TEAM
PUBLISHER Godman Akinlabi
For feedback and comments, please send EDITOR-IN-CHIEF an email to publications@elevationng.org Tunde Usidame
Read online at www.issuu.com/elev8
COMMUNICATIONS Chinny Ugoji Opeyemi Araba Hauwa Shehu PUBLICATIONS Matthew Mancha
EDITOR Kayode Olayemi
Adewale Presley Rita Ifidon Tolulope Adegbite
GRAPHICS DESIGN Seiyefa Egein
CIRCULATION Charles Okorobo
CONTRIBUTORS Chibuzo Okereke Gloria Maduka Jadesola Campbell Kayode Olayemi Nonso Anyadike
ADVERT MANAGER Tishegunfunmi Ade’Adegbesan deyoking@gmail.com +2348033022788 +2348034067881
BOYS
II
MEN
A few months ago, I joined team ‘married men’ and while going through the counselling process and researching what the Bible says about marriage, I came across an apt verse of scripture - Malachi 2:15 (AMPC): ‘…And why [did God make you two] one? Because He sought a godly offspring [from your union]….’ This speaks to how important raising the next generation, that God created, is to Him. This is again corroborated by King Solomon in Proverbs 13:22 (AMPC) which says, ‘A good man leaves an inheritance [of
EDITOR’S NOTE
moral stability and goodness] to his children’s children….’ Over the years, I always wondered how and what it took to raise a child. You get training or counselling for many things in life, but raising children isn’t one of them. Oft, I think a number of parents just go with the flow and their first child is some sort of ‘lab rat.’ Whether your small group is interest or location-based, it is participation in this small groups that keep us grounded. These groups provide the support and accountability system, that most of us require in order to achieve any tangible goals. Personally, above the goals of building large corporations, fattening the bank account and so on, I think the biggest responsibility we have as individuals is to raise the next generation and be the best father/ mother (not just something said on Father’s Day and the numerous Mother’s Day) to our children.So, no matter where you are in life, there’s a group for you. Find one that fits you or start one of your own. Our children come to us ‘tabula rasa’ and the outcome of thier lives are shaped to a large extent by the life we model and opportunties we expose them to; this gives us the unique privilege of shaping the outcome of human being and the many generations behind him or her. Between raising our boys and our girls, i think society does quite well with grooming the girls to be women. Theres a lot of a lot of knowledge that encourages and teaches our girls to care for themselves and others. Society says our girls need to be good women/mothers. But what are we telling our boys? I feel we are letting down our boys. Reseach shows there are more abesentee fathers that more than at any other time in history. Our media are also not por-
traying strong icons that our boys can emulate; therefore, I think a lot of boys and young men today are struggling to define masculinity and manhood appropriately. I don’t feel qualified to pontificate on what or how anyone should raise their child, but I think as a society we should pay a lot more attention to how we raise our boys. As future leaders of the family, they need to move from boys to ‘real men’; now, this has nothing to do with the size of their biceps or whether they get to use a ‘black card’, but all to do with being grounded, humble, gentle, compassionate, focused, authentic and empathic. I believe this edition of elev8 will encourage you answer some questions you have and make your relationships sweeter! Stay blessed!
