The Nation Newspaper

Tag: home

  • How to buy N100m home with N10m down payment, by govt

    How to buy N100m home with N10m down payment, by govt

    • Repayments up to 20 years

    In order to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and make homeownership more accessible, the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) has announced a reduction in the required down payment for its mortgage scheme from 20 per cent to 10 per cent.

    The move comes alongside a previously announced interest rate cut to 9.75 per cent, significantly lowering the financial hurdles for aspiring homeowners. The revised terms apply to MREIF’s long-term mortgage offerings, which provide repayment periods of up to 20 years.

    Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr Armstrong Takang, confirmed the development on his official LinkedIn handle, describing it as a transformative shift for millions of Nigerians seeking to own their first homes.

    “I am excited to share that the Equity Contribution for homeseekers under the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) has now been reduced to 10 per cent, from the initial 20 per cent, for all applicants. This follows our recent reduction of the interest rate from 12 per cent to 9.75 per cent,” Takang stated.

    He explained that the initiative is part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to deliver on the Renewed Hope agenda by tackling one of the most persistent obstacles to homeownership in Nigeria — the initial equity contribution.

    Read Also: Lagos real estate firm celebrates 17th anniversary

    “Our goal is to transform the dream of homeownership into a reality for as many Nigerians as possible. By reducing the down payment and maintaining our low interest rate, we are breaking down a major barrier and opening the door to a brighter, more secure future for families across the nation,” he said.

    The scheme also allows willing beneficiaries to draw their down payment from their Retirement Savings Account (RSA), thereby creating additional flexibility for participants. This option, according to MREIF, is intended to encourage more Nigerians — especially those in the formal sector — to take advantage of the scheme.

    Dr Takang assured prospective homeowners of MOFI’s unwavering commitment to delivering results that directly impact citizens’ lives. “We are responsive and committed in our quest to significantly expand access to decent housing. Mr. President’s vision for decent and affordable housing for Nigerians is one that will continue to drive our efforts,” he stated.

    In recognition of its ongoing efforts, MREIF recently received the Innovative FG Mortgage Intervention Award at the 2025 edition of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS).

    “We are humbled by the recognition that our efforts at MREIF is attracting,” Takang said. “This recognition will only inspire us to do more, fully appreciating the enormity of the task and the reach of its impact.”

    The new terms under the MREIF are expected to stimulate broader participation in the housing market, particularly from the middle- and lower-income segments, by making mortgages more affordable and achievable.

    The MREIF mortgage initiative, structured as part of the Federal Government’s real estate investment strategy, is among several mechanisms being implemented to support inclusive economic growth and enhance citizens’ welfare.

  • Home town things

    Home town things

    Some years ago, I wrote a paper in an international journal and had to describe Ile-Ife in a way that would be understood by people outside Nigeria. In the end, I chose to describe the town as semi-urban because I reasoned that the town was neither classically urban nor rural in the sense that it lacked those facilities which one would expect to find within an urban environment. It was also clear that it was not situated in a rural setting complete with trees, and fields in which livestock were blissfully chewing the cud. I decided to situate it in between the two areas as the town satisfied the expectation of both urban and rural settlements. That description was made a long time ago and I would still describe Ile-Ife exactly the same way today and for good measure would describe my hometown of Ilesa with exactly the same hyphenated word, it not being rural but not exactly urban even if it is home to two Local Government Area headquarters. The complete absence of municipal services such as a central water distribution system and reliable public transport facilities confirms the rural/urban status of the town.

    Many of those reading this may have no more than a hazy idea  where Ilésà is or what its status is as a human settlement. Some would even have considerable difficulty in locating the place on a standard map of Nigeria. With Google maps however, anyone would call the place up on a map with a touch of a button or two. All that notwithstanding, most people would be surprised as I was, to learn that Ilesa was rated as one of the largest ten towns in Nigeria by the 1963 census, with only two towns in Western Region; Ibadan and Ogbomosho being larger in terms of population at that time. Suffice to say, with all those jumped up state capitals littering the present landscape, Ilésà has dropped precipitously on the national population league table. Unfortunately, the on and off census which should arbitrate in matters such as this is, given the current situation, not likely to provide reliable figures. We just have to live with that.

