The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday magazine

  • ‘Hearing from God not enough before starting ministry’

    ‘Hearing from God not enough before starting ministry’

    The Senior Pastor of High Tower Global church, Pastor Rufus Ikotun spoke to Adeola Ogunlade on the church’s annual Liberation Conference, his life, and the place of training for church leaders

    How did you come about the ‘Great Shift’, the theme of your annual conference?

    Actually, it is a divine drop. When I was praying about 2023, the mandate God gave us was the Great Shift. The Liberation Conference is the prophetic phase of our ministry which has been running for eight. God told me that there will be a great shift in our lives, families, and the nation as a whole.

    Looking at the conference holding at this time in the history of Nigeria, what is the relevance of this conference?

    Yes, there will be a great shift and I’m very sure that by May 29, somebody who we never thought would be Nigeria’s President will be there, is that not a great shift? It is.

    What should the participants be expecting?

    God has promised to help his people. He will turn messengers into managers. The real meaning of shifting is when there is a dramatic change when you least expect it. The conference is a landmark that a lot of people will never forget what God will do for them in a hurry.

    Do you think that a change in the Presidency will mean a dramatic change in Nigeria?

    Leadership has to do with the individual. When things are not going well, ask the leader. I believe there is a great change; something definitely is going to happen. For instance, in my church, I am the head, if it was someone else, he could have done better or less.

    What is your advice to the President-elect?

     Let him do the needful to prove skeptics wrong. Let him redeem his image.  God brought him there for a purpose, though the voting pattern shows that many people voted for him. He should do something that will make people love him.

    I believe that whoever will be the President, my prayer is that let the regime give us good tidings. The problems of Nigeria cannot be fixed in four years. He will have pressure, but how is he going to address them? How he will solve the issues confronting the nation will test his leadership capacity. People are waiting. As Nigerians, we cannot sit down or put all our hope on the government. We have to work and make things happen for the betterment of the country. The current state of the country, especially insecurity, requires the collective responsibility of all Nigerians. The government cannot do it all alone; we all have a role to play to sanitise and restore Nigeria.

    I know some pastors who were skeptical about the APC’s candidate …

    Do you think that the northerners can vote for the Christian-Christian ticket? Let Asiwaju finish his tenure and a Christian- should emerge as Presidential and Vice Presidential candidate, will the person be accepted by the core northerners? A united country is a country with one vision, one purpose, and one dream, but we have a lot of purposes and ambitions. President-elect should not disappoint Nigerians

    Asiwaju needs to rise up to the occasion. Asiwaju has visited industry players, he needs to visit fathers of faith too.

    You have a dress sense and some would refer to you as a funky pastor.

    People should understand that being a prophet does not mean that you have to dress shabbily and wear long hair. My God is not shabby but one of the signs that you are called by God is to be clean. I love someone who dresses well. The work is inside of you and not what you are wearing. I am young, just over 40 years. Though, I have a dress sense.

    Tell us about Prophet Rufus Ikotun?

    I was born and brought up in Cherubim and Seraphim. My father is an Apostle. Mind you, God did not tell me to leave C & S; I left C&S for a reason. C&S is a good church and I love Mother Esther Ajayi who is also a mentor. From C & S, I went to Christ Apostolic Church; I was under a prophet in Kano. I went to Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries (MFM) briefly.

     Who are your mentors?

    My brother, Olayinka Ikotun. Prophet David Abiola, is my mentor and father. I love Dr. Daniel Olukoya of MFM, and Pastor Enoch Adeboye, The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. I also respect Pastor David Oyedepo of Living Faith Ministries.

    How many years have you been in pastoral ministries?

    Before founding HighTower Global Church, generally, I have been in ministries for 29 years. I was a teenager when I got interested in the work of God. When I was in Kano, there was a mountain where we used to go and pray every morning, it was called Foba Rock. That rock, we would go there often to seek the face of God. One day, while I was in school, waiting for our results, God asked me what I wanted to do with the result, I responded by saying that I would work for God. God said No, I have got a job for you. Read Psalm 144: 2, …..my goodness, my fortress, my High Tower, God said that yes, that is the name of your ministry, Go and start, I would back you up. The purpose was then revealed to me that the ministry would help to revive the word through the ministry of prayer, word, praise, and prophecies and the purpose has taken us round the world.

    September 6th, 2009, the ministry started by the grace of God in Ipaja, Lagos. Our mandate is revival. There is nothing that is dead that cannot be revived. This is what God has sanctioned us to do in this ministry and we are unique in that aspect. My call is to revive the lost souls and nurture them in the way of the Lord. We thank God for the success we have achieved so far.

    It is divine direction, and direction is better than speed. I was in Kano when God used a woman for me. She is a mother, Mrs. Funsho Mubi who said why can’t you relocate to Lagos, though, I did not ask God. I was in Lagos praying one day and God asked me, “why are you in Lagos, did I ask you to come to Lagos?” I replied to God and said ‘since you were not talking, I thought that I could come.  I said wow.” I then packed my loads and went back to Kano. I was in Kano for one year. That time, we started the church and we closed it down because people were not coming. One day, God spoke to me to go back to Lagos to start the ministry, assuring me that it would be a success, on December 6th, we started and since then, God has been faithful

    What have you learned in ministry?

