6,460 cases of Gender Base Violence cases reported so far – Women Affairs Minister

By Favour Nnabugwu
Out of the total number of 6,460 Gender Base Violence, GBV, cases reported in the country, only 33 perpetuators have been convicted in Lagos, Abuja and other states, according to the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen,
Tallen in Abuja yesterday, spoke to the Media on “one-more-case- too-many of GBV”, following the case of Osinachi and the most recent case in Jos, Plateau State, involving Husband, Samuel Mathew, who butchered his wife, Mercy Samuel.
According to her, “Let me give you the validated data for just five states: Lagos, Ebonyi, Adamawa, Sokoto, Cross River and FCT, we have 5010 reported cases. Fatal cases 160; closed cases 231; open cases 963; convicted cases out of the 5,100 is 16. The most recent data are: reported cases 6,460, fatal cases 229, closed cases 295; open cases 1443; convicted cases 33.
Among other things, she pointed out that she would ensure that psychiatric tests are made compulsory as part of marriage requirements in the country.
She, however, bemoaned the slow implementation of Violence Against persons prohibition, VAPP, Act in the state, urging the Federal Government, likewise the state governments to put in place standards that allow for expeditious investigation and judgement on instruments of domestic violence, GBV, including cases involving sexual harassment.
She said: “We can refer to it as a step first, as the first step to ensure that we begin doing this to our aim. I will initiate a conversation with the Honourable Minister of Interior to ensure that psychiatric test cases are made compulsory as part of Marriage Requirements in the country.
“The cabinet is made of the society and everyone calls from a family. Mothers are the bedrock of the family and custodians of family’s traditions. We must play a part as more and more than our male children to become able to become better adults who can take on marital responsibilities without feeling insecure.
“We must put an end to the culture of reinforcing male dominance in our society. Our society must move with the realities of the time. We can no longer tolerate wickedness, greed envy, and malicious acts under the guise of culture.
“In this regard, I want to appeal to all leaders in our society to be more sensitive with the way they execute their activities and utilise the powers bestowed on them. The mindset and formation of our young ones request support from the entire society, from teachers, to doctors, to health care providers, to fathers, mothers, leaders, community leaders, older siblings and other relations.
“I am happy to know that Yobe state, has joined the league of states that had assented to the child’s right up at the violence against persons prohibition act. This brings the total number of states that have passed the child’s rights act 27, and the VAPP act to 34. This is a good signal that we are unanimously committed to. But our problem I repeat again is the implementation of these laws.
“Even as we speak another woman is being violated and we do it has been disposed of all her life investment offers have been thrown out without hope for a better tomorrow. I am reaching out to governors and commissioners of women affairs of all the affected states to give the much needed attention to these cases.
“Our traditional and religious institutions must help us in this mission. The woman groups in the society have a big role to play. In all of this, we must remain focused and resolute to ensure that perpetrators will face the full word of the law that governs our dear country.”
She urged the Media to intensify advocacy against GBV while taking the needed precautions in their reportage.
“I want to appeal to the media to continue to spotlight and carry the messages to the wider society. More advocacy needs to be done. The naming and shaming of victims under the VAPP Act should be made public; no rapist wants to be seen. If we expose those rapists, we will be able to address and reduce the number of these cases that are coming in, day in and day. out,” she said.
The minister said further that president Mohammadu Buhari, state governors and other concerned ministers have displayed genuine interest and are ready to deploy all needed resources to fight the menace.
“President Mohammadu Buhari is committed to seeing that we end gender bed violence in the state. His open participation at the town hall during the spotlight, was a clear indication of his commitment to end GBV.
“The 36 state governors, I held a meeting with them and all of them declared zero tolerance and state of emergency to GBV, on 10th June, 2020.  But, what are we seeing in all the states: so many states have domesticated the VAPP Act and the child right act, only two left , but the is not on the laws but the implementation is my greatest concern because the numbers are on the increase.
“If we implement these laws, it will serve  as a deterrent. They are just too many for us to keep quiet. The 9th National Assembly is equally committed to this course. The Senate president, the speaker have shown zero tolerance and they made open statements to this. But, we want to see perpetrators of these cases being punished to serve as a deterrent.  So, many cases are left unanswered; young children, young girls”, she said.

