by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Oct 1, 2018 | Articles |
Every October 1st marks the independence of Nigeria, but not many Nigerians really get excited about it perhaps because of the growing harsh economic situations and the failure of the Government to meet the basic needs of the citizens.
In reality, waiting to hear the President’s Independence Day speech is the least of the worries of many Nigerians who thinks that the Government has not only politicized people’s overall welfare but have made so many empty promises and as such have disappointed the expectations of many.
Since I became knowledgeable about the state of the nation, I have seen that every independence day celebrations always reminiscence the “Good old days”, with regrets about the past; how things have degenerated so much despite the hope and faith that Nigerians continues to have in the future of a greater country.
An average Nigerian has lost hope in the promise of a better nation since for more than fifty years instead of celebrating developments and progresses, things have rather worsened. I’m not saying there hasn’t been developments in some areas of the country but the truth is our progress isn’t commensurate with our age.
There are more individual prosperities than the prosperity of the entity called Nigeria. Many leaders and citizens have invested in their own welfare more than working for the interest of the nation. This is not so in developed nations. Political powers, economic growth are been concentrated in certain areas to satisfy personal, ethnic or tribal interests instead of national interest.
The Nigerian flag symbolizes a prosperous and peaceful nation inhabited by people of diverse culture and ethnicity but who are united by a common interest. The national colors indicates a nation whose land is wealthy and it’s people live in affluence and peaceful coexistence.
The flag of Nigeria which was designed in 1959 and first officially hoisted on 1 October 1960 has three vertical bands of green, white, green. The two green stripes represent Nigeria’s natural wealth, while the white band represents peace.
Contrary to what the national colors represents, Nigerians, in spite of the abundant natural resources have since independence continued to suffer from corrupt and self-serving leaders. Our situation is such that we live in the orchard yet we eat sour grapes. We have so much natural resources yet majority of the citizens live like paupers while the wealth is been boarded by a privileged few.
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by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Sep 14, 2018 | Articles, Lifestyles, Politics |
“He (Mugabe) is not even supposed to be alive because people of his age are all dead” — Matemadanda. Even though this statement by war veterans secretary general Victor Matemadanda sounds too harsh for the former Zimbabwe president, Robert Mugabe, I am still disappointed he died.
“The mouth of an elder may stink but out of it comes wisdom.”—Mzee Elvis. This Tonga proverb brings to mind the words of wisdom of King Solomon who having relished the riches and pleasures of the world gave an eternal verity about the brevity and vanity of life (Ecclesiastes 1:12).
Sometimes the pains I feel about some dead persons comes from the concerns that they were unable to transit with their wealth and accomplishments. Even though worldly achievements are temporal and vain, it is a defense to those who have them. Yet, such a defense cannot still prevent death which is the highest common factor of man.
When I heard about the death of Robert Mugabe, I was moved with pity, but more importantly I was disappointed that he couldn’t resist death like he fought to rule over Zimbabwe as President for 37 years. I had wondered that perhaps if he was not pressured to resign, he might still be alive.
The 93 years ex-president of Zimbabwe would have live much longer to enjoy the fruits of his labor for which he has worked since he served as the first prime minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and then as President from 1987 to 2017
The longest serving President, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, as of August 2016 was world’s oldest and one of the longest serving Head of State. His achievements are huge; he is the most educated President the world has ever seen. His literacy pride and those of millions of Zimbabwe’s is undoubtedly worthy of commendation. But of what advantage will this be to him in his grave?
I seriously think
[muɡaɓe] shouldn’t have died. He should have still remained the President of Zimbabwe for as long as he could resist death. He should have imprison death and make himself an undying god over Zimbabwe and the world, seeing that he was able to continue ruling even when it was obvious that he has lost his strength and vigor. What a shame?!
Whilst we await autopsy report to ascertain the cause of Robert Mugabe’s death, it was said that he may have died from severe prostrate cancer which he had battled with for a while.
The leader of the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF) since 1975, and a father of four was a revolutionary leader who gave the West and the so called “white skinned” a rough criticism and apparent hatred for western control and colonialism.
One of his major achievements was taking lands from white colonizers and giving it back to its original owners, the formerly disadvantaged black people. He constantly stood up to western powers and Western propaganda (including sanctions) has failed to achieve its objectives of destabilizing the country under his rule.
Whilst I am sober about the demise of the 93 years old dictator whose 37-year rule was characterized by gross human rights violations, and greed, I’m very much concerned about many wealthy and influential political big wigs who have turned themselves into political gods and strongholds. Those who believe they are the godfathers of politics and that no one can attain any political office without their approval.
