate meant to be handsome? Beautiful? Rich? Well placed in life? It’s hard to say, but the point here is to give you a few lead signs to identify who may BE POSSIBLY destined to be your life partner. This does not mean we have to overlook attitudes like respect, trust, human relations, self-confidence etc. that maintain the love between two adults.

    Below are a few things to guide and help you understand what to look out for in your search.

     You have changed for the better.

    The people who we are affected by the most are the ones who have changed us just by their presence in our lives, overhauling everything we thought we knew and wanted. They influence us positively and are a good addition to our lives.

     They are like a family member to you even before settling down

    This sounds strange, but my hubby already felt like my brother to me , even before marriage. It is an instinct that kicks on after meeting your soul mate.So when you meet your soul mate it already feels like he/she  has been a part of you for a long time.

     Your worst self has come out with them, and to only them, they know you inside out

    This may sound odd, but it is true. Your soul mate   sees the best and even the WORST part of you and stays even after seeing the worst. The truest soul mates are a direct reflection of yourself; they see what has healed and what has not healed. EVERYTHING is visible to them.

     It feels as if you’ve known each other before.

    This comes with instinct as well. When you talk to each other, it feels as though you have been friends for ages, you hide nothing from each other.

    You met while you were young, and reunited when you get older

    Be it in actual years or just spiritual and mental maturity.

    You recognize something when you look in his/her  eyes and it’s basically indefinable as  you don’t see it in anybody else.

    You feel what he/she  feels, even if you aren’t naturally empathetic & It’s more than just a feeling.

    You know when something’s not right, physically or otherwise. You can sense what she/she is thinking and feeling without them even indicating anything to you. Meeting them makes  you realize that romantic love — especially between soul mates — is much more than just a fleeting, physical feeling. It’s really more of an inner, gut knowing that permeates your whole relationship, even when (and maybe especially when) you’re apart.

     

    Read Also: Are you in a relationship that feels like it may be over? Do you feel it’s time to move on? (1)

     

    Your soul mate is your home

    You realize that ‘home’ is the person or place you always want to return to, and he/she  is it for you. You always feel at peace with him/her , even after all the fights.Once all is well there is calm that sweeps over you like syrup.

     You’re best friends

    There’s a myth that romantic partners can’t be close friends.

    However, in truth, a strong friendship is a foundation for a lasting romance. When you meet your soul mate, you also meet your best friend!

    It is still important to have friendships outside of your relationship. This simply means you just easily ‘get’ each other on a deeper level than you usually experience; you share a sense of humor, and you quickly become each other’s number one source of support.

     There’s mutual respect

    Relationships often fall apart when the two people try to change each other. In contrast, soul mates respect each other on a fundamental level. Plus, this respect is based on really knowing each other (flaws and all).

    So if you find yourself really accepting someone in spite of his/her  quirks and neuroses, and you feel that acceptance directed back at you unconditionally, this may be a soul mate connection.

     You have the same vision of the future

    This is one of the most significant signs that you’ve found your soul mate because it’s not only an indication of a deep connection but also one of the most reliable predictors of a happy partnership.

    If you don’t share key values, imagine your future in the same way and want the same sorts of things out of life, resentment grows and begins to sour the relationship. So, when you meet someone who actually sees his/her life unfolding in the same way you imagine your own, you’ve struck gold!

     You challenge each other

    Your ideal partner will not only admire you for all you’ve done but open your eyes to all you could do. This can be challenging because it will mean that the two of you are often encouraging each other  to move out of your comfort zones.

    Your Happiness Is Waiting Outside Of Your Comfort Zone

    However, the unique combination of challenge and support provided by a soul mate is a major catalyst for personal development and growth. And, in the future, you’re sure to be grateful to each other for all the encouragement and gentle prodding administered over the years!

     You fight for the relationship

    No relationship is without conflict, even when soul mates get together. There will always be obstacles and bumps on the road. But whether you’re trying to cope with family difficulties, financial worries, illness, career uncertainty or parenting issues, a couple who are meant to be together will keep fighting for the relationship.

    Crucially, you’ll find ways to fight together in order to make things better, because you’ll both want the relationship to survive more than you’ll want to defend your own egos.

    This, in itself, is not easy to accomplish and can wear you out if the fighting is constant, but with true love and openness with each other you will conquer. I wish you all the best.

