by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Apr 14, 2017 | Uncategorized |
It was a dark Friday because God looked away from His sacrificially lamb who was hunged on the tree for the sins of the world. This was evident by his outburst on the cross when the weight of the world’s sin was heavy on him. The scriptures says, “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”Matthew 27: 46
Yes it was dark because the devil thought he had done his best to frustrate the plan of salvation. The darkest Friday the world has ever seen. It was dark because for a while, it appeared that the hope and expectations of the new believers was dashed because Jesus Christ, the founder of the christian faith and the savior of the world, was “unjustly’ crucified! “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” John 19:30.
It was a ‘bad’ Friday until Easter morning. In other words, it wasn’t called “Good Friday” until Easter Sunday was experienced. Indeed, ‘The darkest hour of the night is just before the dawn’. There’s hope, even in the worst of circumstances. So if you can see everything from the perception that Christ has made you an overcomer, then every bad day will become a good day. Job testified saying, “At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail.” Job 14:7. Don’t give up on your expectations. Trust in God to turn your darkness into light. There is a sure hope for your tomorrow! Christ has made you a winner. You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
Happy Easter! Cheers!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Apr 11, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Is Whistle-blowing a profitable trade? A whistle-blower (also written as whistle-blower or whistle blower)[1] is a person who exposes any kind of information or activity that is deemed illegal, unethical, or not correct within an organization that is either private or public.[2] The information of alleged wrongdoing can be classified in many ways: violation of company policy/rules, law, regulation, or threat to public interest/national security, as well as fraud, and corruption.[3]
Whistle blowing is not a new phenomenon even though the term has found its popularity in the recent campaign against corruption embarked upon by the administration of President Muhammad Buhari. Nigeria’s ministry of financ recently adopted this approach to allow citizens who report corruption-related cases to earn a certain percentage from the recover d loot. Recently, $9.8m belonging to the former GMD of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) , Mr. Andrew Yakubu, was recovered through the effort of a whistle blower. According the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed, the total recovered loot from various corrupt persons so far collects is about over $180 million
Owing to the attractive offer for whistle blowing, many persons have taken up this as a worthy business to which just a tip of Information provided can fetch millions of dollars. Is this a profitable business ? To report corruption, whistle-blowers need to provide key information via a secure online portal. Offenses that can be reported include mismanagement of public funds and assets, violation of financial regulations, solicitation of bribes, and manipulating data and records. When tips lead to the successful recovery of ill-gotten funds, whistle-blowers are entitled to “between 2.5-5% of amount recovered.” The ministry of finance also promises whistle-blowers that “confidentiality will be maintained to the fullest extent possible within the limitations of the law.”
Whistle blowers frequently face reprisal, sometimes at the hands of the organization or group they have accused, sometimes from related organizations, and sometimes under law. Questions about the legitimacy of whistle-blowing, the moral responsibility of whistle blowing, and the appraisal of the institutions of whistle blowing are part of the field of political ethics. Since, “A man’s enemy are the people of his household.. (Matthew 10: 36) ” For a corrupt person to be exposed, a close relative or an associate is needed. In other words, the information certainly would come from an insider. Therefore, the possibility of reprisal is very high. Hence, To protect the public interest and encourage employees’ disclosure of illegal or unethical practices, Congress passed the Whistle-blower Protection Act in 1989.
We all desire a society that is healthy, peaceful, and free from corruption. God desires this more, and He expects us to be our brothers’ keeper. He is seeking a people who would speak against evil in the society. He is looking for those who will deny ungodliness, raise the banner of righteousness, promote peace, and sound the alarm of God’s judgement on those who practice wickedness. God seeks whistle-blowers who are not just to expose the sins of others, or criticize them because they want to be rewarded, or to be seen as holy, but because they understand that doing the will of God is the only the reason for their existence.
God through the mouth of Prophet Ezekiel revealed his plans for the safety of the Israelites saying “Behold I have set watchman I have set watchmen upon your walls, O Jerusalem, who will never hold their peace day or night; you who [are His servants and by your prayers] put the Lord in remembrance [of His promises], keep not silence…” (Isaiah 62:6 AMPC). Certainly, there is great risk in standing for what is right and promoting justice. But the reward of a life lived for God far outweighs the risk to life.