 

Nigerian Man dies from 21st floor in Malaysia

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

A 27-year-old Nigerian man identified as Victory has died after he allegedly jumped from 21st floor of his condominium in Malaysia.

It was gathered that the incident happened at Mutiara ville (21st floor. Block F2) in Cyberjaya on Tuesday afternoon, April 19, 2022.

The reasons for his action are unknown, however, police are currently investigating the incident. The deceased hailled from Agbor in Delta State.

Meanwhile, family members including one Prophetess Peach Joshua, claimed that Victory was pushed off the building

UK: Nigerian student dies after eating cannabis sweet bought online

By admin

 

Damilola Olakanmi, a Nigerian law student based in East London, The United Kingdom, has died after eating the cannabis sweet she bought via a messaging app on her phone.

The UK Evening Standard reported that Olakanmi, 23, immediately fell ill after taking the sweet on March 29 and had to be rushed in a critical condition to Queen’s Hospital, London, via an air ambulance.

The University of Hertfordshire undergraduate eventually died at the hospital on April 2 from complications from the intake of the substance.

A US-based student and friend of Olakanmi, who also took from the substance while on a visit to the deceased, fell ill, but was later discharged by doctors after responding well to treatments.

According to Richard Taylor, a justice campaigner and friend of Wumi, the deceased’s mother, the late law student was an only child.

“Wumi has lost her only child – she has nothing now,” Taylor was quoted to have said. “They had to hold her up because she broke down every time a friend came to the house to give support.
“It’s a tragic warning to all young people about how they live their lives. They should resist drugs.”

“Damilola was a promising young woman who should be looking forward to her future and having children of her own. She was studying law.”

A relative, named only as Dunni, added the family were demanding answers.

She said: “Damilola was a sweet, quiet girl – a bit of an introvert. Her mother looked up to her.

“She was very kind and loved looking after children and wanted to please everyone. The family will never come to terms with this. We need to know what happened. Her mother is not young any more.

Leon Brown, 37, of South Norwood, London, has been arrested by the police in connection with the incident.

He was subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply Class B synthetic cannabinoid, a psychoactive substance.

The 22 African Women who have served as Heads of State

By admin

 

The role that women should play in shaping Africa’s present and future was a key theme from speakers of the Women Heads of State Initiative, co-convened by Africa.com and Coca-Cola Africa.

The event introduced the world to the 22 women who have served as president or prime minister of an African country, five of whom spoke at the event. The virtual event comprised talks from current and former female heads of state, as well as thought leaders, who drew a picture of where African states should be focusing on if they want to move the continent forward.

Pushing for equity in women leadership in government

Liberia’s former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was one of the notable leaders at the event. Her take on the legacy she built in her country, at a time when women in African politics was still a novel idea, brought the audience into some of her decision making when at the helm.

On her reflections of the role that the female electorate plays in shaping discourse and policy she said, “women’s leadership and decision makers must come from the people who are affected by those policies. It should be women at the bottom who dictate those policies.”

Former Malawi President Joyce Banda praised Africa for championing women decision-makers in the highest spheres of government. In her remarks she said Africa had a good story to tell in key priority areas, such as reducing maternal mortality, bringing more girls into the schooling system and setting up initiatives that identify women leaders in the executive, judicial and legislative sectors of African countries. However, she noted that keeping women in these roles has been the challenge that the continent needs to resolve.

A platform for sharing lessons about the continent’s advancement
Namibian Prime Minister Saara Kuungonelwa-Amadilha’s session looked at how creating robust government policies to harness the continent’s natural resources would be the driver for economic change, among women and youth.

“To realise these benefits, we need to optimize the management of our natural resources through effective governance, promote skills amongst our young people, for them to drive the development and participate in harnessing the natural resources that we have and also benefit from them, as well as to promote the industrialization through value addition of our natural resources,” she said.

“We need a total rehaul of Africa’s agricultural system”

One of the threads that ran through each speaker’s session was how Africa’s growth prospects could not be achieved if women remained at the bottom of the food chain. Former President of Mauritius, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim looked at the role that the youth and particularly young women can play in agribusiness.

