The Nation Newspaper

Tag: success

  • Farida’s success despite palsy

    Nigeria and Ghana are claiming Farida Bedwei. When two countries are taking pride in a cerebral palsy sufferer, whose speech is a bit slurred and walks with the aid of crutches, then there must be something about her.

    Cerebral palsy is a congenital disorder, which according to kidshealth.org “affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills (the ability to move in a coordinated and purposeful way).” It is caused by brain damage before or during birth, or the first three to five years of a child’s life.

    Farida was diagnosed with Cerebral palsy when she was just 10 days old.  However today, the 36-year old is a software engineer, who has created an application that allows small and micro business owners access to loans. The initiative, called gKudi, is a rave in Ghana and has brought Farida a lot of fame as an entrepreneur.

    She was featured on CNN African Voices aired last Sunday (February 8, 2015) where she was described as a Nigerian living in Ghana. But apart from being born in Nigeria in 1979, I did not find any evidence of her being Nigerian on the internet. She has lived in Ghana for most of her life. After being home schooled till age 12, she attended proper school and went on to earn two technology-related diplomas as a result of her love for Information Communication Technology.

    That she got work in corporate organisations is a miracle that I wonder could have happened were she to be in Nigeria. She got her first job by just going to the firm she desired to work in and being honest with the manager about her lack of skills and experience but willingness to learn. She got two other jobs afterwards – one of them where she spent up to nine years. Nigerian employers need to learn from this. How many of them would employ an able-bodied diploma holder and give him or her a chance to grow not to mention someone with disabilities? Even when they do, the usual case is for them to be used for many years as casual workers or contract staff – good enough to work and deliver results on pittance – but not good enough to be regularised.

    However, the most intriguing part of the story for me was how she got her BSc. in Computer Science and what the National Universities Commission (NUC) and our tertiary institutions can learn from it.  She applied to universities in Britain, stating her disability, her qualifications and job experience (six years at the time).  She was admitted to study Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom (UK). Based on her previous qualifications and work experience, the university waived the first two years of the programme. She only had to spend one year to earn the degree.  Note that the diplomas and work experience were not earned in the UK but in Ghana. However, UK varsities have evolved a means of assessing their candidates appropriately through their applications. They also appreciate the role work experience plays in improving the skills an individual possesses.

    Not so in Nigeria. You cannot gain direct entry into the university with just any diploma (I doubt that IT certifications can earn one a direct entry). Even the National Diploma (ND) that is recognised from the polytechnic gives the bearer no favours. If an ND holder is lucky to be accepted into the university through direct entry, he starts from 100-Level.  The holder of the Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate who seeks to earn a degree and applies for Direct Entry, if accepted, has to start from 200-Level and spend two or three more years depending on the course. This is irrespective of the person’s work experience. That is one of the reasons the Nigerian education system is moving at snail’s pace.

    Those with these diplomas that want degrees apply for part-time programmes in universities. Many of them are busy workers who hardly have the time to attend classes. With their work experience, usually, there is little new information that the lecturer would give them.  Many of them do not usually meet the stipulated class attendance required to take examinations but very few universities enforce this requirement.  So, they pass through the university for two/three years – just for the certificate.

    While the above scenario is not good enough, we can argue that at least ND/HND holders can get degrees, though through an unnecessarily tedious and long process.  However, for people living with disabilities, the opportunities are almost nonexistent.  For people with disabilities like physical challenges or blindness, they can still go to school – though they complain about the environment being unfriendly.

    However, such opportunities do not extend to some other learning disabilities like Down syndrome and Cerebral palsy.  As a result, sufferers are more likely to be taught vocational skills – for the lucky ones – or hidden away from sight until they are totally useless to themselves and others.

    Farida’s success should inspire us to do away with archaic practices in our education system.  People should be able to get lifelong learning – even if they have disorders.

  • Achieving success in the general elections

    By the end of next month, the general election would have been concluded but what Nigerians expect from the polls is not short of fairness and openness. The election should not only be free, fair and credible, the result must also be popularly acceptable to all. These define the success desired by Nigerians.

    I wish to place on note that the next election is not the one to toy with, because it is a significant election coming up in a significant period. We should remember that there have been predictions of catastrophe and break up of Nigeria in this year. Whether the prophecies and speculations are true or not is not a subject here. But I think we should not wave them away altogether. We should take them very seriously and put all hands on deck to prevent the unwanted from befalling us as a nation.