  • Halima moves into driver’s seat at Dangote Group of Companies

    Halima moves into driver’s seat at Dangote Group of Companies

    Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s daughter, Halima, has finally assumed the driver’s seat of her father’s businesses. The word is everywhere that she has taken over as the Group Executive Director of Commercial Operations of Dangote Industries Limited, one of Africa’s largest and most diversified business conglomerates.

    Read Also: Sylva hails Dangote refinery project

     

    Halima Dangote is also a trustee of the philanthropic arm of the Group known as Aliko Dangote Foundation. She has worked in different arms of the Group, setting new standards and influencing performance in the area of profit.

    She is the President of the Board of the African Centre in New York and a member of The Women Corporate Directors.

    Halima Dangote is coming into this new position with a lot of cutting-edge experience, having studied in Ivy League schools across the globe.

  • Coalition lauds Indian government over ban of Amnesty International

    Agency Reporter

    The Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria (CHRMGN) has hailed India for the ban meted on international non-governmental organization, Amnesty International (AI).
    Following suspicious activities, the Asian nation in 2014 began a crack down on foreign NGOs, suspending or banning thousands of groups, many working in health or the environment, for receiving money from abroad
    AI recently received the chop, for amongst others, violating foreign exchange regulations through taking money from its London-based parent.
    The Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria has advised the Nigerian government to take a leaf from its Indian counterparts, especially after several evidence against the supposed humanitarian group.
    The group made this known at a press conference on Saturday in Abuja on the need to commence investigation on source of funding of Amnesty International and other NGOs operating in the country.
    In a statement signed by Gabriel Agibi, the coalition revealed that this has become imperative owing to the  nature of NGOs activities and how their actions, in many instances, have caused security threats in the country.
    The group said it came to this conclusion after stakeholder’s emergency general meeting.
    The group recounts how the AI, on numerous occasions, attempted to undermine the progress of the Nigerian military in the North-East.
    According to them, if relevant authorities in Nigeria fail to commence detailed investigations into the sources of funding of the NGOs in Nigeria, it may hamper the fight against terrorism.
    Read full press statement:
    The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria dedicated to assessing and monitoring the level of human rights compliance of critical organs of government in Nigeria wishes to bring to the notice of the relevant authorities in Nigeria on the need for detailed investigations into the sources of funding of Amnesty International ( AI) and other NGO’s operating in Nigeria.
    This is given the suspect nature of the activities of NGOs in operation in Nigeria and how their actions, in many instances, have caused security threats in the country.
    The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups, having studied the recent happenings in India, where Amnesty International was caught in the web of illicit funds transactions, views the development as worrisome given the global posture on human rights by Amnesty international. This is aside from the fact that Amnesty International has, in numerous instances, constituted themselves as parallel governments in countries where they operate.
    The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria after a stakeholder’s emergency general meeting came up with the unanimous decision for the Nigerian authorities to commence immediate investigations into the funding of the operations and activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria.
    This is highly recommended given the threat terrorism has posed in Nigerian and around the world, where terrorist organisations have perfected the art of using NGOs to transfer illicit funds for the operations of their affiliates all around the world.
    The Nigerian authorities must also, as a matter of urgency, launch an investigation into the operations and funding of other NGOs operating in Nigeria to identify their sources of funding.
    The Nigerian authorities must treat this call as a matter of urgency in the best interest of the generality of Nigerians who have been subjected to untold hardship as a result of the nefarious activities of some NGOs who have been collaborating with some foreign interest to undermine the sovereignty of Nigeria.
    The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria wishes to state that there is multiple evidence to suggest that the bulk of the NGOs operating in Nigeria have ulterior motives aimed at causing unrest in Nigeria.
    The situation in North-East Nigeria provides us with vivid examples of how the NGOs have been undermining the efforts of the Military in the fight against terrorism. Worthy of mention is Amnesty International in its annual reports accusing the Nigerian Military of Human Rights violations, which is, in most instances, fabrications and half-truths.
    The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria wishes to state in unequivocal terms that should the relevant authorities in Nigeria fail to commence detailed investigations into the sources of funding of the NGOs in Nigeria, the fight against terrorism in Nigeria would continue to remain a mirage.
    The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups in Nigeria wishes to commend the Indian authorities in India for taking the bold step of expelling Amnesty International from their country for nefarious acts.
    It is expected that the Nigerian Authorities should learn from the Indian example and act in the best interest of the country if we are desirous of winning the war against terrorism in Nigeria.
    The Nigerian authorities must also act decisively in dealing with NGOs found to be operating against extant laws in Nigeria.
    The Indian example should serve as an eye-opener on the activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria and other places where it operates and why Nigerians should disregard the constant fabrications in its annual reports.
    The activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria have been suspect as echoed in times past in numerous forums, especially with its constant attacks against the operations of the Nigerian Military in the theatre of operations in North-East Nigeria, as well as its tactic support to other militant groups in Nigeria such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).
    The Nigerian Authorities must act now as a matter of urgency in commencing investigations not just on the source of funding of Amnesty International as well as other NGOs in operation in Nigeria, it must also put in place measures that would keep NGOs operating in Nigeria in check.