She said the stereotypical image of women carrying children on their backs and toiling the land could be replaced with women as drivers of agribusiness, if technology and technical transfer of skills was done properly. She said Africa has the potential to become the breadbasket of the world if the continent’s traditional food stuffs, such as teff and sorghum (all dubbed superfoods by nutritionists) were properly farmed to alleviate chronic hunger and poverty in many rural communities across the continent.

By taking full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area policies, agribusinesses would be able to provide sustainable incomes for communities and unlock other sectors in the value-chain. An initiative that has taken shape in Malawi through Banda’s grassroots initiative of helping women tap into the economic benefits of farming chilli peppers, by getting the right price for their produce and developing sustainable agribusinesses.

“As former presidents once we have left office, we need to still be hands on with the people to transform their lives and realise their full potential, “she said.

African women heads of state
The event also paid tribute to 22 African women heads of state who held the position of president or prime minister since 1970 in a short documentary released for the first time at the Summit.

Africa.com defines Women Heads of State as women who have served as president or prime minister, including Heads of State and Heads of Government. Women must have been elected or appointed since 1970 and served for a minimum of three months. Female monarchs are not included. Africa.com’s research identified 22 women who meet this criteria and have listed them in order based on the length of time in office

1. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia, January 2006 – January 2018
2. Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Namibia, March 2015 – present
3. Prime Minister Luísa Dias Diogo, Mozambique, August 2004 – January 2010
4. President Sahle-Work Zewde, Ethiopia, October 2018- present
5. President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Mauritius, June 2015 – March 2018
6. President Catherine Samba-Panza, Central African Republic, January 2014 – March 2016
7. President Joyce Hilda Banda, Malawi, April 2012 – May 2014
8. Prime Minister Maria das Neves Ceita Baptista de Sousa, São Tomé and Príncipe, October 2002 – September 2004
9. Prime Minister Mame Madior Boye, Senegal, March 2001 – November 2002
10. Prime Minister Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda, Gabon, July 2020 – present
11. Prime Minister Victoire Sidémého Dzidudu Dogbé Tomegah, Togo, September 2020 – present
12. Prime Minister Elizabeth Domitien, Central African Republic, January 1975 – April 1976
13. Prime Minister Cissé Mariam Kaïdama Sidibé, Mali, April 2011 – March 2012
14. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania, March 2021 – present
15. Prime Minister Aminata Touré, Senegal, September 2013 – July 2014
16. Prime Minister Maria do Carmo Trovoada Pires de Carvalho Silveira, São Tomé and Príncipe, June 2005 – April 2006
17. Prime Minister and President Agathe Uwilingiyimana, Rwanda, July 1993 – April 1994
18. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Uganda, June 2021 – present
19. Prime Minister and President Sylvie Kinigi, Burundi, Prime Minister from July 1993 – October 1993 and President from October 1993 – February 1994
20. President Agnès Monique Ohsan Bellepeau, Mauritius, March 2012 – July 2012 and May 2015 – June 2015
21. Prime Minister Najla Bouden Romdhane, Tunisia, October 2021 – present
22. President Rose Francine Rogombé, Gabon, June 2009 – October 2009

 

Front African Courier

That Woman by Pastor John Oche Omale

By Pastor John Oche Omale

 

THAT WOMAN!!!

(Proverbs 31:29 “Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!”)

# To that woman who despite the scars of abuse, rejection, and betrayal, still turned out to be the best woman on the side of heaven, we celebrate you.

# To that woman who wears her scars, not to be pitied, but as a strong statement to the world, that she’s too strong to be bullied into silence, we celebrate you.

# To that woman who is strong enough to turn her, scars, into stars, we celebrate you.

Women around the world

# To that woman who refused to allow her horrible past to stop her, from becoming the best of the best, we celebrate you.

# To that woman who refused to be defined by her, past. Rather you used your, past as a canvas to paint a beautiful future for yourself. We celebrate you.

# To that woman who rose above, her cultural, societal, and social stigma, to make something great out of her life, we celebrate you.

