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!
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Oct 2, 2017 | Uncategorized |
“Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead. I look at the future and shudder with dread. For my young are all rearing young of their own, And I think of the years and the love that I’ve known, I’m and old woman now and nature is cruel. These were the words of grandma as she narrates the sad stories of her travail and the neglect by her children.
It was on one of her regular visits:
“What are you doing here?”, Tokutbo fumed! She would have shouted at the woman standing helplessly before her but her friends were close by. She wouldn’t want them to listen to their conversation, or even know she was talking to her mother.
“What kind of question is that? Of course, I’m here to see you.” Toyin replied in a bewildered tone.
“I thought I told you I would come and see you at home? You didn’t have to come all the way to my house,” Tokunbo warned.
“You told me the same thing two two weeks ago, but you never showed up.And every time I call you, you never pick up,” said grandma.
“I’ve been very busy. When I find time, I would come see you” Tokunbo answered in her defence.
“Okay, I’ve heard you.” Tokunbo looked away as grandma struggles to get her attention. My daughter [apologetically], The doctor has warned me to never stop using my medications. But for almost a week now, I haven’t taken any of my drugs because there’s no money to buy them, let alone to feed well”
“I don’t have money on me now [Tokunbo cuts in]. Maybe when I come to see you, I would have money by then.” She had grown impatient with the Toyin, her mum, as she occasionally looked at her watch and waved to her friends to give her more time.
Grandma: [with painful tears she queried] “Tokunbo, ki ni mo se fun e? (Meaning, “What have I done to you?”). What have I done to deserve such treatments from you and your siblings!?” [The pain she felt was evident in her voice but Tokunbo did not give a hoot.]
“Maami (mother), what is all these? I said I’ll come see you [Tokunbo stressed]. Is it because I’m even standing here talking to you that you feel you’ve grown wings? Besides, I’m not the only child you gave birth to? Why aren’t you also running after Tolani and Tunde? Oh, you know too well that they don’t even care if you die! So, please free me, abeg, she exclaimed!
“Tokunbo! Tokutbo!!? [Grandma tries to get her attention] E mi niyen o! (meaning, you are addressing me like that?). It’s me you’re insulting, eh? Me that carried you in my womb for nine months, and ensured you and your siblings never lacked care even after the demise of your father. Is this is the reward I get for bringing you up?” So, this is what I deserve as the mother of three wealthy but foolish children?
“Maami, you caused it yourself, [Tokunbo retorted]. You allowed brother Tunde to sell all Dad’s properties, and you did nothing even when your family advised that you got him arrested and reclaim all Daddy left for us. And since you are comfortable remaining a poor pensioner, then allow us to enjoy our hard earned money please. Besides, have I not done enough for you? What else do you want from me mama?, she fussed.
As grandma looked on in amazement, Tokunbo continued, “Maybe if you ask Tolani and Tunde nicely, they would find something to give you. I have better things to do with my life than to stand here talking to you.” [She scribbled away furiously to catch up with her friends who were waiting for her. Toyin watched helplessly as her daughter conversed with her friends before they entered the black Toyota car and drove off.]
Tokunbo had told her friends that the woman she was talking to was a poor beggar. She was too embarrassed to tell them she was her mother.
Toyin wept profusely. She knew her daughter didn’t like her but she never imagined she hated her that much. She tried to wipe her tears with the edge of her wrapper, as she trudged up the stairs of the pedestrian bridge. “How do I get home now?, she wondered.
The moment her children were old enough to fend for themselves, they abandoned her. They always gave her excuses as to why they didn’t care for her.
She stopped by at a phone shop and tried to explain her story to the young man who took her for a begger, and could only allow her a one minute call to her sister who lived few miles away.
Unfortunately, grandma’s younger sister was no where close to help. So she ended up in a church close by to seek help. If people ignored her, God won’t, she thought.
The church seemed deserted but the doors were wide opened. Only God welcomes everyone with opened arms. He never abandons those who sincerely seek Him. When she entered, no one was there. This was the perfect opportunity for her to unburden her heart to God.
She knelt beside the altar and mumbled these words:
“God, You know I did everything within my power to care and provide for the children you gave me. Ever since their father died, I took it upon myself to ensure they become responsible children. This is the reward I get for being their mother. If they are embarrassed to be seen with me, why don’t they take care of me and polish me up the way my friends’ children take care of them?
[With tears rolling down her cheeks], she continued, Tolani and Tunde won’t let me see my grandchildren. Even if they have refused to take care of me, should they still deny me of seeing my grandchildren? I am weak and frail. I don’t know what else to do. This is not the kind of future I hoped for. Lord, please fight for me. Avenge me of this injustice my children have put me through.
[She prayed more intensely], Until they realise their mistakes, do not hold back your wrath from them. But in all these, Lord, hold back Your wrath from my grandchildren and their generations yet unborn. Don’t let their children suffer from their iniquities. All these I pray in the Name of Jesus Christ.”
How I wished grandma made a heartfelt prayers of blessings on his children before she died. She passed on six years later without seeing any of her children or grand children. “Tolani, Tunde, Tokunbo, were soon faced with hardship, but it was too late to get the blessings of a mother that truly cared.
My friend, the reasons behind your mystery could be the neglect of your parents. Those who once care for us, they say, are deserving of our cares. You don’t have to be wealthy before you take care of your parents. The blessings attached to cherishing our parents are far more than you can think of. The scriptures says, “Children, honor your parents so that you may live well and have long life” (Ephesians 6:1-2). A prosperous life is consequent upon honoring our parents and those who have cared for us.
At a remembrance anniversary organized by the children four years after, Tunde spoke up, ” Pastor, it’s not as if we disrespected grandma on purpose. We had no reason tangible enough to justify our actions. We wish we could take it all back. We’re so sorry for neglecting our mother. It’s a shame she’s not alive to witness our change of hearts.”
It’s a shame indeed! Rather than provoke the blessings of their mother before she died, they received curses that limited their progresses in life. That is what happens to those who neglect the care of their parents and older ones. Even if you are prosperous, such riches would not last without the honor of your parents.
“Pastor, God literally put us in her shoes to know exactly how she felt. For seven years, we have lived from hand to mouth. Our friends and and family members ignored us. No one would listen to us or even helped us.” [Tokunbo broke down in tears] “Please forgive us, mother!”
There is no reasons or excuses enough to abandon or neglect our parents and older ones. No matter how bad or wicked we think they are, they carry a blessing that we need to live well and live long. We must learn to overlook their faults and give our best to them while they are alive.
Before his death, the biblical Isaac requested of his son Esau, for his favorite meal, so that he can bless him. The sumptuous meal which was the desire of Isaac, was to be the kindness that would provoke his personal and eternal blessings upon his first child, Esau (Gen.27). No kindness shown to our aged ones would go unrewarded!
As we mark the international day of older persons, plan to show some kindness to your parents or elderly ones, such that would provoke a heartfelt prayers of blessings upon you, and move you to the next phase of your life.
It might be a gift, a call or even a visit. Just show some care, no matter how small. You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
Story by: Afolayemisi Ogunwale
