The Nation Newspaper

Tag: holiday

  • One birthday and the world went on holiday

    One birthday and the world went on holiday

    • By Jimoh Ibrahim

    Yes, let’s keep empiricism for a while. Those who think there is no God can now tell from the events of 25th December (The common Christian traditional birthdate of Jesus, a date first asserted officially by Pope Julius I in 350 AD) every year how the birthday of the son of the creator, our Lord Jesus Christ, the entire world was shot down for the peace of celebration and not war. What can be more empirical, and if Jesus was not born on that day, why are you observing the holiday? Our relationships, peace of mind, and, ultimately, eternal destiny. The Bible claims to be God’s inspired Word and repeatedly declares its message is valid—without any error. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that each one of us determines for ourselves whether the Bible is indeed the Word of God. What cannot be disputed remains in the celebration of the 25th of December for everyone observing the holiday and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, exchanging gifts, eating the best food, and observing prayers. It is the only day of the year we all take to happiness in his remembrance. While law courts are closed, lawmakers close chambers. Even Presidents went on holiday!

    A big fear of living after death is that we will give an account to God about how we responded to Jesus Christ’s offer of salvation through His death on the cross. On the other hand, if the Bible is not true and God does not exist, then we are free to live as we please. If God does not exist, we will solely experience the consequences of our choices. The philosophy of “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die” is a logical response if there is no God and the universe has no purpose. Without God, we are free to live as we please. But the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and this explains the apprehension of fear of going to heal and the need to be kind to humanity as we observe on 25th December every year celebrating the birth of Jesus.

    Read Also: BREAKING: FG declares December 25, 26, January 1, 2024, public holidays

    Yes, for those still waiting for God to speak to them directly as evidence of God revealing himself to humanity, don’t forget that it is impossible for any human, or even Satan, to predict future events with precise accuracy, for the Bible said. “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, my counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:9–10). The evidence from hundreds of fulfilled prophecies regarding the life and death of Jesus Christ provides the most substantial and evident proof of the Bible’s divine inspiration. A few examples cited by the signature of God include the undisputed evidence that The Bible’s primary purpose is to reveal God’s plan of salvation. However, whenever Scripture deals with history, archaeology, nature, medicine, or science, it reveals advanced knowledge that is true and verifiable. Such biblical statements were first recorded far in advance of the knowledge available during the time of the original.

    Human writers believe that the Bible’s wisdom, knowledge, and ethics proclaim its supernatural origin to anyone seeking answers to life’s most profound questions. The wisest people of all cultures and times are committed to its truths. And that the Scriptures contain advanced medical and sanitation knowledge from thousands of years ago. This medical knowledge has saved countless lives. In addition, its lifesaving commands still prove their worth today, as the Bible remains living proof. Again, don’t forget that Historians of the ancient world and recent archaeological finds confirm the names of kings and kingdoms and the dates of wars and mass migrations mentioned in the Bible. Recent breakthroughs in astronomy, physics, and medical science have shown that God’s Word is accurate, and there is no evidence to the contrary.

    The holiday is here, and as we celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is essential to reflect on the lessons of the celebration on days like this, as the gap is gradually closing and the reality that Jesus will soon be here. There is no escape but a sound reward for human kindness. I do know that there is no number of sins here that can justify your missing heaven. It is my assurance that you will make it.

    I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.

    • Jimoh Ibrahim holds a Doctorate in Management Science from the University of Cambridge and another Doctorate in Modern War Studies from the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom. He is the Senator representing Ondo South at the Nigerian Senate.
  • Tomorrow is Maolud Nabiyy holiday

    Tomorrow is Maolud Nabiyy holiday

    The Federal Government has declared tomorrow as public holiday in commemoration of Maolud Nabiyy celebration, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him.)

    Interior Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this last night in Abuja on behalf of the government.

    In a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, the minister congratulated the Muslim faithful at home and in the diaspora for witnessing this year’s occasion. 

    Read Also: Give us more ministers, southeast APC youths beg Tinubu

    He urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love, patience, tolerance, and perseverance, saying these are deep spiritual virtues that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified. 

