Dear young men,” said this pastor who was ministering at an interactive session at a young men’s convention in a Pentecostal church, “God created man for leadership. As Christ is the head of the church, so is man the spiritual head of his own home. So, for the married amongst you here this afternoon, if you’ve never thought yourself the spiritual head of your family, it’s time to think of yourself as being one, and also equip yourself to assume that role. For the bachelor, start preparing yourself for that role. A man is responsible for the sustained spiritual growth of members of his family, and God will hold him accountable.”

She still finds it hard to believe that the lives of innocent Youth Corps members could be terminated simply because of the outcome of a general election. Dr. Lady Gloria Chuma-Ibe, Director for Exhibitions & Museum at the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization- CBAAC in Lagos, strongly fears that this sudden loss of value for human life could degenerate into an uncontrollable national crisis if not addressed.

Long ago in our early school years, when teachers had a good knowledge of their subjects before they delivered their lessons, it was constantly drummed into our heads that ‘ignorance is a disease’. Thus, we were encouraged to take much interest in everything and read widely so that we wouldn’t have the disease. Many children complied then, so, at siesta in the boarding school, you would find most pupils secretly reading novels, foreign magazines and journals which were educative.

A former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State and a Life Bencher, indefatigable Mrs.Hairat Aderinsola Balogun, OON, is always a delight to listen to. She was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in the U.K. at 21, and she’s made giant strides since then in her beloved profession. Little wonder, she is set to formally present her latest book, ”To Serve in Truth & Justice,” barely a few months after presenting ”Women in the Law,” a historical research book about women lawyers in the country. Vista Woman had a chat with her about this new book, her law memoirs, which will be presented to the public this week in Lagos at the Metropolitan Club.

Look, Helen, I hate to discourage you in this, but a write-up on this won’t yield any positive results here in Nigeria,” observed a relation when we were discussing the news item from South Africa about a court order to repair a bad road.

“Why not?”

Helen, do you think these politicians who won elections into our states House of Assemblies, House of Representatives and the Senate, really know what their duties entail?” asked a friend

“I should think so, or, rather, I hope so. Why do you ask?”

We must be honest with ourselves and admit that the gsm service has brought a lot of relief to us in our communication system in this country. Just think! Where would any of us be without our mobile phone(s) in our pockets, handbags, or hand? Admit it! One would feel as if we were not properly dressed and prepared for that outing, appointment, or for the day.

Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin needs no introduction. The President of Women Arise for Change Initiative and also of Campaign for Democracy, she is an activist who has unarguably made her mark within and outside Nigeria.
Vista Woman had a chat with her at an event organised recently by the International Federation of Women Lawyers- FIDA, in commemoration of the Day of the African Child which is marked yearly on June 16. There she bemoaned the sorry-state of Nigerian women and children, and also expressed her optimism over the possibility of a better life.

Who can blame Nigerians who don’t believe there’s transparency in the screening done by our lawmakers? We’re famous for the ‘Nigerian factor’ and are good at fixing things, so, one would be expecting too much if we think this wouldn’t extend to the screening of public officers by our lawmakers.

So far, so good. We’re saying the right things. From the highest in the land to the lowest, and with one voice, we’re all clamouring for a change in all areas of governance, and thus, in our lives.

Chief (Mrs.) Bjorg Lawal-Solarin is the current National President of Soroptimist International of Nigeria, a non-governmental service organisation comprising professional women. In a recent encounter, she shared with Vista Woman her plans for the organisation which is affiliated to the Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland, and also highlighted how beneficial the organisation has been to the Nigerian society.

I was reading an article where someone suggested that Christians are at times reluctant to tap into the supernatural power and abilities promised in the gospel, especially in the area of healing through intentional prayer, especially with the increase of maladies manifesting all over.

In the write-up with the above title, I spoke about how a gsm service provider began to deduct N100 every month from my account for a ring tune I hadn’t consciously ordered for. On the advice of a reader, I did take my phone to one of the outlets of the service provider in question, two weeks ago, to have the ring tune removed. I was attended to by a polite young lady who asked if I didn’t like that particular ring tune. I explained that I didn’t order it, and wanted it removed. She agreed immediately and then fiddled with the keys on my phone. “Ma, I’ve removed it. You won’t feel the effect immediately, but after about four or five hours.”

I join millions of his well-wishers from across the country and the globe, in wishing President Jonathan God’s blessings as he begins soon, his four years as president of Nigeria. He won overwhelmingly because he worked hard to convince many Nigerians that he’s the best candidate at this point in time.

Dear Subscriber, your bi-monthly ring tunes tariff of fifty naira has been deducted from your account. Thanks for staying with us. ……………..’

When I received this text message out of the blue, many months ago, my reaction was to send a reply immediately.