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

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4 years ago

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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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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Nollywood Actress Tamilore Martins-Ojo Gets Chieftancy Title, Becomes Yeye Apesin-Ola of Idado Ijesha Kingdom

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22 hours ago

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December 29, 2024

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Nollywood Actress Tamilore Martins-Ojo Gets Chieftancy Title, Becomes Yeye Apesin-Ola of Idado Ijesha Kingdom

 

The Onifeye of Idado Ijesha Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Kehinde Adebowale Taiwo, has conferred a prestigious chieftaincy title on Nollywood actress and producer, Chief Miss. Adeoye Oluwatamilore Martins-Ojo.

The ceremony, held on December 28, 2024, in Idado Ijesha Kingdom, Osun State, saw the actress installed as the Yeye Apesin-Ola of Idado Ijesha Kingdom, a title recognizing her contributions to society and the arts.

The event was graced by dignitaries, traditional rulers, industry colleagues, and well-wishers who came together to celebrate her new status.

Chief Miss. Adeoye expressed her gratitude to Oba Michael Kehinde Adebowale Taiwo and the people of Idado Ijesha Kingdom for the honor, pledging to continue to uphold the values and traditions of the community while using her platform to inspire and support development.

This recognition adds another feather to her cap, cementing her role not only as a celebrated figure in Nollywood but also as a cultural ambassador and leader in her community.

 

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Methodist Prelate Urges Nigerians to be Patient with President Tinubu

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1 day ago

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December 29, 2024

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Methodist Prelate Urges Nigerians to be Patient with President Tinubu

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

The Methodist Church Prelate, Dr. Oliver Alli Abah, has appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing that the country is undergoing a growth phase.

Dr. Abah made this plea during the Christmas service at the Methodist Church in Lagos, where he assured Nigerians that “there’s light in the tunnel” and better days are ahead.

According to Dr. Abah, President Tinubu is working diligently to ensure that everything is in place for Nigeria to thrive. He noted that the president’s decision to contest the election was motivated by a desire to address the country’s shortcomings and provide Nigerians with the dividends of democracy. Dr. Abah likened this to “a river flowing with honey,” symbolizing a brighter future for the nation.

Dr. Abah also highlighted the importance of love and unity among Nigerians, citing God’s manifestation of love through Jesus Christ. He emphasized that the absence of peace and the presence of war are indicative of a lack of love, and urged Nigerians to demonstrate their fear of God by embracing the love of Christ.

The Methodist Prelate further assured Nigerians that peace and harmony will prevail when they follow Christ’s instructions and keep his commandments. This message of hope and unity resonates with Nigerians as they look to the future with optimism.

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Spreading Hope Across the Nation: Pastor Adeboye Leads RCCG’s Let’s Go A-Fishing Outreach

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2 days ago

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December 28, 2024

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Spreading Hope Across the Nation: Pastor Adeboye Leads RCCG’s Let’s Go A-Fishing Outreach"

*Pastor Adeboye Brings The Good News Nationwide In RCCG’s Annual Let’s Go A-Fishing Outreach*

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) wrapped up its annual ‘Let’s Go A-Fishing’ program nationwide from December 21st to 27th, 2024. With the theme “Good News,” this year’s program saw the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, fondly known as Daddy G.O., visiting select locations nationwide to share a message of hope and transformation.

Spreading Hope Across the Nation: Pastor Adeboye Leads RCCG’s Let’s Go A-Fishing Outreach"

 

*Spreading the Good News Across Nigeria*

While RCCG parishes and regions held their own ‘Let’s Go A-Fishing’ events nationwide, Daddy G.O. embarked on a journey across Delta, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, and Lagos states, visiting these locations to deliver the Good News. His itinerary included Agbarha-Otor in Delta State; Ilogbo in Ekiti State; Ore, Okitipupa, Akungba Akoko, and Akure in Ondo State; Ikenne, Ago-Iwoye, and Abeokuta in Ogun State; and Alagbado, Surulere, LASU, Lekki, and Epe in Lagos State.
Prominent figures, including the Ekiti State Governor, the Ondo State Deputy Governor, and royal fathers from hosting communities, attended the various locations. Their presence highlighted the program’s significance as a bridge between faith, leadership, and community engagement.

 

 

*A Message of Hope and Transformation*

At each location, Daddy G.O. shared the “Good News,” where he spoke passionately about Jesus Christ’s mission to save humanity, explaining how Christ came to earth, bore humanity’s sins, and offered salvation and eternal life to all who will believe. His message resonated deeply, leading to altar calls where thousands of attendees gave their lives to Christ.
In addition to his sermons, Daddy G.O. prayed for peace, prosperity, and spiritual renewal in the communities he visited. His heartfelt prayers brought comfort and inspiration to leaders and attendees alike.

 

 

 

 

*Touching Lives Beyond Words*

True to RCCG’s commitment to holistic ministry, the ‘Let’s Go A-Fishing’ program extended its reach beyond spiritual matters. Across the states, RCCG organized Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including free medical treatments, food distribution, and other welfare activities. These efforts provided tangible relief to families, demonstrating the church’s dedication to serving the soul and the body.

 

 

*A Legacy of Impact*

Since its inception more than two decades ago, the ‘Let’s Go A-Fishing’ program has become a cornerstone of RCCG’s mission to bring the Gospel to all corners of Nigeria.
Founded in 1952 by Pastor Josiah Akindayomi and now led by Daddy G.O., RCCG is one of the largest Pentecostal denominations globally, with a strong presence in communities worldwide. Its programs, including the Holy Ghost Service and Holy Ghost Congress, continue to transform lives.

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