This world is at the brink of extinction and all that we have labored for will only be fuel for the fire of hell. God wants to recruit Kingdom whistle blowers, those themselves have been transformed, and whose passion and love for God motivates them to expose the evil in the land, and prayerfully cry out to God for a change. Rather than pursue the temporary and unsure rewards of exposing a corrupt person, yield yourself to God as His mouthpiece to call those who are ungodly to seek God in referential fear and decease from all ungodliness and greed.
“Those who win souls are wise…” They do not warn people about the repercussions of their sins out of envy or for gains but because they have the mind of God and would also want all me to turn to God. For them there is a crown of glory. You have a divine mandate to pray for the wicked, and be the change you want to see. Blow the whistle to save souls. You are winning! Yes, we are winning!
Reference
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whistleblower
https://qz.com/909014/nigerias-new-corruption-whistle-blowing-policy-is-helping-the-government-recover-looted-funds/
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Apr 10, 2017 | Uncategorized |
The Eleven-week reality show, Big Brother Naija, a.k.a BBNaija finally came to an end on Sunday 9th April, with Efe emerging as the winner of the controversial TV Reality show. One statement that occurred most frequently in the interviews of the contestants was that they were in the house to play the game, and have fun, but not necessarily for the money. They had opined that the exposure, fame and image which the Big Brother Naija platform would afford them is more critical to them than the ultimate prize. Yes, it is appropriate to find a good platform to promote one’s craft or talents, and be launched, for instance, into the entertainment industry. Yet, my grouse with this approach is the way and manner decency and morality was traded for such privileges.
The Warri-born, up and coming rap artist, Efe emerged winner of the 2017 edition of the Big Brother Naija, by popular votes. He won the cash prize of 25 million naira and a brand new Kia Sorento SUV. While Bisola Ayeola, unarguably the most creative and talented housemate was awarded winner of the “ONE Campaign” on girl-child education. ONE Campaign is an international Advocacy Organisation for girl-child. Other housemate may have gained exposures and popularity, even though they may not have won cash awards.
A recent survey on the issue of fame and image revealed that, in the contemporary society, money, fame, and image have gained prominence and evolved to become millennial generation’s non-negotiables. The younger generation have on average become highly interested in pursuing extrinsic goals by viewing money, fame, and image as leading life-goals, whereas aspirations relating to self-acceptance, affiliation, and community are regarded as less significant. The fallout from the shifting values of the “new generation” manifest significant impacts for both the society and the individual. Whereas individualism has heralded positives such as decline in prejudice and a rise in equality, it has also presented shortcomings such as civic disengagement, entitlement, and pursuit of unreasonable expectations, which are becoming more apparent and can impact on many spheres of life. This dissertation explores the premise on how fame affects people and the society at large.1
Many who watched their escapades and immoral acts would agree that it was inappropriate to broadcast such indecent acts to the public, even though the censored version is limited to viewers not more than age 18. Yet, many who have access to the you tube can get to view the disheartening erotic scenes of these desperate housemates. For those young minds who thinks it doesn’t matter what you do in your bid to promote your craft, they feel now motivated to toll the path of these contestants especially judging by their achievements.
Many Nigerian youth has condemned this public prostitution, saying that it doesn’t promote good morals. An aid to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state, Mr. Ossai Ovie, frowned at the show, saying it is promoting immoral practice among Nigerian. 2 Since our society now promotes immorality and vices rather than virtues, this piece might make no good sense to some readers who also have their minds depraved and their sense of morals twisted. It is now a norm to celebrate moral perverts, and mock and persecute those who live right. Such are considered unfit, and uncivilized who do not follow trends, even when such tends are sensual and demeaning. Furthermore, those who are shameless and reprobate are the ones who are celebrities and many of our youths have chosen them as mentors.
Participants of Realities shows that promote promiscuity are better rewarded than educational debates programs and talent hunts. This is also a perversion! There is no doubt that for Efe and Bisola, and of course others, this show has provided them a good platform to develop their chosen career, in addition to wealth and fame. In other words, whilst Efe might become a brand ambassador, and develop his musical career, and rise to popularity quicker than if he hadn’t participated in the show, Bisola, aside from possibly becoming an ambassador for the ONE campaign organization, she would also develop her acting career and become the face of many movies and TV shows. Certainly, they may have become famous and gained local and international recognitions, howbeit, with little or no display of moral values, and enviable virtues.