    A lot, one of my lessons, people are assets and people are the same liability. The greatest achievement that I have seen so far are people around me and the greatest regret were the people around me.

    Starting out in Ministry in your early 30s when the future looked unsure, how have you been navigating your way in ministry?

    I started the church blindly; I was just following God’s leading and direction all the way. I want to tell you that it is not enough, the voice of God is not enough. Whatever you want to do, especially in the Ministry, some pastors will say “I heard from God,” fine, God may speak to you but there is no way you can go far without training. It happened to Samuel when God was speaking to him as a teenager, he could not comprehend but because he was under the tutelage of Prophet Eli who could discern when God was speaking to him and he told Samuel to say: “Speak Lord” and that helped him recognise the voice of God.

     I started blindly, l did church things, I had a humble beginning, things were difficult, and there were times when there would be nothing to eat. Not that we have arrived but we are not where we used to be to the glory of God.

    You have become Baba youths with so many youths who have been greatly impacted through your ministry, is it a function of training and mentorship?

    I just keep seeing youths around me. I love the elderly but God keeps pushing youths to me and I’m happy God is using us to empower and position them for greatness.

    What is the place of training for pastors?

    If you are not trained, you cannot rule. As a journalist, were you not trained? You were trained. If you see a pastor that is not trained, you will know. From their fliers, it will be evident that they were not trained. Don’t make a mistake, they are called God but have no training. The call of God is not enough, you need to be trained.  It is important in everything that we do. I still go for training. I attend training at Daystars where I pay in dollars. 

    You need to learn. You need to read. If you don’t read, you cannot lead. Even Jesus was a reader. He confronted the devil with the written word when the devil came to tempt him. You can’t quote what you don’t know. What you read is very important. When we started, I was not training. Many pastors have a calling but are not trained in human management. A lot of pastors complain that members come and go,  it is a function of learning how to manage human beings. 

    Where do you see the High Tower Global Church in the next five years?

    Our vision is to build a global church in a local area. We are going through the process right now. I tell people you can’t jump the process. I want people to come to our church from across the world and scream wow!

  • NIMI EKERE: Working at the grassroots really memorable

    NIMI EKERE: Working at the grassroots really memorable

    Nimi Ekere is passionate about solving issues affecting children. Over the years, she has attracted recognition and accolades for her roles as a leading child advocate, author, speaker, coach, parenting enthusiast, teacher, and humanitarian. This is also reflected in her four best-selling books that address child sexual abuse with practical remedies. These books are in different academic curricula of government-run primary and secondary schools across Nigeria. The graduate of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria is best described as a Consultant Family Physician. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde she takes you into her world, life as a physician, memorable moments in the sector, and more.

    Tell us about your experience as a family physician.

    It has been nothing short of phenomenal. The Family Physician is different from other specialists in the sense that he/she does not only treat people of every age and disease type, but their practice also includes the provision of comprehensive care that is not only based on the disease symptom profile. So, it would take the expertise of a Family Physician to know that a patient that presents with chest pain and maybe anxiety is going through those because of the dysfunctionality in their family, and investigate the immediate and remote family issues that have predisposed such a family member into this illness. In this regard, treatment may include the provision of family therapy, rather than the mere prescription of drug treatment.

    What are some of the memorable moments in the sector?

     I have a lot of memorable moments, but how can I forget an experience I had years ago during my training in Family Medicine? I had been posted to some rural communities to practice, as part of my residency training. It made me appreciate more, the sufferings of the people at the grassroots, and the memories remain indelible. Another remarkable moment was when I passed my fellowship exams to become a fellow of the National College of Family Physicians. I had put in so much hard work and the success was exhilarating.

    What dreams did you have while growing up?

    I wanted to be a lawyer and talk show host, at some point, I think I was about eight then. I loved Oprah Winfrey a lot. I guess many children at that age fantasized a lot. As I got older, it became clearer that I was going to be a doctor. My family did a lot to guide me, however.

     Tell us about the Smile and shine Foundation and how this has influenced your personality today.

    Smile and Shine Children’s Foundation is a nonprofit organization aimed at combating child sexual abuse.  We offer preventive care against child sexual abuse and in the sad event of abuse, we offer medical and psychological care to victims of child sexual abuse and members of their families.

    What are some of the lessons learned from working on so many Medical outreaches?

    A lot of children are scared to speak up. A lot of parents are too busy with their children. Some parents don’t have good relationships with their children.  A lot of children are living with so much trauma and are afraid of being judged or stigmatized. Again, they could be scared to tell anyone because the perpetrator has threatened them. So, the lesson would be that parents need to start sex education early and be in the lives of their children. Additionally, parents should be careful who they bring into their homes as 90% of the abusers are people that the children know and trust.

    Tell us about the things that drive you. Passion, Empathy, and Love for children. I dream of a society where children will live as children. I believe that very soon Nigeria will be the safest place to raise a child.

    What are some of the changes that you will like to see in Nigeria today?

