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Friday Sermon: Death: Preordained

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By Babatunde Jose

Who say, when afflicted with calamity:

 “To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return”- Quran 2:156

The New Year started on a sweet and sour note. While millions welcomed the New Year with fun and jollification, the anticipation of many in welcoming the New Year with hope and joy at the prospects of a fresh beginning has taken a nosedive: Calamity upon calamity, woe upon woe. Deaths unforetold, disaster after disaster, sorrow, tears and blood. It is only the bereaveds that know the harrowing pain of losing loved ones. Some have lost parents, others children and some brothers, sisters and others good friends; including Aisha Lemu, 79, British-born Nigerian Islamic scholar. May Allah have mercy on us; Amin.

However, it must be said to those who are bereaved, whatever has befallen you was not meant to escape you, and whatever has escaped you was not meant to befall you: If this belief were to be firmly ingrained in our heart, then all hardship and difficulty would become ease and comfort. No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees — before We bring it into existence. (Qur’an 57: 22)

For this reason, do not feel overly troubled if you are afflicted with sickness, the death of a son, or a loss in wealth. Allah has decreed these matters to occur and the decisions are His, and His alone. When we truly to have this faith, we shall be rewarded well and our sins shall be atoned for.  For those that are afflicted with disaster, glad tidings await them: So remain patient and hold on to your Lord, be steadfast in faith and know that: He cannot be questioned for His acts, but they will be questioned (for theirs). (Qur’an 21: 23)

There is no doubt Allah has pre-ordained all matters. The pen has dried and with it has been written everything that will happen to you. Therefore do not feel remorse over that which is not in your hands. We could not have prevented the fence from falling, nor the water from flowing, neither the wind from blowing, or the glass from breaking. We could not have prevented these things, whether we wanted to or not. All that has been preordained shall come to pass. (Qur’an 18: 29)

Having done our best to bring certain events about and they do not turn out the way we wished, and whatever we have been trying to prevent still take place we should have faith that it was meant to be. Like they say; whatever happens is not by our power or might, it’s by His Grace. ‘This is the decree of Allah, and what He wishes, He does.’ Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.  (Qur’an 94: 6)

Therefore, just as eating must follow hunger, drinking follows thirst, sleep comes after restlessness, and health takes the place of sickness: The lost will eventually find their way; the one in difficulty will find relief, just as the day will follow the night. After storm comes calm and after darkness comes a glorious dawn: Storm of fate occurs suddenly and disturbs the man’s life for a while and then disappears. After the storm of fate disappears one feels a sigh of relief from the disturbances one has experienced. That’s why it is said that human life is a combination of joys, sorrows, happiness and tears. No same situation remains for a longer period or forever. Therefore, give to the afflicted tidings of a relief that will reach them and that will gladden their heart.

When a desert extends for miles and miles, definitely beyond that distance are green meadows with plentiful shade. When you see the rope tighten and tighten, know that it will eventually snap. Tears are followed by a smile, fear will be replaced by comfort, and anxiety is overthrown by serenity. When the fire was set for Prophet Abraham he did not feel its heat because of the help he received from his Lord.(Quran 21; 69) The sea would not drown Moses and the Israelites, because Moses had a strong faith:‘Nay, verily! With me is my Lord, He will guide me. (Quran 26: 62)  The Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) told Abu Bakr in the cave that Allah was with them — then peace and tranquillity descended upon them.

Unfortunately, those that are slaves of the moment see only misery and wretchedness. This is because they look only at the wall and door of the room, whereas they should look beyond such barriers as are set before them.

Therefore do not be in despair; it is impossible for things to remain the same. The days and years rotate, the future is unseen, and every day Allah has matters to bring forth. You know it not, but it may be that Allah will afterwards bring some new thing to pass.