Table of Contents Gleanings Page 4
Relevant Speed Page 5
Hepatitis: types, symptoms and treatments Page 14
Be financially independent Page 15
Keep hope alive Page 7
To post or not to post? Page 16
How long is the honeymoon phase? Page 8
Help 101 Page 17
For richer, for poorer Page 10
Elev8 Essentials Page 18
View from the pew Page 13
Fun Times Page 19
GLEANINGS
CLERGY
Godman Akinlabi
I
t is important to understand that one of the greatest things that can happen to you is to encounter relevant speed. Movement is not movement when it is not in the right direction. “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT In this passage, Paul talks about running in a race to win and that he runs with purpose in every step. It is this kind of attitude we should adopt when approaching the subject of relevant speed. Relevant speed and Direction Relevant speed means running in the right direction; running towards the
right thing. Many people are running in life but they are running towards the wrong thing. David for instance, ran towards the right thing when he ran towards Goliath; running in another direction for David, would have taken him out of his destiny as running towards Goliath was programmed into it. If he had run away from Goliath, he would have experienced irrelevant speed. Relevant speed and Leverage Relevant speed also means leveraging the right situation, people or things. David’s encounter with Goliath obviously did not look like it had anything to do with destiny, it became so because David leveraged a simple errand-running situation into a destiny fulfilling one. There are many situations that do not portend greatness; if you do not think deeply, you would not see that that simple errand is a destiny opener. “I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong, neither is bread to the wise nor riches to men of intelligence and understanding nor favor to men
of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.” Ecclesiastes 9:11 Time and chance happening to all people as mentioned in the passage above, points to leveraging the right situations. The Impact of Relevant speed Relevant speed brings you into divine establishment - crave it. David was moved closer to the throne; his destiny was redefined by that one encounter, as people began to see him differently, to see royalty in his bearing, though he was still a boy - he was moving with relevant speed. May you encounter relevant speed that will positively redefine your destiny. The Toronto-Waterloo corridor is a tech cluster which generates about 200,000 knowledge jobs in the region and about 17% of the Canadian GDP. It is being positioned as one, amongst several super clusters, in a major plan to strengthen and develop Canada’s weak economy. The idea is that the deliberate creation of super clusters, a magnified collection of successful businesses, excellent education, diverse talent and financing, from
within and outside the country, will lead to massive innovation, which in turn leads to explosive growth, as evidenced by the US super cluster, Silicon Valley. This is a major cause for the current Canadian immigration and relocation drive, an attempt at giving the country its own relevant speed. We all need relevant speed but in seeking, craving and asking God for it, you must understand that you cannot accelerate in every direction and not every ground is your ground. God gave the Israelites the ‘promise land’, taking them through one of the four possible paths between Egypt and the promised land; along the Kadesh-Barnea route, which He had planned as the best route for them - He set them on a path of relevant speed. He also gave them specific warning about certain areas, for instance, in verses 2 to 6 of Deuteronomy chapter 2, He warned them about mount Seir belonging to Esau. Then, in spite of God’s plan for them and direction, the Israelites entered into irrelevant speed; they started to think in ways and meddle in things they were not supposed to get involved with, prolonging a journey of 40 days, about 250 miles, into one of 40 years. May God give you understanding of your route in destiny and help you follow the path He has earmarked for you. Relevant speed means moving through life, according to purpose and divine direction. The Israelites were led by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night - they moved only when it moved and stopped when it stopped. We need to be aware of the fact that sometimes, relevant speed includes just staying in one place, standing still when God says so, no matter how frustrating it can be. Relevant Speed vs. Irrelevant Speed God wants to guide you but you need to allow and yield to him. Do not make the mistake of turning a wilderness experi-
ence into a place of allocation because no one fulfills destiny in the wilderness. It is just a place of passing through, which is why wilderness experiences do not last forever. As God leads you to your promised land, you may have to go through a wilderness but God expects you to go through it, engaging relevant speed. Notice that even when the Israelites wanted to turn the wilderness into a permanent place of abode, He took them out. May your journey of 40 days never become one of 40 years in Jesus name. What is Irrelevant Speed? 1. You move with irrelevant speed when you suffer a spiritual disconnection, playing games with God, drifting, disconnected from your point of accountability. It was the same with the Israelites, they stopped being accountable to God through Moses, asking foolish illogical questions, and doing whatever they wanted,
living in an alternate reality. 2. Y o u move with irrelevant speed when you engage in comparison or copying other people’s lives - do not allow yourself get pressured into doing things that may not be part of God’s plan for you. When I finished my graduate studies and the mandatory national service, there was some pressure on me to start my own church, having pioneered a vibrant campus ministry that is still going strong today; even my friends in similar situations were starting their
own churches and ministries but I checked my spirit and did not have any leading to do so; I worked at my secular job until my pastor-mentor asked me to pray several times about going into full time ministry, which I did, got the release to do so and was led me to serve with him. That was one of my most significant ‘relevant speed,’ to this moment. I urge you not to just ‘go with the flow,’ but to seek God’s direction; do not think that as a child of God, you can move any how you choose, for if you move with irrelevant speed, you are playing with life itself. 3. You move with irrelevant speed when you are mentally lazy and do nothing about it. Proverbs 12:27 tells us that, “The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession.” - Proverbs 12:27. We see an example of this laziness in Esau’s life, he was able to engage in physical activity but not the mental part, losing his birthright and blessing. 4. When you gamble with money in business, you are engendering irrelevant speed. 5. Going in and out of relationships is a sign of engaging irrelevant speed. Similarly, if you accept a bribe for executing your job, allow yourself be negatively influenced by former drinking buddies, pay attention to someone of the opposite sex to the detriment of your marriage, and such other scenario or activity, you are engaging irrelevant speed - you need to stop, repent and ask God for help to return to and follow His best route for you.
