The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday magazine

  • Repentance, only guarantee for recovery in Nigeria – Ojo

    Repentance, only guarantee for recovery in Nigeria – Ojo

    The Presiding Shepherd of Harvest Centre (City of Mercy Mission Nigeria), Prophet Wale Ojo David spoke to Adeola Ogunlade about his ministry, outreaches, moral decadence, and God’s mandate upon Nigeria as the nation goes to polls.

    Can you share with us your background as a prophet?

     I give Glory and honour always to his name as the Almighty God called me into the prophetic ministry. I was a businessman until God called me three decades ago. It was not easy obeying the call of God upon my life, but I left my business to yield to God’s divine mandate for my life and I have not regretted that I did. The mandate of our ministry is geared towards the revival of the Christians, building fellowship through intercessory, evangelism, and care for the needy and our vision is the perfection of the word to the world. Yes, as prophet and prophecies are God’s mystery for victory and recovery, “For this reason, the son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil.”

    In what ways does your ministry reach out to people?

    The Bible says the gospel of Christ shall be preached to the world and then the end shall come. I have an interest and passion for evangelism, outreaches, and missions on the air, spiritual workshops, and empowerment. 

    Which outreach programme are you planning to hold now in the 1st quarter of the year?

     (The atonement revival and gospel crusade at Ikale area Ondo State and Yewa area Ogun State). The Bible says as many who are led by the spirit of God are called the children of God. We hold our programmes according to the direction of the Holy Spirit). 

    Despite the number of churches in the county, we can still see that there is a high level of insecurity and even an unstable economy in the country. What do you have to say about this?

    We need to give more and more glory to God Almighty because if not for His mercies, everything would have turned to zero. The truth is that we are still praying, and even the religious and spiritual leaders in Nigeria and entire Africa need to pray more to have a full recovery. It happened back then in the Bible also so it’s not new but our prayers in seeking the help and mercy of God go a long way.

     What do you think can rescue the nation of Nigeria and Africa in general?

     In all situations, we need God’s visitation through prayers and wisdom. The crises and challenges facing Nigerians are not ordinary but sin has brought the country to its knees. Repentance from sin and wickedness is the key to jubilation as a nation. The problem we have is not the problem of anybody, but the problem of our culture and nature which needs to be reviewed because the next leader is still going to come from us.

    We need to know that the visitation only comes from God through his servant, who God has appointed to give out the words of wisdom for progress and jubilation. There should be no excuse for not following the pattern and the wisdom of God for progress in Nigeria and I will use this time to call all the clerics to tell our people the voice of God.

     The good news for Nigeria is that this year, God has promised to comfort his people. That is the great Joy, celebration, and awareness for the good people of Nigeria because we don’t have a problem again. God Almighty is going to choose for us to establish progress and celebration.

     A lot of Christians feel that since the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is a Muslim likewise his running mate, Kashim Shettima. What would you be telling Christians regarding this?  

     I will say that the promise of God to Nigeria is for a good leader and Tinubu is His choice. Not for any reason but for His reasons and we all need to know that whether you’re a Muslim or Christian, we are all Nigerians moving in same Nigeria, meaning as a county we are one. My advice is that irrespective of the tribe or religion, let all the good people of Nigeria (the youth, elders, men, and women) team together and help in the country’s progress. Religion is not an issue here. I will promise you and I pray that by God’s grace, we are still going to have Christians that will also rule in the presidency of this country. God is at work for us.

     What can you say about the forthcoming polls…

    The truth is that the word of God is Yea and Amen. Nothing can change it regardless of any circumstances. I already gave my words via the vision of God since last year. God revealed to me in November 2021 that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the right choice of God for this present time and he is the next president. What I will just say is that we need to join hands together and team up in helping the vision as Tinubu emerges as the President because he will bring productivity and enhancement to Nigeria.

     In what area do you want Nigerians to support this vision?

     First and foremost, if any vision is given to us as a pastor, we must be intentional about it and pray to God for it to materialize. As well as praying for God’s project to come to pass not only for Bola Ahmed Tinubu or Nigeria alone but also for God and the freedom of Africa.

     However, I will use this medium to call on Nigerians and also the leaders, most especially Baba Obasanjo, Buhari, and others, to take part in this good project for a better reward and compensation to Nigeria. And to all the co-workers in the vineyard of God, the clerics, and other good people of Nigeria that love the good progress in Nigeria should follow the progress for a better Nigeria.

