The Nation Newspaper

Tag: government

  • Anambra community protests government’s neglect

    •‘Allegations unfounded’

    Youths of Ogbunike community in Oyi Local Government of Anambra State yesterday marched on the streets to protest their alleged neglect by the government.

    According to them, the Wille Obiano-led government had neglected their basic needs, failed to fulfil its electoral promises and played the politics of exclusion.

    The protesters, under the auspices of United Ogbunike Youths Association, marched through Oye Olisa Market junction and the Awka Old road, before receding to the Ogbunike Town Hall, chanting protest songs.

    The chairman, Board of Trustees, Chibuzor Unachukwu said the protest became necessary because the Obiano-led administration had reneged on all the promises it made to the community, though his wife is an Ogbunike daughter.

    He presented an eight-point communique by the aggrieved youths, noting that the first project ever inaugurated in Ogbunike since the inception of the present administration was a toilet facility which, according to him, was sponsored by an oil mogul from Ukpo community, Dunukofia Local Government.

    Unachukwu regretted that after working for Obiano’s success and visiting him, the governor promised the urbanidation of Ogbunike community but they are filled with regret today that all the promises had not been fulfilled.

    But Obiano’s media aide Emeka Ozumba, in a statement yesterday, said there were fears that some opposition elements may have infiltrated the peaceful town of Ogbunike to instigate youths to stage the protest.

    Ozumba said the allegations had no relationship with the truth, and were obviously orchestrated to mislead and incite unsuspecting residents against Mrs. Obiano.

    The statement reads: “The wife of the governor has neither a statutory role nor financial allocation from the government. Her role as the governor’s wife has no executive powers to it. “However, to support her husband’s programmes, she set up an NGO, under whose auspices she does charitable programmes and projects, including the popular CAFÉ Housing Programme for indigent widows.”

    Ozumba said the government had executed several projects, including roads in Ogbunike, which the monarch, Igwe John Umenyiriora, even attested to.

  • Religion, government and the Southern Kaduna killings

    Southern Kaduna has for so long now been under siege by terrorists who are confirmed to be Fulani Herdsmen that are often well armed with sophisticated weapons. The attacks have been unrelenting, bloody, unprovoked, unwarranted and indeed unjustified on innocent and vulnerable peasant communities of our environment. As a result of this hundreds of people have been killed, several communities burnt with the inhabitants internally displaced, and in many cases, the remaining houses not burnt have been vandalised and stripped of roofs, windows and doors to discourage them from returning back to their homes. We wish to commend all people of good will who have stood in solidarity with the southern Kaduna people by their condemnation of these forms of unjustified aggression against a defenseless people. We are also grateful to all those who have given support to the victims materially and through their prayers in view of the very little attention received from Government at both the State and Federal levels or their agencies. The impact of the relevant agencies responsible for relieve services such as NEMA and SEMA have been minimal. And because of Government’s bias towards the people, there is no plan for Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of the ruined environment as is the case with the North Eastern region of Nigeria, including parts of Plateau and Kano States. It is our considered position that if Government had wielded into this matter with sincerity and seriousness, in the way she responded to the menace of rustication in Zamfara State and Birnin Gwari area in Kaduna State, things would not have gotten to the messy state they are today. The federal government exhibited a spirit of nonchalance until recently when the Vice President made some pronouncements, warning that decisive action must be taken so that the crisis will not consume all of us in the nation. The attitude of the state government has been marred by lots of complicity and bias which exacerbated rather than ameliorate tensions. The Governor in most cases seemed to have abdicated his responsibility of being Governor to all us, and instead gave in to the luxury of waging an unrelenting media campaign against Southern Kaduna people. He unabashedly takes sides with the armed herdsmen (His kinsmen) thereby failing in his responsibility as a true statesman, becoming therefore a biased umpire who blames and criminalizes Southern Kaduna victims as the cause of the mayhem. The Governor has made several efforts in the media to discredit figure of casualties that were arrived at through painstaking research, and is known for trying to change the true narrative by presenting the victims as the villain and the aggressors as the prey. The Governor has the penchance of using state apparatus to insult, denigrate, intimidate, arrest and put in prison all voices of reason from Southern Kaduna who dare to challenge his handling of this crisis. Among those that have fallen victims of his tyranny are: traditional rulers, journalists, youths, political leaders, academics, while threatening our lawyers and other leaders (Religious and Unions) with arrest for daring to speak out against the genocide.

