The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Family

  • Lagos family seeks govt intervention on landed property

    The Oyemade Royal Family of Ijeshatedo, Lekki, has asked the Lagos State Government to be cautious in granting consent to prospective applicants wishing to transact and carry out any form of development on the family land in Lekki, Lagos.

    Head of the family, Otunba Babatunde Rahman, told reporters at the weekend that the plea being made to the government was informed by the presence of persons and organisations wanting to carry out development on their land with out their consent and authorisation.

    Rahman claimed that the family, under the aegis of Oyetubo Joko-Tade Estate Resources Limited, has petitioned the Lagos State Government asking for its intervention in what it described as ‘unauthorised dealings’ on their land. The said land, he claimed, was acquired during the General Mobolaji Johnson (rtd.) regime in 1972 and covered by a Certificate of Occupancy registered as 75/75/1996AE, by an estate agent whose service they had dispensed with.

    In a letter to the Registrar of Titles, Lands Bureau, Alausa, Ikeja dated October 17, 2016, the holding company owned by the Oyemade Royal Family formally informed the state government that it had disengaged the services of the estate agent (names withheld) formerly granted the power of attorney over their land  in Sangotedo, along Lekki/Epe road in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of the state.

    The letter was titled: “Embargo on the grant of consent to prospective applicants on Oyetubo Joko-Tade Estate Resources Limited covered by a Certificate of Occupancy registered as 75/75/1996AE situate at Sangotedo by Monastry Road, Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State” and signed by director of the company, Otunba Babatunde Rahman  and five shareholders viz Chief Muka Bajulaiye, Alhaja Ajimot Ashaku Adisa, Chief Adelaja Nureni, Mrs Racheal Tokede and Mr. Saliu Tajudeen.

    They urged government to deal only with the accredited representatives of the family made up of the chairman and the appointed shareholders who are representatives of  the different branches of the family in the company in respect to all transactions relating to any part of the company’s 201 hectares of land.

    The family explained that it took this decision because it has been having a running battle with the person initially granted power of attorney over mismanagement of proceeds of sale of the company’s land located at Sangotedo area of Lagos and as a result of which they have commenced a legal action to recover their funds.

    The letter written to the Registrar of Titles further stated in part: “We as director and shareholders ( being members of the three branches of the family that make up the three classes of the shareholders) of Oyetubo Joko Tade Estate Resources Limited, write to inform the Bureau as follows; “That Oyetubo Joko-Tade Estate Resources Limited is the bonafide and beneficial owner of the large expanse of land situated at Sangotedo Area of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State and covered by a certificate of occupancy registered as 75/75/1996AE”.

  • Amaechi commiserates with Ake’s family

    Amaechi commiserates with Ake’s family

    Former Rivers State Governor and Transportation Minister Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said former Chairman of the state’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the late Chief Godspower Umejuru Ake, was a peace-loving man who contributed immensely to human and capital development.

    Amaechi spoke on Friday at Erema, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area during the burial of the politician.

    The late Ake was an ally of the Transportation Minister. He was also a former member of the House of Assembly in the First Republic.

    Amaechi, who acknowledged the role the late Ake played in his governorship ambition, recalled that many people the elder statesman assisted later turned against him.

    He said: “Chief was a very peace-loving man.  from the way he walked and the way he talked, you would know that he never liked violence. A lot of us seated here today have benefited from chief in one way or the other. Starting from Chief Rufus Ada George and Dr. Peter Odili, my former boss. After God, chief contributed in making Dr. Peter Odili deputy governor and contributed to also making him governor. So, chief helped to make governors after God.”

  • Police, family bicker over artisan’s death in Ogun River

    Police, family bicker over artisan’s death in Ogun River

    An artisan, identified as Gafar Ajibola, has drowned in Ogun River, following panic reaction to a police raid on Oniyanrin community in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    The incident occurred at the weekend when the 31-year-old Ajibola was washing his clothes at the river bank.

    The Nation gathered that a detachment of policemen in search of hoodlums hiding near the river shot sporadically.

    In ensuing confusion, the deceased was said to have jumped into the river in fear.

    His remains were retrieved about 17 hours later by local divers.

    Ajibola’s uncle, who pleaded for anonymity, called for thorough investigation and demanded justice for the deceased.

    He said: “This is an unfortunate situation. My nephew was not a criminal. He was at the river bank to wash his clothes. He jumped into the river out of fear.

    “We are demanding for justice in this case. We are going to take legal step against the police,” he said.

