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Tag: love

  • XMAS: Only humility, love, selflessness can stop violence says governor’s wife

    Pray for peaceful elections, WIFE of the Lagos State Governor Mrs. Bolanle Ambode yesterday urged Nigerians to imbibe the teachings of humility, love, selflessness and fairness, saying that it is only in practicing them that violence can give way for unity and love to reign supreme among all people.

    Speaking at the 2018 Christmas Carol Service at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, Mrs. Ambode said that despite Jesus awesome glory, He came into the world with disarming humility, reflected in His carriage, interaction and all that He did, saying that if people could do same, the world would be a better place.

    She said: “Dear brethren, imagine what the world would be if everyone had the qualities of Jesus Christ. It would be a world without hate and violence, where love reigns supreme, ensuring joy, peace and complete harmony, among all people and all nations.

    “Of course we cannot be Jesus Christ, but we can imbibe His teachings and strive hard to emulate His qualities of humility, love for all, fairness, selflessness and consideration for fellow humans, among others.

    “If we succeed in doing these, we would do less of preaching to bring non-believers to the vineyard, as our lives would be perfect examples and model that would convince the multitude to come to God. This way, we would have a world where love and Godliness reign supreme.”

    Making reference to the theme of the Carol Service: “The Light of the World”, the governor’s wife said the event was put together to appreciate the magnitude of undeserved suffering that Jesus went through for mankind and express same with solemn songs of praise.

  • Yam Festival: Celebrating Ndigbo’s day of colour, love

    The Igbo rich cultural heritage was on display on Saturday, when the Igbo community in Lagos celebrated this year’s New Yam Festival. CHINAKA OKORO was there.

    For several hours last Saturday, guests from far and near joined Ndigbo in Lagos to celebrate this year’s New Yam Festival. Lagos State Igbo Community Centre, Okota, Lagos venue of the event, was literally shut down for the huge crowd.

    There was heavy drumming, singing, trumpeting and breath-taking dance steps by various cultural dancers who thrilled guests who had seated before the arrival of the dignitaries.

    It was all glamour and show of opulence, as an estimated crowd of 6,000 that included members of Ndigbo in Lagos, friends, well-wishers and some prominent indigenes of Lagos, participated in the celebration of the pristine and long-standing cultural carnival for which the Igbo are known.

    As early as noon on that day, the spacious precincts of the centre where Eze  Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu holds sway had begun to witness massive influx of spectators. The centre was built primarily for the festival.

    The roomy place was largely suffused with beautifully coloured masquerades and traditional dancers who entertained the people. Gaily dressed Igbo women known for their panache and active social lifestyle were a marvel to behold. The men equally in their beautiful Igbo attire swirled to the suiting rhythm of drums and other musical instruments in that somewhat balmy afternoon. It was a gathering of who is who in Igbo land.

    The celebrator, Eze Nwachukwu said: “The Igbo cultural festival is a day set aside by the Igbo in Lagos to observe one of their great festivals for which they are known. The celebration of new yam is one of the traditional ethoses handed down to us by our forefathers. Wherever the Igbo are found, they regard it as a cultural duty and responsibility to observe this pristine age long festival. This is so because, among the farm crops, the yam is regarded as the king. The Igbo in Lagos have been celebrating the new yam for some years now.

    “The Igbo are very industrious and peaceful. That informs their active participation in the development drives of their host communities. This assertion is made manifest in the actions and activities of Ndigbo who live in Lagos.

    “They believe that Lagos is their home and therefore should be part of the development of the state as committed stakeholders. They are peace-loving and law-abiding.”

    He thanked the government and people of Lagos State for being good hosts. He thanked Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who, he said, is a great lover of Ndigbo, even as he thanked him for the completion of the Ago-Nachukwu Drive-Okota Link Road. He also appreciated the wife of the governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode for her motherly role towards the Igbo in Lagos.

    Eze Nwachukwu also expressed his gratitude to former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, for his contributions towards the peaceful co-existence among the diverse ethnic nationalities in Lagos State.

    “We are eternally grateful to Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area, Hon. Samshudeen Olaleye, former Commissioner of Works and House of Representatives aspirant, Hon. Ganiyu Johnson and member representing Oshodi/Isolo State Constituency 11 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Jude Chukwuemeka Idimogu for facilitating the reconstruction of the road.