    I’d like to see a well-equipped health sector functioning with quality human capacity and technology, a better educational system, good roads, steady power, and of course security of lives and properties.  I would like to see a country where child protection is prioritized, where child rights acts are domesticated in all the states and implemented.

     Did you have mentors at the beginning of your career? What has been their impact?

    Yes, I had and still do have mentors. Having mentors have helped me navigate the tough times, and maintain tenacity even in the midst of uncertainties. Of course,  mentorship makes your vision and journey clearer, not without challenges though but sets you on the right trajectory of success.

    What advice do you have for young people who want to come into the sector?

     medical doctors are not the richest people, they aren’t rich by society’s standard but they have an indescribable feeling of fulfillment which in my own opinion is worth more than money. Be passionate about studying medicine, because it comes with so much hard work, discipline, determination, and resilience. Your passion will help you stay focused and unwavering. In the end, you will be fulfilled and happy. This said I would like to plead with the government to look into the welfare of doctors to reduce a large number of people relocating abroad for greener pastures. A doctor also has a myriad of bills to pay.

    You are the author of four bestselling books, what does this mean to you?

    It feels so surreal sometimes. The feedback I get regularly has been mind-blowing. My books are in use in private and public schools in Nigeria and one of them is recommended for use in the Junior WAEC (now called Basic Education Certificate Examination), in Rivers State. I feel really happy but that is just one milestone, I still have more work to do.

    What are the things that you are looking forward to in the next few years?

    I look forward to a society where child sexual abuse would be drastically curbed even eradicated. I look forward to a country where there would be no out-of-school children and like I said, a country where children will be children and maximally protected. I also look forward to having a center where children who are in unsafe environments, that put them in harm’s way can find succor. In a few years, I hope to see women empowered and gainfully employed as some women are helpless even when their children are being molested because of poverty.

     How do you relax?

    I read books, listen to music, and sometimes sleep, and because I work very hard, I try not to joke about vacations.

     Let’s talk about early life.

    I grew up in an environment of empathy, kindness, and charity. These qualities literally formed my ideologies about life. I grew up seeing my mother give and care for people so genuinely. Interestingly, my mother also saw her mum give out the little she had to the needy. Helping people and being kind come naturally to me and this is because this was all I saw around me whilst growing up.

    On another hand, the zeal to read also came from seeing my dad read a lot and this, of course,  influenced me a great deal. I read a lot of newspapers,  journals, articles, and even novels. This made me love to write and I started writing so early. I would write poems and short stories. I wrote a whole lot. So yes, I think my childhood prepared me directly or indirectly for what I do now.

    What is the Inspiration behind your foundation?

    I saw a profound need to save children as I had seen and related with a lot of them who were hurting so badly from the horrendous effects of sexual abuse. I also encountered some adults who were still grappling with the effect of sexual abuse suffered in childhood. The scary part was that a lot of their parents were completely ignorant and even the few that knew their children were abused preferred to keep it “secret”.  Sexual Abuse was and still is an unpopular area to delve into, as the culture of silence has eaten deep into our fabric as a people. It is said that our people wear silence like a badge of honor. People still hold on to false dogmas about sexual abuse and are quick to judge and shame the victim rather than the perpetrator.

    The victims and their families suffer morbidly from stigmatization in their communities, schools, market, and even places of worship. I knew that I could change the narrative as I saw more and more children being sexually abused, leaving them with so many lifelong complications. I also noticed that a lot of parents didn’t know how and when to discuss sex education with their children. They would rather not discuss it or just keep waiting till the child is “old enough”, by which time they would have been fed with so much false information by their peers or even the internet. Being that I love children so much, I knew I could do my part to ensure that children are protected and kept safe from abuse, especially sexual abuse.  This gave rise to Smile and Shine Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is aimed at preventing child sexual abuse and proffering solutions to victims and those at risk, including members of their families.

    We do a lot to create so much awareness about this menace by educating and enlightening children and even the general public on ways that child sexual abuse can be prevented. We also offer interventions in the sad event of abuse. Smile and Shine Children’s Foundation offers primary medical and psychological care and in collaboration with other NGOs, ensures that justice is served, and rightly so.

  • BSN donates Bibles worth N16.7 million

    BSN donates Bibles worth N16.7 million

    The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has donated assorted Bibles worth N16.7 million in the year 2022 as part of its free Bible distribution objective.

    In a statement by the Manager, Media and Public Relation, BSN, Benjamin Mordi, the value of the Bibles donated to the sighted was ₦9.8 million, while 137 complete sets of Braille Bible given to people with visual disabilities cost ₦6.9 million.

     “This gesture is in line with The Society’s mission to make the Holy Bible available to Nigerians in their preferred languages and formats and help them engage with the word of God through programmes to transform their lives.

    “Beneficiaries of the free Bible distribution included prison inmates, churches, Christian fellowships and organisations, schools for the blind, and individual members of the public, among others,” said BSN.

    Mordi added that a complete set of the Braille Bible, which comes in 37 volumes, costs ₦50,000. The organisation carried out the free distribution programme with funds donated by members of the Bible-A-Month Club, Special Members, corporate organisations, churches, and individual donors for the Braille Bible project, You Can Be Their Eyes (YCBTE).

