Elev8 Magazine June 2017

IN THIS ISSUE...

Editor’s Note

GLEANINGS - Page 4 Photos from the 2016 edition of the Accelerate Conference.

SUPPORT SYSTEMS

CLERGY - Page 5 Pastor Godman teaches on the importance of friendship in relationship.

KAYODE OLAYEMI

Genesis 2:18 (NIV): ‘The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.’

HEALTH & WELLBEING - Page 6 Hope to Cope: Tips on how we can overcome depression.

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FAMILY - Page 7 Child, Not Breadwinner highlights the problem of child labor and why we should act now.

sn’t it profound that the first thing God ever described as ‘not good’ was being alone? I genuinely think that this passage of the scripture holds a deeper meaning than the popular context for which it is used – that is admonishing young people to get married.

I think it speaks to God’s intention for us to live in a community and in good fellowship. We aren’t meant to do life alone. In fact, I think it speaks to God’s dislike for loneliness.

I believe it’s this knowledge that underpins the development of the home fellowship/connect group system in the contemporary church. It is quite easy to see how difficult it can be to build strong connections in our large size congregations compared to what they probably had in the early church.

Whether your small group is interest or location based, it is participation in the groups that keeps us grounded. These groups provide the support and accountability system, that most of us require in order to

TEAM For feedback and comments, please send an email to publications@elevationng.org

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achieve any tangible goals.One of my favorite memories growing up is attending home fellowship with my parents. We had a children’s class, where we shared bible stories and most importantly, I had an opportunity to play with friends, most of whom I attended the same school with.

No matter where you are in life, there’s a group for you. Find one that fits you or start one of your own.

COVER - Page 8 Kayode Olayemi writes on how we can evolve with the changing educational dynamics for future relevance.

CAREER - Page 11 Things to know before you quit your job for entrepreneurship.

In this issue of the magazine, look out for our health & wellness article for insight on how to cope with the issue of depression that has recently garnered a lot of public attention.

Also, in commemoration of the 18th Democracy Day celebration (the age when it all become legal), we have an interesting piece on our role as citizens.

SOCIETY - Page 12 Arise O’ Compatriots: We take a look at the citizen’s role in building a better Nigeria.

Happy reading.

ELEV8 ESSENTIALS - Page 16 We let you in on our favorite resources, from inspirational music to instructive and informative books, blogs, movies, podcasts and more.

STORY, STORY - Page 13 Love Is... forgiveness.

PUBLISHER Godman Akinlabi

EDITOR Kayode Olayemi

Segun Noels Ibukun Oladejo

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tunde Usidame

GRAPHICS DESIGN Seiyefa Egein

CIRCULATION Charles Okorobo

COMMUNICATIONS Chinny Ugoji Chioma Enwereji Opeyemi Araba

CONTRIBUTORS Kayode Olayemi Gloria Maduka Abiola Falusi Twyla Idigbe Biyi Awotiku Jadesola Campbell Rita Ifidon

ADVERT MANAGER Tishegunfunmi Ade’Adegbesan deyoking@gmail.com +2348033022788 +2348034067881

PUBLICATIONS Matthew Mancha

GLEANINGS

WEDNESDAY 28TH JUNE TO SUNDAY 2ND JULY, 2017

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he Accelerate Conference is just a month away! This is the mid-year conference of The Elevation Church that is designed to get you stirred up, armed with resources you need to retool and increase momentum.

Previous editions of Accelerate Conference has featured renowned speakers like Dr. Sam Chand, Fela Durotoye,

Brian Tracy, Pst. Yemi Davids, Pst. Matthew Ashimolowo, Chris Bowen, and worship leaders like Cobhams Asuquo and Nosa.

The 5-day power packed conference always leaves attendees empowered, imparted and refreshed for the second half of the year. This year’s conference will have speakers and music ministers including Rev’d Sam Adeyemi, Mensa

Otabil, Poju Oyemade, Lanre Ijiwola, and Ozichi, Deybour, Folabi Nuel and The Elevation Priests of Praise.

To get firsthand information about the Accelerate Conference and be a part of Accelerate 2017? Register at http:// elevationng.org/accelerationng/

CLERGY

Godman Akinlabi

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FRIENDSHIP TRUMPS ROMANCE ROMANCE WON’T GET YOU THROUGH TOUGH TIMES, FRIENDSHIP WILL.

omance won’t get you through tough times, friendship will.

