by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Oct 24, 2017 | Uncategorized |
The news of a 40 year old man diving into the Lagos lagoon in a suicide endeavor was very disheartening for me. I wished he was alive to tell us why he chose to die in that manner. Could this be another case of frustration and hopelessness or is it a demonic manipulation? Search me!
A similar incident was recorded few months back, on March 19th 2017, to be precise. This ugly incident happened on the Lagos third mainland bridge where a medical doctor by name, Dr. Orji dived into the lagoon on a broad day light and died in the process. This incident was said to be a result of frustrations and depression.
On Friday, 20th October, 2017, Mr, Adekunle Oluseyi John, an native of Ondo State was said to have jumped into the lagoon from the new Lekki-Ikoyi bridge, after he pulled his clothes, and left some belongings including his mobile phone and ATM card at the point where he dived into the lagoon.
No official reasons has been alluded to this unfortunate act, however, it is may not be unconnected with psychological effects, such as depression or frustrations. For Dr. Orji, a phone call from an unknown person was said to have preceded his action. He was said to have ordered his driver to stop the car, and he got down and dived into the lagoon.
Every suicide crime is usually premeditated. Dr. Orji left a note with his house address, while Mr Adekunle took some time to remove his clothes and other belongings before he jumped into the lagoon. Thus, these persons must have thought about their action, and may have concluded that the only way was to stop living.
People who’ve survived suicide attempts have reported wanting not so much to die as to stop living, a strange dichotomy but a valid one nevertheless. Some proven reasons for suicidal include the following: depression, guilt, frustrations, psychotic reasons to mention a few.
There are so many cases of suicide attempts which are not in the news. The fact remains that someone dies of suicide every day. According to the Cleen Foundation, between 1994 and 2003, about 2, 305 suicide crimes were recorded in Nigeria.
Body of Dr. Orji after suicide.
What about the Lagos lagoon makes it suitable for suicide? Is there a diabolical attraction from the lagoon for those attempting suicide? I’m still wondering. Does the victim hope to draw much attention to their death by choosing to die in the lagoon? That’s not impossible, I think. Some people who commit suicide don’t usually want to die but do want to alert those around them that something is seriously wrong.
There is no doubt that the Lagos State Government is doing much to ensure sanity in the state. However, the mobile patrol team should be more frequent on the bridges, and also put up measures to cob activities that could endanger people’s lives. Also, the Lagos State Transport Management (LASTMA) should be at alert always to ensure vehicles packed on the bridges are closely monitored and towed quickly if found faulty.
Our religious organisations should devote more time to preaching hope rather than concentrate on “making bread out of stones.” A situation when someone who has a great need is squeezed to provide money in order to solve his problems can be very devastating. It is not impossible that Mr. Adekunle John has been to a church, or even many churches, where he was told to bring some money to get his problem solved. Not enough reasons for suicide though!
Our religious organisations should provide an effective counselling program that would help those who are discouraged to find hope in the midst of the hardship in the land. Furthermore, closer attention should be paid to members of our churches and mosque in order to have a more intimate knowledge of who they are and what they do.
I’m sure the latest victim of suicide in the lagoon has a family, and friends who may have an idea of his predicament. Let us be our brothers keepers; let us watch over one another and provide support morally, emotionally, socially etc, and whenever the need arises
Besides, the fact remains that, the man who commits suicide has chosen a direct entry to hell fire. Even if he prayed for forgiveness before he committed the dastardly act, he cannot find mercy because he has chosen to devalue the precious life God gave him and cast aspersions on God’s ability to save him. It is a very unfortunate way of exiting this world.
Life is full of troubles but no one problem is peculiar to you. We all are afflicted in one way or the other. According to Osward Wilde, “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” There is no amount of frustrations or hardship that is justifiable to commit suicide. Many people have been in more terrible situations and through hope, determination, courage and faith in God, they have surmounted their challenges and are today channels of blessing to their families and the world at large.
The truth is, there’s no mountain that you cannot climb; and there’s no river that cannot cross when you trust in God, and God alone. A favorite psalms reads, ” The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want…” (Psalm 23:1). The moment a man cast aspersions on the goodness of God, he is opened to attempt anything evil, even suicide. To such person, life becomes useless and winning life’s battle becomes impossible and irrelevant!
