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
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Sep 22, 2017 | Uncategorized |
It was my first visit to The Hague, Netherlands, which aside being the seat of the parliament and the Dutch government, its for many commonly identified as the headquarters of the International Criminal Court of Justice. On arriving at the reception, I picked up a newsletter at the information stand and it was the highlights of the court proceedings of the day. To my utmost amazement the names of aledged criminals on the list of the cases before the court were all African leaders. The first question I asked myself was, Is it only African leaders that are criminals?
I was in the company of my colleagues and friends, Omang Dave, Rotem Cohen, and the Director General, NTA. For Rotem Cohen, there was no need to visit the court even for sightseeing because in his opinion the judges and and stakeholders are bunch of hypocrites who only sees the pecs in other people’s eyes but fail to see theirs.
His opinion was well informed by the various court judgements which condemns the fight of Israel against the Palestinian, alleging the former as unfair and unreasonable in their fight against what they describe as terrorism. He thinks those biased set of judges are not worth honouring. Anyway, I’m not about to discuss his concerns and some other political issues, some of which made him stayed outside the building, while we pass through a tight security check to register our presence as visitors.
Why would the president of a nation govern for many years, enjoy immunity and of course affluence and still end up at the criminal court for actions considered as crime against humanity, financial misappropriation, and other vices? I’m wondering too. Knowing the punishment that awaits such actions, why do some of our African leaders careless about the aftermath and yet act god on the seat of governance?
We got a very warm welcome from the pretty receptionist, who educated us about how to go through the digital library to study the history of the court and other related interests. We were supposed to join the court session which was on break for 30 minutes, but we had to jettisoned the library tour because of our time. Sadly, we couldn’t take pictures at the picturesque reception, where we met a Lagos-born Nigerian who works at the the court.
Hence, I decided to take copies of the court brief for the day’s cases and the following names were on the list of cases to be treated:
1. DRC: Bosco Ntangada
2. CAR: Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo
3. Côte d’Ivoire: Laurent Gbagbo and Charles able Goude
4. Uganda: Dominic Ongwen
5. Mali: Ahmad Al Fadi Mahdi
My point is, even if the westerners would sometimes be biased towards the third-world countries, why must we do things that we plunge us into criminal suites? It is often said that if a man have been accused of stealing a foul, he should not be seen playing with a chick. Why can’t we exonerate ourselves from corruption and crimes by doing what is beneficial for the good of our race? Why must we always prove that we cannot truly govern ourselves? Search me!
It is ridiculous and shameful to be identified as an African in such situation. The whites sees all of us as the same. The news of how our leaders embezzle public funds, or invest their countries resources in foreign countries while majority of their citizens suffers hardship is everywhere, and the first thing a foreigner would mention when you are engaged in a discussion are these disheartening issues.
It is no longer news that our major problem as Africans is our leaders. The culture of greed, selfishness, and unpatriotism had eaten deep into our society, and one wonders whether the coming generation would even do better. As far has I know, it hasn’t gotten better. I hope it does!
We need leaders who would not be divided by party lines or agenda. Those selfless leaders who’s personal interests would be buried while the overall interest of the people would be their utmost goal to achieve. When would we have the amazing developments as seen in the west, some countries of which hasn’t the magnitude of the natural resources which most of our African countries have.
Do we only have criminal leaders in Africa? Are there no such leaders in Europe and America who have done so wickedly, and deservable of being Condemned as corrupt or lawless leaders? The fact is, corruption is everywhere, but the rate at which African leaders are being cut in this web is alarming and doesn’t speak well of the black race.
I urge our African leaders to stand up for what is right, and do things that would move our continent forward. Also, I challenge the younger generation to break out from the mold of self deceit, greed and corruption, and inculcate a culture of godly fear and selfless service.
We are so blessed as a continent, and our uniqueness should be celebrated in a good light that would bring Honour and glory to our father land.
Certaining, you are winning! Yes, we are winning!
Greatmark
For more information on the suspects visit www.icc-cpi.int
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Sep 20, 2017 | Uncategorized |
If you need a god to do a specific thing which another god cannot do, then it means your gods are not all-sufficient! So, you need plenty god’s who are specialists. How many gods have you, and how much more do you need?
Some people acquire many gods for the purpose of performing specific feat. What specific roles does your gods play in your life? Are they sufficient or you think you need more specialist gods?