    Tunji-Ojo advised the youth to embrace hard work and peaceful dispositions to fellow citizens, irrespective of faith, ideology, social class and ethnicity.

    He urged them to join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build a progressive country. 

  • 100th Day public holiday!

    100th Day public holiday!

    Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu marked his 100th day in office recently with a peculiar offering. He declared the day, Friday 8th September, a public holiday for the state’s civil servants. It was by all accounts a novel tack, because a more familiar way of commemorating the day is highlighting modest achievements of the particular administration in those early days of its tenure and, if there are specific projects undertaken within the short period, to use the day to unveil such projects.

    The culture of marking the first 100 days in office dates back to United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was elected to office during the Great Depression and within 100 days dispatched a series of laws to Congress to tackle the trend. On 25th July, 1933, Roosevelt gave a radio address in which he coined the term “first 100 days,” saying: “Looking back, we all wanted the opportunity of a little quiet thought to examine and assimilate in a mental picture the crowding events of the hundred days which had been devoted to the starting of the wheels of the economy.” In our clime nowadays, we commemorate this landmark by evaluating the initial strides of those elected into office as a way of gauging what their respective administration has is store for their respective constituents.

    Read Also: Tinubu mandates training of talents in digital skills

    But  Governor Aliyu apparently had other parameters for marking the day. At a special prayer in Sokoto organised by the state government as part of activities lined up for his 100th day in office, he said the day was remarkable and would remain historic for the victory and growth of democracy in the state. Aliyu used the occasion to extend an olive branch to political opponents, stating: “I have been saying and will continue to say that election is over and all political opposition should be suspended. My door is open to accept any positive criticism that will aid our administration to do well for our state. More so, I will continue to welcome everyone who in one way or the other has good intention of supporting the development of our state.” The icing was his declaring the day a public holiday for public workers.

    Really! The intention of Mr. Governor in declaring the day work-free wasn’t so clear. Was 100th day of tenure an achievement in itself, such that it had to be marked festally? Besides, the administration was just taking off and one would think it was rather time to get all hands onto deck to stabilise its assent, but the governor thought it better to call the hands off deck! Some rites of passage could get comical when the votary does not have a good grasp of its significance.

  • Tomorrow is Eid-El-Maulud holiday

    THE Federal Government has declared tomorrow as public holiday to mark the Eid-El-Maulud celebration.

    Minister of Interior Lt-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd), who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, enjoined Muslim faithful and Nigerians to use the celebration to pray for peace, progress and unity of the nation.

  • Sustain tax holiday policy, Labour leader urges govt

    Sustain tax holiday policy, Labour leader urges govt

    The Federal Government has been urged to sustain the tax holiday policy and ensure that its implementation is adequately monitored to forestall corrupt practices.

    Speaking with The Nation, President, National Union of Chemical, Footwear (NUCFRLANMPE), Comrade Olatunji Babatunde, said if carefully guided, tax holiday would attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and domestic investments, which would generate employment.

    He said with tax holiday, the number of companies relocating to neighbouring countries and the closure of companies would be reduced.

    “Companies will no longer relocate to neighbouring countries. There will be employment. Crime rate will be reduced because able-bodied people are gainfully employed.

    “Volumes of trade will appreciate. Massive importation of consumer goods will reduce thereby pave the way for exportation or self-sufficiency and the government will derive more revenue,’’ Babatunde said.

    He, however, said depletion of revenue base was not a sufficient reason to stop tax holiday as such holiday is futuristic in nature.

    “The gains may not be a short term gains, but long term,’’ he said.

    Meanwhile, in line with the tax incentive, the Federal Government announced in September that it would grant a 10-year tax incentive to Dangote Group after the company has agreed to rehabilitate the Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway.

    The government handed over the design of the 35km Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki Expressway to Dangote Group in furtherance to steps by the government to rehabilitate the road.

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently urged the Federal Government to phase out tax holidays and exemptions as they erode Company Income Tax base.

  • Kids Alert! Holiday is over!

