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Clerics Reflect On Easters True Meaning

In celebration of Easter, prominent clerics speak with OGHENOVO EGODO-MICHAEL about the essence of the season and how it should be celebrated A former General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church, Prophet Kayode Abiara, talks about Easter values, and calls on Nigerian leaders to be selfless in governance Can you share the most memorable Easter celebration you’ve had? All of them have been memorable, by His grace. What special services or events does your church organise during the Easter season? We have our Easter conference, as well as our children’s/youth Easter Camp for the Easter weekend. We are expecting about 600 children. It will be a time of fun and spiritual impartation. What challenges do you face in reaching out to the community during this season? By the grace of God, we do not have the challenge of reaching out to people. We just intensified our church’s reach beyond the four walls. How can individuals contribute to the spirit of Easter beyond attending church services? Easter is about love, service and sacrifice. Jesus came to die because God loves humanity. The community must find ways to love, live right and serve their fellow countrymen. How can churches adapt their approach to better engage younger generations during Easter? We can do this by letting the younger ones know the value that Easter adds to their spiritual growth. We can change methods, but the message cannot change. What message do you have for Nigeria’s leaders, seeing that the hope of the nation rests on their shoulders? They should serve the nation diligently. They should show genuine love and care for the nation. They should be selfless in their governance, knowing that success is based largely on the support and the well being of the people. How does Easter shape your faith? Easter is the most important event to me as a Christian. The death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the basis of the Gospel that we preach. It is the anchor upon which the gospel is built. The lead pastor of the Trinity House Church, Lagos, Ituah Ighodalo, speaks on how Easter should be marked, and condemns the persecution Christians face all over the world How would you describe the significance of the Easter season? Easter is so significant and critical; it marks a turning point for mankind. Because of the thanksgiving nature of Christmas, people tend to place a lot of emphasis on Christmas, but it is just the beginning. It ended at Easter. If Christ had been born and never gone to the cross, all He would have been is a great master and teacher. But by going to the cross and dying during Easter, He solved mankind’s problems and challenges with God permanently. The essence of Easter is rooted in the law that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and the wages of sin is death. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, but God came down, took on the flesh of man and died in our place for our sins and thereby reconciled us to God. It is a message for those who believe. It happened around this time 2025 years ago and therefore, we tend to remind ourselves of the great sacrifice that connects us to God. How should Christians celebrate Easter? It is more of a moment of reflection than a celebration. It is a moment of introspection and thanksgiving to God for what He has done. We need to constantly remind ourselves of this great sacrifice. Christianity cost God a lot, including humility, shame, sacrifice, pain and the experience of physical death. The gospel itself costs those who are connected with spreading it a lot. Most of the early disciples of Jesus Christ were abused, criticised and killed in very terrible ways. Following Jesus costs a lot. The song, ‘I have decided to follow Jesus’ was written by a man who had his wife, two sons and himself killed because he decided to follow Jesus. Therefore, we soberly reflect on that, change our behaviours and attitudes, repent from our bad ways and truly decide to follow Jesus, especially since it is not as challenging as it used to be. A lot of us who are Christians now actually enjoy a bit of a free ride because many people had laid down their lives for Christianity in the past. Despite the challenges being less severe than in the past, what words of encouragement would you offer to those who continue to face persecution for their faith in Christ? Thank you for bringing me to that remembrance, especially in Northern Nigeria— places like Southern Kaduna, and Jos, the capital of Plateau. A lot of people who still call on the name of Jesus Christ are vilified, murdered and butchered. There is a Catholic priest who was recently butchered. Just a few days ago, about 91 people were killed in Adamawa State for this same Christianity. People are still being killed in India, Asia and other parts of the world. My heart goes out to them, and I pray that a lot of Southern Christians, including myself, will sacrificially find a way to help and support our brothers in the Middle Belt and the North. We are appealing to our northern brothers who are persecuting us to please drop their swords. We can live together as brothers. We will not interfere in one another’s personal affairs. Let everybody live. We don’t persecute anyone here in the South, we don’t see any reason why people should be persecuted in the North. We want to appeal to our leaders to please step into this matter and appeal to these people to stop all these persecutions, and also let the full force of the law come down on those who still engage in things that are against the laws of the country. Should Easter celebrations include non-Christians? I think Easter is also a period where we, as Christians, should go out there to spread the gospel and provide information. The first way to do this is to talk about it to our brothers out there who do not know Christ yet, or those who partially know about Him but are not talking about it as they should. We can talk about it through crusades, evangelical meetings, one on one contact and so forth. My mantra in Trinity House this season is evangelism. This is the time to re-propagate the gospel and tell people what the Lord has done for us. Also, we should