In moments of uncertainty, indecision can feel like the safest option. Yet, history and faith teach us that the refusal to act is often the most dangerous choice. The story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 provides a profound lesson on the necessity of taking bold steps, even in dire circumstances. Their courageous decision not only altered their destiny but also saved an entire city. Their story is a timeless call to action for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed by life’s challenges.

The narrative unfolds in Samaria, a city besieged by the Arameans. Starvation gripped the inhabitants, reducing them to desperate measures. It was a period of unimaginable hardship where hope seemed a distant memory. Outside the city walls sat four lepers, ostracized because of their disease. Their plight was even more precarious, they could neither seek refuge within the city nor rely on any assistance from others.

The lepers found themselves at a crossroads, grappling with a stark reality. They could remain where they were and die of starvation, enter the city and perish with the people, or venture into the Aramean camp, risking death but potentially finding sustenance. Their reasoning was simple yet profound: “Why sit we here until we die?”

This pivotal question sparked an extraordinary decision that reshaped their fate and that of Samaria.

Without a doubt, there are poignant lessons to learn from the lepers’ decisive action. First is to recognize the need for change.  The first step toward decisive action is acknowledging that staying in the same situation is no longer viable. The lepers’ clarity about their predicament is striking. They did not sugarcoat their reality. They faced the brutal truth: inaction guaranteed their demise.

In our lives, the failure to confront uncomfortable truths often leads to stagnation. Whether it is an unfulfilling job, a toxic relationship, or a personal habit hindering growth, the inability to recognize the urgency of change can trap us in cycles of despair.

Take a moment to reflect: Are you “sitting” in a situation where action is long overdue? The courage to admit that change is necessary is the foundation of transformation.

Lesson 2 is the need to embrace the uncertainty of action. Thus, the lepers chose the only option that held even a glimmer of hope, venturing into the enemy’s camp. They knew the risks: the Arameans could kill them. But they also understood that staying put guaranteed their demise. Their decision exemplifies a crucial principle: sometimes, the possibility of success lies on the other side of uncertainty.

Life often presents us with choices that feel like a leap into the unknown. Starting a new business, pursuing a passion, or leaving a familiar but unproductive environment can be daunting. Yet, as the lepers demonstrated, the willingness to take risks can lead to breakthroughs we never imagined.

When faced with uncertainty, ask yourself: What is the cost of doing nothing?

Lesson 3 is that small steps can lead to big miracles. As the lepers made their way to the Aramean camp, they had no guarantees of survival. Yet, their simple act of moving forward set the stage for a divine intervention. God amplified the sound of their footsteps, causing the Aramean army to flee in terror, leaving behind abundant supplies.

This miraculous outcome underscores an important truth: our small steps of faith often activate forces beyond our control. Taking action, no matter how small, creates momentum. The lepers’ journey was not dramatic; it was a slow, deliberate walk toward what they believed was their only chance. But that humble effort was enough.

In your journey, don’t underestimate the power of small, consistent actions. A single step in the right direction can open doors you never knew existed.

In a similar vein, lesson 4 is that your courage can impact others. The lepers could have hoarded the food and treasures they discovered. Instead, they returned to the city to share the good news, saving countless lives. Their story reminds us that our decisions can have a ripple effect, influencing not only our own lives but also the lives of others.

This is a powerful motivator for taking action. Whether it is pursuing a dream, standing up for what is right, or addressing a societal issue, your courage can inspire and uplift those around you. The lepers did not set out to be heroes; they simply acted on their instincts for survival. Yet, their choice brought salvation to an entire city.

Consider how your actions today might positively affect others. What gifts, talents, or opportunities do you have that could benefit those around you?

Still in a similar vein, lesson 5 is that faith and action go hand in hand. The lepers’ story is a testament to the interplay between faith and action. While they took a practical step toward survival, it was God who orchestrated the miraculous outcome. This balance is crucial. Faith without action is wishful thinking, while action without faith can lead to burnout and frustration.

As the Bible teaches in James 2:26, “Faith without works is dead.” The lepers’ faith was demonstrated through their decision to move forward despite uncertainty. Similarly, we are called to act in faith, trusting that God will meet us where our efforts end.

What areas of your life require both faith and action? How can you combine trust in God with practical steps toward your goals?

The question, “Why sit we here until we die?” resonates across centuries as a challenge to overcome complacency and fear. It speaks to anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next. Whether in your personal life, career, or spiritual journey, the story of the four lepers offers timeless wisdom:

Acknowledge your reality. Don’t shy away from the truth of your situation, Take a risk, and embrace the uncertainty of action, knowing it is often the path to growth. Start small, even the smallest steps can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Think beyond yourself, your courage could inspire and benefit others and always trust God as combining faith with action allow divine intervention to work through your efforts.

