The Lumine News

Category: Opinion

  • Tolerance: Let Both of Them Grow Together Until Harvest BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Tolerance: Let Both of Them Grow Together Until Harvest BY PETER OBELE ABUE

     

    “Let both of them grow together until the harvest” (Mt 13:30). These words summarize the advice of our Lord Jesus Christ to us on the above topic. Sometimes, we human beings have no patience with one another. We are so quick to judge when it comes to the evil of others. We are quick to scream ‘foul! ‘ when we are not involved. Whenever we perceive that an (evil) act is done (to us), our first reaction is always to condemn and seek vengeance? We are so quickly to take action? What is even more painful is that sometimes these judgemental attitudes are born out of a false zeal to curry favour with those in authority. You sell off your brother to gain what?

    In the biblical parable of the wheat and weeds recorded in Mathew 13:24-43, the servant even suggested to the master who knew better, that they should go and ‘pull off’ the weeds from the wheat. This is not a lesson on gardening, it is the story of our lives. Sometimes we behave as if we know better than God. We give cogent reasons why some people should not be given a second chance. The overzealous servants thought they knew better than the master. Too many Christians are like that. In their zeal to serve God, they go on a crusade against those they perceive are evil, with the false intention of cleaning up the system. Who made you a judge over others? Even the scripture says, “Remove the log in your own eye first so that you can see more clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eyes.”

    The greatest lesson here is that we have a God who is always patient and tolerant with us. He is a God who is sovereign in strength and yet mild in judgement (Wis 12:17). We do so many wrong things in his sight (sin) and yet, he tolerates us. Why can’t we be tolerant of our fellow human beings? Tolerance should be our preferred option for the following reasons. First, so that we may not make ourselves judges, for God is the ultimate judge. Second, because by making a quick and rash judgement, we might make a mistake and accuse the wrong person.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • All Claws In The Cookie Jar, The Dilemma Of A Rotting Nation… BY AGBA JALINGO

    All Claws In The Cookie Jar, The Dilemma Of A Rotting Nation… BY AGBA JALINGO

     

    Think about this, I do not think that anyone is in doubt about the fact that everything uniformed in Nigeria, stands for extortion. In other words, all uniformed organizations in Nigeria that were created with the goal of serving Nigerians, are primarily extortionist and every day, any of their personnel go out to work, the primary goal on their minds is how much they will take back home that day and not the service they will render.

    As far as their duty relates to interfacing with the public, from the armed forces to the unarmed forces, both Federal, State and Local, their first goal is how to extort from that section of the public they are supposed to serve. You must part with something, either willingly or by coercion, once your paths cross.

    Let me give some examples, the Police will tell you bail is free, but that is the biggest lie in Nigeria. Prison warders will tell you that a visit to the prison is free, that is another gigantic perfidy. Military men moved out of their barracks into joint task forces and other operational duties to serve the public, whether on land or on water or at the air gate ways, will intimidate and extort from the public, vehicle inspection officers, road safety officials, forest guards, public transport management agencies personnel in uniforms, customs, immigration, are all in the booming business of extorting from the poor public.

    For the non uniformed public services, beginning from the lowest cadre, if you visit a government office, the gateman will ask you for money to drive in. If you cannot pay, he or she will tell you the car park is filled and you need to look for somewhere else to park, while the person that can pay a bribe will be directed inside the park and squeezed into a space, even if the car park is filled.

    The receptionist or front desk people will expect money from you before they will take your visitors form that you filled to the boss’s secretary on time. The Secretary will expect a tip before he/she will take it to the boss. In fact, some bosses will even ask how much you brought before they can take a look at whatever brought you.

    There is no table in any government office today, where any document passes through that will not require some form of gratification to proceed to the next table. Practically none. It has been normalized. Even in the public complaints commission, you have to pay to lay your complaints.

    Go to the LGA office to process anything, whether it is certificate of indigeneship or birth or death or marriage certificate, if you do not bribe the clerks, you can’t get anything done. Constitutional pardon and clemency for prisoners in jail by Governors and the President is now sold in slots.