    “We, the Igbo in Lagos, pledge to continue to be law-abiding and committed to peace and development of the state.”

    On the significance of the day and the place of yam in Igbo culture and tradition, the chairman on the occasion, Mazi Nnabuihe, Chigozie Bright went down memory lane on how the festival began.

    Mazi Nnabuihe, who is a Professor of Linguistics, African and Asian Studies, Faculty of Arts University of Lagos (UNILAG), said: “God created people and gave them special peculiarities. God that created the Igbo gave them the wisdom to organise socio-cultural advancement of the East. The Igbo were the first to lay the socio-cultural foundation in Africa.

    “It is unfortunate that the cultures and traditions of the Igbo that are so populous in Africa are becoming extinct. It is regrettable that one is alive but one’s cultural ethos is on its last legs. We are here to celebrate one of the greatest cultural festivals in Igbo land which is the new yam. You identify a people by the culture, tradition and language.

    “An old Igbo myth records that during a severe famine, Igbo (from whom the tribe takes its name) was told that he must sacrifice his son, Ahiajoku, and his daughter, Ada, in order to save his other children. He was instructed not to eat from their flesh but to bury them in different parts of the land. Obeying the instruction, he sacrificed his first son (Opara) and his first daughter (Ada).

    “After they were sacrificed or killed, their flesh was cut into pieces and buried in different mounds. A few days later, yams sprouted from the flesh of Ahiajoku, while coco yams sprouted from the flesh of Ada. Igbo and his other children survived the famine by eating them. Since then, the spirit of Ahiajoku became the god of yam. In the circumstances, whatever an Igbo man does, if he hasn’t planted yams, he is not regarded as a mature Igbo. In the same manner, whatever an Igbo woman does without planting cocoyam, she is not regarded as fully-fledged woman.

    This could be why any Igbo man names his loved son Njoku and names the loved daughter Mmaji.

    The myth of Ahiajoku is re-enacted during the New Yam Festival each year.”

    Congratulating the Igbo community in Lagos on their New Yam Festival, Mrs Ambode said she would always identify with the Igbo because of their industry.

    Represented by Mrs Cecilia Oyindamola Dada, Mrs Ambode said the celebration of new yam festival by the Igbo in Lagos indicated that the Igbo are rooted in the culture and tradition of society.

    She noted that the Igbo exhibit the spirit of oneness and unity of Nigeria by making anywhere they find themselves their homes and contribute immensely to the socio-economic and political development of their host communities. She enjoined every Nigerian to imbibe the spirit of unity for peace and harmony of our country.

    This, she said, would engender the much-needed united Nigeria in which everywhere is home for all despite where one comes from

    In his goodwill message, Lagos State APC governorship candidate Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu congratulated Ndigbo on their cultural day. He  added that the Igbo are always committed to keeping alive the mores of their land.

    Represented by the Director-General ofBabajide Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation (BOSCO), Mr Tayo Ayinde, Sanwo-Olu noted: “The Igbo he knows are very industrious and accommodating. They believe that everywhere is home. That is why they are seen in every part of the world doing their legitimate businesses. The Igbo have the spirit of developing any environment, whether in core Igbo land or outside it.

    “The spirit of advancement and progress in an average Igbo man makes him growth agent. He takes pleasure in mingling with people of other ethnic groups and nationalities. Again, their resourcefulness is a plus.

    “I identify with them and would urge them to work assiduously to support the APC administration in Lagos State. When we become successful in our political goals, we will all be beneficiaries, as our administration will give opportunities to other ethnic nationalities, especially the Igbo to serve the state in various levels of government, even as cabinet members.”

    Ayinde was honoured with the traditional title of Dikedinamba of Ndigbo.

    Also, Idimogu said Lagos, for Ndigbo could be likened to Johanesburg in South Africa and Cairo in Egypt. Describing Lagos as mini-Nigeria and the economic hub of West Africa, he said: “The state is well known for social, economic and political greatness. Its benevolence, friendship and reception of those who are not indigenous to the state are matchlessly supreme. Lagos is a land of great opportunities.