Godman Akinlabi is the Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church
HEALTH
Tolulope Adegbite
W
aiting to conceive is one of the hardest places a young couple can find themselves, particularly in this environment. The month-after-month disappointments, questions from in-laws, side comments from colleagues at work and the pressure our society places on couples trying to get pregnant is hard. Perhaps you assumed that making a baby would be as easy as rolling into bed with your spouse; often it isn’t so. While that should be our lot as believers, many couples find it difficult to conceive as quickly as they would have hoped for. Of course, after a while of trying for a baby to no avail, anxiety starts to creep in. I’m not going to say, ‘Don’t be anxious’ as that was the most useless advice I think I got when I was trying to conceive for a baby. Instead, as an older person once told me, I’m going to say, ‘Worry well’. Sometimes, you’ve done all you know to do and even done all that the doctors have advised, but it’s still not working. Remember, there is a God and He alone is the giver of children. Table your matters before Him, tell Him how you feel and what you need and trust Him completely. While you trust Him, ask for His peace and follow your doctors’ advice. It’s a lonely journey and can be very discouraging when everyone around you keeps getting pregnant at the drop of a
hat. Here are some tips to help you deal with the stress and anxiety that come with trying to conceive: Tip # 1: Know the facts Don’t assume anything; get to know the basics of fertility, ovulation and conception. Tip # 2: Rule out underlying conditions If you have been trying for more than a year to no avail, you and your spouse should go see a fertility expert or gynecologist for thorough evaluation. And make sure to get a second opinion in order to be sure of your diagnosis, if any. Tip #3: Healthy lifestyle choices Adopt healthy lifestyle choices – regular exercise, balanced diet, adequate sleep, avoid smoking and alcohol, moderate caffeine consumption – as they could help boost fertility and cut the waiting time. Tip #4: Find a support network Whether it’s your best friend, your mom, or an online forum, make sure you have someone to talk to. Avoid speaking with bitter people and seek people who have the right information, people who will cheer you on and pick you up on the hard days. Find people with whom you can let out the steam, cry when you feel overwhelmed and share your worries. Tip #5: Be patient and stay positive
Yes, things are not happening, but give it some time. Try to have something else exciting and positive in your life, not just trying to conceive. Explore interesting hobbies that will help keep you busy and relieve you of some of the anxiety. Tip #6: Prepare for the hard questions One of the toughest challenges faced by couples trying to conceive is dealing with questions from their loved ones. It’s helpful to have some answers prepared for inquiring relatives and friends. From personal experience, there’s so much I can say about waiting to conceive, but I just want to encourage that person who opens this page. Keep hope alive. Don’t be weary. Know that you’re not alone. Know some day your dream will come true. Keep giving it your best shot and keep the end in mind. Above all, we find solace in God’s word in Deuteronomy 7:14 (TLB): ‘You will be blessed above all the nations of the earth; not one of you, whether male or female, shall be barren.’
CLEAVERS
Olabisi Usidame
When I see a newlywed couple or two love birds cuddling up and PDAing, I smile, because it reminds me of a time when I was at that phase in my relationship. It was sweet, and innocent, and felt like happily ever after. So many a times, I would hear a passing comment from an observer; which would sound something like this, ‘...these two haven’t experienced life, I give them 3 months’. This is a partially true comment. While the lovebirds may have had individual trials and tribulations, that love conquers all feeling gives them such a rush that they feel invincible and believe they can make it through whatever. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Life is bumpy, and love isn’t always enough. At some point, it will occur to you that although ‘superman’ is strong and swept you off your feet with ease, he does not possess the supernatural power to provide you with a new job, all he can do is encourage you and help edit your CV? Guys, at any point, did it ever occur to you that you did not marry a Michelle Obama who supports you and will stand dutifully, always by your side, she has aspirations of her own and might not need you as much as you want her to; instead you have married a ‘honey, my Michael Kors bag is getting old’? Every relationship begins with each party seemingly possessing unconditional
love, but at some point, ‘reality’ sets in. You begin to notice, ‘he is not so tidy’, ‘she actually has a wider nose than I thought’, ‘OMG!, did she just fart while eating?’ Tons and tons of raw data suddenly hits home and then you begin to wonder,’ did I make the right decision?’ Go over these truth pills and you may just save your relationship; • You can remain in the honeymoon phase but it requires more concerted effort and investment like consistently filling your loved one’s tank with words of affirmation, gifts, quality time and most especially, doing what they appreciate most. • Answer the question, ‘Can I be in this relationship for the long term?’ You must weigh your partner’s strengths and weaknesses and determine if you can live with their failings forever. These weaknesses could be a matter of poor hygiene, lack of etiquette skills, narcissism tendencies or a poor dress sense. Are they weaknesses you can help your partner with, or do they need to deal with it themselves. • You are going to argue time and time again; It’s been three months and you have not argued or had a fight, I know. But guess what? The fights will come and maybe even
on the regular. To remain in the honeymoon phase, you both have to agree to address issues, and seek an objective third party which you are both accountable to (when it’s a huge fight). Our advice is to expect it, embrace it and address the issues. In truth, you may be around each other when you are both very upset. How will you handle that? • At some point, the love bug will give way to the truth bug. You begin to stop sugar-coating talks or issues. You cannot be bothered if your partner gets hurt by you ‘telling them as it is’. Do you know the post-honeymoon phase in your relationship is even better? Researchers, during a New York Study concluded that the honeymoon phase lasts for at most 30 months and can be as little as a month. The next phase, the Reality Phase is much more fulfilling. It is the phase Nigerians call the ‘see finish’ phase. You have known each other through and through and may have developed a warm friendship and appreciate each other, or you may have called it quits. At this point, you have been able to overcome all the life jabs like Lagos traffic, PHCN or ‘in-law wahala’.