    Go to the legislative assemblies to solve any problem with the representatives you voted to represent you, you will need money to bribe their aides to even book an appointment. A senator once told us how even the elected lawmakers pay bribes to get their own bills scheduled for deliberations in plenary. Aides collect sums running into millions of Naira, to fix appointments with their bosses.

    Go to the court registries to file a case, you will need to bribe clerks to take you seriously. Judgments in court cases are now reserved for the highest bidders. Appointments to the bench are now reserved for those who have money to pay. Go to court to process any document, be it affidavit or application for Certified True Copy CTC of any document or any other thing, you must pay some bribe to officials in court to get it done.

    After getting approval from the boss, for your document to pass through the Chief of Staff to Budget to Due Process to Audit to the Accountant General, you must pay bribes across all those tables. Go to public hospitals for treatment, you need to pay the nurses and other administrative staff to get an appointment to see the doctor. Even in public mortuaries, the morticians will ask you for bribes to embalm the corpse of a loved one.

    Employment in all public services at all levels in the country today have been monetized and normalized. You must pay money to get a slot. Public scholarships, State interventions and empowerment schemes have all been slotted for payments before you can benefit. Forms will be sold by the managers to extort from the public whether you benefit or not.

    There is practically no single public service that you can get in Nigeria today without paying bribes in one form or the other; in cash or in kind. Every public service ID card today is automatically an instrument of extortion and not a commitment to service. Employees who are paid salaries to serve the public have all turned themselves to toll gates and toll tables and no one sees it as an anomaly anymore. We seem to have all acquiesced to the bribery culture and the attempt to question it is now seen as the abnormal behavior.

    Matter-of-factly, if even half of the people who work in the public sector can go to work daily and do the work for which they are paid sincerely and return home without collecting bribes from the people they are supposed to serve, for six months only, there will be a significant and marked shift in the fortunes of this country.

    This culture is not restricted to the public service alone. It is prevalent in every facet of our lives and society already. It has eaten so deep that the hope of reversing it is very slim and lean. It has become so normalized that, if you don’t do it, you are described as not being ‘sharp’ or smart. The definition of being smart in the country today is how adept you are at collecting bribes and cutting corners. They call it “work chop.” Na where you dey work, you go from chop.

    Yet these folks are all Christians and Muslims who pontificate about morality and holiness. They pay their tithes and zakaat from these bribes and extortions. They give testimonies about their blessings which are proceeds of bribes and extortion. And more heartbreaking is the fact that, we all get into the celebratory mood when these proceeds are splashed on our faces.

    So tell me how this country will make the much desired progress, when we all have our claws in the cookie jar…..

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Agba Jalingo, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • Why Parents Shouldn’t Give Their Children Everything They Ask For BY JUDE AKPAGU

    Why Parents Shouldn’t Give Their Children Everything They Ask For BY JUDE AKPAGU

     

    One of the greatest gifts parents can give their children is not unlimited access to everything they want, but the wisdom to understand the value of patience, gratitude, and responsibility.

    When children receive everything they ask for without limits, they may begin to believe that life should always meet their desires instantly. This can make it difficult for them to cope with disappointment, rejection, or delayed rewards. If parents suddenly stop giving in to every request, some children may become frustrated or even make poor choices in an attempt to get what they want.

    Children also need more than material things—they need their parents’ presence, guidance, and attention.

    For mothers, build a close relationship with your daughters. Talk with them regularly about life, friendships, values, and the challenges they may face. Show genuine interest in their daily lives and create an environment where they feel safe sharing their thoughts and concerns.

    For fathers, spend quality time with your sons. Know their friends, understand what interests them, and have open conversations about responsibility, respect, and making wise decisions. Stay actively involved in their lives rather than assuming everything is fine.

    While children deserve personal space as they grow older, parents should remain appropriately involved and aware of what is happening in their lives. A healthy balance of trust, communication, and supervision helps children make better choices.

    Many young people who become involved in harmful behaviors, such as drug abuse, are influenced by different factors, including peer pressure, family challenges, or a lack of guidance and support. Although no family is perfect, children who grow up with consistent love, discipline, and open communication are often better equipped to resist negative influences.

    Parents who experienced hardship in their own childhood may want to ensure their children never lack anything. While this desire comes from love, providing every material request is not the same as preparing a child for life. Sometimes the most valuable lessons come from waiting, working hard, and understanding that not every desire can be met immediately.

