Today is Ash Wednesday!
Ash Wednesday, which is the seventh Wednesday before Easter, marks the beginning of Lent. The phrase Ash Wednesday is derived from the biblical practice of receiving a mark of ashes on the foreheads of people as a sign of repentance and mortality.
Most Orthodox Churches observed this day by holding services/masses. I was in Church this morning and after the usual celebrations it was time to receive the ash. There was an announcement that we should do it in an orderly manner as directed by the ushers and other officials. To my utmost shock, people were actually rushing, leaving their pews to join other pews and therefore making the whole thing dis-organised!
I was so shocked that I had to ask one of this "shunters" why he was acting in such a manner. I asked, "why are you doing this? Why are you rushing? Will the ash finish?" I had to ask him, just in case he did not remember he was in the house of God! Well I achieved my aim, because the man was visibly embarrassed!
Anyway, for all who believe in the essence of Lent, let us use this period and get closer to God, our Creator and pray to always do His will. Without God in our lives, nothing can be achieved. Turn that around, with God in our lives, we can achieve ALL that we ever wished for. That is FAITH.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Eko o ni baje (2)
Lagos State has changed! Yes O! There is a great wind of change sweeping through Lagos State. This wind of change is ridding Lagos of all vices!
One of such include the indiscipline and reckless nature of drivers, especially the commercial bus drivers! These group of people have been known for their gross indiscipline. Now they drive with some sense of "orderliness" You hardly see them weaving in and out of traffic for fear of having their vehicles impounded by the law enforcement agents.
Also, it is now illegal to trade on the streets of Lagos. This is very common at major bus stops like Obalende, Mushin, Oshodi etc. I drive through Oshodi most days and I must say, the traffic I experience on that route, especially on my way home after work, is very bad! However, this is now a thing of the past thankfully. These days, the drive home is so smooth that I get home before the day gets dark!
On a typical Tuesday, driving through the Osolo Way (off airport road) is an almost impossible task. This is because of the activities of the traders in the popular Aswani market.
Well, that was in the past! Now the whole road is free as all the traders have been "advised" to move into the market. No more street trading.
Illegal structures are being pulled down! In the course of these beautification of Lagos State, so many people are affected either because their shops were demolished or because their houses were demolished! I am not a holding brief for the State Government, but I must say the actions of the Governor are in order. The demolished structures, were illegal in the first place. Most of them were built over canals and gutters, thereby blocking the drainage system. Some were even built on the roads, obstructing the free flow of vehicles on the roads. Some even display their wares on the rails! Why would any sane human being put himself or herself to such risk by trading on the road or on the rail? The truth of the matter is that over the years, the State Government "closed its eye" to these wrongs. Not any more!
Governor Fashola is out to ensure that Lagos State gets a new look. Yes, a Brighter and Rewarding Future is very certain for the people of Lagos State. Well done Babatunde Raji Fashola!
Eko o ni baje!
One of such include the indiscipline and reckless nature of drivers, especially the commercial bus drivers! These group of people have been known for their gross indiscipline. Now they drive with some sense of "orderliness" You hardly see them weaving in and out of traffic for fear of having their vehicles impounded by the law enforcement agents.
Also, it is now illegal to trade on the streets of Lagos. This is very common at major bus stops like Obalende, Mushin, Oshodi etc. I drive through Oshodi most days and I must say, the traffic I experience on that route, especially on my way home after work, is very bad! However, this is now a thing of the past thankfully. These days, the drive home is so smooth that I get home before the day gets dark!
On a typical Tuesday, driving through the Osolo Way (off airport road) is an almost impossible task. This is because of the activities of the traders in the popular Aswani market.
Well, that was in the past! Now the whole road is free as all the traders have been "advised" to move into the market. No more street trading.Illegal structures are being pulled down! In the course of these beautification of Lagos State, so many people are affected either because their shops were demolished or because their houses were demolished! I am not a holding brief for the State Government, but I must say the actions of the Governor are in order. The demolished structures, were illegal in the first place. Most of them were built over canals and gutters, thereby blocking the drainage system. Some were even built on the roads, obstructing the free flow of vehicles on the roads. Some even display their wares on the rails! Why would any sane human being put himself or herself to such risk by trading on the road or on the rail? The truth of the matter is that over the years, the State Government "closed its eye" to these wrongs. Not any more!
Governor Fashola is out to ensure that Lagos State gets a new look. Yes, a Brighter and Rewarding Future is very certain for the people of Lagos State. Well done Babatunde Raji Fashola!
Eko o ni baje!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Obama becomes the 44th President of America
Barack Hussein Obama officially became the 44th President of the United States of America at exactly 12.06pm, on Tuesday the 20th day of January 2009."Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real . . . but they 'll be met."
This is one of the many inspiring phrases I picked from Obama's inaugural speech. And I'd like to add this ... Yes you can! Yes Americans will meet those challenges! In deed, all Nations of the World can meet all challenges they face! Yes we can!
Some historical facts to note:
* Barack Obama is the 1st BLACK President of the United States of America.
* The Lincoln Bible has not been used in an inaugural ceremony since 1861.
That means Barack Obama is the 2nd President to use that Bible.* Barack Obama is the 5th youngest person elected as President of the USA.
* Barack Obama became President of the USA at 12.00pm even without taking oath. This is because the American Constitution states that the term of a President begins at noon!
* Obama's inauguration is the most expensive ever!
I join several millions to say CONGRATULATIONS to the 44th President of the United States of America, Mr. Barack Hussein Obama.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Okada in Naija
For those who do not know, there is a new law in Nigeria ensuring that all okada (motor bike) riders and their passengers wear a protective helmet. The interesting thing now is that most okada riders I see now are wearing "hard hats" instead of "helmets".
Some okada riders are even improvising by using an empty paint bucket, like the one in the picture below.
I received this picture in my mail and I felt I should share the laugh! Notice that this rider has another "hard hat" strapped to his motor bike, he just chose to use an empty paint bucket!
Some okada riders are even improvising by using an empty paint bucket, like the one in the picture below.
I received this picture in my mail and I felt I should share the laugh! Notice that this rider has another "hard hat" strapped to his motor bike, he just chose to use an empty paint bucket!
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