by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | May 5, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Corruption has been identified as a negative phenomenon which has the capacity to stall the growth of many countries, especially the developing ones. Corruption is a form of dishonest or unethical conduct by a person entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire personal benefit.[1] Corruption may include many activities including bribery and embezzlement, though it may also involve practices that are legal in many countries.[2]
It can best be described as the subversion of due process of transparency for personal gain. Just as corruption constitutes a serious threat to the growth and development of poor countries, so can it hinder the future of individuals, especially young people.
Today in our country, the future of many graduates from the nations over seventy-four universities is considerably hindered by acts of corruption. Although Government desires that most of those graduating from our universities and other higher institutions be self-employed, it is rather ambitious to expect this to happen in a few months after passing out of school. What this means of course is that most of these graduates have to seek paid employment.
Today, many of our youths fresh from higher institution want to work only in ‘favored industries’. Perhaps this is because the ‘major ‘employers today are the Telecommunications, Oil and Gas and Banking sectors. They take a significant proportion of our graduates and pay reasonably well.
Likewise, the public sector also employs, especially the teaching profession, whose intake nowadays is however no longer in favour of those not qualified to be teachers. This is because teaching has become a profession, and employment in this sector henceforth is likely to weigh in favour of those qualified as ‘teachers’ and not just any graduate.
While the ‘major’ employers listed above mainly function in the formal and necessarily in the urban areas, majority of our population are employed in the agricultural sector. This sector itself has not been radically transformed into a largescale, mechanized operation, and perhaps therefore it employs so many hands. This in my view is good for the country, as we have a high population which must be gainfully employed.
Corruption is not as real in the agriculture sector as it is the white collar, urban job setting. Many have argued that those mainly favoured in these sectors today, which are functionally service industries are females, rather than males. Many of these females, especially in the financial sector, are subjected to all forms of exploitation and abuse by their employers. Some are required to engage in unethical practices to obtain the jobs in the first place, and must continue sustaining such practices to keep their jobs.
Given the economic challenges facing the family, many have found it difficult to turn down such notorious advances. Many young males may not have as much options as their female counterparts. The outright corruption of the recruiting phase and the sustainability of the unethical practices in the employment chain often drives most young men into under-employment.
By this of course we mean a situation in which someone is employed to do those things for which he or she is over-qualified, such as petroleum engineering graduate ending up as a commercial bus driver! Other young men with poor upbringing, especially those bereft of sound religious or moral teaching end up taking to crime, as they strive to ‘make it’ in society.
Which is the way out for us you may ask? To begin with, we must go back to the time-tested values espoused by the Bible. ‘Train up your child in the way in which he should go’ the holy book says, ‘and when he grows up he will not depart from it’ (Proverb 22:6). At those times when unethical demand is made of us, either while seeking employment or when in it and we are required to subvert due process, we must be able to stand and be counted on the side of righteousness.
Usually it is not as easy as it sounds, but the Bible admonishes that we shall not be tempted beyond our capacity to endure. Even when we fall short of the expectations of our savior, we need to return to him in penitence and repentance, resolving not to be a part of the past anymore. Those stronger in the faith (or stronger at that material moment) should help the weaker brother or sister and not condemn him or her, no matter the situation.
Let us remember that Christ our savior worked to redeem and not to condemn that harlot. He won Saul over and did not condemn him. Another major source of strength to lead us out of the rampaging corruption in the employment process is one Bible passage I have found very useful and very practical. It says, “Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it well” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
This is a very powerful challenge, as many of our youths not only want to work in any of the sector outlined above, but failing to do so, they want to proceed above in search of what is often an illusive ambition, not well founded on good preparation and planning.
It is instructive for us to know that the potency of this passage can be found around us in our daily living where a woman selling “Akara” (Beans-cake) by the road side has already built a few houses from her modest occupation, or a Taxi cab has already acquired two or three taxi cabs out of decent and honest taxi driving.
It is not until we work in an oil production company or in a bank that we “Arive”, in fact, many who work in these places may not arrive at all if they do not imbibe and practice those tenets that Christ has challenged us to live by, and uphold sound ethical. As we ponder over the daunting challenges that corruption of employment process has bought to bear on us today, let us begin and end each with prayer, for we have been cautioned by the bible to “Watch and pray.” In particular, our decision-making must be predicated on prayer so that we choose the right profession, occupation or business to be engaged in.
Many of us however do not subject this aspect of our lives to the control of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, many a time, this writer has himself been guilty of this, but we do know for a certainty that those decisions we took with God’s leading often turned out ultimately for the best.
In conclusion, yes, the recruitment process may have been corrupted and indeed yes, there may be corruption in the employment and business clime, but the challenge for us, not just youths now, but all of us, is to strive prayerfully to uphold God’s standards in all our undertakings. It is by no means easy to do this, especially given the moral and economic conditions in which we live presently, but if we try and fail, we shall receive help from above.
if we repent and return to the path of righteousness. For those who have succeeded so far, let them continue in prayer for the leading of the Holy Spirit lest the tempter comes to orchestrate their fall. The following song can be a tower of strength to us in this wise:
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His word
What a glory He sheds on her way
When we do `his good will
He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey
Trust and obey
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey.
