CELEBRATING NIGERIA @ 52 – Time for nation building, not bashing!

Friends, what a joy and privilege that we are alive to witness the 52nd independence anniversary day, week and month of our great country, Nigeria. Throughout this week and month, we will be posting a series to celebrate our nation, the people and leadership; using Mr. President as a point of contact. No matter the situation and challenges we are going through as a nation, it does call for a celebration, that against all odds, Nigeria stands, strong and vibrant.
For us, as citizens of this giant of Africa, we owe it to ourselves to celebrate Nigeria. It is a country that is flowing with milk and honey. This is evident by the rush of western democracies and other world economic blocks to partake of its goodness, under the guise of development partnerships and investments. Let us use this occasion to celebrate some of the inherent rights we enjoy as citizens of Nigeria. It is not a requirement for us to obtain a visa, nor do we need to join ourselves to another citizen to acquire residency rights. All that is ingrained in our DNA at birth, no matter the birth place. Under a democratically elected government, we also have the right to criticize our leaders, though this to a large extent is being abused. Our portion as citizens are in fact divinely assured (Isaiah 62:7b). These rights also demand some responsibilities, such as respect to constituted authority, and the contribution of our own quota to national building and development, in any capacity we have. We also need to pray for Nigeria and our leaders (1Timothy 2:1-2).

Happy independence anniversary celebration, Nigeria!

As we mark this august occasion by whatever manner, it is important to note however, that the ultimate independence comes from a knowledge and relationship with God and our Lord, Jesus Christ. If you would like true freedom and independence, visit any Bible believing church near you, or: CHAPEL OF DESTINY RESTORATION CHURCH, 2 Akinlabi Lane, off Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, by Round About Bus Stop, Ikeja. Lagos.
We will be glad to have you join us this Sunday, October 7, at 9 am. I will be preaching a message, titled: “Hannah 101: Lessons in Hope & Expectation”

CELEBRATING NIGERIA @ 52 – Time for nation building, not bashing!

Friends, what a joy and privilege that we are alive to witness the 52nd independence anniversary day, week and month of our great country, Nigeria. Throughout this week and month, we will be posting a series to celebrate our nation, the people and leadership; using Mr. President as a point of contact. No matter the situation and challenges we are going through as a nation, it does call for a celebration, that against all odds, Nigeria stands, strong and vibrant.
For us, as citizens of this giant of Africa, we owe it to ourselves to celebrate Nigeria. It is a country that is flowing with milk and honey. This is evident by the rush of western democracies and other world economic blocks to partake of its goodness, under the guise of development partnerships and investments. Let us use this occasion to celebrate some of the inherent rights we enjoy as citizens of Nigeria. It is not a requirement for us to obtain a visa, nor do we need to join ourselves to another citizen to acquire residency rights. All that is ingrained in our DNA at birth, no matter the birth place. Under a democratically elected government, we also have the right to criticize our leaders, though this to a large extent is being abused. Our portion as citizens are in fact divinely assured (Isaiah 62:7b). These rights also demand some responsibilities, such as respect to constituted authority, and the contribution of our own quota to national building and development, in any capacity we have. We also need to pray for Nigeria and our leaders (1Timothy 2:1-2).

Happy independence anniversary celebration, Nigeria!

As we mark this august occasion by whatever manner, it is important to note however, that the ultimate independence comes from a knowledge and relationship with God and our Lord, Jesus Christ. If you would like true freedom and independence, visit any Bible believing church near you, or: CHAPEL OF DESTINY RESTORATION CHURCH, 2 Akinlabi Lane, off Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, by Round About Bus Stop, Ikeja. Lagos.
We will be glad to have you join us this Sunday, October 7, at 9 am. I will be preaching a message, titled: “Hannah 101: Lessons in Hope & Expectation”

ENTERTAINMENT IS DIVINE

In my earlier post, I stated that entertainment is a creation of God. Music played and continues to play a major role in the worship of God. All through the Bible, we see instances of the use of music. For instance, its use in the fall of Jericho is common knowledge. It helped in the healing of King Saul (1 Samuel 16:23), during celebration of the return of the Ark to Jerusalem after the Philistines captured it (2 Samuel 6:15); whilst it inspired Elisha to prophesy victory to Israel (2 Kings 3:15). Many renowned western pop stars started their career from the church, and here in Nigeria, the story is very much the same. And, the reason we have “Old School” today is that they are real, inspiring and enduring music.

