Religion

A Kiss of Redemption

By Web News 107

By Olaitan Oye-Adeitan

This day, far away on a skull shaped hill called Golgotha, in Jerusalem, stood an old rugged cross.

It was a cross the world so much despised, being an emblem of reproach, suffering and shame.

Yet, on that same cross, a great King who did not commit any offense was crucified.

sharp focus on fingertip

Not minding the shame, this King, Jesus Christ, left His Glory and endured that cross for the sake of humanity. 

Apparently, the event of that day was nothing short of a horrible,

Unimaginable, inexplicable, humiliating  and   worst of treatment  meted out to Jesus Christ till He  breathed His last on that gloomy day which today is being  remembered as Good Friday.

It was the most gruesome killing ever recorded in the history of mankind.

The Roman soldiers mocked Jesus, tore His flesh with lashes, smote His head with a reed, placed on it crown of thorns and nailed Him to the cross.

Darkness enveloped the entire land as blood  flowed from His head to the feet with groanings of pain, anguish and sorrow mingled with love.

Though, so dark a day it was, yet so good, as the wrath of God against the sins of men, met with mercy at the cross, demonstrating the peak of God’s love and redemptive plan for mankind.

By this sacrifice, the ultimate price of forgiveness for humanity was totally paid, the righteousness of God was vindicated and man was reconciled back to God. 

Light conquered darkness and sin was conquered by love.

 Satan and death became vanquished, the power of sin subdued, and a new chapter was opened in man’s relationship with God.

Man regained freedom and the hope of eternal life. 

Thus, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ unarguably became the boast and glory of the Christian faith.

GoodFriday is also considered “good” by Christians because as terrible as that day was, it paved the way for redemption  of mankind and eternal life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which was three days after His death.

Considering what the crucifixion of Jesus Christ symbolized, it  therefore behoves on Christians and the entire human race to have a deep reflection on how  the message of the cross can be applied to save the nation  from the challenges bedevilling it.

Leaders in all sectors of national life should emulate the heart of love Jesus Christ demonstrated inspite of the agony of the cross ,to see their position as an opportunity to render selfless service to deliver the masses from incessant suffering, occasioned by socio-economic and political upheavals.

Just as Jesus forgave all, individuals, families, friends, colleagues in work places, and even world leaders should use the occasion of the GoodFriday to  let go of all offences and and forgive one another just as Christ did to mankind.

If God did not spare His only son so that man could  be restored man, then every  Nigerian should forsake all manners of sin and live as a good ambassadors of Jesus Christ for positive transformation in the society.

As spiritual leaders, it’s time to return to the foundational truths of the Gospel, prioritizing sincere teachings of the Word that bring about genuine transformation. 

The church must stand firm against heresies and superficialities, recognizing that judgment begins within its own walls (1 Peter 4:17). By refocusing on Christ’s message, leaders can guide their congregations toward authentic faith and spiritual growth.”

Only then,  can the nation witness the much desired peace, joy, stability ,harmony and blessings which God intended for humanity.

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Religion

Cleric Enjoins Churches to Tap into Talents of Youths

By Web News 354

By Dayo Adu

Churches have been enjoined to discover and nurture skills and talents in the youths to meet present day needs of the society rather than leaving them to go astray. 

The Executive Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Administration, Pastor Ìdòwú Ogedengbe gave the charge while speaking with our correspondent in Ibadan.

The Cleric, who berated the rates at which churches lose skillful and talented youths to the uncultured world, called on the churches across the nation to retain talented members and properly groom them for high productivity to proffer lasting solutions to the challenges of the nation.

“Many great artists started from the church but later go astray because they could not find supports, assistance and necessary guidance. We need the church to recognise the unique skills of our young people, now we are having youths that are so talented in the field of drama, artificial intelligence and animations; those are skills that we need to encourage.”

“The church needs to be seen in encouraging our young people to pursue their dreams within the congregation. They don’t need to go to the world start looking for a platform. It’s a challenge to the church to start seeing that we are in a new generation and catch them young for good relevance”

Pastor Ogedengbe, noted that solutions to the current economic situation of the country transcend distribution of palliatives, saying development of solution driven innovations capable should be the prerogative of the government, corporate organisations and individuals to solve the current and future challenges of the nation.

Speaking on the Oyo State intervention on the Federal Government post subsidy removal of fuel subsidy, Pastor Ogedengbe stressed that the distribution of food packs as palliatives was to stabilise the people while other empowerment initiatives would be rolled out.

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Health

COVID-19: Osun Govt. Bans Large Gatherings, Advises Social Distancing

By Web News 780

The Government of the State of Osun has placed a ban on all gatherings that would bring together fifty or more persons in the same place.

The measure which takes immediate effect and will be in place until further notice is contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ismail Omipidan.

The ban will affect all schools in Osun State, Churches, Mosques, Night Clubs and Sports arenas among others.

The government, which advised the citizenry not to panic as no case has been recorded in the state so far, said it arrived at the decision it took after wide consultations with health professionals and stakeholders in the health sector over the COVID-19 pandemic.

It further states that the ban became necessary following the Federal Government’s directive to ensure precautionary measures are taken to prevent the spread of the disease. 

Besides, the government noted that the mere fact that few cases have been reported in its neighbouring states makes it imperative to act.

The Osun State government also urge residents to observe the precautionary protocols of thorough washing of hands with soap and clean water and the use of hand sanitiser; observing social distance and avoiding large gatherings, and alerting the authority of any suspected case. 

It adds that the Technical Action Committee is working round the clock to beef up the state’s capacity for epidemiological control and management.

Adenitan Akinola