extend good cheer to others. We should go around looking for the sick or the poor and extend goodwill to them. I was in the prison last weekend, and this Easter, I am going to the hospitals to visit the sick. Also, constantly, we are supporting those who are indigent through scholarship, education, feeding and empowerment. It is also a time to help the government in one or two areas where they are deficient and show goodwill. Amongst ourselves as Christians, we should show unity and goodwill. One of the challenges of Christianity today is a lack of unity. We need to all work together. The fact that Jesus Christ died for all of us and rose from the dead is much more fundamental than any differences. When you get to Heaven, you will not see any denomination there. What you will see are children of God and believers of Jesus Christ. The lead pastor of Harvesters International, Bolaji Idowu, speaks about his favourite Easter memory and what the season means to him What does Easter signify for you, and how does it shape your faith? Easter is the deepest demonstration of love, sacrifice, and power. It reminds me that absolutely nothing is impossible with God. As someone committed to prayer and practical wisdom, Easter is a personal call to live each day with renewed purpose, knowing that God’s grace has made a way. Can you share the most memorable Easter celebration you’ve had? One unforgettable Easter was at our Lekki campus. We redesigned the entire church entrance to look like the tomb where Jesus was buried, creating an immersive experience. Our ushers and greeters dressed in traditional Jewish attire, which made the story come alive in such a unique way. After the powerful service, which was a time of worship, reflection, and renewed remembrance of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, we hosted a vibrant family fun fiesta. There was food, laughter, connection, and community. It was a beautiful reminder that Easter is both sacred and joyful. What special services or events does your church organise during the Easter season? Every Easter at Harvesters is a unique celebration. We intentionally create new experiences each year to help people connect deeply with the message of resurrection. However, a constant feature is our Impartation and Communion service, which is always a powerful moment of spiritual renewal. For the children, we host our vibrant Eastervaganza, a fun, faith-filled experience designed to help them understand the meaning of Easter in an age-appropriate, exciting way. What key message do you hope attendees will take away from your Easter service this year? Easter is a reminder that nothing is ever lost and restoration is possible. Also, trusting God 100 per cent is the only way to live life to the fullest. I want people to leave our Easter service knowing that the resurrection and the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest gifts to mankind. Given that Easter is a particularly busy time for churches, how do you balance your responsibilities while also celebrating the season with your family? Easter is a wonderful opportunity to slow down and treasure moments with family. Even with the “busyness” of life, I make it a priority for us to spend meaningful time together. We pray, reflect on the significance of the season, and find joy in simple moments of connection and togetherness. These times recharge my spirit and deepen the bonds that matter the most. What advice would you give to parents about discussing the significance of Easter with their children? Speak to their tender hearts. Tell them about Easter like it’s the greatest love story ever, because it is. Use language they understand, and don’t just speak it; live it. Show them through your actions that you don’t just talk the talk, you walk the talk. Let your life be their first Bible, so they grow up with a living, breathing example of what faith looks like. The Primate of The Church of the Lord Worldwide, and President of the World Council of Churches for Africa, Rufus Ositelu, talks about his favourite Easter memories and addresses common misconceptions about the resurrection of Jesus Christ What special traditions do you and your family observe during the Easter season? When I was young, my family enjoyed attending Good Friday and Easter Sunday worship services, and we always looked forward to Easter Monday (aka Galilee), where we enjoyed different cultural foods. How would you explain the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to those who may be unfamiliar with its importance in Christianity? Historically, the non-Christian accounts of Flavius Josephus, Cornelius Tacitus, Lucian of Samosata and even the Jewish Sanhedrin corroborate the early Christian eyewitness accounts of the important aspect of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is significant in the sense that our lives have purpose beyond our sojourn in this world, and that there is hope of victory over evil, despair and death. In what ways should Christians reflect on the deeper meaning of Easter beyond the celebrations? Christians should reflect on Easter as the season when Jesus endured the cross to atone for the sins of the world, as it gives hope for life with God now and in eternity. It is the proof of salvation, power over sin and the promise of security. The story of Easter is a powerful reminder of the enduring truths of the Christian faith. How can the message of Jesus’ resurrection inspire individuals to find hope and resilience in the face of daunting challenges? The resurrection of Jesus inspires individuals and brings the message of hope and eternal life. Easter is not just a day; it is a symbol of the never-ending hope that faith brings. Resurrection joy is to lift Christians from loneliness, weakness and despair to strength, companionship and happiness. Sin broke the relationship with God, but Jesus repaired it and reconciled us back to God, the Father. What misconceptions about the resurrection of Christ would you like to address? One misconception about Easter is its association with the pagan goddess Ishtar, the Babylonian and Assyrian goddess of love, fertility and war. Though the names sound similar, there is no direct connection between the two. Another myth is that the date of Easter is