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The Chronicles of Bishop Paul N. Vincent: Unveiling a spectacular voyage from belief to Empowerment- An Epic Narrative of Endurance and Dedication*

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*The Chronicles of Bishop Paul N. Vincent: Unveiling a spectacular voyage from belief to Empowerment- An Epic Narrative of Endurance and Dedication*

 

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In an exclusive interview conducted by Emmanuel Clement, we embark on an illuminating exploration of the remarkable life and visionary leadership of Bishop Paul N. Vincent.
As the driving force behind Persistence Works TV Network (PWTN) and Vincent Paul Ministries Int’l, Bishop Vincent’s journey from personal transformation to global impact is an inspiring testament to faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to service.

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*Can we have meet you sir?*

I am Bishop Paul N. Vincent, a leader with a diverse portfolio including roles as President/CEO of Persistence Works TV Network (PWTN), Publisher of Persistence Works Magazine, and head of Vincent Paul Ministries Int’l. Based in El Paso, Texas, my journey encompasses various spheres of influence, from media to ministry, all fueled by a profound commitment to service.

*How did your journey of faith begin, and what prompted your salvation?*
My salvation journey was catalyzed by a family tragedy in 1982, ultimately leading me to embrace Christ in 1985 during a powerful revival service. This transformative encounter set the course for my lifelong commitment to faith and service.

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*Since you gave your life to Christ, have you ever thought of backsliding from the faith?*

No I haven’t. Although many people within my extended family at that time didn’t think I would go all the way. They thought I would soon backslide since I was so young (I was 11 years old when I started attending the church, but was 13 when I made a firm & final decision to give my life and to follow Christ all the way). So they felt by the time the “pleasures of life” begin presenting themselves to me, that I’d backslide. But God’s Faithfulness has proved them all wrong! I’m still here by the Grace of God, still following Christ after almost 40 years now! Praise God!

*Before embarking on ministry, what endeavors did you pursue?*

Prior to diving into full-time ministry, I embarked on a journey of learning and service. From pioneering ministry works in Nigeria to serving as an Army Chaplain in the U.S., my path has been marked by a pursuit of knowledge, leadership, and social impact.

*What is the overarching vision and mandate of your ministry?*

The Vision and mandate of our ministry are:
*To liberate those oppressed by the devil and draw such into the Kingdom Of God by the preaching of the Gospel.
*To Minister healing to the sick: physically, emotionally & spiritually.
*To effectively communicate Christ to our society and the world.
*To preach and teach the word in order to build, develop & mature the Body Of Christ.
*Maximizing the media to propagate the Gospel through: Publications, Television, Social Media, Crusades, Conferences & Charity.

*Have you ever experienced regret as a minister of God?*

Well, we all are constantly growing and learning. The most important thing in life is not that you made mistakes, it’s that you’re able to quickly learn from it, grow and move on beyond it. So yes there were few choices or actions that one might have wished could have been done differently or so, but it’s all part of the learning curves in life. But what I don’t ever regret at any time is: Giving my life to Christ at an early age; answering the Call of God at an early age; getting married to my wife; serving in the US military and other such key choices in life; I don’t regret any of them.

*How do you handle critics?*

If they are constructive criticism, people that want you to do well or better and offer criticism in a way to help you do better and be better: I thank them, accept & evaluate the criticism; If I need to do something different or change something or so, wisdom demands that you do whatever that will help you become a better version of your tomorrow than you were today. But, if they are destructive criticism, people who just want to tear you down and don’t care about you or what you are doing: then I just ignore them, keep doing what am doing. But in some cases, your critics today may become your cheerleaders and fans tomorrow, so I try not to take most criticism so personal. Of course everyone won’t like you, love you or appreciate what you’re doing. So be at peace with that fact of life too!

*Should Christians actively engage in politics?*

Absolutely. Christians have a vital role to play in shaping the political landscape, bringing principles of integrity, justice, and compassion to governance. As stewards of society, our engagement in politics is both a responsibility and an opportunity to effect positive change.