When you are going through tough times, you don’t want only a romantic gesture, you also want a shoulder to lean on. Ideally, that person should be your spouse or the person you are in a serious relationship with.

Many couples assume that marriage will automatically build friendship; this is false. Love and friendship are choices.

They don’t just happen. They require deliberate effort by both parties. If for some reason passion fades, it is friendship that secures the relationship. If you don’t invest in building a strong friendship, chances are that your relationship will sour quickly.

Unfortunately, some couples find it difficult to build true friendship prior to marriage because chemistry derails them.

During courtship, physical attraction often gets in the way of real character and personality investigation. After the wedding, you may find you’re in a predicament. You have a sex-mate and housemate, but not a life mate. You’ve sworn to be with this person forever, but you don’t think your spouse really ‘gets’ you.

I give you some tips on how to build your friendship with your spouse or the person you are courting: 1.

Build trust through accountability.

Never be away from home without your spouse knowing your whereabouts. Some men hate it when their

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

wives call to ask, ‘where are you?’ Preempt that by letting her know your plans beforehand.

7.

Plan a getaway without the kids where you can enjoy each other emotionally, spiritually & physically.

Practice vulnerability. Open up about important things. Got big ideas/ dreams? Be each other’s sounding boards. Bounce things off your spouse rather than sharing the most important details of your life with outsiders.

8.

Do everything within your power to get along with your in-laws. Your spouse will love you for your genuine effort.

9.

Don’t lose your curiosity when it comes to your mate. He/she keeps evolving. Don’t miss the changes! Observe and keep rediscovering the gem you married and appreciate him/her.

Talk about everything and nothing even about the mundane parts of your day. Every discussion doesn’t have to be intellectually stimulating.

Sometimes communicate just to stay close.

Ditch the busyness excuse! ‘Busyness’ is ruining a lot of marriages! If you’re too busy for friendship, you’re too busy for marriage. Buy some free time any way you can and catch up with your spouse.Thanks to technology, there’s no excuse not to keep in touch. Talk, text, tweet, chat.

Don’t be a ‘free radical’ spouse, always wanting to be alone. Don’t always insist on needing your personal space. Invest time in creating lovely & positive memories. Was your last photo shoot on your wedding day?

Not good enough.

Discover each other’s peculiar areas of interest, as well your mutual interests and nurture such interests together. Be your spouse’s number one cheerleader.

10. To really bring your mate into your inner circle, you should be able to share your heart. No secrets.

Finally, for the married, I have a challenge for you. Take a moment, look your spouse in the eye and say, ‘on this side of heaven, to me, you are the first and the best’. As you make such affirmations, you will find yourself acting in a manner that is consistent with your words.

And for the singles in relationships, remember not to be caught up in the romance of the season. Build true friendship.

Flowers will fade, chocolates will be forgotten, but a true friend will remain in your heart forever

Godman Akinlabi is the Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church

HEALTH & WELLNESS

HOPE TO

COPE Twyla Idigbe

Hi, my name is Wunmi and five months ago I tried to jump in front of a moving truck. I can’t really tell what pulled me back as I tried to take that final step. Maybe I was too afraid of the pain that would come from my bones crushing or the painful and noisy awareness of my life ending.

T

he days before I tried to end my life, I always felt sad and most days I couldn’t get out of bed. I was consumed with this intense apathy and on very bad days, I had contemplated ending the misery by taking my own life. Psychologists say feeling sad and down is a normal reaction to the loss of a loved one, loss of an opportunity or loss of a job. However, when these feelings of intense sadness last for extended periods and keep one from functioning normally or make one take life-halting decisions, then one might be depressed.

I am a small part of the over 5 to 7 million Nigerians and the 350 million people of all ages suffering from depression globally.

Unfortunately, depression isn’t often talked about in Nigeria even with the vast number of people living in such close quarters where poverty and wealth, perversion and religion, greed and selflessness go hand in hand. In spite of catalysts of depression lurking in the atmosphere, we shy from this important topic.

Maybe I didn’t jump in front of that truck because I didn’t want to be one of the cases displayed on the news or on social media.

Maybe I didn’t want strangers trying to figure me out and create possible reasons why a young girl who seemed to have everything would choose to end her own life in such a tragic way.

