“To whom much is given, much is expected” teaches that blessings, talents, and resources come with a responsibility to use them wisely and for the benefit of others.

This phrase comes from the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus emphasizes accountability for what has been entrusted to a person. The verse states: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked” (Luke 12:48).

In context, Jesus was teaching about being ready for His return and illustrated this through the parable of the faithful and wise manager, in Luke 12:42-48., who responsibly manages resources and is rewarded, versus the negligent servant, who misuses what was entrusted and faces consequences.

The principle highlights proportional responsibility: the more blessings, knowledge, influence, or opportunities a person receives, the greater the expectation to use them faithfully. This includes not only material wealth but also time, talents, spiritual understanding, health, and influence. Those who are faithful with small responsibilities are entrusted with greater ones, while neglect or misuse leads to loss or judgment.

Individuals are called to manage their gifts and resources wisely, unselfishly, and for the good of others.

God measures faithfulness based on how one uses what has been given, not merely on intentions or desires.

The teaching emphasizes that blessings are not for selfish enjoyment; they are meant to benefit others and glorify God.

This principle is echoed in popular culture, such as the phrase “With great power comes great responsibility”, reflecting the universal idea that privilege entails duty.

In essence, the more one is blessed, the greater the moral and spiritual responsibility. This teaching encourages faithful stewardship, ethical use of resources, and readiness to serve others, reminding believers that God will hold them accountable for how they use their gifts and opportunities. In Surah Thakathur verse 8, Allah says: “Then, on that Day, you will definitely be questioned about ˹your worldly˺ pleasures.” (Quran 102:8)

The statement “the more one is blessed, the greater the moral and spiritual responsibility” reflects the idea that those who receive greater blessings are expected to take on greater responsibilities.

Blessings are often seen as a sign of God’s favor, which encourages individuals to live out their faith and contribute positively to their communities.

Biblical teachings emphasize that believers have both spiritual and moral responsibilities, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 15, where believers are called to stand firm in their faith and work for the Lord.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of spiritual and moral responsibilities for believers, guiding them to live a righteous and ethical life. Key teachings include: Believing in the oneness of God, which fosters a sense of purpose and direction in life. God-consciousness or piety, involving awareness of Allah’s presence and obedience to His commands. Regular remembrance of Allah, a powerful means of spiritual development. Treating others with equity and without bias, as emphasized in Quranic verse 4:135. Encouraging believers to show compassion and mercy to all living beings. Being truthful in words and actions, as emphasized in Quranic verse 9:119.

These principles guide believers in their daily lives, promoting spiritual growth, moral integrity, and a harmonious relationship with Allah and society.

The concept of responsibility is rooted in the idea of stewardship, where individuals are expected to use their blessings wisely and serve others.

The concept of stewardship is deeply rooted in the idea of responsibility, as it emphasizes the moral obligation to manage natural resources responsibly and sustainably.

Stewardship ethics, a key aspect of stewardship, involves recognizing the intrinsic value of the natural world and the responsibility to protect it for future generations. This includes principles such as sustainability, intergenerational justice, and the precautionary principle, which guide decision-making processes in the management of natural resources. Stewardship ethics encourages a more nuanced and sustainable approach to human-environment interactions, reflecting the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world.

Blessings can also lead to a deeper understanding of one’s purpose and the need to fulfill one’s role in the world, as seen in various biblical passages that discuss the importance of faith and service.

Being blessed encompasses not just material wealth but also a moral and spiritual obligation to live out one’s faith and contribute positively to society.

Living out one’s faith involves gratitude, sharing, and recognizing God’s presence in daily life, which fosters deeper spiritual growth and community engagement.

Material blessings are often accompanied by a moral obligation to use them responsibly, contributing to the well-being of others and the environment.

In the Bible, blessings are seen as a reflection of God’s grace and favor, which can be expressed through charitable actions and a commitment to living justly.

True prosperity is not defined solely by material wealth but by a relationship with God and a commitment to living a life that honors Him.

In essence, true blessing involves a holistic approach that prioritizes spiritual, moral, and social responsibilities.

Our birthday boy, Baba Oba Oladele Fajemirokun has lived a life that reflects these spiritual and religious perspectives. All in the belief that he must give back to society from what he has been given.