    What can you say concerning the coming 2023 election in choosing the right president for the country of Nigeria?

     The truth is that the word of God is Yea and Amen. Nothing can change it regardless of any circumstances. I already gave my words via the vision of God since last year God revealed to me in November 2021 that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the right choice of God for this present time and he is the next president coming in 2023. What I will say is that we need to join hands together and team up in helping the vision of Tinubu, as he emerges as the President because he will bring productivity and enhancement to the Nation of Nigeria.

  • Declare three days of praying, fasting, cleric tells Buhari

    Declare three days of praying, fasting, cleric tells Buhari

    The General Overseer of the Christ Church of Grace, Prophet C. A. Adetunbi, has charged President Muhammadu Buhari to call for a three-day fasting and praying across the country for Nigerians to repent of their sins and experience a supernatural turnaround in 2023.

    Adetunbi said this in an interview with The Nation recently in his New Year message to Nigerians at the church headquarters in Ajagbandi, Lagos.

    He said that the three-day solemnity would also be declared a national holiday, saying the nation would reap joy after the event.

    He said that Nigeria is plagued with myriads of problems because of the high prevalence of sin and wickedness and the only solution is for the country to return to God.

    Citing Acts 3:19 says: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”

    He said this is a call for all Nigerians to come together in unity of purpose and submit to God in order for the vehicle of the nation to come out from the mud it is sunk in. “It is our sin that has led us to our current problems. The problems would only leave when Nigerians as a whole return to Him.

    “God showed me a vision some years back about Nigeria. God likened the country to a moving vehicle. The vehicle was big and moving beside a river. Suddenly, it began to reverse and entered the river beside it. While the front was on the bank of the river, the back sank into the river, thereby making it difficult for it to move either forward or backward.

    “Then, I saw myself standing beside the vehicle. And when I opened the door of the vehicle, I saw many mosques, churches, and people deep asleep inside. So, I began to wake them, calling them to stand. I started praying, asking God to show me the way out. God replied and said it is our sin that has led us to our current problems,” he said.

    He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari had tried a lot and prayed to God to be with him and his family. “It’s our sin that is putting us into problems, not that we don’t have good leaders, God is not happy with us, let us follow God this New Year and let’s stop doing evil.”

    God, he claimed, told him that on the first day, Nigerians should confess their sins and repent from them. “On the second day, we are to read and pray with Psalm 85:1-13, while on the third day, we are to read Psalm 136:1-26 for thanksgiving, and believing our prayers have been answered.

    “It is only after this that Nigeria will have peace and be free from problems and illnesses, according to Isaiah 45:7. May God grant our leaders power of the Holy Spirit, knowledge, and wisdom to lead the nation.”

    He also claimed that God told him that the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Bola Ahmed Tinubu will emerge victorious in the forthcoming election. “I have never seen any new party for the post of president, the only party I saw is APC. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you have a message from God, so anything you want to, always put God first, citing Proverbs 13 vs 3, 5 vs 1-2.”

    He advised the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo to use his position to advise the incoming administration, noting that God has placed him in a vantage position and he should use it for the progress and development of Nigeria.

    He prayed against the untimely death of youth corps members, saying that whenever any corps member is going to their place of primary assignment every morning, they should stay away from evils.

  • Beauty queen Gold Ezennaya, praticised walking for hours with six inches shoes

    Beauty queen Gold Ezennaya, praticised walking for hours with six inches shoes

    Tall, bold and beautiful. These words aptly capture Gold Ezennaya, model and  winner of the 2022  Face of Zikel Beauty contest. Looking cool and trendy, she stood out and beat about 20 other contestants. In this encounter with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talked about the challenges, determination to excel in whatever she does and her expectations for the future.

    For Ezennaya life is what you make of it. Challenges she explained has also inspired her to do more seek new opportunities and be a game changer. Winning the crown, for her is therefore a dream come true and

    happily she takes you into her world and the transformation that she is looking forward to.

    “Life has been quite different because it is a title that comes with responsibilities. So, it’s been good but a bit stressful. There are activities that you must prepare for; I have a couple of shows, interviews to grant and all that”.

    That Ezennaya explained has taken her into another phase and she is super excited about the opportunities and potentials. “In all I am really excited for this journey and I hope I make everyone proud as the face of the brand”.