    Teach your children that life is built on patience, effort, and gratitude—not entitlement. Let them know that some things take time to achieve and that success is earned through perseverance.

    Remember: Raising responsible children is not about giving them everything they want. It is about giving them the character, values, and life skills they need to succeed.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Jude Akpagu and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • Dr. Ivon Ettah’s Leadership Has Transformed UNICAL’s Science Laboratory Technology Department BY ELIJAH UGANI 

    Dr. Ivon Ettah’s Leadership Has Transformed UNICAL’s Science Laboratory Technology Department BY ELIJAH UGANI 

     

    Leadership in academia is ultimately measured not by promises made but by measurable outcomes. Since assuming office as Head of the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT), University of Calabar, in August 2024, Dr. Ivon Ettah has demonstrated that purposeful leadership, strategic planning, and prudent financial management can produce remarkable institutional transformation within a relatively short period.

    At the time he assumed office, the department faced a number of longstanding challenges, including infrastructural deficits, academic backlogs, delayed professional inductions, and staff welfare concerns. Rather than merely managing these challenges, Dr. Ettah embarked on a deliberate programme of reforms that has repositioned the department for sustainable growth and enhanced academic excellence.

    One of the most significant indicators of his administration’s success is the unprecedented improvement in the department’s infrastructure. Through the judicious utilization of the department’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), an ultra-modern Animal House was constructed and is now fully operational, providing an important facility for teaching, practical training, and research. In addition, a modern postgraduate laboratory was built and equipped for advanced learning, complemented by the construction of forty laboratory stools to support postgraduate practical sessions.

    The department’s physical environment has also been significantly enhanced through the installation of a modern administrative signage and insect-repellent window nets in all staff offices, improving both the image of the department and the safety and comfort of staff.

    Dr. Ettah’s administration has equally recorded landmark achievements in academic development. For the first time in the history of the department, Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) and Master of Science (M.Sc.) programmes have been successfully introduced and are now fully operational. These programmes have expanded opportunities for postgraduate education, strengthened the department’s research capacity, and increased its contribution to the University’s academic mission.

    Recognizing the importance of technology in modern education, the department also acquired a digital projector to support postgraduate lectures, undergraduate seminars, conferences, workshops, and other academic activities.

    Staff welfare has received unprecedented attention under Dr. Ettah’s leadership. In what many regard as one of the administration’s most significant accomplishments, outstanding honoraria were paid to 141 part-time lecturers who had remained unpaid since the establishment of the department. This singular achievement not only addressed a long-standing financial obligation but also restored confidence and goodwill among academic staff.

    Administrative efficiency has also improved considerably through the procurement of a multifunctional photocopier for scanning, printing, and photocopying departmental documents, the provision of air conditioners for all academic staff offices, and the purchase of a new HP laptop for the Departmental Examination Officer to facilitate effective examination management and record keeping.

    Beyond physical development, Dr. Ettah has strengthened the department’s professional standing. Through sustained engagement and advocacy, the University of Calabar secured recognition as one of the official examination centres for the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), creating greater opportunities for professional certification for students and practitioners.

    The administration has also successfully conducted two induction ceremonies, clearing the backlog of graduates awaiting induction into the profession. Furthermore, more than 600 students have graduated during his tenure, substantially reducing the backlog of graduating students and ensuring that learners complete their academic programmes in a more timely manner.

    Equally noteworthy is Dr. Ettah’s commitment to institutional values. His administration has promoted ethical conduct, professionalism, accountability, and behavioural reorientation among staff and students. At the same time, student welfare has remained a priority, with prompt attention given to students’ academic and administrative concerns, thereby fostering a more responsive and supportive departmental environment.

    Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of these accomplishments is that they were achieved without extraordinary external funding. Through prudent management of the department’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Dr. Ettah has demonstrated fiscal responsibility, transparency, and an exceptional capacity to maximize available resources for the benefit of the department.

    As the University of Calabar considers the future leadership of the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, the evidence strongly suggests that continuity would serve the department’s best interests. The reforms initiated under Dr. Ivon Ettah have established a solid foundation for sustained growth, improved academic standards, stronger research capacity, enhanced staff morale, and better student outcomes.