    “The Igbo have been received with open hands to carry out their legitimate businesses. Apart from the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos, the state provides the best opportunity for Ndigbo to pursue their genuine businesses. The Igbo have been making the best out of these opportunities provided by Lagos State.

    “Many Igbo people have excelled in the state…Lagos is the safest state for Ndigbo. Therefore, in the spirit of where one lives one protects, it is incumbent on the Igbo in Lagos to reciprocate these gestures.

    “We are in an election period. We need to protect the interest of the party in power by coming out en masse to vote for the APC in the state. By so doing, our collective interests will be protected. Ndigbo resident in Lagos should support APC and all it represents.”

    High point of the event was the cutting and eating of tubers of roast yam by participants.

    Dignitaries present at the colourful event were Eze Ndigbo of IbejuLekki, Chris Offia (KSM); Eze Ndigbo of Isolo LCDA and Chairman Ndieze Udo Lagos State, Ikem W. Agbasi; Eze Ndigbo of Ojo LGA and Deputy Chairman Council of EzeNdigbo Lagos State, Ezeoha Pat Eneh; Prof. Nnabuihe Chigozie Bright of University of Lagos; President Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, High Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene; Deputy President Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State Chief Vitus C. Uzoh; EzeNdigbo of Ikorodu Kingdom Apostle Paulicap C. Uhuegbu, Founder/President Adorable Foundation International Princess Ada Okeke Amam; Mr Tony Onye, lawyer; UPP Lagos West Senatorial candidate Hon. Nkem Mordi; member Lagos State executive of the APC and Secretary Ethnic Affairs BOSCO Barrister Obiageli Onu; Hon. Tony Ofoegbu; Pastor Ndubuisi Ochiabuto and first President Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, Chief John Uche, among others.

     

     

  • Embrace peace, love, unity, says Lagos APC women leader

    Lagos State Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, has urged Muslims to embrace peace, love and unity, “in order to build the society of our dream.”

    In a statement she made available to reporters as Muslims celebrated this year’s Eid-El-Kabir,

    Okoya-Thomas said: “It is a thing of joy for all of us to be alive to celebrate another Sallah in good health.

    “My warmest wishes to you on this solemn festival of Eid-El-Kabir. May the blessing of Allah fill your lives with peace, joy and good health.

    “We, the women of our great party, the APC, are happy that Nigerian Muslims are joining numerous other Muslims from across the world to celebrate another Eid-el-Kabir.

    “This is an annual event that brings to mind how Allah replaced Ismail with a ram for Prophet Ibrahim. May He replace your sorrow with joy and your few with abundance.

    “As we are celebrating another Eid-El-Kabir, we should remember that Prophet Mohammed (SAW) stood for peace, love and unity in his life. Nigerian Muslims and indeed all Nigerians should realise the need for us to learn to live together as one and embrace tolerance as a people.

    “While we are not unmindful of our challenges as a nation, we should realise that there is always light at the end of the tunnel and that we can do better than we are currently doing. We should not over celebrate, bearing in mind that we have a lot on our hands as a nation.

     

     

     

  • Eid-El-Kabir: Embrace peace, love – Lagos APC women leader

    Muslims in Nigeria especially Lagos state have been enjoined to embrace peace, love and unity in order to build the society of “our dream together.”

    Lagos state Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas stated this in a statement made available to journalists as Muslims celebrate this year’s edition of Eid-El-Kabir.

    Okoya-Thomas said further in the statement, which was signed by her media aide, Oladipupo Awojobi that it is a thing of joy for “all of us to be alive to celebrate another Sallah in good health.

    “My warmest wishes to you on this solemn festival of Eid-El-Kabir. May the blessing of Allah fill your life with peace, joy and good health.

    “We, the women of our great party, the APC are happy that Nigerian Muslims are joining numerous other Muslims from across the world to celebrate another Eid-El-Kabir.

    “This is an annual event that brings to mind how Allah replaced Ismail with a ram for Prophet Ibrahim. May He replace your sorrow with joy and your few with abundance.

    “As we are celebrating another Eid-El-Kabir, we should all remember that Prophet Mohammed (SAW) stood for peace, love and unity in his life time. Nigerian Muslims and indeed all Nigerians should realise the need for us to learn to live together as one and embrace tolerance as a people.