The story of the four lepers is not just a tale of survival; it is a call to action. Their courage and faith transformed their lives and saved their city. It challenges us to examine our own situations and ask: “Are we waiting passively for circumstances to change, or are we willing to take decisive action?”

As you navigate the challenges in your life, remember their question: “Why sit we here until we die?” Let it inspire you to rise, move forward, and trust that the steps you take today can lead to a brighter, more fulfilling tomorrow.

The presidency has shared details of what President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, would be doing on a three-day official visit to Paris, France.

Naija News reports Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris on Wednesday evening for a three-day State Visit to fortify Nigeria-France relations.

Following the arrival, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Wednesday, narrated that during the visit, the Nigerian leader will attend a distinguished reception at the Palais de l’Élysée.

Also, President Tinubu, during the visit, will address initiatives to boost youth exchange programs and enhance skills, engage in strategic political and diplomatic discussions, while both leaders will attend a session hosted by the France-Nigeria Business Council, coordinating private sector involvement in economic development.

The presidential aide also highlighted that the French First Lady, and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss empowering women, children, and vulnerable populations.

Before departure, President Tinubu and his wife will attend a state dinner put together by their hosts.

The full statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris on Wednesday evening for a three-day State Visit to fortify Nigeria-France relations.

“Touching down at Orly Airport around 5:10 p.m., President Tinubu was welcomed with full military honours by the French Republican Guard, marking a ceremonial start to his visit.

“The official engagements will begin on Thursday at the historic Les Invalides, where French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron will warmly receive President Tinubu. The visit will continue with a distinguished reception at the Palais de l’Élysée, honouring the Nigerian leader.

“The visit aims to enhance bilateral ties, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition. It promises substantial benefits for Nigeria.

“In collaboration with President Macron, President Tinubu will address initiatives to boost youth exchange programs and enhance skills in automation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

“The visit includes strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication.

“Additionally, both leaders will attend a session hosted by the France-Nigeria Business Council, coordinating private sector involvement in economic development.

“Brigitte Macron and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss empowering women, children, and vulnerable populations through Nigeria’s First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

“President Tinubu and his wife will attend a state dinner hosted by the French President before their departure.”

[NaijaNews]

The federal government has spent about N8.8 billion to repair and put power transmission towers vandalised across the country into functional use.

The disclosure was made by the managing director and chief executive officer of the Transition Company of Nigeria (TCN), Suleiman Ahmed Abdulaziz, at the Quarterly Power Sector Working Group meeting in Abuja.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, also disclosed that the federal government was working in collaboration with the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to make electricity available to 50 million Nigerians by the year 2030.

Abdulaziz, who was represented by the executive director, Transmission Service Provider (TSP) of TCN, Olugbenga Emmanuel Ajiboye, said that between January 13, 2024 and now, 128 transmission towers were destroyed either by vandals or bandits, across the country.

He lamented that when the vandals were apprehended and handed over to police for prosecution, they were bailed out of detention and they would return and continue with the vandalism.

“As I talk to you today, 128 of our towers have been destroyed by either vandals or bandits. Till date, we have spent about N8.8 billion, by our estimation, to put them back to full and functional use. It is so sad that each time the vandals were caught and taken to police for prosecution, police would arrest them for theft, instead of vandalism and they would be bailed. If they are charged for vandalism, they cannot be bailed, but this is where we are. So many of them have been arrested, but each time they will be bailed because police often incident their cases as that of theft.

“When the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna towers were destroyed, we had to get the full military escorts for our contractors to get the transmission lines and towers restored and in some cases, they would tell us that we could only work for two hours on some days. In some instances, they would even tell us that it was not safe to move there. How do we get out of this? How can we deliver electricity to Nigerians under these terrible circumstances? These are part of the challenges we are facing in the power sector,” Abdulaziz said.

For his part, the Power minister, who was represented by his chief technical adviser, Adedayo Olowoniyi, said the Nigerian government was working with the Word Bank and the AfDB to get 50 million Nigerians to have access to electricity by the year 2030.

Hello said the Power Ministry was collaborating with its Finance counterpart to get the process achieved.

“The mission 300 has been driven by the World Bank and the African Development Bank and it is a project that will provide electricity to 300 million Africans and Nigeria will benefit 50 millions from this. Nigeria has a large population that is without electricity and this is a great opportunity for us to be part of this process. The Compact document will be signed by our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Tanzania in January, 2025. We worked extensively with the World Bank, the AfDB and the Ministry of Finance to develop the document with all the countries that will be participating in it.

“The most important thing is that we have to drive the process by ourselves through the private and public sector participation. We will do it through the solar form system, mini and micro grid, grid extension and connection,” the minister said.