    Through the free Bible distribution and other laudable programmes, the BSN has continued to break every known barrier that makes the Word of God inaccessible to people.

  • YAKUBU ISHAKU TERI: I like staying ahead of the curve

    YAKUBU ISHAKU TERI: I like staying ahead of the curve

    Yakubu Ishaku Teri is the CEO and Managing Director of Kwakol Markets, a self – motivated who has shown strength in budget inspiring others in different ways. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, he talks about his passion for Fintech, trends, entrepreneurship, and why he abandoned Medicine for innovative winning ideas.

    Tell us about your experience building Kwakol and the opportunities in the Fintech industry.

    Building Kwakol was a challenge that really excited me and my team. We live in an exciting period where ideas can be taken to market relatively quickly and with more ease than before. The main thing is finding a great idea, a winning idea. Ours came while we were studying and experimenting with innovations at the intersection of technology and global finance. The moment we saw the opportunity for developing a business around some of the innovative product and service ideas we had, we knew we were on to something. It has been a cycle of ideating, building, testing, launching, getting feedback, making improvements, and iterating the whole innovation process since then.

    What was the experience at the beginning?

    Like most startups, it involved wearing many hats, multitasking on various fronts, working long hours, and sourcing the resources needed to get the idea going from the financing to the people. The beginning is a very challenging period yet incredibly exciting. The energy demands, disappointments, negative feedback, or early failures can weigh you down. However, with a mission as strong as ours that is easy to rally behind, with a talented and committed team to help innovate and solve problems, and a growing list of satisfied customers that find value in our offerings, we got the necessary energy to fuel us through the first few years.

    What are some of the lessons learned?

    Always be open to feedback, the way a customer experiences your product can be different from the way you envisioned. Keeping an open mind and being receptive to feedback can help you present the product or service in a way that the customer appreciates your efforts better. Other things follow from being customer-centric in this manner.

    Tell us about some of your memorable moments as a Tech leader. 

    Every product or feature launch is exciting but with our approach to innovating and improving on current offerings, they hardly remain memorable as we look to the next idea. Same with the recognition within the industry at both national and international levels. The truly memorable moments come from conversations with customers or messages from clients that signal to us that our work is having a real-life impact; truly helping people create the financial future that they deserve, whether it is giving them financial independence or simply easing their budget constraints a bit.

    Let’s talk about your experience in budget, financial consultancy, and market research.

    We have managed to put together a team of curious thinkers with expertise in financial and market research, political economy, and emerging technology. They are able to serve our knowledge needs and feed our decision-making with evidence-based insights. We also lend our expertise to other organizations looking for rich insights to get ahead of the market.

    You studied Medicine and Surgery.  Why did you abandon this for market research?

    While I enjoyed my time studying Medicine and Surgery, I realized that my true passion was in finance and entrepreneurship. I was always interested in the financial market and investing, and I felt that pursuing a career in finance would allow me to combine my analytical skills with my interest in the markets.

     How has your background in Medicine influenced you as an entrepreneur?

    My background in Medicine has helped me to develop strong critical thinking skills and attention to detail, which are both essential in the world of finance. Additionally, my experience in the medical field has taught me the importance of empathy and effective communication, skills that are also crucial in building successful business relationships.

    Would you say Mentoring has helped to move things forward in the sector?

    Yes, mentoring is incredibly important in any field, particularly in the world of entrepreneurship where there are many challenges to navigate. Having a mentor who has been through similar experiences and can offer guidance and support can be invaluable in moving forward in the sector.

    What are some of the challenges encountered?

    Some of the challenges encountered in the world of entrepreneurship include raising capital, developing a viable business model, building a strong team, and navigating regulatory hurdles. Additionally, there is often intense competition in the industry, so staying ahead of the curve and adapting to changing market conditions is critical.

    What are the other things that occupy your time now?

    Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy reading about new developments in finance and technology and exploring new opportunities for investment. What are some of the changes you would like to see in Nigeria today?

    As an entrepreneur, I would like to see more government support for small businesses and startups, as well as increased investment in technology and infrastructure to support innovation and growth in the private sector.

    What are the new areas that you are looking at?

    I am currently exploring opportunities in blockchain technology, as well as renewable energy and sustainable investing.

    Tell us about the people you admire in the sector.

    I greatly admire successful entrepreneurs who have built thriving businesses from scratch, such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Warren Buffet. These individuals have achieved tremendous success in their respective industries and have had a significant impact on society through their innovative and forward-thinking approaches.

    Who or what do you consider the greatest influence in your life?

    I have been fortunate to have had many influential people in my life, including my family, friends, and mentors. However, I would say that my greatest influence has been my own drive and determination to succeed and make a positive impact in the world.

    How would you assess the performance of the average young entrepreneurs in the country today?

    There are many talented and driven young entrepreneurs in Nigeria today who are making a significant impact in their respective industries. However, there are also many challenges that young entrepreneurs face, such as limited access to capital and resources, which can make it difficult to succeed.

    What message do you have for Nigerians about embracing technology?

