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When We Ought To Beat The Drums By Dr. Tony Osakpamwan

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Nigeria with a soaring population of nearly 200 million people is blessed with so much talents. Over the years, the harnessing this huge talent pool has been the bane of socio, economic, political and national development. The world over, men and women of Nigerian descent ‘hold their own’ in sports, music, arts, science, business, technology and other sphere of human endeavor. 
Nigeria with a soaring population of nearly 200 million people is blessed with so much talents. Over the years, the harnessing this huge talent pool has been the bane of socio, economic, political and national development. The world over, men and women of Nigerian descent ‘hold their own’ in sports, music, arts, science, business, technology and other sphere of human endeavor. 
There comes a time in the life of a people that a consensus is reached for a change of the status quo. The barometer to measure this change comes from a variety of arithmetics ala societal values, mental psychometrics of the people, human re-engineering and the driving propulsion of government.
Nigeria with a soaring population of nearly 200 million people is blessed with so much talents. Over the years, the harnessing this huge talent pool has been the bane of socio, economic, political and national development. The world over, men and women of Nigerian descent ‘hold their own’ in sports, music, arts, science, business, technology and other sphere of human endeavor.
It is against the backdrop of the foregoing that the ‘apathetic’ silence that greeted the recent awards to sixty distinguished Nigerians who have made huge, stupendous developments to the Nigerian film and movie industry comes to mind.  This was part of the activities to mark 60 years of the country’s independence from the colonial masters early in the month of October. The award was entitled, “60 ICONS THAT HAVE SHAPED THE NIGERIAN FILM AND VIDEO INDUSTRY. It was delivered by the Federal Government of Nigeria via the National Film and Videos Board, NFVB.
The dead silence was toxic, sickening and a very bitter pill to swallow for most well meaning Nigerians.  For many of us, the growth of any nation is not always measured in financial or monetary terms. There are other moral and value-base imperative requirements for nation building. Let us not be deceived, we can preach unending until ‘karanamoda’, nothing will change in our society if the fundamental tripod of behavior is not in place. These are values, role models and mentoring.
It is pertinent to note that Edo State is arguably the cultural capital of Nigeria. Proudly saying that as an Edo man nothing minding whose ox is goored! On the strong 60 awardees list, Edo state had two of our illustrious son’s. They are Sam Loco Efe (of blessed memory) and of course the movie Czar, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen. It is shocking that there has been no mention or recognition for these worthy sons of Edo. Sam Loco Efe is extra terrestrial, but Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen is very much with us.  Bringing out the drums to celebrate the achievements of these dynamic duo has huge ‘moral generator power’. It is intrinsic.
As a people burdened with vices such as crime, thuggery and agberoism; an award like this is an opportunity to leverage and promote sound moral rectitude for our teeming youths and upcoming generation.  In their citations, the NFVB stated that men like Sam Loco Efe and Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, “have broken new grounds, and continue to do so and open doors of opportunities, and have made indelible marks that have molded the Nigerian film and video industry”. They have brought honour, dignity and respect to the motherland.  Such monumental achievements ought to be celebrated.  The drums ought to be rolled out to herald these men and women of repute who have transverse our  landscape like a colossus.
For Edo state  is currently on a strategic  transformation under the dynamic leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki.  The zooming lens which our beloved son, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen has brought on Edo is an added impetus.  We can look no further for a motivation or inspiration for our teeming youths and children. A proud Edo son of the irk of Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen needs to be celebrated.  Herein lies the challenge for the Edo state Ministry of Youths, the Ministry of Arts and Culture, our print and electronic media in Edo state, and the Uhunmwode local government council where our illustrious son hails from.  Na where all of una dey? Where lies the moral regeneration that we all preach? Is it just mere lip service? Are we really serious about the value paradigm shift we crave. We cannot always put the blame of our shortcomings on a Governor or President alone. Yes, they are culpable at times, but each of us has a role to play in the moral redirection of our society.
The likes of Sam Loco Efe of blessed  memory, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen and other Edo state sons and daughters who have put our state on the global map should be celebrated.  We are gradually reducing our existence to a four year cycle of political campaigns and elections while other important aspects of our lives dwindles.  We cannot afford to remain this way.  There’s still ample time to correct this anomaly.  The various agencies of government at all levels must be alive to their responsibilities proactively.  The glory of distinguished edolites like Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen should be harnessed to inspire a new generation.  A movie czar like him is an evidential role model who can mentor upcoming Edo sons and daughters.
So let us roll out the drums and let the music begin.
Dr Tony Osakpamwan Agbons writes from U.K.