In recent weeks, the rise in reported depression/suicide cases have brought the issue to the fore for public discuss. Perhaps, as research has shown, this increase might be linked to the economic recession in the country at this time which psychologists refer to as ‘situational depression.’ Take the recent case of Mr. Benbede Kitchen in Bayelsa state who was found hanging from the ceiling of his room. Mr. Benbede was unable to cope with the loss of his job, the reality of having nine mouths to feed and his wife’s alleged infidelity. There is also the case of the small group of clinically depressed Nigerians like me and the 35 year old Dr. Orji Orwell who ended his life by taking a plunge into the Lagos lagoon. We are the ones you do not really understand. We are the ones you describe as deep, quiet or melancholic.

Suicide, which is most often the climax of depression, was a huge taboo in the days of old where corpses from ‘self-death’ were denied proper burials and thrown

into evil forests. Sadly, too many Nigerians are seeking self-deconstruction as a way out. Three months ago, I was one of such Nigerians.

Research shows that the first step, and perhaps the most potent step, to recovery is sharing. By simply sharing my inner feelings with a friend and counselor, I realized that all was not lost and suicide did not have to be the only way out. I also realized that depression is not only a medical problem, but largely a spiritual problem that happens in our minds, our subconscious. My friend who had also conquered depression taught me to hold steadfastly to Psalm 41: 11 (NIV): “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” I soon realized that I too can be a conqueror.

You may ask, ‘how can I help? What should I look out for?’ Well, I’ll say, be vigilant because that melancholic teenage son, daughter or neighbor might be a lot more than quiet. The excessive quietness could be a symptom of depression. So, take out time to stretch forth a hand and talk to them. Sometimes, all that is needed is a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on and from there, professional help can be sought.

FAMILY

CNOTHBREADWINNER ILD, Ibukun Oladejo

F

atima Adamu is 12 years old, daughter to a truck driver from Saki in Oyo State, Nigeria. Mr. Adamu has three wives and 11 children of which Fatima is seventh.

Since Fatima was five years old, she has been economically active. She started out as a street hawker and currently at twelve with seven years’ work experience, she is employed as a domestic staff to a young family in Lagos.

Fatima was forced into child labour when her father’s income could no longer support his teeming family population.

Her mother did her bit by taking up petty trading to support the family, still they struggled.

Two years ago, Fatima was sent off from home to help financially support her family. Every kobo of her monthly wage was paid directly to her father in Saki. When asked about this arrangement, Fatima said, “my daddy told me he had no money to take care of us all, and suggested that we go out and work to help care for the younger children. He told me he would buy me a sewing machine to start my own tailoring business when I return.

Though I love to go to school, I had to drop out of school to work and assist my family.”

In our present day, Fatima’s case is not peculiar, she is one out of the over 15 million children under 14 years of age in Nigeria that are engaged in child labour.

UNICEF puts global estimates at 168 million children. This is due to the num-

ber of families where children are deprived of opportunities to access basic educational, medical and developmental resources as a result of poverty, irresponsible parenting amongst other reasons.

While most of the children are engaged in domestic work, caring for other children, street hawking, begging and scavenging, some are engaged in worse forms of child labour - commercial sexual exploitation, drug trafficking and use in armed conflicts. They are exposed to abuse and unfavourable conditions which contribute to stunted development, lack of motivation and all sorts of life challenges.

In 2015, our federal government adopted a law that restricts the ability of judges to offer fines in lieu of prison time for human trafficking offenses. In spite of this and other social programs put in place to address the issue, the menace remains prevalent.

Beyond further legislative and enforcement action needed from the government to eliminate child labour, we can all put a dent in the issue by taking some of the following actions: Campaign for state governments to ensure that all children have access to compulsory education and localize laws that prohibit child labour.

Report suspected cases of child maltreatment within our neighborhoods to the relevant authorities.

As parents and guardians, be vigilant in ensuring that our children are secure and not exposed to risks such as kidnap.

Spread awareness of family planning methods to educate people against raising large families they do not have the means to care for.

Change our attitude towards hiring children for any reason.

Financially supporting Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that focus on tackling this issue of child labour and abuse.

In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 12:14b (MSG): “Children shouldn’t have to look out for their parents; parents look out for the children.” So, let’s take bold steps today to ensure child labour is eradicated in our society.

EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN FOR THE FUTURE KAYODE OLAYEMI

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t the end of the 2016 summer transfer window, French midfielder, Paul Pogba became the most expensive footballer in world, by virtue of a €100 million switch from Juventus to Manchester United in the England. Oftentimes, when these transfer stories break, lads begin to recount how their dreams of becoming soccer stars died.

