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Tag: Easter

  • Foundation treats widows, orphans to Easter party

    Foundation treats widows, orphans to Easter party

    It was Easter with a difference for some widows and orphans in Ogun State as they were treated to a fun-filled party on Easter Sunday in Abeokuta, the state capital. ERNEST NWOKOLO  was there.

    •I wish this happens every year, says nine-year-old orphan

    For the orphans and some widows in Ogun State, the recently celebrated Easter was one they would remember for a long time and for good reasons too.

    On Easter Sunday, they were showered with a rare show of love, affection and care and of course food and entertainment with lots of gifts at the Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home at Ibara, Abeok-uta, the state capital by a non-governmental organisation; Labake Illuminant Foundation.

    Thanks to the NGO, hundreds of them drawn from different orphanage homes and similar centres across the state were assembled at the Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home for a fun filled Easter party. Pregnant teenagers who were rescued recently by the Police from baby factories in the state were also catered for.

    Aside the dancing, treat of good food and choreography that lifted their spirit and also gave them a sense of belonging to the larger society, they had, as well as supply of beddings, clothes, food items, toiletries, cash gifts among others from the Foundation.

    The beneficiaries included inmates of the Gideon Children School, Otta, Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home, Abeokuta, Ijamide Children Home, Otta, Juvenile Centre, Asero and two others.

    At least six indigent students on the helpline of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Ijoko-Otta, also got cash gifts from the NGO. Widows were not left out as some got cash gift to start petty trading or re-jig existing ones.

    One of the guests at the occasion, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Bola Asiru-Balogun, who presented gift items and a cheque to one of the beneficiary homes, on behalf of the Foundation said the gesture served to rekindle hope in Nigeria and also a call on others to uplift the weak and poor members of the society.

    Asiru-Balogun, who represented the Agege State constituency at the Lagos Assembly, noted that though harsh fate brought some of the children into orphanage centres, he expressed the hope that some would in future grow up to become captains of industries, governors and legislators in Nigeria.

    He said: “This outpouring of love and care goes to show that we still have hope in Nigeria, this will inspire us to reach out to othe-rs children. Some of you would be leaders and ministers in Nigeria. Just be focused.”

    Also, the Matron of Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home, Mrs Fadairo Bolanle, lauded the efforts of the Foundation, praying that providence would enrich its pocket.

    Mrs Fadairo said: “You have not done this for man but for God, God will enlarge your coast, you will not lack, God will replenish your purse.”

    Even nine-year-old Ruth, of the Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home, could not hide her joy and wished that there should be such event yearly.

    The Primary Three pupil who had started nursing a dream of becoming a medical doctor in future, said she enjoyed the music provided by the Foundation, while the party lasted and wish to care for others when she becomes an adult and responsible member of the society.

    Ruth said: “I won’t allow the circumstances I find myself to come between me and my future.  I want to be a medical doctor when I grow old, I want to attend to the health challenge of people, I will study hard to become a doctor. That is one area I want to care for my fellow human beings.

    “I feel happy today for the show of love and care bestowed upon us by the Foundation. I enjoyed the music, the food given to us and other items. I would like this to be happening often, I will say a big thanks to Aunty Adenike Coker for her care and may God reward her richly.”

    Labake Coker Illuminant Foundation was established in memory of the late Mrs. Labake Coker, who died on May 5, 2012.  The foundation caters for the needs of widows, orphanage homes, as well as centres for the rehabilitation of the physically and mentally challenged persons across the country.

    The late Mrs. Labake Coker hailed from Ago-Owu, Abeokuta, and married to Coker from the Osun State but she lived all her life in Alagbole, an Ogun border community near Lagos State.

    While alive, she used her little resources and money given to her by her children as upkeep allowance to feed and clothe the less-fortunate members of Alagbole community.

    Her daughter, Adenike Coker, who initiated the NGO, told the beneficiaries that the foundation is not out to run an orphanage home or less-privileged centre, but to support existing ones in meeting the needs of children in their care.

    The United Kingdom-trained finance expert, who had worked for Her Majesty, Customs and Excise (England) and Middlesex University (England), said the project took off last year at Erin-Oke in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, the home town of her father, and the foundation decided to mark this year’s Easter with inmates of orphanage homes in the Gateway state because, her mother, late Labake Coker, hailed from the state.

    According her, there is no boundary when it comes to reaching out to the less-fortunate and neglected members of the society as the next beneficiaries could be orphanage centres in Port Harcourt (Rivers State) or those in the South East states.

