₦airaland Forum

TUESDAY FLAT OUT




By Suyi Ayodele



(Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, December 12, 2023

https://tribuneonlineng.com/time-ticks-for-nigerian-ruling-elite/

I take a bet. The judgement of God and of the people is nigh! Check your neighbourhood. For weeks, and in some cases, months, there is no electricity. But in your houses, you run your generator. Neighbours come around to charge their phones, rechargeable lamps and what have you in your compound. How do you tell them that you are not part of the oppressors? What about water? As early as 5 am, neighbours are already on the queue in front of your house to fetch water. They don't have the boldness to knock on your gate to wake you up. They know that they are at your mercy, and so, they wait until you wake up to turn on the tap for them. Many of these people grew up with functional water corporations and dams in their towns and villages. We are already in the festive period. How many Nigerians have what to eat during this season? How many can afford a bag of rice? How many will be able to buy clothes for their children and wards? How many are already calculating the school fees for the second term which begins by the first week of January 2024? When you consider these, you will realise that there is no time to postpone fixing Nigeria. The elite just have to fix Nigeria now or Nigerians will fix them, and permanently too. The masses are like the sheep. Those are the most gentle of all animals. But they have the most poisonous teeth ever! You can read me again. Sheep have teeth. Just pray they don't bite you with them. There is no anti-rabies vaccine that can cure that.



Dr Kashim Shettima, the vice president, is a brilliant man. As a politician, he may not be a good man. No Nigerian politician of this inglorious era is good. I make no bones about that. I saw Dr Shettima a couple of times on television during the 2023 campaigns. I enjoyed his dramas when he served as the Director General of the Tinubu Campaign Organisation during the All Progressive Congress (APC), presidential primaries. He was blunt and assertive. He appeared then to know what he wanted, or what he was briefed to do. In the delivery of his mandate then, he did not spare anyone. He took no prisoners. He insulted as many as he could. He befriended those he considered useful to the project at hand. He was acerbic in his dealing with the then Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Fortune smiled on Shettima at the end of the primaries. His principal, Tinubu, picked him as his running mate. The duo went ahead to win the general election. Today, Shettima occupies the office he once said was only good for selling ice cream and popcorn! Unfortunately, since May 29, 2023, Dr Shettima and the government he serves as the vice president have been serving Nigerians more than ice cream and popcorn. The government of his principal serves Nigerians pains and agony. He is aware of this and the inherent danger. He spoke about it not too long ago.

In his recent outing in Abuja last Saturday, Shettima sounded more of a populist than a realist. He spoke at the graduation ceremony of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 16 participants from different security agencies and nominees of state governments. His submission was that with the present high cost of living, Nigerians “are angry with government officials.” If he expected us to clap for him for saying that, I can tell him for free that he is damned wrong! Absolutely WRONG! The vice-president talked about the parlous condition of the common man in Nigeria of today. He said that the ruling elite had between 10 to 20 years to do something, otherwise, something will give. Here are his exact words:” … But now, as we cruise around in our bulletproof cars, one will see contempt in the eyes of the poor. We have to improve the quality of governance. And what we have is a tiny window of not more than 10 to 20 years. Let’s improve the quality of governance.” He is, again, wrong! With the situation of things in Nigeria, the bomb can go off any moment. Call me an alarmist; the time ticks precariously. Shettima and his gang don't have five years, not even two years. The time to make corrections and bring back life to the people is now.

The locusts that had before now eaten up of our vegetation had been buying time. The current generation of vampires in power thinks it can buy more time. There is no more time. Things are bad. No! Things are at their worst ebb. The middle class is eliminated, completely. What we have now are two contrasting stratifications of the super-rich, and super- poor. Poverty is shared in equal proportions. Those who have no reasons to beg are now corporate beggars. We are all engaged in 'fine bara'. I am not exempted. The other time, my laptop collapsed beyond repair. I couldn't raise the money for a new one. Who did I turn to? My 65-years plus first cousin! I struggled to call him. I felt ashamed calling a 65-year-old man to come to my rescue, when he is supposed to be resting. But I thank God he did what I asked for without hesitation. He must have known that I was at the end of my tether to have called him in far way UK for a laptop. Truth be told; I was at my breaking point before I made that call. I ask this: how many people have cousins or relations who would respond promptly to that type of Macedonia call? How many of such requests can I respond to if occasions demand? This is not because one is wicked or selfish. The means are not just there. Many relationships have broken because of this. We ignore calls we would hitherto have picked with enthusiasm. This is our situation, Dr Shettima. This is the level crass misgovernance has pushed us to. I don’t see the projected 10 to 20 years of redemption as realistic. The time to do it is now!

Why am I so worried about the present situation? Something happened to me last weekend. I was in Ekiti State last weekend. From Ado Ekiti to Odo Oro through Ijesa Usu Ekiti, I saw poverty in its naked form. Driving around the neighbouring Ikole Ekiti axis, at a spot, a big female goat ran across the road, and I slammed the break. The resultant dust from the dusty road attracted curses from the people around. "Rírá lu à rá nú" (may you be lost forever), they pronounced. I recognised two of the people. I parked the car, turned off the engine, and alighted. One of them, who felt that I was coming to challenge them said something in our Ekiti dialect: "Hìn jé ha bò; erun rè à kan (let him come, his mouth will go sour). I approached them. They recognised me. The most elderly of them said: "Hùwo hà hin, Suyi (So it is you, Suyi). We exchanged greetings, and apologised for the dust.



The most aggressive one among them said something similar to what Dr Shettima alluded to. While apologising for the curse, he added: "Hà rò wípé òkàn núnú hìhan olórí burúkú hàn nì ni (We thought it is one of those bad heads). That is the level of aggression in the land. Hunger is already mixing with anger. My screeching of the brake attracted curses and aggression from people, who before now would have shown sympathy and thanked God on my behalf for not damaging the car. As I left them, I kept wondering what had happened. They knew the goat ran to the road. They knew I avoided killing it by applying the brakes Yet, they still cursed me. Now, ask what would have happened if I were not someone they are familiar with. Or, I was to be a top government official, the type the people had already labelled hìhan olórí burúkú (bad heads). If we continue like this, the bullet-proof cars will not be enough. I deliberately employed the plural pronoun, "we", because whether we like it or not, we shall all be victims of the people's reaction. It does not matter whether one had been in government before or not. As long as you drive a nice car, put on fine cloth, and you look ‘fresh’; you belong to the ruling elite in the estimation of the poor.



Someone foresaw our situation long ago. He equally forewarned us of the looming danger hanging over us all. His name is Chief Jeremiah Oyeniyi Obafemi Awolowo. Before he joined the sages on May 9, 1987, he granted an interview on a wide range of issues. Professor Moses Akin Makinde captured some of the things the Avatar, Awolowo, said in that interview in a book: “AWO: The Last Conversation” (2009). The philosopher-politician talked about the attitude of the northern elite to the poverty over there and warned thus: “But I think that sooner than later, the leaders of the north will see the repercussions of their selfishness and carelessness in their attitude towards western education. But the time will be too late, and if they don’t regret it or blame themselves for lack of foresight, the northern youth may ask their leaders some questions when they see the rate of development that goes with education in many parts of southern Nigeria. They may then wonder whether it was in their stars or in the selfishness, carelessness and lack of foresight of their past and present leaders.” If the dead do see the living, Awolowo would have seen that it is not only the northern youths that are asking questions now. All Nigerians do. The questions are too dangerous. The question, ‘how did we get here’? is not asked with joy and happiness. The western education Awolowo donated to the south, particularly the Western Region in the early 50s is now a waste today. Or, what do you make of a child with two post-graduate degrees that has remained jobless for over five years? How useful is that education? What has happened to all the cottage industries established by the founding fathers of the nation? Who wasted them?

Awolowo, in that same interview, talked about the qualities of his ministers and advisers. He said he chose them “strictly on merit and because of their education, standard and discipline.” He added: "Every minister or adviser and top civil servant had to do his homework properly before bringing anything to a cabinet meeting or any other important meeting where it will be subjected to rigorous debate. Where there are grey areas, expert opinion would be sought for the purpose of objectivity…It is because of this service to the public that I often maintained that the office of the President, or Prime Minister is not for pleasure. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, it looks as if the office of the President, Minister or Adviser is for pleasure, like dining and wining and carousing with women of easy virtue both at home and abroad.” Sad! If I should trouble the sage in his rest, may I announce to him that in the Nigeria of today, ministers pay to be given ‘juicy’ portfolios; that members of the National Assembly now rise to sing solidarity songs whenever the president comes calling. May I inform the legend that in the Nigeria he left behind, some felons killed our darling Deborah Samuel on May 12, 2022, at her Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, and they got away with it. But Rhoda Jatau, who condemned the killing, was arrested on May 20, 2022, and spent 18 months in prison custody in Bauchi before she was finally released on bail! And she would still have her days in court for alleged blasphemy, incitement and cyber-stalking.

From Sokoto to Ibadan, Kafanchan to Eduabon; from Okigwe to Jalingo, and from Makurdi to Ode Irele, poverty walks on all fours. On the faces of the people are frustration, anguish and anger. Dr Shettima saw this in his Maiduguri. He once had the opportunity to change the narrative and improve on the lots of the people. He was a governor for eight years. Under his watch, over 280 school children were kidnapped in Chibok. His reaction was to reward the principal of the school with an appointment as a commissioner! Now, in the year 2023, the same man, as the number two citizen in Nigeria, is asking for a moratorium of 10 to 20 years to “improve the quality of governance”. No sir, Mr. Vice President. Do it now for the time ticks!

- He created Yobe state,
- He created Katsina state,
- He created Taraba state,
- He created Jigawa state,
- He created Kebbi state
- He created Enugu state,
- He created Edo state,
- He created Delta state,
- He created Osun state.
- He created Akwa Ibom state,

- He created Federal Road Safety Corps

- He created State Security Service (SSS)
- He created National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
- He created Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

- He built Asorock Villa.

- He built Third Mainland Bridge, the largest bridge on the continent at the time.

- He completed the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station.

- He constructed Toja Bridge in Kebbi.

- He created the Jibia Water Treatment Plant.

