by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Mar 10, 2018 | Uncategorized |
As the lives of many innocent citizens are constantly being subjected to security threats, and many are being sacrificed on the altar of politics, ethnicity and religious extremism. Vampires have beeen empowered to ravage our land yet the preoccupation of many of our leaders is the 2019 General elections.
The fire on the mountain is now consuming how homes but many of our leaders don’t seem to have the decisive will to tackle the vampires who are ravaging our land in a bid to actualizing their selfish agenda. Whatsoever their plans are, and no matter how it is presented, inasmuch as the lives and properties of people are less important to them, there desire is evil, inhuman and senseless!
“We shall not leave any stone unturned…” That is the usual phrase used whenever grave issues are expected to be severely dealt with or whenever results are expected. But scarcely as this ever been the case in my country, even when lots of time is spent on such cases. Likewise, in many parts of the world, crime cases are hardly ever resloved successfully.
One massacre and then another, and yet another. Whenever we think that it is over then another news of herdsmen attacks, kidnaping and abduction fills the air. Indeed, the vampires are ravaging our lands and decimating us in droves, and no one seems to be concerned.
The latest strategy by these vampires was a peaceful but total occupation of a community and the resultant mass displacement of the ancestral villagers. Apparently, the takeover is subtle, yet we are continually assured that the security agents are in control and investigations are ongoing to cub this plague. But there’s still fire on the mountain, and is now burning in our homes.
But Just after the public speeches; after the so-called strategic meetings, then we hear of another attack, followed by another deployment of forces, and then withdrawal, then another abduction, capture, killings and the cycle continues. Again, this is followed by another series of investigations, deliberations and consultations, and yet the stones remains unturned.
Just in: “Another 5 dead in Plateau State after unknown gunmen and suspected herdsman attacked a community on late Thursday night.” Again, our security agents have said, “We have confirmed the unfortunate incident but we won’t leave any stone unturned in bringing perpetrators to book. Which book?
This is the usual but annoying responds of security forces but this book never gets filled especially considering the spate of violent killings and heinous crimes going on in the country. Most times, it is either we don’t get to know the perpetrators or innocent persons are apprehended, and made to suffer for the wrong of evil men.
Likewise, the stones covering crimes has always proved difficult to turn, even though they attempt to turn it everytime a crime case is reported. I wonder how massive and gigantic this stone is that it has resisted an overturn.
Braking news: “Government provides Tractors for farmers…” Food security, provision of tractors and what have you. On which land will these tractors be used? On the land that have been destroyed by herdsmen or the one that have been occupied by vicious vampires? Which farmers would use the tractors? The ones that can longer go to their farms or the ones that live continually under the fear of death? Search me!
Government can provide security of lifes and properties. This is their primary responsibility and they are not expected to fail. We know that whenever the government is determined to achieve a feat, they will, if they set their minds to do it. Those at the helm of affairs should not only go back to the drawing board as usual, but should quickly implement lasting strategies that would guarantee the security of lives and properties.
Every human life is very precious to God and important to the world. No human life is worth being sacrificed on the altar of ethnicity, religion, politics or for economic reasons. Those who are aggrieved should be called to order and grievances settled amicably without sentiments or undue Favour.
Though, we know we are approaching the end of world and the rate of inhumanity and wickedness is expected to be on the increase (Matthew 24). Yet, our government should not fail to implement policies and enforce measures that will ensure that lives and properties are adequately secured and the spate of killings minimized.
The vampires cannot overcome the power of our government if they have the tenacity to fulfill their mandate. Truth will always prevail over evil no matter how long the latter thrives.
You are winning! Yes, we are winning!
Also read SEE A DESTRUCTIVE EPIDEMIC RAVAGING THE LAND
Greatmark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Feb 27, 2018 | Uncategorized |
BROKEN NEWS:
Whilst considering an article about a recent incident surrounding the Snake and monkey, I recalled the 1979 Hong Kong martial arts film titled “Snake in the Monkey’s Shadow (a.k.a. Hou hsing kou shou a.k.a. Snake Fist vs. the Dragon) as directed by Cheung Sum. Rather than chose this title, I chose to call this piece “Monkey in the Snake’s Shadow, based on the sequence of the events.”