With this big money signings, so many of us who were stirred by well-meaning parents towards careers in banking, law or engineering, have sworn to get our children to follow ‘our’ dreams of becoming pro-athletes or music artistes. But isn’t this some twisted form of irony, pushing our kids towards paths lined with dollar signs and failing to recognize the changes in society that are birthing new game-changing industries?

Thinking about it, it’s easy to see why our parents made those career decisions for us. They were raised at a time when those

who made a ‘success’ of their lives were those who followed the conventional path of going to the university, becoming an accountant or lawyer, working for several years and retiring with a pension. On the other hand, those who were not so lucky to get in on that path ended as less fortunate members of society. So, as far as our parents thought, none of their children would be missing out on the ‘established’ path.

In the midst of all of this, it appears a good number of us have yet to appreciate that the world is experiencing overwhelming levels of social and technological changes - climate change, geopolitical volatility, flexible work, rapid urbanization, cloud computing, internet of things and so on.

And in this new world order shaped by advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, biotechnology and genomics, many traditional job roles are at a risk of getting automated or being rendered redundant as new unimagined industries come forth.

Therefore, for our children to succeed in and out of the classroom, they need to be raised in a totally different way than we were. The boundaries of both formal and informal education have to be pushed.

School syllabi (particularly at the primary level which focuses on numeric and language literacy) have to be revised and we need to pay more attention to our children’s natural talents and passions as well as the changing times.

So, as a society, we are left to answer these questions - what jobs will our children do and how do we prepare them? Regardless of how we choose to answer, it is clear that we need to redefine the context in which the next generation is educated and raised.

It would be a failure on our part if we let these questions go unanswered.

In 2016, the Obama administration commissioned an inquiry to assess America’s preparedness for the future of artificial intelligence. A similar study estimates that 65% of children entering primary school in 2016, will work in jobs that do not exist today by the time they become economically active in about 15 years.

Based on the foregoing, if we don’t start having these conversations, the next generation would be left behind which makes Yuval Noah Harari’s warning that artificial intelligence will trigger the “rise of the useless class” a reality.

While we do not know which jobs would be left and which new ones would be created, we know that the skills which would

COVER be required would be totally different.

Skills Needed To Be Competitive In a recent report, the Institute for the Future (IFTF) did an excellent job of identifying key drivers of the disruptive shifts that are reshaping business models and the workforce landscape - global connectivity, new media, smart machines, extreme longevity, superstructure organizations and computational world. They then went further to identify the following ten skills that would be crucial for the future:

abstract concepts and to understand data-based reasoning.

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7.

New Media Literacy - Ability to critically assess and develop content that uses new media forms, and to leverage these media for persuasive communication.

Transdisciplinary - Literacy in and ability to understand concepts across multiple disciplines.

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Design Mindset - Ability to represent and develop tasks and work processes for desired outcomes.

9.

Competencies - Ability to connect to others in a deep and direct way, to sense and stimulate reactions and desired interactions.

Cognitive Load Management - Ability to discriminate and filter information for importance. It also helps to understand how to maximize cognitive functioning using a variety of tools and techniques.

3.

Novel & Adaptive Thinking - Proficiency at thinking and coming up with solutions and responses beyond that which is rote or rule-based.

10. Virtual Collaboration - Ability to work productively, drive engagement, and demonstrate presence as a member of a virtual team.

4.

Cross-Cultural Competencies - Ability to operate in different cultural settings.

Needed Changes in the Educational System

5.

Computational Thinking - Ability to translate vast amounts of data into

1.

2.

Sense Making - Ability to determine the deeper meaning or significance of what is being expressed.

Given the range of skills that would be required for the future, it is imperative that our educational system takes the follow-

ing steps to prepare our children: Expand knowledge outcome to include new media literacy i.e. relaying ideas beyond the use of text to include video.

Integrate the teaching of skills such as critical thinking and data interpretation.

Place additional emphasis on the development of emotional intelligence.

Adopt study tools and learning methods that allow for personalized learning, collaboration and field experience.

Encourage a training system that allows students to develop skills and knowledge in a range of subjects.

As I typed this piece, I asked myself a fundamental question. What about the many uneducated adults in the country? Nigeria has a male adult literacy rate of 59.6% and a female literacy rate of 49.7%. Do we simply write them off as the mistakes of our past? This is something to think about.