    It is still something of a surprise to me that I now live in Ilesa but come to think of it, after what is more or less a lifetime at Ile-Ife where else can I choose sensibly to spend my retirement years? It is apparent to me that I would be something of a fish out of water anywhere else, especially in Lagos from where I went into forever exile more than fifty years ago when even Lagos was almost as rural as it was urban. Since then, Lagos has mushroomed into an unruly and therefore bewildering conurbation, one of the largest cities in the whole wide world even if it lacks in many places, the facilities of a modern city. Still, Lagos wears the cloak of a very large city with something close to aplomb and what, with all that hustle and bustle, it would demand too much of my powers of accommodation for me to really feel at home within the city boundaries, if such boundaries existed that is. Whatever description I attach to Ilésà, the truth is that my hometown has been a metropolis since the early years of the sixteenth century when the reigning Owa or paramount ruler of Ìjèsàland of the time, Owálùse shifted the capital of his kingdom to Ilesa from Ibokun. As befitting the capital of a kingdom, Ilésà attracted migrants from, not only within the kingdom but from other parts of Yorubaland so that today, there are several quarters within the town which were first settled by people from Oyo, Ondo, Ìgbómìnà, parts of Ekiti and so on. They came to what was a thrusting polity with their various skills and talents with a view to contributing their respective quota to the continued development of their new settlement. In the same manner men of talent and ambition from other parts of the Ìjèsà kingdom migrated to Ilesa to seek their fame and fortune. The prime example of one such person was Ogedengbe, the man who more than any other, epitomised the warrior instincts which are associated with the Ijesas right down to the present. He lived in very dangerous times and spent virtually all his life on the battlefield  but not before he learnt the art of war in the enemy camp at Ibadan. That new Oyo settlement was more or less dedicated to war as in reality it was little more than a war camp. It was therefore something of a military school from where that legendary Ìjèsà man learnt his trade so very well that his contribution to ending Ibadan’s hegemony in the region was immense and unmatched.

    Whilst it was Owaluse that moved the capital of Ijesaland to Ilesa, it was Atakumosa, his successor that laid the foundation for the town’s future metropolitan success. Owaluse’s mother was an Oyo woman and quite understandably, he forged close ties with Oyo and for example orientated the palace to face the direction of Oyo. Atakumosa however was brought up in the court of the Oba of Benin, a fact that I was made to understand has been confirmed from Benin sources. He came to the throne of Ilesa with a strong bias for Benin and not only modelled the his new capital after Benin City of the time but re-orientated his palace to face Benin as it still does today. He is also said to have invited  blacksmiths from Benin and quartered them quite close to the palace and the market which still bears his name at Ìsídà. Atakumosa made his mark by founding many quarters in the town and by the time that the Ibadan soldiers managed to sack Ilesa more than three hundred years later, Ilesa had grown to more than fifty quarters each with it’s own signature  tree  under which the ruling council of elders met periodically to manage the affairs of their quarter in a way that mirrored the Athenian democratic model in that the heads of each recognised household in each quarter had a seat in this parliament. These trees, some of them up to three centuries old were cut down in 1956 when Ilesa was electrified to enhance the development of the town within the ambience of a modern metropolis. That those trees were living historical artefacts was of no consequence. They were standing in the face of modernity and had to go and today, only one of them, a gnarled iroko tree is still standing, the position occupied by some of those trees is marked by some triangular structures, the most prominent of them being at Egbéidì on the spot where a tree stood proudly for centuries to mark the seat of a local government assembly point.

    The last of the quarters into which Ilésà was divided was established in 1857 just before the peace of the town was shattered by a series of conflicts with the rising power of Ibadan. This situation eventually led to the occupation of the town by Ibadan in 1870 at the height of what has come down to us as the Yoruba civil wars which attended the process by which the raw, new power of Ibadan tried to establish its authority over the much older power centres, the most powerful at the time being Ilésà. From that point in time, Ilésà became a nett exporter of people instead of the destination of migrants that she had been for centuries. Many of the people who left Ilésà at this time were taken away as slaves and ended up in Brazil and courtesy of the British navy in the established haven of Sierra Leone. Those that were taken left with the love of Ijesaland in their heart. Some of them were however fated to return to play a crucial role in Kiriji, the war that ended all the wars that were ravaging the whole of Yorubaland. The Ijesas fought that war with sophisticated weapons purchased and sent back home as a sort of diaspora remittance by Ìjèsàs in Lagos, some of them returnees from slavery. The most prominent of these was Haastrup, a prince of Ijesaland who returned home to Ilésà as Owá Obòkùn Ajímókó l, put on the throne by the soldiers he supplied with arms at Kiriji. The current Owa Obokun, Oba Aromolaran ll is the first Yoruba Oba to have earned a doctorate degree but long before him, in the nineteenth century  no less, Oba Ajimoko l became the first Yoruba Oba to be educated in the Western tradition of scholarship. No wonder then that the first town in Nigeria to have built and equipped a secondary school through local community effort was Ilésà where the first secondary school in Ìjèsàland, Ilesa Grammar School was opened to students from all over Nigeria in 1934.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s economy will witness boom in 2024, Presidency assures