determined by the pagan festival of Ostara, the Germanic goddess of fertility, sunrise and spring. Christians do not participate in any pagan worship during Easter because Jesus Christ is the reason for the season. Easter Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead after his crucifixion on Good Friday. Friday is “good” because that was the day Jesus died, so that everyone could be forgiven for their sins. It is the forgiveness that is good; the day Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world, so that all may receive forgiveness and eternal life. How can the message of Easter be applied to everyday life? The life and death of Jesus is one of stewardship and sacrifice. We are also encouraged to forgive those who have wronged us, and serve God and humanity. Easter is also a reminder that grief, suffering or enjoyment are not the end of the story. Through the resurrection of Jesus, we are assured of resurrection too at the second coming of Christ Jesus. Moreover, He is with us in the spirit to give us the ability to overcome our challenges. What is your fondest Easter memory? In those days, we used to have secret ballots with different foods and drinks for elders in the church to pick on Good Friday. We would then take the food item stated in their ballot to “Galilee” (Easter Monday programme). This tradition was observed for several years, and the tradition is still ongoing in some of our church branches. I pray that God will be merciful to Nigeria, and bless the country with love and peace, amen! The presiding Archbishop of Christian Central Chapel International and the National Vice President, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (South-South), Emmah Isong,  sheds light on the significance of Easter what is the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to Christianity? What makes Christianity peculiar and different from other religions is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is what gives a child of God hope. The Bible says that if in this world, we have no hope and Jesus was not raised from the dead, we would have been miserable. Easter is a celebration of the persecution, arrest, crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as our saviour. What special traditions does your family observe during the Easter season? Our family celebrates Easter with three important values. One is that Easter is a memorial of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, so we must perform the communion of the bread and wine as instructed by Jesus Christ. Also, we commemorate Easter with charity. We try to give back to society, especially the underprivileged, so that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is not only a religious event, but also one that shows the love of God. Lastly, we celebrate the season by meeting and fellowshipping, which creates that partnership and friendship both in our personal family and church family. Some people believe that while it may be easy to forgive, truly forgetting the offence is much more challenging. What are your thoughts on this? There are two people involved in offences and forgiveness when you talk of man-to-man. Man-to-man forgiveness means you forgive someone who trespassed against you, and there are two aspects of that. One, I must admit my fault, accept and take responsibility then appeal to you to forgive me. However, some people weaponise forgiveness. For instance, some people will offend you or scandalise you and refuse to take responsibility and seek forgiveness. They would then challenge you that, because you are a Christian, you should forgive and forget. In that sense, such a person has weaponised forgiveness. For God-to-man forgiveness, Jesus has already died for us and shed his blood on the cross, so we are guaranteed. If we confess our sins and forsake them, God is faithful and just to forgive us. So in dealing with the topic of forgiveness, we must also teach the topic of repentance and remorse from sinful ways. What advice would you give to someone hesitant to believe in the possibility of renewal after experiencing significant loss or hardship? So many crimes, suicides and divorces are a result of the fact that people are disgruntled and disappointed, and that is not unconnected to the harshness of the economy and bitterness of relationships. But whatever anybody could be experiencing that makes them so disgruntled and disappointed, they should have hope because they are still alive. Second, believe that God, who knows tomorrow, would make your future better and brighter, no matter how yesterday was. There are cases like that all over the world. For example, you can read the stories of billionaires across the world, including Donald Trump. Even former President Muhammadu Buhari contested the presidency on many occasions, and hr never gave up. There are also heroes in the Bible who went through storms and overcame them. Trophies are not bought in the supermarket, and championship belts are not given as birthday gifts, so everyone strives to push to the front. What is going on today and what you did yesterday can never be compared. You have no idea what God has in store for you tomorrow. Never be too disappointed to acknowledge that. How do you address doubts or questions about the resurrection of Jesus Christ? There are three things to help a doubting Thomas regarding the resurrection of Christ. First, it is the efficacy of the power of the name of Jesus. No dead man who has not resurrected can command billions of followers, with countless miracles happening. Also, I have been to the tomb of Jesus in Jerusalem. I travelled there with about 21 other people, including the present governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, and Helen Ukpabio. We went to where Jesus was buried, and the tomb was empty, so, historically, geographically and physically, the tomb of Jesus is empty, and no place on earth holds His remains. The third is by personal experience. If you doubt that Jesus Christ is resurrected, then give your life to Him. Lift your hand and say, “Lord, reveal yourself to me if you are still alive and not buried and gone”. If you say that prayer with honesty and sincerity of heart, He will reveal Himself to you like He did to me on January 8, 1984.