    Adenike said: “The foundation is meant to be supportive. We are not creating our orphanage homes or whatever. We are just there to help other orphanage homes provide things they need. It is specifically for widows, orphans and children with disability. Our aim is to provide for people like the widows.

    “I realise that it takes only little for them to be able to start petty businesses. We don’t intend to baby-feed them. We just want to give them something that would enhance their ability to feed themselves; N20,000 to look after themselves and children.

    According to the mother of three, who runs a Creche and Nursery School in England, she is also desirous of using the Foundation to draw the attention of kind-hearted individuals, institutions and government to the needs and challenges of some needy orphanage homes and rehabilitation centres for possible support.

    She explained that the inspiration to care for the needy came from her late mother, but never knew it would start this early, stressing that educational and enlightenment programmes would be carried out on career path, sex education, HIV and AIDS and teenage pregnancy for Nigerian youths to steer them away from grave risk.

    Adenike said: “It is getting bigger and better because this time around, I was fortunate to have friends and family support unlike last time when we did it ourselves. So, we have about five homes present including the recently rescued pregnant girls (from baby factories), they were catered for too.

    “If I’m around again, I will be celebrating with them often because I’m getting passionate about the ones we have visited. The agenda of the Foundation is to go round and visit different homes in order to know what to do.

    “Last year, we were in Osun, my mother is from Ogun State, that is why I’m doing this one in Ogun State.

    “The next thing we will try to do as well is probably to arrange something and start going to schools and talk to the girls about safe sex, not even about teenage pregnancy alone but also in terms of diseases, HIV/AIDs and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI).

    “Hopefully, we should be going to school to help the teenage children, to educate them on what not to do because if they were well informed and enlightened on this matter, they won’t found themselves in the situation they are. We will teach them how to say no to what that can mar their future or derail it so that they won’t get into a mess.”

    Recalling the experience of the girls rescued in baby factories in the state and other parts of the country, she rued the society and lifestyle that is turning the nation’s youth particularly teenage girls into abandoning schools to serve as baby makers for unscrupulous persons ostensibly for commercial purposes, saying pervasive poverty is the precursor.

    Adenike urged government and policy makers to have the youths at heart in what they do as the decisions they make have potentials to hurt them adversely.

    She said: “It touches my heart because I watched the news on NTA international in England, it really touches my heart and it is so funny and ironic that the ladies were around when we came, we brought clothes, shoes and a token cash donation to enable them buy basic things they might need.

    “If you look at the society, it breeds everything. I think it is because of poverty, from the account of the girls, it was by accident they ran into the mess, they lured them to where they went. It was not by choice. If they were not poverty stricken, they would not have gotten into it. But educating the children not to get into a mess is the major thing.

    “Our leaders, the rich people in the country should bear them in mind when they are taking decisions, because every decision they are making are affecting people they don’t know about.

    “If people know what we are doing, they will do something. I’m not going out there begging for money. I want the Foundation to speak for itself. If people see what we are doing and become touched by what the Foundation does, let them partner with it. There is little we can do. The vision will not die.”

  • Message of Easter

    Message of Easter

    •Nigerians, irrespective of religious persuasion, must imbibe the lessons of the season

    WHY do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but he is risen!”  These oft-quoted words, central to Christianity, are in season again as followers of the faith not only ponder but also celebrate the post-crucifixion resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter, more than any other period in the Christian calendar, emphasises the redemptive power of divinity and the ever-present possibility of God’s forgiveness in the context of human repentance.

    It is important to stress this underlying significance of the commemoration lest people gloss over it and get carried away by the superficialities of festivity. It is worth mentioning that the celebration marks the climax of a 40-day concentration on fasting and prayer, and it would amount to missing the point if the sobriety expected to be engendered by the spiritual exercise is ended perfunctorily at Easter.

    Regrettably, this particular Easter has been marred by destructively violent incidents, notably the shocking bombing of Nyanya Motor Park in the federal capital, Abuja, resulting in the reported loss of at least 75 lives, with 164 people injured, and the outrageous abduction of 100 students at the Girls Senior Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, all within two days last week. At a philosophical level, these evil acts, tragic as they are, transcend linkage with the Islamist terror militia Boko Haram; the overriding point, which should not be lost on anyone,  is that the wickedness targeted humanity, irrespective of religious loyalty.

    It is instructive that the life and times of Jesus represented an essential counter-point to such inhumanity, a fact that is underscored by his appellation, “The Prince of Peace”.  Without doubt, the lessons of this spiritual icon go beyond the narrow limits of religious sectarianism; and   indeed deserve to be well learned and practicalised by society at large.