-He built Challawa Cenga Dam in Kano.

- Kano - Abuja Dual Carriageway FCT, Abuja.
- Dam in Kano Others includes:

1. ECOWAS Headquarters Secretariat Abuja.

2. He constructed International Conference Centre Abuja.

3. Constructed FHA Estates Nationwide.

4. Constructed High Court Buildings in the States.

5. Constructed Fed Secretariat in 36 States/Abuja.

6. Constructed 2 Political Party Office in 36 States.

7. Constructed the 4 Divisional Headquarters, Nigeria Army.

8. Constructed Military Barracks in Abuja.

9. Constructed Army School of Armour Bauchi.

10. Nigeria Army Amphibious school Calabar.

11. Constructed Quarters for the 4 GOCs

12. Constructed Nigerian Navy Dockyard.

13. Constructed Nigeria Dockyard Snake Island.

14. Constructed Estate for workers of Federal Ministry of Works Housing & FMWH) Nationwide + FCT & Gwagwalada.

15. Constructed Site & SVC’s Satellite towns of 20. Constructed Federal Supreme
Isheri, Lagos, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Prototype Housing Schemes.

16. Constructed FEPA Hdqrt, Abuja.

17. FEPA Zonal Offices Nationwide & Central Laboratory, Yaba Lagos.

18. Constructed National Eye Centre, Kaduna.

19. Aluminium Smelter Company Ikot Abasi.

20. Constructed Federal Supreme Court, Abuja.

21. Constructed the Ajaokuta Steel Project Engineering Works.

22. Constructed Abuja International Airport Phase 1&2.

23. Constructed the National Assembly Abuja.

24. Constructed the Presidential Villa Abuja.

25. National Intelligence Agency(NIA) Headquarters.

26. State Security Services(SSS) Abuja.

27. Constructed Federal Mortgage Bank Hqrtr, Lagos.

29. Federal Mortgage Bank branches nationwide.

30. Constructed CBN Headquarters Abuja.

31. Security & Minting Hdqters Abuja.

32. Constructed Jabi District Abuja.

33. Abuja Central Area Phase 1&2.

34. Constructed Asokoro Area.

35. Constructed Secretariat Buildings for States created in 1991.

36. Houses of Assembly Complex for each States created in 1991.

37. Judiciary Buildings for States created in 1991.

38. Constructed Maitama Gen Hospital Abuja.

39. Wuse Gen Hospital Abuja.

40. State House Hospital Abuja.

41. National Hospital in the States.

42. Gusau Water Supply Scheme.

43. Asokoro Water Supply.

44. Kubwa Water Supply.

45. Abuja Municipal Water supply.

46. Gboko-Yandev Water Works.

47. Boreholes for 1004 Housing.

*And one school of thought will want me to believe that the worst civilian rule is better than the best military regime.*

He did all these in 8 years, paid fuel subsidy, maintained a good dollar to Naira exchange and paid pension/ salary to workers.

But after 24 years of democracy, we are worst of as a nation.
*Copied*

1. Earn extra income from Airbnb even if you rent
2. Earn extra cash by using your social media for affiliate marketing
3. Earn pocket money by signing up for online survey sites
4. Protect your wealth from inflation by avoiding banks and investing in ETFs
5. Protect yourself from currency devaluation by investing in the VOO S&P 500 mutual fund
6. Protect yourself from recession by investing in a Gold ETF
7. Substitute Netflix, DSTV and Cable with reading
8. Substitute honey with sugar
9. Substitute beer, wine and champagne with water
10. Instead of calling, send an SMS
11. Instead of clubbing, join a gym
12. Instead of smoking, chew gum
13. Rather than buying on impulse, go out without your ATM card
14. Rather than eating out, learn to cook
15. Rather than physically visiting, video call
16. Reduce electricity bills by sleeping early, automatically lowering lightbulb usage
17. Reduce healthcare costs by washing hands as soon as you get home and after shaking hands
18. Reduce frivolous spending by avoiding parties where spraying and aso ebi are expected
19. Lower travel costs by carpooling to and from work
20. Lower food costs by shipping at street markets instead of fancy supermarkets
21. Lower billing and requests for loans by changing your WhatsApp status to 'I need money!'
22. Learn to cut your hair and save on barbing costs
23. Learn to wash your clothes and save on laundering
24. Learn to wash your car and cut out car washes

Subscribe to @renoomokri on X and learn how to make, save and utilise money better.

#RenosNuggets #FreeLeahSharibu

*
The famous actor *Arnold Schwarzenegger* (The Terminator), who later became *Governor* of the State of *California* , USA, posted a picture of himself sleeping in the street under his famous bronze statue, and wrote sadly (" *How times changed"* ).

The reason he slept there and wrote the sentence was not only odd to many but intriguing. Some thought he was a nut or in the usual joking mood as a famous actor, though rare.

Then a journalist took a bold step to approach him and ask why he was sleeping in the public glare when he could afford all the comforts inside his home or better still in the hotel.

*Do you know what he found out* ?

*Arnold Schwarzenegger* told him that he was not a nut neither too old to forget his senses and propriety. He was neither catching his fun, but rather making a statement of life.

He recalled that when he was the Governor of the State of California, *he was invited to officially open the massive multimillion dollar hotel* where his statue was placed in front of it in his honour.

He noted further that *the hotel management publicly declared at the opening ceremony that "at any time you come back, you will meet a room reserved in your name that will be placed at your disposal free of charge* ."

He said he never came back while in office. However years later he recalled those promises after leaving office and decided to come back and spend a time in the hotel either for free or at paying cost. However what he discovered on arrival is that *the hotel administration had refused to give him a room arguing that the hotel was fully booked* , even when he was ready to pay. He therefore decided to place a cover under the statue and sleep.

*REFLECTIONS*
*Arnold Schwarzenegger* asked the reporter to send this message of reflection as a *lesson* to those in position of responsibility thus:

"When you are in a *position* , people may be *praising* you. *Don't* let it get to your *head* or your *heart* . Be yourself and don't get carried away. Even if they mean to be true and sincere, *check* yourself that you have not *exceeded* your *limits* .

*Be sure that you are doing what is right and what is good* . Don't place any expectation on others and don't *look away* at your *friends* and *family* or make *enemies for yourself* . Let your *door* be *open* to *everyone* and *open* your *mind* to anyone making a point. They may be your guardian angels. *No one knows it all* .

*Remember* that your position is for a while. The people who surround you to seek your favour may even forget you sooner than you can remember. Those who spent time with you are no exception. You may be lonely someday. Even some of the people you helped may eventually *loath* you.

*Remember* , what you have to your name is your good works. The *legacies* that you left in the sands of time. That is what will *speak* for you. Do not *assume* that every word *spoken* to you in *office* will be kept as a *promise* in *future* .

Do not *trust* your *position, name, power, money, fame or intelligence* as a magic to open doors in *future* . Only trust in your good work and *legacies* because nothing last long in life but *death* .

Yes, times do change. Be *careful* and don't be *deceived* . Work out your own salvation with uprightness, sincerity, honesty, faithfulness and fairness so that your *shadow* will not hunt you in the evening /night of your life.

*BE CAREFUL!* *BE CAREFUL!!* *BE CAREFUL!!!*

DATE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH 2023

TOPIC: REAL PROMOTION

MEMORISE:
“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.” – (Psalm 75:6)

READ: 1 SAMUEL 13:8-14 (KJV)

8 And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.

9 And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.

10 And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.

11 And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;

12 Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering.

13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.

14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.

MESSAGE:

There are different types of promotions. When a human being promotes you, don't rejoice too much because it is temporary. However, when God promotes you, you are really promoted. Even though you become the president of a country like America, you can only hold the position for a maximum of eight years. When man promotes, it is temporary; only God gives real promotion that no one can interfere with.

Since we know now that the only way to really make progress in life is to be promoted by God, then we need to find out His criteria for promotion. God promoted David from being a shepherd boy to becoming the king of Israel for one simple reason – David was sold out to the will of God (Acts 13:22). David was not a man to argue with God. With David, God's wish was his command. The reason God gave Jesus a name that is above every other is what He said in John 4:34: "...My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work".

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus wished the cup of suffering for the sins of the world could be taken away from Him, but He said to God, "Not my will but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). When Jesus was teaching His disciples to pray, one of the prayer points He mentioned was: "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10).

God wants His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Therefore, when He sees someone willing to do His will, He promotes that fellow to a position of authority. If God promotes somebody because the fellow started in humility and submission to Him, but along the line begins to disregard His instructions, that fellow would be demoted immediately. That is what happened to Saul in (1 Samuel 15:24-28). Saul started out well, but somewhere in-between, he preferred to please the people over doing God's will. Some people have been asking God to promote them, but they have no regard for His will. Promotion will only come when you surrender completely to God's will.

KEY POINT:
If you truly want to be promoted by God, then you must be sold out to doing His will.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ROMANS 8-10

AUTHOR PASTOR E A ADEBOYE

HYMNAL: 30 - WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD

1. When we walk with the Lord,
In the light of His word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

REFRAIN:
Trust and obey!
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.

2. But we never can prove
The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay,
For the favour He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

3. Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we'll walk by His side in the way,
What He says we will do,
Where He sends we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.

BIBLE REFERENCE:
2 Peter 3:18, Galatians 5: 19-23

1. Heavenly Father, King of glory I worship your holy name.

2. Thank you God for the opportunity to see another beautiful day, be thou exalted in the name of Jesus.

3. Thank you for sending your precious Son to die on the cross of calvary for my sins, I do not take it granted Father.

4. Thank you Lord because your power is at work in me, glory to your holy name.

5. Father, I ask for a fresh desire and hunger for your word in Jesus’ name.

6. Father, I surrender myself to the ministry of the word and prayer in the name of Jesus. Use me for your glory Father.

7. O Lord, may I find joy and nourishment in studying and meditating your word in the name of Jesus.

8. May your word be spirit and life working in me in the name of Jesus.

9. Father, your strength is made sufficient for me in my weakness, so I ask for strength to serve you even in times of challenges and adversities in the name of Jesus name.