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Police Released My Husbands Killers Despite Evidence Wife Of Slain Ondo Chief

Olajumoke Lowo, wife of the Assistant Secretary of the Ugbonla community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, speaks to GRACE EDEMA about how her husband, Bababo Lowo, was murdered by some members of the community Can you share what happened  the day your husband was attacked and killed? I wasn’t there when it happened. I had just given birth and was staying with my mother in Okuta. My husband was a driver. He also served as the Assistant Secretary to the Baale of our town. The incident happened on February 13th, five days after I gave birth to our baby. He told me he would come to pick me up and take me back home to Ugbonla, but when I didn’t hear from him, I called one of our neighbours. The neighbour told me that my husband had been wounded. Later, I called one of his friends, but someone else picked up the phone and said they were rushing him to Ayeileja Hospital in Ugbonla. After that, the person hung up. I became very restless. Soon after, I heard he had been referred from Ayeileja Hospital. That was when I knew something serious had happened, but no one wanted to tell me because I had just had a baby. They finally told me the next day. I watched videos of how my husband was running with an axe stuck in his head while people chased him. Their faces were visible in the video. The videos were shared on social media, and I also shared them. I recognised some of the people in the video. They were from our town. One of them had earlier threatened to kill my husband, saying there would be no Baale in the town. I know those involved—I can name some of them and will recognise them if I see them. You mentioned someone poured salt into your husband’s car. Is that true? Yes. It was the same man who had earlier threatened my husband. He told my husband to stop supporting Baale Sipe Adebowale or he would kill him or drive him out of the town. Now, the man has done it—he has killed my husband. What happened after your husband died? They came to our house and destroyed everything. They also destroyed my shop. Since my husband passed away, I don’t know how I will survive with five children. Who is the man you believe is behind your husband’s death? He is the head of an association linked to a church in Ugbonla. He isn’t the baale but claims he doesn’t want anyone else to be baale in the town. He said he owns the town and would shake it to its roots. Did your husband ever support this man? Yes, initially. But when the new baale came in and saw his wicked behaviour, my husband decided to distance himself from him (suspect). The new baale said the man had no compassion and that his hands were full of blood. That was when the man threatened to kill my husband—and now he has succeeded. Do you think the police have handled the case properly? No. At first, the police arrested the right people—those who attacked my husband. But later, they released them and instead arrested those who supported the baale. The case has now been disrupted. What do you want Nigerians and the government to do? I want justice. I want the Nigerian government to hear my voice. I want full justice for my husband. The man who killed my husband used diabolical means and destroyed my life. I am now left with five children, no money, and no home. All I ask for is justice. The police told us they had no fuel in their vehicle while my husband, the community secretary, was being hacked to death with nail-filled planks. How old was your husband? He was 36 years old, and I am 35. We got married in 2010. We had five children—he already had one before I met him, and I gave birth to four more. Can you introduce yourself? My name is Sipe Adebowale. I am the Baale of Ugbonla community in Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State. Recently, your house was attacked and a member of your community leadership was killed. What really happened? Yes, the incident happened on Thursday, 13th February. That morning, around 8:30 am, I noticed a group of about four young men roaming near my house, all armed with sharp objects. At first, I thought they were just heading out for some work, so I ignored them. Unknown to me, they were actually targeting me. Fortunately, two women were standing in front of my house, watching them. I believe their presence made the men retreat temporarily and prevented them from attacking me at that moment. What did you do next? After bathing and getting dressed, I was about to lie down and rest, but something in my spirit warned me not to sleep. So, I stepped outside and saw a massive crowd—over 200 people, including children, women, and armed men—gathered in front of the house of a religious leader in our community. His house is on the same street as mine, just a few poles away. I was shocked to see them holding weapons—cutlasses, planks, and more. I sensed danger and decided to take an alternative route to the local motor park, where I usually sit with my cabinet members near a bakery. We sat there, discussing, as usual. What happened next? Not even 40 minutes later, the group stormed the area, singing war songs. Two young men were ringing a bell and shouting, ‘There’s no more baale in this community! Anyone who says otherwise will be dealt with!’ I immediately instructed my people to enter a nearby bet shop for safety. We sat inside, trying to stay calm while they moved through the community, declaring that the king had fallen and causing panic. Did they come back to your house? Yes. When they didn’t find me at the motor park, they returned to my house and destroyed it completely. Every door, window, and louvre was shattered. Then they came back to the place where we were hiding. Believing we might be inside a room upstairs in the same building, they climbed up and vandalised the top floor. When they didn’t find us, they threatened to burn the place down. They shouted, ‘Go and bring petrol! Let’s burn the house down!’ At that moment, a woman named Aruwayo Folasade shouted from inside, begging them not to set the room on fire, saying she was in there with her father and children. Were you inside that same room? Yes! Inside the room were myself, Adewale, Aruwayo Damilola, Aruwayo Olabode, Aruwayo Folasade, and Lowo Bababo, the man they eventually murdered. We had locked ourselves in for safety. I hid under the bed. They broke the window louvres and used weapons to pull back the curtain. That was how they saw us. They then forced the door open and stormed in. Everyone tried to flee, but they caught Lowo Bababo. How did they kill him? They attacked him brutally with planks embedded with six-inch nails. They struck his head so forcefully that his brain came out. He was bleeding heavily but still tried to run for his life. They chased him down and continued to beat him. Even after he fell, he begged them to spare his life, but they refused. All of this was recorded on video by the attackers themselves—they even posted it on social media. Did they take him to hospital? Yes. First, they took him to The Van Hospital, but the staff said the doctor wasn’t available. So they moved him to another hospital nearby. By then, he