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DESPAIR, DEPRESSION AND DEATH

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By Moses Oludele Idowu

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, it is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” ( 1 Kings 19:4)”Then I thought that it is easier going out of the way when we are in, than going in when we are out.” – John Bunyan ( Pilgrim’s Progress) *INTRODUCTION*Today’s message is very important and you should master it and heed it. It is your life in the days to come.Before Introducing the message let me first preface it with two recent incidents this year, one happening just this last week which occasioned this message. *Case Study 1:*This last week in Lagos a, 45-year old lady and an accountant with Globacom living at Osapa, London, Lekki area committed suicide by drinking insecticide and died. Folake Abiola did not take her own life because she was poor or had no job or lacked professional fulfilment. According to a colleague of her she had battled depression for years. More baffling is the fact that she was a Christian the only Christian in a family of Muslims and her depression, according to this friend was not due to loneliness or even sex because she had been involved in romantic relationship with two men which she ended at her own instance because of her depression as she “did not want to bring someone else into her life when she could not take care of herself.”Thus a soul was lost. Her church could not help her.

It is really sad but when I look into churches today I see many people who are lonely even though they are surrounded by congregation. Many people in church today are suffering and the church does not even speak to their conditions. Because the church does not even understand them. *Case Study 2:*Ms Cheelie Kryst was a Miss USA, Miss North Carolina, a reporter and former attorney. She held an MBA from Wake Forest University and was doing well until this year. On Sunday at 6.00 am January 30, 2022 she committed suicide by jumping from her 29- storey New York City apartment leading to her death. She was only 30 and a victim of depression which she had managed to hide from others. The mother immediately confessed that it must be due to depression because her daughter had battled this problem for years.

*THE ISSUE*

Thus it is my purpose in this message to explain:* What depression is* Causes of depression* Danger of depression* How to escape depression* Answer to depressionThis message engages the principles of the Bible and the spiritual system of reality and not the medical or intellectual or physiological aspect as obtain in University training of Medical Science. All my knowledge and exposition here is purely on spiritual system and not academic or scientific. Those ones may help too but at certain stage of depression especially what Science itself calls “high- functioning depression”, Medical Science may not be of much help. *Elijah and Depression*Depression is a serious thing. It can end a man’s life as suddenly as anything. It is worse than bullets. It is one of the worst arrows of witchcraft and forces of darkness that could be fired against a servant of God or someone they want to destroy. Because once you succumbed to depression you are gone unless by the special intervention of God. At that time, your spirit begins to sink and your mind is in retreat and your body can absorb any sickness even your pores begin to absorb any germ or virus. Because technically and spiritually you are on retreat, you are sinking. Your spirit is sinking as in a mire. Run away from depression.What all the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of the Grove could not do against Elijah one single arrow of Depression fired by that Queen of Hell, Jezebel did it.

The prophets of the Grove and preachers of Baal in modern times who have abandoned the Cross and turned after prosperity and success who glorify and worship success more than anything are telling us to seek success and prosperity. Fine. The two ladies mentioned in the case studies were not failures, they were on the top of their careers and models of success. Elijah had just achieved the greatest success in ministry by slaying the prophets of Baal and putting Baal to open shame. Yet they succumbed to Depression and wanted to take their lives. They actually did and Elijah would have done so too but for God. Success is iot the answer to depression it may even be the trigger of it.That is why you must know this great weapon,this arrow of the enemy. *John Bunyan and Giant Despair*It is one of the tragedies of modern Christianity that Christians today do not read the great classics of Christian Literature. They don’t even know them. The average Christian today has never read a single Christian classic of all time. Most of what they read are the same glossy and soft materials based on pernicious logic and heretical principles constructed on wholly effete religion and shaky philosophy of the modern day. That is why we have not saints among us. That is why we lack exceptional universal Christians today. I recommend to you – if you have not read it – *Pilgrim’s Progress* by John Bunyan, a masterpiece of both spiritual logic and even the finest form of allegory in the whole annals of English Literature. In this book Bunyan typifies Depression as the Giant Despair who enslaves Christian and his companion, Hopeful as they journeyed from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Bunyan devotes three pages to this enemy because of its importance. That is why we should take heed. The old Christians were wiser than us and they knew where the danger is.