The River valley has in the past weeks witnessed some bizarre incidents that have left citizens dumbfounded and flabbergasted. “Wonders, as they say, shall never end.” Indeed, in the River valley, there never seems to be an end to strange happenings. You can always be sure of waking up to one sad news or the other.
Reports of kidnap, suicide, fuel scarcity, workers strikes, terrorist attacks, political party imbroglio,and of course dramas of the exploits of the economic crime fighters over corrupt citizens is often on the front burner. As a matter of fact, these appears not to be news anymore because of the frequencies and especially the distractive elements of such news.
Recently, the news of a well orchestrated coup d’ etat that saw animals united in their struggles against humans generated debates all over the city. We learnt that the animals were determined to take over for economic reasons. Endeared by the spate of public funds looting and corrupt practices, and angered by the feelings of neglect, they have chosen to take over the streets in angry demonstrations.
This take over is coming on the heels of disappointment arising from the complaints from the burrowing families who have been prevented from gaining access to buried loots because of the tight security around it. The knowledge of the fact that monies are being buried necessitated the call for sovereign national conference of the animals to discuss ways to get their own share of the national cake by any means possible.
Thus, at the meeting of the representatives of the animal species, it was unanimously agreed that snakes and the monkeys be the first to perform the feat. On why the Monkeys and snakes were chosen to unleash havoc on custodian of public funds, the spokesperson of the committee said that the sly and subtle nature of the chosen species was one reason for their choice.
Furthermore, Cattles who had earlier taken over the streets, and have also forcefully taken over farmlands were motivated to continue their exploits until they posses the lands of their defenseless victims. Apparently, the animals seem to have been accorded more privileges that have seen them constitute public nuisance.
It is no longer news that some animals are exerting their influence on the public, and are being linked with swallowing of public funds. First, it was the snake, and then the monkey. Who is next? search me!
We hope the River Valley Government will quickly deploy troops that would stem this evil phenomenon ravaging our land so that our economy will not be controlled by snakes, monkeys and other animals.
What news is next? Anyway, whatver befalls us, we are winning. Yes, we are winning!
For more on the public nuisance of cattles read, ONLY CATTLES ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE DURING THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTIONS.” -HAPPY VALLEY GOVT.
GreatMark
Broken News is a satirical online publication of a fictitious Happy Valley Agency which seeks to examine societal utopias that could foster positive change.
*Broken news features every Tuesday.
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Feb 20, 2018 | Uncategorized |
The Highest Common factor of All achievers:
“Victory often goes to the army that makes the least mistakes, not the most brilliant plans.” I supposed Charles de Gaulle got an insight from the inspiring words of the wisest King that ever lived- King Solomon Jesse.
By reason of his experiential knowledge and experience spanning all life’s ramifications, he testified thus: “Here is something else I have learned: The fastest runners and the greatest heroes don’t always win races and battles. Wisdom, intelligence, and skill don’t always make you healthy, rich, or popular. We each have our own share of misfortune. .” Ecclesiastes 9:11.
He reckoned that, as much as efforts and preparations are needed to achieve success, the common factor to all achievers is bad luck, which sooner or later happens to all. This means every man has a potential for failure no matter how hard he works. However, the assurance of victory is only in God, the Alpha and the Omega of all things. He’s the architect of of life; He opens closed doors and shuts opened doors. Nothing is beyond him.
Man can achieve success only if God permits. Remember the story of Babel. Even when His beloved is asleep or helpless, God still works for him to give him success and victory, if of course he is in right standing with God. The Psalmist wrote, “Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise early, For He gives [blessings] to His beloved even in his sleep.” PSALM 127:1-2
Some people claim they are self sufficient; they think and believe their achievements are results of their affluence, efforts, intelligence, or power. But the truth is, they can not achieve beyond what God permits. Man at its best is only a mist which appears for a while and then vanishes. God is sovereign and His ways are perfect!
With an absolute trust in God, sophisticated weapon of warfare, canal intelligence or strategies may not matter. It was said of King David that, “So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, …I Samuel 17: 50. God’s ways are certainly not our ways. When He says Yes, no one dare say No!
Dear friend, the highest common factor of every achiever remains time and chance -bad luck, which eventually happens to all. The way to sure and rewarding achievement is to acknowledge God in all your ways, and lean not on your own understanding. Achievements without heavenly value is futility and misfortune!