Tips for managing the ‘money effect’ in marriage Kayode Olayemi and Nonso Anyadike
What is happening to the famed ‘happily ever after’ rhetoric? The issues facing marriages in this generation are well publicised. In the west, a lot of marriages end in separation or worse yet, divorce. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that here in Nigeria, c.0.2% of men and c.0.3% of women are legally divorced (there are no records for the countless number of unhappy homes in the country). While that puts us in a much better place, court records show that these numbers are rapidly rising. So what is happening to the famed ‘happily ever after’ rhetoric? My answer to this is ‘real life’! Most seasoned couples can testify that after the honeymoon comes ‘real life’. In real life, there are bills to be paid, kids to educate, investments to be made and
businesses to build. As unromantic as it sounds, most married couples will find that they spend a great deal of time and effort trying to meet up with their financial obligations, and dealing with one money related issue after the other. Ironically, in spite of its importance many couples while courting fail to have deep conversations on the subject, leading to disagreements over how money should be earned, spent and saved. A survey of marriage counsellors indicates that pressures from money related issues are one of the leading causes of conflict in marriages. Interestingly, it’s often not just about the money but deeper issues relating to character and personal values, which lead to a difficulty in blending financial habits in marriage. Merging the wants,
needs and desires of two individuals in marriage could be a challenge. An example would be a marriage in which one partner is a spender and the other a saver. In an ideal world, marriage should see both individuals become one. There should be a complete merger of income and expenses as well as assets and liabilities. However, in our world today there is a lack of trust, which may explain why some people feel the need to have prenuptial arrangements. A move that undermines the commitment to a shared life with a spouse and is contrary to biblical teachings - So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate (Matthew 19:6). Often at relationship seminars, ques-
COVER
tions around combining financial resources are common among new couples. Should we maintain a joint account? Should my wife have the pin to my ATM card? And so on. Typically, the assumption is that a joint account would solve money their issues. While it might, it also depends on the personality and experience of each half of the couple. The important thing is to be open and have honest conversations on allocation of resources. Such conversations should ideally be had before the marriage; that said, it is never too late to learn new lessons. So whether you’re about to say “I do” or money problems have you thinking “I don’t anymore”, here are some money tips to help foster financial cohesion and stability in your marriage: Avoid Spending Too Much On the Wedding Although the temptation is there to get the fairy-tale wedding of your dreams, one that would be the stuff of blogs and vlogs and Instagram posts (#wed-
dinggoals), the financial impact should be considered carefully. The cost of an average weddings featured on some of these blogs easily runs well into 8-digit sums. While in our society, family and friends are very supportive with wedding expenses, many intending couples find themselves overspending and running into debt. Starting a family with creditors at your heels could be crippling and should be avoided. Avoid Keeping Secret Expenses A break in trust can quickly turn things south in a marriage, and nothing breaks trust in a marriage as quickly as finding out that your partner has lied or kept secrets about debt or their spending habits. This doesn’t mean you should micromanage or disclose every singular purchase, but it means sharing significant details and not hiding accounts and investments or lying about big purchases. Set your sight on the same prize Prior to marriage, it’s most likely that both of you had individual goals. But
when you enter into marriage, you must sit together and come to an agreement on your financial goals as a couple, whether it is buying a new car, buying a house, or sending your children to the best schools. This isn’t a one-time thing, life happens and expectations and priorities change. As such, couples should regularly check with each other and make sure they are still in sync on their financial goals. When it comes to financial goals, it is best you are both pulling in the same direction. Identify each other’s money personality With each person having a different predisposition toward finance, couples need to devote time towards understanding each other. Your spouse could be a spender, saver, risk taker or security seeker. This should be done without making any value judgment, as each has its merit and demerits. Set a budget Having a budget is one of the most efficient ways to handle your finances as a couple. According to experts, even the
act of taking time to collaboratively create a budget can help improve the overall health of your marriage. When all agreed upon expenses are covered each month, then there is less conflict when one partner spends on personal items. Also, a budget helps a couple create ground rules which would help both parties feel safer and trust each other’s spending habits. The ground rules could include things like amount available for discretionary spending, amount that can’t be spent without consulting the other partner etc. Plan for the unexpected Some families could unfortunately find themselves in a situation where the breadwinner loses his/her job and suddenly is unable to pay the bills. This can cause a severe strain on the family. But by setting some savings aside, these families can have breathing room until other opportunities arise. It is also important to make decisions about, health insurance, life insurance and estate planning. Particularly, once children start coming into the picture, couples should discuss what would happen if one of them was left to support the family alone.