    But police spokesman Abimbola Oyeyemi absolved the police of any wrong doing.

    He said the policemen were in the vicinity to perform their duties.

    According to him, some people were arrested and released after investigation,  wondering why the deceased jumped into the river when no one was chasing him.

    “The case is under investigation, the police were in the place to ensure safety of lives and property,” Abimbola said.

  • Rotary holds family health programme

    Rotary International, District 9110, comprising Ogun and Lagos states, has held the fifth edition of its Family Health Week. To mark the occasion, various clubs engaged in projects to promote healthy living and lifestyles of individuals .

    The 25-member Rotary Club of Lagos Central took its philanthropic gestures to markets and other areas such as  CMS, Ikoyi, and Lagos Island.

    The flag-off of the two-day project saw consultations with nurses, and the demonstration of the use of protective items.

    Other programmes were family counselling, male and female condom distribution, diabetes and glucose level check; distribution of Vitamins A and C supplements, malaria screening and treatment; HIV tests; deworming of all children; blood pressure checks; distribution of common cold medicines and pain reliving medicines and distribution of mosquito nets.

    Although injections were not given, referrals were made to various hospitals for those with serious ailments. Those who availed themselves of the health check include high way sweepers, security guards, market men and women and a few from the corporate environment.

    President of the Club, Mr Vincent Adubor, who is the Director of Corporate Services at the Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers, said the clubs target was the masses, as there was need to take the project to those in the market place because many of them, due to their routine daily activities, don’t remember to test their blood pressure and sugar level as well as their general health condition.

    “There is need to create awareness of health conditions. People are now aware of what it takes to have a proper healthcare and we are glad at the turnout. Next year, we hope to have positive results from our talks and a larger turnout.”

    He noted that the club has a lot of prospects in terms of creating healthier communities, but is faced with the problem of manpower. He called on youths,between ages 25 and 35 to join the club.

    Similarly, the Rotary Club of Oregun visited the Palace of the traditional ruler and Olu of Oregunland, Oba Lamidi Olorunfunmi, where it presented 250 pairs of reading eye glasses for distribution to older members in the axis.

    During the visit, the Rotary District Governor Pat Ikheloa, charged the monarch on the need to ensure that cleanliness and general wellbeing is maintained in the locality.

    He said this year; people were checked for their Hepatitis B status so that they can get treated

    He added that  Rotary has redoubled its effort to ensure that polio is eradicated in the country.

    “We are doing our best and a lot of awareness has been made and our detective mechanism has been improved. Soon, we should expect a polio-free world.”

  • APC is one family, says Chairman

    APC is one family, says Chairman

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Isaac Kekemeke, at the weekend said the party had resolved  its internal wrangling.

    Kekemeke said the dust raised after the primary election had settled,adding that the party is united and indivisible.

    The chairman spoke at the state secretariat in Akure, where the APC governorship candidate, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu informed the executive of the party from wards to state levels of his campaign’s arrangement.

    He said the APC in the sunshine state is one and united under his leadership.

    Kekemeke said the candidacy of Akeredolu was settled without any dispute or rancour.

    “As members of the State Executive, we remain committed to the victory of the APC in the election.

    “We have resolved to remain united and focus and we are appealing to our party members to remain calm and begin to work for our party with the assurance that our party is capable of taking care of their interest in an APC government.

    “We resolved that no matter the differences, we remain indivisible and one family.”

  • Obtaining rest in the family (4)

    So far, we have been able to examine the Place Of Rest, Rest In Time Of Unrest and Relaxing At Home. Today, we shall be exploring: ‘Maximising Happiness in Your Home’

    I want us to see how to get the best of times in our family life. The Bible says: The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? (Proverbs 18:14). It is joy on the inside that brings out the best in a man. Happiness in your home will bring out the best in your wife, husband and children alike. A sorrowful heart is dangerous because nothing good comes the way of the dejected. God’s Word says: A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones (Proverbs 17:22).

    When there is no happiness in a home, the family members are prone to all sorts of sicknesses and diseases. Man, which of these do you choose: to stay happy and make every member of your family happy; thereby, staying away from hospital bills? Or to continue spending your money and resources on drugs, and medical bills? Wisdom is profitable to direct. A wise man would say, “I’ll rather choose to stay happy and be drug-free with my family members.

    What is Happiness? It is a state of enjoyment, showing satisfaction or joy; it is also marked by pleasure. When you are happy, in most cases, your disposition is characterised by laughter. Joy surges out from within you and you laugh. Laughing is a feeling of triumphant or exultant sense of well-being. When you are genuinely happy, no one needs to ask you; you just flow in it and it shows.