    “While we are not unmindful of our challenges as a nation, we should all realise that there is always light at the end of the tunnel and that we can do better than we are currently doing. We should not over celebrate bearing in mind that we have a lot on our hands as a nation.

    “The current government of the APC both at the federal and state levels, are working hard to make sure that things get better and ensure that we move forward even as we approach another general elections in the country,” Okoya-Thomas said in the statement.

    The Women Leader was quoted to have reminded the Muslims in Nigeria of the need to use the Sallah period to pray for Nigeria, adding that no nation can make progress without peace, love and unity.

    Read Also: Eid-el Kabir: Monarch urges Nigerians to be tolerant

    She said further in the statement that the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir calls for sober reflection and that Muslims in the country should stand for the development of Nigeria, which she said could only happen in an atmosphere of tranquillity and peace.

    “We need peace in Nigeria to catch up with the developed countries of the world and time has come for us once again to remind ourselves of that simple fact that we have spent enough time battling insurgency all over the country.”

    The Women Leader then called for support for the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, who she said have done much for the people in the last three years that they got to office.

    Okoya-Thomas reiterated that the APC remains the party with the best solutions to the problems confronting the country and that the federal and Lagos State governments have handled issues maturedly and have potentials to do more.

    “What is needed is cooperation from members of the public and I believe that this Sallah period gives us an opportunity to get across to the people even as we are celebrating one of the most important anniversaries in Islamic religion.

    “Once again, receive my simple gift of ” Eid Mubarak” wrapped with sincerity tied with care and sealed with a prayer to keep you safe everyday, ” the statement read.

  • Wanted: True love

    For some time now, I have really been agitated by stories of spousal killings which are becoming common these days and details of some divorce cases.

    The question I have been trying hard to find answer to is how did hitherto lovebirds become sworn enemies resulting in one killing the other?

    I have always wondered what happened to the marriage vows of ‘till death do us part and to love each other in health, in sickness and whatever situation’ that some couples, even after ten, twenty years and more, opt for divorce and can’t be convinced to continue to live together by judges who always advise they resolve whatever differences they have.

    How does love suddenly turn sour?  I wondered aloud when I saw the picture of a smiling couple in the same dress, looking like inseparable soul mates in a newspaper, but the wife is currently standing trial for stabbing the husband to death.

    After twenty-five years of being married, I can confirm that marriage is not as easy as it appears to be. It is indeed a school of continuous learning and it takes a lot of effort to make it work on both sides.

    Years of courting sometimes don’t prepare many for the reality which marriage is all about.

    Two different persons, with different life experiences coming together as one with all the personal, cultural and religious perspectives; marriage is, indeed, a major undertaking.

    With the increasing cases of reported marriage breakdowns and divorces, I’m beginning to think that many who get married these days do not really understand what the institution is all about or are not sufficiently emotionally, physically and in many other ways prepared for the stormy seasons of marriage which come up for various reasons.

    Many couples don’t know themselves well enough as they claim. Even when all the signs are obvious that that they may not be compatible, intending couples lie to themselves that they have what it takes to stick together no matter what comes up. Some hide information they should disclose and while others make false claims of what and who they are not.

    Some are victims of marriage counselling based on the false notion that all will be well when the truth is that there is no perfect marriage. Even for those that appear to be working well, the couples are making a lot of sacrifice to make it work. Sometimes the sacrifice is one sided.

    A bishop who usually says he has not had the first quarrel with his wife revealed the real secret of his marriage when he said the kind of love he has for his wife is the kind that forgives ahead of any offence.

    Wives, especially, need to know that the rich guy and dashing guy of today may become a shadow of himself someday, due to situation beyond his control.

    I know there are some unforeseen circumstances but the but couples must be ready for the worst situation sometimes and have the capacity to take the best decision after exhausting all possible options for resolving their differences instead of resorting to killing.

    True love, and not any other thing, which is supposed to be the basis of marriage, requires a lot of mutual sacrifice and understanding based on the injunction of the Bible in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8:

    Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

    It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

    Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

    Love never fails.

    Amos 3:3 asked the crucial question that can guarantee everlasting love: Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? No, they can’t. They have to always agree.

     

  • Exhibit tolerance, love says APC women leader

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader in Lagos State, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas has urged Muslims to exhibit love, tolerance and act of giving.