It is devilish to give up on life. It is ungodly to commit suicide! Every life is precious to God, and so He desires an intimate relationship that would help nourish and preserve our lives from the troubles of this life and from the pending calamities. The troubles of this life won’t get any better. As the earth approaches its end, the scriptures says, Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken (Luke 21:26).
Since all these things must be, what manner of man you ought to be? You must have your anchor on the unchanging God. People will disappoint you, policies and procedures will fail you. But God cannot fail you no matter what betides. Connect with God, the source of life, and you will surmount the hardship of life.
Life is good. You are winning! Yes, we are winning!
https://yeswearewinning.com/2017/03/21/not-one-see-list-also-depressed/
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Oct 7, 2017 | Uncategorized |
In 1947, thirty three years after amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorate by Lord Laggard, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the first Premier of the Western Region of Nigeria, agitating for true Federalism government described Nigeria as a “GEOGRAPHICAL EXPRESSION”, and till date, those observations that prompted such thoughts still manifests in our polity, endangering our unity, and still shaking the foundation of the nation called Nigeria.
I think that if a couple had married for fifty seven years like our nation, and they are still finding it difficult to understand one another, then, perhaps a divorce or separation may be the solution for a better life. Although, in God’s plan for couples, they should live together for life. But due to the hardness of man’s heart, sometimes, it might be advisable to separate from one another to avoid unforeseen life threatneing circumstances. Mind you, I do not support divorce, neither do I seek to promote a divisible Nigeria!
The architect of Nigeria’s misdemeanor uses different means to cause hatred and division that further promote their evil agendas. Unfortunately, many of our youths are falling prey of their antics, and have offered themselves as instruments of destruction.
Ethnicity, Nepotism, Religiosity, Animosity, are some of the ways they get at us as a people. In truth, God has brought together different tribes and ethnicity, culture, and religion to form a nation called Nigeria. The first stanza of our former anthem bears credence to this fact:
“Nigeria, we hail thee, our own dear native land,
Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand Nigerians all
I’m proud to serve, our sovereign Mother-land.”
Our diversity is our advantage; our population should be our strength. Nigeria, the most populous nation of black Africa stands in a vantage position to be the economic giant of Africa. Our population and diversity should place us at forefront of economy growth, security, and human capital development and technological advancement. Unfortunately, what should be our strength have become our undoing. What should unite us have turned into our misfortune, that threatens to break us.
One tribe want to dominate another. The animal farm syndrome of “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than the rest” is the better way of describing Nigeria. One religion want to overshadow the other. Today, Christianity is under severe attack and marginalization, all because some people want to propagate what they called “the religion of peace” in a crooked and unacceptable way.
An anonymous don sometimes said, “Quota system is never the best way to develop people, because it avoids grooming of the best, rather, it promotes sectionalism”. Quota system in Nigeria has bred favoritism. Genuine and sincere do not have their way again, rather, the unqualified are the most preferred for leadership positions rather than the intelligent and wise leaders.
Furthermore, immorality, disrespect for elders, immodesty, sensuality and godlessness are what is being promoted and celebrated in our society today. And the referential fear of God has been replaced with the worship of satan, money, and worldly cravings. Man’s inhumanity to man, kidnapping, rape, ritual killings, yahooism and other fraudulent acts have now become the order of the day.
THE CAUSE OF THESE MENACE
In the past, Christians were the ones being found in many positions of authorities in this nation, partly because they were the well-read in the society. Apart from the core north where Islam thrives, other parts of this nation were economically, socially and politically dominated by Christians. The seed those called Christians sowed is what we are reaping today. We taught them how to become rich by sly means. There were many slogans in vogue then, such as, “Money for hand, back for ground”. “Rub my palm, I rub your chin”. “Nothing goes for nothing” to mention a few. Many of these lifestyles were promoted by so called Christians, and today, these things now hurt us.
In our tertiary institutions, hardly would you see other religion boys and girls dressing nude. When you see Rasheedat, Nurat, Khadijat, etc. They dress covering their bodies properly. However, it is Samson who will dress sagged. Elizabeth that will dress to kill.
Then, what have we to preach to these so called unbelievers. Our lives exudes obnoxious aroma; and our disposition does not project the life of Christ. The name of our God has been dragged to the mud by our compromising lifestyles, yet we complain of economic hardship and persecution. If we live and do right, we can never be moved!
THE WAY FORWARD
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chro.7:14, NIV).