    Ìjèsàland lost her independence after the treaty which brought the Kírìjì war to an end and became incorporated against the wishes of the people into the emergent British Empire. Having become used to running a kingdom for several centuries, the people did not take the loss of their independence lightly and reacted as if they had been stung when the British moved in their colonial apparatus into Ilésà. They made life so uncomfortable for the British that those foreign interlopers abandoned their seat of government on Ìmò Hill for a friendlier environment and abandoned the people of Ìjèsàland to their fate. Successive governments since then have pointedly ignored that area with the result that there is hardly a sign of Federal presence in the whole of Ìjēsàland. Well, that is not entirely true as the first significant structure you see as you enter Ilesa from Ibodi is the massive yellow wall of a Federal correctional centre.

    It is instructive that the year 1963 marked the highest point in the postcolonial period of Ilésà. This is because the axis of travel in that region shifted decisively away from Ilésa  towards Ore and on to Ijebu-Ode. Before then, the recognised East-West highway was the Asaba – Ilésa -Lagos, Trunk A road on which people from Eastern Nigeria travelled to get to Lagos. The trade brought to Ilésà by the road simply disappeared and the ancient town slowly receded into the backwoods from which deliverance is doubtful. Ilésà, from a powerful metropolis is now a town dominated by the very old, the very young and small scale artesans like barbers, brick layers and carpenters. This being the case, a great deal of hope has been placed on the new University of Ilésà to inject some life into the ancient town. There are no signs at this time that the hope desperately reposed in the university is not misplaced.

    Odún Ogún coincides or overlaps Christmas in Ilésa and so there is a mesh of the ancient and modern celebration of life in the town at this time of the year. To add to the heady mix of tradition is the annual celebration of Ìwúde when Ìjèsàs from all over the world come back home to celebrate with and pay homage to Owá Obòkun, embodiment of the spirit of Ìjèsàland. Even in these celebrations, the damp spirit of Nigeria is deciding matters. The boisterousness associated with this period has been drowned by the deluge of economic woes unleashed on Nigerians especially this year that petrol has become a decisive factor in the determination of what to live with. This is not to talk of the inability for all but the most strategically placed to have more than a few currency notes in their pocket. The spirit of Christmas past is wearing a heavy frown this year, removing from our living space, the emaciated spirit of  Christmas present. Given the prevailing circumstances, what is in store for the spirit of Christmas future in these parts is anybody’s guess.

    This article is dedicated to all those semi-urban settlements, decaying slowly in the sun all over the territorial space occupied by Nigeria.

  • LandWey’s client-centric approach shines with another successful home handover

    LandWey’s client-centric approach shines with another successful home handover

    LandWey has handed over another batch of exquisite new homes from its illustrious Urban Prime residential project series to its cherished customers.

    The remarkable event at Abraham Adesanya, Lekki-Ajah, Lagos, signifies not only the completion of another batch of homes for Urban Prime but also the unwavering commitment of LandWey to continuous delivery in the face of Nigeria’s economic challenges.

    Throughout a year marred by economic turmoil and inflationary pressures, LandWey is still standing tall, resolute, and unfazed. We are weathering the storms and remain committed to our promises to our esteemed customers, proving that our commitment knows no bounds.

    The Managing Director of LandWey, AdeShola Bello said: “At LandWey, we take immense pride in delivering another batch of homes in the Urban Prime Development project.

    “This momentous handover is a testament to our unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled service in the industry and providing proactive support to our valued customers.

    “Our pursuit of expanding housing opportunities through cutting-edge urban living infrastructure and innovative growth strategies knows no limits.

    “Our customers are the heart of our mission and this milestone reaffirms our relentless commitment to fulfilling their aspirations.”

    With the completion of Urban Prime 1 earlier this year and the delivery of another batch of Urban Prime 2,3 and 4, LandWey has been instrumental in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, having presented over 1000 homes to delighted homeowners. 