was barely alive—he was likely only breathing his last. Were you still hiding at this time? Yes. I remained under the bed, calling the police repeatedly. They kept telling me they had no fuel in their vehicles. I even told them I would pay for the fuel—any amount—if only they could come and rescue us. Lowo Bababo also called a police officer named Ola, but he was given the same excuse: “No fuel.” Eventually, I called my sister in Igbokoda and asked her to go directly to the police station. Did she manage to get them to respond? She offered them N30,000 for fuel, but they told her they had no clearance from the Divisional Police Officer. At that point, I told her that if anything happened to me, she should look under the bed for my body. Thankfully, she and her husband arrived quickly. I guided them over the phone to where I was hiding. They started the car engine while I prepared to escape. As I came out, a large crowd chased us, throwing bottles and wielding weapons. How did you manage to escape? By God’s grace, I escaped the community that day. I later visited the hospital where they had taken Lowo Bababo, but he had already passed away. It was only after his death that the police finally showed up. What message do you have for the public and the government? This was a targeted attack, meant to kill me and others aligned with the baale institution. My house was destroyed, my people were beaten, and one of my most trusted aides was brutally murdered. I am calling for justice. Those responsible must be held accountable. We cannot allow terror to replace tradition and leadership. Even after the killing, the attackers paraded the streets with weapons, right in front of the police—yet the police did nothing. I still can’t understand how that was allowed to happen. Was it only Lowo that was captured and killed by the attackers? No. They also captured another person, Omodunni Sanumi. They were about to kill him as well, but some of the attackers realised that Lowo was already close to death. So they decided not to kill Omodunni. Instead, they dragged him to the house of the religious leader for further torment. What happened thereafter? At the religious leader’s house, some of the attackers argued over whether to kill Omodunni, but many decided against it. While they were fighting among themselves, Omodunni saw an opportunity and managed to escape. He ran as fast as he could and made it to Ugbonla Police Station, which is nearby. The police station is very close to the religious leader’s house. In fact, it’s not far from mine either. But even though it was that close, the police didn’t come to help—not even while the attackers were parading openly with weapons. It’s something I still find incredibly difficult to understand.

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Proper Vaccination Effective In Preventing Spread Of Diphtheria Don

Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Aisha Abubakar, tells AJIBADE OMAPE about the recent outbreak of diphtheria in various states across the country and how the government can sensitise the public to preventive measures for this infectious disease Can you explain what diphtheria is and why it poses a significant health threat, especially in Nigeria? Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease and it is one of the diseases that routine immunisation protects against in Nigeria as part of the pentavalent vaccine. Diphtheria is a respiratory infection. Although it can affect other organs, it is caused by bacteria and is related to the development of a pseudomembrane in the throat, which leads to difficulty in breathing. The bacteria may also produce a toxin that can affect the heart and other organs. What factors contributed to the outbreak in states like Lagos, Kano, Yobe, Katsina, and the FCT? If you look at the statistics from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control in most of these five states, Kano State is the lead state with the highest number of cases. Yobe, Kano, and a host of other northern states are responsible for over 90 per cent of the cases. I think the Lagos State case gained media attention because it occurred in a secondary school, which received a lot of media coverage. Essentially, most of the states that have reported diphtheria have not just been affected this year. This outbreak began about two years ago and is still showing no signs of abating. Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease and, if you look at the statistics from the NCDC, you’ll find that most of the children or people affected have not completed their vaccination with the diphtheria vaccine. The diphtheria vaccine is part of the pentavalent vaccine, and the toxoid is given as part of this vaccine to children. So, most of those who got infected were not vaccinated. For vaccine-preventable diseases, some vaccines are available, but sometimes people do not use them due to fears of side effects, misconceptions about the safety of the vaccines, and a host of other reasons. How severe is this outbreak compared to previous ones? Well, the numbers are still being assessed from the initial outbreak. So, I don’t have the data for the current outbreak. They are counting the cases from the first ones. Essentially, you can’t say how serious it is, but I can tell you that last year, more cases were reported than this year. However, it is still early in the year, so maybe it’s too soon to compare this year’s cases with last year’s. What demographic groups are most at risk? Generally, children are more affected, as well as the elderly who are over 60 years old. However, those who are not vaccinated, regardless of age, can also be affected by the outbreak. What proactive measures should the Nigerian government and health agencies put in place to prevent future outbreaks of diphtheria? The main thing is to conduct risk communication so that people know which groups are susceptible and to mount a vaccination campaign. The vaccination campaign should target vulnerable groups, particularly children under five years old and the elderly. Children should be the primary focus for the vaccination campaign. How effective is vaccination in controlling the spread, and what percentage of the population needs to be immunised for herd immunity? I don’t have the exact details, but usually, a particular percentage of the population needs to be immunised to prevent an outbreak, which is called herd immunity. Around 75-80% of the population needs to be vaccinated for herd immunity. As I mentioned earlier, diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease. The vaccine must have passed through the entire chain and not been compromised in any way. It is very effective in preventing infection, which is why it is included in routine immunisation in Nigeria. Given Nigeria’s challenges with vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and access to healthcare, how can vaccination coverage be improved? To improve vaccine coverage, you must create demand for the vaccine. There must be a lot of risk communication and campaigning to ensure people understand the relationship between vaccination and being free of disease. If you mount an effective campaign, people will be more willing