    Technology is rapidly changing the world we live in, and it is essential that Nigerians embrace this change and become early adopters of new technologies. By doing so, we can not only stay competitive in the global marketplace but also improve the lives of our citizens through greater access to information, education, and healthcare.

    If you were to advise those in government, what would you tell them?

    Encourage value creation in the economy by incentivizing entrepreneurship. There’s nothing we need now more than a long period of sustained economic growth. This can only be achieved with employment-generating businesses founded by entrepreneurs that create value that not just Nigerians but the world needs and will pay for it.

  • Christians, Muslims in Alimosho back Sanwo-Olu for second term

    Christians, Muslims in Alimosho back Sanwo-Olu for second term

    Christians and Muslims under the aegis of Alimosho Council of Religious Leaders have pledged support for the re-election of Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    The Convener of the group, Dr. Dickson Elijah Asaju said Sanwo-Olu deserves another four years to consolidate on his performances.

    He said: “We are all living witnesses to his sterling performance in taking Lagos State to another enviable level. Under his first four years, he has proved that he is reliable and dependable in leadership. With all we can see and hear across the state, we want to stand firmly behind his candidacy and call on all well-meaning residents of Lagos State to vote for him and all candidates of All Progressive Congress on Saturday, March 18.

    Read Also: Adiukwu wants Igbos to support Sanwo-Olu’s re-election, mobilises voters

    “Alimosho, until the recent past is known as a trail blazer in the delivery of massive voting supports for our candidates, and by the grace of God, this election will return us in Alimosho to that enviable leadership status. Our clarion call on all residents of Alimohso is to rise up and reclaim their mandate, glory and pride for which they were known.”

    He appealed to Sanwo-Olu to embark on more grassroots development projects, youth empowerment and create more enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the local government and open up the community.

    The Leader of the League of Imams in the Alimosho Local Government Area, Ibrahim Okunola noted based on the vision of the Governor he deserves all the support to return. 

  • Take it to the Supremest Court

    Take it to the Supremest Court

    • Text:”…..ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good….” (Genesis 50:20)

    By Venerable Henry O. Adelegan

    At what crossroad are you presently in life? Have you lost out in the last Presidential or National Assemblies elections? It is needless to call people out in protest or resort to violence. If you are not in agreement with the verdict of INEC, you are at liberty to seek redress through the Judiciary process. Are people ganging against you because of your “coat of many colours”? Are you being maligned and destroyed by people who are close to you as a result of your dreams? Has opposition been stirred against you by agents of darkness and the kingdom of wickedness? Have you been sold out to a location where they opine that your star will never shine? Are you in trouble without having your hand in sin? Have you, even in your innocence, been convicted by powers that are superior to you or have you been consigned to the prison and it looks like all is lost? Is your business venture not working? Don’t lose hope. There is hope for you! The Almighty God has the final say, and not any man. Take your case to the Supremest of heaven. He is fair and just.

    That you have lost does not qualify you to be referred to as a failure because the swing of life pendulum is managed by the mighty hand of the Almighty – He oscillates it to whatever direction it pleases Him (Ecclesiastes 8:3b; cf 1 Sam 2:6-8). In His scheme, He can qualify an “unqualified” to become the Queen of the most powerful kingdom on earth (Esther 2:17), by His prerogative, the elder person can serve the junior (Romans 9:12), in His wisdom, a chronic stammerer can lead a battalion (Ex. 3:7-10, 4:10), and He can choose a man with a jaundiced background to be the most successful Evangelist in biblical history (Acts 9:1-7; Mark 5:1-20). It is never over with anyone that is in Christ until it is over. Take wisdom from the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, he failed several times in business, relationship, physically and politically but remained undaunted and he made it eventually. Beloved, it is not over with you too. “A fowl that is not dead is at liberty to eat corns”, say the elders. God asked me to inform you that it is not over with you. Where you have failed, you are going to be celebrated, and where you have been hatred and forsaken such that no man comes to you, you are returning to reign there.

    Paul, in his epistle to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 3:6-7 cf Philippians 4:13) elucidated that inasmuch as determination, discipline and diligence are principal to success in life, they are of no consequence without the backing of the Almighty God (John 15:5). When God backs a person up, the backing of men, amounts to nothing. It therefore does not matter how much of conventional efforts one puts into the things of life or the atrociousness of opposition from close or far quarters aimed at eliding God’s purpose for man, life or nation, the Almighty God has the final say, and His will superimposes other wills, schemes and desires (Romans 9:15-16; Ecclesiastes 9:11).

    When God steps into your life, He suspends opinion polls that have confirmed you a failure and changes you from a perceived underdog to the favourite (Isaiah 60:15); when He steps in, He changes stories and reverses everything that have previously been against you. Besides, He will ensure that as people associate themselves against you, they are broken in pieces and as they gird themselves, the anointing of God breaks them into irreplaceable pieces. As they gather to take take counsel against you, their counsel shall come to nought and whatever evil word they have spoken or are speaking against you and God’s plan for your life shall be made ineffective (Isaiah 8:9-10).