May God help us as we seek the best occupation in line with His overall plans for our individual lives in Jesus name. amen
Reference:
[1]http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTWBIGOVANTCOR/Resources/Legal_Corruption.pdf
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | May 4, 2017 | Uncategorized |
The YesWeAreWinning (YWAW) team shall be visiting an Orphanage on Monday May, 29 2017. “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Let’s go and share hope to the hopeless, and make positive lasting imparts.
Your assistance in providing one or more of the following items would be appreciated:
[wpforms id=”2256″]
For Cash Donations, kindly pay into:
Account Name: Omoregie Osarugue Dorcas
Account Number: 6052077598
Bank Name: Fidelity Bank
Your heartfelt voluntary contributions will go a long way in touching and we are sure that God will continue to bless us as we keep on winning.
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | May 1, 2017 | Uncategorized |
What does it mean to complain?
According the Merriam-webster dictionary, to complain is to express grief, pain, or discontent. From the scientific perspectives, an average person is said to complain nearly 15-30 times a day! So, we all are guilty of complaining, but just that some of us are just not aware of it, while some are whiners for life!
Complaining is an innate characteristics of the human condition. And in every part of our society today, complaining has become a growing culture. In his book, ‘A Complaint Free World’, Will Bowen explains five reasons why people complain. This includes: to start a conversation or establish a camaraderie, To avoid taking action by shirking responsibility, to brag about their superiority, to control others, and to pre-excuse poor performance.
For whatever reason we have to complain, justifiable or not, there is always something positive we can do about the situation. Rather than whine, expend your energy on things that you can control or change. Though, complaining has a negative connotation, it also has a few benefits. It unites against a common enemy, thus, creating a social bond to fight against a common obstacle.
In the case of the Israelites, the miraculous exodus from Egypt was regretted when they were confronted with a severe wilderness experience. The hardship they met in the wilderness, the fear of what to eat, and the possibility of death, made them consider that the slavery and oppression in Egypt was a better option. Whereas, God’s intention was not only to emancipate them from the cruel lifestyle in Egypt, but also to establish them as a peculiar nation in fulfillment of his promises to Abraham. It is very sad that rather than show gratitude to their deliverer, they chose to hurl accusations at him and whine at every temporary discomfort. They chose to sing choruses of complaints.
The Biblical Israelites were constant complainers. Listen to their chorus of Complaints: “And they said to Moses, Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you treated us this way and brought us out of Egypt? Did we not tell you in Egypt, Let us alone; let us serve the Egyptians? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness” (Exo 14:10-24).
Moses, a courageous leader, and a faithful servant of YAWEH, had experienced the power of God, and have encountered His presence. He told the people, “Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest.” I thought that was enough assurance from a man to whom God has revealed His purpose. But alas, the discontented Israelites, continued to whine, and even threatened to kill Moses for even risking his life to initiate their freedom.
Pressured by the people, Moses continued to cry out to God for help, but God rebuked him saying, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward! Lift up your rod and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the Israelites shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea (Exodus 14:11-16 AMPC). In essence, God meant, “Why you still complaining? Have I not told you I will fight for you? So since I’ve given you an assurance, the next step is to move forward, lay hold on the promise and face your fears. Perhaps, that is the same instruction you need. Courage is the fear that has said its prayers. Having prayed about it, just let your soul be at peace, and move forward in faith.
This event reminds me of the story of Maya Angelou, a famed American poet and author. From the age of three to seven she was raised by her grandmother, a period of calm and stability in what would be a very traumatic childhood. Grandma ran a general store and one thing that riled her was people complaining. They’d complain about the heat, the cold and a myriad of other issues Maya’s grandmother thought trivial.
Whenever that occurred Maya’s grandmother would wait till the complainer left the store, call Maya over to her and say, “Sister, did you hear what Brother So-and-So or Sister Much-to-Do complained about? Sister, there are people who went to sleep all over the world last night, poor and rich and white and black, but they will never wake again. And those dead folks would give anything, anything at all for just five minutes of this weather that person was grumbling about. So you watch yourself about complaining, Sister. What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. Don’t complain.”1
“Can God provide meat for His people?” (Psalm 78:20). Clouds look dull and melancholy, yet without them we could have no rain, and therefore no fruit. Thus, afflictions look black and unpleasant; but from clouds of affliction come showers that make the soul to yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness. Stop the chorus of complains; sing: ‘For God has triumphed gloriously…”( -Ex15:1). Create the change through Praise. Be optimistic, be the change! You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
1Source: reported in Maya Angelou, Condensed Chicken Soup for the Soul.