    Urban Prime series stands as a testament to LandWey’s dedication to excellence, featuring impeccable infrastructure, including a dedicated 33KVA Megawatts power line ensuring uninterrupted power supply, world-class water infrastructure, well-maintained roads, efficient sewage systems, with other amenities. Centrally located for convenience, Urban Prime series offers swift access to the city’s premier attractions, from upscale shopping destinations to New Lagos delights and vibrant entertainment hubs.

    Read Also: LandWey launches project to create landmarks for sustainable development

    Group Managing Director of LandWey, Olawale Ayilara said: “LandWey is renowned for delivering efficient, high-value services, as evident with our industry record.

    “Urban Prime embodies the epitome of lifestyle living, and another handover to our esteemed homeowners exemplifies our steadfast commitment to keeping our promises.

    “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal customers who have chosen Urban Prime as their haven for investment.”

    Urban Prime, an awarding winning residential development spanning over 40 hectares of pristine land, offers an array of architectural marvels, including site and service plots.

  • Build your home with diligence, Osunkeye tells women

    The immediate Past Chairman of Nestle Foods Nigeria Olusegun Osunkeye has charged Christian women to build their homes with care, industry, diligence and prudent management.

    Osunkeye spoke at the 19th annual women’s conference organised by Diocese of Lagos West Anglican Communion.

    Tagged The wise builder, the conference attracted hundreds of Christian women from across the federation.

    He lamented many women have plucked their homes down with negligence, idleness and wastefulness.

    He urged them to emulate Abigail, who through her swift actions and skillful negotiation, saved her husband despite his surly and mean attitude.

    “I urge you to be like Abigail in your homes and businesses, look beyond the present crisis to the big picture. Use your skills to promote peace.

    “Place yourself under God’s control for whatever challenge or responsibility you may be facing today,” he stressed.

    Osunkeye stated it is the responsibility of the wife as a wise builder to make the home environment conducive and welcoming.

    This, he said, will greatly assist the husband in ministry.

    He noted Priscilla and Aquila made the most of their spiritual education from Paul and turned their homes to warm places for training and worship.

    According to him, the Christian home is still one of the best tools for preaching the gospel.

    “Their effectiveness together speaks about relationship with each other. Their hospitality opened the door way of salvation to many. Guests find Christ in their home,” he added.

    Osunkeye added that a wise woman must know how to manage with prudence and take care of the concerns of the family.

    “A wise woman will endeavour to enlighten and improve her conscience. This is the faculty of the soul by which we weigh the morality of an action.

    “To improve the conscience we must give it light and let it guide us. Well enlightened, it guides to happiness and heaven,” Osunkeye said.

    President , Women’s and Girls’ Organisation, Diocese of Lagos  West, Mrs. Lydia Odedeji, challenged Christians women to live by the word of God and exhibit values that make their homes heaven on earth.

    Odedeji said a life, home or nation in which Christ is given priority cannot but overcome hurdles successfully.

    According to her: “We are not protected from all troubles but we are sure of being protected in them.

    “The power to live in victory all the times lies in the practice of the word neither in mere confession of the word nor in mere mental assent to them,” Odedeji said.

     

  • How to manage your home (3)

    Dear Reader, last week, I showed you other duties of the husband in managing the home. Today, we will be looking at what God has to say about the woman, in relation to home management. As you plug in to this truth, God’s purpose for your home will be accomplished in Jesus’ mighty name. The home is a very precious thing in the sight of the Lord. He has laid down principles in His Word for both the man and the woman to follow, if they must find joy and fulfillment in their home.

    FOR THE WOMAN

    Make Your Home A Loveable Place:

    God created the home to be a unique place. The first home ever created was Eden and Eden means ‘delight’, ‘pleasure’ or ‘enjoyment’. It is a place with no substitute. The Bible describes this first home that the first couple, Adam and Eve had (the Garden of Eden) as having a river, which symbolizes refreshing. From this, we can deduce that the home is meant to be a place of refreshing. The Word of God says, And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places (Isaiah 32:18). God’s original intent is for the home to be a place of peace and quietness. Quietness, not in the sense of silence but of rest. You will agree with me that to a large extent, a woman determines the atmosphere of the home. If the home is to experience order, then the woman has the responsibility to:

    Be Hospitable

    Hospitality means “cordial and generous reception of or disposition toward guests. Hospitality must be the rule of the game in your family. Always be ready to be a blessing to others, extend your hand to the needy, have an open heart and warm welcome to friends, relatives; especially strangers.  Who knows, you may be entertaining angels unaware. The Bible says, Be not forgetful to entertain stranger: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2).