10. I shall not be a tool in the hands of the evil one in Jesus name. I shall be a choosen vessel fit for the Father's use in Jesus name.

11. My secret place is ignited by the fire of the holy ghost in the name of Jesus.

12. Every plan of the devil to make me weak and weary in the place of prayer and bible study is terminated in the name of Jesus.

13. Father, I ask for the discipline to deny myself of physical nourishment to edify my spiritual life in Jesus name.

14. May devil has no power over me in the name of Jesus.

15. I ask for the spirit of God to reside in me afresh and empower me to do great works for God in Jesus’ name.

16. I ask for the fruit of the spirit to start residing and manifesting in me from now on in Jesus’ name.

17. Every works of flesh like stealing, lying, sexual immorality, gossiping, backbiting, jealousy, found in my life is rolled away in Jesus name.

18. I refuse to follow the desires of my sinful nature and I subscribe to holiness and purity in Jesus’ name.

19. Personal supplication.

20. Thank you Father for answering our prayers.

Please keep sharing the midnight prayers to bless others. God bless you.

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I visited a customer that particular day circa 2007/8. She sold cement and was prominent among the distributors in the city. While discussing with her, I saw she had a prayer book produced by Mountain of Fire and Miracles. I opened the book and saw a few prayer points I really liked and when my customer saw that I was fascinated by the book, she gave that book to me and said she would get another copy.

I got home that night and went straight to my room with the prayer book. I kept turning to a particular prayer point that was about buying and selling at night markets. The more I tried to move to other pages, the more I came back to this particular prayer point. I prayed vigorously and my wife joined me at a point. Even after we ate that night, I returned to our room and kept on praying about night markets where destinies are exchanged and canceling negative transactions. We slept off eventually.

I was woken up by a gunshot and a shout of 'Who are you?' That was around 2am. Then another gunshot. I was scared. My wife was awake also. Thinking we had armed robbers in the compound, we both crawled from our room to the living room where we met my sister-in-law also lying on the floor. She had left her room also. She was staying with us then.

My sister-in-law was shaking like a leaf. "I saw it", she said. "You saw what?", I asked her. She whispered that she saw a creature that looked feminine staring at her from the window of her room. The weather was hot and she had parted the blinds so some fresh air could come into her room. She said she woke up suddenly with her hair crawling and when she opened her eyes, a creature was staring at her from her window. She was transfixed in fear until she heard a gunshot and then she ran to the living room.

There was another gunshot again. This time, I heard the voice of my neighbour, a Customs Officer very clearly. He was the one releasing the gunshots and asking whoever was in the compound the questions.

The Customs Officer lived in the Boy's Quarters with his family and was on patrol on Lagos-Ibadan expressway that night. His wife had come out of their room to use the bathroom during the night when she saw the same creature my sister-in-law saw. She ran back inside and called her husband. The husband, thinking there were robbers in the house, came stealthily and fired gunshots after seeing the creature peeping into my sister-in-law's window.

After a while, I heard a thud- my neighbour jumped the fence- and there was a chase around my flat. I could see the shadows of both of them running around- the compound was well lit. After some time, the Customs Officer caught this creature whose hair was plaited with wool and stood on her head while she had on a very filthy wrapper. She had a huge sore on her leg and carried a 'Ghana must go' bag.

My neighbour, still thinking they could be many, grabbed this creature as he beat her and asked, "Where are the others?". Till today, I cringe when I remember the sound of that creature and how she spoke. Her voice was so ethereal and sounded like something from horror movies. She spoke in smattering Yoruba that sounded a bit like someone from one of the neighbouring Yoruba-speaking countries.

To my shock, when she was asked what she was doing in our compound, she answered in Yoruba, "Mo wa ra'ja ni" meaning "I came to the market to buy some things". My neighbour kept on asking if our house looked like a market and she kept insisting that she came to the market to buy some things. I remembered instantly the prayer point I prayed over and over just a few hours ago as I shuddered. In her 'Ghana must go bag' were filthy bundles of N5, N10 and N20 notes. Very filthy and smelly notes.

I heard all the conversation from where I was on the floor in my living room. My wife and sister-in-law are my witnesses. We couldn't go out because we were enveloped in fear that night. My neighbour flogged the creature continously. When it was around 5am, the creature started begging that the day was breaking and it had to leave. She was pleading to be let go. Not seeing any reason to hold on to her any longer, my neighbour took her wrapper and the Ghana must go bag with the money and after another round of flogging, released the creature.

I later came out when the creature left and together with my neighbour we burnt the wrapper and the bag containing the money. I couldn't share the previous details with my neighbour because I doubt if he would understand. He kept on wondering how the creature gained access to our house as the fence was high and our gates always locked. He couldn't understand the 'market' talk also.

I have so many experiences of the supernatural or the miraculous to share. I have experienced angelic assistance. I have seen God intervene due to my earnest prayers to Him many times. I have escaped the robbers' bullets twice- one was point blank but the gun jammed.

I've often shared this experience and others with a few to explain that the supernatural is real whether you believe it or not. There are things happening way beyond your logic or human reasoning. The supernatural points directly to the fact that there is more to what we see or know. The Supernatural points us to an upward direction and draws us to a greater knowledge of God and our Maker. You may try to explain it away. Your explanation or rationing does not reduce the potency of its validity. It rather questions your very limited understanding and awareness.

The supernatural is the force behind miracles and answered prayers. Whether you believe that someone's prayers can change the weather or not does not remove the fact that miracles and the supernatural are real.

Bayo Adeyinka

DATE: THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23RD 2023

TOPIC: KILL THAT WEAKNESS II

MEMORISE:
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” – (Hebrews 12:1)

READ: NUMBERS 20:7-12 (KJV)

7 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

9 And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.

10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?

11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

MESSAGE:

I would like to give a clear illustration of what we discussed yesterday with the story of Moses. Numbers 12:3 describes Moses as the meekest man on earth, but he had the problem of anger. The devil discovered it in Exodus 2:11-12. Moses saw an Egyptian beating up an Israelite and because he couldn't control his temper, Moses killed the man. Many years later, while leading the children of Israel to the Promised Land, the devil started hitting on this weak spot. In Exodus 14-15, we see the children of Israel complaining about different things; this was the devil throwing blows at Moses to get him angry, but he dodged all of them. However, in Exodus 17:1-7, when there was no water to drink and they turned to Moses to complain again, he said in verse 2, "Why are you chiding with me?" The devil said, "Good, blow number 1 has landed, he is now beginning to respond". In Exodus 32:15-20, Moses had gone to collect the 10 commandments from God; by the time he returned, the children of Israel were already worshipping an idol. When he came and saw them worshipping the idol, the temper in him rose and he took the two tablets of commandments that God gave him and smashed them. At that point, the devil knew his punches were now landing.

In Numbers 11:10-15, when the children of Israel were complaining that they wanted meat, Moses turned to God and said, "God, why are you doing this to me? Am I the father of these people?" The devil said, "Good, now I have turned you against your supporter". By the time we get to Numbers 20:2-13, the people murmured again about water, but this time, instead of speaking to the rock as God commanded, Moses was so angry that he hit it twice. God asked him to speak to the rock, but He decided to strike it. That was disobedience. At that point, the Almighty God said, "Moses, you will not reach the Promised Land".

The meek Moses - with only one little contamination called anger, had become, after forty years of ministry, a failure.

Beloved, kill that little weakness in your life before it kills you.

KEY POINT:
Kill that little weakness in your life before it kills you.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ACTS 27-28

AUTHOR PASTOR E A ADEBOYE

HYMNAL: 8 - I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR

1. I need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.

REFRAIN:
I need Thee, Oh, I need Thee;
Ev'ry hour I need Thee!
Oh, bless me now, my Saviour,
I come to Thee!

2. I need Thee every hour,
Stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power
When Thou art nigh.

3. I need Thee every hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide
Or life is vain.

4. I need Thee every hour,
Teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfill.

5. I need Thee every hour,
Most Holy one;
Oh, make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son!

This generation of women makes everything a woman is naturally supposed to do look like stress.

I have never seen men argue about "provision, protection, or leadership ". Men naturally exhibit these qualities. They give it out to everyone out there. Whether or not you are close to a man or not. There is this innate push to help you.

I was in a keke the other day. A woman was complaining that they stole her turkey and wounded one as they could not steal it from the cage. The man beside her was not her husband. We all boarded at the same time but he gave her tips on what to do.

If as a woman you fall on the road. I can bet you that a man will first come to your aid. When a bus breaks down on the road. Men will come down to push. As a woman, if you try to help. They will say it is not your work.

So, what is the big deal about being in your nature? What is so wrong with cooking, cleaning, and washing for your husband? We give so much stress to everything. We keep rules for everything. It is not nice.

I grew up in a home where my father has never entered the kitchen to cook. If he ever tried it, he and his wife dared each other of who cooked better or he was not home. My dad can not sweep the house when we are all at home. Why? What for?

It is not slavery.
These are what traditional women do.

If a man washes your clothes, cooks, and cleans. He is "God sent" and a "Romantic man". Why can't you be a "God sent and a romantic woman? "

For the past 3 days. I have been on duty at events. My friend is into event planning. I have attended 2 wedding receptions and I can tell you for free that most single women came to get hooked. They all dress to kill but lack the common sense to hold a reasonable conversation. Always on their phones.

It is either they are fighting their nature or they are fighting men.
It is either they are giving rules or they are dragging who is more independent with men.
It is either they are fighting their future husbands or they have already divorced him even when they are not married yet.

If you see a homely woman. You will know.
You can not hide the goodness or qualities of a good woman. A good woman does not need to pretend she is good. You will see it written all over her.

So, because the bride's husband came from abroad. Women flooded her wedding looking hot and some were naked. Who do women dress for? If you talk, they will tell you it is for themselves. Most women dress to get men especially the ones in the street.

Dear Men,
This generation of women (most)are not worth the stress.
Don't rush to marry and marry "God have mercy". You will suffer.

Their posts and comments on Facebook matter. That is who they are.

Till you experience the pain that comes with marrying the wrong partner whether man or woman. Peace of mind is truly underrated.
Everyone should shine their eyes.