to get their children vaccinated. Despite misconceptions, there should be a sensitisation programme to inform people that these vaccines are life-saving and can protect their children from infection. What immediate steps should affected states take to curb the spread of diphtheria? Affected states should mount massive immunisation campaigns and vaccination drives. Additionally, there should be training for healthcare workers, starting from those at health posts, community health extension workers, and community health officers at primary healthcare facilities, to doctors and nurses in secondary and tertiary facilities. This training should focus on recognising cases early and providing appropriate treatment. This is crucial because, with diphtheria, early recognition and treatment with antibiotics, as well as administering the toxoid, can prevent severe outcomes in affected individuals. Are our hospitals and healthcare facilities adequately equipped to handle outbreaks of infectious diseases like this? It depends on the infectious disease in question. For diphtheria, one of the complications is that it can cause difficulty in breathing, and if that occurs, you may need respirators and ventilators. However, even in some of our tertiary institutions, there are very few ventilators available. So, early detection and administering the toxoid are the best bet before a person experiences respiratory difficulty. Are there gaps in our healthcare facilities when it comes to being adequately equipped, and what gaps need to be addressed to help handle outbreaks of infectious diseases like this? For many infectious diseases, particularly those that can be transmitted from one person to another, it is essential to have isolation facilities. This is not only for diphtheria but also for diseases like measles and Lassa fever. There is a need for well-equipped isolation centres in our healthcare facilities that can be used once there is an outbreak. These centres help prevent the risk of infection for other patients. How important is early detection, and what symptoms should the public look out for to seek medical attention promptly? Early detection is crucial in preventing the spread of diphtheria. Initially, diphtheria can present with symptoms similar to other respiratory infections, such as fever, cough, and swelling of the lymph nodes. It is the characteristic membrane that develops in the throat that clinches the diagnosis, even before samples are taken for testing. It is important to have a high index of suspicion, particularly for those who have had contact with individuals diagnosed with diphtheria. That’s the key to early detection. What are the best treatment options for diphtheria, and how accessible are they in Nigeria? Diphtheria is caused by bacteria, and antibiotics are very useful in treating the infection. Erythromycin and penicillin are commonly used for treatment, and penicillin is given to those who have been in contact with infected individuals. The choice of antibiotics depends on the susceptibility of the bacteria to specific drugs. Do we have enough antibiotics and antitoxins available to treat patients effectively, or do we face a problem of shortages? We have antibiotics available, but there can sometimes be issues with the efficacy of some of them, as many substandard drugs may be circulating in the market. The toxoid is not as readily available as the antibiotics, but it is still available in the country. The key is to have a high index of suspicion, use the right antibiotics, and administer the toxoid to those infected before the disease progresses to severe outcomes. Does diphtheria pose a death risk for people who get infected? It depends on the severity of the infection. Like other vaccine-preventable diseases, diphtheria can present with non-specific symptoms similar to other respiratory diseases. Severe complications, such as difficulty in breathing and damage to the heart and other organs, can lead to fatalities. Currently, in Nigeria, has there been any known recorded case of death or deaths related to diphtheria? Yes, there have been several cases of death across the country. For example, in the recent Lagos outbreak at King’s College, one of the students developed complications and passed away. Other parts of the country have also seen fatalities, although not as many as those from diseases like malaria and Lassa fever. How can other schools and organisations with a large population prevent the same incidents that occurred at King’s College? I think the answer is vaccination! Vaccination! Vaccination! As I mentioned earlier, diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease. If children are immunised and mount an immune response, they will be protected against infection. Early detection and treatment are also key because for those who receive antibiotics and the toxoid, complications can be prevented. What long-term policies should the Federal Government adopt to strengthen epidemic preparedness and response to infectious diseases? I think having the NCDC is key. One of the things that can be done to strengthen preparedness for epidemics is to have regional centres that support the NCDC in tackling diphtheria and other diseases. As a researcher in public health and infectious diseases, what recommendations do you have for integrating scientific research into Nigeria’s disease control strategies? The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control runs several programmes, such as the Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, which attempts to marry research with fieldwork. People are trained 25% in the classroom and 75% in the field. This can help improve surveillance, epidemic preparedness, and response. How can public health agencies and the media collaborate to raise awareness and educate Nigerians about diphtheria prevention and treatment? Interviews like this are important for raising awareness. Journalists and health professionals must collaborate, starting with basic media channels like radio programmes, television shows, and newspaper articles. In communities where it may be difficult to reach people, radio, especially in local dialects, can be an effective tool for raising awareness. What role do community leaders, religious institutions, and schools play in ensuring better vaccine uptake and public compliance with health guidelines? Community leaders are crucial, particularly in traditional settings. Before launching any programme, it is essential to gain their support. Religious institutions also play a vital role, as they can reach large audiences and encourage vaccination. Health professionals can work with religious institutions to spread the message after services. How does Nigeria’s response to diphtheria compare to global best practices in managing infectious disease outbreaks, and what lessons can we learn from other countries? Vaccine-preventable diseases can occur in both developing and developed countries. For example, the recent measles outbreak in the United States shows that complacency with vaccination can lead to outbreaks. The key takeaway is that vaccination is critical to preventing infections, and Nigeria can learn from these international experiences.

