The Nation Newspaper

Tag: blessings

  • How to receive outpouring of blessings, by Adeboye

    Only those who put God first in all their affairs are guaranteed of outpouring of his blessings, the general overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has declared.

    He spoke penultimate Sunday during the Outpouring 2108 conference of the RCCG Region I at the Tafawa Balewa Square Lagos.

    Outpouring, according to him, means getting to the top, stating for anyone to get to the top, he or she must be a worker of righteousness.

    “When God pours Himself on anyone, that is outpouring, and without much effort, the person would get to the top but that cannot happen until the person regarded as a vessel has been cleansed.

    “Cleansing comes when one repents and forsakes His past evil deeds and gives his entire life to God through Jesus Christ and he or she after receiving outpouring will begin to witness to others which is one of the evidences of outpouring upon the recipient.”

    Adeboye, who also spoke through the Assistant General Overseer, Administration and Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola, added that for the nation to move forward and get to the top, political leaders must re-work policies in a way that would make an average Nigerian to have sense of belongings.

    “Those good policies that have not been executed should be re-opened and be carried out.

    “Government should create more jobs and I believe strongly that the government has the capacity and wherewithal to do those things that would benefit an average Nigerian. What is actually needed is the political will.”

  • Time to Count Our Blessings

    May is a significant month in the Nigerian political calendar. It is the anniversary of the birthday of Nigeria’s present and longest lasting experiment in democratic governance. It will turn 18 years on May 28 and activities that will mark the event are now the preoccupation of the Federal and state governments throughout the country.

    In Taraba State, the event is particularly significant. It is the second anniversary of the most visionary and pragmatic government the state has had since the birth of this democratic dispensation in 1999 – the administration of Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku. It is therefore time to count our blessing and it is expected that the government will roll out the drums for a deserved celebration on May 29. The atmosphere in the state is already filled with excitement as the sate prepares for that great day.

    The Ishaku administration is widely perceived in the state as highly motivated, very hard working and highly productive, in fact, the only one in many years that came in with a determination to work and with a clear and articulate blueprint of what is to be done and how it could be done.  It came into office in 2015 nursing a hunger to fulfil long delayed or denied expectations of the people. The second anniversary celebration provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of those two action-packed years of the Rescue Agenda of Governor Ishaku.

    Those two years represented a period of regular payment of salaries, of revival of dead or dying industries and infrastructure and a period of immense achievement in poverty alleviation through empowerment of youths, women, farmers and many others who hitherto were idle and poor. Already a central planning committee under the chairmanship of Mr Anthony Jelason, Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, is working assiduously to ensure a very successful outing for the government on May 29. This column will bring you very juicy stories about the events as they unfold in Taraba State. Keep a date with us.

    While the preparations were going on for Democracy Day were going on, members of the Governing Council of the Kwararafa University, Wukari, came into Government House on a “Thank You” visit to Governor Ishaku. The University held its maiden convocation ceremony in March this year and the state government played a key role in ensuring the success of the event. Governor Ishaku, accompanied by many of his colleague governors from other states attended the ceremony. The University’s visiting team to Government House, Jalingo on Wednesday May 10, was led by the Council’s newly appointed chairman, Dr. Julius Bala who was a primary school classmate of Governor Ishaku. The visit provided the opportunity for reliving memories of their days in school. But beyond that, they also exchanged ideas on what could be done from both ends to help the university.

    Dr Bala described the achievement of Governor Ishaku in the two years he has been in the saddle as amazing. He said he just had the privilege of driving round Jalingo a couple of weeks ago and he could not belief it was the same Jalingo that he had known before. The city, he said, now has an unbelievably high number of tarred roads with many and unique water tanks dotting everywhere. “I’m also told that that these changes are not limited to Jalingo, that they are everywhere in the state. If all these have been achieved in just two years by one man, wouldn’t it be wise for the people to retain this same man for more years”, he asked rhetorically.”

    Dr Bala thanked Governor Ishaku on behalf of the Council for all he had done to help the university in the past without which, he said, the university would have been unable to achieve one hundred percent accreditation of its programmes and made a success of its convocation. He said the institution still needed help to become financially stable and sought the assistance of the Governor to convince General T.Y Danjuma to invest in the institution.