*What’s your perspective on the current political climate?*

The current political climate underscores the urgency of our times, with global upheavals and conflicts signaling the need for steadfast leadership and spiritual discernment. As we navigate these turbulent waters, it’s imperative to uphold values of righteousness and perseverance.

*What do you think is the solution to the ravaging insecurities in the country?*

Bottom Line is that Nigeria needs to be restructured, period! All the issues the nation is facing or dealing with, (more especially insecurity) are only the symptoms, the root cause of Nigeria’s problem is foundational and structural. When you keep forcing strange bed mates to live together and they don’t want to, you’ve set the stage for whatever you get. If you are sick and you go to the hospital, a good doctor won’t just treat your symptoms, they’ll try to get to the root of the problem why you are having those symptoms, which is why they ask you to go do scan, MRI, various tests, etc; so that they can identify the root cause of the sickness and treat it from there, because if you get the root cause taken care of, the symptoms will easily be treated or taken care of. So most of what Nigeria’s political leadership have been doing over the past 63 years plus, since her independence, is treating the symptoms and hoping to cure the sickness. No it doesn’t work that way. To treat the root cause of Nigeria’s problem will require restructuring the country. Again, due to the failed structure, there are people who are benefiting from it the way it is now (even with all the insecurity) that will want things to remain the way they are now, as long as they are benefiting, they don’t care. Which is also part of the problem, people or politicians want what benefits them & not what’s best for everyone.

So when you restructure, then every region can develop at their pace, maximize their full potential, including potential for economic growth and industrialization, solve their problems in the context of what works for them and most of the criminal elements will either change and be engaged in something more productive or will have to face the full weight of the laws. Again even in being able to restructure, it’ll take a leadership that is visionary and selfless. And the question is, does Nigeria have such leaders now, I doubt it! But I pray am proven wrong!

*Where do you envision your ministry in the next 5 years?*

Looking ahead, I envision our ministry expanding its reach and impact across diverse platforms. From a thriving TV network and publication to impactful community initiatives, our goal is to touch lives and transform communities on a global scale.

*What message do you have for those who thought there is no hope from political leaders in the country?*

Actually, is there any hope from political leaders in the country? I doubt it! But in any case, I pray that the political leaders will at least for once, try to prove people wrong by doing the right things & putting policies in place that’ll benefit the people and that’ll move the nation forward. That they’ll serve selflessly and not be about themselves. And I pray that God will one day bless this nation with the right crop of selfless leaders who will be willing to go to any lengths to serve their people and improve their quality of life.

*What has life taught you over the years?*

Life has thought me that: PERSISTENCE WORKS! Whatever you do in life; Don’t Give Up! Don’t throw in the towel because IF you keep Persisting in the face of adversity, danger, failure, set back, criticism or persecution, soon your persistence will work for you, because I am a proof that PERSISTENCE WORKS!

Another thing that life taught me was when I completely went blind in my left eye for almost a year due to cataract. But I eventually had surgery to remove the cataract and regained my sight. That experience taught me how priceless being able to SEE could be. And I thought within myself, that had it been I didn’t have the means or finances to do the eye surgery, I would have remained completely blind in that eye. So that birthed a new project: Cataract Medical Mission, as part of our Persistence Works Charity Project. So now we help people who have cataract or now blind and don’t have the means to pay for the surgery, we help them to pay for cataract surgery or even for glaucoma surgery. And we’ve helped a couple of people so far and hope to do it on a more larger scale soon. So giving back when God has blessed you or shown you mercy is one thing life and God’s Word has taught me.

*“Bishop Paul N. Vincent’s journey exemplifies the power of faith, resilience, and visionary leadership. His unwavering dedication to service continues to inspire and uplift countless individuals worldwide.”*

 

The Chronicles of Bishop Paul N. Vincent: Unveiling a spectacular voyage from belief to Empowerment- An Epic Narrative of Endurance and Dedication*

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160 Osun Pilgrims Get ₦‎2.4 Million After Delayed Flight 

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160 Osun Pilgrims Get ₦‎2.4 Million After Delayed Flight 

160 Osun Pilgrims Get ₦‎2.4 Million After Delayed Flight 

 

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Each of the 160 intending pilgrims going to perform this year’s hajj from Osun State but were yet to be airlifted on Wednesday received a sum of N15,000 each.