    The primary responsibility of government as enshrined in the constitution is the protection of life and property of citizens irrespective of ethnic and/or religious persuasion. Any breach of this fundamental principle of social contract contravenes the very reason for which Government exist ..for. Unfortunately, our government both at the Federal and State levels have failed woefully in this regard because of their inability to rise above ethnic and religious bias. If anything, government has shown outright partisanship in favor of the herdsmen to the disappointment of the majority Southern Kaduna indigenes and Christians. Because of Government’s inability to serve as an un-biased umpire in the face of these crises, we are sometimes tempted to belief that there is a well planned Jihad against the people of Southern Kaduna, and Christians generally in Northern Nigeria as this is amply demonstrated by the incessant attacks and atrocities committed against the aborigines of the Middle Belt region in Northern Nigeria. The sole aim of these attacks is to conquer our people and occupy their lush lands and turning same into grazing fields for the marauding nomads. The Governor of Kaduna State is pursuing this detestable policy by his plan to forcefully take over lands in Southern Kaduna and turn same to Grazing Reserves and Routes for his kinsmen. To show Government’s insensitivity on this volatile matter, there are ongoing expansionist plans to annex more land to the already existing grazing reserves at Ladduga in Ikulu Chiefdom of Zangon Kataf Local Government area and transmute that locality from being a district into an eimirate.

    The killings continue unabatedly in fields and bushes, thereby preventing farmers from visiting and cultivating their lands. This is happening today as the Military and other security forces mount road blocks in towns and major roads while bushes remain un-safe for farming. In the Godogodo and Pasakori attacks in Jemaá Local government area for example, the military merely watched and supervised the killings and burning of homes on the pretext that their mandate did not include fighting the herdsmen. When the youth mobilized themselves to repel the attackers, the soldiers deliberately blocked them from entering the town. The herdsmen and their collaborators turned the towns into killing fields and killed mostly women, children and the elderly who couldn’t run for cover. The level of barbarity was such that pregnant women got their wombs blown out and massacred before their children. And these innocent children were not spared either. This level of viciousness was never witnessed even in the brutal tyranny and regime of Adolf Hitler. What is most intriguing is the level of sophistication of weapons; Ak 47, Machine Guns and many other deadly instruments of death are being freely used by the Herdsmen, leaving many wondering how these weapons got to their hands.

    Those that divine providence have enstrusted with the chilling responsibility of governing the State politically must govern justly and in a manner that includes not one that excludes other segments of the State. We therefore ask for Good Governance in Kaduna State that will include the following: 1. That those who take up the mantle of leadership will see the whole state as their Constituency and so should devout themselves conscientiously to ensure Justice and fairness for all irrespective of Religious, ethnic and political considerations. 2. That they will work hard to ensure equitable distribution of political offices among adherents of the two main religions in the State. 3. That they will see to it that in the application and use of resources that had accrued to the State and the siting or locating of developmental projects and services for the improvement of the quality of life of the people, that due regard is given to the North/South divide in the State and that no part of the State is placed in a disadvantaged position. 4. That the delineation of constituencies and siting of polling units which was arbitrarily and fraudulently carried out in the past to ensure rigging from the source in favour of one section and religion in Kaduna State must be revisited and corrected using both the geographical and numeric data that were ignored when the current policy was foisted on the people. 5. We also demand that giving the destruction that has taken place in Southern Kaduna in terms of loss of lives and properties, that the policy of reconstruction and rehabilitation undertaken by the Federal Government in respect of the North East and some parts of Plateau and Kano State must be extended to Southern Kaduna not as a concession but an entitlement. We ask that a bill for this be presented at both State and National Legislative assemblies. 6. That they will see to it that the success achieved so far in the promotion of a culture of Religious and ethnic harmony in the State by the Makarfi and other past administrations in the State are not only sustained but further built upon and strengthened.