  • When men say, I love you (2)

     

    Love for so many people means different things and it is used in different ways just to get what we want and need. Love to me, means affection without tears and it does no harm to its receiver

     

    1. Sylvester Kwentua, a student with NIJ. Many reasons are bound; any woman in her right senses would look scornfully at a man who walks up to her asking for sex! It does not reflect the man as being responsible, decent or event sensible.

    In Africa, issues of sex are believed not to be discussed. It is an agreement between two lovers when they are within the confines of a room. An average woman needs a relationship based on love, trust and honesty, but the man, although not all of them, need a relationship based on sex.

    But how does a man go about telling a woman that he is all about sex and not love?  He won’t ever enjoy the company of any lady, if he goes talking to any about sex unless she is a prostitute.

    In advanced countries, for instance, Europe and America, sex could happen between a man and woman after the first meeting which could occur some minutes earlier. Sex is not a big issue over there, but in Africa, the reverse is the case.

    Any true son of the soil, who knows the cultural beliefs, will not just dabble into the issue of sex without building a relationship, and if he is lucky and the lady falls for it, monkey go go market and not return. (Sex could come up).

    Mr. Stephen Chukwuyemike, an undergraduate

    Love for so many people means different things and it is used in different ways just to get what we want and need. Love to me, means affection without tears and it does no harm to its receiver. But today, love has been abused and used unjustly, just to get our selfish desires met, no matter the consequences.

    Some men, in this present generation haven’t used this four lettered word to deceive a lot of women, simply because the word literally means genuity but it has been turned around. Some men say to ladies, I love when they actually mean I am lusting after you. Most men want sex not relationship and so to get their desires and they know that the only to get the woman’s affection is to propose love to her and by so doing, the woman will feel appreciated. Sometimes the men may be for real, but most times it does not turnout to be true.

    When the man has succeeded in getting her to bed, the so called ‘love’ begins to fade and the man will begin to withdraw and this will in the long run leave the woman bitter and heartbroken.

    My advice is that women who are smart should always try to study men and not fall for some cheap lies they tell.

     

    Read Also: Topics to discuss in a relationship before you settle down (1)

     

    Wale Balogun

    No doubt that experiences of ladies over time have made common, the opinion that most guys say ‘I love you’ when the real intent and desire is just to have a feel of the victim (the lady being wooed) in bed. But the reality is, most guys who spend weeks pursuing a lady, burning call credit to achieve entry into her heart, spending some hard earned money on dates and sometimes gifts, really would want much more than just love-making. However, the natural phenomenon that makes a guy see a lady as an angel prior ‘bed time’ and then as a devil incarnate post ‘bed time’ is a mystery that is yet to be unravelled, as this experience is as old as man itself.

    The truth is no right thinking lady would give in to a guy who bluntly asks for sex on first contact, except she is prostitute; rather it is modest to first establish some kind of relationship before biding for sex.

    Besides, we have come to learn that what an average lady appreciates is such beautiful and well-thought-out praises and psyches that would always end with the controversial statement ‘I love you’, though she knows it is just a regular statement that has been so abused, yet she appreciates it, at least, it makes her feel the intended fluke and fling is real.