About 1,432 pilgrims from the state had been airlifted to Saudi Arabia, with the remaining 160 still in Nigeria, awaiting their flight to the Middle East nation.

A release by the Executive Secretary, Osun State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, Mr Muritala Fakunle, on Wednesday, said the last batch of pilgrims from the state, comprising 325 pilgrims were to be airlifted on Sunday.

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He, however, said due to a delay in the flight schedule, only 165 were airlifted, leaving 160 pilgrims awaiting the next schedule.

Fakunle, who explained that the gesture of the state government was a result of a rescheduled flight, also said the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Kazeem Akinleye, gave the affected pilgrims the said amount on behalf of the state government.

Addressing the pilgrims, Fakunle appealed to them to remain calm and patient, as efforts were being made to ensure their early airlift to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The government of Osun State, through the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, has given a cash of N15,000 to each of the 160 pilgrims from the state who are yet to be airlifted to Saudi Arabia.

“This gesture came as a result of rescheduling flights of the last batch from 26th May 2024 to 29th May 2024. The last batch comprises 325 pilgrims to be airlifted on Sunday, 26th May, 2024 but due to delay in the flight schedule, only 165 were airlifted,” he said.

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NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE The Stirring Saga of our National Anthem(s): Historical Perspective or Voice of a New Dawn? by Otega Ogra, FCIM

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NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE The Stirring Saga of our National Anthem(s): Historical Perspective or Voice of a New Dawn? by Otega Ogra, FCIM

NIGERIA, WE HAIL THEE

The Stirring Saga of our National Anthem(s): Historical Perspective or Voice of a New Dawn?