    Despite these imbalances in our Nation and in our State, here we are again celebrating another feast of the resurrection of Christ. The fact of our Lord’s resurrection revolutionized the lives of the disciples of Christ. It transformed them from being a timid and sometimes a seemingly clueless group of disciple, to a fearless and courageous team that turned Jerusalem at some point upside down. Our faith therefore in the risen Christ must so influence and transform our lives as it did to the lives of the disciples of Christ particularly at the times of persecution such as we are facing. The injustices in our Society not withstanding, we exhort believers not to be fainthearted but courageous in facing the challenges of our time. We are to renew our faith and commitment to the living and resurrected Jesus, who triumphed over death and evil as the way to surmounting all the abuses and discrimination that we suffer in Nigeria today.

     

    • Bagobiri is the Catholic Bishop of Kafanchan Diocese and Chairman, Southern Kaduna Christian Elders’ Association and can be reached via bagobirijoe@gmail.com
  • Church urges government to release Kanu

    Church urges government to release Kanu

    The Methodist Church of Nigeria, Umuahia Archdiocese, has asked the Federal Government to release leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
    The request was contained in a communiqué issued after a news conference to mark the end of the 56th annual diocesan synod at the All Saints Methodist Church, Amazukwu.
    The synod said the government should not pretend to be indifferent to concerns about the continued incarceration of Kanu, advising it to listen to appeals for his release.
    The communique, read by Rev. Evans Onyemara, noted that releasing Kanu would help the Federal Government “promote national unity, peace cohesion and curbing of youth restiveness”.
    “The synod is happy with the achievement of the anti-corruption war, through the whistle blowing, which has occasioned the recovery of billions of dollars looted and dumped at shallow graves, dustbins lodges and other hidden places.
    “We are happy with the zero tolerance for corruption which has become the signature of the Buhari-led government; the synod will continue to pray that this fight is sustained without respect to sacred cows.
    “The synod urges the government to sustain the effort and use recovered funds to establish industries that will employ the youths, while culprits are prosecuted,” the communique said.

  • ‘On economy, government should consult across parties’

    ‘On economy, government should consult across parties’

    Dr. Phillip Ntoh, a former World Bank Consultant, erstwhile Finance Commissioner and now Provost, Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu (ASCETA), in this brief encounter at the institute’s matriculation ceremony, spoke about the country’s economy, the politics and governance in Abia State under Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and other issues. Excerpts  

    On Nigerian economy, are you worried that we are not getting it right?

    The situation is worrisome but this is not the platform for such discussion. I have made presentations at different fora and have granted interviews on the issue, so I do not think I want to continue to talk about it. As I have said at different fora, I still think that government needs to make more consultation. There is no situation that is unsurmountable, there is a solution to every challenge and that solution is what one expects from government. They should not limit their search for solution but must cut across parties and ensure they get the best advice. We have seasoned experts, scholars that abound in Nigeria and beyond; it is the duty of government to locate those people and tap from their expertise. There is nothing about the economy that cannot be tackled; the GDP and other micro economic indicators, like inflation rate, purchasing power, exchange rate etc. With good plan and good efforts on the part of government to redirect some of their policies we can revise the trend of what we have today. There is the need to convert our raw materials into finished goods; it is the only way to add value that you produce. There is the need to diversify the economy and the plans must be convincing that we are serious. The signal of what we are passing through now was there because when I was the finance commissioner I know I wrote a memo to the governor and made predictions on the economy but as I said, this is not the platform for such discussion or debate.

    How would you assess Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s leadership in Abia State?

    I can tell you that Governor Ikpeazu has done so well in all aspects. The way you assess a leader is the ability to manage scarce resources at ones disposal. He has done well to ensure that the state is working. The state, if you go round, is but a construction site and he is ensuring that no sector is neglected. This is the first time for instance that a sitting governor is visiting ASCETA and that goes to show you that his ears are everywhere and he has the passion to develop Abia. He is always interested in what happens in every part of the state and to me that is the hallmark of leadership: to rise up as occasion demands in tackling challenges.

    You are already one year in office; what are the problems you have encountered and the prospects?

    For me the job is like a test case. A test in the sense that having performed excellently as a commissioner for finance under the Governor Theodore Orji administration, the present governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, looked at it as a test coming from the ivory tower to see if I will perform again. It is also a test given the fact that the school is located in my local government. So, the people from my area will want me to prove myself again. It is also a test case by my colleagues in the university who will want to see what this academic can do. So that is why to me, given the background, I felt this is another opportunity to prove myself. For me, it is a call to serve my people especially against the background that the institution has been in a state of coma or moribund for the past seven years.