# To that woman ostracized by man-made religious rules, yet full of love and compassion. We celebrate you.

# To that woman who gave up her, dreams, so we can have our dreams, we celebrate you.

# To that woman who believed in our dreams enough to give up her dreams for us, we celebrate you.

# To that woman who remains our greatest cheerleader, we celebrate you.

# To that woman who went to bed hungry many nights over, so we can have food in our belly, we celebrate you.

# To that woman who denied herself, many nights of sleep, so we can sleep well at night, we celebrate you.

# To that woman called a single mum, single yet, performing the roles of a man and a woman. You’re not single, no you’re a double-barrel loads of love and strength. We celebrate you.

# To that woman who raised 3,4 and even 5 kids, on her own, and still made great men and women out of them, we celebrate you.

# To that woman playing the role of a mother, father, and even grandparents, to her, children. Woman you, rock. We celebrate you.

# To that woman who helped us to take our first baby steps, and who is still helping us to stay balanced as we face life’s challenges. We celebrate you.

# To that woman who took on back-breaking jobs and chores. So that we could stand tall as accomplished sons and daughters, we celebrate you.

# To that woman who used her hands to wipe our tears and lift us, up when we fall- we celebrate you.

# To that woman who believed in us when everyone else, gave up, on us. We celebrate you.

# That woman. To someone out there, you are a mother

# That woman. To someone out there, you are a wife

# That woman. To someone out there, you are a grandmother

# That woman. To someone out there, you are a sister

# That woman. To someone out there, you an aunt

# That woman. To someone out there, you are a girlfriend

# That woman. Are all the wonderful women of CMA

# That woman. Is all the mountain strong women of Grande Cache

# That woman – please no matter how little, we appreciate or honor you. Don’t stop doing you.

# That woman. Whoever you are, You are just too much, and you indeed rock our world.

# That woman. You, complete us, more than we want to accept. And we love you

# To all the great women out there, you are appreciated, loved, and highly celebrated.

(Don’t worry, It Shall End In Praise For You)

God Bless

The Siege is over by Pastor Favour Onoja

THE SIEGE IS OVER

“And it came to pass after this that Ben- hadad King of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.

And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass’s head was sold for Fourscore pieces of silver, and the Fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung for Five pieces of silver.

And as the King of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O King.

And he said, if the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? Out of the barn floor, or out of the wine press?” (2 Kings 6:24-27).

Our Focus for this Month of March, 2022 is, “THE SIEGE IS OVER”.

By the Anointing of the Spirit of God, every siege in your life is broken and I decree that you shall enter into your inheritance, rest triumphantly and gloriously. And I declare that every spell of delay and resistance is broken in Jesus Name

WHAT IS A SIEGE?
1. A siege is the act or process of surrounding and attacking a fortified place in such a way to isolate help and supplies.

2. It is any prolonged or persistence effort to overcome resistance.

3. It is a series of illness, troubles or annoyance besetting a person or group.

4. It is a prolonged period of challenges that looks a bit difficult to surmount with the physical eyes.

A siege can also be known as, inhibiting forces limiting you from reaching or realizing your maximum potentials. These are forces hindering you from expressing the fullness of Gods’ blessings upon your life.

Right now, there are families, nations, businesses, careers, organizations, ministries under siege.  For example, a family where people dies at a particular age; a family where people rise to a particular stage or position in life and crashes; a family where people are plagued with barrenness, delayed marriages and blessings, etc.

CAUSES OF A SIEGE:
1.  Sin (Judges 6:1-5)

2.  Curses (Genesis 3:14-19; Deuteronomy 28:15-68; Galatians
3:13-14).

3.  Unpaid Vows (Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Ecclesiastes 5:4-6; Numbers 30:1-2)

4.  Disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15; 1Kings 13:26; Nehemiah 9:26-27).

5.  Un-forgiveness (Mark 11:25-26; Colossians 3:12-14; Matthew 5:21-24).

6.  Lack of knowledge  (Hosea 4:6; Psalm 82:5)

EFFECTS/SIGNS OF A SIEGE:
1. No help comes to you

2. People hate you without a cause

3. You don’t get Revelation

4. You experience closed heaven

5. There is Stagnation

6. You experience destruction

7. You experience Delays

8. You go into oblivion (You are existing but not noticeable).

SOLUTIONS TO A SIEGE
1.  Deliberately seek the face of God through Prayers and Fasting.  Look unto God for help. (Mathew17:21; Psalm 121:1-8).

