Metro
Be Intentional! Specialize and Engage the Power of Influence in 2022
By Tolulope A. Adegoke
What do you do? You have got to add something to that which make you unique. It is called, carving a niche for yourself. What are you into? What are you selling? Is it real estate? You had better asked God by prayer to give you a revelation that would make your company a rare one. Are you a lawyer? Ask God for a real revelation about legal services…become specialized! The Angel said about Jesus Christ: “His name shall be called Jesus, for He shall save people from sin.” That’s simply specialization. He would have only one job, He was named what His job is. That means, His area of specialization is “salvation”. That’s why Christ was so successful while on Earth, He stayed with His focus.
You were created with the seed of influence on the inside. The seed is in you, and that’s the gift from God Almighty, The Maker. You will never get your greatness from EDUCATION! Education cannot give you a seed, but can only refine the seed you have on the inside. That’s why it is important to know and understand your, so that you can take the right education.
Your seed is in you, already. Every one of you reading this article right now were born with a unique seed. Some people may not believe this, and that why I have got to prove to you that Trees never take their fruits to the market. I have never seen a Mango or Apple tree run you down to give you its fruits or seeds. The Mango or Apple tree simply bring forth its fruits, and the market comes to the tree for harvest.
As at 2007, My Mentor of Blessed Memory, Dr. Myles Monroe said, he had over 700 invitations to speak from different countries of the world for the year 2008. These people went looking for him on a little Island, miles wide, because he refined a seed in several ways and terms, by reading voraciously, listening to tapes and CDs of Masters in his areas of interests and calling, and ends up using theirs better than they had it. But some people might end up saying, I am not going to live like him, but that’s your personal issue, but why not learn from Masters who had lived, who are living and who would still live, and then make it better than they did it.
Whatever made great men to be what they were or are today, were learned from other Masters or professionals who had lived, but the way by which they release it is under their individual unique gifts. That’s why you must break your ego per time to consistently learn from others, listen to relevant tapes and CDs, read books and articles in your areas of interests and callings, because your ‘tree’ alone will never make a forest! Your little knowledge alone can’t give your wishes a ‘kingdom’ of its own in this generation. Above all things, you must learn to sit at the feet of Masters directly or indirectly. Closely or from afar by studying their beings via their deeds, books, tapes or CDs, write-ups and results or influence! Drop your ego! it won’t take you farther than you are; learn to live on the shoulders of giants to become relevant all through generations. It doesn’t matter being like them, what matter most is knowing what they know or knew so that you can know better. And, truly, this, is the authentic meaning of the principal thing called UNDERSTANDING – you must firstly stay under, learn under and earn under a Master or a giant before you can be trusted enough to stand on their shoulders to be greater than them, in all things, and among all beings (it is called a track-record). Listen to top minds in your areas of calling and harden not your heart – give entrance to the teachings that comes from them to you. Listen and absorb these teachings and make it sound like yours in your own unique ways according to the anointing or gifting which are embedded in you! this is called research – that is, searching deep into what had been searched, before. Then the world would pay you to hear it over and over again. And while you watch films or programmes on the Cable TVs, great men are busy studying, listening to tapes and CDs. Be kind to yourself enough not to be trapped by TV programmes and other irrelevant ideals that doesn’t edify your spirit man nor favour your course or beings or purpose. Reconstruct yourself with the right light of knowledge – you must know relevant things in this current age, so as to have an edge for ages to come. You can’t release what you have not eaten, you cannot give what you don’t have! Be true to yourself, be wise, not just for yourself, but also for those that are dying for the seeds or gift that you carry, which you have carelessly or ignorantly failed or refused to refine and release. Permit me to say that Cable TV is a ‘thief’, it steals your time and controls your emotion. You have got to manage that remote control of yours, otherwise, it will manage your life!
Refine your fruits, and people would come searching for you… you will be found! The year 2022 is the year of power, influence and double celebrations. If you are going to influence, you have got to find your gift, and those who need it would come and find you. For instance, when you want Mango or Apple, you got to locate the trees which carries them. How then does an Apple or Mango tree become one? Paul in the Bible says, “forget about the former things, you have got to forget about some things and some people”. Don’t be emotional about your destiny, but be intentional! One of the major secrets is found in the Book of Genesis 1:26-28. God created you in His Own Image, and said unto you:
i. Be Fruitful
ii. Multiply
iii. Replenish
iv. Subdue, and have dominion over all the earth.