#enospecials
#WomenManipulations

The sperm is more than just a fluid, it is a container of genetic information. Meaning when a man ejaculates in a woman, he leaves behind DNA that is stored inside the woman and shared if she gets pregnant. If she aborts, more information is stored

Scientists call this phenomena MICROCHIMERISM, there have being done on this phenomena and the results have been mind blowing

For example, the more a woman has sex with a particular man, the woman's DNA changes to mimic that of the man to a certain extent. This probably explains why, when a couple has been together for a long time, they end up looking alike

Another example, when a woman has DNA traces of many men inside her, she starts to change in her behavior and mannerisms as well, because her cells are changing. This probably explains why prostitutes tend to have all kinds of traits, it's due to having slept with many men

Another example, isn't it weird that one child in a particular family can be just totally different from others in behavior and mannerisms. You will ask yourself why that particular child is a thief/promiscuous/violent/mentally challenged yet in your family there's never been anyone like that

The truth is women retain DNA from every man they have slept with. This means these other male cells will be assimilated into the foetus when the woman gets pregnant

It gets even more interesting, that your woman who loves swallowing, if she did swallow another man's sperms before yours, it's worse. If sperm gets in the mouth, it ends up in the nasal areas, behind the eyes and ears. It then enters the bloodstream and then collects in the brain and spine. It becomes part of her forever

Now think about this, that woman of yours you didn't find a virgin, she has another man's DNA inside her brain and spine. On top of that, those other men's DNA is going to be passed on your children

There's a reason why our forefathers demanded that as a man you marry a virgin, so as not to pollute the family gene pool. Our forefathers were not backward, rather they were far ahead of their time. Think about this anytime you're marrying a woman you didn't find a virgin

Learn OR perish!!!

jkpbestseries:
Opposition and their propaganda

Ask people in Ondo State.

phorget:
But is it true that Akeredolu now governs from Ibadan?

For months now

TUESDAY FLAT OUT


By Suyi Ayodele



(Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, November 21, 2023)

https://tribuneonlineng.com/akeredolu-and-the-absurdity-in-ondo-state/

“How many governors are in Oyo State?” The question was directed at me by an Abuja-based senior journalist. He is equally a friend. I was confused. Rather than answer, I put a call across to him. “Bros, what type of question is this?” He laughed. He told me that someone played the same prank on him, and he chose me as his own victim too. Then I understood what he was driving at. We discussed other issues, and I terminated the call. But ever since, the question has refused to go away. How many governors are indeed in Oyo State? You may ask your next-door neighbour the same question.

Oyo State is the ‘luckiest’ state in Nigeria, today. The state has two ‘sitting’ governors. One of the governors was legitimately elected by the people of the state. His name is Governor Seyi Makinde (GSM). He resides in Ibadan, the state capital, carrying out his constitutional duties as the governor of the state. The second ‘governor’ is Arakunrin, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who was elected as the governor of the second neighbouring state of Ondo State. To get to Oyo State from Ondo State, you must cross Osun State. When Akeredolu adopted the prefix, “Arakunrin” instead of the honourific “His Excellency”, that his peers in the remaining 35 Government Houses answer, we all believed that he came with humility. Akeredolu, for almost a year now, has been in Ibadan, directing the affairs of Ondo State. We must know that the man known as Aketi, is not in Ibadan by his freewill. Circumstances beyond his control and human understanding, pushed him to relocate to Ibadan. He has our sympathy for that. Not just our sympathy, Arakunrin Akeredolu has our daily prayers as we wish him well in whatever battle life has thrown at him. That is the best we should, and can, and must do for him, at this most critical period of his life. Anything beyond this becomes an absurdity.

The people of Ondo State elected a governor that would stay in the state and direct the affairs of the state. They did not bargain for a proxy governor. The constitution itself envisages a situation like the present Akeredolu’s debacle. That is why the drafters of the constitution made provision for the office of a deputy governor. In any situation where the governor cannot perform his duties efficiently and effectively, his deputy is expected to take over, either in acting capacity, or as substantive governor. What is happening in Ondo State between Arakunrin Akeredolu and his deputy governor, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, is pure abnormality! There is no other name for it. It is even more unfortunate that Akeredolu is the one at the centre of it all! If gold rusts, what will iron do!

That Governor Akeredolu is not enjoying the best of health at the moment is no longer debatable. That his health impairment is affecting governance in his home state is equally undeniable. Then what is the way out? That should be our concern. We are asking for the way out because we live in a country where everything is upside down. Were it not so, Akeredolu’s case should have been the model, the template that every civilised society should copy. Here is a man who is bigger than a colossus in constitutionality. In all ramifications of life, Akeredolu has paid his dues. Unfortunately, his antecedents are in sharp contrast to his present behaviour. Why is his gold rusting? How would a man who ascended to the pinnacle of the legal profession as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and who at a time was the number one lawyer in Nigeria as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), find himself in this situation and would refuse to do that which is right, noble, and just? Why, if we may ask, will an Akeredolu make nonsense of the provisions of the constitution of Nigeria, the very document that he took an oath to protect, defend and uphold? Something is missing!

The first time Nigerians got to know officially that Arakunrin Akeredolu was not in perfect health was on June 13, 2023, when the governor sent a letter to the Ondo State House of Assembly that he would be embarking on leave to attend to his health. In that letter, Akeredolu officially handed over power to his deputy, Ayedatiwa, to act as the governor of the state. Not a few Nigerians hailed the move. We all thought that the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel was here with us. Alas! We were mistaken! Akeredolu was expected to spend 21 days outside the state for his medical leave. Before the expiration of the 21 days, the governor sought and obtained an extension. Then days rolled into weeks, and weeks into months, until the governor, on September 8, 2023, after almost three months, wrote to the Assembly that he was back to take the reins of power as the governor. That was when the real crisis started. The pliable Ondo State House of Assembly, for whatever reason, began an impeachment process against the deputy governor. That incident has led to not less than five litigations in various courts of coordinate jurisdiction. And in all the matters before the courts, Ayedatiwa has triumphed. The latest being the ruling by an Abuja Federal High Court, which last week refused to vacate the order it issued restraining the Assembly from proceeding with the impeachment notice until the substantive issues before the courts were determined. The Assembly is on appeal against the ruling. You may wish to ask, as I do: what is the Ondo State House of Assembly after? Whose drumbeats are the members dancing to over the impeachment move?

While the impeachment tango lasted, the party which jointly produced Akeredolu and Ayedatiwa, the All Progressive Congress (APC), came into the matter and initiated a peace move. As matters stand between the governor and his deputy, it appears that the APC peace initiative is a ruse, after all. The governor is as unrelenting as his deputy is perpetually embattled. I asked an old friend from the Akure axis what the problem was. His response shocked me. Ayedatiwa, the old folk said, “Has no manners and is not loyal to his principal.” I asked my friend if that was not the same allegation levelled against Agboola Ajayi, the former deputy governor to Akeredolu during his first term. My friend responded: “Suyi, honestly, Aketi (Akeredolu), has not been fortunate with his deputies.” Really? I was not convinced. Fortunately, my friend is also a ‘village boy’ like me. So, it was not difficult for me to ask him about the wisdom in the saying of our elders to wit: When a woman lacks manners, she says she has never been lucky with husbands – Obirin so iwa nu, o ni ohun o gbori oko waye. How come it is easy for people to conclude that Akeredolu’s two deputies have not been of good behaviour without paying attention to the character of the governor himself? What do you say of a man whose every wood in the cooking place bellows only smoke (bawo ni gbogbo igi se nse eefin)?

Since the ‘return’ of Akeredolu from Germany on September 8, 2023, the governor has not been seen in Akure, the state capital. A competent source, however, said that two Saturdays ago, the governor was in his Owo home town to see one of his old relations. The source said that the old relation was worried that he had not seen his cousin, the governor, in a long while; and when told that Akeredolu was in Ibadan, the old man in his late 80s, elected to travel to Ibadan. On hearing that and in deference to the old man, Akeredolu, the source added, had to travel to Owo and returned to Ibadan that same day. Governor Akeredolu now resides in Ibadan, permanently. Who governs Ondo State in his absence? He has transmitted a letter of resumption to the legislative arm. By that, the deputy governor reverts to his constitutional position as an assistant waiting for assignments from the governor. Now that the governor is perpetually absent; and his deputy is not only redundant, but has been given a 'laborious task', who rules Ondo State? I hope nobody would come up with the argument that the governor can rule the state from any part of the country. In the rote learning of “states and capitals”, my two-year-old granddaughter knows that Ibadan is not the capital of Ondo State! What is bad is bad; no matter how much we love the man with a gangrene-infested sore, nobody uses the water oozing out of its pores to cook okro soup! Akeredolu and his handlers cannot make Ibadan the capital of Ondo State at the expense of Akure! But that is what they are unwittingly doing!

For whatever anyone may think, the issue of Akeredolu goes beyond Ondo State. That the governor is holding on to power despite the knowledge of his ill health in the public space is a collective shame of the entire Yoruba race which prides itself as the most civilised in the nation. And there is no doubt about that; the Yoruba people are civilised, sophisticated, and urbane. What we are experiencing in the region now is the season of the locusts. The current politicians in the zone have become lords over the people. They have turned the once politically vibrant Yoruba people to a conquered race; one at the mercy of those they ‘elected’ to govern them. This is strange, very strange in all ramifications. The Yoruba are not known to condone impunity. At a time in the history of the people, the womenfolk rose to defend the land. Check the exploits of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti (1900-1978), and how she led the Egba women to fight a sitting monarch in Abeokuta, over indiscriminate taxation. What about Madam Efunporoye Osuntinubu, later known as Efunroye Tinubu (1810-1887), who assisted two Oba of Lagos; Akintoye and Oluwole, to ascend to the throne when they were about to be short-changed? If Chief Gani Fawehinmi were to be alive today, what would be his attitude to this crass impunity? Where are the Yoruba men and women of honour in this Akeredolu matter? Why is no one of note talking; why are the nobles of the land not condemning this charade which is an absolute breach of the constitution and a slight on the collective sensibility of the people?