Hear how John Bunyan captures it and see the power of his language:” Now there was not far from the place where they lay, a castle, called Doubting Castle, the owner whereof was Giant Despair, and it was in his grounds they now were sleeping: wherefore he getting up in the morning early, and walking up and down in his fields, caught Christian and Hopeful asleep in his grounds. Then with a grim and surly voice he bid them awake, and asked them whence they were, and what they did in his grounds. They told him *they were pilgrims and that they had lost their way. Then said* the Giant, You have this night *trespassed on me, by trampling in and lying on my grounds, and* therefore you must go along with me. So they were *forced to go because he was stronger than they.* They also had but little to say, for they knew themselves in a fault.” [ My emphasis]Christian and Hopeful were imprisoned and they would not come out until days after without food. How did they find the key that finally released then? Go and read the book.That is the power of Depression. We must salute the creativity of Bunyan that he represents this fiend as Giant Despair because indeed he is a giant – a giant that has slain many giants and inside whose grounds were the broken bones of many pilgrims on their way to the Celestial City. In all the journeys of Christian and his sufferings right from the Wicket Gate through the Slough of Despond to the City of Vanity, they met with many temptations but not in a single place did it occur to them to take their lives through suicide except when they were imprisoned by Giant Despair. So even as far back as more than 400 years ago Bunyan already connected Depression with suicide which modern medicine and experience are just discovering.Here is the wonder of wonders by the hand of that English Craftsman and author: after escaping from the prison of Giant Despair they immediately got to the Delectable Mountains from where they could see and behold the Celestial City – the Land of Emmanuel “where there are no passing seas nor interposing mountains.” ( apologies to John Fletcher)Thus from the moment of Depression, if you can be patient and endure and do the right thing the Mountains of God are not far away. Every time I have heard the Voice of God have been immediately after a period of deep depression when I almost lost hope. What if I had taken my own life then? Then I won’t hear His Voice because He does not speak to murderers and those in hell never hear His Voice. I want to share with you what I know on this subject.1. *What is Depression* It is a state or conditions either natural or of spiritual attack directed against a person during which his vital and critical functions of reason, faith, hope and connectedness with the environment are shrinking. During Depression it is difficult to pray or read the Bible. It is like your spirit has fallen deep down; it is like you have no spirit. Your spirit has been shot at and it will be going down unless brought up by the Word of God and gracious actions of the Holy Spirit. At that time even your prayers can’t rise through the ceiling because your spirit has sunk. *1. What Causes Depression*Depression, I am speaking from the Platform of spiritual reality not medical or scientific reasoning or permutations, can be caused by various things:1. *Boredom.* When you have done the same things over and over for years with no possibility of changing, it could lead to depression.

The white men knew what they were doing when they say you should go on leave once in a year to try something else. Why lecturers should go after 7 years of teaching to do something else and allow the mind to rest and roam. Unfortunately our love of money erode that possibility because even in that sabbatical year many still go and teach to get double salary. Greed. Rather than research or go into writing books and journal articles refreshing the minds with other creativity. These things can cause depression.Even praying and fasting if that is all you do will lead to boredom. Preaching always and nothing more will lead to boredom and ultimately depression. Change the route. Shift the focus once a while. Read the Bible, but not only the Bible and Christian Literature, read other things. Let your mind too exercise.

2. *Unfulfilled expectations of long- term desires*” Hope deferred maketh the heart sick…” That is how the Proverbs said it and it is so.You have seen others of your classmates getting good jobs and you are still at home tending babies like rabbits. Other are married and only you in your age group is still single in the church…These can lead to depression.3 *. Enjoying what is not meant for you*When you have started toying with what is not meant for you then it will bring guilt and ultimately condemnation. Example, because you are not yet married you feel sex is necessary to keep you warm. Well sex is designed for marriage not outside. This may bring guilt and condemnation and later depression. *4. As arrow of witchcraft*Elijah received an arrow of witchcraft that brought him to isolate himself from others and led to depression that ended his glorious Ministry. Arrows are regularly fired from the covens of darkness against servants of God and if you are not rightly positioned and understand what is happening you will succumb. The danger is you won’t know where it comes. At that level you will take foolish decisions based on cognitive dissonance. You are at that stage opened to all manner of attacks and even diseases because your body only receive orders from your spirit and once your spirit is no longer in control and power and Dominion then your body will receive counter order from your enemies. The sting of witchcraft is the worst form of arrow that can generate depression.

And it will not go away unless cleared by the Spirit of God through anointed spoken words or preaching. 5. *By the actions of the Holy Spirit* Depression can also come by the actions of the Holy Spirit. Usually this may be for one or two days and it is not dangerous. Sometimes the Holy Spirit uses our human spirits for His purposes and operations without us being aware of it just as evil spirit too can use your spirit without your awareness if you give them room. That is why the Bible says if you hate your brother in your heart you are a murderer because the evil spirit can take your spirit and through the hate in your heart construct a bridge to that person and murder him but it will be charged to your account as I was explaining to the School of Divine Healing yesterday. The Holy Spirit can pray through your spirit and even bless people. Some persons have told me they saw me in their dream praying for them or giving them instructions. Now that is not me, that is the Holy Spirit taking my spirit form to do that exercise. God can also look through your eyes to people and deliverance will take place. I have witnessed this happening. Now at such a time when the Spirit is praying through your spirit you may feel depressed and bogged down. This feeling won’t last for more than few days. If it is more then it is not the Holy Spirit…I will continue next week.Keep a date.