Del Faj has since established a foundation: Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation (OFF) which has been very active, changing the lives of people, both old and young: Engaging in medical and economic outreach and as a benefactor to orphanages.

His employees are not left out as beneficiaries of his large heartedness. Like Ebenezer Obey sang about his late father when he said, “he used his wealth to serve God and man”. The same could be said of the son.

Once a board room oracle, and an ‘Angel Investor’, Dele has retired to his Ikoyi citadel from where he spends his time praising and thanking God for His benevolence and mercies. He ought to; he has many reasons to thank Almighty God for the preservation of his life. God has tested him with his health which he overcame, his wife, loss of brothers and sisters and beloved friends. However, we might ask: Which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? Surah Ar Rahman, Quran 55

What did he do to deserve all these from Baba God, he asks himself? Question he has no answer to.

He is not the only son of the great Henry Fajemirokun, the Baba Olowo of the 70s; neither is he the only person in his set at Loyola College, Ibadan, where he was rusticated, but for the intervention of the Bishop of Ibadan. Neither was he the only HSC student of Gboluji Grammar School, where the Principal had written him off as a no-good rascal and bad influence on his peers.

Or, shall we reference his ‘Great Ife’ days where he was not even the brightest boy in his class, but a rabble rouser who had to repeat his class due to rascality and academic unseriousness; leader of all insurrections of his time, perpetually ‘under the influence’ and dangerous bike rider. He was much loved by my late father who gave him the sobriquet ‘ Dele Times, Dele Trouble’.

But at Ife, he honed his rascality to a dangerous notch. Ask Oluwadiya who narrowly escaped the censure of a lecturer who felt insulted mistaking Bukki for Dele. Only for Bukki to encounter Dele again at the NYSC camp in Jos: Agbako!!

Do we recount his escapades in Jos during his one-year NYSC where he caused so much trouble that his service was extended for another year; though he managed to wangle his discharge certificate as a result of his underground system after which he surfaced in Kano to engage in various money spinning schemes to the utter consternation of his father who said he had a death-wish. Shortly after which the old man would die and pivot Del Faj to the head of the organization and the huge problems he left behind. But undaunted and unworried, Dele laced his boots and faced the challenge. God was on his side. He therefore has every reason to be grateful to God. That he is alive is enough cause for joy and thanksgiving. Where are the many co-travelers today?

Where is Onome Ibru, who died in an accident on the same road we travelled with careless abandon? Where is Bobo Doherty, who checked out during a bout of enjoyment during the coronation party of late Oni Sijuade? Nor, do we ask about Major Abbey Doherty, who survived the Jos episodes but later died a few years ago? What of unbreakable Akin Fashakin who met his waterloo at the sunrise of Dele’s life? Or Popo Akinyanju, our very own Popo who is in heaven, missing all the fun below? Thanking God is not enough, His name should be glorified.

Right in the family, there are brothers and sisters who are not around to witness your 76^th year of living, which your late father never achieved. Tunde,  Olu, Taiye, Funsho, Tokunbo and of course, Olu James, all sailing in the heaven. Which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

Let me not forget to add some others who have departed; Latunde Bello and only last Wednesday an ex-Loyolan, Group Captain Musi Elegbede, who also joined his ancestors. Inna lillahi wa ina ilehi rajiun.

Today, we his friends and compatriots rejoice with him. May God bless his new age and sanctify him with good health. May his days be long. Amen

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar: “Our Lord, give us in this world that which is good, and in the Hereafter that which is good, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire”.

Barka Juma’at and a happy weekend

By Babatunde Jose

Today’s sermon touches on a very sad development which tends to verge on the spiritually disturbing. According to my friend Tatalo Alamu of Gbogan, it is a morbid oncology at its most classic and benumbing.

We all know that death comes with different attendant issues; short or prolonged illness, accident, both domestic or external including plane crash or automobile, altercation with spirits or even church leaders, not to talk of curse from Isese adherents. Sometimes, death comes visiting in the early hours of the morning when we are not fully awake to acknowledge its presence or late at night when we have entered the twilight zone.

Our people regard death as a debt we all owe our Creator. My friend’s mother said: *Gbese niku Baba Moradeun, ko se niti o nisan. Aiye o nipekun o ba je nje die ki nto ma lo:* Death is an obligatory debt that every living person must pay. Life is an endless feast. Let me just take my own bite before I am recalled.