Perhaps this quote by Malala Yousafzai, would help put things in proper perspective, “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.”

My long road to a

healthy lifestyle Abiola Falusi

F

or a long time, when people asked me what my cloth size was, I’d say to them I wear a UK cloth size 10. Truthfully, I had been a size 10 for five years and this was because I hadn’t really changed my wardrobe; and so my clothes had somehow grown with me. So, sometime in December, during the sales season, I did some online shopping on ASOS and ordered so many lovely items only to end of having to give them out after realizing I have since moved up to a size 12 for my upper body and size 14 bottoms…(Sobs).

This was a moment of reawakening for me. Together with some friends, I made a commitment to loose 10kg with the aim of dropping back to cloth size 10. And this was how I began my journey to a healthy life style. Unlike some people who make this commitment just to be healthy, mine was so I could fit into my newly purchased ASOS outfits.

Since faith is not effective without works; I have intentionally taken up some resolutions to back up my faith that I will fit into my new clothes very soon. Below are

my new resolutions to a healthy lifestyle.

I joined a gym In January I registered in a gym that is a 5 minutes’ walk from my house. I promised to put in at least 2 hours session per day.

Have I kept to that promise? Well, you be the judge of that, because right now I am reconsidering my membership. (Please don’t judge me, lol) I drank more water I am one of those who find drinking water pretty hard. To spice things up, I got big water bottle and I add lemon slices for flavour.

I take this in my bag all day, easy peasy.

I began eating right To compliment my healthy lifestyle journey, green vegetables became regular features in my meals.

I also went a step further and a smoothie maker. With interesting and easy to make smoothie recipes available online, I now enjoy different kinds of smoothies. You should join me.

I signed up for keeping fit initiatives In the past, I enjoyed sitting it

out at charity campaigns but with my new healthy lifestyle resolution, I have decided to partake in physical activities to support charity campaigns. For example, the recent 15kms Walkathon, which honestly left me numb for days. Then there was the Walk for Cancer, Walk for a Child Limb, and others. I signed on to a 30 Day Challenge which really tested my willpower as there is always an unhealthy feast in my office which I’m consciously always missing out on. I must stay the course.

A new diet plan I am sure by now you either think I’m some hobo or dropped down to a size 6. I wish! My reality is far from the targeted goal, I still tried on some of the outfits and I have only lost a staggering 4Kg. Now I’m considering the Forever C9 or Cambridge diet. Have you tried any of these diet plans? How is it working out? I’ll appreciate your reviews and feedback. Please send an email to publications@elevationng.org

CAREER

ENTREPRENEURSHIP THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU QUIT YOUR JOB Biyi Awotiku

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ntrepreneurship seems to be the new cool. I wonder why this is.

Perhaps people are attracted to the glamour, or could it be factors such as a lack of job satisfaction, low pay, increased stress, unfulfilled dreams, etc. Whatever your reasons are, they are valid. You should note, however, that not everyone is cut out for entrepreneurship as the demands are way different from those of paid employment. That said, entrepreneurs are the key drivers of any economy and it is worthy of applause and commendable that more people are successfully towing this line.

In my opinion, it is vital that you have the right information before you quit your job for entrepreneurship. Hosea 4:6a (NIV) says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”. So, I have listed some important points to note before going into this new phase: •

Salary Will Stop Immediately: Somewhere in your head, you know it will stop, but do you understand the implication of this? You will need money to take care of your living expenses. Save up as much money as possible before you quit – the rec-

ommendation is up to 3 to 6 months’ worth of living expenses. This safety net will help tide you through the initial start-up phase.

•

•

Start Small If This is A First Time Move: If you have not travelled on a road before, driving at an extremely high speed is risky. This is similar for business. If you have not done it before, it is advisable to take small and easy steps. Put in a little money and then observe the return on investment. Increase your stake in the business depending on what you observe.

You can even start small before you quit your job. This is an alternative that is quite popular.

Business May Take a While Before It Buds: You may not be getting fat cheques early in your entrepreneurial journey. It takes time, patience and perseverance to build a successful business. You need grit to stay at

it and make the business grow. Be ready for the wait while you build your business.

•

You Need Mentors: Garner information from people who are in and successful at the business you want to venture into. A wise man once said, “Learn from the mistakes of others.