Victory is still possible; ur mistakes can still turn to miracles. In my article, WINNING ATTITUDE – TRANSFORMING YOUR STRUGGLES TO SUCCESS, I noted that, “the conflict you’re in might be an indication of an impending success. So don’t give in, use the faith lifeline. Believe, persist, endure, & achieve!
You’re winning! Yea, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Feb 14, 2018 | Uncategorized |
My Lover bought me a Love-suit:
“He excused me from a busy schedule and drove me in his car to a lonely hill where he showed me what he called the evidence of his love. Truly, he had often told me how much he loved me, but I never believed until I saw the huge investment he made just for me.
I’ve always been the busy type; and so much a career person. And to make it worst, I’ve also got a very busy and indefatigable boss who practically work round the clock. So, the least on my mind any day is definitely not the issue of love or any serious relationship.
My day wasn’t any different on this date. I was in a business engagement and I didn’t think I could excuse myself to attend to him, even though I was already bored by the monotonous activities in the office. Unlike me, on this very day, I was already having a soft spot for him, especially considering that I had severally broke his heart and have often turned down many of his dates.
Fortunately for him, and of course for me, I had my mind made up for a getaway from the many hours of labor and heavy laden occasioned by long hours of business deliberations. Mind you, with my boss, you have no mind of your own. He more or less possesses his employees such that they don’t have any choice than to do his bidding. If you say he is a tyrant, you might not be far away from the truth.”
I know you would wonder why I remained in this kind of a job that never give me the pleasure of relationship or even rest? Perhaps, because I love my career and I want to gain the world if that was ever possible! Besides, the promises by my boss is so endearing that even you wouldn’t want to play with such a life-long privileges.
While struggling to look for a way of escape, all my options closing in. Just then my phone beeped, it was Hansel. He sent me a sms to meet him at our reception for lunch. I struggled with this request, but I finally joined my lover, who gave me a treat and bought me a lovely and expensive suit. Mind you, It wasn’t on St. Valentine’s day but it was a day I cannot forget in a rush.
I haven’t had such fun in a long while. Gladly, this encounter totally changed my perception about life, work and love. It was for me an adventure to self-discovery. The feeling of true love was restored to me, and my thoughts about life was renewed, and I saw clearly the need to embrace a deeper relationship with my new lover.
Before now, I had thought that opening up to love would further hurt me, especially considering my past experiences. But, trust me, now I know the true meaning of love. I have found a lover that can help me bear my burdens, and not add to my worries. His love lifted me from the miry clay of worldly pursuits to a life free of struggles and canal lusts.
Few weeks after I opened up my life to Hansel, I saw the need to resign my appointment until I’m able to find a better job. I actually waited for 2 months, and during this time I applied to several places. But unknowingly to me, my lover had opened for me a new business, my dream business. Then I became the CEO of a fashion house, where I had employed twenty workers by the end of the first year.
This was how my status changed: I became the owner of a flourishing business, an employer of labour, and more importantly I found the true meaning of love, and now I am a proud mother of a beautiful damsel. I am Mrs. Agnes Bricks
Dear friend, the story of Agnes is a story of someone who chose the way of life, peace and rest in Jesus Christ. A relationship with Him will deliver you from the burden of sin and condemnation. He promised to give rest to all who truly seek him, and His love is eternal and not seasonal. You too can have a new life if you would decide to embrace him today.
When you do this, This is what God will do for you: He will cloth you with a new garment, a love-suit, and make your life a brand new life. “So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.” Colossians 3:12. Christ’s love is evident in his death on the cross. His sacrifice is borne out of his undying love.
Finally, always ensure that regardless of else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without Be always on Love-suit. You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
Click the link to read more on Valentine’s day: IT WAS A NIGHT OF FUN…BUT JAKE DIDN’T KNOW IT WOULD COST HIM HIS LIFE!
GreatMark
Thanks
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Feb 2, 2018 | Articles, Events |
He was a leper, yet he was still very active in the Government as the commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces. Despite being stigmatized with the deadly disease, he never considered it honorable to resign his appointment in order to take care of his leprosy.
In fact, common sense should tell him, as well has members of his cabinet and his subjects that his infirmity has the capacity to spread unto others who daily come in contact with him. At least for this reason he should have resigned, rather, he continued to hold on to his office as if his life was dependent on it.