    As the Department of Science Laboratory Technology prepares for its next phase of leadership, the achievements recorded since August 2024 provide a useful benchmark for assessing institutional progress. From infrastructure development and academic expansion to improved staff welfare, professional recognition, and prudent financial management, the department has experienced significant growth that underscores the value of consistent and results-driven leadership.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Elijah Ugani, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • Criticism of Akiba Driven More by Politics Than Principle — Victor Egba

    Criticism of Akiba Driven More by Politics Than Principle — Victor Egba

    Admin

    The recent wave of criticism directed at the Special Adviser on General Duties to the Cross River State Government, Barr. Ekpeyong Akiba, appears to be driven more by politics than principle. In every administration, officials who consistently defend government policies and communicate its achievements often become targets of coordinated political attacks.

    According to public affairs analyst and legal practitioner, Barr. Victor Egba, has stated that the sustained criticism of Akiba is not based on facts but is instead aimed at undermining one of the most visible defenders of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Otu’s People First administration.

    Egba contends that Akiba’s growing influence in the state’s political discourse has unsettled both opposition figures and individuals seeking political relevance. He maintains that much of the criticism reflects political rivalry rather than an objective assessment of the Special Adviser’s role and performance.

    He further notes that Cross River State’s political landscape is evolving and that significant reforms often attract resistance. While acknowledging that criticism is an essential component of democracy, Egba emphasizes that it should be constructive, evidence-based, and focused on issues rather than personalities.

    He argues that public officials should be judged by their service, performance, and contributions to governance, rather than by politically motivated campaigns intended to diminish their influence.

  • Transforming Science Laboratory Technology at the University of Calabar: The Impact of Dr. Ivon Ettah’s Visionary Leadership

    Transforming Science Laboratory Technology at the University of Calabar: The Impact of Dr. Ivon Ettah’s Visionary Leadership

    By Elijah Ugani 

    When Dr. Ivon Ettah assumed office as Head of the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT), University of Calabar, in August 2024, he inherited a department with enormous potential and a number of longstanding challenges. Rather than maintaining the status quo, he embarked on an ambitious programme of reform and development aimed at repositioning the department as a centre of academic excellence, innovation, and professional relevance.

    Less than two years into his administration, the department has witnessed an impressive transformation that spans infrastructure, academic development, staff welfare, student support, and institutional growth. Significantly, these achievements were realized through the prudent management of the department’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), demonstrating that visionary leadership and financial discipline can produce remarkable results.

    One of the most visible indicators of this transformation is the substantial improvement in the department’s physical infrastructure. Under Dr. Ettah’s leadership, an ultra-modern Animal House was constructed and has since become fully operational, providing a valuable facility for practical teaching and research.
    Dr Etta has successfully stocked the department’s Animal House with Wistar rats, rabbits, and other experimental animals to support teaching, research, and practical laboratory training.

    The Animal House now provides a reliable supply of experimental animals for a wide range of scientific applications, including toxicological studies, pharmacological research, dissection, and other approved laboratory investigations. The availability of these animals is expected to enhance hands-on learning experiences for students while strengthening the department’s research capacity.

    The department also boasts a newly constructed postgraduate laboratory equipped to support advanced learning and scientific investigation. To complement this facility, forty durable laboratory stools were produced, ensuring a conducive environment for postgraduate students.

    The administrative block has also received a facelift with the installation of a modern departmental signage, while insect-repellent window nets have been fitted in all staff offices to improve safety and provide a healthier working environment by preventing insects and reptiles from entering office spaces.

    Academic advancement has equally been a defining feature of Dr. Ettah’s administration. For the first time in the history of the department, Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) and Master of Science (M.Sc.) programmes have been successfully introduced and mounted, opening new opportunities for postgraduate education and research. The acquisition of a digital projector has further enhanced teaching, seminars, conferences, workshops, and academic presentations within the department.

    Perhaps one of the most commendable aspects of Dr. Ettah’s leadership has been his commitment to staff welfare and administrative efficiency. Recognizing the invaluable contributions of part-time lecturers, his administration facilitated the payment of outstanding honoraria to 141 lecturers who had remained unpaid since the department’s inception. This landmark achievement addressed a long-standing issue and restored confidence among adjunct academic staff.