by Otega Ogra, FCIM

1. The year was 1959. As the clock ticked towards 1960, Nigeria stood on the precipice of a monumental shift—its emancipation from British colonial rule. This was a time when our nation was more a line item in a colonial ledger than a free state. The country, once treated less as a nation and more as a commodity in an unholy alliance with the infamous Royal Niger Company, was gearing up to redefine its identity. Our founding fathers had waged a long, arduous struggle not just against colonial domination but also against the indignity of having to pledge allegiance in compulsory renditions to a distant monarch with the anthem, “God Save the King.”
2. To solidify this newfound autonomy, a call was issued, inviting both Nigerians and international participants to pen a national anthem that would encapsulate the vision of the impending free and independent Nigeria. The call for entries reproduced below, was a clarion call to articulate the collective aspirations and spirit of diversity of our soon-to-be sovereign nation:
“COMPETITION FOR NATIONAL ANTHEM”
“The National Planning Committee for Independence is thrilled to announce a competition to select a National Anthem to commemorate the Federation of Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960.
A prize of $280.00 will be awarded for a National Anthem that resonates with the spirit of a free Nigeria, standing proud among the nations of the world. We invite submissions of no more than three verses, each comprising six lines in English. This lyrical representation should capture the essence of our nation (the setting to music will be announced later).
Please send your entries by March 31, 1959, to: Independence Celebrations Officer, c/o Ministry of Internal Affairs, Lagos.”
3. This call for entries drew a staggering response of over 1,000 entries, culminating in the selection of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as Nigeria’s inaugural anthem, penned by a British expatriate living in Nigeria, Lillian Jean Williams, with music by Frances Berda. As the anthem echoed through the celebrations on October 1, 1960, it marked a fitting tribute to the aspirations of our nation and reflected the broad diversity of the various nations that made up the New Nigeria. Unity was its key message.
4. However, the years that followed brought with them trials that tested the nation’s resolve: a military coup in 1966, a subsequent civil war, and the onset of an oil boom that reshaped the economic landscape. By the late 1970s, amid the throes of change and under the leadership of then former dictator and military Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo (who was part of the military coup that brought Gen Murtala Mohammed into power before his demise in a failed coup that saw Obasanjo become head of state), a new anthem was sought to reflect what they believed was a maturing nation’s identity. This led to another anthem competition, to reflect the nationalistic fervor of the time, resulting in “Arise, O Compatriots,” adopted in 1978 and penned by a quintet of Nigerian writers – John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui and P. O. Aderibigbe. The music was created by the Nigerian Police Band directed by B. E. Odiasse.
5. Years of political tumult continued until Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999, with reformed President Obasanjo (now a civilian) at the helm. The turn of the millennium saw calls from across the country for restructuring, a topic that Obasanjo largely sidestepped, focusing instead on other reforms. This decision to ignore those calls would plague him all through his presidency.
6. It wasn’t until 2014 under President Goodluck Jonathan that a National confab was convened, bringing together 492 Nigerians to a National Conference inaugurated on March 17, 2014 which was somewhat representative. I say somewhat because, some strongly believe President Jonathan only decided to convene the national confab to earn sympathy points for his then re-election bid which he still lost to President Buhari in 2015.
7. During this conference with retired Chief Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi as Chairman, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi as Vice Chair and  Dr Valerie Azinge as Secretary, one poignant resolution from this conference amongst others was to revert to the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” seen as a true reflection of Nigeria’s foundational values. According to a report by Premium Times @premiumtimesNG, “The conference resolved for Nigeria to abandon its anthem and return to the old ‘Nigeria we hail thee’ anthem”. Details of the report can be found on the National Repository Site. Direct Link to document here: https://nigeriareposit.nln.gov.ng/items/eb70724c-6da2-447e-bf51-e3189d348d07
8. Page 295, National Conference Report, text reproduced below:
“11 – NATIONAL ANTHEM”
“Conference decided that:
Nigeria should revert to her old National Anthem which embodies unity, peace and prosperity as follows:
Nigeria, we hail thee,
Our own dear native land, Though tribe and tongue may differ, In brotherhood we stand,
Nigerians all are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign, In peace or battle honoured, And this we count as gain, To hand on to our children A banner without stain.
O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request, Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed, And so with peace and plenty Nigeria may be blessed.”
NOTE: some of the 2014 national conference outcomes have already been passed into law by the National Assembly since 2014 and have been part of the various constitution review processes since then.
9. This idea recently gained legislative traction, and as of May 29, 2024, the switch back was officially enacted—25 years post the establishment of uninterrupted civilian governance.
10. I have seen many questions and whilst I may not have all the answers, I personally believe in the power of an anthem to engender national pride and values.
11. Reflecting on this issue, I am also of the personal opinion that  ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’ anthem speaks to our diversity and urgent need for unity. Not that Arise O compatriots doesn’t, but given the challenges we face as a ‘federating unit’ the first Nigerian anthem speaks more to me. There is a unique power of a national anthem in fostering a sense of pride and unity!
12. As a Senior Aide in President Bola Tinubu’s office, I daily witness his commitment to these national ideals firsthand. President Tinubu, is no doubt a figure synonymous with dedication to national unity and progress — and he continues to inspire me. Some have shared old videos of Mr President, President Bola Tinubu speaking about his preference for ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’. This is what I have to say: President Tinubu has never hidden his vision of seeing a more united Nigeria. His stance on restructuring, devolution of powers to fedeeating units and non-interference are clear. President Tinubu remains someone who doesn’t hide from his beliefs in the name of politics – a case of He says what he does, and does what he says! This is something that continues to endear me to him – first in his stint as governor, where I was a beneficiary of his free SSCE exams as a bright student of the Lagos state-owned Lagos State Model College, Kankon and years after when I watched in close proximity, his organisation of the 2011 ACN Nuhu Ribadu/Fola Adeola Presidential ticket.  Fast forward to a couple of years ago, I worked closely with him leading to his declaration to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Today, he is our President.
IN SUMMARY: President Bola Tinubu will always  put country first – even over himself. I have seen it in private over the years. I still see it daily as a senior aide in his office.
13. Nigeria belongs to us all regardless of tribe, religion, or any demographic grouping – “/Though Tribe and Tongue may differ, In Brotherhood We Stand/”
May God grant us a “Nigeria that is blessed”
#iStandWithNigeria #IstandWithTinubu.
Amen.
Otega Ogra is a Senior Aide to President Bola Tinubu. He oversees the Presidential Office of Digital Communications and New Media Strategy
Social ID: @otegaogra #TheTiger
FUN FACT:  some countries have their anthems written and/or composed by non-nationals. Bahrain, Egypt, Australia, Luxembourg South Africa, USA, make the list
https://x.com/otegaogra/status/1795996639812841939?s=46&t=-WT1A6V3jj52Bil8fk9JSg