    In fewer words, it words, it would be so ridiculing and immodest for a guy to tell a lady I want to sleep with you when he has not picked her on the street. Though the world the world has turned into such gorilla world where a guy and a lady would, as patrons of infidelity agree to be sexmate, and they keep sharing bed outside their legal or say matrimonial commitments and bonds.

    So Vera, it has become an experience we cant but live with, for a guy to walk his way into the heart of a lady under the guise of seeking true love when what he really craves for is emotional and sexual satisfaction.

    To the ladies, I advise that you make spiritual consultations to x-ray the sincerity on which the ‘I love you’ a guy says to you is built. But, a few of us are still around town with a hundred and ten percent sincerity when impressing what we feel for a lady. When it is likeness, we say it is likeness and when it grows into love we say it is love, though we could sometimes express our love for certain features and attitudes in those we admire. All na game!

  • Big Brother’s Ceec causes uproar with half-nude photos

    She might have been unduly outspoken while on the Big Brother set, but not many people will dispute her beauty.

    She has once again lived up to her controversial nature by posting her half-nude pictures on the Internet and causing public uproar in the process.

    In the controversial pictures, the BB Naija ex-inmate lays bare her sexy features for whoever cares to see.

    Read Also: #BBNaija: Venita gets two contracts

     

    But why is she celebrating her birthday with such hot photos? Many have wondered. Well, a Reverend Gentlewoman said in a recent interview that in the present generation, it seems the biggest attraction is nudity!

  • FEMINAIJA RETURNS WITH #NOTE2SELF

    By Ochekwu Caroline

     

    UK-BASED Nigerian singer and songwriter, Adepoju Olufemi Adeleye simply known as Féminaija, after a short break from the music scene has rebounded with an Extended Play (EP) titled, ‘Note2Self.’

    The five-track body of work includes melodious songs such as Ileri, Today, Dreams, Special Lady and Ojumo Ire.

    His music is a blend of African folk, Soft Rock and Contemporary Soul, with lyrics in both English and Yoruba.

    Read Also: Jay Z is Songwriters’ Hall of Fame’s first rapper

     

    The singer and songwriter who breaks into Nigerian entertainment industry a few years ago has recorded some hits singles including  Chacha Naija, B’aye Molla and Desire.

  • African superstars to thrill fans at 6th AFRIMA music village

    The 6th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA is set to have music lovers thrilled to an array of over 30 African superstars at the largest music event in Africa, AFRIMA Music Village, themed ‘Wild & Wow’ on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at the Agege Stadium, Agege, Lagos.

    The show which starts at 6pm will feature top music stars from across the five African regions, African artiste in the diaspora, past AFRIMA winners, as well as past and present nominees of AFRIMA.

    Gracing the AFRIMA Music Village stage, Afropop Diva, Tiwa Savage, who recently bagged a recording deal with Universal Records Group, will join Ghana’s dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy, South Africa’s Nasty C, Sho Madjozi and Master KG will also join their African counterparts on the 6th AFRIMA Music Village stage.

    For a first time AFRIMA appearance, the international Congolese music veteran, Awilo Longomba will bring his extraordinaire energy and sensual dance moves to play. Also performing is, Sauti Sol from Kenya, Rayvanny from Tanzania, Daphne from Cameroon; Anna Jone from Angola, Toofan from Togo, Aminux from Morocco, and Kanvee Adams from Liberia.

    Read also: AFRIMA 6th edition: Nasty C, Davido, Burna Boy, Tamer Hosny top list

     

    In addition, Nigerian artistes who will be performing at the Music Village stage will include 2Baba, Teni the Entertainer, Ycee, Pasuma Wonder, Rudeboy, Saheed Osupa, Small Doctor, Skiibi, Niniola, Falz, DJ Spinall, Mr. P and others. Others are; Dj Cuppy, 9ice, Fireboy, Atawewe, Harrysong, Toofan, Q.dot, Obesere, Slimcase, Mr. Reel, Mayorkun, Reminisce, DJ Neptune and many more.

    “It is no doubt this year’s AFRIMA Music Village attendees will leave with utmost fulfilment,” said Project Lead and Head of Media, AFRIMA, Sola Dada.

    “The decision by the International Committee of AFRIMA to change venue and take the concert closer to the grassroots in Agege Stadium, Agege Lagos where die-hard and loyal music lovers are, is to avail them the opportunity to experience their favorite African stars perform live on stage. From its inception, the concert has catered to its audience creating an experience that stays with them for a long time.