In the contemporary society, individuals seem to be living in a culture in which fame is available to everyone and at least for a short time. Judging from the popularity enjoyed by TV shows that deals with fame, it seems that most individuals within the society want to become famous. This programmes such shows assert that they want to take people off the street and make them famous. A number of such shows trade on noble talents that individuals possess innately. The new phenomena of fame are a dangerous symptom of the decline of the western enlightenment culture. This is indicative of a culture in which individuals’ pursuit of fame based on a choice driven rational assessment of independent values is being eroded by lifestyles where anti value is as good as the other. As a result, individuals are entangled in a relativistic haze where they stagger from one cultural manipulation to the other in pursuit of talentless fame personalities. As such, autonomy, self-realization, and objective evaluation of values are undermined in the pursuit of the end-fame. 1
Those who are hungry for fame should be wary of the price of it. The lives of the “glorified” celebrities are as messy as everyone else’s and individuals like to have the faults of other people paraded. Celebrities live in a bubble with their daily lives reflecting a macabre reality TV show in which nothing is private, and no personal problem can be sacred enough to be off-limits. As a result, their routine aspects of their daily lives can end up becoming a news item. As such, attaining normalcy within the celebrity’s life can be considered as a true blessing.
Having fame and good image is good. However, when the quest to be famous undermines decency and morality, then it becomes an inordinate aspiration. By becoming famous, individuals can utilize their fame to undertake good deeds to change the world. The fame of individuals must be judged always based on the means by which individuals used to acquire the fame. And for me, it is better to do this in a more excellent way that glorifies God and edifies humanity. It pays to live right! You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
Reference: 1Society Money Fame And Image Media Essay
https://www.uniassignment.com/essay-samples/media/society-money-fame-and-image-media-essay.php
2 https://www.naij.com/1089444-nigerian-youth-condemns-bbnaija-indecent-exposures.html
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/04/bbnaija-2017-efe-won/
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Apr 7, 2017 | Uncategorized |
There are men who remained unperturbed even in the face of adversity. They have inculcated the attitude of winners; they cannot be defeated by life’s battles. They have learnt the secret of trusting in God whatever betides. They are the winning team. YWAW…a movement; an attitude, a lifestyle.
Yes, we are winning!
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Apr 7, 2017 | Uncategorized |
Syria is today notable for the civil war that is being perpetuated by the Bashar al-Assad led government and a group of rebels who wants him out of power. This war which has been on for more than six years have claimed the lives of more than half of a million citizens. Daily on our TV screen we see the monumental devastation of the ancient city. The conflict which began in 2011 in the city of Deraa, was a peaceful protest following the arrest and torture of 15 school children who wrote anti-government graffiti on the wall. What was meant to be a peaceful protest, calling for the release of the children, and for democracy, however turned sour as the government forces further launched attacks on innocent and defenseless civilians.
The opposition was fueled by those who wanted the president to step down, and this group was made up of several people including the rebel fighters, some political parties, and those living in exile. This was however complicated when Isis, (ISIL, IPA ), an Islamic extremist group, which uses violence against anyone who doesn’t agree with their extreme views, joined the fight.
As a result of this war, millions of Syrians have become refugees in neighboring nations like Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, and in Europe. Many of those who remained in Syria have moved from the major cities under severe attacks, to the countryside.