    Now, God has declared this year as our own year of From Glory to Glory. Therefore, God expects a lot of happiness in and around us, and in our homes this year. We shall not disappoint Him.

    What does it take to be Happy?

    The Psalmist says: …Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee (Psalm 128:1-2). Also, Proverbs 28:14 says: Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief:

    We can see from the two Scriptures above that happiness comes by fearing God, reverencing His voice via His Word, obeying His instructions and doing what He commands us to do. To maximise happiness in our homes, therefore, God is telling us to consider these:

    Appreciate the good in your spouse and family members, and then the bad will depreciate: Whatever good thing and strong point you can see in the life of your spouse, let it be a source of happiness and inspiration to you. Praise God for this aspect of his/her life and then, every other area where he/she does not measure up will begin to disappear before your eyes.

    Celebrate your spouse: Remember that other people are secretly wishing this same man or woman is their husband or wife. Keep that which you have jealously. Magnify your spouse in the face of the devil.

    Sow joy: Remember that it is what you sow, you reap. If you sow excitement into the atmosphere in your home, you will reap joyful family members. You will be happy yourself and your home shall be full of joy.

    Adapt to your spouse: Like what your spouse likes. Know his/her tastes and flow along with it. You will feel free and flow easily together.

    Maintain body contact always: This does not necessarily mean sex. Hug each other, give little kisses and give your spouse pats of encouragement. Don’t be ashamed to hold your spouse especially in public. Be free; not of necessity but as a lifestyle.

    Create God (not good) climate around your home: A God climate will eventually produce a good climate. Fill your home with Christian music, books, inspirational materials, postals, etc. Let everything around your home spell God.

    Organise Feasts: Learn to celebrate important days and events. Form the habit of remembering birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, etc. Make big events out of ordinary days. Use these occasions to get excited and rejoice with your family members. You don’t have to call people; gather your wife and children, and just celebrate with whatever you have.

    Be one: Do things with your spouse. Pray together and do things in common. Let your children see oneness in you. Remember, a house divide against itself cannot stand. Communicate and know your spouse to be able to vouch for you when not there. It makes you happy.

    Give no place to the spirit of unforgiveness: If you don’t forgive, you will not be forgiven. If you don’t make others happy, you will not be happy yourself. If your wife or husband offends or goes wrong somehow, correct immediately in love and forgive. Also forget and you’ll be happy.

    Be Contented: Contentment brings satisfaction. If you are not contented, you cannot be happy. Be satisfied with your husband, wife, children, finances, life and environment. Praise God always and you’ll be happy.

    Finally friends, the Word says: If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them (John 13:17). God needed a garden in Genesis and He planted one. If you want happiness, you must create it. Nothing works until you work it. You cannot be happy without having hope. Nothing destroys laughter like hopelessness; therefore, never lose hope for a moment. Set yourself to doing these things and your laughter shall know no end.

    Throughout the remaining part of this year, slap the face of the devil with your laughter. Be happy on the inside and it shall continually show on the outside. Your health shall spring forth and every member of your family shall enjoy the divine presence of God. Heaven is full of joy and God dwells in the midst of praise. Make your home and life a habitation for the Almighty.

    Moreover, it is important to know that if you want to maximise happiness in your home, the first step is to be born again. If you are not yet born again, now is the best time; so, please do not postpone or procrastinate because tomorrow might be too late. Please say this prayer and you shall be born again: “Dear Lord Jesus, I come to you today. I believe you died and rose again for my sake. Forgive me my sins, take my life and make me a child of God today as You plant Your rest in my life.”

    If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

    Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.

    For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

  • Why Ilojo bar was demolished, by family

    The Ilojo Bar, declared a national monument by the Federal Government, was demolished due to the alleged failure of the National Commission for Museum and Monuments to repair the dilapidated building, the family has said.

    The Bar, a Brazilian architectural design, was built in 1856 and bought by the late Alfred Omolona Olaiya in 1933.

    Due to its beauty and uniqueness, the Federal Government acquired and declared it a national monument, but allowed the Olaiya Family to live in it.

    The family’s lawyer, Olanrewaju Falola, in a statement said the building developed noticeable cracks on the walls, with its roof falling off.

    He said the family wrote several letters to the commission, whose duty it is to maintain and preserve artifacts, notifying it of the state of the building, but it was not repaired.