I wonder why he was allowed to go to war and command the battalion of soldiers under his control. How did he function with this deadly disease and yet no one seemed to have complained. Was he so powerful a soldier that he could not be replaced?
I wish I knew why his boss was so much in support of him retaining his position that instead of dismissing him, he was made to travel abroad to treat his leprosy, after all the efforts to provide medical solution in his country failed. This commander-in-chief must be very important to the country to merit this special favour.
By the way, why was the solution to his healing only found outside his country? Is it because there are no qualified doctors, healers or prophets in this case? Or could it be that the medical facilities available are insufficient to solve his predicaments, and those of others, as some of our leaders now claim?
I’m actually talking about captain Naaman, the commander-in-chief of the Syrian Army. It was said of him, “Now Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man with his master, and highly respected, because by him the LORD had given victory to Aram. The man was also a valiant warrior, but he was a leper.” (2 Kings 5)
Naaman, whose name means delightful, pleasant, beautiful or gracious, became a reproach and a striking contrast to his appearance and probably also to his disposition because of the disease which had attacked his body. Though he didn’t find healing in his own country but by divine provision however, he got healed in Israel through Prophet Elisha (2 Kings 5:1-19).
In life, you can’t have it all rosy! Man is naturally identified with imperfection, limitations and struggles. There will always be something that would draw us back to our creator for help. He only is the All-sufficient God who also perfect and unmovable. Our salvation and deliverance from life’s troubles remains our choice. Like Naamna, we can chose to either believe in the God-given solution or remain locked up in our captivity.
As we remember the World Leprosy day, the case of Naaman reminds me how many of our countries have so far addressed the issues of leprosy vis-a-vis treatments and controls of the deadly disease. It also make me wonder why it is so difficult for the government to establish a viable health sector that would see leprosy and other deadly diseases treated in his country.
What you should know about Leprosy
Nigeria introduced the MDT (Multi-drug Therapy) in 1998 and nearly two decades later, the country has achieved the World Health Organization’s (WHO) leprosy elimination target of less than 1 case per 10,000 populations at the national level. However, this is still a far cry from what is expected globally.
The effective control of leprosy have been seriously hampered by low public awareness, stigma and discrimination against victims; and of course extreme poverty and societal exclusion. However, the World Leprosy Day observed every last Sunday of January, has continued to help promote public awareness of this that many people thin is extinct.
Speaking on the dilapidated state of the nations referral/rehabilitation centres, Nigeria Minister of health, Dr. Isaac Oyewole said, “I wish to use this opportunity to call on stakeholders and our development partners to support upgrade of facilities and other social amenities.” He also gave assurance that the Federal Government of Nigeria will do her best in mobilising resources to improve the standard on living of the in-mates.”
Leprosy is an infectious disease that causes severe, disfiguring skin sores and nerve damage in the arms, legs, and skin areas around the body. The disease has been around since ancient times, often surrounded by terrifying, negative stigmas and tales of Leprosy patients being shunned as outcasts.
According to reports from WHO, outbreaks of leprosy have affected, and panicked, people on every continent. The oldest civilizations of China, Egypt, and India feared leprosy was an incurable, mutilating, and contagious disease. Around 210,000 new cases are been reported annually, and many more people are living undiagnosed.
Our government ought to implement appropriate strategies to increase leprosy detection, improve treatment outcome, as well as prevent disabilities and provide physical and socio-economic rehabilitation services to affected persons.
Away from leprosy, what stigma do you carry? What issues in your life give you so much pain, anxiety and shame? You may have been named after the familiar predicaments that have afflicted you for so long. That’s the best the world will do; they will call you by the problems you are known with. They will describe you with names like: “that sickler”, “that poor and unfortunate neighbor” and so on.
Like Naaman embraced the life-changing solution from God, you too can seek God to bring you out of the mess you are plunged into. You can be free; you can be delightful. You’re winning. Yes, we are winning!
For further reading:
DONT BE ASHAMED OF YOUR SCARS!
http://www.searo.who.int/entity/global_leprosy_programme/world_leprosy_day/en/
Leprosy: A Biblical Disease (or so we thought)
https://ozarkderm.com/leprosyhttps://ozarkderm.com/leprosy