    What are the challenges or major projects you have?

    In terms of projects, aside infrastructure, which I may say has no end, we will continue to work on the environment so as to make it more conducive for our students and staff. Another issue or challenge one is facing is enhancing the staff welfare package because if they are not well motivated, they won’t do much. I want to ensure the staff welfare package is taken care off. The governor has shown great interest in this direction. Immediately I assumed office, he directed me to set up a committee that will harmonise their salary; that will be at par with what other state-owned institutions earn. So, we have concluded our report and the governor, knowing the kind of person he is, will soon give approval to that report.

  • A change of guards for the change government

    It was purely in the realm of speculation in some quarters that a cabinet shakeup was imminent, and that Edo Ex-Governor Oshiomhole had been penciled down for a ministerial position.

    Well if that is so, that would be good because he is one man I would describe as resourceful. He would be an asset in cabinet. But for some other people holding certain offices, the time for SHAKE-OFF has long come, so let us say goodbye to those ones. This administration is fast approaching the mid-term mark and a change of guards by then is quite in order to steer the ship of state in the second half of the term.

    I must say I cannot understand why it is that when a new president steps in; those on political appointments do not automatically bow out. That is the case with the American presidential system which Nigeria’s is patterned on, but this aspect is never pursued. In America, even judges bow out when a new Number 1 citizen comes in. Here, when people are given a presidential ‘Thank you – for – services’ and then replaced, these appointees march to court to sue the new president!

    Notice that in other climes there is always that transition between elections and handing over; and there has never been the first election petition; talking about in other African countries. That period is for fine-tuning one’s cabinet appointees, transiting in/out of official residence and briefings here and there. But over here where we jettisoned the transparent OPTION A4 and gleefully held onto our rigging machinery; that transition period is devoted in the main to election petitions, tribunals and post election violence and skirmishes. Not much time is left of this for making up an appointment list.

    I was interviewed by some national dailies last year and one of the things I said was that the CBN Governor and the Chief of Army Staff should be dropped. As at the time of that interview, their poor performances had not sunk to the woeful levels we have it today.

    The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (I am believing that is the one with a group of old academic theorists; the same as has been in the last 20 years) that group needs to be disbanded FOREVER.

    The state of the economy is the reason and the proof of their emptiness; evident.

    There is a cunning way people who hope for political positions go about their ‘lobby’. They go to the press and fire a steady stream of criticism against the government in position, attacking every single step or misstep taken with relish. Dr. Reuben Abati even co-hosted a television program with government criticism as its theme. It has worked for many. Femi Fani Kayode was openly  abusive of the PDP president, was made minister of Aviation – and then started hurling his abuses at the APC. Even Dr. Abati mentioned above was made presidential spokesman! And from the second he got his desired appointment to the end of that administration – THE GOVERNMENT COULD DO NO WRONG.

    Now what am I saying – beware of Doctors Abati and Oby Okweselesi Nwodo. So desperate is Dr. Oby for a cabinet position that it only remains to hand her CV to any friend of a friend of a friend of Buhari. But her woeful performance in the Obasanjo administration marks her out – for good. It is simply amusing to note that Abati is hungry for another opportunity in the Change government – he has suddenly found his tongue for criticizing presidents again! What can we say… don’t mind him, jare.

    Given our enormous challenges in all three sectors (all major), then Mr. Fashola’s portfolio is far too large for him, even for anyone. That Ministry needs now be split. Power, Works and Housing!

    The EFCC: I quote the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki verbatim            “I want to urge the president to nominate another person  since Magu can no longer act as the Chairman of the EFCC” …I want to urge him (the president) to do same urgently.

    As a woman I have not felt any direct impact of the Ministry of Women Affairs. Neither has any woman I know. I guess I am too far removed. What is worrisome however is that I am increasingly innundated by news reports of horrifying ordeals of Nigerian women. Cases of domestic violence, assault and killings, rape, rampaging herdmen attacking women and last week, the case of police brutality on a nursing mother with her little baby. Sherifat Bello, killed by her husband for ritual purposes and buried in a shallow grave. Titi – the murdered banker! I have not seen the Minister or the Ministry of Women Affairs in any of these. And I wonder.