    Okoya-Thomas stated that Prophet Muhammad displayed the attributes during his life time.

    Time, she said, has come for all Nigerians to come together as one.

    She urged Lagosians to continue working for the development of the state.

    “I want the women to know that I am always with them and I will ensure that they continue to get the best from our government.

    “You can also testify that the government of Akinwunmi Ambode has been working hard to make the state the best in Nigeria. His developmental projects are second to none and I can assure you that the best is yet to come from him.

    “Governor Ambode has proven to be a man of his word as he has fulfilled virtually all his campaign promises with potentials to do more if he is given another opportunity to serve the state,” she said.

  • Love: Access to financial fortune!

    Welcome to another exciting week of baptism in financial fortune in the teaching for this month! I hope you were blessed by the teaching for last week. Today, we shall focus on Love: Access to Financial Fortune!

    According to scriptures, heaven is an epitome of wealth, splendour and beauty. The walls are made of jasper, the foundations of the walls of the city are of precious stones, the gates are made of pearl and all the streets of heaven are paved with pure gold (Revelation 21:11, 18-21).  It is important to understand that the Church is ordained a ruling and super wealthy Church. God will be visiting the earth with heaven’s order of wealth before Christ returns. He will be releasing His wealth to His church, so she can rule in the midst of her enemies (Malachi 3:17-18, 4:1-4; Haggai 2:6-9; Psalm 110:1-3; Proverbs 22:7).

    However, from scriptures, we understand that a genuine love for God and His Kingdom is the biblical foundation and our covenant access to heaven’s order of financial fortune.

    What, then, are the Proofs of our Love for God?

    • If We Love God, We Will Love People: Our love for God naturally finds expression in our love for people. As it is written: If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? … (1 John 4:20-21). If we love God, we will naturally love people and be part of their joy. Moreover, we will love to see them rescued, delivered and blessed. So, if we don’t love people, then we don’t love God (Galatians 6:10; 1 John 3:17-18).
    • If We Love God, We Will Pursue Souls For Their Salvation, Deliverance, Breakthroughs and Restoration: Obeying God’s commandments is the biblical proof of our love for God (1 John 5:3; John 14:21). One of God’s commandments is commitment to soul-winning. We must understand that one of the proofs of our love for God is passion to see souls saved, established in the faith and living a new life in Christ. Jesus said: Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: … (John 15:16; see also John 21:15-17). When we are not bothered about the salvation of souls, our love for God becomes questionable; particularly when we have the two-way opportunity of praying for souls to be saved and also reaching out to them. However, when we commit to seeing souls saved, we commit God to release His blessings on our lives and secure speedy answers to our prayers. Also, when we engage in soul-winning, we have committed God to manifest Himself to us. Thus, obeying the commandment of soul-winning is a proof of our love for God (John 14:21).
    • If We Love God, We Will Not Be Ashamed of Him or His Word: David, a man after God’s own heart said: I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed (Psalm 119:46). When we truly love God, speaking about Him to others becomes a delight. Paul the Apostle’s love for Christ was as strong as death (Philippians 1:21). He also said: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (Romans 1:16; see also Romans 8:35-39). Remember, Jesus said that if we are ashamed of Him and His Word, He will be ashamed of us before His Father and His angels (Mark 8:38; Hebrews 13:13; Psalm 69:9).

    v                        If We Love God, We Will Obey Him: Keeping God’s commandments launches us into realms of supernatural blessings (Psalm 112:1-3; 1 John 5:3). We must, therefore, be excited at every commandment that comes our way, take delight in keeping them and then, we gain access to realms of supernatural blessings.

    Biblical Examples of how Love Empowers for Kingdom Wealth:

    For instance, concerning Solomon, the Bible records: And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places (1 Kings 3:3; see also 1 Corinthians 2:9-10, 13:13). After he reared that altar of sacrifice, God told him to ask whatever he desired and he requested for wisdom in ruling God’s people. This, also, was based on his love for God and the affairs of His Kingdom; as a result, God blessed him in return (1 Kings 3:13). In addition, Solomon overlaid the house of the Lord with pure gold and all the drinking vessels in his house were also of gold. The love of God was the launching pad of Solomon into the Heaven on Earth order of wealth and extraordinary abundance (1 Kings 6:21-22, 10:21). Furthermore, David was referred to as a man after God’s own heart and he emerged as a financial giant. He was virtually wealthier than the entire nation in his days (1 Chronicles 29:3-5).