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News_Naija

We Dated For Eight Years, But Married As Virgins Couple Celebrating 54 Years Marriage

Dr Moses Omole and his wife, Pastor Esther, speak to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about the beauty of love, the strength of commitment, and the faith that have kept their marriage thriving for over five decades How do you feel having spent over five decades with your wife? I feel fulfilled. Everything has worked out well. Being married to my wife for over 50 years has been a blessing, and we thank God for everything. We had the resources to take care of ourselves, take care of our children, and manage other needs. I am grateful to God for everything, in all aspects of life. Where are you from? I am from the Ilaje area of Ilesa, in Osun State, while my wife is from Ekiti State. My father was a farmer and had four wives. My mother was the second wife. We all lived together in the same house: father, wives, and children. We were raised as one big family. When we reached school age, we were separated and sent to different schools. My father trained me with all he had, sending me to school. When I needed further education, God provided support, and I continued my studies, eventually reaching the university level. I am the first son, and I took on the responsibility of supporting my siblings after my father passed away. Before his death, he had done his best to support us. Afterwards, I started earning a small income, which allowed me to support my siblings. I thank God that they are all well-established now and can support themselves without depending on me. How old was your father when he passed? He was about 65 years old. Can you share a bit about your career? I came from a very poor background but later pursued education, completing secondary school and university. I attended Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State and later pursued postgraduate studies abroad. After leaving the university, I worked with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan, where I conducted research. Eventually, I moved to a private agricultural establishment. Later, I became a lecturer at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, where I taught for many years before retiring. How many years did you spend teaching at the university? I spent about 18 years teaching an agricultural course. How did you meet your wife? We grew up together. I first knew her when she was in primary school. We were innocent children at the time, not knowing we would end up together. She was my younger sister’s friend, and that was how I got to know her. What attracted you to her, and how did you ask her to marry you? She and my younger sister were friends, which brought us closer. Over time, we decided to marry each other. I naturally fell in love with her. We shared mutual trust and understanding, which made our relationship work smoothly. There was never any regret. What year did you get married? We got married in 1971. The first few years of marriage often involve adjustments. What changes did you have to adapt to? Honestly, I didn’t face any major challenge. We were both young when we started, and I was 29 years old. We understood each other well, adjusted easily, and there were no regrets. How old are you now? I am 83 years old. What life lessons have you learnt from childhood until now? I have learnt many lessons, but I am especially thankful for the kindness of God, which I always recognise. I also appreciate how some people simply like me without even knowing me. Life hasn’t always been easy, but it has been manageable. People have been benevolent towards me, and I thank God for everything. What were your roles in the home? I was focused on research, which often occupied my time. My wife, being a natural teacher, was also busy with her responsibilities. We shared experiences and responsibilities at home, and we’ve never had any issues. She has always been very cooperative, and although we may not have been as wealthy as others, we’ve never struggled. How old is your wife? She is 80 years old. What has kept your marriage strong for over five decades, considering that many marriages struggle in the early years? I believe it’s the mercy of God and our understanding of each other. We’ve never had serious arguments or disagreements. We’ve always trusted and supported each other. How did you feel when you had your first child? As a newly married man, it was a fantastic experience. My first child is a boy, and we were overjoyed. We love him dearly, as well as our other children. How many children do you have? We have five children. As a grandfather, how do you feel seeing your grandchildren? My grandchildren are amazing, likeable children. Although they don’t live with me, I feel close to them, especially since we can talk regularly over the phone or see each other on video calls via WhatsApp. What do you consider your greatest achievement? My greatest achievement is that everything has gone well with me. I haven’t faced any major challenge or pressure in my marriage, and I’m grateful for that. I owe much of this to my wife, who has made me comfortable and supported me throughout our life together. I have no regrets, not even for a single moment. How do you think marriages today compare to when you got married? In today’s world, many couples focus on their careers and personal ambitions, which can sometimes detract attention from their marriage. In our case, our home and happiness were always our priorities, and we focused on our children. Do you think marriages today are more difficult than when you got married? I believe the focus has shifted towards chasing wealth and status. Many couples don’t prioritise their marriage, which I think is key to long-lasting happiness. In our case, our home and the well-being of our children came first. You have been blessed with children and grandchildren. What values do you instil in your family that have helped shape them today? I believe the value of hard work is essential, and I thank God that they have all achieved their goals. They are well-educated in their respective disciplines. They live independently and are self-made, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. They are progressing both academically and in their careers. I have no problems at all. None of them has ever had any issue in my house. With the economic situation, what advice would you give newlyweds regarding having children? I would advise them to have only as many children as they can take care of—children they can manage well. This way, their resources will be enough for both the children and themselves. They should focus on their careers and perform their