    It is noteworthy that the activities of Jesus also condemned a much more subtle form of violence, the sort that callously promotes social impoverishment and misery by the abdication of leadership responsibilities and the omissions of headship, especially in the political arena.  He demonstrated genuine compassion for the people, which is a desirable quality that is unfortunately in short supply among the country’s leaders; he was not given to scandalous materialism and exhibitionism, which are the very obscenities that these leaders enjoy. In addition, official corruption, which observers have identified as possibly the bane of the land, is certainly not Christ-like.

    Furthermore, and this is a pivotal point, Jesus exemplified humility, a feature that many players in the country’s power loop observably treat with disdain as they would rather highlight their own  sense of self-importance. This explains, for instance, the desperation for political office with an attitude that betrays egoistic thinking illustrated by the question, “If not me, who else?”

    In the spirit of this season of redemption, and implied renewal, it would be a heart-warming development if the example of Jesus prevailed in the various sectors of society and across the country. Among the valuable aspects of religion, it should be pointed out, is its capacity to inspire goodness and virtuous living.

    It is hoped that Easter will be better appreciated as an opportunity to show greater sensitivity to spirituality and the implications for individual enlightenment as well as the pursuit of social good in all ramifications. Particularly in these times when the country is faced with increasing religious tension, the truth is that its multi-religious composition need not be a source of intolerant contention. To grasp the message of Easter is to recognise the path of harmonious cohabitation not only in the religious realm but also in the secular sphere.

  • Easter: Jonathan reassures Nigerians on security

    President Goodluck Jonathan has reassured Nigerians over the rising security challenges in the country.

    In his Easter message to Nigerians issued on Saturday , he was optimistic that Nigeria will overcome “all retrogressive and divisive forces in the nation.”

    As Nigerians celebrate Easter, the President urged them to reflect on the significance of its lessons of piety, obedience to higher authorities, self sacrifice for the good of others, redemption, salvation, deliverance, renewal and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
    He noted that brotherly love, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, honesty, humility, justice, equity and fairness to all without discrimination as preached in the Holy Bible are of particular importance to Nigeria today.
    He went on: “As our Christian compatriots celebrate the Messiah’s triumph over death and all that it connotes, let us all renew our faith and confidence in our ability as a people to overcome all obstacles, challenges and threats to national progress and well-being, including terrorism and other criminal attacks on our people in some parts of the country.”

    “My belief in our ability to overcome all retrogressive and divisive forces in our midst and build a strong, united and prosperous nation by turning our unique diversity into a source of strength remains unshaken and we will continue to work with all interest groups and stakeholders in the country to achieve the peaceful, secure and politically stable conditions essential for rapid socio-economic development, he said

    Despite the evil activities of terrorists, criminals and their collaborators, he reiterated that his administration is focused on efforts to successfully execute the Federal Government’s Agenda for National Transformation in order to achieve sustained development.

    He also commiserated with the families of the victims of the recent terrorist attacks.

    He said: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with all those who have suffered injuries from the heinous attacks. We pray for their speedy recovery and shall keep on doing everything possible to assist them with required medical services and material support.”

    “Our Armed Forces and security agencies will continue to do their very best to curb such attacks and restore full security to all parts of our beloved country.”

    “But we must all become more alert and vigilant, and do all that we can to give them the fullest possible assistance, support and cooperation they require to achieve more effective protection of lives and property across the country.”

    “We shall continue to count on your support and prayers for greater peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in Nigeria,” he stated

  • Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel woos guests

    Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel woos guests

    Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel is putting together a special package for Easter tagged “Let Us Spoil You”. The hotel said the package is part of its efforts to make sure leisure seekers have a wonderful experience during the Easter.

    Nestled in the heart of Lagos’ bustling metropolis, Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel said it intends to create a haven of instant calm even to the most flustered guest this holiday season. With its ongoing Easter special offer, guests will enjoy a complimentary breakfast for two, early check-in and late check-out privileges alongside the usual Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel comfort and hospitality all at a hugely discounted rate.

    Famed for its fine dining, guests can look forward to a wide variety of culinary delights in the hotel’s impressive restaurant offering buffet breakfast, lunches, dinners, light meals and in particular this holiday season, welcoming guests to enjoy its special Easter Sunday Brunch. Dining at the Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel is an experience that will indeed make your taste buds run and leave you feeling truly loved.

    Offering the last word in luxurious serenity, the Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel boasts of 195 beautifully furnished rooms and suites that guarantee utmost peace and privacy in addition to a well-equipped centre for fitness.