As the civil war in Syria grinds on, several efforts by, the United Nations, and several international mediators have failed to put an end to this war that have ravaged the once peaceful country. Several recommendations have been issued, and several conflict resolution meetings held but none has yielded any lasting success. Of note is the Syrian peace process which has equally not been effective to end this war. The Syrian peace process is the ensemble of initiatives and plans to resolve the Syrian Civil War, which has ravaged in Syria since 2011 and has spilled beyond its borders. The peace process has been moderated by the Arab League, the UN Special Envoy on Syria, Russia, and Western Powers.[1] The negotiating parties to end the conflict are typically representatives of the Syrian Ba’athist government and Syrian Opposition, while the Western-backed Kurdish forces have stayed out of the negotiations framework. Radical Salafist forces and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant have not engaged in any contacts on peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The attempts to find a solution to the conflict began in late 2011, when the Arab League launched two initiatives, but without much success. Russia in January 2012 and in November 2013 suggested talks in Moscow between the Syrian government and opposition. In March–May 2012, hopes were on a United Nations/Arab League plan coordinated by Kofi Annan. In January and February 2014, the Geneva II Conference on Syria took place, organized by Lakhdar Brahimi, then UN envoy to Syria. On 30 October 2015, further talks started in Vienna involving officials from the US, the EU, Russia, China and various regional actors such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey and, for the first time, Iran. Peace talks with rebel leadership continued in Astana, Kazakhstan in 2017.[2] The Kazakh officials are offering Astana as a neutral venue and “a natural home” for peace negotiations on Syria.[3]
Just today, US launched Fifty-nine Tomahawk cruise missiles at Syria – The strike is coming after suspected chemical attack in Idlib province – Pentagon says Syria violated its obligations under the chemical weapons convention – About 86 people, including 27 children, were killed after a suspected poison gas attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province. In retaliation for a chemical weapons attack that killed scores of civilians, the United States has attacked Syria with dozens of cruise missile strikes at a government-controlled airbase.
As I studied the beautiful history of Syria, I began to be worried about what she will look like after this war. History has shown that many cities today were birth from the destruction of an ancient one, and such are some of the cities that have formed Syria today. My quest has spurred me to compare the status of Syria in ancient history to their current state which has been sharpen by war. More than 2000 years ago, some spectacular events were recorded of Syria, which excites me, but at the same time, saddens me when compared with the current state of the country. From Matthew’s accounts of Jesus’ exploits, he recorded that, ”News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them”. Matthew 4:24.
These miracles were done in Syia, formerly known as Assyria. Syria is a country located in the Middle East on the shore of Mediterranean Sea and bordered, from the north down to the west, by Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon. It is one of the oldest inhabited regions in the world with archaeological finds dating the first human habitation at c. 700,000 years ago. In Syria, like many other places Christ visited, he confirmed his Divine mission by miracles, which were emblems of the healing power of his doctrine, and the influences of the Spirit which accompanied it. I am very certain that this event brought great joy to Syria, which also means ‘Happy’. However, the current predicament in this country has brought sorrow and afflictions to many. This is sad indeed!
Furthermore, Jesus’s sermon on the Mount, was specifically on Mount Hermon which is located in Syria. Mt Hermon is a mountain cluster constituting the southern end of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. Its summit straddles the border between Syria and Lebanon[1] and, at 2,814 m (9,232 ft) above sea level, is the highest point in Syria.[2] in his book on the Gospel of Matthew, R.T. France noted that Mount Hermon was a possible location of the Transfiguration of Jesus.[8][9]
Syria, which now has about 74% Muslim population, was the cradle of the prophets and apostles of old. History has it that the gospel spread from Antioch in Syria to the rest of the world. Syria was the cradle of civilizations and was pivotal to the exploits of the forefathers of Christianity. God spoke on Mount Horeb, Hermon, and Golgotha, which are all part of Syria, and most of the prophecies were fulfilled. With a rich biblical history and divine privileges, what have become of Syria today is not only unfortunate but very demoralizing.
Antioch was also one of the earliest centers of Christianity; it was there that the followers of Christ were first called Christians, and the city was the headquarters of the missionary St. Paul about 47–55 ce (Acts 11:19-26). Antioch, now called Antakya, in Turkish, was a populous city of ancient Syria and now a major town of south-central Turkey. It lies near the mouth of the Orontes River, about 12 miles (19 km) northwest of the Syrian border. In 1098 it was captured by the Crusaders, who made it the capital of one of their principalities, and in 1268 the city was taken by the Mamlūks, who razed it to the ground. Antioch never recovered from this last disaster, and it had declined to a small village when taken by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. It remained part of the Ottoman Empire until after World War I, when it was transferred to Syria under French mandate. France allowed the town and surrounding area to rejoin Turkey in 1939.
Will the war in Syria come to an end? Are the recent developments in Syria part of the end-time prophesy which would culminate in the end of the world (Isaiah 17:1)? There is no doubt that the world will soon pass away in fulfilment of God’s word and plan. Therefore, “Since everything will be dissolved in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11). You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
Reference:
https://www.naij.com/1098137-breaking-us-strikes-syria-59-tomahawk-cruise-missiles.html?source=notification
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrian_peace_process
http://www.ancient.eu/syria/
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