    We must also understand that our love for God and His Kingdom are the two-fold platforms where giants rise. It is also the covenant launching pad into a world of financial fortune. The Bible says: …But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:31-33; see also Psalm 102:13-15). No wonder all true lovers of God in Bible times, flowed supernaturally in financial fortune. Therefore, love-motivated stewardship is the platform for the rise of financial giants in the Kingdom. However, God’s love is not theoretical but practical. That is, it is impossible to love God and not know.

    In summary, accessing heaven’s order of financial fortune through love is a reality if you are born again. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!” For further reading, please get my books: Understanding Financial Prosperity, Breaking Financial Hardship, Covenant Wealth and Hidden Covenants of Blessing. I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:20 p.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org; Face book: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/;  Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin

  • Saraki, Ekweremadu, Dogara, Atiku, preach sacrifice, love, others

    SENATE President Abubakar Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have urged Muslims to project Islam through the good examples of prayers, love, tolerance and peaceful disposition at all times.

    They congratulated Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the month-long Ramadan fast and called for sustained prayers for peace.

     

    Saraki seeks prayer for peace, unity

    Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, to commemorate the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations, said in spite of Federal Government’s appreciable efforts in combating the challenge of insecurity, it is imperative for Muslim faithful to utilise this period to pray fervently for peace and unity in the country.

    “We have just ended a month long fast, thus paving way for the Eid-el-fitr celebrations. These two periods are such times that the Almighty Allah enjoined us to ask for his blessings. We should therefore seize the opportunity to pray for the country and its leaders,” Saraki said.

    He called on Nigerians to use the season to promote national integration, saying: “Eid-el-fitr is a time of love and goodwill. It gives us a message to love all and hate none.”

     

    Remain true to Islamic teachings, Ekweremadu tells faithful

     

    Ekweremadu also congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful conclusion of the Ramadan fast, urging them to continue to pray for the nation, especially towards the successful conduct of the 2019 general elections.

    He also enjoined Muslim faithful to remain true to the teachings of Islam imbibed during the fast even after the holy month.

    “I congratulate our Muslim Ummah for successfully observing the Ramadan Fast and prayers, with its life-enriching lessons in the virtues of love, forbearance, unity, patriotism, self-sacrifice.

    “In the last one month, I observed the piety and the spirit of giving associated with the month and, therefore, urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to remain their brother’s keeper till eternity so as to make the society better for it.

     

    Dogara felicitates with Muslims

    Dogara felicitated with the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid El Fitr celebration.

    Dogara, in his Sallah message, enjoined them to sustain the lessons of Ramadan and replicate same in their daily lives for a better society.

    The Ummah should not be carried away by only the pageantry of the Sallah celebration, he said.

    Instead, they should use the occasion for sober reflection and extend gestures and hands of support to the needy in the society as well as to pray against the current security and economic situation of the country.

     

    Atiku:  reinforce fear of Allah

    In a goodwill message released by his media office yesterday, to mark the end of the 30-day Ramadan fasting period, Atiku said the event should reinforce the fear of Allah in the hearts of believers.

    He urged Muslim faithful to sustain the virtues of sacrifice beyond the Ramadan period, adding that the fasting period makes believers appreciate the impact of hunger and enable them to be more committed to the hardships of millions, who cannot feed themselves.

     

     

     

  • Lots of loving in the air

    A love feast? Yes, Love and falling in love can be compared to a love feast. When you are at the peak of affections turn table then there would be lots of loving in the air. It would be a time to wine and dine. Time to look gorgeous and be the subject of someone’s admiration, a time and a season to snap photographs to record these wonderful memories.

    One other thing that comes to mind when you are feasting and celebrating is to give and receive gifts. It is a way to show appreciation and be appreciated. And there are all kinds of gifts. You need to understand the personality involve to know the appropriate gift to shower on the one you love. There is no point spending a fortune on something that would not be appreciated.