    It is also a significant election because it is coming at a time the country faces a myriad of security challenges coated in the cloaks of religion, but not without the admixture of politics, and of course, a direct link of sort with the coming general election. As a result of these and many other reasons, it is obvious that the international community’s eyes would be watching us, wanting to see how well we would prove our sovereignty and our professed ability to be organised, decisive and strongly victorious in the face of challenging situations.

    Therefore, we cannot afford to fail. On this note, it will be wrong for anybody to assume that only the contributions of a set of people, for instance, the presidency, legislature, the judiciary, politicians, security agents or election officers are needed and enough to achieve success in the coming election. It would also be wrong to assume that the glory or the shame of election belongs to the ruling class.

    Since the bulk of credit or blame in any society usually lies with leadership, our leaders should be the first to be addressed. They should note that they stand as the representatives or symbols of the Nigerian socio-political system. This makes them known to the international community more than many Nigerians. As a result, if anything happens, they will be the very first set of people to be questioned. For instance, the executive heads of any society are the first to be called upon when the case of corruption or any social vice occurs, even when they are not the ones directly involved.

    The incumbent political office holders, at the federal, state or the local government levels, the legislators and other elective or appointed officers, therefore, should consider themselves as having a great deal of role to play in ensuring the success of the coming election.

    Apart from the fact that public figures are always the first to be called upon for any problem in the society, it is required of present leaders to show the sense of responsibility, accountability and dependability to the populace, noting that they did not just get to power by sheer luck but through the trust that the masses bestowed upon them. They should also remember that their offices are run and maintained by means of tax payers’ money.

    Hence, in order not to disappoint the masses, the incumbent should see themselves as owing Nigeria a duty of displaying their unalloyed patriotism and see to the success of the coming election. As much as possible, they should adhere strictly to their oath of office of not allowing personal sentiments to blind their decisions or wrongly influencing their conducts. Doing this, they will do a great service to the masses since doing otherwise is a great disservice and disappointment to those who have entrusted them with public offices.

    Statutory stipulations guiding the conducts, of their duties as participants in election processes should be followed to the letter. These might look difficult, especially when faced with the challenges of election miscreants who are hell-bent on achieving their selfish interests at all cost.

    Specifically, security operatives should get it right this time around. They should use this opportunity to rebrand their images previously soiled by actions taken based on political partisanship. Nigerians will appreciate it if the security agencies, this time around, could prove their uprightness, strength and potency in the face of complex security situations. Intelligence gathering should be stepped up to uncover sinister moves, long before they are executed. The Police and other security operatives should have their nose to the ground to checkmate any individual or groups planning any move that could truncate the election, putting the whole country in bad light in the eye of the international community. As much as possible, election materials must be kept safe before, during and after elections.

    The media should be passionately involved in mass orientation, in encouraging the masses on the need for full participation and on how best to participate to have a peaceful, free and fair election. The media should, as a matter of commitment, always maintain balanced reportage and ensure the widest possible coverage of electoral developments. This will help in equipping the citizenry with adequate information about the election. This will also help, to some extent, in discouraging perpetrators of anti-peace activities since they know their secrets will never be covered.

    It is a known fact that no party will want to lose, but giving free rein to unleash terror on defenceless masses or political opponents to achieve cheap success is less humane and as such should not be tolerated. Political leaders and their supporters should accept to support the course of fairness and peace before, during and after the elections.

    And to the non-party members, political apathy is not in any way the solution to the beleaguering problems associated with politics in Nigeria. It is somewhat reasonable to decide not to participate in election since votes do not count. But this will do more harm than good. It is when citizens actively participate in elections that they can bring their political desires to fruition.

    It should be noted that what the individual in Nigeria is called to do as service to our dear nation is not the achievement and protection of the self, but the provision of dedicated and sacrificial services that will ensure the advancement and sustenance of our common good.

     

  • Her road to success

    Her road to success

    Against all odds a woman entrepreur’s venture is growing in leapt and bounds reports Daniel Essiet.

    Effiong Williams, 28-year old Chief  Executive/Founder, Reel Fruit, Lagos, has  demonstrated the power of grit and determination to succeed in business. Despite the many hurdles encountered, she has been able to build a food processing business in Nigeria.