The word of God to King Solomon has drawn us to the solution facing us in this nation. It means the healing of this nation lies on us, the believers.
- Spiritual pride has taken us away from God. We have jettisoned the place of prayers. We have neglected sincere men of God for our self aggrandizement. While marabouts and hirelings thrives, sincere men of God suffers. In fact, it is only when we are in troubles that we remember to pray. Our works, socials, and worldly things are much more important than our devotion to God. We are quick to tagged those who pray as people in troubles, forgetting that when we pray, three things we strengthen our relationship with God and proclaim His authority on earth.
The life of a Christian, who prays is described in Psalm 91 (Read the whole Chapter). Hence, we should start praying sincere prayers that would establish God’s will in our nation. We should not only pray because of the miracles we want, but more importantly because we want to see God’s will done, and we want to be an instrument of change.
- We need to sincerely seek for God. Genuine Christians genuinely seek for God in genuine manner. Seeking for God means we are pursuing a godly lifestyle (Read Acts 11:26). Those who will seek for God will learn at His feet. They want to listen to what their leaders will say and go back home to study their scriptures like the Berea Christians. Those who truly seek God are the who have a personal relationship with him, and not just a church-goer 1Thess. (2:11-13, NIV, Acts 17:11, NIV).
- We need to turn away from sins. There are sinners in Zion, ruling the Church. “And now this admonition is for you, O priests. If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor my name,” says the Lord Almighty, “I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not set your heart to honor me” (Mal.2:1-2, NIV).
Like the Israelites of old, we groan on why calamities befall us. We blame God for our misfortunes, forgetting that God has said, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach”. Until fornication, stealing, unfaithfulness, drunkenness, orgy, worldliness and every vices is removed from among us, we will still continue to go through these calamities.
THE REFORMATION
The only Reformer who can help us to sort and solve our challenges as a nation is God, and until the Christians start doing living true to their profession and calling, we shall continue to hobnob in difficulties and backwardness. Not forgetting that we are the salt of the world, and we are the light of the world. Simply put, we are the ones that God want to use to change and rule this world, particularly Nigeria. Therefore, let’s go back to our God in sincerity, let’s go back to our base. God never leave us without a promise;
- God will hear us from Heaven.
- He will forgive us all our trespasses, and
- And He will heal our land.
He is the Great Physician. You are winning! Yes, we are winning!
Message delivered by Rev. S. O Abimbola on Nigeria Independence day, Oct 1, 2017, at New Nations Baptist Church Ikeja, Lagos.
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Oct 5, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Amazed at his life of devotion coupled with his acknowledgment of God and his sacrificial disposition, God made a splendorous visit and his approval of the sacrifices was confirmed by His request to King Solomon, “In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” (2 Chron 1:7).
Mr. Solo pressed the right button of surpassing grace, he provoked God by the gift of giving, and God surprised him with a blank cheque. One would have thought that he would ask for peace, prosperity and victory over his enemies, but he never though those were important as the gift of wisdom and knowledge. And so he asked, “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?” (Vs. 10).
God is provoked by our sacrificial giving, especially such that is not borne out of compulsion or manipulations. “In all things and at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Cor. 9:8). This is the unending season, when surpassing grace is available to you to abound in plenty. Therefore, for an unending good season, you must always press the ‘GIVE’ button.
The grace of giving surpasses the grace of praying. The grace of giving will make people you don’t know to credit your account. Praying will grow your account with credits from you whereas giving will make others credit your account in multiple folds. This was the experience and testimony of the Macedonian church.
Mr. Solo surprised God with his request for wisdom instead of riches. His concern about providing a godly and enviable government surpassed his personal desires. This made God blessed him with riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before him and after him possessed. The desire to fulfill God’s mandate on earth to the benefit of humanity should be the prioritiy of our leaders in all aspects of leadership.
Those who begin with the service of God, are likely to go on successfully in their own affairs. It was Solomon’s praise, that what he undertook, he went through with; it was by the grace of God that he prospered in it. When our lives are pleasing to God, He smells good aroma, and this provokes him to bless us beyond measure.
Every blessing God gives you must:
1. Meet the need of God’s people.
2. Make men offer praise to God on your behalf
3. Cause an overflowing expression of thanks to God.
Like Mr. Solo, your account will be credited by everyone who benefits from your gift. It will be a networking of blessing. The is a sure secret to wealth creation.