Consider expenses relating to the extended family This can be a sensitive issue and should be addressed accordingly. It is possible that one partner has an aging parent who needs help, or relative going through a tough time. While extending a helping hand would be the right thing to do, this should be discussed carefully, making sure that you are both on the same page regarding when and how much you are going to help. Have an agreement on tithing and other sacrificial giving It’s the blessing of God
that makes rich, so you certainly want God on side as far as your finances are concerned. As such, both of you should be in agreement about tithing, sacrificial offering and giving cheerfully to your favorite cause or charity.
Above all, it all comes down to communication. Many couples find it hard to talk about money, and this can lead to problems down the road. Therefore, couples should make sure to keep the communication lines open – let out your concerns and share your aspirations. Additionally, it’s important to have the right mindset, whether you are the breadwinner or the stay at home parent. This implies that, contrary to the opinion in popular culture – ‘My money is my money and your money is our money’ should be ‘My money is our money and your money is our money’. Finally, money doesn’t always have to be a source of stress or conflict. And there are many ways to benefit from the power of two. As such, spending money within reason on new experiences and acquiring fond memories is a source of pleasure and couple should seek to enjoy their money together.
Resident Pastor Idris Belo-Osagie
Service Times: Sundays:10am, Thursdays: 6:30pm
Location: Pistis Annex, 3, Remi Olowude Way, by 2nd Lekki Roundabout, Oniru
About: The LifePointe Church is the young adult expression of The Elevation Church. At The LifePointe Church, the mission is simple – We’re a resting place for the weary and a signpost for the lost. We also create vibrant experiences that point to God. We have a deep passion for God’s Word and a commitment to developing true friendships and connections with each other. You will discover that at The LifePointe, we are friendly, loving, passionate and real.
“Every opportunity is fully maximized to connect with God” Says Mounmola Gbadamosi
I had initially attended LifePointe when the church just started but I felt the crowd was too young for me, so I stopped going and continued at Elevation Church. The next time I went again was after about a year and a few months on the 11th of June 2017 which was my sister’s birthday. As part of my sisterly duties on her special day, she insisted that I worship with her at LifePointe church. I got to the church around 10:30am, just as praise and worship was ending. A lady came on stage to give her God experience, after the speech, I realized it’s a rebranding of testimony. To not exaggerate, I felt her God experience deep within me, it made me so emotional and
I was close to tears but couldn’t indulge because my makeup was especially on fleek on this particular day. The prayer and sermon was also very uplifting. I found myself going back the week after and every Sunday since then. I can’t pick what I love best about Lifepointe church, if it’s the worship, prayers, sermons or small groups for connecting with like-minded people about relationship with God. Every opportunity is fully maximized to connect with God. I am a member of the Lifepointe church now, currently in two units and two small groups. Definitely now involved with the church than I have ever been with any church in the past.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Presley Adewale
T
here’s a reason viral hepatitis has been dubbed the ‘silent disease’. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), most of the approximately 325 million people living with chronic Hepatitis B and C infections do not even know they are carriers of the disease. As of 2015, they estimated that only 9% and 20% of persons infected with Hepatitis B and C respectively had been tested and diagnosed, and only another 8% and 7% were on treatment. Globally, viral hepatitis results in an estimated 1.4 million deaths annually, comparable with tuberculosis and exceeding deaths from HIV. With a high prevalence rate in Nigeria, we are one of 11 countries in the world that account for almost 50% of the global burden. The panacea to the silent disease is awareness; hence, the WHO set aside July 28 as World Hepatitis Day to create awareness and encourage global action to combat the disease. What is Hepatitis? Hepatitis literally means liver inflammation. The human liver performs several functions that are incredibly important to our daily life - it fights off infections, neutralizes toxins, manufactures proteins and hormones, digests food, stores energy, controls blood sugar and helps to clot blood. An inflammation of the liver, caused majorly by hepatitis viruses, can lead to scarring of the liver – referred to as liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure and death.