    Now you want to know what made her win and stand out and she responds this way: “Asides from being pretty, I am really smart, thorough and confident. In addition, I was very intentional about everything that I

    did. We camped for about 10 days and the experience was awesome. I really wanted this and also another thing was God’s favour and grace. I am a strong believer of God”.

    Ezennaya goes on to talk about some of the things that inspire her to do the things she does. “The things that inspire me definitely would be the people that I look up. They include to my mum, a few beauty influencers and some experiences from other people around me. In general, I would say music and the few people that I admire and look up to”.

    Memorable moments ? “I would that this contest is very memorable especially when I was announced as the winner. It is something that I really hold dear to me because I didn’t really see it coming and all

    the support that I got from my friends. Also how everything just turned out in the end”.

    She also goes on to talk about her preparations for the competition with excitement.  “It was a very exciting period for me and some of the preparations that I made include my dresses, shoes, hair, accessories, and the rehearsals. Then I made some research for the question and answer sessions. I made a budget for my outfits because I knew that this was where most of my money would go to. I made five dresses, also my hair, nails and make up. I love to look good and like everything to be done effortlessly”.

    Strutting the runway was very interesting, she recalls but she confessed that she had some challenges with that. “This is because I don’t really wear heels all of the time. However, I had to practice and walk for hours on six inches, it was quite tough but I enjoyed every minute”.

    For young ladies who want to become queens or contest in beauty pageants, she advised must be prepared. “I would say that once it is something that you want, you should definitely go for it. Have a plan, have a budget and surround yourself with positive minded people that would really support you on that journey. Also you must be confident, make a plan that would give you an idea of what you need to do, how to achieve this and make your dream a reality”.

    What are some of the other things that occupies Ezennaya’s time you ask? “Some of the other things that occupy my time include my education. I am currently a three hundred level student of the Nnamdi Azikwe University and I am studying Soil Sciences and Land Resources Management and it is taking a lot of my time. I go for practicals, excursions, I have tests, assignments and all of this adds up. It is really time consuming and I have to be available”.

    All work and no play would certainly make her a dull and so relaxation is something that she does not joke with. “On a good day that I want to relax, I watch documentaries, Youtube or Netflix and then I sleep, eat and do some skincare and beauty routine. Sometimes, I just relax to ease off stress and tension. I also love to spend time with my friends and sisters, where we are all talking together, bonding and catching up with different things. I also pray which is something that has really helped me very well”.

    Speaking on the sole objective of the event, CEO of Zikel Cosmetics, Mr. Kelvin Ezike said the idea is to empower young women with interest in the beauty industry. “For me, it is about changing the narrative by

    engaging young girls to be self-reliant, while also erasing the negative perception about pageantry.” he said.

    He noted that the girls were selected based on their looks, intelligence, confidence and charisma.

    This year’s event also recognised and awarded some personalities including Nollywood actress Linda Osifo, Kingsley Okonkwo aka Kcee, designer, Trish O, amongst others who have contributed to the growth of the nation in various capacities. Organised by Zikel Cosmetics International, a leading cosmetic brand, the event was an opportunity for aspiring models to achieve their dream as it was not a winner takes it all event. It awarded 10 other queens with different portfolios such as; Face of Zikel Tourism,

    Universe amongst others; they were also named brand ambassadors for the brand in the coming year.

    Asides being the brands ambassador, and representing the brand locally and internationally, the new queen Ezennaya carted home prices that included a brand new car, a luxury trip to Dubai, one year supply of Zikel cosmetics amongst others.

  • It’s most rewarding not to sleep with men for money

    It’s most rewarding not to sleep with men for money

    Dear ma,

    Sincerely your life inspires me so much ma. Whenever I see your articles and facebook posts, it inspires me so much and makes me believe I can become whatsoever i want to be in life without having to subject my life to negativities. My life almost crashed three days ago when a man who was a mentor and like a father to me wanted to force me into having sex with him. I am a Virgin-In-Great Lack! After he had a counseling session with me in his office, where he asked that I tell him about my life’s struggles and dreams, he got interested in mentoring me, being like a father and supporting me to seeing that I fulfilled all my dreams.

    I was happy because I thought God has sent a destiny helper my way. He was like a God-Send because he took it upon himself to bear most of my school’s financial burdens and was working already towards helping me achieve my dream which was starting up my business again which got crashing after the Covid-19 lockdown in school. Because of how harmless he seemed to be, owing to the fact that he is married too, I couldn’t help but tell my parents about the new help God sent my way. They were so happy about it….that the burden on them would be reduced.

