WITHIN the Abuja elite circles, Chinyere Ogugua, fondly called Hajia by close friends, is a respected figure. For years, Hajia has been rubbing shoulders with the power brokers in the seat of power without making a fuss about it. A former board member of the defunct Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), Ogugua, unknown to many people who have been wondering what she’s been up to lately, has bagged an appointment as a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim.
Category: Sunday magazine
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The prophetic Ministry of Isaiah(10)
It is total obedience to God’s commandments and instructions that fortifies the love He has for His chosen people and tribe. In spite of the successive misbehaviour of the Israelites, God still kept the covenant made with Abraham, and the love and promise to king David, indicating the Messiah would come from that tribe.
Deviating a bit from the earlier chapters that was more of anger of God towards the recalcitrant Hebrews, here came a soothing message that fortified the eternal love of God to the tribe of Jesse. It was a situation a compassionate father, seeing the Israelites as prodigal sons that have come for forgiveness of their misconduct.
A prophesy came from Prophet Isaiah of the coming of a branch from the tribe of Jesse, who will be filled with Holy Spirit, and will stand as banner to His children, with the Gentiles equally seeking Him. In Isaiah 11:1-5 mentions some some qualities of the coming Branch:
1.Spirit of God will rest on Him.
2.Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding
3. Spirit of Counsel and Power
4. Spirit of Knowledge and fear of the Lord
5. He will not judge by what he sees or hears, but through righteousness.
Spirit of God will rest on Him: Without the Spirit of God, one is nothing, and that was the reason why Jesus Christ admonished the disciples that whenever they were brought before the authorities in synagogue, they should not be afraid for the Holy Spirit would guide them on what to say (Luke 12:11-12). For us as Christians and in any capacity we find ourselves, we should always seek the direction of the Spirit of God before taking decisions. It is the lack of consultations with the Holy Spirit that make people to regret their actions and inactions, for consultations with the Holy Spirit will only lead to only one path – Joyfulness.
Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding: When biblical Solomon was asked in his dream at Gibeon what he wanted on ascension of the throne, he requested for the wisdom to be able guide his subjects aright ( 1 Kings 3:5-15; 1 Kings 4:29; 2 Chronicles 9:22). Without the Spirit of Wisdom, man will just be behaving foolishly and will not be able to command respect. Where he is expected not to talk, he will talk loudly and carelessly and vice versa (Proverbs 8:11; Proverbs 16:16 and 22; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Ecclesiastes 9:16).
Spirit of Counsel and Power: Since all powers belong to God and should be ascribed only to Him (Psalm 68:34), and nobody can get it except from that source, which is God. Therefore, everybody that are in position of authority require the Spirit of Counsel and Power to be able to take informed and godly decisions.
Spirit of Knowledge and the fear of God: The bible says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7), therefore whosoever in need of knowledge and wisdom must have the fear of God in him. With the fear of God in us, we will be careful in destroying our fellow human, which will enable us to always take steps that will make the name of God to always be glorified.
He will not judge by what he sees or hears but through righteousness: It is scripturally said that righteousness exalt a nation (Proverbs 14:34), hence wherever there is righteousness, there will be liberty, fairness, justice, equity, and greatness. All these were what made our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to be exalted till tomorrow. Leaders should not judge on hear-says but on sound facts and wisdom (reference Solomon in 1 Kings 3:16-28).
Meanwhile, God did not spare that idol-infected nation – Babylon and other known enemies of Israel like Egypt, Edom, Moab, Ammonite, and the brothers of Judah that have colluded with the enemies against his own people in the latter part of the chapter, saying there would all regret their actions, whilst the Israelites as said in Chapter 12 would rejoice and be glad in the restoration of their lost glory.
Prayer point
Pray that God should restore back your captivity and fortune (Psalm 126).
Comments and enquiries: +2348060572904; motailatusanctuarychurch@yahoo.com
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Enjoying Divine Visitation (2)
Last week, I brought to you the introductory segment of this teaching. I showed you how you can enjoy divine visitations through your giving.
This week, I will be teaching on one of the ways that God blesses people – through divine ideas. I consider ideas as compound thoughts that stimulate moves. Ideas are thought products.
Ideas are mental virtues accessible mainly by thinkers. They don’t just drop on your laps from the sky; they are captured thoughts aimed at specific solutions. They come only to people who are given to the art of reasoning and people that engage their capacity for logical, rational and analytical thinking. Ideas are, therefore, the exclusive reserve of addicted thinkers.
Divine ideas are the ways through which God blesses a person. There is a story told of Bill Gates that fascinates me. It was reported that one day, his mother kept calling for him around the house, “Bill, Bill, where are you?” He was down in the basement, doing what he knew best to do. The story went on to say that when his mother finally opened the door to where he was, he responded, reacting by reflex as it were, “I’m thinking! Don’t you think?”
Today, Bill Gates can be classified as one of the greatest revolutionists of our days. His input in technology has changed the face of education globally. This, again, is a proof of what I have often postulated that every great star is a thinker, and every committed thinker is a potential star.