    Falola said the family also wrote President Goodluck Jonathan on June 8, 2010, asking that Ilojo Bar be delisted as a national monument, but got no response.

    The family said it also sought the commission’s approval to renovate the building to forestall any calamity, but got no permission.

    According to Falola, the Lagos State government through its regulatory agencies issued contravention notices on the property, which he said was also brought to commission’s attention, yet it allegedly failed to act.

    An integrity test, he said, revealed that the building was no longer safe for human habitation.

    “Thereafter, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) ordered the family to demolish the distressed Ilojo Bar and further warned that failure to demolish same would amount to negligence on the part of the family and the property will be forfeited to the state government,” the lawyer said.

    The family, he said, was given a demolition approval, following which it asked LASBCA to bring down the distressed building.

    “We hereby state that the demolition of Ilojo Bar was done with the express order, instruction and approval of the Lagos State Government in the exercise and performance of its statutory duties and for the protection of lives and property,” Falola said.

    The family wondered why the commission allegedly neglected the edifice for such a considerable length of time that it constituted a threat to lives and property.

    “Why would the commission have neglected the so called monument to the extent that it became not only a public toilet but also a haven for criminals?,” the family asked.

    Falola said the Olaiya Family had filed a suit against the commission at the Federal High Court, adding: “We urge the commission to present its case before the honourable court of law.”

  • Family seeks justice for sister killed in pregnancy dispute

    Family seeks justice for sister killed in pregnancy dispute

    The family of two sisters allegedly savaged by a man, Stephen Shut Jang, in the Sabon Gari area of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State has demanded justice more than one month after the July 27, 2016 deed that left one sister injured and the other dead.

    Seeking the assistance of civil society groups, the family refuted the 36-year-old assailant’s claim that his pregnant girlfriend, Justina Dusu Chado, 30, and her older sister, Simi, had a deadly quarrel in his room out of jealousy.

    An elder sister to the victims, Mrs Rifkatu Yusuf, dismissed Jang’s statement. She explained that Jang lied to deceive the general public and conceive the truth.

    She said that Jang intended to kill her two younger sisters who went to his house to resolve the pregnancy problem, adding that he cooked up the story to cover his actions. She said: “There was no way two people will fight each other and inflict this level of cuts on one another with a mirror without having cuts on their hands.”

    Another member of the victim’s family, Mr Chado Dusu, said: “Mr Stephen Shut Jang did not only murder Simi in cold blood and assaulted Justina who survived the incident miraculously, he went further to tarnish the good name of the family when he concocted a blatant lie, saying the two sisters clashed at his place and a quarrel ensued, leading to the death of the other.

    “As a family, we have been cheated already and nothing can bring our sister back to life but all we want now is that the law should take its cause and justice be done. This is why we are calling on the Plateau State Government, the Nigeria Police, human rights activists, Non-Governmental Organisations, civil society organisations and all other relevant authorities to pick up the matter in the interest of justice.”

    The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Plateau State Chapter, condemned the alleged gruesome murder of Simi and the assault on her sister Justina. In a statement signed by the state chairman of NAWOJ, Mrs Jennifer Yerima, the union is worried by the failure of the police to prosecute the suspect.

    The statement read: “The association is concerned about the delay in the prosecution of the suspect before a court of law since the incident occurred on the 27th July, 2016 as the deceased, until her demise, was the only breadwinner of the family who was living in Abuja and only got involved in the entire scenario as a peacemaker which unfortunately cost her her life.

    “It should be noted that there was no cause for any delay over the prosecution of the suspect after he had glaringly confessed to carrying out this heinous act when the two girls went to his house to know how best the issue would be amicably settled.”

    NAWOJ decried the rampant recurrence of sexual and gender-based violence in the society.

    The statement added: “As Journalists and watchdogs of the society, we are mandated to address some of these societal ills with nothing to hide from the public glare to enable the world appreciate the plight of women and children nowadays who are most vulnerable. Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) is, therefore, calling on the Plateau State Government through the Ministry of Justice, Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and other relevant authorities responsible for protecting and ensuring that the rights of the average Nigerian is adequately protected to champion this course to ensure that the victim, Justina Dusu, gets justice.’’

    Jang reportedly killed his girlfriend’s sister following a disagreement with his pregnant girlfriend, Justina. He was said to have dated Justina for about eight years before she took in a few months ago.

    Her refusal to terminate the pregnancy led to a dispute after which Jang attacked Justina and her sister, Simi, who later died in hospital.