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June 5, 2022 All Rights Reserved

Disaster Relief Fund: Why fix it when it is not broken?

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By Yahaya Etila

Recently, the federal government announced the establishment of a “Disaster Relief Fund” to address national disasters like flooding. I struggled to understand the aim and objectives because Wale Edun, the minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the economy, stuttered when making the announcement. Yes, there is no doubt that when disasters occur, it is incumbent on the government to provide relief to those affected promptly to cushion the effect of such disasters. Does the country have a framework for addressing disaster situations, and has the agencies involved in disaster management lived up to expectations? I think the government has an ulterior motive. It seems a merry-go-round. While establishing the Disaster Relief Fund seems a brilliant one on the surface, it left many unanswered questions about the core mandate of the fund and how effective it would be in disaster relief administration in Nigeria. It is not enough to receive funds in a central pool.

The last I checked donations and funding is not the missing link in disaster prevention and management in Nigeria. But rather, strengthening the capacity for rapid response to national emergencies. This is critical thinking. Establishing a Disaster Fund is not critical thinking. There is deep suspicion about the quantum of money that could be made and who should be in charge of the anticipated inflow. This is what the government appears to be interested in.

I stand to be corrected. It also appears the government forgot there is an agency called National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) whose mandate is to “coordinate resources towards efficient and effective disaster prevention, preparation, mitigation and response in Nigeria. ” It also appears that the supposed eggheads behind the establishment of the Disaster Relief Fund are not aware that there are five phases of emergency management including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Wale Edun, the supremo minister while making the announcement stated, “We know we do have the NEMA Relief Fund, we even have the Flood Relief Funds set up around 2012 but Mr President feels we need in this era of climate change, climate events as well as from time to time there will be matter in prevention measures there will be disaster that will occur.” What is the meaning of what he said? Let me help him out. It should not be a function of what Mr President “feels”, but what is necessary. For example, the emphasis was on the era of climate change. Is climate change a new concept? Who was supposed to remind the president about other agencies such as the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which serves the preventive function in the disaster management ecosystem? For the records, the NIHSA has a flood alert system that provides flood warning coverage, a real-time, community-oriented flood warning system geared towards reducing risks involved with flooding.

The establishment of flood warning systems near any major waterway or body of water provides critical information that can protect property and save lives. I think that the government must also do well to strengthen the operations and capacity of NIHSA. If that is done, the implication is that the country would have addressed a key component in the National Disaster Management Framework (NDMF). What this move by the government has done is begin the process of rendering some critical organs of government redundant and creating a parallel arm that would rival the existing structures. What happens afterward? The victims of disasters in the country would suffer because high-level politics would play out. It would indeed begin a regime of lethargy and blame game. This is a common feature in our clime. Let’s make some assumptions.

Say there was a disaster in a part of the country,  and funds were donated for that purpose to the Disaster Relief Fund. Would there be a structure in place for the Disaster Relief Fund to address the situation , or would we rely on the network of NEMA, NIHSA, and other agencies in the ecosystem to ameliorate the situation? But from the look of things, the government is not looking at the issue of disaster prevention and management holistically, hence the hurried establishment of the Disaster Relief Fund. It is akin to creating monsters while solving a problem because the government also didn’t factor in the institutional rivalry this move would create. Don’t forget that disaster situations require a rapid response approach. Creating bureaucracies ultimately defeats the purpose.  It is not enough to channel energies towards warehousing disaster relief funds. What about prevention and the preparedness to manage disaster situations? This is key to ensuring a robust disaster management strategy. I think the government got it wrong. It might as well pass for a reflex action without a clear-cut purpose. Or maybe the aim is to keep a proper record of donor funds for disaster-related purposes and not address disaster situations.

If this is the case, then I dare say the government is not intentional about addressing disaster situations in the country. What I had expected was strengthening the operations of agencies in the disaster prevention and management ecosystem for operational effectiveness. It is not rocket science. If there are noticeable lapses in operational effectiveness, the rational thing to do is to strengthen governance processes and structure. We can’t be duplicating roles and responsibilities given the dire economic situation in the country. No matter how coated it is, the Disaster Relief Fund is a duplication. It is unnecessary and runs contrary to the National Disaster Management Framework (NDMF), which provides a clear mechanism that serves as a regulatory guideline for effective and efficient disaster management in the country. The NDMF was conceptualized in 2018 and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement measures to enable communities, individuals, businesses and institutions to minimize the adverse effects of disasters in Nigeria, thereby enhancing the ability to prevent, prepare, respond to and recover from disasters across all elements in the country.