    What you need to do at this time of Lent for you to come back is to come to Jesus Christ and confess your sins to Him, depart from every evil ways, stop mourning your losses, trust in God with all your heart, look up in faith towards a more glorious tomorrow (cf 1 Samuel 2:9), do not lean on your own understanding, In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. You must also ensure that you are not wise in your own eyes, fear God and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7). I can assure you that God shall frustrate every evil counsel against you and all yours. Your dead bones shall rise again and His name shall be glorified in the lives and works of all that are precious to you and definitely yours too in the name of Jesus. Remember that It is not over with you. You are bouncing back. The world is waiting for your manifestation and you are not stoppable by the plans of hell and the schemes of men in the name of Jesus Christ.

    Prayer: Father, intervene in my life situation and turn things around for my good today in the name of Jesus

  • Prosperity after austerity

    Prosperity after austerity

    • Text: “… the sons of God came … and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord.” Job 2:1

    By Venerable Henry O. Adelegan

    Are you having issues with your education, finances, challenge of acute paucity of cash or marital hiccups? Are your children not doing well as you would have loved, are you experiencing perennial sicknesses in your family, avoidable errors at work, delay in marriage, unfruitfulness after marriage, intractable marital squabbles over nothing tangible, thoughts of divorce or separation, no employment etc?, it is surely not over with you. There is a moment of joy after season of struggles. In ancient days, most Yorubas considered Offa, a town in Kwara State, to be very far so they would say that “Offa jin amo Oje tun jina ju Offa lo”, meaning that Offa (a defunct town after Offa), is far but Oje is farther than Ofa. As they moved beyond Oje however, they discovered many more towns and lands such that they could not cover everything so the elders changed their words to “Ohun ti n mbe leyin Offa o ju Oje lo”, meaning that the things and places that are farther from Ofa are more Oje. What this proverb means contextually is that there is more to life than knowledge, that there is more to a matter than what is seen or known or that things aren’t always what they seem.

    One of the challenges that believers face in this spiritual world is with the devil and his agents, his companions or his recruits. The enemies are people we engage daily at our places of work, spaces of our commissions and area of our assignments. The devil recruits people daily and places them on assignments to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10a). Ephesians 6:12 says that we are in a battlefield and the warfare is not against any human being but with the devil and his agents, who operates as principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places (Psalms 56:1,2,5,6). Not only that, 1 Peter 5:8 says that the devil is the adversary of believers and he walks about as a roaring lion in daily search of whom to devour. In Revelation 12:10, Jesus Christ revealed himself as the accuser of the brethren who is always looking for offenses.

    From our text, we are faced with an upright man called Job, a man who was uploaded with the nice things of life by God but was offloaded of all by the devil. It is unfortunate that the destinies of lots of believers. particularly children of great glory, are being destroyed and offloaded on a daily basis. It no wonder that Solomon said that I have seen servants on horses and princes walking on the ground. Following the first accusation by the devil, the hedge of Job was removed and he became defenseless. Consequently, and in one day, Job lost his oxen, donkeys and servants to the Sabeans, fire burnt his sheep and servants, and the Chaldeans who were hobnobbers of the devil, took away his camels and killed his servants and that same day, a great wind, an accomplice of the devil, came from the wilderness and snuffed life from his sons and daughters.

    Despite the severe travails of Job, in Job 19:25, he exclaimed that “I know that my Lord lives”, and in Chapter 42, the devil removed his hands from his life and he was restored double – Halleluyah! Beloved in Christ, please note that it is for such austere and bad times that Jesus Christ, the son of man, was made manifest in other to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). Psalm 30:5 says that ‘weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning’. I congratulate you because this is the advent and morning of your Mega miracles. It doesn’t matter how adverse things are with you today, please be assured that there is a silver lining at the end of the dark tunnel, the austere times of today shall bow to your time of prosperity tomorrow. For every destiny destroyer, you have a God who is the destiny restorer. His name is Jesus Christ. He is the Captain of your salvation, He is your shield and our Buckler, He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the Great One of Shekinah glory. I have a good news for you from above. Your season of rejoicing is here. Enough of complaining and weeping, this is your season of joy. You are going to arise and shine. The glory of God shall be seen upon you. As the Lord lives, that Prince of Persia in your father’s house and mother’s house shall let go of your blessings and your joy shall be restored in the name of Jesus Christ.

    What you need to do is to surrender your life to Jesus and renounce all association with the devil and his agents, be spiritually vigilant and put off carnal works of darkness (I Peter 5:8), cry to God for help (Psalm 56: 9), put on the full armor of God (Proverbs 21:31), resist the devil (James 4:7) and avoid negative thoughts (Proverbs 4:23). Please note that this season of Lent is the kickoff of your victory over the devil, his agents and their plans. There is therefore no plan of hell and there is no scheme of men that can and shall be able to abort your divine plan and purpose in the name of Jesus

    Prayer: Lord, deliver me from the manipulations and control of the devil, and restore my lost grounds, in the name of Jesus.

  • I hid behind window, watched helplessly as herdsmen hacked my husband to death – Widow

    I hid behind window, watched helplessly as herdsmen hacked my husband to death – Widow

    PEEPING through the window in a village settlement in Tse Agbande, Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, 28 years old Agnes Apande watched in disbelief as herdsmen attacked and macheted her husband to death last Saturday.