  • Easter pilgrimage ends

    The last batch of the 2013 Easter Christian pilgrims has arrived in Abuja, bringing to an end the second Easter pilgrimage which began in February.

    The exercise was conducted by the National Christian Pilgrimage Commission (NCPC).

    The first Easter pilgrimage was introduced in 2012 to give states that could not meet up with the deadline for payment of the October-December pilgrimage the opportunity to benefit from the exercise.

    President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Captain Caleb Olubolade, urged the pilgrims to continue to pray for the success of the present administration.

    Minister of State 1 Foreign Affairs Prof. Viola Onwuliri thanked God for the safe return of the pilgrims and assured that government would continue to embark on policies that would make its people happy.

    Prof. Onwuliri also commended the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Mr. John Kennedy Opara and his workforce for their commitment.

    In his remarks, Mr. Opara described pilgrimage as a tool for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth.

    He said the Easter pilgrimage exercise would continue to grow in leaps and bounds, even as he urged the pilgrims to live a transformed life by impacting positively on their immediate communities.

    A total of 18 states with a combined total number of 3,130 pilgrims were airlifted during the Easter Pilgrimage exercise.

    Out of this number, 83 Christians sponsored themselves to the Holy Land.

  • Indomie fetes pupils for Easter

    In the spirit of the Easter season, Dufil Prima Foods, makers of indomie noodles hosted a party for pupils across Lagos state.

    The party was attended by thousands of pupils from different schools in Lagos.

    The pupils, who were mostly members of the Indomie fan club in schools nationwide, went home with lots of gifts.

    Speaking to journalists, the Public Relations Officer of the organisation, Mr Temitope Asiwaju said the event was for children born between January and March to double as birthday and Easter celebration.

    He said their aim was to bring children together to have fun, adding that too much restriction hinders their development.

    “Parents don’t have time to take their kids out. It is a way of relaxation for them. This is an opportunity for them to see what other kids are doing,” he said.

    Mrs Faith Joshua, Indomie Fan Club coordinator, who also spoke with journalists, said the programme helped to bring members of the club together. She said some parents have the time to take their children out but they don’t have the money while others have the money but no time.

    “So we are doing this free of charge and at the same time making sure they catch fun without their prents around.”

    She said there are over 100, 000 indomie fan club members in 4,000 schools.

     

  • Pamper yourself this Easter

    THE holiday’s are here and Easter is the time when you finally get the chance to celebrate being a woman and what better way than to pamper yourself. It does not matter if you were given and gift or not, this the day to relax and enjoy. You should, because nobody deserves it more than you. After all, body no be wood!

    To get more excitement out of this experience, you could start by listing the things you love doing, but have not had the time to indulge in.

    Get together with your close friend or spouse and try to talk them into giving you some time off your regular ‘duties’.

    If you do not want any distraction, you could check into a hotel with your best friend so that you could just relax, get a range of beauty treatments done, have a new haircut without having to worry about your meals!

    If you don’t have the freedom to go away, then take the day off from work, from household work too, and just chill.

    On D-day morning:

    Wake up only when you feel like. If you have daily tasks and chores, delegate to someone for the day. If possible, cajoule your spouse to give you tea in bed. Wear something that you are comfortable in, something that makes you feel good and happy. Then spend time doing what you like, maybe listening to music, an hour in nature basking in the sun and fresh air, gardening or visiting the nursery to pick up your favourite plants, having a leisurely bath, going for a drive, having a sumptuous breakfast at your favourite restaurant.

    Mid-morning

    Though it sounds clichéd, schedule a manicure, facial, pedicure or massage or just go shopping with no budget in mind. Have a look at stores which otherwise you would not dare enter and go window shopping. Who knows they could be having a special discount on that day!

    Afternoon

    Meet a friend, have a leisurely lunch, dessert and coffee. Buy yourself a book, perfume, flowers. Then head home to take a nap or hook up with a friend to spend the evening with her. Wake up and call up a few friends, gossip and laugh. Or just put on your favourite movie and relax with some snacks and tea.

    Evening

    Light a few candles or have some scents around for a calming and uplifting effect. Indulge in a glass of wine, some cake or salad before you settle down to a light dinner. Relish you meal, watch a movie and do not be afraid to sleep off in front of the television.

    You only get to live once, let’s make the best of each second!

  • Sacrifice of love

    Sacrifice of love

    The Easter period means different things to different people. For non-Christians, the Easter period is just another of our numerous holidays to rest and do some of the things they have not attended to due to their normal work day hectic schedule.