    Jang, who has since been arrested by the police, was said to have lured his girlfriend and her older sister to his residence on the pretext that he wanted a peaceful resolution of the disagreement. He was said to have, however, inflicted machete cuts on his girlfriend and her sister before neighbours could overpower him.

    Police spokesman, Mr Terna Martins, who confirmed the incident and arrest of the suspect said: “But for the judiciary break, the suspect would have been charged to court.”

  • How to handle family problems

    Dear Harriet,

    I am 45 years old married man with children.

    Please, I need your counsel on family problems. Thanks.

    Mr. James Y., Lagos.

    Family problems come in all shapes and sizes; some are short-lived and easily managed, while others are more chronic and difficult to handle. Some are just temporary which disappear in no time, if only families learn to be patient.

    As the saying goes, there is no perfect family. That is why each family develops its own ways of coping with the various stresses like illness, injury, changing jobs, unemployment, financial difficulties and so on.

    Unsuccessful coping can be recognized by a number of characteristics as follows: poor communication, poor problem-solving, poor division of duties, lack of emotional support, differences, over-dependency on others, chronic crises.

    Poor interaction is one common problem that exists within the family. Could be that family members either avoid talking with one another due to past encounter or have not learned to listen well to what others are trying to say through their words, expressions or actions.

    As a matter of fact, a situation where conflicts and disagreements are not resolved poses as a problem to the family. This usually occurs when family members avoid discussing problems or even avoid admitting that there is a problem in the first place.

    Impression like this extends conflict which causes some discomfort and unhappiness. Some families still have not learnt  the skill of negotiating or, for some other reasons, cannot let go of bad feelings with little or no regard on how this action can affect the members of the family, bearing in mind that  children on their own pattern their attitude after their parents’ bahaviour.

    In addition, inability to settle differences within the family can also pose as a huge problem; for example, in a situation where family members are finding it difficult on deciding what problems really exist or who is responsible, the choice for working out the problem and how the family can agree upon an option and act on it can be a challenge. There may not be an agreement on what the priorities are within the family in the process.

    Another aspect that poses as a problem in a family is the area of poor division of responsibilities; families often decide how family responsibilities will be shared among family members. When situation like this occurs the life of the family becomes completely confused and many things are not accomplished.

    At the other extreme, some families are not flexible at all and family members do not help one another out or fairly reassign responsibilities as family circumstances change.

    However, cases like insufficient emotional support is not left out as a problem facing the family. Families are, especially for children, the most important source of emotional support. During the middle years, children, for instance, believe that their emotional support should come from their family. A situation where it is not available, they then start seeking for it outside the family, which as a result, puts them in danger. Note children do not perform or develop well without their family support.

    Lack of individual differences: Families function best when the individuality of each family member is acknowledged and appreciated. Personal traits and characteristics are to be highly valued. Each family member needs to tolerate and respect individual traits, and lack of this can lead to a serious problem in the family.

    When family members withhold love from one another because of family differences, children as members of the family are most likely to have difficult time developing a healthy self-image and they will have low self-esteem and limited poor social skills.

    Complete reliability on others: Children need to succeed in order to feel capable of successfully managing life’s stress and challenges. If they are taught or encouraged to depend on others (within the family or outside it) to solve their problems will be a difficult issue. It also limits their ability to challenge themselves. Low self- esteem is one common factor that is attached to over-dependency on others. As a matter of fact, this is one common problem the family suffers

    Habitual crises: Families who have some of the above characteristics are likely to have trouble coping with life’s inevitable crises. In these families, even relatively simple problems are not resolved, but take on the appearance and feel of major dilemmas. Thus by their lack of successful coping skills, these families create additional difficulties for themselves and go from crisis to crisis, with little relief and little pleasure from life or from one another.

    Although we all strive for perfection, there is no perfect family. Each family has its own strengths and weaknesses, assets and liabilities, challenges and problems. If your family seems overwhelmed with problems or if there is breakdown in relationships within your family, it is probably time for professional aid.

    As parents or guardians, your task is to meet the multiple demands of the family with energy and creativity. By so doing, you will enable your children to grow and develop in a positive, healthy way in order to experience self-fulfilment.

     

    Harriet Ogbobine is a counsellor and a motivational speaker. Send your questions and suggestions to her on bineharriet@gmail.com or text message only 08054682598. You can also follow her on twitter @bineharrietj, instagram-harrietogbobine, blog; liwh.com.ng

  • Obtaining rest in the family (3)

    I welcome you to another exciting time in God’s presence. In the first week of this teaching, I taught on the place of rest.  I said when you come to Jesus, you have rest. Last week, I also taught on rest in time of unrest.  Today, we shall be looking at Relaxing At Home.