I believe it is the tasking of the senses that commands success. At the root of every gain is the use of the brain. It is brain-work that makes things work! I agree that wealth is indeed a product of man’s capacity to think.
The good news here is that everyone has a “pound” of brain as gleaned from Christ’s parable in Luke 19:11-27. However, whereas some trade theirs, others trash theirs. Some task it; most people bury it. E.W. Kenyon is quoted as saying, “Make your brain work. It will sweat, but make it work. It will improve; it will develop, until you become the envy of those around you.” The more you task your brain, the greater the ideas you generate, and the greater results you command. When you stop thinking, you star stinking!
Thinking is the only way to generate viable ideas, as ideas are communicated through thoughts-just a flash across the mind. Thoughts are mental treasures, but are highly volatile. If they are not quickly engraved on paper as they come, they go to the grave unhindered. They fast become dissipated, if not promptly documented.
So, don’t go to bed without some paper near you. I believe those who think on paper think better, as paper is the most secure store for thoughts. That is why every addicted thinker is a committed writer. No wonder, God said: Write what thou seeth (Habakkuk 2:2). He instructs us to become paper thinkers. Inspired ideas can come anytime, so, you are free to sit down even on the toilet seat and write.
I believe inspired ideas are the greatest assets of man. They establish man’s earthly relevance, or how else did Abraham become rich? A divine idea came his way that made him the greatest farmer in his time. While others were going about in search of water courses for their cattle, Abraham received an idea to dig a well.
Whereas every animal farmer was driving his cattle and sheep long distances to streams for watering, Abraham got an idea on how to water his, with no stress to the cattle. He wondered where the rain that fell the previous year had gone. He decided that it must have gone into the ground. He, therefore, dug a well of water for watering his cattle. This made them fatter than the others, because they were not being moved about in search of drinking water. As a result, Abraham became the biggest animal farmer in his time. The Bible records that he became very rich in cattle, silver and gold (Genesis 13:2).
Think of Jacob. It took an inspired idea to free him from the oppressive hold of Laban. He was able to dictate the colour and shade of his cattle by making the strong ones mate before the rods of polar he placed in front of them in the watering troughs (Genesis 30:37-43). Through an inspired idea, he was able to subdue his enemy. Nothing in the world compares with the potency of inspired ideas.
Friend, the power for inspired idea is available, if you are saved. You get saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are set for it, please say this prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again! I will continue next week.
Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, you can get my books – Towards Empowerment For Change, Pillars Of Destiny, and Possessing Your Possession.
I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6.30 a.m., 8.30 a.m., 10.30 a.m. and 12.30 noon respectively.
I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org
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Peter finally proposes to Lola Omotayo
NO one saw it coming, except perhaps his siblings. For Peter Okoye of the P’ Square fame, surprise was the name of the game. On Tuesday, August 6, the handsome artiste proposed to his girlfriend of seven years and mother of two children, Lola Omotayo. And to finally blow Lola’s heart, Peter presented her a gift of a brand new white Range Rover. And to say Lola is in cloud nine right now is simply putting it mildly.
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Laolu Mudashiru takes over family estate
HIS carriage and demeanour gives him away as standoffish and arrogant. But that is not the real Laolu Mudashiru, the eldest son of former Military Governor of Lagos State, the late Air Commodore Gbolahan Mudashiru and his also-deceased wife, Foluke. This young man is not just given to frivolities. A UNILAG-trained medical doctor with an MBA from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, he has been quite busy of late holding forte and taking stock of his family estate following the passing on of his mother some months ago. With equally supporting siblings, Laolu, who also runs a busy schedule as the Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of Vetiva Capital Management Ltd, is living up to the huge responsibilities placed on his shoulders.
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Kolapo Lawson, the unsung Nigerian billionaire
OFTEN times, when the list of Nigeria’s richest men is compiled, Kolapo Lawson’s name is usually left out. For those close to this unassuming billionaire, who read Economics at the famed London School of Economics, that omission is seen as unpardonable. Their reason: Lawson runs one of Nigeria’s biggest indigenous business conglomerates with interests in banking, real estate, manufacturing, food and beverages sector and with turnover in several billions. A brief rundown of his investments: He chairs the board of Ecobank Transnational, Togo (he controls the largest individual stakes); Chairman, Agbara Estates Limited, arguably Nigeria’s biggest industrial and residential estate; Chairman of Vitamalt Plc; CEO, Lawson Corporation, a trading and investment company (which was founded by his late father) and also sits on the board of several business concerns. But like his father, Chief Adeyemi Lawson (he founded the Grail Movement in Nigeria), the younger Lawson avoids publicity like a plague. And his social life? Practically non-existent, to say the least!