They are defiant and power-drunk; they pursue only their interest and are ever ready to get rid of any obstacles on their path by any means whatsoever. They don’t mind to subject their citizens to hardship and sufferings because they want to remain in power.
Many, like the Syrian President, Bashar Al-Asaad, have destroyed their country’s political and economic structure because of their power obsession. What will become of such power-drunk when they die? What would become of their wealth and accomplishments? Do they ever consider that life is vanity, and vanity upon vanity? Do these tyrants ever worry about losing control someday? Search me!
A day in which they would close their eyes in death and those they have afflicted and oppressed would scorn their helpless bodies and trampled upon their graves!? You wonder too? Yes, what happens to the riches amassed by selfish and ruthless leaders when they are consumed in death?
If we think we can ignore God in our lives and treat God’s creation with contempt, we should remember that life is as brief as the flower that flourish in the morning and dies in the evening. Life is brief no matter how long we live.
God is always the first on the scene and also the last to leave. God doesn’t play hide and seek game. He’s not remote; he’s near. We can’t get away from him. Therefore, let us draw near to him and live for him—for by so doing, we will be fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.
Another Icon of African politics is gone; Robert Mugabe has completed his trade in the market of life, whether he has done good or bad, God will judge. May his soul Rest In Peace.
But for those of us still breathing should take it to heart that life at its best is very brief!
We are winning. Yes, we are wining!
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Sep 11, 2018 | Articles, Politics |
Where were you 17 years ago? Where were you when the deadliest terrorist attach by the Al-Qaeda extremist group hit the United States. Where were you on September 11, 2001 when the whole world panicked at the devastation of the World Trade Center and the unfortunate destruction of hundreds of lives?
I remember, I was in my hostel at the university when the event was announced. I didn’t get to watch the news on the Television because there was non around me at that time, neither was I able to browse the web because the internet was scarcely in use at the time.
It was much later that I was able to learn the devastating effects of this dastardly act perpetuated by the Osama Bin Laden led Al-Qaeda terrorist group. The September 11 (9/11) attack were a series of four coordinated terrorist attaches by the Islamic terrorist group Known as Al-Qaeda against the United States of America.
The location of the attacks were the World Trade Center (WTC) New York, the Stonycreek township, and Arlington county. The attacks which included aircraft hijacking, suicide attack, recorded total number of 2,996 (2.977 victims and 19 hijackers) deaths. The victims were members of different nationals including Africans, Asians to mention a few.
This terrorist attack defined the president George W.Bush administration, and consequently triggered the United States initiatives to combat terrorism. The attackers which were reportedly sponsored by the Saudi fugitive, Osama Bin Laden, were said to have acted in retaliation for America’s support of Israel, its involvement in the Persian Gulf War as well as its continued presence in the Middle East.
The response of the United Sates to the September 11 attack was instructive in President Bushe’s televised address a day after the attacks. He Said, “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot sent the steel of American resolve.”
Ten years later, Osama Bin laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 attack was tracked down and killed by the U.S Seal at his hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Seventeen years after the terrorist attack, the United States and the entire world continues to fight against insurgence and terrorism which continues to threaten our peaceful coexistence.
The United States continuous defends of Israel and other Allies continues to generate resistance and enemies from the Middle East and this is not sure to stop until the end of the world.
If the death of Osama was thought to be the end of Terrorism, the terrorist and wars going on in all part of the world has proven that hatred, inhumanity, wars and rumors of wars are all signs of the end time, and an indication that the world is approaching its limit in a matter of time.
If all these things would be, what manner of man you ought to be!? There’s no amount of peace talks that can bring peace to this world. Tragedies, famines, wars and afflictions are are to abound but those who put their trust in God will survive this world that is destined for destruction.
As we continue to hope for a safer world, our heartfelt prayers goes to the families of those who lost loved ones at the unfortunate events.
Where do you stand? Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His night. We are winning! Yea, we are winning!
For more on 9/11 history read: https://www.history.com/topics/21st-century/9-11-attacks
Also read: SEE THE NEWS THAT WOULD DETERMINE THE WORLD’S FUTURE
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by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Sep 11, 2018 | Articles, Empowerement, Lifestyles |
Yes, “why this waste?” You often hear that in your life, huh? I do too. I do hear it from the old man within. I hear it from friends and colleagues that tells me that am missing out on a lot of canal pleasures that my youthfulness or position should enjoy. I hear it from our culture that tells me that if I don’t accomplish certain things, or act is certain ways, my worth and relevance is in question.