i. God said, Be Fruitful! He never said be seed-ful! He knew He had already deposited the seeds in you, when He formed you. It is impossible to be fruitful unless you have seeds in you. it is seeds that brings forth fruits. The word ‘fruitful’ in the Hebrew word means to be productive. It doesn’t mean to have babies, alone. To produce means to be fruitful. To produce comes from life. The factories, manufacturing companies, shopping malls are mostly relevant because of their productivities from their production department, without it, all other department are dead areas. If you eat those nylon packs, cans, they will only kill you. it is the seeds which are packaged in those cans and bags that gives life. To be fruitful is the first ACT of God! That means, you must produce something after your kind, based on the seeds that you carry within you. It is a command to fulfil as human beings.
ii. Multiply – This means that, you have to reproduce what you produce.
iii. Replenish means to distribute your fruits or gifts. Don’t keep them to yourself.
iv. Subdue – this means to dominate the areas of your gifts.
Bill Gate, is a worthy exemplar in this context. He followed these procedures so effectively, which caused the entire government of America to come against him to break up his company. Bill Gate produced a fruit called the Microsoft Software, then he multiplied it, later distributed it, by replenishment, until he was able to subdue the market and control all systems to the point that the Congress had to call him to break the company. No one could have such power over America or the world. He became a dominated spirit. He dominated the world of software. He followed God’s plan for mankind. Whoever dominates, influences. Inside of you is a fruit trapped in the seed that you carry, and that seed must bring forth the tree carrying your fruits, then, you are charged to multiply your fruits, so that it can be distributed, then you can subdue your area of gifting. Here’s when you become known for something. You have become a brand of the seed that you carry to influencing your world!
As stated by the late Dr. Myles Monroe, “please ‘die’ after you are known for something!” To ‘die’ in this context means Self-discipline which requires isolation and processes in order to manifest!
What are you known for? You have got a lot of work to do, if you haven’t found purpose. When you hear the name Michael Jordan, what come to your mind? Basket-Ball! Tiger Woods is known for Golf! Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are known for Football, the late Dr. Myles Monroe was known for “Purpose Driving Life”, infact he was awarded in America with a trophy labelled Mr. purpose! Oprah Winferey is known for Talk Shows! Please, kindly as yourself, what am you known for? Please work on something, so hard and so smart in the year 2022, such that it becomes your name or identity! That’s simply your assignment. You will never find a Mango tree trying to produce Apple! They stay with their seeds. They produce after their kind. It stays with its germ, and germinates what it is. Human are the only creatures that brings forth all kind of things, anybody know what to pick from them. They are one thing today, and something else tomorrow. What exactly do you do? What exactly are you good at, such that you effortlessly command dominion in that area? Develop it! That’s your calling.
The keys to bearing fruits in this generation are:
i. The Seed must first be in the right environment. In the year 2022, choose your association wisely!
ii. Isolation: If you desire to become great, then you must practice the law of isolation. Isolate or separate yourself from friends that are wired to end your destiny! For a seed to become a tree, it must first be taken away from the earth and hidden under the ground. When they ask you, where have you been? Tell them, you have been studying! How come you no longer go to parties? Tell them, you have been listening to relevant tapes and CDs that develops the king in you to manifest in your areas of purpose on earth. Isolation aide germination. Every single seed must die for it to germinate. To ‘die’ means self –discipline. You die to friends, old habits, old association, old club life – cut them off! To develop yourself, you must be intentional, not emotional! A seed will not become a tree until it dies! Many people are poison, please beware! Help your destiny to move with those that carry the value that your destiny need to function and develop or manifest with! Light beget light! Follow after your cravings! If you are stupid, don’t follow stupid people. Don’t roll with the kind of people you will never deem fit to hire to grow higher! In 2022, you have got to change some of your friends.
iii. Germinate – every seed must germinate. This means that, you must motivate yourself from a source. You have got to find people who motivates you, that makes you to germinate, go to seminars that would improve that which you carry. Read books that would fine-tune your essence. You have got to be around people that helps you to germinate, those that would influence you to dream big and become bigger! Don’t move with scared people – people who are scared to dare big things. Run away from those that look down on the qualities on the virtues that you carry!
iv. You have got to Water the Seed – This means that you constantly develop a program to manage your development. That means, you must join organizations that improves the quality of your being, put yourself on a reading program. Discipline yourself to read at least two books, a month. You have got to water yourself to keep flourishing!
v. Fertilizer – this means that you have to refine and refresh your program to constantly grow yourself. Some people are poison. You do not need poison, you do not need pollution! What you need are refiners, boosters. May God give us wisdom to discern and stop keeping bad company. Bad company isn’t limited to those that smokes or drink, but those that subtracts from you and divides you! Move with those that adds to your values and multiply the grace that you carry!