What prompted the declaration of God that sowing and reaping season shall not cease in Genesis 8:22 is because Noah built an altar and sacrificed clean animals to God. And this burnt offering gave a sweet and pleasing aroma to God. Yes, a sacrificial giving provokes God to release blessings on the giver.
Such act of giving that is pre-empted by a life whole offered to God in righteousness will provoke the outpouring of God’s goodness that would in turn cause an overflowing expression of thanks to God by the beneficiaries.
When the season squizes a child of God he cannot but produce a sweet juice. A season of recession is not an excuse for you not to give. You can give your life for a good course. You can give your time, your resources to the things that gives God pleasure, and benefits humanity. To have an ending good season you must give the best even when you are squeezed.
Let us then stand in awe, and sin not. Let us fear the Lord’s displeasure, hope in his mercy, and walk in his commandments. Let us cultivate a lifestyle of praying and giving. By so doing, like Mr. Solo, our good seasons shall never cease!
You have surpassing grace. You are winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
Reference: Article inspired by the message by Rev. Tayo Oladokun at the Annual Prayer Summit, NNBC Lagos.
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Oct 3, 2017 | Uncategorized |
In commemoration of the International day of older persons, The Yes We Are Winning (YWAW) team visited the Regina Mundi Home for the Elderly in Lagos, Nigeria.
The International day of older persons is a day set aside to celebrate the older persons and their contributions to the society. The International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1 each year.
The theme of the International Day of Older Persons 2017 is “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.”
This year’s day is about enabling and expanding the contributions of older people in their families, communities and societies at large. It focuses on the pathways that support full and effective participation in old age, in accordance with old persons’ basic rights, needs and preferences.
This year’s theme underscores the link between tapping the talents and contributions of older persons and achieving the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, which is currently undergoing its third review and appraisal process…
Stepping into the future with pledges that no one will be left behind, it is starkly evident that the need to tap into the often overlooked and under-appreciated contributions of older persons is not only essential to older persons’ well-being, but also imperative for sustainable development processes.
The 2017 theme will explore effective means of promoting and strengthening the participation of older persons in various aspects of social, cultural, economic and civic and political life. The YWAW team challenged the aged never to allow the thoughts of their past mistakes and failures of their youth to bring into their memories regrets, which is capable of jeopardizing their health and peace.
Through inspirational songs, and messages from both young and old, the old and feeble grandmas and grandpas were encouraged to make the best use of their age and status, since there is no age without its beauty, and there is no end to making positive impacts as long as there is life. They were urged to make good use of their remaining days because there is beauty in their wrinkles.
The oldest among the elders sang beautiful songs and admonished us to inculcate a life of love and reverential fear for God. It was heart-rending to watch the old men and women sing beautiful songs that extols the goodness of God, and reminds them of a beautiful future in paradise.
For all of us, this experience would leave an indelible mark in our lives, an d would further strengthen our resolve to continue to serve humanity.
Yes, we are winning!
Yes We Are Winning: THIS IS WHO WE ARE!
GreatMark
Reference:United Nations. http://Visit our websites at: social.un.org/ageing | www.un.org/en/events/olderpersonsday/
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Oct 3, 2017 | Uncategorized |
The Yes We Are Winning Initiative is glad to announce the launching of her official logo, which bears credence to the vision and mission of the group. This for us is a motivation for greater exploits and positive impacts to our growing audience and partners.
The logo is a heart wearing a star medal. The combination of the graphic element is made to represent the bust region of the human. The movement seeks to help people live their lives as winners by promoting positive mindset and godly lifestyles.
The logo which represents the heart, from where flows the issues of life, establishes the idea of love. It takes love to have a passion to see other people live a fulfilled life.
The color red is symbolic of power and energy, while the black represents power. We seek to inculcate positive mindsets that would fuel the desire to live as God as purposed for every man.
Yes We Are Winning is abbreviated as YWAW.
Our Vision
To impact people with a winning mentality by promoting a culture of excellence and distinction through a flourishing relationship with God.
Our Mission
To engender a movement of people who are equipped with the right attitude, behavior and winning culture, to live a life of excellence through partnership with God. Thus, promoting godliness, peace, and social justice among all race, without prejudice.
Our Mantra
“…raising a people with a winning culture.”
To stay up to date with our inspiring posts, current affairs and social events, please like our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yeswearewinning/
or visit our website here
Yes We Are Winning: THIS IS WHO WE ARE!