2.  Prayerfully go for counselling to a genuine and reliable man of God. (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6)

3. Ministry of the Prophets. The place of a genuine Prophet over your life matters. (Hosea 12:13;  2 Kings 7:1-16)

4.  Take a Sacrifice, for a Seed has the ability to break barriers and limitations. (2 Kings 3:26-27)

PROPHESIES:
–  I prophecy supernatural help and direction for anyone who have been overwhelmed because of any siege, in Jesus Name. In this Third Month, You shall be marvelously helped until you are strong.

–  I decree and declare that your gates and doors are OPENED, in Jesus Name!

–  Because the siege is over, a book of remembrance shall be opened unto you and you shall begin to eat from the King’s table, in Jesus Name!

–  I decree and declare the fulfillment of your expectations and desires, speedily, in Jesus Name!

–  That famine, lack and poverty orchestrated by the siege is over, now, in Jesus Name!

–  I decree and declare abundance over your lives, in Jesus Name!

–  In your direction, I hear the sound of abundance of rain; favour, supplies, overwhelming joy and strength in Jesus Name!

TEL.NO. +234 (0)805 584 2594
+234 (0)703 489 3375

PASTOR FAVOUR ONOJA

Okowa appoints Orodje of Okpe as Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council

By admin

 

Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has appointed Orodje of Okpe, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), Orhue I as the Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Okowa appointed the Orodje Okpe as Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council following the dissolution of the former council headed by Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II.

The defunct council had the Orodje of Okpe, who is now the chairman of the newly reconstituted council, as it’s Vice Chairman.
The newly reconstituted council has HRM Pere Stanley P. Luke, Kalanama VIII, The Pere of Akugbene-Mein as first Vice-Chairman, and HRM Agbogidi, Obi Henry A. Kikachukwu, The Obi of Ubulu-Unor as second Vice Chairman.

The appointment of the Orodje Okpe as Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council was communicated by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Patrick Ukah.

19-Year-Old Becomes Youngest Woman To Fly Around The World Solo

A teenage pilot has set a record for being the youngest woman to fly solo around the world. Belgian-British Zara Rutherford spent 155 days in her Shark Aero ultralight before touching down in Kortrijk-Wevelgem in Belgium to complete her round-the-world challenge earlier today.

Zara Rutherford is a Belgian-British pilot, holding FAA and UK private pilot licences plus Slovakian and French microlight licences. She says she has been flying for ‘as long as I can remember’, and that one of her biggest dreams has always been to fly around the world. At just 19, having completed her A levels in Math, Economics, Further Math and Physics, the ambitious youngster set off from Belgium, heading West, to begin her challenge.
Today, 155 days later, Zara touched down in Belgium once again, completing her challenge and earning her place in the history books.

Previously, the youngest woman to have flown around the world solo was Shaesta Waiz, who was 30 when she completed her challenge. Zara has beaten this by more than a decade, narrowing the gap between male and female, with the youngest solo man record still held by Travis Ludlow who was 18.

Part of the reason to undertake the challenging journey was to encourage girls and young women to take up careers in aviation and STEM. In a statement on her website, Zara said,

“Only 5% of commercial pilots and 15% of computer scientists are women. In both areas – aviation and STEM – the gender gap is huge. It is in fact a dream gap as our dreams are shaped from early childhood through the fairy tales and role models we are exposed to. Boys learn through toys, street names, history classes and movies that they can be scientists, astronauts, CEO’s or presidents. Girls are often encouraged to be beautiful, kind, helpful and sweet.

The circumnavigation Zara undertook took in 60 stops across five continents. Originally planned to take around three months, the trip was hampered by multiple issues. In fact, when she arrived in Alaska, only three of the 39 flights she had taken had gone to plan.

Delays due to bad weather caused her visa for Russia to expire. She had to wait in Nome for her passport to be shipped over to the Russian consulate in Houston. Even then, she had to wait three more weeks before the weather was good enough in both Nome and Russia to cross the Bering Strait.