    She started Reel Fruit three years ago as a snack and beverage company that focuses on locally made and packaged products.

    She said: ”My decision to launch Reel Fruit in 2012 was borne out of my decision to venture into the agribusiness sector. I believe that agriculture has huge untapped potential both in wealth and job creation.  I am motivated by the possibility that I can change lives and create employment and wealth for myself and others.”

    Today, she is one of the nation’s entrepreneurial success stories and the owner of a thriving fruit juice processing business.

    However, her entrepreneurial journey was not an easy one.

    She obtained a BSc degree in Physiology and Psychology in South Africa, and followed up with a diploma in business management. While South Africa, her thoughts were exploring the huge potential in the nation’s agriculture sector which has not been explored.

    Consequently, she decided to quit her job in South Africa and return to Nigeria to start a business full time.

    On her return, she did a research and found that she could start a fruit juice processing company and make it big time.

    However, the venture was capital-intensive and would require more funds than she could raise at the time.

    Having realised this, she decided to start small, though still having her mind on the big dream by providing  dried fruit snacks as a healthy option to unhealthy snacks; this was the beginning of producing the Reel Fruit product.

    Her home kitchen became the launch pad. “I decided to start with my savings. My first cost was applying for registration from the relevant authorities for my products and doing market testing which was around N600, 000. I later invested more money to buy packaging and started sales,” she said.

    She targeted her product at health conscious consumers interested in healthier lifestyles and wants to consume healthier products.

    Before she knew it, she found a hole in the market and launched the product.

    Having a business background, Miss Williams deployed her expertise to build the brand.

    Initially, she faced several challenges, which she considered ‘the  many percularities of doing business in Nigeria.’ She discovered that projects such as hers take a longer time before they can be executed, too many expenses, poor infrastructure and the challenge of getting the right human capital.

    To survive, she became more patient and opened to ideas on how to achieve success. She has also learned to be more confident. “Everything takes more time and more work than expected. I have also learned to expect a little and big miracles and luck along the way, “she added. However, despite these early challenges, the local market responded positively to her product and she could see her dream being realised.

    Since then, the business has been growing. Over time, she has become very savvy  as a business woman and determined to improve on her   efforts to maximise profit.

    But how much is the business worth now? She wouldn’t reveal it. She said: “I cannot reveal our business’ value as we are currently raising funds to expand, but I will say that our growth in the last year has been 400 per cent of our previous year. We have seen quite good growth, launched new products in the market, and we have acquired some large customers. I am hoping that we would continue to drive growth.”

    She said the  corporate  values that drive the  business are rooted in a long term vision to  change lives by  making Nigerian products appeal to global standards that could be sold anywhere in the world.

    Currently, the company has 10 employees.  However, by the end of this year, she hopes to grow the number to 30 when her expansion programme might have been completed.

    She has been able to secure grants from friends and family. She has also won two grants. “That money has allowed us to expand our product range, get office space, expand our sales team and grow our company,” she said.

    With success, her life has changed. “I will say that my life has much more meaning. I have realized that building a large, profitable agribusiness is my life’s purpose, and I wake up every morning intended on achieving that goal. I can withstand many challenges because I am certain of my life’s path.”

    Chief Executive, Reel fruit was a winner of Women in Business Challenge in 2014. She used the money of the competition to develop new products; one is a fruit drink, while the other is a cashew product called snack-pack.

  • Her road to success

    Her road to success

    Against all odds a woman entrepreur’s venture is growing in leapt and bounds reports Daniel Essiet.

    Affiong Williams, 28-year old Chief  Executive/Founder, Reel Fruit, Lagos, has  demonstrated the power of grit and determination to succeed in business. Despite the many hurdles encountered, she has been able to build a food processing business in Nigeria.

    She started Reel Fruit three years ago as a snack and beverage company that focuses on locally made and packaged products.

    She said: ”My decision to launch Reel Fruit in 2012 was borne out of my decision to venture into the agribusiness sector. I believe that agriculture has huge untapped potential both in wealth and job creation.  I am motivated by the possibility that I can change lives and create employment and wealth for myself and others.”

    Today, she is one of the nation’s entrepreneurial success stories and the owner of a thriving fruit juice processing business.

    However, her entrepreneurial journey was not an easy one.