You can never live long enough to make them all yourself.” You may be able to avoid some pitfalls by doing so.

•

Entrepreneurship Requires Hard Work: Most entrepreneurs work longer hours than people on paid employment. They hardly go on vacation. Entrepreneurship can be rewarding but you need to put in a lot of work to make it big time.

As you prayerfully consider your next career move, keep your mind on what scripture says in Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

SOCIETY

A R I S E , O’ COMPATRIOTS! Rita Ifidon

“Government OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE and FOR THE PEOPLE” - Abraham Lincoln

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hile the general notion is that Democracy is a better form of government when compared to Dictatorship, empirical studies have shown that democratic countries do not necessarily have better governments. Consider this, not even Norway or Iceland at the top of the Economists Intelligence Unit’s 2016 democracy index have perfect democracies.

Since independence, Nigeria has experienced both the military and democratic forms of government. While the firmness of the military kept people in check, thus allowing a lot of infrastructural development to take place, it came at the expense of human rights violations. Democracy corrects these flaws by giving sovereignty to the citizens; this, however, came with rights and obligations that ought to be fulfilled for the system to work.

Beyond periodic voting at general elections, the key role of citizens in a democracy is to participate in public life. Citizens have an obligation to run for office or serve as appointed officials, to seek information on public issues, pay attention to how their elected representatives use their powers and public resources, speak out on issues, and to respect the human rights of other people.

Democracy in Nigeria has gone through a lot of criticisms; some call it “Government of the politicians, by the politicians and for the politicians,” “dwarf democracy,” “democracy made with military fabric” and a legendary musician described it as “demonstration of craze.” While those names aren’t far from reality, much of the failing comes from citizen that do not

...our democracy will only be stronger when there is a collective effort from all citizens, leaders and followers alike, to make Nigeria great.

know or have neglected their rights and responsibilities to keep the government accountable and responsible.

Democracy may look ineffectual, but it is actually a triumph - what value will you place on freedom? Despite the lamentations, some research has shown that democracy spurred greater economic growth in Nigeria than when we were under military rule. Another research showed that the discomfort index grew faster during democracy than during the military regime.

In spite of the misgivings, our democracy will only be stronger when there is a collective effort from all citizens, leaders and followers alike, to make Nigeria better.

Section 24 of the 1999 constitution states a number of duties required of every Nigerian, some of which are enumerated below: 1. Abide by this constitution, respect its ideals and its institutions, and legitimate authorities.

2. Respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of others and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood.

3. Make positive and useful contributions to the advancement, progress and well-being of the community where he resides, 4. Render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order.

5. Declare his income honestly to appropriate and lawful agencies and pay his tax promptly.

It was Joseph de Maistre who wrote in 1811 that, “every nation gets the government it deserves.” So, if we would enrich our democracy, we must take up the gauntlet and fulfil our civic duties. And finally, in the words of John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.”

STORY, STORY

LOVE IS...

T

Jadesola Campbell

affy had had it past tolerant level. She was determined to leave and this time with a resole to never come back. At least she had justification from the Bible: one can get a divorce on grounds of infidelity, right? Abe would not know what hit him. She would sue him for damages, ‘emotional damages’ and then take all that he had. ‘Hold on my child. Love always looks for the best’, she thought she heard in her spirit, but kept packing her things. She loved him so much, but her heart couldn’t take being hurt. She was convinced that this ‘business trip’ was a guise for an affair.

Taffy and Abe’s wedding had been the talk of the town just two and a half years ago. Both from super wealthy homes, their parents had spared no expenses in giving them their dream wedding. Think chic garden themed at a stunning vineyard in Mykonos with an after-party on a yatch way into the night type of wedding.

All their close friends had been flown in on private jets and accommodated in fancy hotels. Theirs was old money. The blogs and tabloids went on about the wedding for weeks. It felt like a dream. A dream for Taf especially because she had been hurt so much in her past relationships till she met Abe. He was everything she had asked God for all those nights she’d spent crying. The fab wedding was just an added bonus. Spending the rest of her life with him was what she was really

excited about.

Abe was on his way home from the airport and all he could think of was Taf. He’d never loved her more. After his near-affair three months ago with Emma, an old friend from UCL, he had sworn to never go down that path again. He would stand by his vows even if it killed him.