I am not holding any brief for Ayedatiwa. I don’t even know him. I am not in any way defending his ‘good or bad manners’. What I know is that the case of the Ondo State deputy governor is like the proverbial bad onigangan (talking-drum drummer), who was hired for an occasion, and has been paid. Whether he can drum very well or not, he will finish his performance on the occasion he was hired for. You may not hire him the next time. At his swearing-in in October 2020, nobody asked Ayedatiwa if he would be “mannerly” or not. It is even an aberration for anyone to demand the loyalty of a deputy governor to his principal, the governor. That may be morally fine, but not constitutionally expedient. The deputy governor is expected to be loyal and faithful to the provisions of the constitution and the people of the state only. The same thing is applicable to the governor.

The folly of changing deputy governors like babies’ diapers started with this political dispensation. In his eight years as governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu had three different deputy governors in the persons of Mrs. Koforola Bucknor-Akerele (1999-2002), Femi Pedro (2003-2007), and Prince Abiodun Ogunleye (2007). His new political soul mate, Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State had three deputy governors in his first term, namely: Abiodun Aluko, Bisi Omoyeni, and Biodun Olujimi, who later became his political nemesis. The same was with Orji Uzor Kalu in Abia State, who also got rid of his deputy, Dr. Enyinnaya Abaribe. For over three months now, Akeredolu and his legislators have been trying to get rid of his deputy, but they have not succeeded. Why?

We need to pay more than cursory attention to the names the deputy governor answers. Are there hidden meanings to those names? His surname, Ayedatiwa, means: “The world has become ours"; baptismal name, Lucky, depicts one that is favoured; and his middle name, Orimisan, says: “My head is good.” Akeredolu and the House of Assembly may have to do the unthinkable to be able to get rid of the deputy governor. And should that happen, it would amount to another breach of the law. Lawyers, we are told, are priests in the temple of justice. Akeredolu is not just a lawyer, he is a father of lawyers. It is only impunity that will, in the face of the obvious fact that he lacks the physical and mental capacity to govern, make the former human rights activist-turned politician continue to cling to power at the expense of the people.

Ondo State is the loser in the present situation. The absence of the governor in the state has put the state at the mercy of political profiteers, Buccaneers, and rapacious locusts, who are feeding fat on the people. Most annoying is the fact that Ondo State is the ‘world headquarters’ of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural group. If there is any time Afenifere is expected to speak truth to power, it is now. The leaders of Yoruba cannot afford to remain silent while this impunity continues in Ondo State. The Yoruba Council of Elders must speak, and speak, loudly now. When you have elders in the marketplace, the neck of a baby strapped on his mother’s back should not be bent precariously. The neck of Ondo State‘s baby is not just bent; it is dangerously bent. The goat is about to die in its tether, while the elders look on. The voices that rose against President Umaru Musa Ya’Adua in 2010 are loudly silent on Akeredolu. Why? The APC, which claims to be the party of our redemption, is also not saying anything. The feeble voice of the half-dead People's Democratic Party (PDP), issuing an ineffective three-day ultimatum to Akeredolu to either resume or resign, is like that of the lone voice in the wilderness. Nobody pays any good attention to the PDP and its lethargic opposition nowadays. Truth be told, this act will never happen if the APC were to be in opposition. The entire Ondo State would have been on edge by now. But the case in Ondo State has gone beyond political affiliation. Every man of good conscience must condemn the impunity of Akeredolu and his handlers. They should respect the law, respect the people, and respect themselves.

Many women find married men attractive, and wouldn’t mind a relationship with them. Because being married conveys that a man is experienced. Single women popularly describe married men as UNDERSTANDING & MATURE, but that understanding and mature man is another woman’s hard work! There’s probably a level of maturity you’ll never get from a man until you grow with him, and vice versa. When couples make speeches and say stuff like “My wife made me the man I am…” or “My husband made me the woman I am”, it’s real.

Marriage makes a man bask in the highest level of his masculinity, and the same for a woman — heightened femininity. Don't argue, men and women are different, and marriage plays out our differences loudly. Those experiences begin to shape the way we see/treat the opposite sex. A married man is likely to be more thoughtful to a single woman than a single man. A married man probably will be more chivalrous than a single man. He has learned how to pamper female idiosyncratic differences because he has a wife. A husband can make a ‘good’ boyfriend.

Statistics hold this my assertions to be true. Most women find married men more desirable. The probability of a single woman bulbing much more at the sight of a man’s wedding band is high. I understand that we feel things that we are not. But going out with people’s husbands because of their ‘marriage-induced’ maturity and experience is moral greed. That experience and maturity is someone else’s — nurtured by her. He wasn’t always that sweet and tactful. His wife watched him grow.

If you love sleeping with married men, get married because your husband will be married…to you. No man is readymade — you have to grow with him in one way or another. You will watch him grapple and fall with some things. It’s part of the making marriage brings. And no, he won’t dump his wife to marry you. Even if he does, he’ll mistreat you like he does his current wife. A man can be a terrible husband, but be your perfect boyfriend. You’ll only discover his demons when you become his wife. If he is that great, he won’t be cheating…

Stay away from people’s husbands. Marry yours. Grow with him. Build with him. Better for you to marry an inexperienced and partly naive man who’s teachable and honest than be with a mature and experienced married man — he’s someone else’s work.


©Solomon Buchi

Monday Lines



By Lasisi Olagunju

(Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, 20 November, 2023)

If I were a politician, my devotion hours would be to the courts instead of pouring oil on INEC and voters, deities of limited powers. If the gods complain, I would ask them where they were when ugly death was killing sinners and saints. The buck – our electoral buck – stops at the courts. That is our reality.

A list of candidates for elevation to the Supreme Court was released last week by the Federal Judicial Service Commission. Every Nigerian should be interested in every name on that list; they are the electors of our future presidents and governors and lawmakers. They will decide the price of rice and beans tomorrow. Whether salaries and pensions will be paid and drugs will be affordable for the sick are attached to tomorrow's decisions of the Supreme Court. It is our electoral college. We should ask questions on its proposed justices. How did the nominated get on the list? What qualified them to be there? What disqualified others who are not there? Why is Lagos on the list when it has already filled its quota?

History is replete with cases of people who went to bed free, slept too much and woke up a conquered people. Conquest used to be by the force of arms; now it is mostly through the courts. In Nigeria, the courts are the new military; they take and distribute power to politicians. To live well, escape poverty and captivity, we should take interest in our law courts and in those who sit in judgement there. How are the courts, particularly the Supreme Court, constituted? Ask questions; insist on answers.

The courts are under threats of abduction, immediate past president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, warned at the International Bar Association (IBA) conference in France last week. He described the selection process of Nigerian judges as "bizarre". He said there was "a deliberate attempt" by the Nigerian political class "to capture the judiciary." He added that they are "achieving results." He painted the picture of a helpless nation. I agree with him.

There are 22 jurists on the nomination list released last week, but like in Animal Farm, the chosen are not equally favoured. The big men of power who drew the list put 'priority' in front of some; they stamped 'reserve' in front of others. What was the criterion (or were the criteria) for giving some priority over the others? Seniority? The seniority list in the Court of Appeal is publicly available on the court's website; the nominations mock it, particularly for the South-West. Check the nomination list. Crosscheck it with the seniority list of justices of the Court of Appeal. In all the other five zones, seniority appears to have counted in arriving at the recommendations. But, in the South-West, it is a no. So, what was the goal of the appointers? And this is where I am going. I plead that you follow me.

I am from Osun State and I am interested in how it is affected by that list. There are two nominees from the South-West; one was chosen from Lagos and one from Osun State. The one from Lagos has a crown of 'priority' placed on it; the gentleman from Osun State is put on the reserve bench. The truth is: Lagos has no slot to fill; it already has Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun as the number two of the Supreme Court. The slot is ordinarily for Osun State to fill and there is a history to that claim. Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, JSC, was the last candidate from Osun State on the Supreme Court bench. Ayoola retired at age 70 in October 2003. He was 90 last month. In simple arithmetic, for the past 20 years, Osun State has not been represented in the apex court – the result of a deliberate act of misallocation. And I will explain.

Listen. How many justices are supposed to be on the Supreme Court? The court itself answers that question on its website: "The Supreme Court of Nigeria consists of the Chief Justice of Nigeria and such number of Justices of the Supreme Court, not exceeding twenty-one, as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly. Presently, the Supreme Court is made up of the Chief Justice and nine (9) other Justices." A CJN plus 21 justices cannot go round all the 37 states of Nigeria at the same time. When eight masquerades are on the line and there are six bean cakes, the system has a way to get every ancestral costume round the basket of cakes. There is always a way. For the Supreme Court slots to go round, the states are paired or combined in twos and threes and allotted slots which rotate between or among them. Ekiti and Osun states are a pair here.

Justice Olufunlola Oyelola Adekeye got on the Supreme Court bench representing Ekiti State in March 2009. She retired from the Supreme Court in November 2012. Her exit created a vacancy that should, by right, be filled by Osun State. But smart Lagos, which already had Bode Rhodes Vivour occupying its own slot, got up in July 2013, did a fast one and took what should go to Osun State. It happened and there was no protest from Osun State. You wonder why? It was because Osun State of that era was a colony of Lagos. What happened was a case of olówó gbà'yàwó òle (the rich snatched the fool's wife). They do that very often. Instead of Osun State's Justice Jimi Bada of the Court of Appeal moving up to his rightful place at the top, Lagos snatched the slot for its Kudirat Motomori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun. The Centre of Excellence then had two slots while Osun State had zero. It is because of ‘Gbajue’ steps like this that the hinterland people like me (àwa ará òkè) always salute Lagos as Eko Ile Ogbon (Eko, home of wisdom).

The wisdom of Lagos here means craftiness and determination. It gets anything it wants because it is Lagos. If you don't have money, everything you have amounts to nothing – including your wisdom. Lagos is rich both in means and guile – and that combination is lethal. Osun's strength is more in needless crises and in acquiescence to rape of all kinds.