    The hapless widow said she was in her room watching a movie when her husband’s attackers arrived their compound but she could not raise the alarm for fear that she could attract the attention of the killer herdsmen to herself and son.

    The late Matthew Apande was reportedly murdered with machete cuts in his neck and other parts of his body as suspected killer herdsmen stormed their village in the night with guns and cutlasses.

    Speaking with our correspondent, Agnes said that the suspected herdsmen numbering about nine had stormed the village on motorcycles at about 10pm and started shooting indiscriminately. She added that some of the killer herdsmen attacked her husband where he lay outside because of the intense heat and macheted him to death.

    Agnes said: “We had bought a small generator to keep us busy any time we returned from the farm, because I like watching films.

    “On that fateful day, I was in the room with my only son watching a film while my husband lay outside the house.

    “They first started shooting. It was the sound of gunshots that made me to reduce the volume of the TV.

    “I then opened the window slightly and saw them. They came on motorcycles. Some of them waited while others came down.

    “One of them went straight to the generator switched it off. Then I saw them shoot my husband in the stomach, killing him instantly.

    “They collected his handset and beamed torchlight around to see if there was someone else but I dodged and hid behind the door while my son was sleeping on the bed.

    “I watched as they took his (husband’s) phone and torch. They spoke Fulfude, that was what made me to know that they were Fulani.

    “I could not believe that I was seeing my husband’s body. I saw machete and axe cuts after his stomach was ripped open with bullets.

    “In fact, they butchered him anyhow and dropped his body under a mango tree within the compound.

    “They moved to the neighbouring village and also killed about five people there.”

    Asked why she thought her husband and others in the village were attacked, she said a few days earlier, “my husband alongside other people had complained to some Fulani leaders after some cattle reportedly ate up the soya beans they were harvesting. I didn’t know that they would plan to attack them.”

    She added: “Their cows ate up all the rice, cassava and yams we planted last season and we were left with nothing.

    “Our only hope of survival before the rainy season when we would start all over again was the soya beans.

    “We had hoped that we would sell the soya beans and buy foodstuffs that we would manage for the year, but the cows ate it up.

    “My husband was angry because of the development, so he expressed his anger to the Fulani leaders who allowed their cattle to eat his soya beans.

    “Little did he know that they would come after him.”

    The widow expressed frustration that her husband’s killers were still using his mobile phone, appealing to security agencies to apprehend the culprits and bring them to book.

    Even the most callous of monsters would pity Agnes’s condition as she sat dejectedly, staring into an empty space as if her stare could change the situation she was in and bring back her husband.

    She would have no reason to concur if anyone had told her earlier in the year that she would soon become a widow, considering that her husband was very hale and hearty, carrying on his normal business without any fear or apprehension.

    That was until the Fulani herdsmen invaded their community, killing her husband rendering her a widow.

    Agnes said: “We want the herdsmen to be arrested. We want the government to help us. Our child is still very small. He is just one year old and there is nothing I have to train him.

    “My husband’s death is a tough one to take because it has caused me much pain.

    “He did not enjoy the fruits of his labour. He was already preparing for new season but they did not allow him to finish it.

    “There is no day I don’t feel loneliness inside me. We buried him last weekend, and life has not been the same without him around me.

    “Before death came knocking, we had good plans for the coming farming season, he gave me a life that can be described as a fairly okay. I’m mentally tortured when I realise he is no more.”

    Agnes’s trauma is compounded by the gloomy prospect of raising their little boy all alone.

    “I am a poor village woman,” she said, bursting into tears.

    One of Agnes’s neighbours, 49-year-old Igbadoo Agune, who escape the attack because his house was not searched by the invaders, described Apande’s death as a shock. He said he was devastated by the sight of Apande’s lifeless body after the herdsmen had left.

  • ‘My dream is to shake hands with Sanwo-Olu’

    ‘My dream is to shake hands with Sanwo-Olu’

    • Physically challenged artist makes life-size bead painting of governor

    Adewale Mufutau Balogun is a brilliant bead artist who prides himself with having clients across the top echelon of society. Although physically challenged, Balogun is celebrated for rising above his limbs disability to having his beaded portraits garnishing galleries and living rooms of influential personalities. One of his recent prized works is the life size handmade glass beaded portrait of Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Evelyn Osagie writes.

    THE life-size beaded portrait of Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu welcomes visitors into one of the offices of Number 150 Adebowale House, Onipanu, Lagos. From the portrait of former Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko, to that of the Ooni of Ife, to that of the United States’ president, Joe Biden’s, the place has housed and still houses several prized bead works of the artist.

    The handmade beaded portrait of Governor Sanwo-Olu made of uncountable grains of sand beads is one of such prized works of brilliant bead artist, Adewale Mufutau Balogun.

    Although on crutches, having lost the use of his legs as an infant, Balogun, who is a protégé of the late ace artist, Dr. David Herbert Dale of blessed memory, is not deterred. Driven by passion, the young man is a classic case of ability in disability.

    Hear him: “There is nothing called DISABILITY. To me disability is not a predicament but opportunity if we can see it from the right perspectives. I believe I am customised not deformed: make use of the available ability.”