Death is no respecter of gender, age or definition. It takes the child and leaves the parents, it takes the Taiwo and leaves the Kehinde, it takes the mother and leaves the new born, it takes the strong and leaves the weakling.

Our Quran says in *Surah Al Imran, 3:185: Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.*

There are so many diseases that lead to death. The most common is cancer. However, there are many variants of cancer, one of which is Cancer of the Pancreas.

What follows is a prima on pancreatic cancer; a malignant disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the pancreas, often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to minimal early symptoms.

Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the pancreas grow uncontrollably, affecting either the cells which produce digestive enzymes or endocrine cells (which produce hormones like insulin). About 70% of pancreatic cancers develop in the head of the pancreas, with exocrine tumors, particularly adenocarcinomas: Adenocarcinomas are a type of cancer that can affect various organs, including the lungs, stomach, pancreas, and colon. Adenocarcinomas are the most common form of breast cancer and account for a significant percentage of other cancers, such as 99% of prostate cancers and 85% of pancreatic cancers.

Several factors can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, including age (average diagnosis at 72 years), smoking, obesity, family history, genetic mutations, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption. Inherited genetic mutations account for approximately 5–10% of cases – Cancer Council.

Early-stage pancreatic cancer often causes no symptoms, making early detection difficult. When symptoms appear, they may include: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine); unexplained weight loss; abdominal or back pain; new-onset diabetes (10–20% of cases); digestive issues such as nausea or loss of appetite.

According to the Cancer Council, diagnosis typically involves a combination of blood tests, imaging scans (ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET), and tissue sampling (biopsy via fine-needle aspiration, endoscopy, or laparoscopy) to confirm the presence and stage of cancer. Genetic testing may also be performed to identify inherited mutations.

According to MedicineNet, Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, which contributes to its high lethality. Survival rates vary by stage.

The only potentially curative treatment is surgical removal of the tumor, sometimes involving partial or total removal of the pancreas. Additional treatments include: Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, Targeted therapies for specific genetic mutations and Supportive care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Ongoing research focuses on genetic mapping, targeted therapies, and early detection methods to improve outcomes. Support is available through cancer organizations, providing guidance for patients and families coping with the disease.

Pancreatic cancer remains challenging due to its rapid progression and aggressive metastasis.

Life expectancy for pancreatic cancer varies widely by stage, ranging from several years for early-stage tumors to only a few months for advanced stage 4 disease.

Johns Hopkins Medicine says the overall five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is approximately 12–12.5 percent, reflecting the fact that most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment is more difficult. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, but pancreatic cancer often shows few symptoms until it has metastasized.

Factors affecting prognosis include Tumor resectability: Resectable pancreatic cancer refers to tumors that can be completely removed through surgery, typically when they are confined to the pancreas and have not invaded nearby blood vessels.

The term resectable indicates that the pancreatic tumor can be surgically removed. It is usually diagnosed in the early stages when the cancer is localized and has not spread significantly.

Resectability could be borderline when the cancer may have spread to nearby blood vessels but is still considered potentially removable after treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation, to shrink the tumor.

In contrast, unresectable pancreatic cancer cannot be completely removed due to extensive spread to surrounding tissues or distant organs.

The primary treatment for resectable pancreatic cancer is surgical intervention. The type of surgery depends on the tumor’s location within the pancreas.

According to the American Cancer Society, the prognosis for patients with resectable pancreatic cancer is generally better than for those with unresectable disease, as complete surgical removal of the tumor can lead to improved survival rates. However, the overall outcome depends on various factors, including the tumor’s size, location, and the patient’s overall health.

In conclusion, resectable pancreatic cancer is a critical classification that allows for surgical intervention, which is the most effective treatment option available. Early detection and appropriate treatment planning are essential for improving patient outcomes.

Patients diagnosed before metastasis may become disease-free in up to 10 percent of cases.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) have a better prognosis, with a five-year survival rate of 54 percent for certain subtypes, compared to the more common pancreatic adenocarcinomas.

Access to high-volume centers and multidisciplinary care can improve outcomes through advanced surgical techniques and personalized therapy.