The retirement of Justice Bode Rhodes Vivour in 2021 should ordinarily reset justice for Osun State at the Supreme Court. But no; it does not appear this will happen. Instead of returning the snatched slot to Osun State after Rhodes-Vivour, Lagos is now positioned to grab it as an addition to Kekere-Ekun. The Federal Judicial Service Commission headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria last week nominated Hon. Justice Adewale Abiru from Lagos State as South-West's 'priority' nominee to join Kekere-Ekun who is already representing Lagos. Check the seniority list of the Court of Appeal where all the candidates were drawn from, Abiru has seniors in the South-West; two of them from Osun State. One of the two from Osun is, in fact, the number two in that court -Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada; another is number 15, Justice Tunde Awotoye. The favoured Lagos man, Abiru, is number 22 – far behind those two. They ignored numbers 2 and 15 and went for number 22 – because he is from Lagos. Even if, for whatever reasons, those two seniors refuse to move up and the choice of the commission is Osun State's Justice Olubunmi Oyewole (number 32), should he be made to be a 'reserve' candidate as the commission has done given the fact that the slot is for Osun State to fill?

In all these, we've seen how untrue our laws are that Nigerian states are equal. There is no equality of states in Nigeria; there are 22 Supreme Court seats for 37 states, Lagos alone takes two. Why is Lagos investing its men in the courts, particularly the Supreme Court? Lagos may be plain-speaking but it is never plain-dealing; it cheats, and it does it without consequences. I call Lagos the Napoleon of the West; it fights for other Pigs by cheating them. When an elder plays a game of ayò with a younger person, he must win, whatever it takes. Kí ni wón nfi àgbà se? What is the usefulness of age if you cannot deploy it to cheat children? That is the political and moral compass of the political entity called Lagos. If you like, disagree with this and flaunt Osun as the elder because it is the 'cradle', the 'beginning'. But, know this: in Yorubaland, the rich is the elder - Olówó l'àgbà. Anyone with loads of years without money exists to be ignored, cheated and exploited.

I suspect the courts are being eyed by interests because with their gavel, judges confer privileges, advantages and freedoms. They also oppress and subjugate. Check how the original owners of lands in the United States lost their rights over their lands and were converted into tenants. Read Lindsay Robertson's 'Conquest by Law' (2005), how the American Supreme Court awarded "all discovered lands" to European "sovereigns" and gave "occupancy rights" to the original owners. How did it happen? Would it have happened if the judges were not of European origin? The Nigerian people have their feet firmly on that route. Their own conquest by law will be complete and completed soon unless they cap their sleeping hours.

A whole country can be helpless. Nigeria is. My dictionary says 'helplessness' means "weak or dependent: a helpless invalid deprived of strength or power; powerless; incapacitated." A whole people can be helpless, especially if they choose to. The 1823 American case referenced above, Johnson v M'Intosh, gave birth to the Discovery Doctrine which, if applied here, would bequeath River Niger and all its lands to Mungo Park and his descendants. Fortunately, our politicians and the judges have not thought of importing it into our laws complete with affidavits averring that they are heirs to Mungo Park's estate. They may still do it, once they are through with the construction of the courts in the image of their desires.

The Supreme Court should be the afflicted's locus amoenus, a pleasant place of refuge, safety and comfort. But how do we tell the story of a court built of blocks of injustice? That is what I see in those who have enough taking from those who have none right inside the temples of justice. Our ancestors had neither good names nor prayers for warlords who pull straws from their neighbours' roof so that theirs would stop leaking. The current flood from the rains will wash away the house of justice if the owners look on. It is almost a week since that Supreme Court list was out, I have not heard a whimper of protest from those holding the short end of the stick. Osun's forbearance is legendary. But is it not stupidity to stay in queue when the other party wants everything? Lagos that has Surulere (patience is profitable) has never believed in waiting for its turn.

"He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want" (Proverbs 22:16). Enablers of iniquity have not read that verse in their Bible. They have also not read Romans 12:19. - "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good." To those who are Muslims and who excuse evil for reasons of class, creed and ethnicity; to them that teach or plead or enforce acquiescence as evil multiplies itself, I commend the words of the Prophet as reported by Abu Sa’id al-Khudri: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever among you sees evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot do so, then with his tongue. If he cannot do so, then with his heart, which is the weakest level of faith” (See Sahih Muslim, 49).

Evil will grow and flourish if it is manured with helpless acceptance. And that will be the death of Nigeria, its democracy and our freedoms. Khalil Gibran (1883-1931) was a Lebanese-American writer, poet and visual artist. He warned us never to refuse anything by accepting it; he said we should never nurse half hopes and fight half battles. He wrote many powerful lines, the most engaging are in his book, 'The Prophet' with the avant-garde poem 'Do Not Love Half Lovers'. I reproduce it here: "Do not live half a life/and do not die a half death/ If you choose silence, then be silent/When you speak, do so until you are finished/If you accept, then express it bluntly/Do not mask it./If you refuse, then be clear about it/for an ambiguous refusal is but a weak acceptance./Do not accept half a solution/Do not believe half-truths/Do not dream half a dream/Do not fantasize about half hopes/ Half the way will get you nowhere/You are a whole that exists to live a life/not half a life."

I pray we listen – and loudly refuse to choose silence.

I read a story about Mrs Gowon; she was a nursing science student at UCH. One day she fell sick, and it was exams period. She abandoned her treatment, left where she was admitted and was forcing herself to write exams. When the renowned Professor Akinkungbe
(former VC of both UI and ABU) was informed, the Prof was angry; he sent for her and scolded her for taking such risk. "You silly young girl", go back for proper treatment, your health is more important; we'll arrange for your exams later! The girl was very appreciative. She later got married to the Head of State, Yakubu Gowon!

One day as the first lady, she was on official visit to the same UCH, and all the management staff, including Professor Akinkungbe lined up to welcome the first lady. As she was greeting them one after the other on the line, she got to where Prof was standing."Sir, do you remember me"? Yes, I do your Excellency! Prof responded " That your silly young girl" the first lady said with excitement, she went down on knees, just as she used to do when she was a student. " Thank you so much sir". Prof also bowed in respect, " Welcome your Excellency".

"Life is just like that".

Only God knows tomorrow🤷🏽‍♂️
*Treat everyone with courtesy*.

*Be concerned about the well-being of others.

Above all, " be humble all the time, most especially , at the highest point" when the pride of office is always over us"

(Adapted from: Autobiography of Prof Ladipo Akinkugbe)

May God guide us to the right paths , right people and protect us.

This is a true incident confirmed directly from a concerned individual at the Ilesa Passport Office.👇👇

I would like to share my experience at the Ilesha Passport office with everyone here.
I applied online on the 20th October 2023 and was given an appointment on the 23rd October 2023 to capture my biodata at the Ilesha office.
From the gate,I was asked by the Security men if I had an agent or if I applied online. I saw them exchange looks when I answered that I applied online but I waited and had my data captured. When I was leaving the officers again asked me if I had an agent and I said no .
On Thursday Nov 16 roughly more than 3 weeks after the date of capture I got a disturbing phone call from the officer I spoke to before I left saying there was a problem with my application and that my image I.e Passport image was missing. I was surprised as in all my years of applying for a passport my details have never been declared missing before. I immediately suspected sabotage. Nobody there was able to give me an answer . I realized that they wanted to frustrate me so I would offer a bribe. At this point, I told them the Almighty Allah who I worship would solve the problem. I left the office sad and angry but resolute. I resolved not to pay a bribe and that I would complain.

First the new Minister of State has ordered the Immigration service to clear the backlog yet here was the entire system in ilesha full of people with no milk of human kindness. At this point I remembered there is an immigration complaint email and number which the Minister shared with the public. I called the number at 10.20am.yesterday the 17th November a day after the sabotage attempt. The Officer who picked up the phone was courteous and explained to me that they know that the system is full of corrupt eggs. She took my details and said I should relax. By 4.45 pm I got a phone call from her saying my passport was ready. By 4.50 the Ilesha immigration Centre Officials called me as well and said I should come in on Monday to pick up my passport. The reason I'm sharing this is to implore us . We must help this government fight evil. If I didn't call this number I wouldn't have received help. It's obvious that we the people of this country have in our midst evil greedy government officials who are trying to frustrate the process . If anyone has a problem (with the Passport processing and collection)please go online and use the complaints procedure .

We all have to be determined to make Nigeria better.

COPIED.

Come and read these friends.

sukkot:
speak for yourself , nigerians are known for cutting corners. if they are so hardworking why is nigeria a shithole ? lol. stop cappin bro

Your meant health is down with your assumptions.You goofed by saying Nigerians.Where is your brain?

As you travel to live abroad, these are a few things I think you should know.

Point 1 is related to the rest.

1. Each one for himself, God for us all: Don’t expect to rely on anyone for anything. Everyone is dealing with their issues and no one is prepared to add yours. I don’t know if it’s the system, but no one will be willing to do you unnecessary favours. Once you have this mentality, you lower your expectations.

2. Cut friends and family some slack. Don’t think you know someone in abrokyire so they are at your beck and call. No one is. The system is designed in such a way that time is premium and mentally, you have many things taking your attention.

3. Don’t take anything personal. If you call someone and they say they will call back and they don’t, don’t take it personal. If you need to call back, call back. For example, I have an uncle in Canada who doubles as both a financial/tax consultant and an immigration consultant. His office is always full and once he speaks to you, he’s billing you. I needed his attention sometime ago and he kept texting to say he was gonna call back and he never did for weeks. I just ambushed him. Anytime I need his advise or expertise, if he doesn’t pick up or return my call, I just go to his office and wait like everyone else. I remember when I was younger and didn’t know better I was upset with a family friend in England who never made time to see me. I was just a young lad.

4. Ghana might be hard or tough but because it’s familiar territory, you are conditioned to navigate your way more effortlessly. The lifestyle is also more laid back and you can always call friends or meet at some joint and unwind. If someone doesn’t even have money to give you, they can give you plenty of their time. Life is just laid back that you can see someone with money for just 2 shots chilling easily at some blue kiosk like there’s no tomorrow . In obimanso, the system might be smoother but it’s not as socially-oriented. Time is fast and furious and can also get lonely. If you are broke and it’s a cold season, +15 degrees, feels like -15. You need to understand this.

5. The bills will come at you hard and fast. You have to go in survival mode and be prepared to do any job to pay the bills… at least in the short term.