    Balogun, surely, is a man of tall dreams. His beaded portraits, owing to their exquisiteness, now garnish galleries and living rooms of kings, captains of industries and influential political figures.

    Aside these great accomplishments, Balogun told this reporter that his greatest dream at the moment is to meet and get an executive handshake from the Lagos State governor, Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu someday soon.

    His reason? He said, “I see him worthy of the honour. Although I have never met him, I am in love his kind of person. I just love him as a person. It is one of my greatest dreams to have a handshake with Governor Sanwo-Olu and present him with the life-size 4ft x 6ft unusual handmade portrait done by fusing glass beads together.”

    The work, which was started in July, was completed in September. When asked how many bags of beads he had to use, he said: “Too busy to count but I know the work is made of billions, trillions and uncountable grains of sand beads of different colours and sizes. It took me three months and I worked 12 hours every day.”

    On the inspiration behind the work, Balogun said: “I was inspired to do His Excellency, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s portrait to immortalise him, like the Ooni Ile-Ife and others that I have done. It is also to celebrate his good deeds in Lagos. It is my way of saying “thank you”; because although I now shuttle Lagos and Ibadan, I was born and brought up here in Lagos. It is great joy to me seeing the rapid development taking place in the state, which is seemingly turning it into a small London and a pride of Nigeria. I am particularly impressed by the Imota Rice Mill, which is the largest in sub-Saharan Africa, the LAGFEERY (Lagos State ferry transport), the blue lane intra-city rail system, among others.”

    Aside the governor’s portrait and that of President Biden and a few others already cited above, the artist also has a rich catalogue of influential people’s portraits, like that of the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde; his predecessor, the late Abiola Ajimobi; former Osun State governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola and his wife; business mogul, Jimoh Ibrahim; telecoms mogul, Chief Mike Adenuga; the late Honourable Olatoye Sugar, to mention but a few.

    “Some of my works are in the US, Canada and Germany. These are the ones I can remember as we speak,” he said with relish.

    Wondering if he has ever been accused of seeking cheap popularity, owing to his choice of influential people, Balogun responded, thus: “Nigeria needs model leadership. Everyone has a right to his or her opinion but my belief is that it is always good to recognise the good works our leaders are doing and also celebrate their success in our own little ways; not that we should be harping only on their mistakes, forgetting that they are also human beings that can be moved by words or deeds of encouragement.

    “I know we are not there yet but we will get there. Let us celebrate oneness in this period of trials and appreciate those who have worked or working to maintain the peace and progress of society, like His Excellency is doing with all his land mark projects.”

    True to his name, Balogun is like a warrior in defense of culture through his art, using beads.  The bead artist also named His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife’s portrait as his most memorable job yet, given its historic relevance.

    “We only met once and I did the portrait before I met him. I’d followed him closely right from the time they were still trying to decide who will be Ooni. He was so impressed when he saw it. He thought it was a painting from a distance, but when he got closer, he was surprised. He asked, ‘Who did this?’ At that point, people around started shouting my name. He then approached the work and asked me if I did it. I told him it’s not painting but a beaded work. He was even more surprised. Then he said, ‘Give me your price.’ I told him I wasn’t selling. He then invited me to come see him in his palace. The rest, like they say, is history,” he said.

  • Prepare men for heaven, cleric tells Church leaders

    Prepare men for heaven, cleric tells Church leaders

    LEAD Pastor and Founder, of HillTop City Christian Center, (HTC), Victor Akintunde has appealed to church leaders to place more emphasises on the true gospel of Jesus that saves souls and prepares men for heaven and avoid doctrinal teachings that run contrary to the teachings of Christ.

    Akintunde said this recently in an interview with The Nation at the church Singles Connect held at the church International Headquarters in Ojodu, Lagos, said that the church must stay clear from an ideology that runs contrary to the word of God.

    He said that the word of God remains our standard and is the touch we bear, and they are high, unbroken, and unchangeable.

    He sounded a note of warning to men of God who monetizes gospel gathering and revivals, reemphasizing that salvation has been given freely to humanity by Christ Jesus.

    He lamented that the influence of the internet and the global village phenomenon possess a serious challenge to ministers of God today, stressed that every man of God called by God must know that they have a responsibility to teach the people the right message and if they don’t, they will bear part of the responsibility for their errors ultimately.

    He admonished singles preparing for a happy marriage life to establish their place in God before venturing into marriage. 

    He urged Christian singles not to go through the route of the world in choosing who to marry, adding that glorifying God in all things, including marriage is imperative.

     “Let us focus on things that God will be happy about. It is very possible to have a clear relationship in our time. It is possible to have a relationship that does not glorify the flesh”.

     “We need to establish our place in God. The desire to marry must not overshadow our desire t please God, saying that some will not marry until they died”.

    He asked are you willing to serve God if the marriage fails to happen. It is important that we re-established our relationship with God because many have missed it because of the pressure to marry/

     “They compromise on God’s standard and they pay for it. It is troubled and their relationship with God cut off and eventually, their marriage ended and they are back to square one”, he said.