    Ladies, mothers and women should take note of this. If you are irritable, untouchable or cannot accommodate people, or be a blessing to others in your home, you are not being hospitable.  It can be seen in your actions, attitude and the way you address people.  Your mere look at visitors can tell them if they are welcome or not.  No matter how hospitable a man may be, if his wife is not hospitable, it will affect him negatively because the woman is the one people will always meet at home.

    Abraham’s family is a very good example of a hospitable (Genesis 18:1-10). Hospitality terminated 26 years of barrenness in the lives of Abraham and Sarah.

    Feed the family with quality food:

    The woman has the responsibility of preparing quality food for her household, not just waking up in the morning and dashing off to the office leaving everything for the house-help to do. That could be very risky. Proverbs 31 describes the virtuous woman as one that always ensures that the members of her household are adequately taken care of. It says, Who can find a virtuous woman she will do him good and not evil, she rises also while it yet night and giveth meat to her household (Proverbs 31:10,12,15). There is a popular adage that says, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Woman, your family is what they eat. If they are healthy it can be practically traced to their eating habits.

    It is not enough to feed members of your

    Dear Reader, last week, I showed you other duties of the husband in managing the home. Today, we will be looking at what God has to say about the woman, in relation to home management. As you plug in to this truth, God’s purpose for your home will be accomplished in Jesus’ mighty name. The home is a very precious thing in the sight of the Lord. He has laid down principles in His Word for both the man and the woman to follow, if they must find joy and fulfillment in their home.

    FOR THE WOMAN

    Make Your Home A Loveable Place:

    God created the home to be a unique place. The first home ever created was Eden and Eden means ‘delight’, ‘pleasure’ or ‘enjoyment’. It is a place with no substitute. The Bible describes this first home that the first couple, Adam and Eve had (the Garden of Eden) as having a river, which symbolizes refreshing. From this, we can deduce that the home is meant to be a place of refreshing. The Word of God says, And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places (Isaiah 32:18). God’s original intent is for the home to be a place of peace and quietness. Quietness, not in the sense of silence but of rest. You will agree with me that to a large extent, a woman determines the atmosphere of the home. If the home is to experience order, then the woman has the responsibility to:

    Be Hospitable

    Hospitality means “cordial and generous reception of or disposition toward guests. Hospitality must be the rule of the game in your family. Always be ready to be a blessing to others, extend your hand to the needy, have an open heart and warm welcome to friends, relatives; especially strangers.  Who knows, you may be entertaining angels unaware. The Bible says, Be not forgetful to entertain stranger: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2).

    Ladies, mothers and women should take note of this. If you are irritable, untouchable or cannot accommodate people, or be a blessing to others in your home, you are not being hospitable.  It can be seen in your actions, attitude and the way you address people.  Your mere look at visitors can tell them if they are welcome or not.  No matter how hospitable a man may be, if his wife is not hospitable, it will affect him negatively because the woman is the one people will always meet at home.

    Abraham’s family is a very good example of a hospitable (Genesis 18:1-10). Hospitality terminated 26 years of barrenness in the lives of Abraham and Sarah.

    Feed the family with quality food:

    The woman has the responsibility of preparing quality food for her household, not just waking up in the morning and dashing off to the office leaving everything for the house-help to do. That could be very risky. Proverbs 31 describes the virtuous woman as one that always ensures that the members of her household are adequately taken care of. It says, Who can find a virtuous woman she will do him good and not evil, she rises also while it yet night and giveth meat to her household (Proverbs 31:10,12,15). There is a popular adage that says, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Woman, your family is what they eat. If they are healthy it can be practically traced to their eating habits.

    It is not enough to feed members of your family, you need to feed them with the right food. Is the food they eat nutritious? Or do you give them just anything? Wisdom is profitable to direct (Ecclesiastes 10:10).

    In this day and age of processed foods and snacks (fast food), please secure the health of your family by feeding them with good food. Remember, “garbage in, garbage out.” Eve fed her husband; but unfortunately, with poison instead of life. What are you feeding your family with?

    Be Financially Accountable:

    Financial rest does not only come when you are a millionaire, it comes by being a good money manager. As a woman of the house, you must have a financial plan or else you are creating room for financial pain. A wise man once said, “Pain is a sign of disorder.” It follows that to experience financial pain is a sign of disorder in your spending. You can prioritize your spending and maximize your income. You don’t need to put yourself into such pain getting into debt.