    To improve administrative operations, the department procured a multifunctional 3-in-1 photocopier for scanning, printing, and photocopying official documents. Academic staff offices have been equipped with air conditioners, creating a more comfortable working environment, while the Examination Officer received a brand-new HP laptop to enhance the management of examination processes and departmental records.

    Beyond infrastructure and administration, Dr. Ettah has worked to strengthen the department’s professional standing. Through sustained advocacy and engagement, the University of Calabar was successfully designated as one of the official examination centres for the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT). This milestone has made professional certification more accessible to students and practitioners within the region.

    The administration has also successfully organized two induction ceremonies, eliminating the backlog of graduates awaiting induction into the profession. Furthermore, more than 600 students have graduated during Dr. Ettah’s tenure, substantially reducing the accumulation of graduating students inherited by the administration and ensuring that students complete their academic programmes without unnecessary delays.

    Equally important has been the emphasis on institutional culture. Dr. Ettah has championed ethical and behavioural reorientation among staff and students, promoting professionalism, accountability, discipline, and mutual respect. His administration has also maintained a responsive approach to student welfare, ensuring that students’ concerns receive prompt attention and reinforcing confidence in the department’s leadership.

    Taken together, these accomplishments paint the picture of a department that is undergoing purposeful renewal. From expanding academic programmes and modernizing infrastructure to improving staff welfare, clearing long-standing backlogs, and enhancing professional recognition, the Department of Science Laboratory Technology has experienced a period of significant progress under Dr. Ivon Ettah’s leadership.

    While every administration faces its own unique challenges, the achievements recorded since August 2024 demonstrate what can be accomplished through clear vision, prudent resource management, and an unwavering commitment to institutional development. As the department continues its journey of growth, the foundations laid during this period are expected to serve as a catalyst for even greater academic excellence, research innovation, and professional distinction in the years ahead.

  • The Ghostwriters of Compromise: A Philosophical and Theological Response to Amawu Cletus and Akpala Beatrice BY CLEMENT AGAMA

    The Ghostwriters of Compromise: A Philosophical and Theological Response to Amawu Cletus and Akpala Beatrice BY CLEMENT AGAMA

     

    It is a well-established maxim in classical logic that when the substance of an argument cannot be defeated, the defender will invariably seek a proxy to dilute the conflict. Madam Beatrice Akpala’s inability to personally withstand the theological and intellectual weight of my previous rejoinder has compelled her to outsource her conscience to a surrogate, Amawu Cletus Albert Amawu.
    To Mr. Amawu, who has kindly volunteered as an intellectual shield on EpiSTLENEWS, and to Madam Beatrice, who stands silently behind him: let us engage in a rigorous, dispassionate analysis of your joint defense.

    Part I: The Proxy Strategy — A Study in Moral Cowardice
    In political philosophy, the use of a proxy or a “ghostwriter” to fight intellectual battles points to a fundamental vulnerability. When a public figure cannot directly defend her own public declarations, she abdicates her moral agency. Madam Beatrice boasted of being “too polished for primitive politics” and speaking with her “full chest,” yet at the first sign of rigorous, intellectual friction, she retreats into the shadows and deploys a mercenary pen.
    If your convictions, Madam, were anchored on immutable truths, you would not need Mr. Amawu to translate your intentions. By outsourcing your defense, you have validated my initial thesis: your political posture is one of convenience, lacking the internal fortitude to face direct public accountability.

    Part II: Deconstructing the Limitations of Amawu’s Rejoinder
    Mr. Amawu’s publication is a masterclass in sophistry—the use of clever but false arguments. Let us systematically expose the structural, philosophical, and theological limitations of his text.

    1. The Fallacy of “Institutional Diffused Responsibility”
    Mr. Amawu writes that personalizing unfulfilled promises is “simplistic and unfair” because governance is a “collective responsibility involving numerous institutions.”

    ■ The Philosophical Flaw: This is a classic fallacy of division and a cheap attempt at bureaucratic evasion. In political philosophy, specifically within the framework of Social Contract Theory (Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau), accountability cannot be evaporated into thin air by blaming “institutions.” When politicians stand on campaign podiums in Ukelle, they do not ask our people to vote for abstract “circumstances”—they ask us to trust their faces, their words, and their alignments.