It is therefore with heavy heart but with complete submission to God that we offer condolences to our bereaved friends; Leke Oshunniyi who lost his 29 year old son in the United Kingdom and Abiodun Omole who lost his beloved son in California during the first week of January. It had been a tragic blow as it was never on the cards. May Allah wipe away their tears and give them the fortitude to bear the loss: “Therefore, do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day; for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)

And ‘Illegal’ too slept and did not wake. On Monday evening he felt like taking a short nap and it was his last nap. Illegal, our famed electrician on Olonode Street, Alagomeji, born Musibau earned his sobriquet from his famed illegal connections. An ever-busy electrician, he was buried on Tuesday morning. Who will now enter the roofs to join wires in our homes? A man of the people has gone. That is what this life is all about. We live today and tomorrow we are no more. Who knows for whom the bell tolls?

We are like chicken in the Lord’s vineyard and our lives and death are at his mercy. He is God the omnipotent; He turns night into day and day into night; He brings forth the living out of the dead, and brings the dead out of the living. His power is awesome and he only needs to say ‘Be’ and it becomes. No man can countermand His order. As soon as man is conceived his life is charted in the Book; and the day, time and manner of death is ordained. We have no power over it.  

Therefore, who are we to predict what God will do or will not do? We take solace in Sura Baqara 155-157:Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere; who say, when afflicted with calamity: Inna Lillahi Wa Ina Ilehi Raji’un: “To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return”: (Quran 2:155-156)

Barka Juma’at and a Happy weekend

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KFC Reacts As FAAN Shuts Down Its Operations in Lagos Airport

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The Management of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has reacted to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s move to shut down its branch at the Muritala Muhammed Airport, for violating laws protecting the rights of people with special needs.

The action was confirmed through a statement released on Thursday by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah.

The official statement, titled ‘FAAN shuts down KFC outlet at MMIA,’ highlighted that the closure was in response to the outlet’s breach of the Lagos State law on People with Special Needs, specifically referencing Part C, Section 55 of the General Provisions on Discrimination.

Responding to the development, KFC posted on its official X account that it opposes bias and discrimination, stressing that the incident did not reflect its standards.

The organisation disclosed that it had embarked on efforts to address the situation and urgently implemented sensitivity training for all its employees.

The statement read, “KFC is unwavering in our stance against bias or discrimination in any form, with inclusivity and respect as non-negotiable pillars of our values.

“However, this recent incident has underscored the pressing need for immediate action. We have embarked on efforts to address the situation and extend apologies and deeply regret the frustration and distress experienced by our guest.

“In response, we are urgently implementing sensitivity training for all our employees. This incident is not reflective of our standards, and we will act swiftly to rectify it.

“We are actively exploring solutions to equip our team members and establishments better to ensure that every guest feels genuinely welcomed and that we deliver empathetic customer service that proactively addresses the diverse needs of each guest.”

KFC had during the week, denied Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, access to their facility at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport  because of his disability.

Daniel had recounted his experience at the KFC outlet of the airport in a series of tweets posted on Wednesday via his X handle, @DebolaDaniel.

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Ezekiel Bolarinwa Ajayi: Mentor, Philanthropist Revels at 80

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By Eric Elezuo

The ancient town of Ile-Ife was agog weekend, when Professor Ezekiel Bolarinwa Oladele Ajayi, a renowned educationist, accomplished mentor and elder brother of veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, pulled all the stops to mark a resounding entry into the octogenarian club, celebrating his 80th birthday with fanfare, pomp and class.

The event, which attracted family members, colleagues in the academic world, friends and well wishers, was another testament in the expression of influence, clout and connection.

Held at the Rock Rehoboth Cathedral in the centre of Ile-Ife, the event brought out the best in the Stanford trained PHD holder, as beamed with contagious smiles, absorbing accolades from a crowd of well wishers and dignitaries, most of whom traveled half  way across the world to felicitate with the newest octogenarian.

A lavished reception followed after heartfelt prayers were said for the celebrant flanked by his wife of many years, children and grandchildren. The reception witnessed guests savoring the best of continental and local delicacies as well as dancing happily to the old school tunes.