But Taf had not been the same again, even though he’d been the one to come out to confess. Their relationship was strained and he didn’t know what to do to fix things. She second-guessed everything he said and constantly took jabs at him.

He couldn’t wait to be home with her but with Lagos traffic looming, he knew he wouldn’t see her for an hour and a half.

Suddenly, he felt a sharp nudge in his heart to pray for her: ‘Pray son, pray!’ He began to pray, for her, for her heart. ‘God keep my wife, keep our marriage. Give her the grace and strength to forgive me and let go. Holy Spirit please touch my wife’s heart. Let our love be stronger than it ever was.’ He kept praying in his spirit for Taf. He had to get to her fast!

Taf, with tears streaming down her face, was getting the last of her things when she got a WhatsApp message from her best friend, Tito. It read, ‘Check out these crazy #tbt pics from your wedding! Really fun times. Love you guys.’ There were about eight fun pictures of Taffy and Abe and then with friends taken in the photo

booth before the after-party at their wedding. The last one read Taffy and Abe forever. That word ‘forever’, struck her heart.

She started to think back on how their love had grown, how Abe had been by her side when she’d been in the hospital for six months, and how he’d been consistently there for her time and again.

His support and love had been second to none. He’d vowed to never leave her.

‘Leave now, he’s going to break your heart just like dad did to mum; save yourself the pain’...then she heard; ‘Love is patient and love is kind. Love believes the best.’

She dropped her bags and started to pray, sobbing as she struggled with her decision. And then she felt a stillness. It felt as if God Himself came and wrapped His arms around her. Abe loved God and he loved her. This was the truth!

In that moment, her tall glass of dark chocolate walked through the door and her heart swelled with love and forgiveness. She ran to hug him tightly. Satan had no place in their marriage or future.

She would love him to the fullest and choose to trust. Of course she explained the packed bags later. Abe understood and in a silent breath, he thanked God for saving his marriage.

ELEV8 ESSENTIALS Abiola Falusi

Essentials

Discover some amazing resources from inspiration music to instructive and informative books, blogs, movies, podcasts and many more.

Your Destiny by Kevin Levar & One Sound

Miracles from Heaven Directed by Patricia Riggen

This 2014 track has been on repeat on my playlist. It instructs you to remain focused - “Don’t give up your destiny for anything”. The full album Destiny Live at the Dream Center contains 15 wonderful tracks.

For You by Cobhams Asuquo A masterpiece from the legendary musician, producer and songwriter. It is what I call fantastic. It’s very different from the contemporary mix but articulates worship in a new dimension. It indeed shows a thirst for God.

I can’t stop thinking about the movie, since the last Jewel’s meeting in March.

It has changed my life since I saw it. I am now conscious of the miracles I get on a daily basis and grateful for my health, family and church.

@ElevationNG on Instagram Do you ever forget or need to be reminded of past church activity, then you need to follow @elevationNG on Instagram. It’s one of the feeds I look forward to because it gives me a colorful recap of church events and highlight of messages.

War Room Directed by Alex Kendrick

This Christian drama film left an impression on me to choose my battle wisely and have a “wall of remembrance” that helps me look back and see how many victories He has won for me.

SprinkleofJesus.com/blog The Sprinkle of Jesus blog with over 50 contributors will give you the opportunity to learn and relate to topics and questions you’re afraid to ask.

@PGeeman on Twitter Get real time update from Pastor Godman Akinlabi and enjoy dosages of blessings and wisdom nuggets.

Through this channel he ministers to more and more people across the internet. I personally look forward to the #Mr&MrsBetterHalf every Friday!

There is always something to munch and retweet.

Lynvillle.com/blog A truly quintessential lifestyle blog featuring interesting articles on fashion, inspiration, finances and more.

Experience The Elevation Church.

Join us for any of our services.

PISTIS CONFERENCE CENTRE

1, Elevation/Resurrection Drive, 2nd turn after Oando Filling Station, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos

SERVICE TIMES

Sundays: 7:30am, 9:30am & 11:30am Wednesdays: 6:30pm

PISTIS HUB

1A, Ikorodu Road, Maryland Junction, Behind Mobil Filing Station, Ikeja, Lagos

SERVICE TIMES

Sundays: 9:30am Thursdays: 6:30pm

PISTIS HUB

3, Remi Olowude Way, By 2nd Roundabout, Oniru, Lekki, Lagos

SERVICE TIMES

Sundays: 10:00am Thursdays: 6:30pm