    ■ To argue that no individual is responsible for unfulfilled promises is to reduce governance to a crime without a culprit. If you took the credit for being in government, you must also carry the cross of that government’s failures. You cannot privatize the prestige of public office while socializing its structural neglect.

    2. The Misunderstanding of “Objectivity” vs. “Prophetic Passion”
    The rejoinder accuses my intervention of being “laden with emotion, assumptions, and selective interpretation rather than balanced analysis.”

    ■ The Theological Flaw: Mr. Amawu confuses the holy indignation of a shepherd with mere secular sentimentality. In Christian theology, justice is not a cold, detached academic exercise. When the prophet Amos declared, “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24), he was not offering a “neutral, balanced analysis.” He was delivering a searing, emotional, and direct indictment of systemic failure.

    ■ To look at the broken promises, the lack of infrastructure, and the historical marginalization of the Ukelle Nation and demand that a priest speak with clinical indifference is an insult to the prophetic vocation. My “emotion” is not a lack of logic; it is the spiritual resonance of the suffering of my people.

    3. The Attempted Secularization of Scripture
    The rejoinder claims that “quoting Scripture to support political arguments does not automatically validate personal opinions” and calls for public commentary to “illuminate issues rather than inflame passions.”

    ■ The Theological Rebuttal: I do not use Scripture to validate my personal opinion; I use Scripture to judge your public conduct. The Word of God is a divine yardstick for justice. When the rejoinder states that biblical principles of accountability apply equally to critics, I wholeheartedly agree. That is precisely why I am speaking!

    ■ The clergy does not exist to provide spiritual anesthesia to political actors so they can sleep comfortably while their constituencies mourn. To “illuminate” an issue means to shine a light into dark places. If that light exposes unfulfilled vows and inflames the passions of a people demanding better, then the light has done its job.

    4. The Perversion of “Loyalty” and “Consistency”
    Mr. Amawu writes: “Loyalty is not a weakness; it is a virtue. Consistency is not a liability; it is a reflection of character.”

    ■ The Ethical Flaw: In virtue ethics (Aristotle), a value only becomes a virtue when it is directed toward the Good. Loyalty to a individual or a political faction that systematically fails to deliver development to your own community is not loyalty—it is sycophancy. Consistency in defending structural neglect is not strength of character; it is obstinacy in error.

    True loyalty for a public servant belongs first to the citizens and the community, not to political godfathers. When political relationships founded on “mutual respect” result in the underdevelopment of the Ukelle Nation, those relationships cease to be sacred; they become conspiratorial.

    Part III: The Verdict of History
    Mr. Amawu concludes by stating that history will judge every public servant by the substance of their service. On this point, we find common ground.
    History will indeed remember. It will remember those who stood on the soil of Ukelle, made solemn declarations to a trusting populace, and later hid behind public relations proxies when called to account for those words. It will remember those who found the red carpets of political alignment more comfortable than the dust of unpaved rural roads.

    Let it be known to Madam Beatrice and her newly recruited scribe, Mr. Amawu: I will not be deterred. You may attach my pictures to your articles, you may deploy your most sophisticated sophistry, and you may seek to redefine submission as “issue-based politics.” But as long as I remain a priest of the Most High God and a bonafide son of Cross River North, my voice will remain a trumpet for the common good.
    Democracy is indeed strengthened when facts prevail. And the fact remains: the Ukelle Nation is still waiting for the fulfillment of the promises you guaranteed. No proxy writer can change that reality.

    Rev. Fr. Clement Agama
    Prophetic Voice for the Common Good

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Clement Agama and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with

  • Bring All Your Burdens to Christ Being a Sermon by Rev Fr Sylverus Ulem

    Bring All Your Burdens to Christ Being a Sermon by Rev Fr Sylverus Ulem

     

    My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
    Today’s liturgy invites us to discover where true peace and lasting rest are found.

    We live in a world marked by economic uncertainty, violence, and fear. Yet God’s Word assures us of His presence and His peace. Nations are in conflict with one another. Families are divided. In a country like Nigeria, where economic hardship often makes it difficult for us even to care for one another, God’s Word still offers us hope and reminds us that He has not abandoned His people.