    Is there anybody AT ALL in charge of the Human Rights Commission?      If so with all that’s going on in every locale nationwide, it is clear that he/she is unable to handle things. Fresh blood is Needed, so that less blood is Spilt please.

    Please is there a Minister for Justice?! That person must be thanking his stars everyday that GANI FAWEHINMI, THE NATION’S GADFLY IS NO MORE!! The Justice Minister really needs to see that this third arm of government is a democratic bedrock and not just one more political appointment. Isn’t it even they in the legal profession who say that Justice Must Be Done, And Must Be Seen to Be Done? The Minister must sit up now, shape up or ship out.

    The delay in budget implementation in an economy in recession is not a recipe for success. The Finance Ministry needs to be beefed up. The Minister Mrs. Kemi Adeosun is doing a great job. There could possibly be 2 ministers of State in that Department, or an agency that can properly interpret economic blueprints to have an impact on the people – the reason for government at all.

    Now this is so important that I wish, like Governor El-Rufai that I could send a memo directly to the President. There should be a sense of normalcy this time in the nominations for cabinet appointments. No rude shocks now of a list replete with opposition party members, while those who were sold out for this presidency, who worked hard in risky circumstances, are not even considered in the formation of government.

    This Is Because The Person Who Cannot Identify With One’s Vision, Will Only Bring Di-Vision.

     

  • Kebbi Government to create jobs for 2,450 youths

    The Kebbi Government is to create jobs for 2,450 youths to discourage thuggery and other vices.

    The state Gov. Atiku Bagudu gave the assurance while addressing supporters of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

    “About 117 unemployed youths will be registered in each local government area to become self-reliant,” Bagudu said.

    He said that local governments had been directed to begin the registration to speed up the job creation.

    The governor attributed the state’s success in rice and wheat production to hard work and dedication by stakeholders.

    He assured that his administration would continue to deliver democracy dividends to people of the state.

    Earlier the state Chairman of APC, Alhaji Attahiru Maccido, advised the youth to take advantage of the youth empowerment programme.

    Maccido assured the governor that well-meaning people of the state would continue to support his administration’s efforts to move the state forward.

  • Family Government (3)

    Dear Reader,

    Last week, we saw the place of the woman in handling her primary responsibility to her husband in the area of family government. When the Word is discovered and applied with wisdom, treasures are uncovered that makes for fulfilment in family life.

    Handling finances is a very sensitive area in the family. It is important to understand the place of money in the family to avoid tension. That is why, today, I shall be unveiling some key spots about Family Finances.

    God’s Word says: For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence… (Ecclesiastes 7:12). Money is simply a medium of exchange, but it is referred to as a defense, because with it you are not embarrassed.

    Right from the time God blessed Adam with a wife, he has been the head of the family. This placed upon him the responsibility of providing for his household (1 Timothy 5:8). So, by God’s arrangement, you, as the man, are to provide for your family. You are the one who must ensure that there is food for members of your family. You must also ensure that your family members are well taken care of, especially your immediate family members (Song of Solomon 1:6).

    Thus, as a husband, you cannot afford to be lazy. Your hands must be working hands. God’s Word says: Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase (Proverbs 13:11). There is dignity in labour. In fact, God’s Word enjoins that a man who is too slothful to find gainful employment should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

    You are also responsible for catering for your wife and children. If you fail in this duty, you are a failure indeed! It is a curse for the wife to take on this responsibility.

    To the woman, everything you have belongs to your husband, even your income. If you are employed outside the home, you must submit all to him. This is so because in family finance, there should be no ‘his’ and ‘hers’. Both should have access to each other’s money. Where there is a joint account, no one should spend money without informing the other.

    Trust is the key word in family finance. Husband and wife must trust each other enough to put their money together and be prudent in spending it. Note that accountability boost trust. In a situation whereby no one wants to be accountable to the other, there will be no progress financially. The virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:11 is trustworthy!

    Another key point in the area of family finance is giving.  God is a giving God. He demonstrated His love for man by taking the initiative and giving us His Son, even when no man understood what He was doing and could not say, “Thank you”.

    Therefore, if you claim to be God’s children, you must imitate Him in all things (1 John 4:7). Giving gifts to one another spices up the family. You can take initiative to surprise your spouse and children with thoughtful little gifts. If it did wonders for you during your courtship days, it will do you no harm to carry the habit over into the family.