    But for Bible-believing Christians, Easter is the core of Christianity. It is about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a reminder of when the only begotten son of God that had no sin was offered to die for the redemption of the sin of man.

    It is a practical demonstration of unconditional love of God towards a sinful world when in his infinite mercies. He gave his son as a sacrifice.  Jesus was crucified on what has come to be known as Good Friday and he rose from death like no other has on Easter Sunday.  As we mark the Easter, the real reason for the season must not be lost on us all irrespective of whatever faith we profess.

    Some churches usually reenact Jesus, journey to Golgoltha when he carried his cross and was subjected to all manner of beatings and humiliation. I hope those involved in the drama and others who watch don’t only enjoy the fun of the reenactment but are sobered by the  sacrifice Jesus made for our sake .Watching Passion of the Christ film, which some argue is an overdramatisation of what Jesus experienced, for me really drives home the severity of the sacrifice. I fought back tears like many others who watched it experienced the same feeling.

    However, and the question to ask is that if Jesus suffered that much to erase the sins of especially those of us who claim to be Christians why do we keep indulging in sins? Being a Christian is to be Christ-like but not many are. Not many Christians live as if they have ever read the ten commandments.

    Although claiming to be a born again Christian has become fashionable and Churches are springing daily across the country, there is not enough evidence that Jesus, death means anything to many who say they are his followers.

    If it does, and Easter is not just another holiday, as it is for others, many Christians will not indulge in sinful acts as they do nowadays. It used to be that when people claimed to be Christians that they could be trusted to be above board but that is no longer the case.

    So many occupying top political and corporate positions who claim to be Christians have been found guilty of all kinds of corrupt practices that no one is impressed by such claims.

    This Easter should be another opportunity for all followers of Christ to truly be like him not only in words but in deed.

    I have been impressed by Pope Francis who has demonstrated what it is to really be a humble servant of God and hope that other Church leaders who live large at the expense of their followers will learn from his example.

    Easter is a lesson in sacrifice of love through giving. Are you giving enough to the needy around you ? Do you love your neighbour as much as yourself?

  • Easter tragedy: 12 killed in Benue

    Easter tragedy: 12 killed in Benue

    Twelve persons were killed in a ghastly motor accident on Makurdi-Enugu federal highway on Easter Friday.

    An eyewitness told The Nation that the accident occurred when an 18-seater Volkswagen conveying passenger in an attempt to overtake a stationary lorry had a head on collision with a Toyota Corolla which was coming from the opposite direction.

    Ten passengers died in the bus while two died in the Corolla which was burnt to ashes.

    Eye witnesses linked the high casualty to the fire which prevented rescuers from going near the vehicles.

  • Security beefed-up in Kano for Easter

    Security has been beefed up in Kano by operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the Police to guarantee a hitch-free Easter celebration on Sunday in  Kano.

    Despite the ongoing house to house search by security men for suspected terrorists, as well as illegal weapons, the 3rd Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Kano has also deployed additional troops to beef up security arrangements in the state.

    The Police Command headquarters  in Bompai has deployed 4,000 police officers to beef-up security arrangements in the metropolis for today’s Easter celebrations

    Our reporter observed the presence  of many  armoured personnel carriers from the 3 Brigade patrolling the streets, during his visit to some parts of the metropolis, while the Police have also deployed officers to beef up security in strategic locations.

    Also, our Correspondent noticed increased presence of security personnel in most churches in Sabon Gari,  mostly inhabited by non-indigenous community, who were  gripped with fear over the bomb blast recently rocked the New Road motor park which claimed so many lives.

    At the close of the day, our investigations revealed that most of the churches have also made alternative security arrangements to ensure violent-free celebrations, following the engagement of private security outfit to beef up security.

    The Kano State Police boss, Musa Daura , when asked of security arrangements, disclosed that his Command has deployed 4,000 police officers as part of the Easter security build-up, adding that the normal stop and search security arrangement and surveillance activities are also part of efforts to ensure a smooth Easter celebration.

    “The Command is leaving nothing to chance to ensure we have violent-free Easter celebration, you are aware we have raiding flash points during which a number arrests of suspects were made and a number of weapons of mass destruction intercepted, this is all part of the efforts to usher in a hitch-free Easter.”

    Captain Ikedichi  Iweha, who is the spokesman of the JTF in Kano, disclosed that the military has placed its soldiers on red alert: “We are working very hard and as I speak with you now, military men deployed to the streets of Kano have been doubled, while the house to house search is still in progress.