    I never knew that it was a disaster that was waiting to happen that I was mingling with. He asked to see me in his office to have things sorted out and all of a sudden he came up with sexual advances which came like a shock to me as he literally pounced on me. So this was the singular reason why he was all nice to me?

    Even though I left unharmed I left heart broken because definitely he found me vulnerable that was why he could try doing that to me. While I was still thinking it was a mistake which he would correct,he sent me a message saying that until I succumb to his request, then I should expect no more support from him. He blocked me off his WhatsApp. Even though I never have plans to succumb either, I found the incident a quaking one.

    I decided to tell this story of mine to you mum because I thought that with the support of an amazing personality like you, I would be able to bring my business plan into reality, without having to sell myself off to a man all in the name of help. I told it to a friend and she made it known to me clearly that most ladies who are up and doing in life had at a point or the other sold off themselves out. She said many were pushed to the wall where they have no other choice than to give in for the furthering of their academics at many points. I was challenged to make things work out from my own end without treading the wrong way. He made me feel like I cannot move an inch from where I am in life without having to sell myself off and I want to prove him wrong. I’m so depressed right now as i have bills to pay and no one to help. I just need to hear from you ma.

    Favour, 24.

    WHERE ARE THE GIRLS/LADIES WHO WOKE UP THIS MORNING WONDERING WHEN HELP WILL COME FROM A MAN WHO WOULDN’T ASK FOR SEX? Do you think you would refuse to sleep with a man for favour because of the fear of God and God will ignore you??? Hmmm…if only you knew what God is loading for you according to your number of tears, heart breaks, despair and sleepless nights? Even you will be perplexed!

    Esther the slave girl managed her situation and God made her a queen! Joseph considered God and refused to yield to Mrs. Portipha’s advances and God made him a Prime Minister in a foreign land!

    My goodness! Can you join my faith with yours? God is about to give you what your mother’s can’t boast of! What more? You will wake up one day and soon too and exclaim “How could I have so much money?” in Jesus mighty name.

    FINAL WORD

    Chastity does not belong to the past. It saves you a lot of trouble, preserves your beautiful destiny and stands you out from the crowd. You are better off not engaging in pre-marital and extra-marital sex. Stay chaste!

    Evangelist Temilolu O. Okeowo is the founder and Head girl of The Girls Apostolic Ministry of All Nations, an apostolic ministry for girls in their teens and twenties, and Girls Club of Nigeria, an NGO for Nigerian girls aimed at influencing a positive change. She published her debut-book for girls – THE BEAUTY OF LIFE – as an undergraduate and has other books and publications. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003 and is a Certified Forensics Examiner.

  • Election: Cleric seeks divine intervention

    Election: Cleric seeks divine intervention

    The Coordinator-General, Celestial Church of Christ Genesis Team International, Evangelist Ekunola Davies, has urged Nigerians to pray for a peaceful election.

    He said they should not relent in praying to God for intervention in the country’s affairs, saying the only way to get it right is through God’s intervention.

    Davies spoke ahead of the 2023 Genesis Team Annual Crusade slated for January 13 in Ogun State.

    He said: “Nigerians are depressed. We need hope. We need God’s intervention.

    “I am very optimistic that God will appear during the crusade and people will experience God’s hand in miracles and our nation will be blessed.”

    The annual programme tagged: ‘And The Lord Appeared Unto Him’ will be held at the Rehoboth Prayer Mountain, Ewekoro Local Government, Ogun State.

    Davies said: “This is the first time we hold a conference for ministers of God to rekindle the light and catalyse revival across the nation, and I am happy that they are spiritually filled with the Holy Spirit.”

    Human Resources, Ekunola Davies Ministry International, Prophet Samuel Bankole said Evang. Akinwale Adegbola and Prof Michael Adebamowo would be ministering.

    Song ministration would be led by the GTI Marvellous Choir, among other gospel artists.

  • Seek Gods face for 2023 choice, cleric charges

    Seek Gods face for 2023 choice, cleric charges

    The newly inducted Pastor-in-charge of Bodija-Ashi Baptist Church Rev. Patrick Rotimi has urged Nigerians to seek God’s face before voting their preferred candidates in the 2023 general elections.

    He said it was time for Nigerians to run to God for guidance, saying only God can appoint the right person to lead the nation.