Satan before his fall was head of choir in heaven (Ezekiel 28:11-18). Unfortunately, he has perverted music and entertainment and is busy selling that fake to unsuspecting listeners and viewers. The fact that a fake exists, validates the original. The challenge, of course, is to have the spirit of discernment so as not to buy and enjoy the fake! In a similar manner, God has created each one of us an original, meant to fulfill a particular purpose. If we don’t find out the original purpose, it is possible to live out our life mimicking the devil, and wasting our talents.

To know and enjoy true entertainment whilst fulfilling divine purpose, you need a relationship with God. If you will like to find out more about God and how you can have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, visit any bible believing church near you, or: CHAPEL OF DESTINY RESTORATION CHURCH, 2 Akinlabi Lane, off Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, by Round About Bus Stop, Ikeja. Lagos

THE FUTURE OF ENTERTAINMENT

THE FUTURE OF ENTERTAINMENT

Friends, yesterday we looked at the career of DeeJay Gosporella as an example of focus on things of enduring value. Today, I would like us to also use that as a prism to review the entertainment industry.

No doubt, entertainment is part of our present, and future. If the future must be preserved, then we need entertainment that can bring about positive change and help us in nation building. We need songs and lyrics that inspire and also entertain. We need music videos that tell a good story. We need dance that is proudly Nigerian, nay African. We need jokes that are clean, funny and help us make necessary changes in our life. And yes, we need fashion and clothes that cover.

The truth is that entertainment is a creation of God; and everything made by Him is very good (Genesis 1:31). It is important that we strive to live the very good life and produce things that are equally good. Of greater importance is that we should employ only God’s standard as a benchmark for what is good!
Working according to God’s standard is possible only if we have a personal relationship with Him. To find out more about God and how you can have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, visit any bible believing church near you, or: CHAPEL OF DESTINY RESTORATION CHURCH, 2 Akinlabi Lane, off Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, by Round About Bus Stop, Ikeja. Lagos

CELEBRATING FOCUS: DeeJay Gosporella & Gospel Zone @ 3

On Sunday 23rd September, a core group of friends, associates, well wishers and fans gathered round DeeJay Gosporella, as he cut the third anniversary cake of his popular Sunday morning programme on radio: Gospel Zone.
My view though, is that the occasion was more a celebration of the anchor than the programme. Through dint of hard work, tenacity and focus, the man Gosporella has achieved the status of a principality, and I mean that on a positive note, in the gospel, nay, kingdom music genre. He has stood firm on his conviction that music and entertainment can be inspiring, positive, ennobling and ultimately to the glory of God. He shunned the get rich quick route and decided, early on, to pursue the difficult but ultimately rewarding narrow street of virtue and value. He believed that music should not be a lyrical pornography where the listener is assaulted with calls to shake the posterior and other parts of the female anatomy. To him, music should have a good content, and there must be a message, both to the young and old generation.

It is not surprising that he would attract various collaborations, awards and recognitions, here at home and overseas. It was such collaborations that brought us together in 2008. My company, Edensquire Entertainment had launched a brand, Love Bananas, in 2007. Held the Sunday following the Valentine’s Day, Love Bananas showcased the best of inspiring music, dance and comedy. The maiden edition held at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, was headlined by Julius Agwu and Buchi. It also featured Gordons, who brought Gosporella to my attention, since his focus aligned with our vision. The 2008 edition of the show, was held in the same venue, but this time in collaboration with Gosporella. Through his contacts, we had Segun Obe and Tosin Martins as headliners.

There is hardly any young contemporary Nigerian music artiste who has not come in contact or benefitted from Gosporella’s experience and advice as they sought to create their own space. For the upcoming talents, acceptance of their demo by him is a sign that they are making progress. If he does not give the demo airtime, he will at least listen and give advice. I know, because I experienced that when late last year, I gave him the demo of my teenage daughter’s CD titled “The Right Word”

As Gospel Zone marks three, we wish the programme and the anchor greater achievements in the years ahead. I have heard it said that the sky is not the limit, because there are footprints in the moon. There is no doubt that we are going to hear more from the stable of Gosporella, and who knows yours truly may still collaborate with him in some soon coming kingdom entertainment concepts!

Dear friends, as I end this post, may I ask if you have had difficulty focusing on any worthwhile venture, things of enduring value, a life-long calling that you can be remembered by? You cannot do it on your own. Ask God to help you to discover purpose, and give you the grace to focus in pursuit. But you must first have a relationship with Him.