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QUEENS PALM Support Initiative Hosts KING’S CONFERENCE in Lagos

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QUEENS PALM Support Initiative Hosts KING’S CONFERENCE in Lagos

It was all delight on the 25th of May 2024, as Sabrina Ozma hosted a landmark conference at Elomaz Hotel in Maryland, Lagos. Themed “QUEENS PALM SUPPORT INITIATIVE: KING’S CONFERENCE,” the event drew an array of honorable guests and distinguished speakers, including Ayoola Jolayemi, Ayorinde Adebello, Oluwafemi Oyewunmi, and Hon. Lanre Oyegbola. Panelists at the conference featured Tolu Aduradola, Afolabi Anibaba, and Ayo Obayemi.

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Sabrina, the event’s convener who was full of joy at the successful outing informed the press, that “this won’t be the last event of its kind. Soon, there will be a men’s (KINGS) masterclass for six weeks, completely free of charge.”

Her announcement reflects a firm commitment to fostering inclusive learning opportunities, ensuring that both men and women have access to valuable resources for personal and professional growth. This initiative underscores Sabrina’s dedication to education and empowerment, signaling a proactive approach to addressing gender disparities by providing equitable opportunities for skill development and enrichment.

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During a chat with the press, Ayoola Jolayemi, a distinguished communication expert, emphasized the paramount importance of effective communication in all areas of life, including within our homes. He highlighted that truly listening to others is a vital component of meaningful communication. “When someone needs your time and attention, it is crucial to set aside other distractions and be fully present. By doing so, we demonstrate respect and care, fostering stronger, more understanding relationships.”

Ayoola’s insights serve as a reminder that good communication is foundational to building trust and connection, both in personal and professional settings.

Hon. Lanre Oyegbola, the keynote speaker, discussed “Leadership Skills and Development,” a topic he has spent a lifetime exploring and embodying. He concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of continuous self-development: “Leadership is not a destination but a journey. It requires constant learning and adaptation. By developing our skills and embracing our roles with dedication and humility, we can become the leaders our world desperately needs,” he said.

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On his own part, Mr. Oluwafemi Oyewunmi, a financial expert, spoke about how the youths can grow and not wait for the government. He said, “I believe strongly that we have human capacity. If you look at our population, you will find that the average age of a Nigerian is that of a Gen Z, which is an issue for our prosperity.

Saying, “People need to have the right knowledge and be equipped early enough, not just with formal education but with the capacity to discover themselves. The world itself is saturated and looking for new solutions, and I believe those solutions are with our generation. If they are exposed to the right education, the opportunities are endless.”

“One of the good things that has happened to us is the success around the internet, but the internet should be used in the right direction. While people are corrupted on the internet too, if we use it to expose ourselves to more opportunities for knowledge or to find ways to make money, our young people, with their energy to learn, can discover solutions for the world.”

Ayorinde Adebello, the convener of the He Conference and She Conference, spoke about how the QUEENS PALM SUPPORT INITIATIVE: KING’S CONFERENCE will impact the lives of men. He said, “This program is to help men realize that there’s so much they can be and there’s so much they can do. I believe this is a positive step in the right direction to help men understand that society values them and needs them.”

Tolu Aduradola also commented, “QUEENS PALM SUPPORT INITIATIVE has done something very interesting by setting up an intervention that addresses men. I think the more men focus on themselves and their entire well-being, spiritually and physically, health-wise, mental well-being, the better family unit, the better marriages, society and our world at large.”

Joshua Eze, a special guest at the event, added, “QUEENS PALM SUPPORT INITIATIVE: KING’S CONFERENCE will help motivate men who find it difficult to be who they want to be, who they want to become, and how to stand on their own.”
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