Types of Hepatitis There are five main types of hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis A and E are typically transmitted by poor sanitation and/or ingestion of contaminated food or water, while Hepatitis B, C and D are usually transmitted through contact with infected body fluids, unsafe blood transfusion, sharing drug-injection equipment or poor handling of medical equipment. Also, children born to infected mothers are at risk of becoming infected. Symptoms of Hepatitis Symptoms, such as loss of appetite, fatigue, mild fever, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, stomach ache, and yellowing of the skin and eyes may be pointers to Hepatitis, but not necessarily. In fact, research has shown that many people with viral hepatitis do not show any symptom. Diagnosis It’s very difficult to determine whether you have the disease based on symptoms alone, since many other conditions can cause similar symptoms. The check for hepatitis can be done through a simple blood test for any markers of liver dysfunction or inflammation, such as the liver enzymes. Treatment Depending on the stage and type, hepatitis may be curable. Most people who have Hepatitis A and E get well on their own after a few weeks. Also, recent advances in medicine can cure most peo-
ple with Hepatitis C and can control Hepatitis B infection. People affected by viral hepatitis usually recover, but some continue to carry the virus for many years and can spread the infection to others. Prevention Transmission and contraction of viral hepatitis can be prevented by taking the following measures recommended by WHO: • • • • • • •
Get routinely tested and seek treatment if necessary. Ensure your domestics get tested before they handle things in your house. Practicing good hygiene is one key way to avoid contracting hepatitis A and E. Get vaccinated. There are vaccines against Hepatitis A & B. Abstain from illicit sexual activities. Avoid sharing personal items, such as razors, needles or toothbrushes. Demand proper screening before transfusing blood.
it is important to note that the virus are not spread through casual contact, such as holding hands, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses, kissing, hugging, couging or ssneezing. Remember that in order to protect yourself and your family, you should get tested and ask about your vaccination choices.
MONEY
Gloria Maduka Recession has taken a hit on the Nigerian economy! We have heard tales of suicide and gloom throughout the nation. Now, we hear conflicting reports of a break from the recession, but sadly, being out of recession has not guaranteed financial independence for majority of Nigerians. In fact, even when Nigeria was not in recession, the masses were not financially independent. The recession took quite a hit on the Nigerian economy. Excitedly, as at the end of the second quarter, official data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows Nigeria is out of the recession. But sadly, being out of recession has not guaranteed financial independence for majority of Nigerians. In fact, even when Nigeria was not in a state of recession, the masses were not financially independent. The good news is that it is not too late to become financially independent and here are some ways to gain this independence: Set goals Financial independence for individuals varies, so it is important to define your financial goals early enough. In addition to writing down these goals, it is important to visit them from time to time and ensuring you work towards the implementation of these goals; for instance, if one of your goals is to save 10% of your pre-tax income, you have to work towards that goal in order to have financial independence. Save early and often The next person you must pay after giv-
ing God what belongs to Him is you. If you set aside a certain percentage of your earnings routinely, with time, the money will turn into something beyond what it actually is. If you are concerned about factors, such as devaluation and inflation, a safe way to help absorb these factors would be to speak with a financial advisor on the best ways to apply compound interest to your savings. Cut back on spending While you should not live your life cutting corners so much that you begin to be uncomfortable, it is very important to keep track of how you spend your money. If you need to cut down on eating out and finding ways to prepare your meals at home in order to save some money, for instance, please begin today. You may even need to draw up a budget for spending and you may have to make a habit of tracking this budget. Remember, there is no such thing as “loose change� because the owner of the money should be in complete control of every single kobo spent. Invest In order to be financially independent, it is very important to start looking into areas one can invest in, such as stocks,
bonds, and other assets. Truly, investments come with the risk of losing principal, but the sooner you understand that these investments are more for the long term, the more confident you will be in your decision. Furthermore, as you attain your goals, consider switching to lower-earning but less risky savings accounts and money markets. Diversify As you get more comfortable with savings and investments, look into a wider variety for your investments. With diversification, you can invest in lands and properties, higher-risk stocks and bonds, lucrative business ideas, etc. The more you diversify, the more you reduce the shock of downturns in a particular area. So, your ability to be financially independent is not dependent on the state of the nation. We have examples of people who have thrived in poor economies and people who have not been able to be financially independent in some of the world’s wealthiest nations. The sooner you begin to review your finances and make necessary adjustments where applicable, the closer you will be to your financial freedom.