It also caters to the accessibility and governance of financial resources for disaster management. It stated that for disaster-related matters (DRM) to be successful,  “plans and operations must be linked with required financing for (a) immediate liquidity for relief and short/medium-term recovery, (b) resource mobilization for prevention and mitigation investments, (c) long-term recovery or reconstruction.” In light of the above, my question is, what does the government want to achieve with the establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund where there exists a robust disaster management framework in the country? The onus lies in the hands of the government to provide answers to this question. And if all the government cares about is pooling of resources alone, then we are making a caricature of governance and its impact on the lives of the people. We must tell ourselves the truth. Some certain things do not add up.  Why fix it when it is not broken?

Etila, a development expert, wrote from Abuja

BREAKING:Akwa Ibom Governor Loses Wife

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In a devastating turn of events, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has passed away.

According to a statement released by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, she died peacefully at the hospital on September 26, 2024, surrounded by her family .

The family has requested prayers and support during this difficult time, and has asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

I have made arrangement for my death – Soyinka

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Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has said he has made arrangement for his transition.

Soyinka, who turned 90 on 13 July 2024 and whose birthday was celebrated across the globe, made this statement in an exclusive interview Larry Madowo, host of the African Voices Changemakers and Playmakers series on CNN had with him

The interview was first broadcast on CNN on Saturday 21 September, 2024.

At the tail end of the interview, in which Soyinka spoke, among other things, about writing, activism, life in prison and the Nobel Prize in Literature which he won in 1986, Madowo asked him “Now that you have your own legal piece of earth here what is your new future?”

Soyinka, responding, said he didn’t want to be morbid but hinted that his transition was his future, adding that he had made arrangement for that within the estate.

Madowo, taken aback by the distinguished writer’s response, laughing, said: “That is the most morbid answer anybody has ever given me. ‘I have made arrangemenf for my death?”

Soyinka again responded: “Many people don’t like to hear it. As I said all the time. I won’t say it here. In fact, CNN, everybody knows what we are talking abbout. It is where we are all headed. It’s a future for everybody.”

Still, Madowo interjected, saying, “But before you die… ”

However, Soyinka later toned down his response and gave a more realistic and less morbid answer, saying that in terms of productivity the immediate thing is to go on a vacation.

“But in terms of productivity the immediate thing is to go on a vacation. Take a resolution which will be atttested judicially, not grant any more interviews, certainly not writing, but simply trying to resume certain activities which gave me pleasure, which I consciously and rigorously cut off to be able to pursue my vocation. Because I’m not going to sit on it.

“I would also get into a vehicle, somewhere, I don’t care, in the world and sit for a week or two weeks to be just a tourist. I’m looking forward to that, ” Soyinka maintained.

Osun Government Goes after Segilola over Tax Evasion, Environmental Pollutions, Shareholding, Others

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Osun State Government has raised serious concerns about the operations of the Segilola Gold Project, managed by subsidiaries of Thor Explorations Ltd, a UK-based company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

According to Prof. Lukman Jimoda, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Mining and Mineral Resources, the state’s investigation revealed various unethical business practices, including alleged tax evasion, use of proxies, and failure to comply with environmental rules and regulations.

The companies involved—such as SINIC Engineering, ATF Consulting, Monurent Nigeria, and others—are reportedly engaged in outsourcing employment and operations to undisclosed third parties without proper documentation or environmental compliance.

Prof. Jimoda highlighted that the federal constitution places environmental oversight under the concurrent list, allowing the state to assess companies’ operations for economic and environmental impacts.

He emphasized that the Segilola project, despite its significant production since 2019, has resisted complying with extant laws like the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) and the Company Income Tax Act (CITA) which govern tax levies.

He also expressed concerns over pollution, including particulate emissions and possible acid drains from waste rocks, which pose serious environmental risks to the state.

The state government is therefore demanding the payment of accrued taxes and environmental development levies, as well as proper documentation for all involved parties.

The Special Adviser stressed that Osun has not received its due revenue from the Segilola project for over three years, despite its bankable gold production since 2019.

“The government is prepared to take necessary actions to ensure compliance and safeguard the state’s environmental and economic interests”, the Special Adviser noted.

Also speaking, the Financial Consultant to the Office of Mining and Mineral Resources, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro while presenting his report said the allegations against Thor Explorations Ltd and its subsidiaries mark a significant moment for Osun State, as the government seeks to reclaim its financial rights and ensure compliance with tax regulations.

Dr Bolorunduro highlighted the state’s concern over the company’s alleged tax evasion and failure to comply with legal requirements, which could have severe financial implications for Osun.

Dr. Bolorunduro’s detailed statement paints a picture of a company attempting to sidestep its fiscal responsibilities, with far-reaching consequences for the state’s revenue.

“The refusal to remit taxes from both direct employees and service providers, as well as the evasion of other financial obligations, highlights a deeper issue of corporate governance and transparency.

Particularly troubling is the claim that Osun State’s interests in Tropical Mines Ltd were strategically diminished without due financial compensation, raising questions about the fairness of the company’s practices in Nigeria versus its compliance with international standards in the UK and Canada, where it is publicly listed”. Dr. Bolorunduro stated.

Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration has emphasized the need for due payments to be made, while also ensuring that business operations continue smoothly. This balanced approach underscores the state’s willingness to foster investment, but not at the expense of its fiscal health or integrity.

Responding to the allegations that the Adeleke Dynasty is involved in the management of the Segilola Gold Project, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi denied the report, noting that those holding a stake or the other in the gold firm areas shortchanged the Osun state government.

He therefore assured members of the public that the administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke will not relent in efforts to ensure that the state gets its dues from all companies operating in Osun State.

PSC Inaugurates Anti Corruption And Transparency Unit ..Argungu Charges Team

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By Ebinum Samuel

The Police Service Commission Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit was today, Tuesday, September 24th 2024, inaugurated. The inauguration was conducted by a team from the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, led by Olusegun Adigun, who represented the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN.Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni, told the new team that they are now in the temple of justice and should eschew tribal and religious sentiments in the discharge of their duty.

DIG Argungu reminded them that it is Nigeria first and that they should feel free to blow the whistle on him if found guilty of Corrupt Practices. “Come and confront me if you hear that I have diverted money. Don’t waste time to hold me accountable for any financial infractions”, he declared.

He said they should operate above the yoke of tribalism, nepotism and religious sentiments and bring all bad elements in the Commission to book. You have to be upright, he further advised the new Members of the Unit.The Chairman of the ICPC, who spoke through Olusegun Adigun said the Anti Corruption Transparency Unit is an initiative of the ICPC approved by the Federal Government to serve as an in- house check mechanism for Corruption prevention within “MDAs, in line with global best practices of building strong institutions and entrenching Good governance in the fight against corruption “.He said ACTU complements the ICPC in building strong institutions and fostering principles of accountability and Transparency in Government MDAs.The ICPC Chairman said the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit of the Commission will be a veritable tool in the achievement of PSC vision of becoming a highly motivated, professional, disciplined and accountable Police Service that upholds human rights ” if allowed to effectively discharge its functions “.According to the ICPC Chairman, ” it is hoped that with this inauguration, the Unit will be empowered to deliver on its mandate but noted “that ACTU is not envisioned as a parallel authority to the Management, rather it is expected to operate under the direct oversight of the Chairman so as to complement Management’s efforts in promoting Transparency and accountability within the Commission “DIG Taiwo Lakanu, Honourable Commissioner in the Commission pledged the support of the Commission in ensuring that the Unit succeeds in this onerous assignment.”

We will cooperate with the Chairman, work with him and propagate his lofty ideals to make the Commission Corrupt free.Spokesman of the Commission, Ikechukwuu Ani confirmed that the new Chairman of the PSC ACTU, Nasidi Yusuf in his acceptance speech after the inauguration pledged to uphold the principle of integrity, accountability and transparency, forster a culture of zero tolerance for corruption and ensure seamless collaboration with ICPC and other stakeholders.

Mr. Nasidi said the new team will promote education and awareness on anti’ Corruption best practices, address corruption related issues promptly and called on his other Members to join him to identify and mitigate Corruption risks, develop and implement effective anti Corruption strategies and monitor and evaluate progress.

THE HEART OF LEADERSHIP

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By Moses Oludele Idowu

“Live your life as exclamation rather than an explanation.”
-; Isaac Newton ( 1643 – 1727)

The most important aspect of a leader is not what he knows or how he thinks, even though these are very important too. Much more than thought and knowledge the most important part of a leader is his heart. Of what sort is he? Of what stuff is his heart made of?
The core of leadership, – a leadership that succeeds – revolves around love, emphaty, affection, passion and intensity not just grammar, elocution, oration and brilliance.
History vividly tells us that all things being equal a leader with a heart will move the world better than the one with just brain. Happy and blessed when a people is blessed with a leader with both brain and heart.
Conversely, you may take this for a fair rule that a nation or land ruled by men without heart and feelings is cursed. That land is under divine displeasure, you may be sure.

As Moses heard the divine verdict on Israel to be banished from Divine Presence for ever because of the idolatry of the Golden Calf, something in him triggered. A heart of compassion for his people. God gave him an offer to make of him and of his seed a great nation and wipe out Israel as a nation.
What a bargain!
Moses did not want that. He did not want the nation of his founding fathers destroyed for the sake of his own.
He told God instead to remove his name from the Holy Records if He would not forgive this people, this adulterous generation.
He had a heart for His people the very reason he eventually paid a fatal price by not entering the Land – the Land which more than any mortal he so laboured for.
Heart is what distinguishes a leader from a ruler. A leader has heart, a ruler has none.
Paul wished he would be banished if possible from the Eternal City if only that would assuage and pave the way for his people, his race the Nation of Israel.
Have you ever thought of that? Have you ever considered that?
Someone wishes to be sent to Hell if possible if only that his own people and nation may be reconciled to God. That is a leader. That is why he was notable among the apostles.