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | May 1, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Fearful, frail, friendless and fallible: Incase you fall into one or more of these four ‘Fs’ , and this is responsible for why your courage weakened and your strength declined in the first quarter. Gladly, I found four promises that would counter these conditions, and make you appear perfectly poised in this new month of May and always.
They are God’s sure reasons why you should take fresh courage, even in the midst of tough realities: Are you afraid? “Fear not, I am with you!” Are you weak? “I will strengthen you and harden you to difficulties!” Are you in want of friends? “I will help you in times of need!” “Are you about to fall or give up? “I will uphold and retain you!”
The month of MAY is here with its challenges, possibilities, and opportunities. I do hope you will be prepared and motivated to confront every challenges, and achieve your goals this month successfully. “Courage is fears that has said its prayers” -Dorothy Bernard. Lay hold on God’s unfailing promises. Take fresh courage! Be a hero! Move forward! You are winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Apr 29, 2017 | Uncategorized |
What is the situation that is threatening your existence; your job, health or peace of mind? What situation is causing you so much fear and panic that you’re confused and don’t know what to do? You may have even sought counsel but all your efforts to do things right doesn’t seem to work yet? You have employed legal means in order to retain your rightful possession yet justice and freedom is still a mirage. Let me share with you a similar case to yours, and how victory was won.
Sometimes ago in history, a great multitude of the enemies of Israel were united in battle against them. The scriptures recorded it this way, “Now it came about after this that the sons of Moab and the sons of Ammon, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat.” 2 Chronicles 20:1. Their intention was to displace Israel from their inheritance and take control of their rightful possession. The steps taken by Jehoshaphat and the people to achieve victory is worthy of note. Let’s go over them together.
He acknowledged his helplessness
The news of the enemies advancing towards Israel feared Jehoshaphat, especially knowing his military capacity could not withstand the joint forces of the enemies. Military wise, Israel could not match their combined military strength except with the help of God. Therefore, he confessed his helplessness to God saying, “We have no power against such multitude. We do not know what to do? Our eyes are upon you” (Vs. 6). Jehoshaphat acknowledges the sovereign dominion of the Divine Providence, and as such he and his people sought God’s intervention over the vast enemy.
The truth is, heaven helps only those who cannot help themselves. It is only those who recognizes their inefficiencies that enjoys God’s intervention. Like apostle Peter, you may have toiled all night or employed several methods which have failed, but if you can trust God absoultely, and prayerfully follow his counsel, you will surely win!
He recalled past victories
In praying, Jehoshaphat recalled the testimonies of God’s deliverance from enemies and the spectacular miracles wrought by the power of God. His confidence was strengthened by the testimonies of the past. I believe that testimonies are faith boosters. Whenever your confidence and hope declines, recall the past testimonies of victories, and this will strengthen your faith to overcome the prevailing predicaments. This is another proven secret to overcoming life battles.
He led the people to praise God
Finally they were instructed by God to proceed with the battle; with assurance that He will fight for them. Jehoshaphat and the people eulogized God and praised him for his might deeds. They magnified God above the threats of the enemy. Their method was to praise the beauty of God and watch God fight their enemies.
They extol the attributes of God and testified saying,
1. You are the God of our father’s
2. You are the God of heaven
3. You rule over the Kingdom of the nation’s
4. You have all power and might
5. No one is able to withstand you
6. You are our God
7. You drove the Canaanites out before Israel
8. You have their land to the descendants of your eternal friend
9. They have dwealt there
10. They have built you a sanctuary for your name.
He remembered the promises of God
Furthermore, he recalled the covenant made in the temple during its dedication by Solomon. Vs 6- 9. He recalled, “…They have told us when we when in trouble, and stand before this house, in your presence, crying to you in affliction, you will hear and help. One secret to overcoming life battles is to hold on to the promises of God. His promises are never failing. “Yes”, and “Amen” in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 1:20. There is nothing challenging you that God has not made provision for. He has a word for every situation. You only need to take hold of His promises, and your victory is sure!
Who or where do you run to when you are faced with a challenge? Where do you draw strength from whenever you are tossed to and fro by the storms of life? Yes, “Some people trust in themselves- their ideologies, education or even their wealth. Some trust in chariots and horses… Psalm 20:7. Help doesn’t come from the hills, not even from the ends of the earth. Help comes from God; true and lasting help from the maker of heavens and earth. Psalm 121:2. The help sought from mediums, witchcraft, illuminati or any other satanic group doesn’t last, and it’s ultimate requirement is the destruction of the soul. Don’t seek help from them; seek God and live!
It is sad that many times we quickly forget the mercies of the past and complain whenever we are in trouble. I like the words of Ralph Emerson; he said, “All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” Yes, God expects us to remember his past dealings with us and draw strength from it and believe that he’s able to secure our future.
God discomfited the enemy whilst the Israelites praised him. Perhaps the victory you need to overcome this threats is in praising God and testifying to His goodness. Come on, stop complaining! Rise up, face your fear with praises. Your victory is assured when you pray. You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