In the telecom industry for instance, there are usually a number of service providers and each is preferred based on the quality of their offerings, including voice and data. Some users’ choices are based on the unique advantage associated with such providers; and this might be a reason why some consumers are so committed to those services providers who are said to be reliable and dependable.
When God called Abram, He instructed him to leave his father’s house, his family and his country (Gen. 12:1). Haran, where Terah, Abraham’s Father relocated to when he left the Ur of the Chaldeans was a trade center on the route from Ninevah to Carchemish (Ezekiel 27:23); and the chief seat of worship of the moon god, Sin. Thus, it was a land of idolatry and the family of Terah were idolatrous. THus, God called Abram out of idolatry.
Coming from an idolatry background, Abram would understand what it means to walk blamelessly before God. Since it is the practice of every idolater to keep more than one god, Abram is instructed never to add on any idol to the Almighty God who has called him into a relationship. “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; Walk [habitually] before Me [with integrity, knowing that you are always in My presence], and be blameless and complete [in obedience to Me].” GENESIS 17:1 AMP
Furthermore, the theft of Laban’s household gods by Rachel further proves that it is rare for an idol worshipper to pay allegiance only to one god. When Jacob was fleeing from his Father-inlaw, Laban, Rachel his wife stole her father’s gods. This was confirmed when Laban inquired in Genesis 31: 30, saying, ” Now you have indeed gone away because you longed greatly for your father’s house; but why did you steal my gods?” My concern here is not why Rachel took her father’s gods, rather, it is why Laban kept and worshipped many gods and not just one god. One god, of course is never sufficient for an Idolater.
There’s a vast number of individual deity and each has a unique interest. There are so many gods or idols and each performs a specific and unique role that makes their worshippers endeared to them. For instance, there are weather-gods, storm-gods, wind-gods, rain-god, god of thunder. Also, there are fertility gods, sea-gods, god of travelers, god of fire to mention a few.
A fertility god or goddess is a deity associated with sex, fertility, pregnancy, and child birth. Called Ala (odinani) in Igbo, and the highest Alusi (deity) in the Igbo pantheon. On the other hand, a weather god is a deity associated with weather phenomena such as thunder, lightening, rain and wind.
From their classifications, no one god performs the function of another. For instance, a weather god cannot perform the role of a fertility god, neither can it perform the function of Ares, the god of war, representing the physical, violent and untamed aspect of war.
Likewise Hades, the god of the dead cannot perform the special functions of Hermes, the god of trade, thieves, travelers, and athletes. My point is, all the deities performs a unique and distinctive functions. Could this be a reason why many idol worshippers pay allegiance to more than one god?
Therefore the distinctive roles each performs may be a reason why a man would keep the fertility god for the purpose of sexual success, a god of travelers for safety in journey and a god of thunder to avenge his enemies.
God introduced Himself as “The Almighty God”, to distinguish Himself from other gods. In the Message Bible version, it reads, “…I am The Strong God…” What this implies is that all other gods that Abram was used to are little gods, weak gods and limited in their capabilities.
God’s instructions to Abram can also be interpreted as, “I’m not limited in capability or functions like the gods you and your Fathers serve. I cannot pined down to a particular way. On the contrary, I AM THE ALMIGHTY! I am sovereign; unlimited, all-sufficient and dynamic. I do not need you to add on other gods to me as you do in your past life of idolatry. I am enough for you; I can do all things, and so you don’t have to seek any other god.”
Rather, you should be devoted only to me, and walk habitually in my presence and not any other. You must be blameless or perfect or pure; a worshipper of only one GOD. Furthermore, you must live in integrity, loyalty and complete obedience or allegiance to me alone!”
Friends, God’s instruction has not changed. He calls for total allegiance to Him alone, and He frowns at idolatry and unfaithfulness. God is all-powerful, un-knowing and un-sufficient! He is all-rounder; never limited to a strategy or confined to a specific role like other gods. He is complete, stable and eternal. Thus, He called for Abram to trust Him absolutely and not to look elsewhere for help.
What is it that you have added to God? You may not be serving an idol but your ideologies, your intellect, experience or tradition may be the things you have exalted above God. And these things have the capacity to undermine your trust in God.
God is all-sufficient; He’s all In all. With him you don’t need any other alternative or support. Trust him completely and do not rely on your own intellect or experience. God is more than enough. If you have God, you have everything!
Yes, you are winning! Yes, we are winning!
GreatMark
by Mark Ibigbami GreatMark | Sep 15, 2017 | Uncategorized |
I watched this short video and I thought I should share it with you.
Greatmark
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.