6. Networking is king. It’s everything. Find and attend networking events, find networking groups etc, always find a place to worship and network there. Places of worship are always the easiest places to find support. If you are a Christian too, know what church to go. Don’t go where they are interested in fleecing you of your small coins. A word to the wise….

7. Research, research, research. Research about anything you need and never stop digging. There are always hidden gems, opportunities or support you can access.

In summary, lower your expectations, network, be prepared to grind and understand that you are alone. With this mindset, you will be fine.

#Minister4Happiness

PS:

Thinking of studying in Canada? This is your plug.

www.vertexbridge.ca

DATE: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18TH 2023

TOPIC: BY THEIR FRUITS

MEMORISE:
“Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” – (Matthew 7:16)

READ: MATTHEW 7:16-23 (KJV)

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

MESSAGE:

Yesterday, we discussed the fact that when you are pure in heart, it will show on the outside. The state of your heart - whether pure or otherwise, will always show on the outside. For example, when people see you dressed like a harlot or hooligan, they would know what is inside. Many people parade themselves as children of God but dress and talk like people of the world (1 John 2:15). When you call yourself light but are looking, sounding and moving like darkness, we know that you are not who or what you claim to be (2 Corinthians 6:14).

(2 Corinthians 5:17) says:

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Right from the inside to the outside, all things become new when a person receives Christ - not all things apart from the fashion sense or speech; "all things" means all things. When you change from the inside, it will show in every aspect of your life because the change is from the core of your being. When you see a Chinese man and a Yoruba man, you can clearly differentiate them by how they look, their language and the food they eat. You don't need to be told; you just know based on the fruits you see. When people see you, can they recognize the DNA of Christ in you? If they have to ask whether you are a child of God or not, then check well to see if you are a true Christian.

Some Pastors think that to convert youths to Christ, they must dress and behave like them; not at all. The youths want someone disciplined enough to challenge them. They want to show youthful exuberance, with the expectation that their pastor would caution them. Unfortunately, the people they are looking up to for that discipline are the same ones coming down to their level. Check the way the seemingly unruly youths treat the disciplined ones: that will tell you that they value discipline. Why should you now want to be like the unruly ones? That must change.

KEY POINT:
Let others see Jesus in you.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ACTS 16-17

HYMNAL: 30 - WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD

1. When we walk with the Lord,
In the light of His word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

REFRAIN:
Trust and obey!
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.

2. But we never can prove
The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay,
For the favour He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

3. Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we'll walk by His side in the way,
What He says we will do,
Where He sends we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.

*

In the market ,you find a poor woman with a baby at her back,* You lower your car window, and with a military rough command voice, you ask her:

*"How much are you selling those onions and bananas?*

The poor seller politely replies,
"N1,500 for a bunch of bananas and N1,000 for a pack of onions."

*With pride, you demand the bunch of bananas at #800 and the pack of onions at # 700 or else you will leave.*

The poor seller resigns to fate and replies, "take them at the price you want. *I have not made any sale today, at least I have something for supper now."*

She has made a loss but she goes further to buy a plastic bag for you to pack the two items you have just bought.

*You order her to hurry up otherwise you may change your mind. She apologises and with a smile, she gives you the items and she blesses you for patronizing her.*

*You literally throw the money at her and you sped away leaving behind a cloud of smoke and dust which causes a bit of discomfort to her and the baby. She is coughing while securing her little money. Her poverty has left her with no choice.*

*You have now arrived at the 5-star restaurant where you are to meet friends and you ask them to order food and drinks of their choice.*

*They order expensive food and the leftovers are more than the food they have eaten.*

*The total bill is N65,000 and you pay without bargaining, you gave a tip of N5,000 appreciating the waiter for a delicious meal....which you didn't eat even half of.*

*This incident might seem quite normal to you but it's inhumane...*

*THE POINT IS👇

*Why do we always show that we have the bargaining power when we buy from the poor?*

*Why do we become arrogant when buying from the poor?*

*Why do we become stingy when buying from the vulnerable?*

*Why do we show generosity to those who do not even need our generosity?*

*Why do we become polite when buying from the rich who view our money as mere change?*

*Why do we channel money to a sea of money?*

*Please buy simple goods from the poor people at high prices....do it deliberately.*

*Sometimes, pay extra for the items you buy from poor women...you are only blessing them.
Cc @aycomedi

*
*Dear secondary school teachers and school owners* , please , help the students and the public by ensuring that students in your school write examinations by themselves and merit the grades they brandish on their SSCE results.

We are tired of seeing students with A1 in Mathematics but cannot resolve the smallest of fraction. A student with distinctions in Physics and chemistry but knows next to nothing about chemical reactions or energy conversion, even simple chemical formula for water.

I had to ask some of my UG1 students to look for a tutorial teacher to help them with JS 3 and SS1 mathematics and basic science and introduction to Chemistry. The whole of them in my organic chemistry at college of Agricultural Science have excellent SSCE results and are visibly confused at the sight of any nomenclature of organic compounds. Their first semester performance betrayed the several A1s and B3s on the WAEC they carry about.

These students you help to acquire grades they can't defend are usually frustrated in the ivory tower. Save them a voyage of pain and regrets in the future by ensuring they are well tutored and allow to prepare and write their examinations unaided.

Moreso, the aftermath effects of all these exam malpractices are alarming. Some of these include Sex for marks and jobs, just because they can't cope and compete with their colleagues who are real and better off.

The urge for quick ànd sudden wealth to cover up their shame, just because they can't cope and continue with the 'stress' of academia. We all know how they intend to achieve the so called wealth and riches.
Going into politics is another worse aspect of this.

Please and please, Teachers, Parents, School Owners and Government Officials, let us all help our children from future embarrassment, disgrace, insults and eventual sudden fall just because of our own selfish and foolish interest.

*Thank you for your understanding*

*Association of Concerned Professionals*

I am so sick to my stomach!

*A 73-year old woman's statistics:*

She was a UNTH nurse and retired since 2007.

1. Widowed in 1999.
2. Gave birth to 6 children with 5 surviving *_(4 boys and a girl)_*
3. Her husband was a retired Principal
4. Her only daughter lives in Lagos *_( in a bad marriage since her husband doesn't allow her to bring her mum over)_*
5. Her three sons live abroad. The only son in Nigeria lives in Enugu and his wife pays her a visit on Sundays but stopped for reasons not revealed.
6. Her only sister, who is older than her but still strong in health, visited and found her in a bad state and decided to take her with her to her Umuahia home.

She had signs of dementia. She also suffers from diabetes and weak bladder. So, the urine smell complained by people is well understood.

Her only elder sister took care of her since her arrival till her sister's son had accident in Abuja and was left for neighbours to attend to her.
The sister's neighbour left her and travelled.

*_Mama was found dead close to an open fridge. Her corpse has been deposited in a morgue this morning._*

Her first son is a medical doctor in America, married to a Brazilian and only called once in a while after her mum was moved to Umuahia by her sister and kids.
___________
ANALYSIS::

Mama is not childless.

She raised all her kids and they're all professionals.

Money was not an issue. Her husband, though a principal, built a bungalow where Mama and her kids lived till her death.

Mama's sister said her only daughter has only called twice since she came to Enugu and picked her younger sister with her.

Mama's senior sister wants to bury her Junior sister on her own and mourn her quietly !!

*_Her kids are now back crying and saying they will give their mother a befitting burial._*

I wanted to call them out & curse them.

I am in pains.
___________

My heart is heavy.

*_A woman that raised five children should not have suffered like this._*

While you're popping kids, remember that one day......

- The bones and muscles will be WEAK..
- The eyes might lose their functions
- The bladder might be weak and you cannot control your urine.
- Cash flow will cease.
- Your legs won't be able to carry your weight.
- Your hands might not hold things due to parkinson or rheumatism or any of the other numerous infirmities
- Your mouth may be smelling because you cannot brush it well.
- Your brain might stop functioning.
- Dementia and loss of memory can set in.
- *_You may not even be able to take care of your personal hygiene..._*

It is called OLD AGE characteristics.

*_Life can be harsh and your children may be too busy with their lives that your care will be relegated to STRANGERS._*

*Children are NOT retirement benefits.*

*_Old age is a reality !_*
*Prepare for that time.*
*Take care of your health.*

*Be armed !*

*_Learn this big lesson Today !_*

Thank you.

*Copied*

So for the first time yesterday I found out that Nigerian actress Funke Akindele acquired a PRIVATE JET in the second quarter of this year.

It allegedly cost $1M (US dollars). (I haven't verified the cost).

And for your information, Funke is the FIRST NIGERIAN ACTRESS IN HISTORY to achieve such luxury. Own a private jet.

I was really happy for the talented actress. And then I was pleasantly surprised because I never really imagined that acting could fetch someone such luxury. Clearly I was wrong. And to be honest I am glad I was wrong.

She read Law (just like me) but did not bother to attend Law School after graduation because she knew acting was what she wanted. And now after 15 years of consistent acting and producing entertaining content, she proudly owns a private jet. Imagine how much you'd have to be worth to be able to afford that.

Now I personally feel SCAMMED.

I feel like our parents, formal school system and the government lied to us when we were kids.

All the things they tried to discourage us from doing as little kids happen to make people richer and financially free more than the ones they sang praises about.

Acting.
Singing and dancing.
Playing football.
Playing basketball.
Comedy and Skits-making.
Etc.

....are producing more multimillionaires than...

Medicine and surgery.
Engineering.
Accounting.
Law.
Computer science.
Etc.

How many successful medical practitioners, engineers or lawyers do you know in Nigeria who currently owns or can afford a private jet? Tell me if you know.

I'll wait.

They were just plain wrong and they should eat the humble pie and apologise to us. I am talking about our parents and the formal school system.

As it turned out, and contrary to their regular drumbeat, formal education was never the best pathway to financial security and/or financial freedom. They clearly didn't know what they were talking about in those days. They were just making up sh*t up.

But you cannot blame us for listening to them and believing them. We were kids and we naturally assumed that adults understood or should understand life better and further assumed that they knew what they were talking about. We assumed wrongly.