    She obtained a BSc degree in Physiology and Psychology in South Africa, and followed up with a diploma in business management. While South Africa, her thoughts were exploring the huge potential in the nation’s agriculture sector which has not been explored.

    Consequently, she decided to quit her job in South Africa and return to Nigeria to start a business full time.

    On her return, she did a research and found that she could start a fruit juice processing company and make it big time.

    However, the venture was capital-intensive and would require more funds than she could raise at the time.

    Having realised this, she decided to start small, though still having her mind on the big dream by providing  dried fruit snacks as a healthy option to unhealthy snacks; this was the beginning of producing the Reel Fruit product.

    Her home kitchen became the launch pad. “I decided to start with my savings. My first cost was applying for registration from the relevant authorities for my products and doing market testing which was around N600, 000. I later invested more money to buy packaging and started sales,” she said.

    She targeted her product at health conscious consumers interested in healthier lifestyles and wants to consume healthier products.

    Before she knew it, she found a hole in the market and launched the product.

    Having a business background, Miss Williams deployed her expertise to build the brand.

    Initially, she faced several challenges, which she considered ‘the  many percularities of doing business in Nigeria.’ She discovered that projects such as hers take a longer time before they can be executed, too many expenses, poor infrastructure and the challenge of getting the right human capital.

    To survive, she became more patient and opened to ideas on how to achieve success. She has also learned to be more confident. “Everything takes more time and more work than expected. I have also learned to expect a little and big miracles and luck along the way, “she added. However, despite these early challenges, the local market responded positively to her product and she could see her dream being realised.

    Since then, the business has been growing. Over time, she has become very savvy  as a business woman and determined to improve on her   efforts to maximise profit.

    But how much is the business worth now? She wouldn’t reveal it. She said: “I cannot reveal our business’ value as we are currently raising funds to expand, but I will say that our growth in the last year has been 400 per cent of our previous year. We have seen quite good growth, launched new products in the market, and we have acquired some large customers. I am hoping that we would continue to drive growth.”

    She said the  corporate  values that drive the  business are rooted in a long term vision to  change lives by  making Nigerian products appeal to global standards that could be sold anywhere in the world.

    Currently, the company has 10 employees.  However, by the end of this year, she hopes to grow the number to 30 when her expansion programme might have been completed.

    She has been able to secure grants from friends and family. She has also won two grants. “That money has allowed us to expand our product range, get office space, expand our sales team and grow our company,” she said.

    With success, her life has changed. “I will say that my life has much more meaning. I have realized that building a large, profitable agribusiness is my life’s purpose, and I wake up every morning intended on achieving that goal. I can withstand many challenges because I am certain of my life’s path.”

    Chief Executive, Reel fruit was a winner of Women in Business Challenge in 2014. She used the money of the competition to develop new products; one is a fruit drink, while the other is a cashew product called snack-pack.

  • ‘Hard work is key to success’

    Freshers admitted into Ogun State College of Health Technology in Ilese-Ijebu have been urged to work hard to achieve excellence. The Provost, Dr Tunji Dawodu, spoke when the college held its matriculation for the students.

    The ceremony was graced by the families of the matriculating students.

    Dr Dawodu urged them to be of good conduct and face their studies with all seriousness. He said: “It is my advice that you all be of good behaviour and remain focus, so as not to have any conflict with the college’s rules and regulations. Having chosen to take up career in the health sector, a lot of responsibilities are staring you in the face.

    “You must be diligent, smart and hardworking. You should also know that regular attendance in class is compulsory, because it forms part of the evaluation criteria. Continuous assessment should be taken seriously because at the end of the day, it adds up to grade points average. Be respectful to your lecturers and obey all lawful instructions. Be vigilant, be security conscious and be careful of the company that you keep.”

    The Acting Registrar, Mr Toyin Obatosin, advised the students to see their studies as primary objective on the campus, while urging them to be obedient. “You must exhibit best conduct in studies and behaviour in order to excel and successfully pass out of the college,” he said.

    Ayorinde Dipeolu, a fresh student of Health Information Management, said: “I shall exhibit good conduct and respect the regulations of the school as well as engendering robust relationship with the lecturers throughout my stay.”

    The ceremony ended with the traditional handshaking of the freshers with the Provost.

     

  • Exploring The Secrets Of Success! (4)

    Last week,we studied about the power of discretion. I said discretion is divine insight in the approach of any given task. I showed you why we all need discretion and how we can access it.