    Kids Alert! Holiday is over!

    Oh calm down! Not yet, but very soon.  I can feel some parents having high blood pressure because the holidays are over.

    Mr. Deji Osa, like few folks is so worried about  how to pay his children’s school fees. He wished the holidays could be extended so he can make enough money to pay the fees.
    Whichever way you have it, the holidays will soon be over and I know how scary the feeling can be when preparing for the next school term.
    This few tips could help.
    Budgeting.
    The first step to consider in planning for the new school term is Budgeting.
    How? Get a list of important things you want to spend your money on so it can guide your spending. You don’t have to buy everything the kids wants but what they need. Some things can wait until you have the financial capacity to buy them.
    New school.
    I don’t really support changing your Child’s school but if you can’t afford the school fees it’s advisable you do. You don’t have to break the bank in to pay through your nose. There are still good and affordable schools
    Shopping!
    Oh lord…this could give a heart attack but chill..you don’t have to buy very expensive things you can get cheap and quality materials. Besides, you don’t need to buy new stuff when you  can still make do of old stuff. In all ‘ buy what’s necessary’.
    Savings..its important you save. Avoid frivolous spending.. It’s necessary you have a separate savings system to finance your children’s needs. But most importantly, save because you might never know when the money will be very useful. Save for the bad weather.
    But Remember Education is key.
  • Buhari : Kogi declares public holiday for thanksgiving

    Buhari : Kogi declares public holiday for thanksgiving

    Kogi State government has declared Aug. 21 as a public holiday for citizens to thank God for safely returning President Muhammadu Buhari to the country.

    The Director -General, media and publicity to the state governor, Mr Kingsley Fanwo,  said it was to enable the people to give thanks to God for returning  Buhari in sound health and sound mind.

    He said that decision was also in line with the support the people of the state had been giving to Buhari in his efforts at correcting the ills of the past and putting the nation on sound economic footing.

    “ We urge Kogites to also use the occasion of the public holiday to pray for Mr. President as he resumes his responsibilities of repositioning Nigeria, “ the statement said.

    The statement quoted the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello as thanking the people for for standing by the President while undergoing treatment in London and for trooping to Abuja to welcome the him. (NAN)

  • We will partner with private sector on national holiday events—NTDC

    Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC,

    Dr Folarin Folorunsho Coker, says that Tour Nigeria, the

    corporation’s tourism brand hopes to leverage on local events,

    national  holidays and other symbolisms to unleash the Nigerian tourism

    potential.

    Coker made this disclosure at the hugely successful Delphino Picnic

    with the Theme, Spreading Happiness, held at the weekend at the Julius

    Berger Shooting Range, Kado, Abuja.

    The picnic was put together by Delphino, an entertainment outfit managed by Emmanuel Onoja in collaboration with NTDC and holds biennially. The widely advertised Sunday rendezvous had music DJs dishing out high percussive and latest Nigerian songs. There were also food vendors in many varieties providing refreshments. “It is just our own way of showing that there are so many things to enjoy in Abuja, hence the theme of the picnic, ‘Spreading Happiness’,” stated Onoja Adole, CEO of Delphino Entertainment.

    Explaining the implication of the event to the media, Coker said that the event sets a template on how NTDC intends to partner with private sector to unleash the tourism potential in the country. “This is a simple template and it is not a difficult thing to achieve. It is about bringing different assets together; that is music, light, stage, event planners, the entire ensemble; we bringing them all together,” explained the DG.

    Coker further explained that the event is like having a wedding or any of those social ceremonies. “Only, this one is in a larger scale. And this not what only NTDC can do. Every state can do it. Everybody can connect to these new values that we have in terms of our cultural heritage.

    “There are national assets in terms of sports, religion, film food, all of them; all those things that we already have. There is no difference between this and large weddings. The difference here is that a wedding could be large but you don’t pay for the food.

    “But things are tough now so let’s look at different ways of doing this. We can set this up and have people pay to come in, eat and have a good time. It is cheaper than you going to Dubai,” Cocker said.