    Compliment your Husband

    One other way to manage your home is by an often-neglected key, and that is compliment. Every human being loves to be praised, either for what he has done or simply for who he is. The key is to locate the good qualities in your husband and members of your family and focus on them. Then, express your appreciation for those good qualities by the words of your mouth. Show appreciation for both small and great acts of kindness by your words and surprising little gifts that act as hobs in the love wheel of your family.

    You need the help of God to do this assignment effectively. Giving your life to God through the Lord Jesus Christ, is the only way of getting the true help you desire to manage your home. If you are already born again, rejoice because your case is settled. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in your heart: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

    Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and 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).

    With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 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).

     

  • How to manage your home (1)

    Dear Reader, welcome to another wonderful segment of this month’s teaching series. I established from the Word of God, last week, that the head and the leader of the home is the husband (Ephesians 5:23). He has the God-ordained task and responsibility to take the lead in the management of the home. However, it is important to note that in exercising the mantle of leadership, the man must be a loving leader and not a taskmaster.

    Love is a necessary ingredient for effective leadership. Without it, those who are being led may eventually refuse to follow and choose to go their own ways. Jesus Christ heads the Church with the rod of love. Likewise, every husband will need the same rod of love to get the effective followership of his family members. When a husband demonstrates his love for his wife and children, he will be able to lead his home with ease. The truth is that no one hates to be loved. As a husband, don’t just rejoice at the fact that you are the head of the home; be ready to fulfill the following responsibilities attached. In continuation of the role of the man in the home, you must understand that as the head, leader and man, one of your responsibilities is to:

    Be A Provider In Your Home:

    The husband is designed to be the provider, making provisions available to his household. The Bible says, But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse that an infidel (1 Timothy 5:8). It is not scriptural for the wife to be the chief provider in the home. Just as Christ is the Head of the church and provides for it, even so, every man is expected to make provisions for his home. Don’t sell your birthright to your wife by relegating your God-given responsibility to her. God did not make any mistake by making you the head of the home. He, in His infinite wisdom, already knew the situation of your family before the foundation of the earth. So, if in spite of that foreknowledge, He still chose to make you head and provider, then live up to His expectation. That is why the marriage institution is not for boys but for mature men.

    To be a successful husband, you need to be productive, hardworking, thoughtful and a genuine planner. If you say God will provide, you are right. But He has said it is through you, the man, that He will provide for your family. The age long system of women going to the farm while men sit down and rest is not the Christ-order of leadership. Men need to get to work to be respected at home. When a man stops looking after his household, his life becomes worse than an infidel (one who has no religious beliefs).

    Some men leave home, not concerned whether their family members have eaten or not. This is a violation of covenant obligations, and it is very risky. You must be concerned about your wife and children’s welfare. No man has any right to wear new clothes, when his family is going about in rags. You should set aside some amount of money from whatever you earn, to cater for the personal needs of your wife and children.

    The Bible says: A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinners is laid up for the just (Proverbs 13:22). Some men shy away from their responsibilities and don’t give their wives home-keeping allowance, under the guise that their wives are working. This is not right! It is not of God. The scriptures say that the man should provide for his own household (1Timothy 5:8). Prayer is not the way to enjoy success in home management; it is by accepting responsibility for your home.

    A great burden is placed on you, as the man, to love your wife as Christ loves the Church, and you are not exempted from this responsibility even if your wife is not submissive. This responsibility can be accomplished only by sacrifices, being a godly example and through an unconditional devotion, commitment and dedication to your family. The Word of God says: Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them (Colossians 3:19); Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.  So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies.  He that loveth his wife loveth himself.  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church (Ephesians 5:25,28-29).

    Learn how to say, “I am Sorry”:

    Some men find it hard to say, “I am sorry, please forgive me,” because of their ego. But a man that desires his home to be heaven on earth, does not let his ego stand between him and his wife or children. Man, don’t give room to the devil to bring problems to your home. Learn to say “I am sorry” when you offend your wife.  It works! If you do that, eyeball-to-eyeball, you will see her countenance change.

    Compliment your wife:

    As a husband, you need to always compliment your wife about those good qualities in her and that will bring out the best in her. Every human being loves to be praised either for what he has done or simply for who he is.

    No one is perfect. Express your appreciation for those areas that she is good at verbally. Learn to show appreciation for both small and great acts of kindness. You can also show appreciation by giving little gifts. Make room for praise in your home and your relationship will be heaven on earth!

