Our much-esteemed readers,
it is so good to reach you once again through this medium. It is heartwarming
to know that you are always there for us as partners in the Nigeria project.
More gladdening is the fact that we can always count on you. We are grateful to
our Patrons, Advertisers, Board and Management of
Solafide Integrated Resources Limited (our Publishing House). It is Another
Anniversary Edition as Countdown clocked 20 years on the stands this July, we
are really in a thanksgiving mood. May the God of all goodness be praised!
From the beginning
of creation, God designed man to be His representatives on earth. Man was
created to act on behalf of God on Earth. No doubt, the first half of the year
has been eventful. However, we are alive to count God’s blessings and name them
one by one. We are quite amazed how much we have been able to fill in the gap
as adequate representative of the One who called us (Hab.2:2).
Reviewing the
situation of Nigeria, its leadership, potentials and prospects over the years
gives one a great cause of concern. Nigeria, at best today can be likened to
the nation of Israel during the exodus from Egypt; they were constantly at
cross roads. Self-serving leaders and sycophants emerge proffering alternatives
to some ‘painful sacrifices’ that must be made before the entrance into the
promised land. However, things do not seem to be getting any better in most
aspects of a typical Nigerian life. It is no longer news that the ravaging
Covid-19 pandemic has refused to go; insecurity, kidnapping en mass and
seeming ethnic and/or religious cleansing are all on the increase. Sadly, the
government itself looks overwhelmed.
The most worrisome
of all these is that the preponderant portion of the population claim to be
either Christians or Muslims - while the Muslims continue to insist that Islam
is a religion of peace, Christians on the other hand also maintain that
Christianity is the light of the world, one is at a loss and cannot explain why
darkness and violence are greatly manifesting in the land. Hence, we have to
ask ourselves whether we can truly claim to have been adequately representing
Him that called us.
Our response to
this question will determine whose representatives we truly are. What is
expected of us is to live according to our calling, not to disgrace the One who
has called us but show forth His praise. The need for God’s representatives in
all facets of our daily lives is greater today than any other period in
history. Some of us even see the recklessness ravaging communities today as
some signs of the End-Time, especially with the challenge of insecurity.
What is going on
in Afghanistan is a great cause of concern to many of us who are students of
history cum International Affairs. At home here in Nigeria, the capital city,
Abuja seems to have gradually been placed under siege with the Governors of
surrounding states - Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa and Plateau constantly raising
alarm; the jihadist appear to have carried the battle out of northeast,
northwest and now besieging the North Central (Abuja inclusive). One prays that
what happened in Afghanistan does not happen here, where and Islamic State has
since been declared.
For this not to
happen, the nonchalant attitude of our youths towards political participation
and the electioneering processes need to get reconsideration by all who claim
to mean well for this nation. This anomaly has led to our relegation to the
background as far as leadership and politics in Nigeria is concerned.
In view of this
and as we approach the 2023 General Elections, I urge that we get involved in
the politics of our nation at all levels, become card carrying members of
political parties of our choice, vote and vie for political offices. Get your
Voter’s Card now, as registration is ongoing, so that you can have a voice.
Viewing politics as a way of life and participation should not be restricted to
voting only but full involvement with political parties and mechanisms.
In this edition,
our thrust is to let us understand in practical terms how best and ‘who’ is
expected to be a true representative of light and peace as our religion
prescribed.
On our discourse,
we will be reading on the meaning and implications of the Sacraments of the
Church, what are the repercussions disregarding this sacraments both physically
& spiritually? Our Lord, while on earth made some startling pronouncements
about those who may or may not make it to eternity with Him. It is good for
everyone to pay attention to them. Nine of such pronouncements are presented on
our regular features in this edition on your regular column, Instant Reading.
The cover
Interview on this issue is with an erudite Lawyer, Missionary - Mela Audu
Nunghe. He was elevated to the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in
the year 2020, haven given over 35 years to Civil and Criminal Litigation as
well as corporate practice. He was a Commissioner for Special Duties with the
Government of Gombe State until recently, when he was appointed as the Chairman
Board, Nigerian Reinsurance Corporation Plc. By President Mohammadu Buhari. He
spoke on several issues bothering the state of the nation and how we can all be
involved as instrument of peace and co-existence in Nigeria. This issue
promises to be a must read for all and sundry. Flip on!
Taiyelolu Ojo
Editor,
July, 2021
Published on COUNTDOWN Vol.8 No 1
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