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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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Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise” — Dr Chris Okafor

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Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise”
— Dr Chris Okafor

…Evil communication corrupts good character
…The Holy Spirit is the seal of redemption

 

 

True Christian living, beyond winning souls, requires nurturing and sustaining new converts in the faith. This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr Chris Okafor, during a teaching on “Understanding the Act of Discipleship.”
According to him, soul winning without proper establishment and follow-up defeats its purpose. “The goal is not just conversion but fruitfulness and continuity in Christ,” he emphasized, noting that believers must also understand the conditions that make prayers effective.

The Necessity of Discipleship

Dr Okafor outlined why discipleship is essential in the Christian journey:
New converts require guidance to withstand temptations that could pull them back into their former ways.
They must gradually disconnect from relationships and habits that previously weakened their faith.
Support systems should be in place to help them navigate personal and spiritual challenges.
Consistent follow-up, rooted in love and care, helps prevent discouragement and negative perceptions.
Proper integration into the body of Christ strengthens their sense of belonging and commitment.

Understanding Discipleship

He described discipleship as a deliberate process of helping believers grow in Christ and align with godly principles rather than worldly influences. It involves:
Guiding converts until Christ is fully formed in them.
Transmitting biblical values that strengthen their faith and daily conduct.

Practical Approach to Discipleship

The cleric highlighted key methods for effective discipleship:
Fervent prayer for the spiritual stability of new believers.
Demonstrating genuine love and consistent care.
Regular follow-up visits and visible engagement.
Encouraging early infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Teaching habits that sustain spiritual growth.

Habits That Strengthen Faith

To remain grounded, believers were encouraged to cultivate:
Daily study of the Word of God
Consistent prayer and fellowship with God
Active participation in church gatherings
Bold expression of their faith
A conscious rejection of unrighteousness
Deep-rooted commitment to the house of God

A Foundation for Growth

In conclusion, Dr Chris Okafor stressed that discipleship thrives when believers are rooted in sound spiritual guidance. “When you walk with the wise, you become wise,” he said, adding that strong spiritual formation protects individuals from negative influences and preserves godly character.

The Grace Nation Global Sunday Communion Service, observed by members worldwide, featured testimonies, healing sessions, deliverance, and a special child dedication, rounding off the service on a note of faith and celebration.

 

Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise”
— Dr Chris Okafor

By Sunday Adeyemi
[email protected]

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APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo 

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*APC’s Misrepresentation of Makinde’s Remarks: A Disturbing Display of Intellectual Dishonesty* -Olufemi Aduwo 

 

The attention of right-thinking Nigerians has been drawn to the misguided and politically contrived statement issued by the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which it accused Governor Seyi Makinde of incitement over his reference to “Operation Wetie”. Let it be stated without equivocation, the APC’s reaction is not only a gross distortion of context but also a troubling exhibition of either wilful ignorance or a fundamental inability to comprehend even the most elementary use of historical analogy. One is left to wonder whether those who crafted that statement possess even a kindergarten grasp of the English language, let alone the intellectual depth required for serious political discourse.

 

 

Governor Makinde’s remarks were clearly cautionary and not incendiary. His reference to “Operation Wetie” was an invocation of history, nothing more and nothing less. It was a sober reminder of the catastrophic consequences that follow when democratic processes are subverted, dissent is stifled and political arrogance is allowed to fester unchecked.To interpret such a warning as a call to violence is either intellectually dishonest or deliberately mischievous.

 

 

By attempting to criminalise a legitimate historical reference, the APC exposes a deeper anxiety, an unease with truth and a discomfort with reminders of what unchecked political excess can produce. The tragedy of the Western Region crisis is not a subject to be buried under partisan convenience, it is a lesson to be studied, understood and heeded.

 

It is both ironic and alarming that a party which claims to defend democracy would seek to undermine historical consciousness. Such conduct betrays a troubling tendency towards authoritarian thinking, where even words of caution are twisted into offences and dissenting voices are vilified rather than engaged.

 

 

The statement by Felix Morka, in particular, collapses under the weight of its own exaggeration. To leap from a historical reference to claims of “anarchy” and “murderous rage” is not only illogical but borders on the absurd. It is political theatre of the lowest quality. Furthermore, the attempt to cloak this mischaracterisation in the language of “national security” is both reckless and disingenuous. National security is far too important to be reduced to a tool for partisan intimidation.

 

 

The APC would do well to engage in introspection rather than projection. This pattern of deliberate misrepresentation and inflammatory overreach poses a greater risk to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

 

Nigeria deserves a political culture rooted in honesty, maturity and intellectual rigour not one diminished by propaganda, distortion and opportunism. In the final analysis, the issue is simple, those who cannot understand history are often the first to misinterpret it and unfortunately, the most likely to repeat its errors.

 

 

-Olufemi Aduwo is a

Permanent Representative of CCDI to the ECOSOC/United Nations.

NB: Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity, is a non-profit organisation with Consultative Status of United Nations

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Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos

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Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis Hosts Jehoshaphat Night 2026 : A Powerful Night of Praise, Power, And Prophetic Encounter in Lagos

 

 

 

Genesis Global Isheri is set to host an extraordinary spiritual gathering tagged PPP, Praise, Power & Prophetic Night, themed Jehoshaphat Night, on May 1st, 2026, from 8PM till dawn. This highly anticipated event will take place at Genesis Bus Stop, LASU–Igando Road, Isheri Idimu, Lagos, bringing together worshippers, believers, and seekers from across the city for a night of intense spiritual upliftment. With a vibrant atmosphere already expected, the event promises a unique blend of deep worship, prophetic ministrations, and life-transforming encounters.

 

The night will be led by Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, the host and founder of Genesis Global, known for his dynamic prophetic ministry and impactful teachings. Attendees can also look forward to powerful ministrations from guest ministers Minister Dare Oxygen and Mista Olamilekan, who are set to usher in an atmosphere of heartfelt praise and spiritual revival. The theme “Jehoshaphat Night” draws inspiration from the biblical account of King Jehoshaphat, where praise became a weapon for victory setting the tone for a night centered on breakthrough, faith, and divine intervention.

 

Beyond just a gathering, Jehoshaphat Night is positioned as a transformative experience where attendees can expect spiritual renewal, prophetic direction, and a deeper connection with God through music and the Word. With a carefully curated lineup and a strong spiritual focus, this all night event aims to ignite faith and inspire testimonies. Whether you’re seeking clarity, breakthrough, or simply a powerful worship experience, this is a night not to be missed in Lagos. Make it an event.

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