The highpoint of the event was the cutting of the gigantic cake by the birthday boy around whom were dotting family members.

As guests expressed their profound, hearty and sincere congratulations towards the octogenarian, whose event changed the landscape of Ife, many recalled how they have come a long way from their very humble beginning in Gbongan Olufi.

Fondly called Ladele, Prof Ajayi was born on March 23, 1944 in Gbongan, Osun State, where he had his earliest beginnings.

He statted his education at the Saint Paul’s School Gbongan, before moving on to Saint Judes School, Ebute Metta, and later to Saint Stephens School, Ile-Ife, where he completed his primary education.

After his elementary education, he was admitted into the Government College lbadan, where he was described as having  ‘passed out in exceedingly bright colours’. As many that knows him has confirmed that Prof Ajayi was a walking encyclopedia, and vibrated with intelligence while at school.

It was not therefore, surprising that he later proceeded to the United States of America, after his secondary education, where he attended various prestigious Universities including Stanford University. It is worthy of note that all his appearances for university education were on different scholarships. It was also at Stanford that he bagged his PhD honours.

On the completion of his PhD programme in Stanford, Prof Ajayi was recruited by the University of Ife, as it was then known, before its transmutation to Obafemi Awolowo University, where he later became a Professor of Physics, a position he jealousy guarded until retirement from active classroom duties.

According to a very close family member and confidant, Bola Adeyemo, who spoke glowingly about their fond relationship, Prof Ajayi “also became active in things of God. Like a proverbial gold fish, he has been recognized as a Pastor. Ladele played a mentoring role in the final years of school for my twin daughters who both graduated from the medicine program in the same University.

“The mutual fondness between Ladele and I remains very much intact. Ladele and l share common ancestry. His father who was the Otun Olufi of Gɓongan was a much older cousin to my mother and was fondly referred to as baba mi ile ASORO. They both had the same tribal marks. Ladele can be classified as belonging to the royal class as his father was the OTUN OLUFI while his mother was the daughter of the ÒOSA, first class chief in Gbongan.”

A life of Prof Ajayi without a mention of prolific publisher of the Ovation brands,  Chief Momodu, remains incomplete. It is worthy of note that apart from both sharing the same mum as siblings, the Prof was instrumental in shaping and mentally mentoring Momodu on the path of education. His 80th birthday was a reminder of how it used to be in times past as it marks a form of reunion for the Ajayi extended household.

Among those who attended were his daughter, Kemi Ajayi-Ingram, who flew in all the way from the United States of America, with her entire family; his niece, Yejide Ajayi among a host of others.

We wish the ebullient octogenarian a splendid birthday, and many ore years of splendid celebrations.

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Easter, Ramadan: Adeleke Releases March Salaries, Pension, Palliatives, Approves Promotion for Personnel

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the release of salaries, pensions and palliatives for the month of March for all public servants in the state, as well as approved the promotion of service personnel due for promotion from 2023.

Adeleke’s show of love for the entire workforce, is in spite of the fact that the State allocation from the Federation account is yet to be released, according to a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

The Head of Service, Mr Samuel Ayanleye Aina confirmed the approval of the March salaries, pension and palliatives, noting that the fast tracked approval covered all categories of state and local government employees including tertiary institutions in the State.

“I can confirm that Mr Governor has approved the March salaries, pension and palliative wage awards, including the usual payment of the outstanding half salary for retirees under the contributory pension scheme yet to obtain their bonds. Mr Governor requested for the file and granted immediate approval.

“Any moment from now, alerts will be landing in our peoples’ accounts. This is a preemptive step on the part of Mr Governor to meet the needs of our people”, the Head of Service explained.

Governor Adeleke who has been hosting inter faith leaders at the Government House said he approved the early payment to ease the burden of the workers ahead of the Easter period.

“As I wish muslim and christian faithfuls blessed fasting season, the early payment is a gesture of support for workers whose welfare remains the number one priority of our administration”, the Governor noted.

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