    Governor Ishaku used the occasion to again talk about his passion for education. He said his administration was investing heavily in education because education is the bedrock of development and noted that whatever assistance his administration was offering towards the development of education was an investment which will forever impact positively on the future development of the society. He promised that his administration would continue to do whatever was required to reposition education for greater achievement.

    Ishaku promised to assist the university in developing its housing project, an issue which also featured on the “shopping list” presented to him by the Council’s chairman. He directed the state Commissioner for Housing to go take a look at the University’s housing project to ascertain in which ways the state government could help. But Ishaku gave the University’s management a hint on how it could drive the institution towards self-sustenance. He called for the establishment of a consultancy unit in the university which he said was the secret of financial stability achieved in most of Nigeria’s first and second generation universities.

    The Governor also used the occasion to talk about the achievements of his administration. Apparently reacting to Dr Bala’s comments on the immense contribution the renovated Jalingo Airport is contributing to tourism in the state, Ishaku said the government was planning a terminal’s building which will also be one of the best in the country. He said the Green House, a unique agricultural project of his administration, has been completed and plans were on for the project to be commissioned by the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo in the nearest future.

    His administration has also successfully reactivated five out of 25 industries he met on their “death beds” when he became governor in 2015 and all the five of them are now making profit. But he expressed worry about lack of continuity of government programmes and projects by succeeding administrations, a trend he said, was the reason for the slow pace of development in the country. “I have noticed that one government will spend time and funds building an institution but a destroyer will later come in the form of a new government and everything achieved will be destroyed. I’m greatly worried by this trend”, he said. He expressed the hope that some of the legacies his administration was sacrificing for today would be allowed to serve the needs of the people for a long time.

  • Blessings of His shaking

    Technological advancement has made life easy for all but it has regrettably robbed some elders of experiencing the fun of yesteryears. During those days of manual black and white television sets with control switches at the front and the back, the act that brings order to the set whenever the image is unstable is to hit the top of the television set and for voice clarity, one needs to hit it at either of the sides. Whenever such a shaking is provoked, order is interestingly brought into disorderliness and the harder one hits it, the better its conformity to order.

    From our text, the Almighty God said that in a little while, His hands (not the hands of man) will shake the entire creation. Who is this God? He is the Almighty God (Genesis 17:1). He introduced Himself as the Central Bank Governor of the world economy – He said that Gold and Silver are His (Haggai 2:8). Whenever God shakes anything, all the ripe fruits, either low, medium or high hanging, visible to human sight or covered by leaves, that are set for human consumption and necessary for human enjoyment, strength and vitality are duty bound to drop. In fact, they all drop of their own accord.  For your sake, and during this Lenten season, God shall shake all shakeables and your ripe fruits shall drop into your hands without hesitation, in the name of Jesus.

    When He shakes, He has promised that the desire of nations shall come, that He will restore the glory of the latter days which shall be nothing comparable to the former and that He will arrest every storm with peace (Haggai 2:7-8 cf Mark 4:35-42). His shakings provoke the manifestation of the sons of God that the entire creation has been waiting for (Romans 8:19). Suffice to say that His shakings will bring to externalisation answers to prayers, fulfillment of divine purpose and actualisation of the essence of creation. It therefore doesn’t matter what your desires or prayers have been, your lack or expectation, when He shakes, manifestation shall come.

    At Philippi, which is the chief city of Macedonia, Paul and Silas were held bound and thrusted in the inner prisons with their feet fast in the stock, God caused a shaking such that “…. the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed” (Acts 16:26 cf Job 9:6). When God shakes brethren, He addresses issues of the foundation (Psalm 11:3). A foundation is that unseen but most important aspect of a structure that controls the seen (physical structure). When God shakes, He brings order into disorderliness and form into formlessness (cf Genesis 1:1-3). Doors that have also hitherto been locked shall open of their own accord. What this means is that where they have told you that there is no way, God has the capacity to suspend order and make not only a way but introduce ways therefrom, and He shall make ways for you (Isaiah 43:19 cf Exodus 14:15-16) and where there is none to help you, the help of the helpless shall arise for you (John 5:5-9).

