Christopher Uche Okeke, Painter and Professor of the Fine Arts died on January 5, following a long struggle with a devastating stroke, at his home in Nimo, in the Njikoka area of Anambra state, where he had established the Asele institute on his retirement from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Uche Okeke’s death marks a powerful closure of the life of a powerful imagination; a great artistic and cultural presence on the African firmament in the last half century.

How many times have we heard the pilot announce the final approach to the destination, asking everyone to keep their seat belts upon landing also while the aircraft is still taxing until it comes to a complete stop. What happens next as soon as the plane lands? At times you hear a subtle sound of appreciation then click click click, passengers instantly releasing their seat belts and standing while still in motion. I’m not sure why the rush, they just cannot wait to touch ground and get off that plane. Is it that they had closed ears when the announcements were made? When your neighbor behaves in this manner, just politely tell them to take care, keep seated for safety. Most times the flight attendant should be quick to address this.

It seems there is no one without a challenge. What differs is the form it takes in one’s life. For some, it is self-inflicted; for others, it is not. Whatever it is , there is likely to be something we are trusting God for. Even those we look up to as super rich, there is usually something they look up to God for. If not for anything, they would ask God to give them long life to enjoy their riches.

I was in Abuja on Tuesday, the day after the Minister made this announcement. As usual, I strolled out of the hotel to buy newspapers. But, from a short distance away, I could see that the vendor had more than the usual number of visitors; something big must be in the papers.

In Nigeria, “Men of God” come by the dozen. You see them regularly on television. They are fixtures in newspapers and magazines. They always have something noble to say on the radio. They sit on the high table at every major social gathering or event. They are the counselors and prayer gurus of presidents, governors and other public officials. There is only one problem with “Men of God:” they don’t inherit the kingdom of God.