by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Aug 8, 2018 | Articles, Entertainment |
I bet you you wouldn’t know that spot on Katampe hill is the center of Nigeria unless someone had told you. What would have been an ultimate search experience for me turned out to be an easy task because my friend who had earlier visited led me to that spot.
Geographical Center of Nigeria
It’s really very shameful and disappointing that there’s no unique landmark to symbolize the geographical center of Nigeria. This I consider very absurd and a failure of the government in harnessing our rich eco-tourism potentials.
Katampe Hill is a granite outcrop and one of Abuja’s highest points. A panoramic view from the top of the katampe hill gives another beautiful side attraction you would love to experience. The Aso Radio is strategically located at the top of the hill providing a clear radio signal up to Niger state.
Any foreign tourist or an adventurous person would love to visit a landmark like the geographical center of a city or country. If I happen to visit any city where the center of the country is located, I would certainly want to see the center of such city. This spot should of course be an endearing monument for any tourist. But sadly, the Katampe hill has nothing attractive to endear tourists to its beautiful structure. I have seen how some countries symbolize their geographical centers: America, France, Europe to mention few built a unique monument around their center to attract tourists and to give a brief history of such phenomenon. But Nigeria’s geographical center is unadorned.
Like I mentioned in my previous article, “The Zuma Rock is sad!”, ‘the relevant authorities should promote, as well as create the enabling environment for private investors to develop the ecotourism potential of our beautiful country in order to reduce dependency on Crude oil.’
The geographical center of Nigeria should be a monument, and tourists attraction site that would endear many to Katampe hill, and of course to the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.
The Government needs to, as a matter of urgency and priority develop the eco-tourism potentials of the country. We need to promote our natural endowments and make Nigeria top on the holiday destinations of many tourists.
Nigeria is blessed!
Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Aug 8, 2018 | Articles |
It was a bright and beautiful Monday morning. The staff and students of the City Center College were looking animated and radiant at the usual 7:30 a.m. assembly. Mr. John Paul, nicknamed “Mr. Move” was the teacher on duty and so in his usual manner, he was conducting the assembly in a dramatic manner.
First, a song from the Songs of Praise (SOP), then The Lord’s Prayers followed by instructions and warnings to be well behaved, studious, and disciplined within and outside the school. And then the Principal urged debtors to pay up their school fees before the deadline. He wished the students a fruitful week ahead, and walked away.
“Attention!”, alerted Mr. ‘Move.’ With a stern look he commanded, “In a straight and undisturbed line, march to your classrooms with immediate alacrity.” The students took dressing immediately and were set for the March. Just then, a student raised a song and the rest students joined in singing, “We are able to go up and take the mountain…move on to the righteous side…”
It wasn’t any song different from what Mr. John would advise anytime it is his turn to conduct the assembly. Hence, they nicknamed him, Mr. “move” Mr John looked with excitement as he watched the students march to their various classrooms. But, at some point he tried to call the students to order for singing a chorus wrongly, but the students were too excited to stop. “…move on to the righteous side ‘with’ God, and not ‘of’ God, he alarmed.
Mr. John looked frustrated because he was again unable to identify the group of senior students who are in the habit of singing the chorus wrongly. Even though he had corrected them many times, these group of students deliberately would do this to poke him. “I’ll get you guys soon”, he retorted, as he walked to his office.
Nigerian political deflectors
Yes, whenever the students say, “move on to the righteous side of God”, Mr. John would insist it is “move on to the righteous side with God.” Therefore, the contention has been with the words, “‘of’ and ‘with’” He had explained severally that God does not have an unrighteous side, hence it makes no sense to say, move on to the righteous side of God. To say, move on to the righteous side of God means God has both righteous and unrighteousness sides.
It is indeed true that God is righteous and there is no iota of unrighteousness in Him. His nature is holy and pure and there is no imperfections in him. He’s not man that would lie or fail. He’s invincible and unsearchable. It is therefore impossible for him to be unrighteousness! Therefore anyone who would move to his side will only be moving “with” him to the righteous side and not moving to the righteous side “of” him.
This truth comes to mind at this season of decampment and deflections in Nigeria’s political terrain. Prior to every election year, there’s usually factionalism which is often occasioned by displeasure from members of political parties. This then results into aggrieved members decamping to opposition parties to seek elections or re-elections as the case may be.
I’m not about to discuss political parties and deflections, but just to mention that being the rave of the moment there is a critical lessons that can be helpful to our lives. Beyond the seasons of deflections, decampments, and impeachments, one call that has remained persistent and appealing is the call to decamp. It is a clarion call to every man irrespective of political affiliations, social status or what have you, to move from the camp of God-haters, unrighteousness, self-centeredness, injustice, and all forms of wickedness to the righteous side with God.