There were mechanical issues to contend with too. Instrument malfunctions in New Mexico caused problems, and a flat tire saw her stranded in Singapore for Christmas. She had to cope with flying through wildfire smoke in California, and blinding smog in Delhi.

As well as becoming the first female to fly solo around the world, Zara has also jumped into more records today. She becomes the first woman to fly a microlight around the world, and the first Belgian to fly around the world solo

FG spend N152Bn digitalization in 2021, targets 2030 for paperless government operations

By admin

 

 

The Nigerian government said it spent a whopping N152 billion on digitalization in 2021, describing it as a quantum leap from the N9 billion spent in 2019 and 2020.

“While we are targeting 2030 to have a paperless government operation, we will like to inform you that the government spent N152 billion on digitalization in 2021. This amount is a quantum leap from the N9 billion spent in 2019 and 2020,” the Minister of Communications and \digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami disclosed at the Champion Day and Closing of 2021 Service Wide Capacity Building program on e-Government in Abuja.

According to him, the amount constitutes the total sum approved by National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Immigration and Customs among other agencies of government for the 2021 fiscal year.

He said the target of the Federal Government is to make sure that by 2030, we achieve a paperless government where emerging technologies like Blockchain that has data integrity and many more is guaranteed.

While maintaining that paperless government is very possible because government is desirous of digitizing its processes, he posited that technology cannot do it alone, stressing that training those who will manage the technology effectively for the betterment of our country is also important.

In her goodwill message, the Head of Service Civil of Federation, (HoSCF) Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan disclosed that many Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government are on the verge to digitalize their processes, assuring that by the end of the year, many successes would have been recorded in the nation’s drive to digitalization.

While commending the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and its parastatals for the support in ensuring that processes at the Office of Head of Service for the Federation is digitalize, she noted that the gestures would go a long way in assisting us to achieve our own dream.

Meanwhile, the NITDA Director-General who also doubled as the Council’s Chairman, e-Government Training Centre, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, said the Federal Government had trained 1,376 civil servants from 48 ministries, departments and agencies between November 2020 and December 2021 in the use of ICT.

He said the capacity building programme for civil servants is part of the federal government’s e-Government Master Plan aimed at digitizing every government process in all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

JOY TO THE WORLD – Pastor Favour Onoja

By Pastor Favour Onoja

 

INTRODUCTION:
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our saviour, Jesus Christ. This celebration has been on over Two Thousand (2,000) years ago.

It is a time for giving and not simply a day we exchange gifts. The spirit of Christmas is in “togetherness”.  It’s a period which you put into thinking about others. It’s a selfless time, where we forgive, take stock of what is important and become better.

Christmas is the most celebrated event in the history of the World by believers and non believers. It is a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundation of christian faith. We celebrate Gods’ love for the World through the birth of Jesus Christ.

The birth of Jesus Christ was recorded in Luke 2:4-19. He was born for the redemption of mankind. God sent His only begotten son to be the atonement for all our sins, so that we would not be separated from God. Meaning that without Jesus, we would all die for our sins, but thank God for this precious gift of God at Christmas.

THE ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS:

Many celebrate Christmas without knowing the reason. The following are some of the reasons why we celebrate Christmas:

1. Celebrating Gods’ unconditional love for Humanity:

Christmas is a demonstration of God’s love to humanity, unconditionally. Out of the love for mankind, God sent His only begotten son to earth for the redemption of mankind.

Jesus’s birth was the greatest gift of God in His redemptive plan for the World.  “For God so love the World, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.

“For God sent not His son into the World to condemn the World; but that the World through him might be saved” (John 3:15-16).

Despite our short comings, God sent His son to be born and died for the sin of man. Therefore,  it behoves on man to respond to that love.

2. Christmas is a demonstration of Gods’ unspeakable joy to man:

“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, through now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of joy” (1Peter 1:8).

The coming of Jesus Christ brought joy into the World. This joy cannot be taken or given by the world. The joy was also heralded by an Angel in Luke 2:10.

“And the angel said unto them, fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people”.

The joy that Christmas brought to mankind is priceless. In the midst of anarchy, turmoils, troubles and tribulations in the World, He brought us that joy. What a privilege!