I just made a discovery recently reading a Jewish Rabbi. The Hebrew language has no word for “leadership”. There is an Hebrew word for king, mother, captain etc., but none for leader or leadership. Jews believe that the Hebrew is the language of God and the language Adam and Eve spoke. So if a word does not exist in the Hebrew Language then you should question that thing and the popular beliefs around it.
Perhaps the reason it does not exist is because “leadership” is not what you learn, it is who you are. If you are a leader your heart and the state of your heart will reveal it and the people following you.

David would not allow a lion to take even one sheep from his father’s fold. He would not suffer a bear to feast and have a lunch on his father’s herd. For the sake of even a sheep he put his life in danger to rescue it. What would it cost him to tell the father that a lion took one of the sheep? The father would at least understand and even give praise to the God of Israel that his son was not hurt. But not for David. He had a heart for compassion even for sheep.
Years later as he watched thousands of Israel dying due to plague because of his own disobedience for numbering Israel he protested to God. “Let your Hands be upon me and upon my Father’s house, leave Israel alone. I am the one who sinned.”

That is a heart. That is a man whose very heart burned and yearned seeing the sufferings of his people.

That is a leader. A man who would risk his life for sheep what would you expect he would do for the least among the thousands of Israel?

That is what we need today: leaders with a heart. Not devils who has memorised leadership concepts and Platonic ideals. Men and women with a shepherd heart, not he-goats who have been to Harvard and Oxford. Harvard won’t give you such a heart.
Education is very good. Learning is excellent. I do not disparage learning because I am a man of learning. That I have written more than 40 books that have gone through several reprints and numberless articles and papers in magazines, newspapers and even learned journals, is a proof I am not averse to education. I cherish it.

But make no mistake. Education won’t give you certain things. Learning or scholarship alone won’t bring certain things in place.

Possibly the best educated ruler among Africa nations was Robert Mugabe who holds several degrees and PhDs. Yet he was possibly one of the the worst in the entire continent
Have you witnessed the number of professors presently that are facing corruption charges in EFCC courts across the country after a stint in public office? And I heard reliably recently that if the President who is the Visitor of universities had been able to check or go through the Visitation Reports on his table and act on them many more professors would be in jail or on trial. That is how bad it is.
No education is not enough. Or would you say a professor is not educated?

The jihadist named El-Rufai who recently boasted of installing a Muslim- Muslim ticket and silencing Christians in Kaduna, I am referring to the archetypal waster who presided over a state of blood with many loss of lives because he was interested in control and domination not governance, was at Harvard.

If you are a devil or have the heart of a Devil Harvard can’t make you a saint. Education does not make a man necessarily good, it can even make a devil a more ruthless and clever devil.

A leader must work on his heart first before his head. Heart is more important than brain or head. Give me a man with a large heart instead of one with big brain, if I cannot have the two. I will run with him.
Knowledge can be acquired, it can be taught. But a goat cannot be made to a sheep. A serpent will always be a serpent.

When politicians come to you, when prophets and pastors come before you don’t just listen to the mouth or the oratory, look at the heart. Watch his steps, actions, how he treats people, his subordinates, … Look for clues that reveals his heart. Notice how he speaks… From the heart or from the head?

Oratory gave Germany an Adolf Hitler, and what was the result? Hierarchy gave Russia a Josef Stalin instead of a more rounded Leon Trotsky and millions perished as a consequence.

Leadership is more about the heart than about the brain. That is why you have to “work more on yourself than on your job,” as business philosopher Jim Rohn rightly said.

As the American soldiers were about to depart to the battlefields of Europe during the World War II, President Einsenhower gave them a passionate farewell address. A president with a heart and once a general of the army himself. He knew that battles are serious things, that many of those he was addressing won’t return or see America again. At a point in his address he was touched, with emotions. It was the soldiers who were comforting him not to worry about them because they signed for it and it is the price they must pay for liberty to reign on the Earth.

Around the same time something was happening on the European front. Josef Stalin too was sending Russian soldiers to the battlefield to face the same monster of Nazism. But here there was a difference. No emotions,no concerns, no emphaty, no feelings…No words of kindness. Just like a technician throwing a spanner or bolts or nuts in his garage.

Winston Churchill was touring Britain after the war and seeing homes of people burnt down and houses completely bombed out in the blitzkrieg and the owners of the houses standing outside he wept publicly. A prime minister of a whole nation, a cultured and civilized nation.

What made the difference? A heart. Leadership with a heart. Yet Churchill did not even have a university degree but he is regarded as one of British greatest rulers.

On a glass of wine with Winston Churchill, Josef Stalin told him that the collectivization of agriculture in Russia took 10 million lives. That he had to waste that much of his population for the policy to scale through. He said it without betraying any emotion or feelings.

How about that?