    As I conclude this teaching this week, I will be discussing, The Demand Of Skill in our quest for success. Recognize that success is God’s plan for you and I, to be glorified and end up successful (Romans 8:29-30). However, there are certain forces that must be applied, if success is to be attained. Skill is one of such forces. There is a demand of skill, if you must enjoy success.

    What Is Skill?

    Skill is a learned ability to carry out a task in a satisfactory manner. Another word for ‘skill’ is ‘excellence.’ Skill is a vital force we must engage, if success will be a reality in our lives.

    Why Is Skill Important?

    •Skill earns you respect (Hebrews 5:13): Some people are unskilful with the Word of God. People may not like you for your grammar or eloquence; but they will respect you if you are skilful.

    •Skill opens doors: For instance, David was skilful at playing the harp. Apart from that, David was a mighty man of war and skilful in leadership, without any formal training (1 Samuel 16:18; 1 Samuel 17:34-36; Psalm 78:70-72).

    How Do We Acquire Skill?

    •We acquire skill by training: For example, Abraham armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants (Genesis 14:14). Also, the unskilful men who David trained, later became mighty men (1 Samuel 22:3; 2 Samuel 23:8).

    We must explore every opportunity to learn or to improve on our ourselves for better/greater skills.

    “Through practice: Also we must think of what God said in His Word about us, and seek training along those lines (Philippians 4:8). Look for opportunity to improve yourself.

    Keep at it until the best comes out of that. The more you put to practice a talent inside you, you become more skilful (James 1:22-25).

    •By divine endowment: For instance, Bezaleel was divinely endowed in designs and construction (Exodus 35:30-34). Also, Daniel and his companions were endowed with special skills that empowered them for dominion (Daniel 1:17; Daniel 6:26-28). God gave Daniel and the Hebrew boys knowledge and wisdom. For instance, Daniel prospered in the reign of King Cyrus. He was relevant in a foreign land for 65 years, according to Bible historians. He had skill to interpret dreams, etc.

    Solomon was divinely endowed with wisdom. This made him to be skilful without learning it. So, we must trust God in this aspect – divine endowment. No wonder Solomon was wiser than all men in his time and his fame spread far and wide (1 Kings 4:29-34).

    John the Baptist was in the bush, where he was divinely endowed. Also, David was divinely endowed. He is still celebrated today because of skill.

    Note that divine endowments put the believer at an advantage over others (Proverbs 18:16; John 3:31). Divine endowment has no match anywhere in the world. There is nothing in one, except that one has made extraordinary input in one’s life.

    Friend, the power for skill is for those born again. You become born again, by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you are set for this, please say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Cleanse me with Your Blood. Forgive me of my sins. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again!”

    Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books: Success Button, Success Systemsand Exploring The Secrets Of Success.

    On Thursday being January 1, 2015, people all over the world will be celebrating the New Year. I know you are set to usher in the New Year. It is not a time for you to get drunk! Before then, you should be able to take stock and make a resolution to obey and serve God with all your heart. I wish You A Happy New Year!

    I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

  • Exploring The Secrets Of Success! (2)

    Last week, I brought to you the introductory part of this teaching. I said, among other things, that every child of God is redeemed to be a success.

    Talking about the quality goodies God has for those that love Him, the Bible says: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

    You cannot have a genuine heart for God, and not make an outstanding mark on the earth. This week, I shall be considering The Power Of Divine Endowment.

    The scriptures contain the secrets of God. When we engage the secrets of scriptures, they bring out the star in us (1 Peter 1:19). Every child of God is ordained a star! It is how much we engage the covenant that determines when our star will shine.

    Recognize that everyone is gifted in some special ways — endowment. Thisis clear from Matthew 25:15, which says: And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. We must discover our special gifting as individuals (1 Corinthians 7:7).

    There is something in you that makes you unique (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). You must look inwards and identify your talent by the help of the Holy Spirit (Luke 15:7-8). Proverbs 20:27 says: The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. So, we engage our spirit in searching out those things that we flow freely in. That is where your star is!

    After you have found it, you must make use of it, for you to change levels. The scripture says:And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.Another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin (Luke 19:18-20). So, it is not enough to know what we carry; we must know what to do to put it to work for our profiting. You have to stir it up!

