PAGE 40—SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 1, 2019 Why is there so much hate in the land? (1) "To hate, to love, to think, to feel, to see, all this is nothing but to perceive," by David Hume. shifted on the s<strong>of</strong>a, I stretched out my legs and adjusted my head to allow a clear breathing passage. I have a few more minutes to waste be<strong>for</strong>e I start the arduous work. Nigeria has been on my mind <strong>for</strong> quite some time, and I thought to myself it was time to visit the motherland. I am always excited about the probability <strong>of</strong> going to Nigeria. This is not only <strong>for</strong> the opportunity to meet long-time family members and friends but also to catch up with new developments. So on this day, the thoughts came strongly to me as I sat in my lounge. I stared at the laptop in the corner and there was a strong urge to grab it and search <strong>for</strong> a cheap ticket. This, I recognised, was the hard work. I narrowed my eyes <strong>for</strong> a moment. I needed taking in the excitement and the expectations <strong>of</strong> the journey. It would be several weeks <strong>of</strong> preparations, purchases, packing <strong>of</strong> bags and setting priorities. I sighed as I reflected on how I would be able to My season <strong>of</strong> miracle and testimony The 3 days Annual Con vention and Thanks giving 2019 <strong>of</strong> the Church started with a great prophetic declaration and deliverance section by the woman <strong>of</strong> God on 29th Nov 2019. MESSAGE- Luke 21 vs 12- <strong>13</strong> "But be<strong>for</strong>e all these, they shall lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into the prisons, being brought be<strong>for</strong>e Kings and rulers <strong>for</strong> my name sake. And it shall turn to you <strong>for</strong> a TESTIMONY" Testimony is when you testify in the midst <strong>of</strong> challenges, it is not what you say after you have gone through challenges but what you say in the midst <strong>of</strong> those trials, temptations and troubles. Just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who in the midst <strong>of</strong> difficulty refused to bow and worship the golden image <strong>of</strong> Nebuchadnezzar; their testimony was that they were not consumed by the burning fiery furnace. Daniel 3 vs 16-17 "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego answered and said to the king. O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter; If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out <strong>of</strong> thine hands, O king". squeeze these into my day to day tasks. Not to worry, I thought to myself, I would be waking up with renewed spring in my steps looking <strong>for</strong>ward to the trip. The many positive stories I have heard about Nigeria in recent times galvanised me to desperately want this trip. I need seeing <strong>for</strong> myself. I narrowed my eyes <strong>for</strong> a moment as I placed my right fist under my chin to discover a more com<strong>for</strong>table position <strong>for</strong> my head. I needed this “wee” me time be<strong>for</strong>e I reached <strong>for</strong> the laptop to start the search <strong>for</strong> the "cheap" return ticket. So I allowed my thoughts to go wild as I slipped into a “controlled unconsciousness." The type we experience when we crawl into beds in the night. ”Do you have anything to declare, sir?” a distinct earpleasing feminine voice revived me. ”No,” I replied. ”Please follow this other queue,” she said as she signalled me in the appropriate direction. ”Thank you,” I said and moved on. I looked around me as the queue progressed. I grabbed my trolley and pushed on in an attempt to catch up with the last individual on the queue. Earlier on I had noticed the staffs at the immigration counters were polite and business-like. An <strong>of</strong>ficer pr<strong>of</strong>essionally attended to me and greeted me with a cheerful smile. He said, "have a nice stay.” I smiled to myself as I recollected how my friend tried to persuade me everything has changed from what I had experienced be<strong>for</strong>e. No matter how much I attempted to suggest to her that the many negative stories about my destination were “uncheery,” she was unperturbed. Her praise <strong>of</strong> the progress and developments made in the space <strong>of</strong> five years was very convincing. She was adamant the negative stories on social media were planted and sponsored by opposition parties. She argued that despite the "seeable" achievements <strong>of</strong> the present administration, the opposition leaders remain blind they could barely see beyond their noses. This was not the first time I have heard this. In fact, it has become a trend every time I discuss with sympathisers <strong>of</strong> the current government. What surprises me is that they <strong>struggle</strong> to point to any meaningful development. More willingly, they concentrate their energy on educating me <strong>of</strong> the fact that "haters" <strong>of</strong> the government are habitually out to discredit the splendid works. As I walked towards the exit <strong>of</strong> the airport, I experienced a little bit <strong>of</strong> shame <strong>for</strong> doubting all the "hailers." There is no need <strong>for</strong> any extra