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Ofunneka Molokwu stepping out of her shell
HER participation in the 2008 edition of the Big Brother Africa (BBA) where she emerged the runner-up guaranteed her an entry into Nigeria’s celebrity circles. With expectations high on what next she’s got up her sleeves as a result of the many opportunities to consolidate on her brand falling on her laps in torrents, it came as a surprise when Ofunneka suddenly disappeared from the scene to God-knows-where. And then came the news that she’s been delivered of a baby in far away Australia, where she is now reportedly based with her husband. But the happy news is that Ofunneka is gradually stepping out of her self-imposed ‘exile’. Lately, she’s been very active on the Linkedlin, a business-inclined social site, where she’s been reaching out to a few friends.
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Otuya consecrated bishop
The 34th President of the United Gospel Churches Organisa-tion of Nigeria (UGGAN) and founder of the Christ Mega Church Nigeria and Overseas, Rev.(Mrs) Priscilla Otuya, has been consecrated a bishop.
The consecration was conducted by Bishop George Amu at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Lagos.
She said: “When the Lord called me and said that I should serve Him as an agent of salvation, I heeded. I am very happy that I took the call seriously and today I have every cause to thank the Lord.”
While urging women to wake up to their responsibilities in the home, Church and the larger society, Otuya noted that success would not come on a platter of gold.
The event also featured presentation of men and women who bagged doctorate degrees in theology from different churches.
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Thrive empowers business owners for leadership
Thousands of business owners and leaders recently gathered for Thrive, a business seminar organised by the Harvesters International Christian Church(HICC), Lagos.
The event was put together to address the information gap in the quest for profitable business ventures in Nigeria.
The clinic session featured a panel led by the Co-founder and Executive Director of Sahara Group, Tonye Cole; Jude Anele, a senior executive of Diamond Bank and Ope Filani, General Manager, Forbes Africa.
Others were serial entreprenuer, George Agbonlahor Jr., and an Agriculture entrepreneuer and former United Nations Environment Protection (UNEP) consultant, Shadrach Madlion.
The lead guest speaker, Dr. Sam Chand, author and leadership expert, capped the sessions with truly outstanding insights on how to grow and lead in business.
Chand charged business owners to increase their leadership capacity, pain capacity, exposure capacity and risk capacity.
He and other speakers pointed out that weak character, and not competence, is a major reason why a lot of people fail in business.
They emphasised that risk takers gain the most in their generations and identified business owners must continuously seek knowledge of their immediate and extended environments.
Participants shared their experiences, challenges and success stories during the interactive sessions, exchanging vital ideas on how to conquer the Nigerian business terrain.
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‘What I won’t give for music’
Sophy Aiida is an actress, singer and a TV host. She tells ADETUTU AUDU how living in three continents made her open-minded and creative, including how passionate she is about music.
WHAT inspired you into singing?
God.
How do you juggle being a presenter and singer?
My main focus right now is on singing, so it’s not much of an issue.
You were in the movie Unwanted Guest, what was the experience like?
I had a great experience. It was my first introduction into Nollywood and from that, I had the opportunity of coming to Nigeria for the premiere and discovering a country I fell in love with. So in summary, I will say it was a blessing.
What can we call you, a singer, actress or TV host?
Just call me an entertainer.
Let’s talk about your single Break it Down, what is it about?
Break it Down is a feel-good song, a summer jam destined to get the youth in a good spirit, dancing and having fun. The song is about a girl who was coming home from a work-trip and just wanted to relax and have a good time with her girlfriends.
Do you think you can hold your own among the current singers in the industry?
Yes of course. I have my own flavour to add.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was quite interesting for me. Living in three different continents allowed me to be more open-minded and find creativity in lots of different places and things.
When will you relocate to Nigeria?
Sooner than you think.
How far do you think you can go musically?
Only God knows.
Are you in any relationship?
No I’m not.
What is your take on sex before marriage?
Having developed my faith in the past couple of years, I now strongly believe in saving oneself for marriage.
What won’t you give for music?
Let’s put it this way: I would give anything for God only.
Who are your top five singers from Nigeria?
P Square, Wizkid, 2face, Ice Prince and Iyanya
Have you had a live performance since you started your professional career?
Yes, I had, in Paris, France.
Who is your favourite musician and why?
I don’t have a favourite musician; it just depends on the season. Right now I listen to
a lot of Rachel Kerr.
Do you play any musical instrument(s)?
I am learning the guitar and the piano at the moment.
Do you write your lyrics or outsource it?
Yes, I write my own lyrics.
If not singing, what would you be doing?
I’ll be working with the African youth on the continent.
Who would you like to feature in your songs?
Fally Ipupa, Wizkid, Meiway, Seyi Shay, Ice Prince, Iyanya, Reniss, amongst others.
What advice do you have for starters in the music industry?
Put God first and let him inspire your music.
How do you relax when you are not singing?
I go to church, to the movies and I cook.
What last words for your fans?
See you in Nigeria real soon and get ready to be sophisticated.
How would you describe yourself?
A lover of God, sassy, edgy, free-spirited, passionate about Africa and determined.