What makes the difference between one and the other? The heart. The heart of some people will permit them to do anything – steal, loot, burn a whole village down like Odi or Zaki Beam.

Even while he visited Jesse where an explosion had just occurred almost wiping out an entire village Abdulsalami Abubakar, the head of state was shown smiling or laughing in the camera.

Even as the nation was in mourning over the death by gunshots of ABU students in 1985, Babangidda was shown beaming with smiles and sharing banters and laughter with Segun Okeowo as he set up a probe panel on the crisis.

The only time I remember that Buhari put on military uniform was when he was told that cows are being rustled and he went to mobilise soldiers to fight the rustlers. That is where his heart was. Not on farmers that are being killed but on cows.

Those who are old enough to witness the days of the Second Republic in the 1980’s would remember one Umaru Dikko, a minister in Shehu Shagari cabinet who said Nigerians are not hungry because he could not see anyone eating from the dustbin yet.

Boy, we have been abused in this nation for a long time. I don’t know the crime Nigerians committed against God.

The students of Ladoke Akintola University came to protest after several months of closure at Governor’s Office Ibadan and when his majesty, the governor, Isiaka Ajimobi would answer them he asked, ” Is this the first time that university would be shut” ( Se won sese nti unifasiti ni?)
So when few years later too he came down with COVID-19 the students too could answer him, ” Is this the first time someone will die of covid?”

The people who come to leadership in this nation, most of them have no heart.

What I see on the landscape astounds me.

Animal greed. The kind of greed that we do not even see in the animal kingdom

Even animals don’t steal what they don’t need. What would you do with these stolen billions that are not useful for you and members of your family while souls around you of your own kinsmen die in abject poverty and squalor?

Those who say Nigeria is a zoo do not have a point but they do point out something. I am afraid Nigeria is degenerating beyond that.

In a zoo you have beasts who are under human government and regulations, who are therefore not allowed to hurt each other. The lion cannot leave his cage to hurt the antelope; the serpent is not allowed to leave its glass ceiling to spread poison. Because there is a human government and imposed order.

That is not what we now have in Nigeria.

In a nation where for 8 years Fulani herdsmen terrorists and bandits wreaked havocs on their fellow citizens without a whimper of protest from government except to defend them; in a nation where a public official stole N90 billions and billions of dollars stolen in crude thefts without the navy seeing it for years, where ritual murderers operate in hotels and yahoo boys and yahoo- plus merchants are on the loose to operate; in a nation where a governor is taking pension while at the same time serving as senator or minister of government, where senators are better paid than the occupants of White House and Downing Street… In a nation where a militant and warlord publicly accused the military of smuggling and incompetence from the seat of power not a private balcony, you no longer have a zoo, you have a jungle. And in a jungle only one rule obtains: eat or be eaten.

Why?

Because our leadership have no heart, little brain and big bellies.
I was given to understand by a very top executive who has moved in the circles of politicians and governors that virtually every night in most of our government houses parties are being held. So there is a wine cellar which is always active and a library that is rarely opened. They spend more time with wine than with books. That is why their bellies are bigger than their brains

If Nigeria is a jungle or zoo, – that even Nigerians could fathom such a thing about their nation- is because our leaders are more like Josef Stalin than Winston Churchill. Cold, insipid, lifeless, heartless…

Good morning, Nigerians.

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June 23, 2023
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I’ll make Ife a befitting global Yoruba race headquarters – Adeleke

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has disclosed that his administration is committed to the infrastructure development of Ile-Ife in a bid to make it a befitting tourism headquarters for the Yoruba race.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on Monday, he decried the low development of the ancient city, saying his administration would transform the town into a tourist attraction site.

Adeleke who spoke while hosting leaders of the Ife Development Board at the Government House, said his administration’s decision to change the face of Ile Ife was because the ancient city cannot continue to look like a village when global visitors come calling, affirming that Ile Ife is too important to remain low rated in infrastructure outlook.

Flanked by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, he lauded the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi’s support and the entire Ife sons and daughters on the road dualisation project embarked upon by his administration.

“Ile Ife is not only the cultural capital and source of all Yoruba people but also the global tourism and religious base of Yorubas in North America, South America and other parts of the world.

“Our administration is committed to completing the flyover as well as the dualisation of the road leading to the Ooni palace. I want to be recorded in history as the Governor who transformed Ile Ife into a modern cultural and tourist city

“I Thank the Ooni of Ife and other Ife leaders for supporting us on the ongoing flyover and dualisation projects at Ile Ife. Aside from the cultural and tourism factors, the economic case for the Lagere flyover has been well canvassed as the junction is the meeting point for business interaction from Osun West, from Ilesa and Ondo through Garage Olode”, the Governor told the leaders.

Speaking earlier, the President of Ife Development Board, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for his development strides in Osun state and particularly at Ile Ife, listing requests touching on road expansion, security and agriculture.