    The first step to take, in order to be the man that God ordained you to be for your family, is to become a bona fide child of God. If you are already born again, rejoice because your case is settled. If you are not yet born again and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in your heart: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

    Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and 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).

    With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 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).

  • Man in trouble for ‘setting lover’s home ablaze’

    A 27-year-old man, Ifeanyi Ede, has appeared at a Kubwa Grade I Area Court for allegedly setting his girlfriend’s house ablaze.

    Ede, who lives at Pipeline Kubwa village, Abuja, pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge of criminal trespass, causing mischief by fire and criminal intimidation.ý

    The prosecutor, Idowu Lawal, had told the court that ýEsther Yahaya of Kubwa, Abuja, reported the matter at Kubwa Police Station on February 5.

    He said the accused trespassed into the complainant’s home and set it on fire on the said date.

    Lawal said the complainant lost her valuables worth N94,000.ý

    He said the accused while in police custody, threatened the complainant.

    Lawal said the offence contravened sections 342, 337 and 397 of the Penal Code.

    After taking the accused’s plea, the Judge, Mohammed Marafa, granted him bail at N150,000 with one surety.

    He ordered that the surety must produce evidence of means of livelihood and identification.

    Marafa adjourned the matter till March 5 for hearing.

  • Turkey, South Africa, Nigeria others partner on home decor exhibition

    The Republic of Turkey has said it is happy to participate in the maiden edition of the International Home Décor and Giftware exhibition holding in Nigeria.

    Deniz Eralp, the International Sales and Marketing Manager for Turkey stated  at the opening of the exhibition at the Landmark exhibition centre in Lagos.

    “The ties between Turkey and Nigeria trace back in history and have always maintained good relationships. Both are members of an organisation of Islamic Co-operation and the Developing Eight nations and further maintain close co-operation  economically,” said Eralp.

    The president of the Retail Council of Nigeria (RCN), Ashiwaju Onafowokan, who was represented by the secretary of the organisation, Alhaji Kunle Hamzat, said the retail industry is fast growing and expected to be the biggest employer of labour and the major contributor to the country’s GDP.

    “2017 is no doubt going to be a great opportunity for our members to network with other international participants with a view to establishing business relationship which will eventually grow their business and I turn, the Nigerian Economy,” he said through written speech.

    Further in his submission, Hamzat pointed out that the event would create opportunities for the retail industry as well as create job opportunities for the youths.

    “What you see here today is the meeting of local and international minds. We have foreign investors coming to show interest in Nigeria and we have local buyers who want to tap from the investment to make Nigeria greater.”

    He said the event taking place at this time when the economy is not buoyant means ‘’we are not just limiting ourselves but are thinking outside the box to make things happen. When there is such collaboration, kind of synergised efforts then you see that the economy will bounce back’’.

    The three days’ event is organised by Clarion Events West Africa in partnership with the RCN, Defining the Nigerian Interior or Design Market (DENIM),  Transwalk Interiors,  others.

    Commercial Director Clarion Events West Africa Russell Hughes, in his opening remarks, said the event aims to open up channels of trade between Nigerian retail buyers and the interior designers with local and international suppliers and manufactures.

    “Featured in the exhibition is a vast array of made in Nigeria items as well as as some of the most sought after and newly discovered international brands,”said Hughes.

    President of DENIM, Binta Suleiman said home décor and giftware Nigeria creates  opportunity for dialogue and exchange of opinion and ideas in addition to increased knowledge and demonstration of company presence to the industry. He also stated that it will create an avenue to showcase what the Nigerian interior design market has to offer to the rest of the world.

    “To me, what is more exciting is the business opportunities because it provides us clients with higher poaching power as well as exchange in services, the opportunities are vast. This also gives me hope to see all this amazing brands giants.

    “Nigeria presents a wealth of business opportunities for South African companies. We have over 19 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs that are into  Home Décor and Giftware. These companies offer a wide variety of products in this sector and are already exporting to Europe and the USA,” said Annalize Van Zyl, for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) South Africa.

    The CEO Adam and Eve, Mrs Modupe Ogunleesein, in her keynote address entitled: Nigeria’s Retail Businesses, Removing the Barriers, said people are afraid to spend money on home décor which is one of the challenges facing the sector. Adding that multiple taxation by government agencies is crippling the sector and urged government to make access to funding which would go a long way in boosting the sector.