Pancreatic cancer prognosis is highly dependent on stage at diagnosis. Early-stage, resectable tumors offer the best chance for longer survival. Advanced-stage pancreatic cancer has a very limited life expectancy, emphasizing the importance of early detection and specialized care.

The onset of advanced stage pancreatic cancer is what happened to our friend, Alhaji Moshood Olatunde Bello 1951-2026, whose health took a rapid deterioration after he was diagnosed with advanced, metastasized pancreatic cancer. He gave up the fight on the night of Monday 6th April and being a Muslim and an Alfa, was buried on Tuesday 7th April at Ijebu Ode, where he hailed from. Inna lillahi wa ina ilehi rajiun.

Latunde, as friends used to call him, came from a deeply religious Islamic home and was deeply religious until he fell into the satanic trap of happy-go-lucky friends after his university years. A graduate of pharmacy at Great Ife, Latunde attended Adeola Odutola College and Muslim College (Museduco) both in Ijebu Ode. He was a quiet and studious fellow; hence, I did not know him at Museduco Varsity, where I did my higher school in Ijebu Ode. His life took a trajectory for the speed lane after our friend served with Dele Fajemirokun and his gang in Jos.

Latunde and another friend will later team up with Dele in their various business deals, leading to Latunde forming Mobell Trading Company, which grew into a major paper importer.

After retirement, Latunde lived a quiet life in his sprawling home in VGC. Like all of us, he has had his taste of health challenges, one of which culminated in his going as far as India for a prostate operation. Since then he had been pissing well and reduced his drinking to the less harmful H2O. But, no matter how we take precaution, death will always find a cause. It was his time to go and meet his Maker.

I understand there is always a welcoming party in the beyond where discussions center around the state of things here on earth. He would have met other departed friends like Akin Fasakin, Dele Adeola, Goke Omisore, Femi Adegoke, Tunde Dawodu, and others too numerous to name here.

Unfortunately, he would not have glowing stories to tell. These are not the best of times down here. War everywhere, kidnappings, terrorism and all forms of insecurity and Trump messing around, there is nothing good to relate to the people up there.

May the Almighty Lord forgive all his sins and shortcomings and may the Lord comfort his loved ones, grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. We pray that Allah in His compassion will grant Olatunde Bello, Jannatul Firdous, and preserve those he left behind – his wife and children and we his friends and compatriots. Inna lillahi wa ina ilehi rajiun.

Until we meet in the Resurrection, Latunde, sun re oo!

Barka Juma’at and a happy weekend

Hopefulness is an important characteristic of believers and, at the same, an indication of their faith. Knowing that everything happens according to Allah’s will, believers do not fall into despair or become hopeless and pessimistic. And, since believers know that Allah will accept their prayers, they do not doubt, even for a second, that a seemingly terrible event is simply a part of their test and that eventually it will work out for the best.

Hope in Allah’s mercy and Paradise greatly influence a person’s whole life, attitude toward life, sincerity of worship, and resolve. Those who hope for Allah’s mercy cannot do anything that He has forbidden, ignore something that He has commanded, say a bad word, or neglect the voice of their conscience. They advise people to good and right, discourage them from evil, and carry out with enthusiasm many other forms of worship Allah has commanded.

Even if they have lost everything, believers can start fresh without the slightest feeling of hopelessness, and with patience and enthusiasm; that is renew hope. Their enthusiasm arises from their faith, their trust in and love for Allah, their Quranic morals, and their certain realization of this world’s transience.

It is the hope of a bountiful harvest that motivates a farmer to work hard on his farm; it is also the hope of a  profitable trade that propels a merchant to travel far  afield in search of merchandise; the student who burns the midnight oil does so in the hope of a good result in his exams; it is equally hope of victory in war that pushes the soldier to endure the hardship of war; and as for the believer, it is the hope of gaining the pleasure of paradise that motivate him to obey Allah’s injunctions and shun the advances of Satan.