    A Souvenir is a kind of gift that comes to mind at this point. It is something that is kept as a reminder of a person, place or event. When you travel out of the country we usually love to bring back souvenirs that would remind us about the wonderful places we’ve been to .Friends whose paths cross yours also give you some mementos to bring back wonderful memories shared later on in life.

    One interesting thing however is the fact that there are different types of souvenirs and their quality and attributes make them important or not. Its aesthetics and general design also determine where you would keep it, how long it would be treasures and what it ultimately means to you.

    Love according to a school of thought can be described as a souvenir. Something exciting to behold, something carefully designed and something valuable. Once you have given love to someone it can never be erased, it can never be forgotten.

    The only snag however is the quality and quantity of loving that you are giving or getting in return. You can actually assess this by cross checking the type of love that was doled out by your prince charming or the lady who has captured your emotions.

    You can do your assessments by looking at the different souvenirs in your custody. Some souvenirs are filled with memories; some are expensive, priceless, precious, fake or cheap. A romantic experience can also be filled with pleasant memories or bitter memories. What you get is what you give and the experience is going to stick on forever. Love can also be expensive. This means that it is going to cost you so much to merit the attention of the person you desire. Here you may give, give and give so much just to get the other party’s emotional attention. This does not mean that you are going to get value for sowing so much affection and love.

    If the person you are attracted to appreciates what you are doing then it would be a love feast indeed. The memories would be cherished and everything would fall in the right place as expected. This can also be achieved if you haven’t place square love pegs in round holes. Everyone must know and understand their duties and be dedicated to achieve results.

    Sometimes, the loving you get compares with fake and cheap souvenirs. Even if you really like these souvenirs there is a limit to how long you can keep such. Cheap souvenirs like love are likely to crack peel off or be broken. When it gets to that stage you would be forced to take it off the wall, away from table or shelf as the case may be.

    In the final category you would find souvenirs that are precious and priceless. Even when you know that you have come to the end of the road, you just can’t stop dreaming. The memories are so good, so exciting and each time you reminisce it is likely to transport you to fantasy land. It is surely going to be rated as one of the best romance you ever had. Like a dream you wish and wish that it is never going to end. It a tape that you just love to play and play all over again. A never ending love story. A tale of selfless love told by dreamers and generous lovebirds.

    For 28 year old Tola her experience can be classified into a fake souvenir category. Unfortunately for her the memories continue to reverberate even though she would have loved to sweep it under the carpet. A few weeks ago while she was driving to work a thought occurred to her. “I needed to get out of the relationship. It was obvious that we had come to the end of the road. I felt so sad because it was actually affecting my work and social life. Everything around me simply looked like it had come to a standstill.

    How did she get to this point and why did she allow herself to be pushed to the emotional wall before taking a decision.“I had been in a relationship for about four years and there was really no value placed on my emotions. Everyday and every minute I felt used and taken for granted.”

    Her dream and desire had always been to love and be loved. But somehow the more she tried to achieve this simple dream the more elusive it has become. Has love become so discriminatory? Was affection selective and partial? Sadly, she posed these questions to her bosom friend, Temi who gave her a personal experience that started with tears but ended on a happy note.

    “We met in church and everyone was so happy about the relationship. Somehow his parents and mine weren’t friends and we thought it was not going to end well. There was a lot of frustration in between but somehow things changed gradually and it worked out as planned.

    The truth of the matter is that every love story is not the same. But your love souvenir is determined by the goals that you set for yourself, dedication on the part of your partner and the dreams that you share in common. You can achieve this by sending the RIGHT CUES to a guy. No matter the obstacles on your emotional path always prepare for success.

  • Oshoffa preaches love, humility among members

    Pastor and Spiritual Head of Celestial Church of Christ(CCC) Worldwide, Rev. Emmanuel Oshoffa, has urged members as well as Christians in Nigeria to love one another, live in peace and embrace the spirit of humility.

    Oshoffa spoke last Sunday after honouring the invitation of CCC Oko-Oba Parish III shepherded by Superior Evangelist Amos Victor.

    He said only the pure will receive the blessings of God, urging Nigerians to consecrate themselves to the Lord.

    He urged the church members to abide with the doctrines of the church accordingly and detach themselves from terrestrial members performing atrocities with the name of the church.

    Citing several Bible passages, he insisted that being humble is the best way to attract the presence of God.