To find out more about God and how you can have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, visit any bible believing church near you, or: CHAPEL OF DESTINY RESTORATION CHURCH, 2 Akinlabi Lane, off Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, by Round About Bus Stop, Ikeja. Lagos

THE BIBLE IS A TREASURE!

Friends, the Bible is good news. It is the best source ever, for good news, information and entertainment. It is the manual for life; and above all, the basis for achieving good success, here and the hereafter (Joshua 1:8).

All too often, we are caught up with buying or reading management and success books. However, if we realize that the Bible is the manual of life, and that it is God’s Word, speaking to us, “online, real time”, we will gladly connect, consult and digest it regularly. After all, we peruse the manuals of expensive phones, cars, electronics and other gadgets of modern life, in an effort to understand them and derive maximum satisfaction there from. The Bible helps us to understand the mind of our creator, so that we can live to His maximum satisfaction and achieve purpose. Do you have a Bible? Is it just an object of decoration, or do you study and meditate on it daily?

To find out how to live out each day to maximum satisfaction and attainment of purpose, visit any bible believing church near you, or: CHAPEL OF DESTINY RESTORATION CHURCH, 2 Akinlabi Lane, off Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, by Round About Bus Stop, Ikeja. Lagos

A WORTHY EXAMPLE II

Friends, permit me to sum up in five words what I learnt from Uncle Nat Okoro:

1. Perseverance
2. Trustworthy
3. Diligence
4. Faith
5. Contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

As a new week dawns, let us in our individual sphere of influence, determine to make a change and be a shining example. I recommend strongly that you do not attempt this task alone. Look up the hills ( Psalms 121) and bring on the Lord, Jesus Christ.

To find out more about God and the Lord Jesus Christ, visit any bible believing church near you, or: CHAPEL OF DESTINY RESTORATION CHURCH, 2 Akinlabi Lane, off Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, by Round About Bus Stop, Ikeja. Lagos

A WORTHY EXAMPLE

Friends, yesterday I was privileged to spend three hours with a living legend and pillar of faith, Uncle Nat Okoro. I had gone to his Lekki home on an appointment regarding a particular proposed business transaction. By the time I was leaving, we had ruled out the transaction, but the lessons learnt at his feet during those three hours would last a life time. Perhaps you didn’t know, Nat C.U. Okoro was the pioneer indigenous managing director of Nigeria Railways Cooperation (1985-1987). Before then, they had general managers. All his working life, 37 years in all, were spent at the Railways; rising from the lowest of ranks to the pinnacle.

At retirement in 1987, his salary was in three digits, and the gratuity, in four digits, was further diminished when his personal loan was deducted. However, this “meager” earnings were enough to build two houses, one in his country home, and the other in Lagos; but more especially he also raised godly children who are affecting their generation today in various fields of endeavour. This may sound so farfetched today when public servants loot pension and other funds to build whole estates, and you wonder what they would do with all that money; not forgetting of course, the effect on the real owners!

Uncle Nat is 82 years, retired but not tired. He is still active in the service of God and man, consulting for clients in and outside the country (having spent 37 years in one institution, you would assume, rightly, that he eats and breathes transport). Flowing with ease from his lap top to his I Pad, you see the ready drafts of at least four books, including his autobiography, a memo to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and notes on topical issues such as terrorism.

In this age where it is difficult to find role models who owe no man (1Samuel 12:3), Uncle Nat is a shining example for us all, the stuff that deserve national honors, but above all and more importantly, belongs to the hall of fame of heroes of faith (Hebrews 11). And thank God he is still with us today and going strong! Friends let us emulate that which is noble.

GOOD NEWS

Friends, it’s another day in the land of the living. We serve a God who not only preserves us, but is ever loving and kind to forgive us our sins and shortcomings. He craves for a relationship with us and though we may have done or still do some bad stuff, His grace through the redemption of Jesus Christ freely justify us (Romans 3:22-23). But let us not take that grace for granted and so dwell in our sins. As the prodigal son, let us come back to Him, confess and repent of our sins. He will not only welcome us with open arms, but declare a feast for us! What a loving God.

To find out more about God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and how you can live a sin-free life, visit any bible believing church near you, or: CHAPEL OF DESTINY RESTORATION CHURCH, 2 Akinlabi Lane, off Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, by Round About Bus Stop, Ikeja. Lagos

Dear Friends

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

- 3 John 1:2 (New International Version)