    Speaking in Ibadan during the activities to commemorate his formal induction as the Pastor-in-charge of Bodija-Ashi Baptist Church, Ibadan, Rotimi implored Nigerians to trust in God, remain courageous and be strong in the face of the current challenges.

    He said: “God is in control of the affairs of man. Therefore, it is my strong belief that if we seek God’s face, God will choose the right leaders for the country that will lead us to the promise land.”

    The President of Ibadan Baptist Conference Rev. Dr. Oyekola Bamidele appealed to the church to cooperate with the new pastor, adding that this guarantees fullness of God’s grace.

    In his sermon titled: “Kingdom of priests”, the former Chairman of Nigerian Baptist convention, Rev. Dr. Olumide Kehinde admonished the new pastor and the congregation to walk in obedience and humility.

    Taking his text from Exodus 19, Rev. Olumide said the requirement from God is for all to obey the instructions from Him through the pastor.

    He also charged Rotimi to give his church revelation and not divination.

    He described Rev. Rotimi as a Joshua, appointed to lead the Church to the appointed Canaan land, for its growth and refreshment in all ramifications.

  • CHIOMA OGAMBA IFEDIATA: Why I switched from robotics to immigration services

    CHIOMA OGAMBA IFEDIATA: Why I switched from robotics to immigration services

    Chioma Ogamba Ifediata is the CEO of Kisha Global Group, Immigration Services consultant , Robotics automation expert and entrepreneur. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she takes you into her world, coping with the challenges after losing her father early and travelling in search of greener pastures as a teenager. This opened up her life to different opportunities, she got education in four countries with a first class, now an immigration consultant, helping other people to survive.

    Tell us about life as a CEO Kisha Immigration. What inspired you to set up the Business?

    My life as the CEO of Kisha Immigrations has been fulfilling because I’ve been able to build something that I once considered a dream, and I’ve been able to do that with my team of amazing people.

    The desire to want a better quality of life and access to the basic needs one should have, came from an experience I had as a child. When I was five years old, my father passed away. I remember hearing about how he was diagnosed with cancer and how he needed a second opinion and treatment abroad. Sadly, his first visa application got rejected, and when the visa application was eventually approved, every necessary preparation had been made for his travel, but unfortunately, he did not make it. We would never know what the outcome would have been if he had global access when he needed it.

    Years later, my mom was diagnosed with a terminal illness but had a different outcome. She had the opportunity to seek a second opinion outside the country, which turned out to be different from what she had been diagnosed of in Nigeria. If my mom hadn’t had that opportunity, her case might not have been different from my dad’s.

     Is it possible for cases like that to turn tragic in developed countries?

     Yes, but the chances of a fatality are much lower.

    The driving force behind starting Kisha immigration is seeing how transformational having a second residency and now citizenship has been for me and my family. As a result, I wanted to create that ripple effect and enable more individuals to transform their lives through getting a second citizenship or residency, because, when done properly, it is truly a gift that never stops giving. The amazing thing about Kisha Immigration is that we recognize the different avenues this can be achieved and help our clients through them; they are through investments, entrepreneurship, skilled work experience and education.

     What was the experience like at the beginning ?

    It was a lot of pro bono work in the beginning, and I worked solo for a long time while building my career in Artificial Intelligence – Robotic Process Automation at the time. It was challenging and fulfilling at the same time because I did it as a hobby that I was passionate about. Before establishing Kisha Immigration, I helped a lot of friends and family who wanted to relocate abroad like I did. I could spend hours on the phone guiding them through the right procedures to follow. The joy they felt when they got their residency in addition to the excitement I felt was indescribable. This is the main reason why I named the company ‘Kisha Immigration’ – ‘Kisha means Great Joy!’

     Tell us about your experience at 18 years going to school and helping your sister, family, and friends?

    At 18 years old, I was an undergraduate in the department of electronic engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, when ASUU embarked on a strike that later became prolonged. I’ve always loved school, and I did not want a break in my education, so I had a conversation about going abroad to further my studies with my mom. She consented to it but insisted I take my younger sister along since she had just finished secondary school at the time. I handled both of our applications, and without realizing it, she was my first immigration client at the time.

    How has getting a degree in Immigration Consulting helped you?

    My diploma and license in immigration consulting distinguishes me as a professional. I am subject to regulation by the College of Immigration Consultants in Canada (CICC), which implies that while dealing with clients, there is a code of conduct and ethics that I must abide by. My diploma has given me a systematic way of understanding the right thing to do and providing clients with the best services when they come to us.