Hope, then, is a motivating power that makes one feel delighted when working, that provides the stimulus for struggling for the sake of duty and which enlivens body and soul. Hope is the elixir of life.  Most people fall into despair when they do not get what they want, lose something, or when some unexpected dreadful event befalls them. (Quran 12:87) (Quran 15:56)

Everything that happens comes about through Allah’s command of “Be”, see Quran 3:46-48; 3:58-60; 19:34-36; 2:116-118. At every second, everything and scene that appears before us is created through Allah’s will. Nothing is left to its own devices, for everything is created for the destiny that Allah has determined for it. Several Quranic verses mention how Allah gives believers a good reward and offers them glad tidings of grace, favor, and mercy:

Those who believe and work righteous deeds, –from them shall We blot out all evil (that may be) in them, and We shall reward them according to the best of their deeds. (Quran 29:7) See also (Quran 42:26) (Quran 2:268) (Quran 32:16).

Since prayer itself is both a form of worship and an indication of a hopeful attitude toward Allah, believers pray in the hope that our Lord will answer their prayers. Hope befits reason and rationale, while despair is utterly against it. Allah makes it clear that people are tested by their souls and possessions.

In one of his sayings, our Prophet (SAW) made this clear: “Whatever Allah takes is for Him, and whatever He gives is for Him. Everything with Him has a limited fixed term (in this world), and so people should be patient and hope for Allah’s reward.” (Sahih Bukhari) It is vital to fully comprehend the importance of being hopeful and to be patient in order to gain Paradise.

Being positive is obligatory, as the following verse shows:“O my sons! Go ye and enquire about Joseph and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah’s soothing Mercy: Truly no one despairs of Allah’s soothing Mercy, except those who have no faith.” (Quran 12: 87)

Majority of people are ungrateful and do not submit to Him completely, and thus fall into despair. This type of attitude is apparent in Quran 14: 34.

Allah makes it clear that He is not pleased with those who attach themselves to this world, worry about the future, are ambitious, arrogantly think that they are in control but then despair at the slightest setback, and are ungrateful: See (Quran 11:9-11)

The secret behind the believers’ trust in Allah in all situations, as well as their continual joy and enthusiasm, lies in their belief in and reliance upon Allah. They understand that Allah is behind every apparently difficult situation, as well as the fact that only He gives and takes.

In very simple terms, the believer has hope and trust in the goodness of Allah. Allah has promised believers great bounties in both this life and the Hereafter, and people may hope to obtain them according to the degree of their faith in and closeness to Allah, as well as their submission and sincerity.(Quran 29:7) (Quran 42:26)

There is no doubt that Allah’s Will shall prevail. However, this does not preclude us from praying, supplication and making efforts. There is a very pertinent assertion by a man of God who said that ‘blessing is not free’. We must work for it and then ask God to bless our efforts. According to the gentleman of God, when Isaac wanted to bless Jacob, he asked him to prepare a very delicious meal for him. After partaking of the meal, he blessed Jacob.

Allah does not require a delicious meal from us, but our prayers and faithfulness. Like they say, ‘nothing goes for nothing’! ‘Those who come to equity, must come with clean hands.’ Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.  Proverbs 14:34. May Allah give us the renewed hope we desire! 

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil ‘akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar. Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the fire. (Q2:201)

Barka Juma’at and Easter Greetings

EASTER: RENEWED HOPE IN THE LORD

Easter is a time of profound spiritual renewal and hope. It is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which brings new life and hope to believers. During Easter, prayers and messages are shared that reflect on the love and mercy of God, reminding us of His enduring presence and the promise of eternal hope. There are some ways to experience renewed hope in God’s love at Easter:

Prayers of Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for the miracle of resurrection and the gift of salvation.

Messages of Renewal: Sharing messages that resonate with the themes of rebirth and transformation.

Blessings and Wishes: Offering blessings for joy, peace, and new beginnings.

Reflecting on quotes that capture the essence of Easter and the power of God’s love.

Easter is a time to reflect on the empty tomb, the tears turned into joy, and the promise of spiritual renewal. It is a time to remember that the risen Savior still brings light to every shadow and peace to every weary soul.

Every year, Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ during the sacred celebration of Easter. This holy day is not just about traditions, family gatherings, or festive meals it is a powerful reminder of victory over sin, hope beyond suffering, and the promise of new life.

For believers, Easter is a moment to reconnect with God through heartfelt prayer and Scripture. The resurrection story found in the Bible teaches us that no darkness is permanent, no failure is final, and no broken heart is beyond healing.

Happy Easter!!!