    Beloved, there is a time for everything on earth (Ecclesiates 3:1-8). This year 2017 beginning from the Lenten season is the set time for God to shake, reposition, favor and elevate Zion (Psalm 102:13). To be a partaker of the blessings of this set time, you must to surrender your life to Jesus Christ because He has informed us that holy things are not for dogs (Genesis 7:6). You must hand over the affairs of your life to Him and ask Him to shake the heaven, the earth and the waters for your sake. As He lives who honours His words more than His name, God shall restore your lost grounds and you shall celebrate very soon, in Jesus’ name.

     

    Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, come into my life, make me your child, forgive all my sins, wash away my sins and right every wrong in my life, in Jesus’ name.

  • 20, 000 beneficiaries of MTN Foundation count blessings

    In what may easily be described as a show of gratitude, scores of beneficiaries of MTN Foundation Empowerment Schemes across the country, especially the care and support for persons with disabilities have continued to count their blessings and good fortunes.

    One of such beneficiaries is Mrs Foluke Idowu, Chief Executive Officer, Independent Living for People with Disability (ILP), in Ibadan.

    Speaking in an interview, ILP boss said the MTN Foundation gives between 3,000 and 5,000 assisting devices in each of the phases of its assistance in partnership with the ILP, adding that 12 states were captured in each of the phase with over 20,000 beneficiaries.

    While lauding the MTN Foundation for the kind gestures, she said: “I have always advocated that as part of the corporate social responsibility for companies, there is need for them to invest in people with disabilities in their various communities.

    “I did an initial situation analysis and discovered that many people with disability lack mobility aids such as wheelchair, tricycles, and wheel machines among other items. Based on my findings, I wrote a proposal to MTN Foundation for an intervention for people with disability in 13 states of the Federation.

    “Fortunately, the proposal was accepted and the project has grown to be a yearly event beyond the initial 12 states including the FCT Abuja. For effective execution, we decided that 2 states in each geo-political zones and the FCT would be beneficiaries of the first phase with a steady spread across the remaining parts of the geo-political.”

    Mrs Idowu, who had been on the wheelchair for the past 30 years as a result of road crash, said with the assisting devices, some of the physically challenged could get employment, start their own businesses like shoemaking, selling recharge cards and being able to further their education while some could get married.

    Speaking on her partnership with the foundation, Mrs Idowu said she wrote a proposal intimating the foundation of many physically challenged lacking mobility aides and appliances such as wheelchair, tricycle, crouches, Braille machine and walking sticks, adding that after many evaluation and assessment, the proposal was accepted and expanded to cover all the states in the country.

    “One thing I could say I have achieved was to shift the focus of MTN Foundation’s corporate social responsibility to the need of the physically challenged.

    Going down memory lane, she recalled that the challenges faced while changing people’s perception about disability. “It is a very difficult one because it could be traced to the tradition, culture, ethics and belief of people. Some people believe that you experience disability because one is cursed or has sinned. There are so many reasons that surround the phobia and it makes it very difficult to change the perception of people about disability.”

    On the operations of the ILP, she said “In all the 36 states, we have the field officers that have been trained to collate data. We have vulnerability assessment form while we ensure reaches all the local governments in the country. We also interview those with disability to be sure of the aide to give and deliver it according to experts’ specification.”

    An elated Mrs Idowu who was effusive with praises for MTN Foundation said: “There is hardly no one that has ever been touched out of the over 20,000 beneficiaries that we have given mobility aids and assisted devices to. We first of all begin with the most vulnerable through the Vulnerability Index Assessment term, for instance, someone who cannot make use of the hands and legs is of higher priority than those who can.

  • Community counts its blessings

    Community counts its blessings

    Once without any sign of growth, a community in Anambra State now boasts modern amenities. NWANOSIKE ONU reports on the transformation, which started barely seven
    years ago

    There used to be little to celebrate in Nkerehi, a 120-year-old community in Anambra State nestling on its border with Abia. Its people had neither paved road nor healthy water nor electricity. The people quartered in Orumba South Local Government Area lived in the dark, if not in the past. There were, to be fair, only two noticeable industries: a stone quarry and traditional medicine.