He continued: “The reality is that it is not actually feasible, based on the resources we have, to extend the grid to all Nigerians, one, from the funding point of view and secondly, it may not be commercially viable to begin to talk of grid extension to those parts that are not viable, but that does not mean that we should not deliver electricity to them, which is their right and as part of the dividends of democracy. But we will start with the home solar system in those areas where the grid may not work.”

[Leadership]

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Nanfwang Gunat, has sounded a note of caution to legislators across the country against passing a vote of confidence on the embattled National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Gunat said he was cautioning both former and serving, whether in the state houses of assembly, house of representatives or senate.

Gunat who was a member of Support Groups Coordination (North Central) for the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), stressed that such endorsement would amount to betraying the North Central region which has been pushing to reclaim the chairmanship seat after the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu, who is from the North Central.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Jos the Plateau State Capital, the Chieftain revealed that rumours making the rounds are that Ganduje is planning to organise both former and serving legislators across the country to get their support for the chairmanship seat to remain in the North-West where he is from, and that they should also endorse him for the position.

According to him, “that position has been constitutionally agreed by the party to be for the North Central which has contributed greatly towards the progress of APC, but Ganduje is trying everything possible to twist that fact.

“But the North Central region, wouldn’t concede that position to another region within the party structure”, he maintained.

The party chieftain disputed the credit given to Ganduje on the victory of the APC in the Edo and Ondo governorship election, saying that the people voted for the party because of their belief and trust in the party and not because of Ganduje who could not deliver his home state of Kano to the APC.

“I wish to call on President Bola Tinubu and leaders of our party to immediately convene a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to address this issue of the Chairmanship position accordingly so that it doesn’t tear the party apart”, he admonished.

Gunat pointed out that convening the meeting to address that vital issue is key to the party’s unity and success towards the 2027 election because the North Central region is already feeling marginalized and relegated to the background.

[DailyPost]

Actress and filmmaker, Mary Njoku, has raised concerns about the increasing trend of young women opting for Botox injections.

On her Instagram page, Njoku questioned why 21-year-olds are undergoing a cosmetic procedure typically used by women in their 40s and 50s to reduce wrinkles. 

She wondered about wrinkles women in their early 20s could possibly need to hide.

The actress urged young women to embrace their youth and natural beauty, reminding them that many people would give anything to relive their 20s and cherish the youthful glow that comes with it.

Njoku also addressed parents, encouraging them to instill in their daughters a love for their natural selves.

She stressed the importance of building self-esteem and promoting positive body image from a young age.

“Is having a lifeless face now the new trend?

Older people, those in their 40s and 50s use it to reduce wrinkles.

“But at 20s, what wrinkles could you possibly be trying to hide? Embrace your youth while you still can.

“If only they understood how much people would give to be in their 20s again. They’d cherish their youthful beauty even more. Let’s teach our daughters to embrace and celebrate their natural selves. Self-esteem is everything.”

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has pledged stricter immigration policies, warning the UK can no longer sustain current levels.

Badenoch admitted past Tory governments failed to curb migration effectively but vowed to address the issue “without fear.”

Proposing a hard annual cap on legal immigration without specifying a figure, Badenoch also insisted the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) would not hinder necessary actions.

“Immigration is at a pace too fast to maintain public services,” she said. “For decades, the political class has presided over mass migration… The system that replaced free movement is not working.”

Badenoch stressed the importance of integration, saying migrants must adopt British values.

“Without a shared national identity, our country will suffer,” she warned, criticising the strain on housing, healthcare, and wages caused by mass migration.

She pledged to review policies, treaties, and laws, emphasizing transparency and stricter visa limits.

New migration figures tomorrow are expected to show a decline, but Badenoch cautioned against complacency.

“We can no longer be naïve,” she said, hinting at reforms to prevent legal loopholes and misuse of the system.

Vanguard News

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed Edith Uduma, an inspector, for allegedly collecting a bribe from Abraham Uzuobo, a sergeant, to conceal a rape incident.

Uzuobo was accused of raping a 17-year-old female suspect in a room inside South-Ibie police station in Edo state.

The suspect was detained at the police station for allegedly receiving stolen property.

In October, a video showing Uzuobo hurriedly wearing his trousers while the female suspect was lying on a chair inside a room in the police station appeared on social media.

In the video, Uzuobo was challenging a female officer for recording the incident.

The female officer in the background of the video was later identified as Uduma.

Uduma was the charge room officer (CRO) on duty on the day the incident happened.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said Uduma called her husband, Ibrahim Mohammed, a police inspector, instead of reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities.

Adejobi said Uduma and her husband demanded a N1 million bribe from Uzuobo to assist him in concealing the incident.

The force spokesperson said Uzuobo offered the couple N45,000.