work diligently. What has been the most rewarding aspect of parenting for you? The most rewarding aspect is that children make their parents happy. All our children have gone through education, and they all have good jobs now. Some are in the professional field, including education, and they continue to teach and enjoy their careers. Since they started getting married, we have not had any problems to solve for them. God has been wonderful, and we give Him all the glory. What does love mean to you now compared to when you first got married? There is no difference. For 54 years, how have you kept the spark alive in your marriage? To me, it has always been the same since we started. Nothing has changed. We don’t quarrel or argue, and we continue to live happily, as God has provided for us. In today’s world, many young people struggle with relationships and commitments. What advice would you give to young couples today? Your relationship is first and foremost with your partner, whether your husband or wife. You should remain loyal and faithful to that relationship. I have never had any reason to quarrel or experience disagreement that led to separation—not even for a day. In fact, I always miss my wife whenever she’s out, and we are so connected that I always thank God for it. What is the secret to a lasting and fulfilling marriage? Trust your wife, and your wife should trust you. Also, don’t pursue things you cannot manage. Don’t chase after what you cannot easily achieve. Be satisfied with what you have, which is a gift from God. When you do this, you’ll have no problems. I’ve never had a quarrel. What are your hopes and prayers for the years ahead in your marriage? My prayers are for continued peace and happiness. How would you describe your marriage of 54 years? I would say all glory to God. It has been a time without regrets. We need to thank God for every day, every minute, every second; it has been God. Looking back at these 54 years—five whole decades—it’s clear that we cannot attribute our journey to our own wisdom or efforts. It can only be God. We see marriages collapsing all around us, but we can’t take credit for our own success. It has been God. Both of you sound so healthy and sharp, even at this age. What’s the secret? It’s just God. That’s all I can say. I gave my life to Jesus Christ at 19. One of the expatriates at St Margaret’s School, Ilesa, introduced me to the Scripture Union early in life. At a camp, I gave my life to Christ, and since then, God has led me. Someone recently looked at me and said, ‘Wow, you’re 80?!’ I told him, ‘It’s not me. It’s not about what I eat.’ Yes, we eat simple food—beans, vegetables—but it is not about that. It’s about who I am in Christ. My faith has been my strength. It’s not my doing; it’s just God. What would you say is your greatest achievement? In education, I thank God for my father. Like my husband, I came from a humble background. We met in primary school—his younger sister was my friend. At that time, there was nothing romantic between us. We were so young. It wasn’t until much later that our relationship evolved. When we started courting, he was abroad for seven years. After I left school, I went to the University of Ibadan and later into teaching. When he returned and pursued his second degree at the University of Newcastle, I travelled with our first son to join him. I completed my postgraduate diploma in education before we returned to Nigeria. Career-wise, I rose to the peak of my profession as the principal of St Margaret’s, the oldest school in Osun State and my alma mater. My foundation, built by God, shaped every other aspect of my life, and that’s why I am where I am today. I went into nursing for a few months before transitioning into teaching. I had to leave nursing because I couldn’t bear seeing people suffer, cry, or go through pain. It just wasn’t in my nature. So, I left. I went back to teaching, and I loved it. Ever since then, I’ve been in teaching. What attracted you to him and made you feel he was the one? As I said, we knew each other from childhood, not as future spouses, but because his sister was my friend. Later, when he attended Ilesa Grammar School and I was at St Margaret’s, we would greet each other like siblings. Much later, circumstances brought us together, and we started courting. By then, I knew his background, his home, and his values. He was humble, pleasant, gentle, and unassuming. He came from a decent family, and I had visited their home in Ere, where they lived. At first, my Ekiti parents were hesitant. I attended St Martin’s Primary School in Ijebu-Ijesa before moving to St Margaret’s. Afterwards, I went to the University of Ibadan, completed my studies, and returned to teach at St Margaret’s. When he proposed, my parents were reluctant because they wanted me to marry someone from Ekiti, not Ilesa. Since I was born in Ilesa, they wanted to maintain our Ekiti identity. But God had other plans. Eventually, my father not only accepted my husband but also became close friends with him. Being a pastor and a wife, how do you create that balance? We are both people of faith, so it wasn’t really difficult. I am a fully ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. My husband, though not a pastor, is the Baba Ijo in his church. He comes from an African Church background and currently serves as the Baba Ijo in his village church. So yes, he is a man of faith. How has your faith played a role in your marriage? Tremendously! Without our faith, I don’t know where we would be. As I said, marriage is not always a bed of roses. There were tough times, but with God, nothing is impossible. Through prayer and faith, we overcame challenges. What should young women look out for before getting married? These days, I’m amazed at how people approach marriage. In our time, parents were deeply involved. Today, that’s no longer the case, and it’s one of the major problems we see. If they are people of faith, then God must be their first consultant. But many leave Him out, date carelessly, and start where they should end. Physical intimacy before marriage diminishes the excitement and purpose of the wedding night. As a matter of fact, my husband and I married as virgins. How long did you date before getting married? We dated for about eight or nine years. He was in Russia for seven years for his first degree while I was at the University of Ibadan. After he returned, we courted for about a year and a half before finally deciding to marry. How did you keep the relationship strong? We embraced effective communication. Despite the fact that there were no phones in those days, my husband is a great writer. He wrote to me consistently, and that kept the love alive.