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Grace Nation Worldwide Celebrates  Dr. Chris Okafor’s Birthday Amid Easter Reflections

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Grace Nation Worldwide Celebrates  Dr. Chris Okafor’s Birthday Amid Easter Reflections

 

Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” — Dr. Chris Okafor

 

 

Grace Nation Worldwide marked a special occasion as members gathered at the international headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, to celebrate the birthday of the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor, Christopher Okafor, who turned a year older on April 4, 2026.

A Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration

 

The atmosphere was filled with gratitude as sons and daughters of the ministry came together to appreciate God for the life and impact of their spiritual leader.

The celebration featured a variety of activities, including special musical renditions, Bible recitations, choreography presentations, and a vibrant praise and worship session led by the Liberation Voices.

 

The highlight of the event was the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, followed by joyful celebration and thanksgiving, all dedicated to the glory of God.

 

Teaching on the Death and Resurrection of Christ ,Earlier in the day, the service also commemorated the resurrection of Jesus Christ, with Dr. Okafor delivering a message on “The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

 

In his teaching, he described the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary as the foundation of the Christian faith.

 

“The death of Jesus represents the depth of God’s love for humanity,” he said, while emphasizing that the resurrection is the ultimate confirmation and strength of the believer’s faith.

 

The State of Humanity Before Redemption

 

Dr. Okafor explained that before the sacrifice of Christ, humanity was bound by sin, subject to judgment, and separated from God. He highlighted the consequences of the fall of man, including spiritual loss and the inevitability of judgment.

The Purpose of Christ’s Sacrifice

 

According to the cleric, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought restoration and reconciliation between God and humanity.

“When a person is restored to God, life becomes meaningful,” he noted, adding that the sacrifice of Christ signifies the forgiveness of sin and a new beginning for believers.

 

A Message of Hope

In conclusion, Dr. Okafor stated that the resurrection of Jesus Christ provides believers with the opportunity to live a fruitful and abundant life, anchored in faith and divine purpose.

The combined celebration of his birthday and the message of Easter created a moment of reflection, joy, and renewed commitment among members of Grace Nation Worldwide.

 

Grace Nation Worldwide Celebrates 

Dr. Chris Okafor’s Birthday Amid Easter Reflections

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IGP Disu Unveils New Security Vehicles, Bikes In Ogun

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IGP Disu Unveils New Security Vehicles, Bikes In Ogun, 

 

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Saturday took centre stage at the commissioning of landmark projects in Ogun State, reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening national security and deepening collaboration with state authorities.

The high-profile event, attended by top government officials and security stakeholders, highlighted the strategic importance of security in driving development. Disu’s presence underscored ongoing efforts by the Police leadership to align operational priorities with infrastructural growth across the country.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the commissioning of new security vehicles and electric motorbikes aimed at boosting the operational capacity of security agencies in the state. The IGP commended the Ogun State Government for what he described as a proactive and forward-thinking approach to security, noting that the newly deployed assets would significantly enhance rapid response and patrol efficiency.

He stressed that effective policing remains central to maintaining peace and order, assuring residents that the Force would continue to evolve strategies to tackle emerging threats. According to him, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to working closely with both the Federal Government and sub-national authorities to ensure the safety of lives and property.

Disu further called on members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, describing community cooperation as vital in combating crime and sustaining a secure environment.

The Police leadership also expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government and other dignitaries for their continued partnership, noting that such collaboration is essential to advancing security initiatives and fostering national development.

 

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PDP Stalwart, Fagbemi, Resigns From Party in Ogbomoso South

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*PDP Stalwart, Fagbemi, Resigns From Party in Ogbomoso South*

 

A former Secretary of Ogbomoso South Local Government, Temidayo Fagbemi, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.

 

Fagbemi, a major financier of the PDP in the area, tendered his resignation in a letter addressed to the Ward Chairman of the party in Ijeru II, Ogbomoso South.

 

In his letter, Fagbemi stated that leaving the party he had diligently supported, contributing to PDP’s victories at both the state and local government levels for two consecutive terms, was a difficult but necessary decision.

 

He wrote: “I, Temidayo Fagbemi, hereby submit my resignation as a member of the PDP.”

 

“My decision to leave the party, which I worked hard to support and helped secure victory at both the state and local levels for two consecutive terms, is not an easy one. However, it has become necessary.”

 

He thanked party leaders for the years of shared political engagement and wished them success in their forthcoming primaries.

 

His resignation marks a significant development within the Ogbomoso South PDP, given his influence, contributions, and long-standing role in strengthening the party’s structure.

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