    “The previous edition in Ghana at the 100,000-capacity Independence Square in Accra left the crowd yearning for more, and the 6th edition will surely surpass previous on.”

    In partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA is committed to the stimulation of conversations among Africans and between Africa and the rest of the world about the potentials of the cultural and creative economy for real enterprise on the continent, contributing significantly to social cohesion and continental integration as well as sustainable economic growth and development in Africa by lending its voice to promotion of education and campaign against extreme poverty and preventable diseases.

  • Charly Boy, Falz comes for Nigerian Pastors

    By Olaitan Ganiu

    POPULAR  entertainers, Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa simply known as Charly Boy and rapper FalztheBahdGuy, seem to be working on a track that criticizes Nigerian pastors.

    The ‘Area Fada’ as Charly Boy is fondly called, posted a picture of himself with hip hop artiste , Folarin Falana popularly known as FalztheBahdGuy on his Instagram page.

    In the picture, Oputa and Falz were seen holding a cross, rosary and a bible with the caption: ‘Every age has its pseudo-problems created by its fake prophets and pseudo-philosophers. Fake Pastors Watch-out!’

    A source however, revealed that the soon-to-be-released song is titled, ‘Fake Pastors.’

    Read Also: Headies 2019: Falz wins the best rap album of the year

     

    Over the years, some Nigerian pastors have come under attack with a radio presenter, Daddy Freeze, initiating Free the Sheeple Movement, criticising some pastors’ deeds.

    It would be recall that in 2018, Falz released a controversial song, ‘This Is Nigeria’, a cover version of American rapper Childish Gambino’s ‘This Is America.’ The song – critical of corrupt politicians, places of worship and the security forces – soon drew the anger of some institutions, such as Nigeria’s Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).

    The lawyer-turned-musician also dropped a single, ‘Talk and Moral Instruction’, on his fourth album comprising nine tracks. The songs condemned politicians, corruption, police brutality, prostitution, social injustice and internet fraud.

  • Marriage: A garden of treasures (3)

    Pastor Faith Oyedepo

    Marriage is not a trap; it was designed by God to make life great for man.  It is for good, better and best.  Many are scared of entering into marriage because they see it as an instrument of stagnation.  Marriage is meant to advance, increase and promote you. It is not a necessary evil as you may have heard and believed.  Marriage is designed to make life complete for you.  A bachelor may say, “But life is good for me now.” No matter the kind of wonderful experience you may be having now, the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 that: Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.  For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.  Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him.  This is a total package for better living!

    I used to be scared by certain marriage vows I hear couples chant on their wedding day.  They say such things as: “I so and so get into wedlock with you, for better for worse, in sickness and health….”  I saw the ignorance of the statements as the intending couples chant the so-called marriage vows, because marriage is not designed to be “for better for worse”, but “for better for best!”  That is why Deuteronomy 32:30 says: How should one chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight? Matthew 18:19 also says: Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Your marriage garden has the treasures of double victory!

    One common treasure in any healthy garden that is well cared for is healthy fruits.  Marriage fruitfulness is a guaranteed treasure in your marriage garden. God Himself commanded this to being, just as He commanded creation to be. Immediately after He conducted the first wedding ever in Genesis 1:28, He said: Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion.

    Every good thing in life has a price; there is always what to do to get what you want. In the search for increase, some bypass the proper channel and look for other ways of getting speedy increase. However, any genuine increase that will last in life must have its source in God. Increase, whether in your health, finances, family life or family peace, must come from God. Unless God is the source of your increase, it will not last. The Bible says: I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).

    Before God can bring about increases in any area of your life, there are two basic things that are mentioned in that scripture that you must do.

    Read Also: Marriage: A garden of treasures (1)

     

              I have PLANTED…. The first step to increase is to plant the seed, which you desire to increase. A good illustration of this process is in farming. Before a farmer receives a harvest, the kind of seed he wants increased is planted in prepared ground. Likewise, the kind of increase you desire to see in your life right now will determine what you should plant.