    Peace of God is what brings about relaxation. When you are peaceful, you can be said to be relaxed. God is the Author of peace. He is not a partial God; He will give you when you ask Him and if you allow Him to be the Lord of your life, He will. His Word says: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).

    Too many people are going through one form of tension and stress or the other at home, work, with their spouses or children. Life doesn’t seem to be treating them well. For such people, relaxation is like an impossible task. In this “age of anxiety,” where humanity is threatened with nuclear bombs, natural disaster, incurable diseases and uncertainty, everyone is looking for one form of escape or the other. Those experiencing family pressures may turn to drugs. While others opt for money making ventures, others may find solace in another wife, thinking that would offer a solution. Children are not left out: some may join bad gangs with their peers, while relations seek diabolical solutions. In a bid to rid themselves of their burdens, they end up compounding them. But despite all these, the Word of God says: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

    With all these seeming escape routes, many are still left empty, unfulfilled and finally worse-off than before. Everywhere, people are looking for something to relax their nerves from a world of stress, tension and pressures. Countless people and even Christians, after their salvation experience, carry burdens and go through life with yokes around them. This just goes to show that there is no permanent solution for man in those seeming escape routes. It is possible, however, to live above the regions of pressure and stress.

    Anyone who is experiencing turbulence in the home can enjoy peace and rest by discovering the solution the Word of God offers to troubled homes and obeying them. It may not look like the solution, but God is a marriage expert. He ordained and instituted the family unit and knows how best to make it work. Just by following instructions, my home and family is a place to relax. Pressure can’t find its way in, stress is non-existent and tension can’t survive there. God has made it a place of peace for all the family members and me. Yours can experience the same too, if you can practise what it takes.

    I don’t know the kind of burden you have been carrying about, but today, as you continue to read God’s Word, it will show you what to do in order to live stress-free. You can relax at home! If you are willing to do what it takes, God’s presence will be with you even where you are now. If you agree with His Word right where you are, He will take every burden off your life and every yoke off your shoulder. The Bible says: COME unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).

    If you are tired of being burdened at home and you need to relax, Jesus Christ says, “Come”. Imagine a man running a race with a bag of cement on his head. He wants to win but the weight on his head is a hindrance. This illustrates what many families are experiencing. Burdens, weights, cares and worries have robbed them of reaching that goal of a peaceful home. I want you to know that absence of peace in the family does not make for relaxation. Relax yourself in the arms of the Lord Jesus and lay your burdens at His feet. Until you do that, you can’t lay hold on the rest that God has for you.

    No one else can carry your burden except the Lord Jesus. It doesn’t matter what the burden is, whether it is bad examination results, financial hardship or childlessness, Jesus says, “Come unto me…and I will give you rest”. In other words, Jesus is determined, set and ready to give you rest if only you will let Him. You have a duty to perform by coming to Jesus. The Bible describes Jesus Christ as “The Word of God” (Revelation 19:13).  Therefore, coming to Jesus simply means coming to the Word of God as the final solution to every problem. Look at this sister’s testimony:

    “My marriage technically broke down on the wedding day, at the reception table!  But I stayed on in it for almost a decade.  It was a thorn in the flesh.  Eventually, I had to leave. Right inside my matrimonial home, I got a SAN to prosecute the divorce.

    I got born again after then, but the Word never came to me till I heard a teaching on forgiveness in the church, which made me realise that I had been living in self-righteousness all along.  I forgive but don’t forget. I got this corrected in my mind and through the anointed book, Marriage Covenant, preaching of men of God and anointed counselling, my marriage got miraculously healed. Right now, I’m having a honeymoon.” (Olaleye)

    There is hope for your home! Someone said talking with God is the prescription for anxiety. As you communicate with the Lord and He communicates to you through His Word, tension and worry will be a thing of the past. With the exit of tension and stress, your home will be a place to return to and relax after the days work or activities. To have a home of relaxation, you must get connected to God by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. That is what being born again is all about.  Now is the best time to be born again; so, please do not postpone or procrastinate because tomorrow might be too late. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer and you shall be born again: “Dear Lord Jesus, I come to you today. I believe you died and rose again for my sake. Forgive me my sins, take my life and make me a child of God today as You plant Your rest in my life.”

    If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

    Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.

    For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).