vi. You need Sunshine. If you must develop this fruit tree, you need special networking. That means, you get to network with organizations and people who become your light. This is the specialty of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, our Saviour, God Almighty, Our Father in Heaven, and good friends in the Body of Christ and professional people who can lead you to higher ground. You need to network with people who can get you to where you need to get to. Your networks determine your net-worth. This year 2022, review your network, and see if your net is working.
vii. Pruning – Many don’t like this. If you must develop the fruits, there must be pruning. Pruning means, you have got to cut off some people, ideals, practices, habits, situations and opportunities which are liable to cut off your destiny! You have got to manage people, time and situations in your life. You can outgrow your friends, and when this happens, it’s time to leave. Always know when to leave people. When you start growing and your friend aren’t then, you become a misfit. Be careful! Run!
viii. Time – When you put a seed into the ground, it takes time for it to germinate. You can’t force it to grow. If you must maximize the year 2022 as your best year you have got to use your time wisely. Don’t rush growth! You have got to accept the processes. The processes are necessary for the purpose to be fulfilled. Process takes time and it requires patience! You can’t rush success, but you can guarantee it.
ix. Patience – when you start working with a tree, you plant a seed, and you have got to be patient. When you put a seed in a cup or into the ground, it takes its required time to grow, so, you have just got to be patient with the process of fulfilling purpose. Do you really know why many aren’t really growing? No patience! Great men are very patient people; they don’t emerge into greatness without having gone through the required processes without the instrumentality and practicality of patience. This is why there is so much crime rate in many part of the world today. People want instant success. They don’t want to work to pay for a CD player, they want to break into your house and get it, instantly. It is called CRIME! There is no other beautiful word to describe it. Crime is crime and those involved in its act are criminals. They don’t want to save and put money in the bank, rather, they want to just rob the bank. Delayed gratification? No! they can’t handle it. Take your time to complete the processes in school. Don’t quit! Hang on there, go for it! Attend that evening school. All trees need patience. One thing about trees is that, when it grows up to become big, it can withstand a whole lot of pressure because of its firm root which took time to sprout. Its stands there… because of patience.
I have taught you tonight, right into 2022… why? Because God has bought you over with a new attitude to Manifest, just as He intended for you.
Thank you all for reading.
Metro
Businessman Seeks Divorce, Says Wife Flirting with Plumber
A businessman, Kehinde Balogun, has told a Mapo Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan to put an end to his 14-year-old marriage with his estranged wife Stella, on the grounds of adultery.
Balogun, a father of three, said with regrets that if he had known that Stella would bring him such an embarrassment, he would not have exchanged marital vows with her.
“My lord, I became completely frustrated when I found out that Stella was having extra-marital affairs with my plumber and I made her realise this.
“Then, she decided to move out of my house, packing my belongings with her and abandoning our three children,” Balogun said.
During cross examination, the petitioner said his wife did not catch him on their matrimonial bed with any woman.
He also denied sending her photographs to anybody.
However, Stella denied any wrong doing, stating that one of her friends had told lies against her.
“That friend of mine had told Balogun that I’ve been sleeping around and he consequently began to react to me negatively.
“He turned me into a punching bag and stopped sleeping in the house.
“Later on, Balogun started sending my photographs to his woman-friend.
“My lord, he has remarried with my three children in his care and they are not properly catered for,” Stella told the court.
Delivering judgment, the court’s President, Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, pronounced the marriage dissolved on the ground that both Balogun and Stella were no longer willing to continue with the union.
Akintayo granted an order restraining Stella from harassing, disturbing, threatening and interfering with Balogun’s private life henceforth.
Metro
EFCC Raids Lagos Building, Arrest 792 Internet Fraudsters in One Fell Swoops
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has carried out its largest single-day operation against cryptocurrency and romance scam networks, arresting 792 suspects in Lagos.
The EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed during a press briefing that the operation, conducted at a seven-storey building known as the Big Leaf Building at No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, led to the apprehension of 193 foreign nationals, including 148 Chinese, 40 Filipinos, two individuals from Kharzartan, one Pakistani, and one Indonesian.
He said the raid followed months of surveillance and intelligence gathering on the syndicate’s activities.
Uwujaren described the building as designed to mimic a corporate financial headquarters, was allegedly used to train Nigerian recruits in romance and investment scams.
The official said the investigators found the building equipped with high-end desktop computers, and over 500 SIM cards were recovered from just one floor.
He stated that the syndicate reportedly recruited Nigerian youths with advanced computer skills, training them for two weeks on impersonation techniques to target victims in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.
Uwujaren explained that the recruits created fake online profiles to lure victims through platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram. Once trust was established, victims were directed to a fraudulent investment platform, ‘www.yooto.com’, where activation fees started at $35.