    Perhaps you have planted in times past and you cannot see increases coming your way, it could be that the seeds died of lack of watering (speaking the right words). Don’t be discouraged, for your time of increase is on the way. The Chinese bamboo tree is an unusual tree you can learn from. After being planted, it is watered for four years without it showing any increase. It may even appear dead. However, the watering process must be consistently done for four years and in the fifth year, the tree would grow to a height of 90 feet within 5 weeks to the surprise of everybody. Who says God does not answer prayers? He will grant your desired increase, but you must not give up. Quitters don’t win and winners don’t quit!

    Though unfruitfulness is a problem plaguing many marriages today, I want you to know that your marriage was designed for fruitfulness.  It should be a natural blessing, addition and favour from God to you in your marriage garden.  Everything He created came to being and is still in existence today.  God will neither lie nor change.  Also, He’s not a respecter of persons but of His Word (Ecclesiastes 3:14).  His counsel stands sure forever (Psalm 33:11). If He said, “Let there be light” and there was light, then when He said, “Be fruitful”, you must be fruitful.

    No biological or any other report from man has the power to keep your marriage garden fruitless.  Mark 10:27 says: With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.  Disabuse your mind of every scientific explanation.  Trust God by holding Him to His Word and you shall receive a miracle.  Your marriage garden was meant to bear treasure fruits as written in Deuteronomy 7:13-14.  Instead of mourning and weeping over negative reports, wipe your tears and start enriching your mind with the covenant rights of your marriage garden.  Choose to walk in the knowledge of the revealed truth and you will soon find out that no force can hold you down anymore.

    In case you are not yet born again, this is another opportunity for you to do so today. If you want to overcome satanic loopholes in your family this year, don’t miss this golden opportunity. You can become born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

    Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are born again and now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily; obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21). With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 or 08141320204.

    For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building a Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

     

  • Soyinka, Orimogunje advocate cultural renaissance

    The Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka and Prof Oladele Orimogunje have lent their voices to the advocacy of cultural renaissance championed by Yoruba Lakotun in the last four years. Prof Soyinka said: “We were raised in our indigenous culture and we should not give up on it. We need to keep encouraging the speaking and writing in our indigenous languages.”

    This was reiterated at the special edition of Yorùbá Lakotun dedicated to the late author, Oladejo Okediji held at the recently concluded Lagos Books and Arts Festival.

    In his keynote presentation, Prof Oladele Orimoogunje said that current writers need to continually expand the frontiers of Yoruba literature after the death of Oladejo Okediji because there are opportunities for writers interested in oral and fictive literature.

    Orimogunje gave glowing tributes on the detective works written by Oladejo Okediji which include Aja lo leru (1969), Agbalagba Akan (1971), Oga Ni Bukola (1972), Rere Run (1973), Imura Idanwo Yoruba (1978), Atoto Arere (1981), Sango (1987), Opa Agbeleka (1989), Binu ti ri (1989), Aajo Aje (1997), Running After Riches (1999), Karin Kapo (2007), Aaro Olomoge (2014) and Ohun Enu Agba (2018).

    Read Also: Soyinka to govt: Release Sowore, save us embarrassment

     

    There was also a panel discussion moderated by Damilare Igbayiloye of Akonilede Yoruba, while the panelist are Dr Clement Odoje of the University of Ibadan; Dr Ayodele Oyewale of the University of Lagos; Mrs Folake Benson of Scholars Runnel and Mr Ayobami Oyedele of Yoruba Di Wura. They agreed that Yoruba scholars and enthusiasts need to be more strategic in  order to gain more global relevance.

    According to Dr Odoje, “The Nigerian government needs to support the teaching, learning and research on our languages because various countries of the world are deliberate about learning our languages and engaging those who are vast in the knowledge of Nigerian languages. The value of Nigerian languages is currently being appreciated by the international community and as a nation, we need to latch onto this as well.”

    Other segments of the colloquium included the extensive teaching on greetings by Chief Gbemisoye Ayano, book reading from the last anthology of poetry by Oladejo Okediji, 2018 titled, “Ohun Enu Agba.” There were performances by JojoBody Beat and Amulegbajo. There were award presentations to Prof Oladele Orimoogunje; Mama Iyabode Aboaba; Chief Gbemisoye Ayano and Mr. Yemi Shodimu.The first colloquium of Yoruba Lakotun was curated by Olutayo Irantiola in partnership with Committee for Relevant Arts, the organizers of LABAF.