    One of the most comforting statements in today’s Gospel comes directly from Jesus Himself: “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.”

    This is one of the rare occasions where Jesus speaks about His own heart. He invites us to learn from Him because He is gentle and humble. Even while hanging on the Cross, after suffering rejection, humiliation, and torture, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” What an extraordinary example of meekness and humility.

    My dear people of God, Jesus teaches us to remain humble even in the face of exploitation, abuse, rejection, and injustice.

    Today, many people say, “If you provoke me, my anger will destroy you.” Such reactions often come from hearts weighed down by pain, frustration, and disappointment. Because our hearts are troubled, many negative thoughts find their way into them.

    But Jesus invites us to learn from His heart, to remain gentle and humble. A humble heart speaks words that bring peace rather than conflict. A gentle heart heals instead of hurting.

    The invitation of Jesus is universal. He calls every one of us because every one of us carries one burden or another.

    Some people carry burdens in their families. Others struggle in their workplaces, businesses, marriages, or personal lives. Some burdens are simply part of life. Illness, old age, bereavement, and economic hardship are natural burdens that come with our human condition. But other burdens are created by human beings.

    The rising cost of food and basic necessities has become a heavy burden for many families. During the time of Jesus, religious leaders often placed unnecessary burdens on the people through rigid interpretations of the law. Today, we still see people creating burdens for others through injustice, corruption, exploitation, and selfishness.

    Sometimes, the little kindness we ought to show one another becomes another source of pain. Instead of solving problems, we create more. As the saying goes, “The message they sent you never reached its destination, and it never returned to the sender.”

    Against this background, Jesus presents Himself not as another burden, but as our rest. His invitation comes from a heart that is gentle and humble.

    Many of today’s heaviest burdens are humanly created. There are directors and officials who exploit young women seeking employment. Some lecturers demand sexual favours from students before awarding them the grades they deserve.

    Think of the pain of parents whose children are kidnapped because of insecurity and the failure of leadership. Think of the wounds caused by harsh and careless words.

    Before you make someone cry, remember that tears are the most expensive liquid on earth. They may contain only one percent water, but they carry ninety-nine percent emotions. How often do we say hurtful things to our neighbours, only to return later with a simple “I’m sorry”?

    As a wife, have you considered the burdens you may place on your husband through constant quarrels and unreasonable pressure?As a husband, have you considered the burdens you place upon your wife by neglecting her emotional and spiritual needs? As children, have you considered the shame and extra burden you have placed on your parents?

    As an employer or supervisor, have you reflected on the burdens you impose on your employees through exploitation or injustice? As a politician, have you considered the burdens your decisions place upon the people you were elected to serve?

    The first reading from the Book of Zechariah presents God’s promise to restore a broken and burdened people. The prophet announces the coming of a humble King who will bring peace, not through violence or oppression, but through justice, humility, and salvation.

    Sadly, our society continues to carry many heavy burdens. Young graduates bear the burden of unemployment. Families worry daily about what they will eat tomorrow. Many feel abandoned by those entrusted with leadership.

    We may experience disappointment with those who govern us, but our hope does not rest in human leaders alone. Our confidence remains in God, who never forgets His people. At the fullness of His time, He will surely come to our aid.

    My dear brothers and sisters, we learn from Jesus by helping to carry one another’s burdens. We lessen the burden of hunger by feeding the hungry. We lessen the burden of homelessness by welcoming the stranger. We lessen the burden of our students by giving them encouragement instead of demanding money or immoral favours in exchange for success.

    Each of us must ask: Am I making life easier for those around me?
    Do people feel relieved when they encounter me, or do they become afraid? Does my presence increase the burdens of others, or does it lighten them?

    As followers of Christ, we are called not only to bring our own burdens to Him but also to help carry the burdens of others.

    As we celebrate this Holy Eucharist today, let us renew our commitment to lead others to Christ. Let us become signs of hope, peace, compassion, and mercy. Let us show those who have lost their way the path back to Jesus.

    When we do this, our families, our communities, our nation, and indeed our world will become better places for all.

    May Christ, who is gentle and humble of heart, give us rest and teach us to become instruments of His peace.