    Let’s talk about getting a first class, a perfect CGPA three times and being educated in four different countries?

    It all started with my mindset as a young girl. I have always been a high achiever, and I’ve always aimed to attain excellence in all my endeavors. I also held unto God’s promises and prayed a lot about my academics and every other aspect of my life growing up. I literarily saw God as my dad growing up; so praying was like talking to my daddy about anything.

    I started at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, but due to the ASUU strike back then, I had to relocate to Malaysia to start a new program at Nilai University. From there, I transferred to the University of Sunderland, UK, where I finished with a first-class degree in Applied Business Computing. I went on to get educated in different disciplines afterward, and I ended up graduating with a perfect CGPA of 4.0/4.0 in 3 more programs: Business Intelligence and Data Analysis Reporting as well as Canada Immigration Consulting, both in Canada. Then my MBA – Masters in Business Administration from the Jack Welch Management Institute in Strayer University, USA.

    My education (degrees, licenses and designations) helped me transition from Information Technology (IT) to Finance, back to IT, specifically in Robotic Process Automation and then to building my passion for global access into an immigration firm. It has exposed me to different domains, industries and a wide variety of skilled professionals on a global level. I achieved all these by having the right mindset and backing that up with hard work and prayers.

     What was the turning point in the business and your career?

    Anyone that has known me very well for the last decade will know that I have been very passionate about being a global citizen. For me, that meant having global access to anywhere in the world. Apart from my passion for travelling and seeing the world, there’s also the desire to have access to basic needs a human should have and also global opportunities. Marrying that with my desire to help people in this line also meant that my goal wasn’t just to help people relocate to a particular country (for example: Canada) but also to help them unlock their global access to the world without having to relocate.

    Regardless of the pathway we deploy depending on a client’s profile and resources, whether it’s through business immigration programs, citizenship/residency by investment programs, having sought after skilled work experience or study abroad options, the ultimate goal for us is to help them unlock their global access and have the doors of the world open up to them. In this regard, we’ve been able to grow our list of services with programs in over 20 countries, each of which contributes towards achieving that mission of helping them unlock their global access and having the doors of the world opened to them.

    What are the challenges you encountered?

    Sometimes people trust you because you’re the embodiment of the kind of life they want; other times, they are scared of being duped perhaps because they have experienced that before. When clients who have been previously burned by fraudsters first approach us, it can be a daunting task to get them on board. Eventually, we overcome this  hurdle when they recognize the value that we offer.

    It’s also been challenging getting people to understand that having a license is more important when it comes to keeping a professional and licensed immigration consultant accountable. Working with a licensed consultant or an immigration firm that is at least partnered with a licensed consultant is a more important factor to consider especially when one wants to relocate to Canada.

     Let’s talk about some of the memorable moments in your life and career?

    My most memorable moment was when I relocated out of Nigeria for the first time; that ultimately set the motion for everything else. Other memorable moments include relocating to Canada together five days after our church wedding. The most recent memorable moment is being Canadian! Recently, I received my Canadian passport, and getting that after the amount of hard work and dedication I put in was pretty memorable and joyful! I now have access to over 180 countries, and I even went on a recent trip to the Caribbean without needing a visa. That was a whole new level that is better experienced than explained.

     You got married along the line, how would you describe the experience and how it affected your relocation journey?

    I got married while working on my immigration journey. So, my husband was the first beneficiary of all the hard work I had put in this journey, followed by my son that was born as a Canadian. It was a privilege being a blessing in that regard especially since he could have also gotten his permanent residence himself later down the line. However, being further along the process myself saved us a lot of time doing it together and avoiding the decision to consider long distance relationship or marriage to sort things out. As a young lady, go for your dreams while you wait for your own man to come along. There’s no benefit to keeping your life on hold. Live fully while you are still breathing.

    What inspires and motivates you as an entrepreneur?

    I get inspired as an entrepreneur when I see the impact and difference we make in people’s lives. What we help them achieve is absolutely life-changing! It totally transforms their life, the lives of their family members and future generations to come. That keeps me going in the tough times because my team and I are making a difference that will echo and create ripple effects even when we are gone.