convincing that the era <strong>of</strong> change had indeed come. I looked around The reality on the ground was altogether different from what was painted on WhatsApp groups and various <strong>for</strong>ums. I cautioned myself that maybe I was a bit hasty in my conclusion again; the paints on the walls were sparkling while the floor was glistering, as if polished. "There is something unusual about this place," I muttered under my breath. The Arrival Hall was devoid <strong>of</strong> the usual buying and selling atmosphere that was commonplace there. There were no blackmarket operators or the everpresent SIM card sellers or cab drivers that delight in hustling travellers out <strong>of</strong> their money. I was taken aback when I stepped outside the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The brightness <strong>of</strong> the street lights shocked me as I walked towards the taxi rank. There was no hustling or hassling from the usual touts at the airport. I could not resist admiring the serenity <strong>of</strong> the airport as the driver pulled out towards the city centre. "This is unbelievable," I said to myself. But the driver picked It is your time to testify in Bishop Dr (Mrs) Chioma Grace Dauji the midst <strong>of</strong> your sicknesses, problems and challenges; so AMAZING GRACE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH stop lamenting, stop worrying, class on unity Worldwide (Solution Ground). stop complaining but rather say "Many are the afflictions 1 Bakare Avenue, Palmgroove, Lagos. The Chairman <strong>of</strong> Patani Lo- <strong>of</strong> the righteous but God delivers us from them all". I want you to know that your present situation is <strong>for</strong> people to glorify God, and what you are going through will surely end in TESTIMONY. You don't have to listen to what people say about you, what matters most is what God says about you, your testimony will bring people to God. If you can hold on to the Lord your God, the Testimony in your life will announce you. That will be the end <strong>of</strong> discussion about you, even those who laughed at you, shall be no cause to worry because God will give you a Miracle that will surprise your enemies and which will silence those who make mockery <strong>of</strong> you. I want you to believe that the challenges you are going through are the stepping stones to your Miracle. God bless you. ANAMBRA 2021: Ike Oligbo declares <strong>for</strong> governorship By Tony Nwankwo •Oligbo Like a long awaited eastern star, United Kingdom-based businessman, lawyer and politician, Chief Ike Oligbo (Ike Edeke), has come to test the political landscape <strong>of</strong> Anambra State. He has indicated plans to contest the 2021 governorship election <strong>of</strong> the state on the plat<strong>for</strong>m <strong>of</strong> the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Making his quest known recently, at a press conference in Awka, Oligbo said he would return Anambra to the path <strong>of</strong> growth and development by providing quality education. With a compulsory Nine-year education programme to improve the rate <strong>of</strong> literacy in the state Oligbo says he will provide a <strong>for</strong>midable plat<strong>for</strong>m <strong>for</strong> PDP to win the governorship election in Anambra State in 2021. Addressing his supporters in his first public declaration, after donating and commissioning party <strong>of</strong>fices <strong>for</strong> grassroots campaigns in Idemili North LGA, Oligbo said: “My dear good people <strong>of</strong> Anambra State, I feel highly privileged to publicly declare to serve you as the chief steward <strong>for</strong> Anambra State in 2021. God keeping us alive, I promise to follow in the footsteps <strong>of</strong> <strong>for</strong>mer Governor Peter Obi, to match and infact surpass his laudable achievements in this State”, he said. Unveiling his development plan tagged `My Contract with Ndi Anambra’, Oligbo continued: “Let me say, with all sense <strong>of</strong> responsibility and modesty, that I am very much aware <strong>of</strong> the enormity <strong>of</strong> work we must do to put our dear state back to work, to harness the many bright minds that we are blessed with, in the areas <strong>of</strong> education, civil service, entrepreneurship and sports, amongst others. He recalled that while some <strong>of</strong> the administrations in the state, had per<strong>for</strong>med poorly, others had recorded average per<strong>for</strong>mances, but he singled out the administration <strong>of</strong> Mr. Peter Obi, whom he said, made the most appreciable impact in building the state through his integrated approach to governance, predicated on the highest degree <strong>of</strong> probity and accountability – the most vital ingredients, he said that are necessary to pull Anambra back from the woods. “It is my intention to reinvent that administration and improve on the standard already set by Obi”, he said. “My administration will make quality education a priority, ensuring that adequate facilities are provided together with an enabling environment to assist pupils and students in their quest <strong>for</strong> excellence. We will rehabilitate schools and recruit qualified teachers to enhance learning. I will ensure a full implementation <strong>of</strong> the