Formal education has its place and functions in the world, but making you rich or financially free is not one of them. Know that today and know peace.

I am a practising lawyer today and I am proud, but I will not sell the same lies they sold to me to my kids. I would be a wicked father to do so.

During the course of my legal practice I have rejected many offers to become a model, an actor and so on. I was just too enamoured with Law to consider them. Today I feel I made a colossal mistake.

I was in a banking hall once to go and deposit my monthly N18k for a land I was buying at the time, out of my meagre N70k salary, when this young woman approached me. She said she worked for a modelling agent and would like to work with me as a model and possibly an actor. I appreciated her offer but declined.

I was in Court one time for a case. Coincidentally some Nollywood producers had a matter in the same court on the same day. I could recognise a few faces among them. One of the well known ones in Nollywood started chatting me up before the Judge came in and complimented my appearance. He said I looked like someone who should be acting. I felt flattered, smiled but didn't take him seriously. As far I was concerned I was cool with Law.

Today I wish I had taken those offers seriously. At least I should have given them a shot before dismissing them outrightly.

To my credit, however, I did try modelling twice but I think I fell into the wrong hands, particularly the second one. That one just scammed me.

Most people don't know this, but I am quite an actor. I acted in Secondary School as a Literature Student. I played the lead role of King Odewale in the popular play "The Gods Are Not To Blame" written by the Novelist Ola Rotimi. It was part of our curriculum. I had to act and I stood out.

Again, I didn't take all that seriously because they told me that becoming a Lawyer was the best chance at achieving respect and financial success.

Let's not even delve into lawyers' fees and/or earnings in Nigeria at this time. It will depress you. Other than Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), which is not handed out on a gold platter, majority of lawyers earn like paupers. I kid you not.

It was so bad that the former Attorney General of the Federation and the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Committee in May of this year had to review the charging scale of lawyers upward. The same legal profession that they told us as kids was the path to financial success had become a guarantor of poverty, and the system needed to act fast.

Funke Akindele is one of the lucky few. She ditched Law for acting and today I, a practising lawyer, am writing about her remarkable financial success on Facebook. An actress who bought a private jet in Nigeria.

I guess Funke saw the signs early and made hay while the sun still shone. I guess the prayers of her ancestors bailed her. She avoided the trap that most of us gleefully walked into. How could she have been so lucky except the prayers of her ancestors worked. I congratulate her.

The good news here is that we (at least I) have learned our (my) lessons. What happened to us must not happen to our kids. The conventional lies that derailed us and limited our imagination must not happen to our children.

We owe them that much.

#truthissacred
Selah.

BIBLE REFERENCE:
Matthew 11:28, Psalms 23:1, Psalms 1:3, Mark 11:24.

1. Lord I thank you for all your good work in my life and family. Thank you Jesus.

2. Father, I thank you for your rich mercy over my life and family. Thank you Jesus.

3. I declare in the name of Jesus, Abraham's blessings are mine.

4. Whatsoever things I desire, when I pray, I believe that I have received them and I shall have them in Jesus name.

5. I delight myself in the Lord, and He gives me the desires of my heart in Jesus name.

6. I seek first the kingdom of God, therefore everything I need shall be added unto me in Jesus name.

7. The wealth of the sinner is laid up for me in Jesus name.

DISCLAIMER: (This is Heaven At Last-Godgift publication, none of it should be altered. Anyone found doing such is obviously disobedient. Kindly say no to the sinful act of Plagiarism. If you want to share, kindly share as you have received. Do not remove our name.)

8. My inheritance shall be forever. I shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine, I shall be satisfied in Jesus name.

9. Every burden shall be taken away from my shoulders, and every yoke from my neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing of the Lord in Jesus name.

10. I am like a tree, that is planted by the rivers of water. Everything I do, shall prosper in Jesus name.

11. I will not faint, for in due time and at the appointed season, I shall reap in Jesus name.

12. My God supplies all my need according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus.

13. There will be no poverty of body, soul and spirit in my life. The anointing of God upon my life, gives me favour in the eyes of God and man, all the days of my life. I shall not labour in vain. I shall walk this day in victory and liberty of the spirit in Jesus name.

14. I bind all evil spirits around me, and those attacking me, in the name of Jesus.

15. Anything from the kingdom of darkness that has made it its business to hinder me, I single you out right now, and bind you with chains that cannot be broken, in the name of Jesus.

16. I strip off all your spiritual armour, in the name of Jesus. I command you to loose the support of other evil powers, in the name of Jesus. I command you not to involve yourself with me again, in the name of Jesus.

17. I shall be congratulated for all-round success in the name of Jesus.

18. I am prospering in every way. My body keeps well, even as my soul keeps well and prospers in Jesus name.

19. I declare that whatsoever I ask the Father, in the name of His Son Jesus, He will give it to me in Jesus name.

20. INSTRUCTIONS: now open your mouth and begin to ask God for what you need. (Your personal supplication.)

21. Thank you Father for answering our prayers.

Please keep sharing the midnight prayers to bless others. God bless you.
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"My supervisor is in his early 60s, so it was super hard for me to start calling him by his name every time. This man is old enough to be my grandfather and he wants me to call him his first name. I’m getting more familiar with it, though.

One of the things I don’t like about being abroad is the fact that everybody minds their business. It is a double-edged sword. In Nigeria, you don’t like people being in your business, but sometimes, you actually need it.

Last year, I was sick. I had an emergency operation so I couldn’t go to work for about a week. I was in my house and the next thing, I was in the hospital, so I couldn’t inform anybody. Not a single person called or texted me. Not one. Not even the HR person.

I left a cup of coffee on my desk the day before the incident and when I came back one week after, I met it right there with mold in it. Sometimes, it gets really annoying in Nigeria when people put their noses in your business, but I’d rather have that than have nobody care at all.

I always like to say that if I died in my apartment, nobody would know until my body started smelling because even my rent would automatically pay itself from my account and the landlord wouldn’t care to check on me."

~ Source: Zikoko

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BIBLE REFERENCE:
Deuteronomy 28:13, Acts 2:17, Matthew 5:14

1. Ancient of days I worship your holy name. I lift your name high above every other God, you are Yahweh.

2. Thank you Jesus for all your goodness and mercy towards me and my household, to you be all the glory.

3. Father, I make demand of your mercy upon my children, forgive all the shortcoming of my children in Jesus name. (Pray these prayers even if you don't have children yet)

4. Father fill my children with yourself and kill the power of flesh in the life of my children in Jesus name.

5. Father, beginning from tonight let the life of my children show forth your praises in Jesus mighty Name.

6. O Lord release upon my children great grace to walk as an ambassador of Christ. In the name of Jesus they will reflect the image of God.

7. Father, make my children to be light of the world, a city set on hill that cannot be hid in Jesus name.

8. Father, let your power be at work in my children's life and let them begin to make positive impacts in their generation in Jesus name.

9. Father, make my children soul winners, Let their life draw many to christ in Jesus Name.

DISCLAIMER: (This is Heaven At Last-Godgift publication, none of it should be altered. Anyone found doing such is obviously disobedient. Kindly say no to the sinful act of Plagiarism. If you want to share, kindly share as you have received. Do not remove our name.)

10. In the Name of Jesus, whoever comes in contact with my children must encounter Christ, henceforth, my children shall continually radiate the glory and splendour of God in Jesus Name.

11. Father, uproot from the life of my children every ungodly nature in Jesus name.

12. O Lord show my children your goodness, let your glory radiate in every aspect of their life in Jesus name.

13. My Father, my Father arise and contend with every ancestral altar fighting the destinies of my children in Jesus name.

14. O Lord, disconnect my children from every destiny/ purpose killers in Jesus name.

15. Father, cause my children to know you more. O Lord let the heart of my children be forever connected to you in Jesus name.

16. Lord Jesus, please visit me and my household in Jesus name.

17. Father, let your hand of preservation rest upon my children whereever they go in Jesus name.

18. Father, let your Spirit of wisdom rest upon my children in Jesus name.

19. O Lord, my children shall be the head and not the tail, the shall be ahead and not left behind in life and destiny in Jesus name.

20. Personal supplication.

21. Thank you Father for answering our prayers.

Please keep sharing the midnight prayers to bless others. God bless you.
We are now on Twitter follow us twitter.com/heavenatlastgg

To receive the AUDIO VERSION of this prayers join our WhatsApp or Telegram platforms.
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Kindly send your testimonies to
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©Heaven At Last-Godgift, 2023.

*

*RCCG NOVEMBER EXPLOSIVE GROWTH DRIVE*

*DIGGING DEEP 07/11/2023*

*TOPIC: SAVED FOR A PURPOSE*
*BIBLE TEXT: JOHN 15: 8-16*

*MEMORY VERSE: 1 Peter 2:9*
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people;that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

*INTRODUCTION:*

Believers should have some sense of purpose and a burning desire to live for God because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.
We were spared for a reason. We are also saved for the purpose of making a difference with our lives.
Jesus Christ didn't die on the cross so we could go on living any way we like.He made and saved us for a purpose.

In this study: "Saved for a Purpose," we shall consider one major outline.May the Lord give us understanding as we study in Jesus Name.

*WHAT IS A PURPOSE?*
Purpose is the reason behind the creation of a thing. It can also be God's assignment for your life. Purpose is your contribution to the overall program of God on earth. Jer.1:5

*The reason for your salvation:*

1. You are saved to become a disciple.
John 15:8. A disciple is a dedicated and committed follower of Jesus Christ's words, principles and lifestyle. As a disciple of Jesus Christ,we must therefore live for what He lived for which is the salvation of men.

2.You are saved to live for God. Phil. 1:21

3.You are saved to bear fruit in all areas of your life. John 15:16

4.You are saved to love God wholeheartedly. John 15:9-10.

5.You are saved to point others to Jesus Christ through a lifestyle of righteousness Heb.1:9

6.You are saved to do good works and to walk in the light. Eph. 2:10, 1Pet. 2:9, Acts 10:38

7. You are saved to make disciples through evangelism. Matthew 28:19-20

*CONCLUSION:*
We are saved for the salvation of others.In this way we glorify God.

*_God bless you as you study in His presence_*

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