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

    God and Jesus Christ are the greatest influences in my life. Losing my dad early meant that I had to rely on God to fill in the gap as my earthly father in addition to being my heavenly father, protector, provider and anything a father should do for their child. Till date, He has never let me down.

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

    I’ve had young people come to me and express interest in doing what I do when they move to Canada. My advice to them is to focus on being passionate first, learning as much as you can, giving value, and then positive impact. Money will follow when you are solving a problem and delivering that solution in the right way to the right people that need it.

  • ‘2023 will be end of Boko Haram, insurgency, kidnapping’

    ‘2023 will be end of Boko Haram, insurgency, kidnapping’

    As the New Year begins with so much hope, Nigerians are upbeat about this year’s election. In this interview with Adeola Ogunlade, the Chairman of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State Chapter, Bishop Stephen Adegbite spoke to journalists on his message for Nigerians, the forthcoming general election, and his reaction to a recent petition against him. Excerpts.

    DO a retrospect of 2022 and tell Nigerians what they should hope for in the New Year?

    The Year 2022 was a wonderful year and I take it from what happened in the days of Jesus Christ when there was a raging storm, the disciples were terrified and confused, Christ was sleeping and when he was woken up, he said to the raging storm, ‘peace be still.” By the special grace of God, there will be peace in Nigeria in 2023 because Christ is in control of our nation. Nigeria will never become an abandoned project. God is interested in this nation. We did not choose to be in this nation. There is a purpose for it and that purpose will be achieved. Nigeria will be great again and we will amaze the world. What I say to every evil prediction and prophecy against our land is that their prediction will not stand. God is saying that there will be peace and tranquility in our land in 2023. He is asking us to relax as he is in control and he will fight our battle for us and we will hold our peace.

     Every stony heart, God will melt them in 2023. 2023 will be the end of Boko Haram, insurgency, kidnapping, weeping, and agony in Nigeria. There is hope for Nigeria which will be restored by God himself. I will say to Nigerians, believe and trust in God. Whatever God has entrusted into your hands, do it diligently and when you and I do ours, we will have a great nation. Nigeria will be peaceful again. I remember how I used to drive from Lagos at night to Kaduna, Uyo, and Enugu, but we can no longer do that. Nigeria will be peaceful again and everyone disturbing the peace of Nigeria, God will raise a standard against them and there will be peace and tranquility in Nigeria.

     As the New Year begins, many false prophets will arise and begin to prophesy all manner of negativity about Nigeria. Let evil prophets go and sit down and let Nigeria have peace. God is bigger than any prophets and when God has spoken, every other person is a noise maker. God is saying it shall be well with Nigeria and that is what we are holding tenaciously to. 

    What is your take on the current campaign by the presidential candidates as regards the 2023 election?

    We want an issue-based campaign, not a personalized campaign. We want the candidates to treat issues. We have many problems confronting our nation, so we want every candidate to tell us the solutions that they are thinking about that will bring joy back to the lives and faces of the people. Whoever emerges as the winner of the 2023 election will be answerable to Nigerians. I will be in the vanguard of people that will be on the neck of whoever emerges as President to deliver the much-anticipated dividends of democracy to Nigerians. Enough is enough; it is high time to be accountable and responsible. Anyone who is not thinking of being answerable and accountable to Nigerians should not think of contesting for the post of Nigeria’s President. 

    We know your stand on the 2023 election that has led to a call by the national body of CAN to probe you. What is your reaction to this?

    The person that wrote that petition so-called is not anything to us but has apologized. The block where the person comes from in CAN has also apologized. I have the evidence to show you. We have five blocks in CAN- which are the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN) /Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), TEKAN and ECWA Fellowship. The petitioner is just from a part of one of the blocks and not representing any of the blocks in CAN.

     Every leader in Lagos has pledged their support, loyalty, and confidence in the leadership of CAN which is jointly done by all. We work in synergy and we work with one mind and everybody has seen that this is Lagos. We have lived in Lagos and have been part of the government for 22 years. We have been talking to the government about anything that is not good and they listen to God and us and we give all the glory to God. For anyone to think that we will be speaking against the government of Lagos when they have not done anything evil, will be wrong.

    This is what the CAN in Lagos said to the writer (petitioner). The petitioner has invited me to his church to address God’s people before now. They brought him to my office and I said that anything that would bring peace and joy, we must accept in Lagos. In Lagos, we don’t fight on religion because we are interwoven and by extension, the entire Southwest where we are, we are interrelated. There is no family that you don’t find a Muslim or a Christian. So, the peace that we enjoy in the Southwest, we don’t want anybody to come and cause trouble between families.