    That has changed. In 2008, they jettisoned their name, Nkerehi, and adopted another, Umuchukwu. The name-change was not without opposition. A few indigenes thought it wrong, almost a sacrilege, to throw away the name given by their forebears. Some youths took up arms, reportedly sponsored by some well-heeled folk. Shots were fired and a few lives were lost. The community’s traditional leader, Igwe Michael Ukaegbu was abducted but has since been released.

    Things have changed. Over 70 respectable homes for widows have sprouted in the community. Anglican and Catholic worshippers also have decent auditoriums. There are computer-equipped schools, accommodation for civil defence personnel, a market, police station, post office, high court, a befitting palace for the king, even monasteries for those dedicated to Christian service. Umuchukwu also has two smooth road, built by former governor Peter Obi.

    The community has Dr Godwin Maduka, a spine surgeon, to thanks for most of these facilities built by a foundation named after him.

    Fifty-eight-year-old Johnson Ezeji said Dr Maduka, who lives abroad, is a godsend. “Only few [elements] in the community who are also abroad and do not come home, are against the progress this community is making through this our illustrious son,” he said.

    “They opposed the change of name from Nkerehi to Umuchukwu; nobody knew whether it was that name that was impeding progress in this area, while the community became a laughingstock to other communities.”

    “We are happy today because the name of the community was changed to Umuchukwu (God’s own land) to suit the revelation of God in the land; nobody knew the meaning of Nkerehi given to the place by our forefathers.”

    Mr. Ikechukwu Omelazu, 48, a community leader, told The Nation that other communities are now yearning to have somebody like Maduka, adding that Umuchukwu has been blessed through him.

    He urged the rich in the state to join forces and build their communities. “If the politicians…go to their communities to invest, Anambra State would soon be like Dubai.

    At the burial of the community’s traditional Prime Minister, Chief Sylvanus Maduka, the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor urged Ndigbo to reduce their expenses at funerals and emulate people like Dr Maduka.

    The burial of the late Prime Minister attracted the presence of former Governor Peter Obi, the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, his Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke and Mr. Godwin Ezeemo, a philanthropist, among others.

    Dr Maduka said, “I want to tell the people that this community is not cursed. I prayed God to give me the means to alleviate the sufferings of my people, and I thanked God He has given me small ammunition to fight poverty in this land.

    “It was the desire to help the people at home after my education that made me to come up with a creative idea and I once more thank God again that it has started working in Anambra State.

    “When I travelled out of the country, I vowed and prayed to God that I was going to fight poverty in the land. The first time I came home after many years, I cried because the people were looking sick. It was a town in decay without hope.”

    That is changing.

     

  • Orijin receives royal fathers’ blessings

    Orijin, the iconic drink from the stables of Guinness Nigeria Plc recently got the blessings of royal fathers as the brand was formally presented to traditional rulers across Nigeria, as part of its marketing drive to further promote the drink as that of heritage among Nigerians.

    The brand received the blessings of the royal fathers as it was welcomed with fanfare depicted of the royals. The royal fathers appreciated it as a truly Nigerian drink rooted in African tradition with the flavours of African herbs and fruits.

    At the palace of the Dein of Agbor,  Dr. Benjamin Ikenchukwu, the atmosphere was that of meriment as the Guinness team led by Divisional Sales Manager; Mr. Henry Okpe, presented Orijin to the chiefs.

    While receiving the team, the Iyase of Agbor, Chief A. U. Emenim, expressed delight at Guinness’ thoughtful leadership in manufacturing a product solely made from contents found within Nigeria. “Africa is full of enough fine ingredients to be used in making this type of product. We sincerely appreciate Guinness’ recognition of our monarchs as custodians of these culture and heritage, which Orijin portrays. We bless this drink and pray it continues to satisfy your consumers across Nigeria,” Chief Emenim said.