  • Embrace wisdom in your home (2)

    Embrace wisdom in your home (2)

    Dear Reader,

    Last week, I took you through the various kinds of wisdom and how you can connect yourself to the wisdom of God. This week, we will be exploring how you can apply God’s wisdom in your home, family and marriage.

    A recap from last week defines wisdom as knowing the scriptural way to go, the scriptural steps to take and the scriptural things to do. However, you may ask how then do I apply myself to this scriptural wisdom? Wisdom is hearing the sayings of God and doing them. It is the correct application of knowledge. It demands that you take steps in applying correctly all you will learn of God this month concerning your home. Only then, will you begin to reap the fruits of a successful home. The Bible says: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24).

    The place of wisdom in building a successful home cannot be over-emphasized. The Bible says: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Proverbs 4:7).

    As a husband, the Bible instructs that you dwell with your wife according to knowledge. I like the way Amplified version of the Bible puts it. It says: In the same way you married men should live considerately with (your wives), with an intelligent recognition (of the marriage relation), honouring the woman (as physically) the weaker, but (realizing that you) are joint heirs of the grace (God’s unmerited favour of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off.  (Otherwise you cannot pray effectively)  I Peter 3:7.

    Men, when you understand the nature of your wife and walk according to that understanding, quarrels and tension are eradicated from your home. When you are knowledgeable about your wife, you will not put undue pressure on her because you will realise that she is not a robot. She is your wife, a mother and homemaker all together, and these roles place a demand on her. You must be considerate of her feelings and needs, and be available to attend to those needs.

    From the above scripture, the second clause says, “giving honour unto the wife…” This implies that your wife is not to be treated as a slave or inferior, but you are to treat her with respect. Your wife should be sought and allowed to make her own contributions in the home no matter how little it may be.

    Some men beat their wives as if they are beating a child; that’s foolishness. When a man beats his wife, he is not walking in God’s wisdom, rather he exhibits folly. The Bible says: Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him (Proverbs 26:4). No matter how provoked you are, you must never beat your wife. If you do that, you are simply beating yourself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church (Ephesians 5:29).

    It is important to note that, beating your wife is a great sin against God. God hates it when any party deals treacherously/ deceptively in marriage. One of the common ways to deal treacherously with your spouse is when you engage in physical combat.

    If you notice a fault in your spouse, do not turn it into a fight, malice, or engage in a cold war. Do not give room to strife, envy or begin to discuss and report your spouse to relations, the house help or friends who don’t know God at all.

    My advice to the unmarried is that after all the ceremonies on your wedding day, go before the Lord and say: God this home is dedicated unto You; there is no situation or circumstance that will ever come our way that we cannot handle with You on our side. That was what my husband and I did, as soon as we got into the house we both knelt down, held our hands together and prayed ‘Father we don’t know how to do it, but we hand over this home to You and as long as we live in here there shall be no situation that cannot be under control in the name of Jesus! I am glad to say that years have rolled by and God has stayed faithful to that prayer. If you are married, you can also pray that prayer and rededicate your family unto God. If you can pray that prayer in sincerity, no one next door would hear you quarrel with your spouse again in Jesus name!

    As a man, to possess the mind of Christ in managing your home, you need the wisdom of God. The first step to accessing this wisdom is by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour. You can do this by saying this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

    Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and 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).

    With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 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).

  • Govt urged to prioritise home ownership

    The President of Perfection Real Estate Investors Cooperative Society, Mr. Niyi Adeleye, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise home ownership.

    Adeleye, who spoke at the weekend, at a conference in Ikeja, said the government should prioritise home ownership by assisting and encouraging cooperative societies to realise the dream of providing affordable houses for Nigerians.

    He said churches and corporate bodies should form cooperative societies to help members and stakeholders to become house owners.

    His words: “Governments cannot meet the housing needs of Nigerians; this is why Perfection Real Estate Investors Cooperative Society should be encouraged to assist Nigerians to become home owners.

    “We are embarking on projects in Lekki and Festac Town, to assist Nigerians become home owners. People should join our cooperative society; they will gain a lot if they do. It will be a golden opportunity to realise their ambition of owning their houses.

    “Perfection Real Estate Investors Cooperative Society was established out of the need and passion to provide solution to human problems in the real estate sector, while empowering people financially.

    “We are on a mission to make home ownership and participation in the real estate sector accessible to Nigerians. This is made possible by our products and income opportunities, which we have created for the benefit of our members. They are property ownership products, real estate investment products, ordinary membership and ambassadorship.”