    In Oyo State where my maternal grandmother was a Muslim, she gave me an Islamic name. When I go to Oyo State, that name is what they will call him forgetting my skull cap. I have been eating ‘eran oniyo’  since I was born. How do you expect me to go and be fighting my family? We don’t do that here.

    A lot of people have started attacking us, attacking CAN at the national level. We have said to ourselves, we are fathers to all. Let us be a father to all and let the will of God be done. You can’t force anybody on anybody. Allow people to vote according to their conscience, whoever wins, we must all support such a person. Once any candidate emerges as the winner, we have a duty from the scriptures to pray for our leaders. 

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    You are openly supporting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is that the position of Lagos CAN?

    That is not the position of CAN, the position of CAN is to give everybody a level playing field. Let them tell you what they want to do, from their antecedents, from what they have done in the past; you can now make your decision. You will agree with me that not everybody that is a Christian in Lagos will vote for Bola Tinubu and not every Muslim in Lagos will vote for Asiwaju but because we have lived in Lagos and we belong to the Southwest and we have seen what Asiwaju has done.

    On a personal note now, I have the right to support the candidate of my choice. I said this at the National Level of CAN and everyone admitted that. What we are saying is that let everyone tread cautiously because only God knows tomorrow. CAN did it in the past and it boomeranged. In 2015, we declared for someone, and at the end of the day, the person did not win and because of that, we were not allowed to enter Aso Rock for two and a half years. That should not happen this year. If some people in CAN belong to PDP, let them stay there and if some belong to Labour Party, let them stay there and if some belong to APC, let them stay in APC, anyone that gets to Aso Rock, we don’t lose. We must use our native intelligence. That is what we agree on at the national level in CAN. We are going to be a father to all. Let Nigerians decide their leaders and whoever emerges is our President. There is no contradiction between Lagos State and the National body of CAN. That is why we have granted all the candidates interviews and interactions at the national level. All the candidates have addressed us and we have told them what we want.

     CAN and PFN had initially protested against Muslim-Muslim tickets, what is the stand of CAN today?

     For justice, a lot of people believe that we must balance the situation. CAN is not a political party, we are a religious body, we have said our own, and the party has done its own. We can force anything on the party and that is why we left it at that level.

  • CAN eulogises Odumeje

    CAN eulogises Odumeje

    CHRISTIAN Association of Nigeria (CAN),  has described Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanemere better known to many as Odumeje Indabosky  as a “Christian ecumenical commander”.

    CAN chairman of Anambra State Chapter, Ven Joe Nweke said this while presenting an award to prophet Odumeje,  during a thanksgiving/birthday ceremony in honor of the prophet.

    The event was organised by members of the Mountain of Holy Ghost intervention Deliverance  Ministry, Onitsha, Anambra State.

    Nweke said: “We reached such a conclusion after conducting a discreet and independent investigation by a panel of eminent members of CAN on the character of Prophet Ohanemere.

    Speaking further, the CAN chairman said “Our investigation revealed that your church; Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention Ministry, is a church for all Christians regardless of denomination. Indeed Prophet Ohanemere is an ecumenist who seeks unity of the church.”

    Continuing Nweke said: “An ecumenist is one who promotes unity and oneness in Christendom… we are here to confirm to the world that Prophet Ohanemere is indeed a true Christian working for the body of Christ and not a native doctor as the rumour mill has projected.

  • Church lifts less privileged in Ogun

    Church lifts less privileged in Ogun

    SCORES of less-privileged, including the aged, widows, and physically challenged benefitted from the gestures of the General Overseer, Pray Through Church of God, Pastor Taiwo Ayeni since December 18.

    Ayeni donated cash, food, and other domestic items as part of his annual philanthropic gestures.

    The distribution was done at the church premises situated at  Tollgate, a boundary between Lagos and Ogun State.

    According to Pastor Ayeni, the programme tagged:  ‘Feeding the people,’  was to put smiles on the lips of the less-privileged and to enable them to have a sense of belongings in this yuletide season.

    “Jesus’ feast was originally conceptualized to support the needy on this auspicious occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the church has been threading on the path for over 11 years.

    “We have been doing this to enable the less-privileged, especially the widows, aged, and people with disabilities to enjoy Christmas and to have a sense of belonging in society.”