TECHNOLOGY
Chibuzo Okereke
N
ow, I’m not a social media junkie by any standard. Frankly, it moves a bit too fast for me, so I stopped trying to keep up with it a long time ago. That said, I do have some social media accounts which have been very useful to me in several ways, such as in keeping in touch with friends and family, communicating quickly, enhancing my career and even learning. Social media definitely has a key role in society and several established benefits. Globally, we are seeing social media reshape the entire landscape. It has changed how we connect with each other, do business and access news. People are collaborating at an amazing rate online. Entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to social media platforms to promote their businesses, grow their reputations and also for brand awareness. The scale of these changes was indicated in a 2015 report by Deloitte, commissioned by Facebook, which stated that the social network added $227 billion and 4.5 million jobs to the global economy in 2014. I believe the rapidly expanding nature of this arena has left many a little uncertain about how best to navigate its sometimes tricky waters, one consequence being messy situations that could have been easily avoided if they had simply paused to think before clicking ‘post’. Fortunately, these situations are preventable. Below are some social media etiquette tips to help us avoid its associated pitfalls:
Be respectful Social media is a different social setting, but it really isn’t that different from talking to people face-to-face in real life situations. The same common sense, respectful and polite behaviour applies. Ensure that you think before tagging people; when in doubt, ask, so that you don’t embarrass them. And always remember, if you cannot say something to someone’s face, don’t say it online.
Be respectful, censor yourself; don’t argue; check your grammar, don’t get emotional, and...take a break. Censor yourself Your social media account is not your diary. Please do not overshare with your readers. Some things are meant to be private, so keep it that way. Before you post, ask yourself if it’s appropriate for a social portal or would be better communicated another way. Be sure you are fine with absolutely anyone seeing your posts. Don’t put anything on the internet you wouldn’t want your future boss or current/potential clients to read. Don’t argue Social media is a wonderful place to exchange views. You should interact with
people, but even when you don’t agree with the opinion of others, don’t allow the exchange to turn into an argument. Never stoop so low as to name-call or insult others. Check your grammar Grammatical errors have a way of undermining one’s credibility. It is important that you proofread, spell-check and double-check your grammar before you post anything. Also, avoid using too many abbreviations, acronyms and unnecessary punctuation marks. I find inbuilt spell/grammar checks of a word processor very helpful in this regard. Don’t get emotional Make an effort not to take everything you read online personally. Don’t use your posts as emotional dumping grounds or a means of venting and avoid reactive communication. Take a break As with many things in life, less is more. Count your daily/weekly posts and ensure that they aren’t excessive. Once navigating social media becomes too much for you to handle, remember that your online persona is only one facet of your life and doesn’t define you. It is healthy, even recommended, to take a break once in a while and focus on other aspects of life. Life has more nuances than the character limits on social media, or even instant messaging emoticons, can convey. Effective communication is key.