    At the Amanayabo of Kalabari’s palace in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while presenting Orijin to the Amayanabo, Guinness’ Divisional Sales Manager, Mr Dennis Ebeye,  further espoused the role of traditional rulers as custodians of our heritage.

    “We have come to present Orijin to our royal fathers, because we understand the importance of staying rooted in our traditions. Orijin is a drink made with the flavor of African herbs and fruits mixed with alcohol to produce a great bitter-sweet that speaks to our African heritage. Guinness Nigeria respects the tradition of the society it operates in and our kings and traditional rulers all over the country have been the custodians of the cultures and heritage of our people for many centuries.

    “Therefore, it is only proper for Guinness Nigeria to pay homage to these esteemed personalities and obtain their blessings for this unique product, which is the fastest selling beverage in the bitters and Ready-to-Drink categories in Nigeria today,” Ebeye said.

    Accepting the drink and offering his blessings, the Amayanabo of Kalabari Kingdom, Prof. T.J.T Princewill, informed the audience that he was  very glad that his kingdom was recognised by Guinness to be officially presented with Orijin.

  • A decade of blessings

    A decade of blessings

    The Catholic Church of the Transfiguration in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos, has celebrated its 10th anniversary, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO.

    Each time one celebrates an anniversary, it is a time to rejoice and thank God for the journey thus far. It is also a time to count blessings and be filled with praises and adulation to God for making that possible”.

    These were the words of Rev. Fr. Michael Okonkwo,  the  Parish Priest of The Catholic Church  of the Transfiguration in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos, when the parishioners rolled out the drum to celebrate  the church’s 10th anniversary.

    The anniversary may have gone, but it was a day to remember for the guests and parishioners who graced the occasion.

    It was a well-attended ceremony. Starting with the red carpet, though a religious affair, the event could be mistaken for an Oscar night as many guests turned out in breath-taking evening gowns.

    Photographs of initiators of the project were conspicuously displayed outside the expansive church auditorium. The Albert Gobez-led five-man band was there dishing out fine melody to the delight of the excited audience. Stand-up comedian Helen Paul supplied riberacking jokes.

    Founded in 2004, the church has blossomed over the years as it recorded relative achievements, expansion and spiritual growth

    It was an evening of celebration as good music, good food and drinks flowed freely.

    In his address, Most. Rev. Fr. Alfred Adewale Martins, extolled the virtues of committed parishioners for making the project a reality.

    “The last 10 years witnessed growth and commitment from the members. This is delightful and commendable. I am delighted to be part of the celebrations. This is the kind of things that we should be celebrating as a family. I rejoice with you on this occasion and I know that the future is bright because of those who are committed to the church in winning souls for Christ,” Rev. Fr Martins said.

    Corroborating Rev. Fr. Martins, Rev. Father Okonkwo noted that the foundation in the life of any organisation is key because it sets the tone for its future growth.

    Hence, looking at the parish at 10, he could say unequivocally that there was a reason to celebrate because the formative years have been solidly laid on holistic and deep Catholic spirituality founded on the three theological virtues of faith, hope and love of God and of neighbour”.

    Father Okonkwo, therefore, wished the wonderful parishioners a happy anniversary as he believed the future will be greater and brighter by the divine providence of God.

    In her welcome address, chairman, local organising committee, Mrs. Ifeoma Idigbe thanked all who contributed to the building of the church, such as the late Rev. Fr. Adegbite, whose vision it was; His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie who endorsed the vision; Monsignor Paschal Nwaezeapu, Rev. Fr.  Anyansi and individuals whose commitment ensured that the dream became a reality.

    Mrs. Idigbe also thanked the Archbishop, Most Rev. Fr. Martins for his unflinching support as they worked to achieve the vision.

    Among the dignitaries were representative of the wife of Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola, Mrs Rike Gbeleyi; Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN) and his wife, Elizabeth; Mrs Patricia Arawore-Otuendor, Rev. Father Francis Anyanwu, and Associate Parish Priest John Nutayi,

  • Blessings on Rag Day

    Blessings on Rag Day

    They wore rags and tattered clothes to cut a pictures of beggars. That was not all; they wandered around the city and street corner with used cans of powdered milk, begging. They are not common beggars, neither are they mad. They are students of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education (AIFCE) in Owerri, Imo State, observing Rag Day to raise money for their matriculation. The activity, which was mainly for 100-Level students, is held yearly by freshers.