    The NTDC boss further explained why it partnered Delphino in the enterprise. “This is actually an annual event that has happened in Abuja before. This is not the first time.

    “We just partnered with them so that they can have it better planned and better execute the event. This is something that could happen when you have a good weather. We don’t have any asset like this at the NTDC.

    “But we have the expertise. If there is anybody in the private sector that wants to partner with us to deliver this sort of thing where the product of the private sector entity is being consumed, we are all for it. For instance, a brewery may partner with NTDC. We can do this while they are drinking the company’s product,” the DG added.

  • Making the best of holidays for kids

    Making the best of holidays for kids

    Hippee!! The holidays are here. At least the kids can rest from all work and no play. However, parents can get tired because the kids just want to play. rather than send them out for some summer class why not use this period to get them busy.

    Rather than send them out for some summer class, why not use this period to get them busy.

    Yes! Teach them some new things apart from school work. More about soft skills that will get their minds and hands busy.
    Let them see other aspects of learning and let them learn what is not taught at schools.
    Teach them house chores. How to cook. How to clean. How to keep things. Please spare them all the mathematics and English stuff, at least for while.
    Even in learning, there must be a balance between theory and practise.
    And if you are the get, busy parents, you can hire a private tutor or get a good summer camp where skills are taught.
    There are lots of advantages. It develops your kids both intellectually and physically. Kids learn faster through activities.
    You might never know the best musician, dancer, Engineer, that the world has ever known might be discovered. Yes! It helps to discover talents, gifts that God has blessed the kids with.
    It prepares the kids for the future. When kids get busy and learn skills and chores it helps them navigate through life as they grow.
    And most importantly it helps the kids to bond with their parents. When you spend more time with your children, you get to know them more. And that’s the greatest beauty of parenting.
    Get them busy. Build their future.
  • Creative Industry gets ‘pioneer status’, qualifies for tax holiday

    Creative Industry gets ‘pioneer status’, qualifies for tax holiday

    The federal government has granted ‘Pioneer Status’ to the Creative Industry, in a landmark move aimed at transforming the industry to a creative economy and creating jobs.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the decision to grant the industry ‘Pioneer Status’ is in fulfilment of the promise made by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, represented by the minister of finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, at the opening of the Creative Industry Financing Conference in Lagos on July 17 and July 18, 2017.

    The ‘Pioneer Status’ is granted to companies making investments in qualifying industries and products as tax holiday from the payment of corporate income tax and withholding tax on dividend from pioneer profits for an initial period of three years, extendable for one or two additional years.

    The ‘Pioneer Status’ for the Creative Industry covers music production, publishing and distribution (including online digital distribution); Photography; Production and post-production of digital content for motion pictures, videos, television programmes, commercials, distribution and exhibition (digital movies, animation, videos, tv programmes and commercials); Publishing of books (copyrighted books) and development and Publishing of ready-made software (operating systems, software applications and computer games).

    ”This is a shot in the arm for the Creative Industry, and it will definitely catalyze investments in the industry. It is also the answer to our quest to spur the establishment of world class studios in Nigeria for production and post-production of movies and music videos,” the Minister said.

    He said the need to grant ‘Pioneer Status’ to the Creative Industry as well as tackle the piracy of creative works were among the key issues raised by participants at the Creative Industry Financing Conference.

    ”It is a measure of the increasing importance attached to the industry by the Federal Government that these issues are now being handled with utmost urgency. First, the ‘Pioneer Status’ has been granted within three weeks of the conclusion of the conference. Secondly, an Anti-Piracy Committee, comprising representatives of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, industry stakeholders and the police, has been set up to work out the modality for tackling piracy in a lasting and sustainable manner,” Alhaji Mohammed said.

    He thanked the stakeholders in the Creative Industry for supporting the Federal Government in its efforts that have succeeded in putting the industry in the front burner of the economy and made it a key plank of the government’s economic diversification policy.

    ”We are determined to do more for the Creative Industry in order to allow the creative talents of our youths to blossom, create massive jobs and position Nigeria as a global hub for the industry,” the minister said