3. It is a celebration of Victory, Abundance, Blessing and Rest.

His coming brought us all the above four, at Christmas.

“The thief cometh not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

His coming is the secret of abundance (blessings); the fullness of all that God has packaged for you in His redemptive plan; the termination or annihilation of the enemy’s captivity/verdict; and the restoration of human’s destiny and dignity (Isaiah 10:27; 42:22).

His coming brought us rest.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your soul” (Matthew 11:28-29).

His coming is the termination of struggles and toiling in life and destiny (Luke 5:5-11).

4. Christmas is the celebration of Gods’ unprecedented presence with man. It gave man unhindered access to God.

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

We have undeniable and an unquantifiable access to His presence at Christmas; and His presence guarantees peace, tranquility and quietness.

What a joy at Christmas! You don’t need a mediator to go to God. We have direct access to His presence and in His presence there is fullness of joy.

5. Christmas brought peace to Humanity:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting father, The Prince of Peace, of the increase of his government and peace, there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

The peace that Jesus brought to us at Christmas is limitless. That peace, the World and it’s system of government cannot give it; United Nation cannot give it; wealth and accomplishments cannot give it; yet, Jesus gave it to us free of charge, at Christmas.

6. Celebration of God’s unquantifiable gift to Man.

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (2Corinthians 9:15).

God gave us the greatest gift of His son at Christmas. That gift that money, fame and influence cannot buy. It was a priceless gift. Jesus Christ was that precious gift to mankind at Christmas.

7. His birth was a call to Worship:

Christmas should be a season of worship and appreciation to God for His kindness, benevolence and generosity demonstrated towards humanity.

The Angel worshipped:

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men” (Luke 2:13-14).

At Christmas, don’t be concerned and cumbered with what to wear or eat, where to go for your vacation or other activities during the festive season and miss His visitation and purpose for your life, just like Martha, who almost missed Jesus. Jesus even counseled her about being bothered and troubled with many things.

He said, “but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).

Brethren,  I counsel you at this Christmas, to let go of everything that bothers you and worship at the feet of the Master, by casting all your cares upon him (1Peter 5:7), because His steadfast love is better than life.

You shall praise Him as long as you live.

“Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

My soul shall  be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice”. (Psalm 63:3-7).

HOW DO WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS:

1. With Joyfulness And Singing.

“And the angel said unto them, fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto us is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men” (Luke 2:10-14).

Let your Christmas be characterized with celebration and thanksgiving. Don’t let what you will eat, wear or other activities be the basis for your celebration.

Joy is a fruit of the spirit. It’s not based on what you have or does not have. Be joyful. Come before Him in a dance and sing unto Him for His unspeakable gift to humanity at Christmas.

2. With Appreciation And Giving.

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

Giving is living. God gave us the greatest gift at Christmas. Give to God, give to humanity. Give to the less privileged (orphans, widows, etc).

Demonstrate benevolence, liberality and generosity towards others at Christmas.

3. With Surrender And Submission To God.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”. (Matthew 11:28-30).

Gods’ invitation to you at Christmas is to receive His gift (Jesus Christ) into your life as your Lord and personal Saviour.

He said come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  What a great invitation! What an honour and what a privilege!

It’s only in Him that you are secured and can find rest from troubles, struggling, trials and temptations. In the World, you have tribulations and trials (John 16:33).

Friends, note that, it is in absolute surrender to His perfect will for your life that you can find fulfilment.  His will for you at Christmas is that you should not perish and that was why He gave Jesus, a propitiator for your sin, as a precious gift for your salvation at Christmas; that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:15).

Beloved, if you have not received Jesus into your life, could you kindly pray this prayer with me from your heart at Christmas:

“Come into my life and make me a new person. Change my life and destiny today. I say ” NO” to sin and I receive the grace to serve and live for you by faith.

From today, I go forward and backward never.

Thank you for answering me, in Jesus Name.

If you prayed this prayer, you can reach me on my e-mail or telephone nos for further counseling and prayers.

E-mail: onojaaf@yahoo.com

Tel: +234(0)7034893375
+234(0)8055842594

H A P P Y   C H R I S T M A S / N E W   Y E A R

GOD BLESS YOU RICHLY.