I hear it from the pit of hell, that if all I do is to follow God, and give much of my time to serving God and humanity, I’m only just wasting my time. I hear that there are a lot things worth spending my life on today, and God is not in that list. So, why the waste?
My social environment constantly alerts me that it is all about me, and that in this one life that I’ve come, I must move with the flow, run town and have fun, and careless about who it hurts, as long as I am happy.
It’s a subtle and tricky voice. It can easily convince me that my business and career is is good and worth all of my time. I’m constantly prodded by the voice of reasoning that like the Biblical Martha, I must ensure that all of the “more important things” that need to be done are done before I give God my “precious time. “God understands”, they say!
Sadly but truly, some of the things we consider “more important” and worthy of our time are actually not as important, in fact, not important at all. Some activities we consider more important are just like marking time, they don’t move us forward in life. Many things we call “fun” only appeals to our emotions and sensuality, they don’t amount to profitability, and many of them have no value for eternity. So, why the waste?
When Mary argued that her sister, Martha was giving her precious time to something less important, than preparing a meal for the special guest, Christ rebuffed her saying, Mary has chosen the “one thing that is necessary “—sitting at his feet and listening to him.
Many would argue that spending time with God in worship is a waste of time; other say its boring and uneasy, while many others just simply say, there’s no enough time. Meanwhile, it is much easier to spend time surfing the Internet or browsing pictures of other people’s vacations, event or activities on Facebook. This you consider “worth wasting your life on?” Yet, it leaves you downcast and desperate after all.
I recall the words of John Piper in talking about time, he said, “one of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time.” Yes, indeed! We often blame prayerlessness on lack of time, whereas we have so much time to devote to those things that are less important.
The way it applies to sacred devotion is the same way it applies to our daily lifestyle. You claim you have a vision and yet you are not disciplined enough with your time to achieve your life goals. If you’re going to be great in life, you have to devote your time to those things that matter.
As believers, we will never enjoy our friendship with God if we don’t spend quality time with Him. Time is the most precious thing we have, and without daily doing that “one necessary thing,” everything else in our lives creeps up as way more necessary than it should ever be. What would you pick as the most important things in your life?
Everything you do for God’s pleasure has eternal value; anything you do for the flesh perishes with it. Give your life to God; give your time to pursuing what is necessary and beneficial to all!
You’re winning! Yes we are winning!
Also read:THE CLIMATE OF THE TIMES: We are lords of our world
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by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Sep 10, 2018 | Articles, Entertainment |
The Nigerian Amputee football federation, after being banned from international competition for 5 years for non-payment of the WAAF affiliation fees, are now qualified to feature at the 2018 world cup tournament.
This ban has no doubt dealt a blow to the special football team, and an indication that very little support has been given to the special football competition by the football body.
Thankfully, the ban has been lifted and the special Amputee team are scheduled to feature at the 2018 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico in October. The Nigeria team are to feature along side Russia, Brazil, El Salvado in group E.
Amputee football is an disabled sport played with seven players on each team. Outfield players have lower extremity amputations, and goalkeepers have an upper extremity amputation.
The handlers of the Amputee Super Eagles Team coach Victor Nwewe and Gbenga Dosunmu, is confident that the team is self motivated, and will certainly put up a good record at the mundial. He is certain that with the needed support from the football body, the Super Eagles will perform excellently.
The captain of the Amputee team, Prince Yomi Bamgbopa has expressed confidence in his team, and he is optimistic that they will make Nigeria proud. He commended the efforts of the football body in ensuring that Nigeria regained her membership with the World Association of Amputee Football Federation (WAAF)
For the President of the NAAF, Suleiman Isah, the return of the Nigerian Amputee squad to the international stage is a welcome development, and a good omen for the country. In his words, he said, “This is the beginning of many good things to come as a form of reshaping poor state of this great sport and lives of the footballer that were practically neglected.
He continued, “The journey to this achievement was not easy, but my happiness is that we have regained our membership with the parent body and will now be part of their activities.”
He added that the participation in the World Cup would serve as an exposure to the footballers and opportunity to boost the nation’s profile at the global level.
According to the NAAF Ambassador, Abayomi Fashoro, “Nigeria has a chance to develop the huge potential of the Amputee football, and bring it at par with football federations like Russia, Turkey, England to mention a few. The football body therefore, should provide sports facilities that would help improve the players, and promote the game.”
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