    Since two are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9), you can “better” your giving to the Lord by giving as a family, thus making better your receiving (Luke 6:38). As a family, you must be encouraged to sow seeds. Ensure that your tithe and offering are paid, either separately as husband, wife and children or together as a family. There is a portion to eat and a portion to sow (Proverbs 11:24).

    As a family, you must also be generous to the poor, the underprivileged, and those who do not have as much as you do.  God loves the merciful and releases blessings upon them (Proverbs 28:27). When you reach out to bless the poor, God ensures that you do not lack.

    It is also wisdom to give to men of God. As a couple, especially, you must provoke each other to do right things. Sowing to men of God, who are placed over us is right and provokes great blessings from the Lord. God is glorified when you handle your money this way.

    Also, you have an undeniable responsibility towards your parents. It is your duty to honour your parents according to how God has blessed you. You must honour your parents if life must be well with you (Ephesians 6:1-3).

    The “grace to be responsible” in the area of finances is the privilege of those born again. You can become born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus Christ into your life. If you are ready for this, please say this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

    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, pstfaithoyedepo@gmail.com; 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).

  • Increase in BRT fares will impoverish us – Lagos residents

    Increase in BRT fares will impoverish us – Lagos residents

    Some residents of Ikorodu on Wednesday complained that the reviewed transport fares of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) would further impoverish the citizens of Lagos State, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The residents told NAN that the increase in fares was untimely, considering the prevailing economic situation in the country.

    They appealed to the Lagos State Government to review the transport fares of the various routes to ease the discomfort being experienced by commuters.

    NAN further reports that transport fares from Ikorodu to TBS was increased from N200 to N300; Ikorodu to Fadeyi increased from N120 to N200; while Ikorodu to Mile 12 increased from N75 to N100.

    A trader, Mrs Adeola Adebiyi, complained that the increase in fares was astronomical.

    She said that the increase would not serve the interest of the common man.

    “We actually expect the government to be humane in the reviewed price considering that the masses are presently facing a lot of challenges, ranging from increase in prices of food, electricity, house rent and school fees.

    “The burden upon us is much. We can barely make ends meet because sales at the market had been low since the beginning of the year, due to low purchasing power of customers.

    “We are living from ‘hand to mouth,’ government should help us.

    “We understand the concerns of the bus operators pertaining to increase in cost of diesel and maintenance of the buses.

    “We appeal that Ikorodu to TBS route be reviewed to N250 instead of N300,” she said.

    A civil servant, Mr Kunle Aderogba, advised that transport fare should be subsidised by the government to alleviate the sufferings of the citizens.

    “The transport fare of BRT bus is a solace to many low income earners but now that has changed with the reviewed transport fares.

    “For years, government has not reviewed the salaries of workers and it has taken a toll on our lifestyle as we have adjusted to our meagre income.

    “We urge the government to consider the societal impact of the reviewed fares on the masses and emulate former Gov. Babatunde Fashola, who only reviewed BRT fares upward by N20,’’ he said. (NAN)

  • ‘Government needs to make rice farming attractive’

    ‘Government needs to make rice farming attractive’

    Tobi Fletcher a budding entrepreneur is doing his bit to fulfil his passion in business. The microbiologist who hails from Ofada town, Obafemi Owode Area of Ogun State, famous for the production of local ofada rice sees farming as a veritable avenue to grow the economy.

    Speaking in an interview with The Nation, Fletcher lamented that it was disheartening to note that though Ofada town originally known for the production of rice but has been overran by real estate developers.

    “All the land in Ofada town that where originally used for harvesting and planting of rice has been sold and used to build residential estates and all due to its proximity to Lagos. Almost all the land there has been sold.”

    Little wonder he has decided to dedicate his time and resources towards the growth and production of the local rice. “My great grandparents were amongst the first farmers of ofada rice and they were the ones that actually discovered it, and for so long a lot has not been said about them which is the typical Nigerian way. I’ve decided to build on the legacy which they started.”

    Thankfully, he revealed that he has since set up a cafeteria that deals mainly on the local delicacy. “I actually started as a caterer of ofada rice. I cook it and serve in parties. The reason for this is because as at the time I started, I found out that almost all the ofada rice in circulation were very stony and had this foul smell and I felt it could be done a lot better so I started my own brand so I could promote the rice and make people know it can actually be done better.”