STORY, STORY
Jadesola Campbell
Y
asmin was a born artist. By third grade, she had been drafted into the state team for the National Children’s Art Competition and came in second with little effort. Her hands were gifted. Her parents gave little thought to her talent. ‘She will outgrow all that childish nonsense’, her mum often said haughtily. She was their only child, their golden child; she would grow up to be SAN just like her dad. Her mum, Yele, was in top management at one of the leading financial institutions in the country and had bagged herself a doctorate degree at a relatively young age. After waiting seven years to have her, they were going to see to it that she had the best life. By sixteen, Yaz had graduated from secondary school, topping the arts every year. Her parents hardly noticed. As usual, without her consent, they applied on her behalf to five top Ivy League schools in the US to study Law. All she wanted to do was move to New York and go to Parsons School of Art and Design to study Fine Art. Having fearfully broached the topic with her dad, he threw a major fit. ‘Fine Art bíí tì bawò? Yaz! I don’t want to hear it oh!’ He didn’t speak to her for two days. Mum barely glanced in her direction for a week! The woman could be ruthless. Six months before completing her A-lev-
els, she met a girl called Tene. There was something about her, but she couldn’t place her finger on it. She had a stunning aura and courage, unlike anyone Yaz had ever met. They bonded instantly and were stuck at the hip. When they’d first met, Tene told her, ‘We have a spirit connection, like David and Jonathan in the Bible. You are my soul sister’. Yaz was taken aback. Her first series of conversations with people never included references to the Bible nor any talk about becoming spiritual siblings at that. She was a Christian, but... it was just a Sunday thing, right? With Tene, it wasn’t reserved to just Sundays. She was literally all about Christ and Yaz did not find it irritating at all; she was more of intrigued by it. In fact, it seemed like all her courage emanated from Jesus, whom she called her best friend. Tene made her want to know Him more than just as a great deity ‘sitting up there’. She began to ask her questions and started learning about the Holy Spirit. This was the turning point for her. The scared, controlled Yaz was being transformed into a courageous, young woman. She got off the airplane at JFK a week after her 17th birthday and knew she had to make a tough decision: Defy her parents, follow her dreams or study Law, be uninspired for the next four years (and perhaps for life)? She had waited on
Creativity is the very nature of God in us God and asked the Holy Spirit for direction and courage and in that moment, she heard very clearly from God and took the bold step.
11 years later…
As Yaz approached the stage for her first TEDx in New York, she had a flashback to that chilly day in September when she made a brazen decision to follow her dreams. Quickly cut off by her parents, she had taken several odd jobs to fend for herself before finally getting a scholarship to Parsons to study fine arts. Having gone on to win several awards for her innovative work in fine art-inspired technology, she was invited to the White House to meet Barack and Michelle Obama only three years after school. Her parents had called her frantically after seeing her face plastered on the dailies and after they had received congratulatory calls on Yaz’s achievements. She was no longer an embarrassment of a child. She flashed a smile at Tene, who sat front row and started her talk with the quote, ‘Creativity is the very nature of God inside us’
ESSENTIALS
Discover some amazing resources from inspiration music to instructive and informative books, blogs, movies, podcasts and more.
RITA IFIDON Letters to God
Courageous
Based on a true-life story of his son, a father who believed God to heal his 8-year old son from cancer, scripted this story. Tyler was dying but portrayed admirable faith in God (his pen-pal) and this quiet power challenged me personally. The movie also draws attention to childhood cancer and the relevance of having a church family.
From the producers of Fireman, this Christian drama lays emphasis on the importance of fatherhood. An officer experiences a tragic loss, decides to improve on his responsibilities as a father and convinces his other colleagues to join in the ride.
Directed by David Nixon
Directed by Alex Kendrick
This God is Too Good
The Mercy Seat
With 14 songs including “You are God”, and the popular “Onise Iyanu”, this one hour long album launches me into an intense worship experience.
Recorded live at the Singapore Stadium, this 12-track album emphasizes my priority access to God, stirs a deep desire to know God more and assures me that I am never alone as a Christian.
by Nathaniel Bassey
OpportunitiesforAfricans.org
This website connects young Africans to opportunities around the globe. It’s a useful platform for young professionals looking to explore international scholarships, internship, fellowship programs or contests.
by Don Moen
www.coursera.com
Coursera offers online courses from top universities around the world. Most courses are free and a certificate can be issued on request. This resource has changed the dynamics of education and it gives an astonishing opportunity for anyone to develop in any field of interest.
Instinct
Buy The Future
Some of us have battled through emotional storms in an attempt to live a fulfilled life – what is my life’s purpose? INSTINCT gave me the idea to start this very important search from within myself. Now, I am discovering different dancing steps to my own personal rhythm.
Inspired by the just concluded accelerate conference, I got this book and it’s been a blessing. It challenges me to live with a sense of responsibility, decipher my choices and take absolute control of what kind of future I want. Essentially, I can buy my future!
by TD Jakes
by Mensa Otabil
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: 7:00am, 9:00am & 11:00am Wednesdays: 6:30pm info@elevationng.org ElevationNG
PISTIS HUB
1A, Ikorodu Road, Maryland Junction, Behind Mobil Filing Station, Ikeja, Lagos
SERVICE TIMES
Sundays: 8:00am & 10:30am Thursdays: 6:30pm info@elevationmainland.org The Elevation Mainland Church TECMainland
PISTIS HUB
3, Remi Olowude Way, By 2nd Roundabout, Oniru, Lekki, Lagos
SERVICE TIMES
Sundays: 10:00am Thursdays: 6:30pm hello@lifepointeng.org LifepointeNG