national minimum wage and pay salaries as and when due, provide firefighting trucks and adequate funding and training <strong>for</strong> fire <strong>of</strong>ficials in the state. He revealed: “We will ensure that new inter-state and local roads are constructed it and replied in a deep eastern accent: "Everything has changed. We are immensely enjoying these 'change' leaders." I nodded in agreement with him as we sped <strong>of</strong>f towards the flyover. The journey was remarkably smooth. No potholes and no street or traffic light 'misbehaved'. As we descended the flyover, I looked in the direction <strong>of</strong> the popular Aswani Market/Iyana Isolo. The whole stretch was properly lit and you could easily mistake it was daytime. I smiled to myself as I recollected how risky it was <strong>for</strong> me to walk the few metres from the Rutam House to Toyota Bus Stop after the close <strong>of</strong> work in years gone by. A few colleagues were robbed there. I could see people walking "carelessly" on the streets. I noticed nice public transport buses pull in and out <strong>of</strong> the well-constructed bus stops. The commuters stepped aboard and disembarked with ease. There were no pushes or shuffles thereby making it difficult <strong>for</strong> pickpockets to operate viable businesses. In the corner <strong>of</strong> my eyes, I spotted a few police cars, vans and <strong>of</strong>ficers casually patrolling the streets. They were immaculately dressed and surprisingly interacting with members <strong>of</strong> the public. I smiled and said, "Indeed, the police is your friend." I looked to the left where a fire engine and an ambulance were stationed. I was extremely overcome. I shook my head repeatedly to erase the picture <strong>of</strong> poverty, terrible roads, break down <strong>of</strong> social infrastructure, and many negatives I had been exposed to on social media. The reality on the ground was altogether different from what was painted on WhatsApp groups and various <strong>for</strong>ums. I cautioned myself that maybe I was a bit hasty in my conclusion. I looked out <strong>of</strong> the window again and reassured myself that ”indeed change has come.” Why is there so much hate on social media? Why couldn't all citizens just raise their hands and praise the government, the various agencies, lawmakers and political appointees <strong>for</strong> the good works they are doing? I couldn't wait to find answers to these questions. Suddenly I felt the longing to get to my host — my cousin — to discuss these and how proud I was <strong>of</strong> the developments I witnessed. In the past, driving to his upper-class estate at the outskirt <strong>of</strong> the city would have been quite a journey. We would have picked our way through slow-moving traffic with car headlights been the sources <strong>of</strong> lights to houses around the major motorway. Everywhere would be in darkness while we held on to our bibles praying no brain dead armed robber came our ways. The sigh <strong>of</strong> relief at the entrance to my cousin's estate was always loud and uncontrolled. Things were different on this trip. Electricity was no longer a preserve <strong>of</strong> just a few people. It was free to all. There were no noises or black smoke from various sizes <strong>of</strong> electricity generators. Everywhere was lit. There was also an orderliness that was very calming. Change is <strong>for</strong> real. To be continued next week. Otuaro commends Omoun, tasks Patani political cal Government Area, Hon. Perekebena Perez Omoun, has been commended <strong>for</strong> his developmental strides as well as tackling insecurity in the area. Deputy Governor <strong>of</strong> Delta State, Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro who made the commendation spoke at an interdenominational Birthday/Thanksgiving/Reception ceremony <strong>of</strong> illustrious sons and daughters <strong>of</strong> Patani LGA origin, led by His Royal Majesty, Shedrack Peremobowei Erebulu, Aduwo III, Pere <strong>of</strong> Kabowei Kingdom. Other celebrants on roll call include Chief Engr. Dr. Pius Sinebe, Hon. Basil Ganagana, Hon. Barr. Raymos Guanah, Hon. Engr. Emmanuel Amatare Sinebe, Comrade Godspower Asiuwhu, Engr. Jude Sinebe, Chief (Mrs.) Jose- and the dilapidated ones rehabilitated to aid commercial activities in the state. We will pay attention to electricity generation and distribution which has become a leech on how businesses are done in the state. “We are a proud Udensi emerges 'Most Outstanding Security Expert' The founder <strong>of</strong> Sheiks and Bishop Limited Security Limited, Sir Chikwe Udensi, has emerged as the most outstanding security expert in 2019. He emerged as the winner at the Prestigious Leadership Excellence Award <strong>of</strong> Igbere TV in Abuja. Sheiks and Bishop Limited is a <strong>for</strong>emost security expert and Interpol Systems consultant in Nigeria. Udensi was honoured after a thorough process <strong>of</strong> evaluation and assessment, considering every security anatomy <strong>of</strong> international standards. Udensi was honoured alongside Dr. Godwin Maduka, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Dr. Sam Onyisi , Dr. Linda Ayade (Cross people, and Anambra will stand tall again under my watch”, he said, promising to build hospitals and clinics in