    It is not enough to have potential; you have to maximize it to actualize it. So, potential is not automatically equal to manifestation. You have to know what to do to activate the potential you carry. So, you must work on your faith. How? It is by working on the Word to keep your faith alive, because “faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). This way, you tap into what God has purposed for you.

    Why are we talented? We are talented essentially for profitable living (Proverbs 18:16; 1 Corinthians 12:7). All we need to do is to learn how to activate the treasure in us. This connotes responsibility. So, we have a lot to do!

    God’s ultimategift for man is eternal life. By scriptures, we are seated in heavenly places on a mission here on earth (John 3:31). By redemption, we are ordained to be above all (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). It means, we should get to know what God is saying about everything, and go all out for it!

    So, you don’t succeed by doing nothing and waiting for success to happen! Learn how to turn your potentials into results. It is not enough to be loaded with potentials; you must learn how to turn them into results.

    You don’t really have a problem with the environment. You have a problem because you are not well positioned. How well you engage divine giftings is what makes the difference! Friend, you have to take responsibility (Proverbs 18:16). For instance, Apostle Paul said, “I labour more that they all…” (1 Corinthians 15:10).  Such men deserve recognition).

    You have all it takes to excel in life. So, you must do all it takes to get there. How? It is by doing what God says you should do to get there. You can dominate your situation by walking in the light (God’s Word). Remember Peter? He went fishing all night, but caught nothing. When he walked in the light in the midst of that seeming frustration, he experienced a dramatic change of levels. He had a net-breaking, boat-sinking order of breakthrough (Luke 5:4-7).So, engage the Word to render the devil helpless in your situation (John1:5).

    Friend, the power to engage the Wordfor success is for those saved. You get saved, by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you are set for it, pleasesay this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again!” I will see you next week.

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. respectively.

    Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books: Success Button, Success Systemsand Exploring The Secrets Of Success.

    I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

  • God designed your home for success (3)

    I want to provoke you to pragmatic thinking! I’m not out to expound theories to you. John, the Beloved, said in the opening of his epistles: And our hands have handled, of the Word of life; That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus

    Christ (1 John 1:13).

    The things I have handled, seen and heard are what I will be sharing with you in this week’s teaching.

    Last week, I said, marriage is what you think it to be, and that your perspective makes your marriage what it becomes. Let me also say here that your expectation shall not be cut off. In Genesis 2:18-25, we see God initiating the idea of male and female relationship, in which both will serve as succour to each other.

    The purpose of God in marriage is to create a help that is suitable, adaptable and complementary, to establish unity and for procreation. Daily, we see men and women seeking after soothsayers and seers, to know whom to marry. Some highly placed and educated young men and ladies creep stealthily into the dingy abodes of herbalists to know the cause of their marriage delays.

    Also, it is not a common thing to see couples running after palm readers, fortune-tellers and astrologers, just to find out what the future holds for their marriages, and how they can be guided into glorious homes.

    But, for us at the other side of Jordan, we have a reason to thank God. He doesn’t leave us to guess and grope through life. That is why He said: Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not (Jeremiah 33:3).

    Nobody builds a tower without an adequate preparation and a strong foundation. You must first desire a tower, before you can build one. Do not enter into a marriage covenant without an expectation. If you expect the best, it will be yours (Proverbs 23:18).

    God has promised to grant your expectations, whether good or bad. So, let your expectations be based on God’s Word, for it is higher than any evil experience or information you may have had or heard about marriage (Proverbs 10:24).

    If you are already married, there is still opportunity to change all negative expectations. As a couple, discuss your positive expectations and I guarantee that things will work out more smoothly in your home.

    The scripture says in Hebrews 3:4: For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.  God is the Almighty Programmer of marriage; hence, He had created all that it would take to make it glorious. Man on his own part needs to abide by God’s principle and implement His plan.

    For instance, God has said: Husbands, love your wives … and to the wives, He said: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husband (Ephesians 5:22, 25). Thus, if you and your spouse want to experience success in marriage, then you must do what God says, without circumventing His laid down rules.

    Unmarried ladies and young men, what do you expect in marriage? Your expectations shall not be cut off! Before we got married, my husband and I made discoveries from God’s Word that made us expect a hitch-free marriage. Our testimony today: Those expectations have not been cut off!

    I believe you have been mightily blessed by this teaching. So, as I pray for your family, believe God for a unique touch in your home. You will have a testimony!