    Justifying the production of the local rice, Fletcher who is fondly called Ofada Boy by friends and associates said matter-of-factly that: “Not many people know that the unpolished rice has more health benefits than the polished rice. It’s one of the few grains cultivated without chemicals. Ofada rice emits a unique aroma when cooked. It is self-preserving and one of the foods that add value to the lives of the health-conscious people including those who are diabetic.”

    Speaking further, he said ofada rice is very beneficial for digestive system, it promotes healthy bowel movements, thereby helping to prevent constipation. “It high fibre content controls the amount of calories intake and makes it filling, thereby reducing chances of overeating and minerals, the cellulose of ofada rice not only increases the fibre content but also contains a variety of colour pigments that is beneficial for health.”

    While reiterating plans to revive the growth and production of ofada rice, he urged sons and daughters of Ofada extraction to work in unison to make this a reality.

  • Family Government (2)

    Dear Reader,

    Welcome to this week’s teaching. Last week, I started this teaching series on Family Government and we examined the responsibilities required of the man, as the head of the family. This week, we will be examining The Responsibilities of the Woman in the family.

    The role of the woman in family government is one of submission. To “submit” means to put oneself under the authority of another. A wife is therefore scripturally expected to be under the authority of her husband. So woman, if you are the type that your husband cannot instruct; then you are not submissive!

    God’s Word in Ephesians 5:22 says: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands. You have a primary responsibility of submitting to the leadership of the man as commanded by God. According to the creation story recounted in Genesis 2:22, God took a rib from the side of the man to form the woman. This means that the role of the woman is beside the man in submission.

    My husband used to say that anything that has two heads is a monster and I agree with him. In a family government, there is only one head recognised by God and that is the man. This is unquestionable and non-negotiable.

    Also, it is hypocrisy when submission is not genuinely from the heart. Genuine submission to your husband should reflect in your speech and behaviour in public, and private. Your words will reveal it and of course, your actions will speak even louder than your words! Submission should cover every area. Even if your husband is an unbeliever, he is still the husband, so you the wife, should submit.

    However, it is also important to note that submission to the authority of your husband does not mean doing it in foolishness.  Any submission that will make you go into sin, disobey God’s Word and eventually miss heaven is unscriptural. When whatever you do, does not fit into the Lord’s command as Ephesians 5:22 and Colossians 3:18 admonishes, you are to decline. This, however, must be done in meekness.

    Submission should provoke you to contribute to the success of the family government by giving reasonable suggestions, ideas, prayers and other forms of helps as the case may be. Allow no room for arguments, fighting and disagreement because they are easy access by which the enemy comes in. Communicate effectively in wisdom.

    There are four major keys that make submission easy, and they are: prayer, obedience, love and humility. If you don’t love your husband, you will find it difficult to submit to him (Titus 2:4).  I have been married for over three decades now, and my husband and I have never had an occasion to look at each other in the face in a scuffle, argument or fight. Your submission speaks for you and wins your husband (1 Peter 3:1). I am a living testimony to the fact that it is possible to live together without fighting and arguing, and many couples are enjoying the same blessing. If it is working for others and me, it will also work for you, if you believe, in Jesus’ name.

    This sister’s testimony will build up your hope and determination in fulfilling your responsibility in your government:

    “I lost my marriage in 1996, due to stupidity and ignorance. I came to the Bible School in August, and during the course on Family Life, the Bishop’s wife said, ‘Divorce can be healed.  Wounds can be healed, but the scars remain forever. As much as possible, fight them’.

    I made up my mind to fight it and take my home back. I discovered that there were some things I needed to drop from my life. God worked on me through the messages I received on this altar, and I straightened my path. Right now, we are reconciled and there is peace in my home. My husband has more respect for me now, and I have also learnt to respect him better. I give God all the glory!”  Adeniran, F. (Mrs.)

    God is still in the business of restoration and He will restore, and help you make things right again as you accept Him through His Son, Jesus Christ, and become born again. If you will like to be born again and begin to enjoy God’s help and peace in your home, please say this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

    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, pstfaithoyedepo@gmail.com; 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).