    Peace be with you.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed here strictly that of the Rev Fr Sylverus Ulem, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation he works for/with.

  • The Little Ones: God’s Beloved And His Promise BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    The Little Ones: God’s Beloved And His Promise BY PETER OBELE ABUE

     

    Somewhere in the Scriptures, Jesus makes a sharp comparison between “the learned and the clever” versus those who are “gentle and humble in heart” and the later he calls “little ones” (Matt. 11:25) . ‘Little’ here does not necessarily refer to age or stature, but to the wisdom of God that can only be utilised by those who humble themselves to follow God’s ways. Jesus concludes that those who are on God’s side are the ‘little ones’; ‘gentle and humble in heart’. Somewhere else, Jesus makes the pronouncement “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5: 5). All these, reminds us that God never forget his little ones and that we should always be on their side. “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest, says the Lord.” (Matt 11: 28).

    Sometimes, we presume that just because God has blessed us with wealth, position or something, we are “the learned and clever”. Remember when God positions you, he also gives you a responsibility to take care of “the little ones” in your domain. Many times we think we are clever or learned because we find ourselves in a vantage position. At times like that, we begin to outclass others and act as if the whole world is in our feet. We forget that our God is a God of the poor and one day he will act. We have to be careful because it can be more difficult for the so called “learned and clever” to implement the divine mandate because of the lures and temptations that the world offers.

    Throughout history, God has always reminded us that he always intervenes on behalf of those who are ‘gentle and humble of heart”. although sometimes he may delay. As for the proud, the ‘learned and clever,’ his ways remain a mystery (Matt. 11:25-30). Once upon a time, God’s people (the Israelites) were oppressed and exploited by foreign powers and the Prophet Zechariah reminded them that the end of their suffering was in sight and their God will soon come to their rescue… ” (Zech. 9:9-10). Let’s not deceive ourselves; human beings cannot manipulate God. The Psalmist reminds us of our inheritance as God’s little ones when he says :”Wait a little and the wicked will be no more; look for them but you won’t find them; the poor will posses the land and will delight in great prosperity and peace” (Psalm 37: 10-11).

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue PhD, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for.

  • Suffering Persecution: For a true Christian, you must learn to live with Persecutions, by Accepting it As Part of your Spiritual Growth By PETER OBELE ABUE

    Suffering Persecution: For a true Christian, you must learn to live with Persecutions, by Accepting it As Part of your Spiritual Growth By PETER OBELE ABUE

    No human being by nature wishes persecution upon himself. Even Jesus Christ prayed that His father should take the cross from him (read Mathew 26:39). Jeremiah the prophet prayed to God to deliver him from the power of the wicked (Jer. 20:13). Unfortunately, no matter how we wish off persecutions, they will always come. As Christians, we should not play into the hands of the enemy as the enemy is always happy when we enter into their trap. The enemy takes pleasure in attacking goodness, maligning and ridiculing the righteous who try to do good.That’s why Jesus warns that if we must suffer persecution, it must be for the sake of righteousness (Matt 5:10).

    In the world of today, as soon as you set off to do good, know that the devil will be ready to disparage you. Jeremiah cried out saying: “I hear the whisperings of many: ‘Terror on every side! Denounce! let us denounce him!’ All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine.” (Jer. 20:10) Persecuting people even when they do good is what brings retrogression and lack of progress to any society. In the political arena today, we have witnessed more calumny against positively charged individuals with laudable agenda for change than otherwise. People always prefer to cut down the straight tree and leave the crooked ones standing in the forest. People who are honest, diligent, and upright are often labeled difficult, stubborn, or “too serious”, while those who bend the rules, compromise their values, and act corruptly are called flexible, smart, and easy to work with.

    For a true Christian, however, you must learn to live with persecutions, by accepting it as part of your spiritual growth. The world we live in, is not a perfect world. The world has been adulterated by sin, but the grace of God still abounds and evil cannot overcome good (read Rom 5:12-15). Jesus admonishes those who suffer persecution, not to live in perpetual fear of evil. “do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna” (Matt 10:28). Jesus himself carried his own cross to teach us patience when suffering persecution. May this virtue help us as we live in a world full of persecutions.