“However, the sergeant offered only N45,000 in cash, which they collected at that instance, and after a few days, contacted the sergeant to request the same sum of N1,000,000, but the sergeant refused to comply,” Adejobi said.

“Dissatisfied by his refusal to follow through with the blackmail, they decided to report the erring officer to the DPO and also simultaneously share the video on social media.

“Everyone culpable in this case has been sanctioned appropriately, as there is no intention to impede justice.

“The erring sergeant has been dismissed and prosecuted and is currently in prison custody as the trial progresses.

“Inspector Edith Uduma was also dismissed for her role, while her complicit husband has been reduced to the rank of sergeant.

“However, it has come to the attention of the force that following her dismissal, Mrs. Edith has made numerous unfounded claims regarding her innocence and has sought to taint the reputation and integrity of the adjudicating authority, the inspector-general of police, in person and the entire police force.

“It is imperative to set the record straight and provide clear context regarding her actions and the decision to dismiss her from service.

“The dismissal of former police inspector Edith Uduma was not only justified but necessary, based on thorough investigations that presented irrefutable evidence of her failure to follow standard incident report protocol to immediately document the incident, attempt to conceal an offender for benefit, participation in extortion, and manipulating the justice process for personal gain.”

[TheCable]

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Jamiu Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters.

Abiola is one of the children of the winner of the 1993 presidential election annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida, the late Chief Moshood Abiola.

He was formerly appointed the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties in the Office of the Vice-President.

In a statement on Wednesday by
Director, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, Abiola’s appointment was effective from November 14, 2024.

Imohiosen said his appointment was in line with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008, as amended.

He said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the appointment of Jamiu Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters.

“The appointment takes effect from 14th November, 2024. This is in line with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008, as amended.

“Until his appointment, Jami’u served as the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties in the Office of the Vice President.

“President Tinubu tasks the appointee to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new assignment.”

[Punch]

I went to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, today to see former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, whom they had most egregiously detained given that he had willingly handed himself over and is clearly not a flight risk.

EFCC officials insisted I must park my car and trek all the way to the reception from their carpark. 

I explained to them that I had just undergone four surgeries to remove a tumor close to my heart. 

They politely told me they were quite sorry about that but that I still had to trek to their reception.

I then asked that my driver should drop me off at the reception and return to the carpark and come back to pick me when I'm ready to go.

While they were extremely polite, i noticed they were making series of phone calls and my suspicion is that they didn't want me to see former Governor Yahaya Bello hence they kept coming up with their ridiculous shenanigans.

The EFCC had earlier tried to pretend they arrested GYB when in fact, he had voluntarily presented himself to them.

Everything about this matter is, to say the least, quite murky, most shady, highly suspicious and totally unprofessional.

I cannot fathom why the EFCC would be uncomfortable with even any random person visiting someone in their custody not to talk of a senior lawyer. 

For God's sake we have rights in this country and an institution of the state cannot be weaponized into an instrument of political vendetta.

Earlier this morning, I published an article commending President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for the milestone achieved with the resurrection of local refining by our national oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL.

Despite the profound differences I have regarding some of his policies with respect to the generality of Nigerians quite apart from his most deplorable politics with respect to progressives, supporters of the All Progressives Congress APC, Batists, and those of us who put him in power, the persecution of former Governor Yahaya Bello is just a continuation of the befuddling, perplexing, and, entirely weird politics that Asiwaju has inexplicably decided to play to the chagrin and consternation of his supporters.

Those of us genuine progressives, Batists and supporters of the APC totally reject this betrayal by the President we put in power who now seems determined to hunt us all down one by one.

If he thinks we are all cowards who will go down without a fight, he is making a very big mistake and we will show him that we are politicians just like him and that just as we put him in power, we will remove him from power.

There is absolutely no point supporting a leader you can't trust.

What President Asiwaju does not understand is that he now effectively has zero credibility within the ranks of his own supporters. 

How he managed to fail so woefully at the biggest stage God granted him is something He himself will have to explain to God.

We formed the government we envisaged would make life easier for our citizens, only for Asiwaju to form a government of Lagosians and Osun people who have rendered Nigerians hungry, famished, distressed and hopeless despite our President claiming to be implementing a so-called "Renewed Hope Agenda".

Those who are bold enough to say the truth will never be defeated: "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set ye free". John 8: 32.

This idea of promising people appointments to abandon their comrades may work for some people but not for us all because, some of us are well brought up, have honour, and are not bastards who abandon their brothers.

Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is always on the throne and He will do justice to all. 

My title translates as "The Owner of Laughter", and my younger brother, His Excellency, Former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello will have the last laugh.

God Bless Nigeria.

Onokpasa, a lawyer, is Chairman, Tinubu media support Group, (TMSG) and writes from Abuja.