    “We are just trying to catch fun. It is a normal activity in the school. Before matriculation, 1000-Level students would put on rags and walk around to beg for money from people. They would explain why they need the money to enable them afford books and other necessary materials that will aid their studies,”explained Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, 100-Level Economics.

    The activity lasted for a day. Some students dressed from their hostels, while others got dressed on the campus. A student said: “I went to school with rags and use make-up to appear like a mad person. It was an exciting exercise because we trek all day, from street to street. But I feel relaxed, happy and I am in high spirit because it was all fun.”

    The students were seen in groups in Owerri city. Some of them went to commercial areas and banks, requesting for money using flattering expression.

    A bank customer, who was accosted by the students, willingly dropped money into the can when the students acted a funny drama at the bank entrance. He said: “I was once a student, so I understand the situation. I just withdrew some money I had already budgeted, but I had to give them a token because they were so funny.”

    Casmir Ugwu, 100-Level History and International Studies, said he was participating in the activity to catch fun. “Our seniors did same and the activity is turning to a tradition in our school. That is the reason why I am also involved,” he said.

    Darlington Ifeanyi, a student of Biology, said he would spend the money he got from the exercise on his matriculation. Unlike Darlington, many of the students attached importance to the activity. They saw it as a harbinger of good luck and success. Some of them said it was an avenue to announce their entrance in higher institution.

    One of such students is Prisca Ibekwe, Health Education, who said: “I think every new student in the college should participate in the exercise. By so doing, people will know you have gained admission into a higher institution. Although not everybody you meet on the street will give money, but those that give are, in a way, wishing us well in our studies. So if anyone did not partake in the Rag Day, he may as well miss the blessings and prayers of people.”

    A market woman, who did not mention her name, agreed that the exercise has its good side. “Most African culture believes that a child is not that of the parents alone, so when these students come around, we pray for them and give them tokens to support their schooling,” she said.

     

     

     

  • FRSC counts blessings at anniversary

    The Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osita Chidoka yesterday said that the establishment of a lead agency in 1988, had provided significant milage for road traffic administration and safety management in the country.

    Making this declaration at a presentation during a special church service in Abuja to mark the Corps’ 25th anniversary, the Corps Marshal recalled the numerous measures by the Federal and states government in previous years, in addition to initiatives by various private organisations to address the menace of road crashes until the then Federal Government brought the Oyo state model of road safety to national limelight through the establishment of the FRSC in 1988, at a time when the annual figure on road crashes was 25,000.

    Exuding fulfillment, Chidoka added that the FRSC had not only reduced this trend to 4,600 crashes as at 2012, but had initiated an unprecedented advocacy on seatbelt usage, improved staff strength from 250 in 1988 to 18,000 now, adding that the corps had led the creation of the largest volunteer group of 15,000 special marshals in Africa to improve road safety management in Nigeria.

    Speaking further, the Corps Marshal said the Corps had installed 374 V-sats to ensure seamless interconnectivity in its administrative and operational functions, spearheaded the infusion of road safety into schools’ curriculum in 2012; impacted tremendously in traffic engineering through road safety audits and reduced response time to road crashes through a 24- hour Call Centre which created a unique interface between the Corps and the motoring public.

    However, Chidoka solicited for public support and compliance with traffic rules and regulations as the Corps marches on to deliver on the goals of the United Nations’ decade of action on road safety by 2020.

    In his sermon, the Minister-in-Charge of First Baptist Church, Garki, Rev. Dr. Isreal Akanji quoted from the book of Luke 10: 25-37 which dwells on the good Samaritan who rescued the traveler who was attacked by armed robbers and took him for treatment without seeking any reward, even when a Levite and a Priest passed the same way without rendering any assistance.

    Rev Akanji likened the selfless work of the Samaritan in the bible to the tireless service which the FRSC had been doing in the last 25 years in Nigeria, which he said, had impacted positively on the attitude of road users in Nigeria