    In the Name of Jesus, I ask for the hand of God to rest heavily on your home. I declare that from today, you begin to enjoy God’s goodness and honour in your home!

    The power to accept the responsibility of marriage can be given to you, by surrendering your life to Christ. If you are ready to surrender your life to Christ, please say this prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today.  I am a sinner.  Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood.  Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the living God.  I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.  Make me a child of God today.  Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

    Congratulations! You are now born-again! Till I come your way next time, please call or write, and share your testimonies with me through: E-mail: counselling@faithoyedepo.org, Contact@faithoyedepo.org; Tel. No: 08141320204; 07026385437.

     

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

  • God designed your home for success (2)

    You are welcome to this glorious day!  Perspectives are very important in man’s quest for family success. It is a man’s perspective that determines his height. That is why the scripture says: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he … (Proverbs 23:7). The thought of a man makes a man.

    Having seen God’s blueprint for a successful home last week, this week, I will be teaching on, Your marriage is what you think it to be.

    As the society becomes more complex, marriage as an institution is either positively or negatively affected. The world we live in is a press-button world of quick result, and anything that does not produce at the touch of a button is disregarded. Marriage is not left out. If a man is not experiencing fulfillment in marriage, it is not because God did not create it to be fulfilling, but because the man’s perspectives of it are wrong.

    Marriage is not what your unbeliever friend says it is. Marriage is not what you read in carnal books. Marriage is what the Word of God says it is. It is good, and like most precious metals, one must invest time and resources to secure it and fashion it into a jewel of great price that makes for success.

    Marriage is not a necessary evil as some would think; your perspective of it makes it what it is to you. God designed and programmed your marriage for success, but how you see it will determine whether it works for you or not. You must agree with God that when you enter into holy matrimony, you are stepping into a better way of life. Most couples lack this understanding, so they groan about marriage, instead of enjoying its covenant benefits.

    My husband said, “Your mind is your greatest asset in the realization of your goal. Whatever your mind cannot grasp, even though it is yours by heritage, your hands will never handle.” So, what becomes of your marriage is a product of your perspective. Your thoughts play a major role in your marital life, because every imagination ultimately becomes a manifestation. That is why I believe every glorious marriage and family is a product of a covenant mind-set rooted in scripture.

    Marriage is not evil, it is good. Think it as good. What you think of it today, is what it becomes for you tomorrow. Marriage is good; it is precious by God’s design. But God works in collaboration with His children to establish His will on earth. Therefore, you must know and understand that there is profit for you in marriage. This understanding will flush out every carnal thought about marriage on your inside. That is why the scripture says: Man that is honour and understandeth it not is like the beasts that perish (Psalm 49:20).

    Nature abhors vacuum. If you don’t fill your mind with good things about your family, the devil will fill it up for you with evil thoughts. Remember the Bible says: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and it there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).

    It is the thoughts of man that make a man. What you think of your marriage and family makes it what it is. You can’t think obstacles in your marriage and have miracles. You can’t think of marriage as a necessary evil, and experience a glorious marriage, because sweet marriages and homes are basically provoked by your thoughts.

    Glorious marriages are no chances; they are choices. You can choose what happens to your marriage and family, by the way you think. You have the mind of Christ, the miracle mind, and miracle minds don’t think obstacles in marriage or consider obstacles in the home. So, do not carry obstacle thoughts when looking for a life partner. Do not think impossibilities, when you are looking up to God for miracle babies. The two don’t go together.

    Do you know that most couples could not build matrimonial homes, because of obstacle thoughts? Many don’t even eat good food, because they don’t know where tomorrow’s meal will come from. Some couples think of nothing good about their families, but obstacles. Hence, they wallow in abject failure and frustration, without knowing that a man’s thoughts today make him what he would be tomorrow.

    Someone once came to me for counselling. She had been having a very tough time in her marriage. As she spoke, I discovered that the root cause of her problems was her wrong perspective about marriage. She had expected grief and calamity, so when the storms rose against her marriage, she began to cry, saying, “They told me it will be like this.”

    Any marriage outside Christ cannot escape difficulties and troubles. No wonder, married unbelievers see themselves as trapped. If you are not born-again, you are not entitled to the success and fulfillment in marriage that God has reserved for those who love Him.