His words, “Ile-Ife is our collective heritage. It deserves more than passing attention. As the ancestral home of all Yoruba both here in Nigeria and in the Diaspora, we all owe ourselves the duty to transform it and make it more amiable, more welcoming as the poster place for all proud Yoruba”.

Insecurity: Senator Karimi’s military base project set for handover to Nigerian Army

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By Yinka Adaranijo

In what may go into record books as first of its kind in the North Central geo-political zone, a singularly initiated and funded by an individual in his private capacity, Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi has communicated authorities of the Nigerian Army his intention to handover the newly completed Military Forward Operating Base (FOB) in his Constituency. The project, which ground breaking held in January 2024, is located at the intersection of Kwara/Kogi/Ekiti states boundary town, in Egbe, Yagba West Local Council, Kogi State. Eruku, an Okun speaking community in Kwara State, is a walking distance from Egbe.

Karimi, in the letter he personally signed and dated 14th September, 2024, scheduled the official commissioning of the project for Monday, October 14th, 2024. The letter titled “Handing Over of Newly Constructed and Furnished Military Base for the Nigerian Army in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, Kogi State”, and addressed to the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Oyo State, through the Brigade Commander,
12 Brigade (BDE), Nigerian Army, Lokoja, Kogi State.

It reads: “Sir, I hereby wish to inform you that I have completed the construction of a Military Base in the outskirts of Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State at the border between Kwara and Kogi State for the Nigerian Army to improve Security in Kogi and Kwara States. The idea of the military base was conceived by me in January this year to assist the Nigerian Military and Security Agencies to ensure quick response in combating terrorists, kidnappers and criminals whose activities in recent times around the Border of Kogi and Kwara (where there is a great expanse of forests and fast becoming a fortress for criminals) has become an issue of national concern. It is also hoped that the presence of a standard military base will serve as a deterrence to these criminals and restore peace and security in the communities in Kogi and Kwara States”.

The lawmaker further stated that the urge to construct, furnish and handover the edifice to the Nigerian Army is borne out of his commitment to assisting the federal government in its fight against insecurity, protecting the lives of the citizenry and warding off criminals from the rural communities. According to him, the newly completed military base has two hostels which have 85 bed spaces for soldiers. It is fully furnished with beds, beddings and all fittings for comfortable human habitation. There is a concrete armory and a moderately furnished office wing for the Commander of the Military Base.

The official residence of the Commander of the Military Base is a 3-bedroom apartment, fully furnished with cable television and allied fittings. The FOB also features Officers Mess (a) and (b) for officers and soldiers in the Military Base. The armoury building is a well-constructed Watch Tower with Surveillance camera for intelligence and security gathering. The facility occupies an adequately fenced land on approximately 10,000 Square Metres, fitted with American Security Fence Wires with two iron gates provided. There are 25KVA solar generating inverters provided for regular off-grid power supply and 22KVA standby generating set provided as alternative power source to ensure constant power supply. Senator Karimi is his letter reiterated his commitment to connecting the base to grid power supply (PHCN/IBEDC) immediately. Other features of the FOB are separate toilets and kitchen facilities, refrigerators, cookers and a cell for detention, among others.

“Having completed the project, it is my desire to hand over same to the Nigerian Army for the deployment of troops and for good use immediately. I hereby request that the hand over of the project to the Nigerian Army be scheduled/fixed for 12th October 2024 which shall coincide with the celebration of Egbe Township Day and we request your presence at the commissioning and handing over of the Military Base as part of events marking the celebration. Whilst appreciating you for your commitment to defending the Nigerian State from external aggression and suppressing armed insurrection of all kinds”, he said.

When he was interviewed former presidential aide, reknowned media practitioner, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors (FANA) and Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja, Dr Tunde Olusunle, conveyed the collective delight of the Okun country to this development. Olusunle who chairs the Yagba Action Group (YAG), said it is heartening that “All is set for the inauguration of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), initiated and wholly built by the Senator representing Kogi West District, Sunday Karimi. Karimi spent the 2023 yuletide with his constituents visiting communities and local government areas across the seven local government areas in his catchment.

He was inundated with complaints and cries about how bandits, kidnappers and similar criminal elements, had made life unbearable for his people. The situation has badly impacted the agrarian economy of Kogi West, almost creating an existential and food security crisis. State and local government employees who work as teachers, agriculturists, among others vocations, have had to bank outside their domains, with attendant risks and inconveniences.

“Deadly robbers have repeatedly attacked banks and chased the First Bank, which had a brand in each of the seven Kogi West LGAs, and Access Bank, with Yagba federal constituency most affected. A dismayed Karimi prioritised a model FOB beginning from early this year, to mitigate the constant violation of the peace and security of his people by miscreants. Without awaiting the bureaucratese of raising the question of the helplessness of his people on the floor of the parliament, he chose to design and finance the initiative from his personal resources. This is most exemplary.”