This call to decamp is an undying call from a loving and compassionate God who has extended his grace to all men, for the purpose of snatching them away from the camp of Satan who is destined for destruction along with those who follow him.
God’s calling
Many people have joined the camp of the enemy by virtue of their associations and affiliations, and this maybe political, social or even spiritual. For the purpose of worldly achievements, fame and glory some people have joined diabolical camps and cults, like illuminati, church of satan, ogboni to mention a few.
They have in place of worldly recognition sold their souls to eternal condemnations, and have become antagonists of rightful living. Such are those who are constantly being called to decamp and and move on to the righteous side with God. Political leaders are called to embrace righteousness and show mercy; followers are called to be God-lovers, and spiritual leaders are called to stay on the side of the truth no matter the pressures.
You don’t necessarily have to be in cults to decamp. As long as you are on the side of the immoral, cheats, corrupted, slave masters, liars, abominable, and violent offenders; you certainly need to decamp to the righteous side with God.
Our society needs people who are loving, and who fear God. We need leaders who are selfless and patriotic. When we all stand with God, only then can we build a vibrant nation that will dwell in peace and prosperity. For it is righteousness that exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to the people. “God-devotion makes a country strong; God-avoidance leaves people weak.” (Proverbs 14:34 MSG).
At this season of political defections; I urge you to decamp, move to the righteous side with God and embrace peace. You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
Greatmark
Also read: https://yeswearewinning.com/2018/04/22/nigerian-democracy-lost-but-found-careless-caretakers/
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Jun 15, 2018 | Uncategorized |
The Zuma Rock is sad!
The zuma rock located in madalla town of Niger state is an amazing sight to behold. The rock which stands ostensibly along the Kaduna-abuja highway at a height of about 730 meters above the ground is a monolithic crystalline igneous rock with a very steepy slop that makes it inaccessible to unequipped mountain climbers.
Situated at the border town between Niger state and FCT and its location is being an object of contention as it is being used as the major symbol of the Abuja landscape owing to its proximity to Abuja. Although, located at the North of Abuja and surrounded by many other rocks at a considerable distance, the magnificence of this rocks makes it visible from any part of FCT.
As we drove past the gigantic rock I couldn’t help but gazed upon it with keen interest. As a member of the rock and hammer family, such natural phenomena always feeds my curiosity. My attention was especially drawn to the human face that looks somewhat like a man with a sad countenance.
I believe this shape was a result of weathering over a long period of years. However, having being concerned about the failure of our government to properly harness our abundant and economically viable natural resources, I seriously think Zuma rock is sad!
The battered and sad countenance of that portion of Zuma rock to me is a reflection of my mood and I believe also those of many innovative, patriotic and enterprising Nigerians who continue to lament the utter neglect of our potentially viable natural endowments, vis-a-vis the eco-tourism potentials.
The rock which derived its name from Zuma or “Zumwa”, which means “the place of catching Guinea-Fowls”, is believed to habor many strong evil spirits which are being worshipped and adorned by the people of Gwari, who had also relied on its defensive prowess in times of war.
Could it be that the speculations about the activities of evil spirits is the reason why there has been no visible and lasting development around this rock? Conspicuously so. The only visible developments around the rock are abandoned structures: a hotel and housing estate to be precise. Could this phenomenon be the reason why the government and private investors have not made zuma rock a tourist attraction center. Search me!
In spite of the historic diabolical stories told about this rock, I believe, more tourist attraction activities need to be promoted in order to attract more visitors, and investors, both local and foreign, and thus serve as a source of Internal generation revenue (IGR) for the state. I do believe that whatever the government decides to do, it certainly can be done as long as there’s the will to do it.
We are blessed with huge natural resources, many of which are not explored. The relevant authorities should promote, as well as create the enabling environment for private investors to develop the ecotourism potential of our beautiful country in order to reduce dependency on Crude oil.
We are a blessed nation. Let’s put Madalla and other tourist potential areas on the world map, and make our nation an endearing tourist destination.
You are winning! Yes, we are winning!
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | May 5, 2018 | Uncategorized |
His imperial majesty, the king, is enlightened, well educated, a lover of history. He is intelligent, curious, articulate, pragmatic and with a deep sense of humor; an entrepreneur and most importantly, an African to the core.
Two hours is more than magnanimous to spend with the King, His Imperial majesty, the Ooni of Ife Kingdom, Ojaja II, in his living room and wrapped in the ecstasy of insightful discussion on the rich history of the African race and with much emphasis on the Yoruba dynasty.