He revealed that the Nigerian recruits were unaware of the full scope of the operation.
“They worked under the supervision of foreign syndicate members and were paid either in cash or through personal accounts without formal employment contracts.
He noted that after securing victims, the recruits were cut off from the operation while the foreign kingpins completed the scams.
The director pointed out that the recovered items included desktop computers, mobile phones, laptops, and vehicles.
He revealed that the EFCC has obtained statements from the suspects and screened their devices, noting that all suspects are being detained under a valid remand warrant, with plans to arraign them in court soon.
Uwujaren highlighted the international nature of the crime, stressing the role of foreign nationals in exploiting Nigeria’s reputation and contributing to global fraud.
“This operation shows that the notion that Nigerians are solely behind these frauds is incorrect. Foreigners are leveraging our unfortunate reputation to establish criminal enterprises,” he said.
“The EFCC is collaborating with foreign partners to ensure that the arrested individuals face justice.
“There will be no hiding places for criminals in Nigeria,” he added.
Metro
Agent of Peace: Zone 2, AIG Fayoade and the Spectacular Carol, Thanksgiving Service That Melted Hearts
Known for his penchant for creating firsts, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, comprising Lagos and Ogun states, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, has hailed the Nigeria Police Force for its steadfastness in the sustained fight against crime and criminality, saying the Police will remain agent of peace in the society.
AIG Fayoade made the remarks while addressing a crowd of attendants at the maiden Christmas Carol/End of the Year Celebration, with the theme, Police: Agent of Peace to the World, in honour of the dutiful men and officers of Zone 2 of the Nigerian Police, which the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) attended.
The event, which had in attendance representatives of the various arms of security apparatuses including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Airforce, Department of State Security (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Customs Service, and Immigration, kickstarted with a heartfelt opening prayer by CSP (Rev Father) Paul Ogbo before the ebullient Police Band led the guests of notable dignitaries through the recitation of the National Anthem, and heartwarming praise and worship session that everyone on their toes, singing, praising and dancing on to the Lord for His goodness all through the year.
Thereafter, AIG Fayoade, who has been praised for his dexterity in policing, intelligence and goal getting abilities, delivered a welcome speech that centered on praises for policemen for jobs well done.
While emphasizing on the need to be proactive, even in peace time, the AIG acknowledged every attendee, with special emphasis to his wife, who is also the Chairperson of Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), Zone 2 branch, Mrs Adenike Fayoade, and kickstarted an avalanche of Bible readings, praise melodies and medley.
“As police officers, we are not just enforcers of the law; we are also called to be agents of peace in our communities.
“This season reminds us of the essence of peace, goodwill, and gratitude.”
The first Bible reading was taken from the book of Isaiah 9: 1-6 by AIG Fayoade while Brigadier-General Igbokwe, who represented the General Officer Commanding 81 Divsion took the second Bible reading from the book of Luke 2: 15-20.
The third and fourth bible readings were taken by the representative of Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command and representative of the AOC from the books of Luke 26: 1-14 and Matthew 1: 18-25 respectively.
Thereafter, the guest minister, Reverend Ben Eragbai exhorted the congregation on the theme ‘favour’ opening the floodgates of Carol songs from invited choirs including Nigerian Airforce Chaplaincy Choir, Zumunta MataPolice Chaplaincy Choir, Nigerian Army Chaplaincy Choir, Zone 2 Chaplaincy Choir, Nigerian Navy Chaplaincy Choir, Our Saviour’s Church Choir, and Lagos State Command Chaplaincy Choir.
It was altogether a moment of soul lifting exercise and exchange of pleasantries, love and camaraderie among the rank and files of the Police for a year of fulfillment, health and most importantly, life.
Speaking to NAOSNP on the sidelines, the elated AIG appreciated his staff for their efforts in putting together the Carol, the first of its kind in the history of the Zone.
“We have created a first in the positive repositioning of appreciative tendencies, and I’m sure a lit of our colleagues and others will follow suit.
“I thank the governors of Lagos and Ogun states for their support in our policing duties as well senior and junior officers of this Zone including CSP Tijani Taofiq; they have all been wonderful,” he said.
In his vote of thanks, DCP Martin Nwogoh, lauded the royal fathers, especially the white cap Chiefs that represented the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiotu, members of the security agencies and the general public, who trooped out enmasse to make the day a success.
“Expect a much more bigger celebration in the coming year,” he concluded.
CSP (Ven) Tope Ojamo said the closing, bring to a close the first ever Carol and end of the year party of the Zone 2 Police Command.