every community and provide state-<strong>of</strong>-the art medical equipments in hospitals. “A situation where Anambra people go out <strong>of</strong> the state or even abroad <strong>for</strong> medical attention will be a thing <strong>of</strong> the past”, he stressed. River State First Lady), Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji (Abia Speaker), Engr. Ajibola Abiola, (Director Nigeria Broadcast Academy), Femi Adesina, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, ex-Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, and Satguru Maharaj Ji. Others include Rt. Hon. (Dr) Cosmos Ndukwe, Engr. Ndukwe Iko, Gordy Uche (SAN), Dr. Nkem Chibogu Kenneth, Sir Daniel Chukwudozie, and Senator Godswill Akpabio among others. Udensi, be<strong>for</strong>e now, has won several awards both locally and internationally. His company won gold at the INTERPOL Innovation Conference in Singapore as the firm with Most Innovative Ideas in Systems Security around the World. phine Abeki, Hon. Brave Enodeh, Hon. Austin Wari-Ebi Bebeteidoh and Mr Akpibere. "It is necessary <strong>for</strong> us to celebrate our leaders while they are alive and not only in death", Omoun had said while delivering his welcome address. But tasking the political leaders on unity, peace and development, Otuaro said:"Patani LGA is blessed with many political leaders many <strong>of</strong> whom are in the same age bracket. Whatever misgivings and misunderstandings may have arisen over last politicking season/ elections should be completely left behind, using this plat<strong>for</strong>m, <strong>for</strong> Patani to be in the front row <strong>of</strong> development". "This Thanksgiving service should be a springboard <strong>for</strong> building greater bridges <strong>of</strong> peace, understanding and collaboration <strong>for</strong> development", Otuaro advised, adding: "Like the Council chair, Hon Omoun, had said: "We need to celebrate our leaders while we are alive. I want to say that we need to appreciate God's blessings and his grace which has kept us alive so we can contribute to development <strong>of</strong> the local government and the state at large". "I thank the Council Chairman, <strong>for</strong> his developmental strides. I can see from the programme brochure the road projects and his partnership with security agents which has brought the reported security challenges in the local government area to the barest minimum. Please continue to do more". Pa Obatuase <strong>for</strong> burial Dec 6 THE Obatuase family has announced the burial arrangements <strong>of</strong> their patriarch, Pa Emmanuel Folarin Obatuase, aged 89. A statement by Mr. Olumide Obatuase says the body will lie in state, December 5, at his residence, 174 Araye, Uro Quarters, Igbara-Odo Road by Nitel, Ikere-Ekiti. Service <strong>of</strong> Songs will hold same day at Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) Bar Center, High Court Premises, Igbara Odo Road Ikere-Ekiti. Funeral Service is fixed <strong>for</strong> the following day December 6, at St. Stephen Anglican Church by Eleyo High School, Araye Uro Quarters, Igbara Odo Road, Ikere with interment to hold at his residence, Reception is schedule <strong>for</strong> Demonstration Road, Oke Osun, Akure Road, Ikere Ekiti. •Late Pa Obatuase
Photos: KEHINDE SHONOLA SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 1, 2019, PAGE 41 Queen’s College Old Girls Association Anniversary The 1969/71 Set <strong>of</strong> Queen’s College Old Girls Association celebrated its anniversary with the donation <strong>of</strong> science laboratory equipment to their alma mater •From left: Eniola Yonwuren, Prisca Soares and Dr. Mrs. T. Yakubu -Oyinloye, Queen’s College Principal •Cross section <strong>of</strong> the 1969/1971 Set at the event. •From left: Dr. Yinka Lambo, Mrs. Eriwu Rewane-Molajo, Hon. Justice Funmilayo Atilade a <strong>for</strong>mer Chief Judge <strong>of</strong> Lagos State and Hon. Justice Dotun Adefope- Okojie. •From right: Mrs. Gbemi Coker, Mrs. Marian Onuzo and Dr. Yinka Sobamowo •From left: Dr Teresa Bassey, Chairperson, 50th anniversary Organizing Committee, Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, President, Queen's College Old Girls Association, and Bolanle Izilein Senator Remi Tinubu Orientation Programme <strong>for</strong> Interns. Photos: KEHINDE GBADAMOSI Senator representing Lagos Central, Oluremi Tinubu (r), addressing participants at the Orientation <strong>for</strong> 260 Interns <strong>of</strong> her Work Experience Programme (WEP), in Lagos. Divine Ewulomi Evangelical Church Harvest Thanksgiving The Harvest Thanksgiving <strong>of</strong> Divine Ewulomi Evangelical Church <strong>of</strong> Christ, Mende,Lagos, took place recently. From left: Chairman, Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, Mr Kamal Salau-Ashua; Prince Tajudeen Olushi; Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Chairman, Lagos Mainland Local Government, Mrs Omolola Essien. From left: Senior Mother-in- Israel O. Akpata, Mrs. Iyad u n n i Gbadebo and Bishop O.O. Akpata at the occasion. From left: Bishop Ajiboye, Prophet Akpata, Archbishop Adeleye, Mrs. Adeleye, Bishop Ogunlere, Chief (Mrs.) Omotayo Omotosho, Dr. Bola Omotosho, Mrs. R. Omotosho, Mother Akpata, Mrs. Kenny Nortey and Bishop Nortey.
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