    But, God’s grace is the carrier of salvation. If you respond to it today, you will escape the distress, which most couples are facing. If you desire to be born again, please say this prayer of faith with me: Dear Lord Jesus, I accept that I am a sinner worthy of death. But I now understand that by inviting You into my life, I will be pardoned of all my sins. Forgive me of my sins, and come into my heart right now. Take my life, Lord and mould it. I turn my back on Satan and the world. Thank You for coming into my life, in Jesus’ Name!

     

    Congratulations! You are now born-again! Till I come your way next time, please call or write, and share your testimonies with me through: E-mail: counselling@faithoyedepo.org, Contact@faithoyedepo.org; Tel. No: 08141320204; 07026385437.

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

  • ‘I want to be part of Aregbesola’s success story’

    ‘I want to be part of Aregbesola’s success story’

    Prince Saheed Lasisi is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State. He is a House of Representatives aspirant in Ede Constituency. In this interview with STELLA BAMAWO, he explains why he wants to represent his people.

    Why are you contesting for the House of Representatives in Ede Constituency?

    I want to be part of the success story unfolding in Osun State in the next phase. That is why I am contesting. I want to serve my people by going to the House of Representatives. I think four years down the line I should be able to say glory be to God because people will actually see the way politics should be practiced. For me, I am prepared for the job. I have about 15 years experience in the private sector, covering all areas of investment banking, capital market, aviation and maritime. I have over than 100 staff under my control. I am actually a field person and I work seven days a week.

    What value will you added to the system at that level?

    Initially, I had wanted to contest in 2011, but I withdrew because I felt I was not prepared enough.  Two years down the line, I went back home to ask my people if they were feeling the impact of governance, apart from what the governor is doing? Their answer was that they have not actually felt the impact of lawmaking representation. Though the person there may have his own programme, but people say they are not feeling his impact. Through acts that will project the position of my people, I intend setting up small scale industries across selected wards. I want them to promote youth employment and independence. I know there are some indigent students that are very brilliant, but have not been able to achieve much, because of their background. I would assist such persons, if I’m given the opportunity. In areas of rural development, we will support what the governor is doing. I intend to set up a micro-credit scheme for the elderly.

    What is the assurance that you will not renege on your promises?

    Thank you very much; this same concern was raised when I formally declared my intention to run. I told them that I am not just an ordinary politician, I am a prince of the town and we occupy the current throne in Sekona. If I misbehave, they know where to go. That is, the king’s palace to report me. Even before the election, in my own little way, I have introduced some empowerment programmes in 42 wards. I intend to divide my salary into three; one would go into my constituency, in the form of empowerment programmes and the other one-third into other logistics. We need to give back to the society. You can see what our governor is doing; we are not talking about stomach infrastructure, but how to empower the youth.  We need to teach people how to fish and not give them fish to eat.

    Why are you contesting on the platform of the APC? 

    Right from my adulthood, I have always been a progressive. The only progressive party we have in Nigeria is the APC.  I joined the APC since inception because I believe in the ideals of the party; its manifestoes and everything are in line with my thought and philosophy.

    What is your impression of Governor Rauf Aregbesola?

    Everybody knows that Governor Aregbesola is one of the best performing governors in Nigeria. He has been able to prove that he is a manager of both human and natural resources. Within the four years of his administration, we could all see what others could not do in 12 years. It is just similar to what Pa Akande did during his tenure. The State Secretariat was built by Papa Akande; he empowered local people. He did not bring a foreigner to build the place.  The APC has a standard. You can see what Governor Babatunde Fashola is doing in Lagos State. Go to any APC state, you will see the semblance of what true governance is all about. Governor Aregbesola is paying workers’ salaries regularly; he is remodeling schools; he introduced opon imo. That has never happened. You can imagine, opon imo has received international accolade. So, Aregbesola is a performer. Just watch out in the next four years. Osun will be the Dubai of Nigeria. In our own little way, we need to support him.

    As a Prince, are you not riding on the back of the king to get cheap votes?

    I don’t think being a prince is a crime. I am a Chartered Accountant by profession. I have 15 years experience in top positions. Many of my friends are wondering why I am leaving a lucrative job to join politics.  It is not about being in a lucrative job alone. I have been very active for the past 15 years building people’s empires. Why can’t I take the same thing to my people and see how I can influence their lives?  After politics, I can always go back to my consulting as a Chartered Accountant.