It was an amazing time with the zestful and visionary King, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Adewusi, who occupied the most powerful throne of the Yoruba tribe at the age of 41. He gave a vivid exposition about the origin of the human race, the significance and nobility of the black race, and especially the Ife Kingdom.
It was very interesting to have my Jewish colleague speak about the Jewish race, Judaism and its relevance to the plan of God for the end time. He mentioned that the jewish temple sacrifices are on hold now until the temple is re-built, and that the Jewish race is eagerly awaiting their final salvation when the Messiah returns. This wasn’t new to me but I was pleased to hear it from a Jew.
The King talked briefly about the powers of the throne, and the sovereignty of God. He spoke very convincingly and with enthusiasm the significance of the black race to the world, the uniqueness of the black color and the divine endowment on the black people.
In talking about Africa, he said, Black is the original color from which other colors are derived. Hence, black is a combination of all other colors. He further said that black is the only color with no shades; there’s neither light black or deep black, black is black. This unique feature of black makes the African race a unique race and the predecessor of nobility. This is proudly true!
In promoting the African continent, the king said that nature has so much endowed the black descent that tropical African can boast of the best of everything: The best and conducive weather, the best natural vegetation, the best crude oil and bitumen, the best human capital to mention a few. He also submitted that the biological organs of the blacks are the best.
Furthermore, he said that these natural blessings are reasons why we are not susceptible to natural disasters like earthquakes, Tsunamis, and all kinds of devastating natural phenomenon that plagues the western world.
Also, he alleged that the Yoruba kingdom has proven to be the location of the Garden of Eden. This he alluded to an ancient Yoruba name for the Yoruba kingdom, called “Edena”, meaning the origin of man, that is, where man was formed. The verity of these claims stands to be ascertained though, as my Jewish friend thinks more evidences are required to prove that Eden and Noah’s ark are in Africa and not Israel.
It was informative to hear that that the origin of the Ethiopians can be traced to the Ife Kingdom. He opined that the “Anu” people of Ethiopians and Egypt may may have originated from Ile-ife, and that the Garden of Eden can be traced to the Ife kingdom, which is the source of the Yoruba race. Although, he said there are ongoing researches to authenticate these submissions, however, these claims are worth a mention.
In my opinion, there’s so much powers, primarily traditional and of course mystical, that is associated with the throne, especially of such hereditary title and influential cultural position, I don’t doubt that the spiritual experiences and the powers at the disposal of the king could constantly conflict with his christian beliefs.
I agree that it is a difficult feat to be able to manage Christianity and the traditional beliefs especially of someone of his position. However, the truth cannot be changed. Every other powers must bow to the name of Jesus Christ, because God has exalted him so, and by virtue of his sacrificial death on the cross, in which he washed away our sins once and for all, he has supremacy over principalities and powers.
I pray for the king that he will have a deep revelation of the true God, and would continue to be a blessing to his kingdom and the world at large.
Long live the King! Kabiyesi ooo!!!
We are winning! Yes, we are winning!
You may like to read:
Why I think the queen of Sheba was from Ethiopia
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Apr 28, 2018 | Uncategorized |
There is something interesting about the Sea of Galilee which I consider worthy of emulation. It would amaze you how this lesson can help open your life to happiness and vitality.
The River Jordan flows into both the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. The water simply passes through the Sea of Galilee in and then out always. This phenomenon keeps the sea healthy and vibrant, and teeming with marine life.
On the other hand, the Dead Sea takes water from the same River Jordan and holds it. It does not give and as such it has no life in it! Thus, it becomes a body of stagnant water devoid of marine life.
There’s no doubt that some people are like the Dead Sea which receives the good things of life but never give out. We all need to be a bit like the Sea of Galilee. If we are fortunate to get wealth, knowledge, love and respect, we must learn to give same, else we could all end up like the Dead Sea.
The love and respect, the wealth and knowledge we have could all evaporate like the water in the Dead Sea. True happiness is found in sacrificial giving of one’s life in the service of humanity. We brought nothing into this world and we will exit with nothing!
In the words of Ben Carson, “Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” You need to quit the Dead Sea mentality and make sure that in the sea of your own life, you have outlets, many outlets for love and wealth, and everything else that you’ve got.
Make sure you don’t just get, give too! Open the taps of your life and you’ll open the floodgates to happiness and vitality. Even in your lack, there’s something you can give!
I am always spurred by the words of Winston Churchill on giving: he said, “We make living by what we get but we make a life by what we give. Start giving today, and start living.
As noted in my previous article titled: Mr. SOLO AND THE BLANK CHEQUE, every blessing God gives you must meet the needs of people,and cause an overflowing expression of thanks to God. Givers never lack!
You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
