OGUN CUSTOMS CELEBRATES FESTIVAL OF ART FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PROMOTES TRADE THROUGH ART

In what could sound like Corporate Social Responsibility by Ogun 1 Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the Integration Art Palace and Tour company of Ogun state organized a Festival of Art for Economic Development programme. According to the report reaching this media through the Public Relations Officer, CSC Hammad Oloyede, the programme lasted for 5 days, commencing on Saturday, February 10, 2024, and concluding on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. 

 

The programme which was the third of its kind had the theme “The Role of Nigeria Customs Service in Economic Development and National Security.” This time, the event attracted many visitors  which included among others Olabisi Onabanjo University, Yaba College of Technology, and selected secondary schools in Ipokia Local Government Area. According to the release, on the first day, participants paid homage to the Oniko of Ikolaje Idiroko, Oba John Olakunle Ojo JP. On the second day, Sunday, February 11, 2024, the Command's PRO CSC Oloyede, took the participants on a tour of Sentry Customs House, where seized vehicles, petroleum products, and perishable items were warehoused. The destruction site for seized frozen poultry products and the circumstances surrounding the seizure of prohibited items were explicitly explained to the participants.

On the third day of the event, a symposium was held in the Conference room of the Command’s Headquarters. Dignitaries in attendance included the CAC, Ogun 1 Area Command, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, his management team, Director of DSS, Mr. IK Ikiriko, heads of other agencies, and the Deputy Mayor of Ifoyin Municipality, Igolo, Republic of Benin. The release from the Command's PRO was very explicit as it reads in parts thus; In his welcome address, the CAC commended the organizer, Dr. Bonny Botoku, for his initiative.

He congratulated the participants, especially the younger ones for the opportunity to participate. He described the programme as a panacea for youth restiveness and encouraged they development of skills in creative art. He also emphasized the importance of creative art in attracting tourists and as a viable means of livelihood. The CAC reassured continuous support from the Command for the festival's sustainability. "Dr. Bonny A. Botoku, the programme initiator, stated during his speech that his passion for art inspired him to initiate the festival to encourage the younger generation interested in it. He mentioned the careful selection of event dates, especially Valentine's Day, February 14, 2024, to celebrate youth in a more constructive manner aimed at preventing unwanted pregnancies. He explained his collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) due to its significant contributions to the economy and national security. He appreciated the Command's support in ensuring the festival's success. "AC Emmanuella Chukwu, the guest speaker at the symposium, highlighted the core functions of NCS, including revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, facilitation of lawful trade, and security of the nation's borders. 

"The grand finale, marking the end of the occasion, took place on February 14, 2024, at the Integration Art Palace and Tour cultural center in Idiroko where certificates of participation were presented to the participants by the CAC, represented DC Charles Ogunesan, the Deputy Comptroller, Administration.

Prizes were awarded to the top three secondary school participants based on performance, with consolation prizes given to the others for encouragement. 

THE JOURNEY SO FAR

There is no better way to describe the journey of Eze Igbo Cabinet of Ezechimelu than the beautiful writeup by Barr. Barnabas Okoro as stated below. As we savour the joy of the day, I enjoin us to reflect again on these soothing words. 

"On this day, we thank God for his love and protection. We thank him for the health and strength he has given to Ezechimelu and his cabinet members to continue to shoulder our various responsibilities. 

"We thank him for the overwhelming support and patronage enjoyed by Eze Ndigbo, Badagry. We thank him for leading us this far, in spite of the obvious daunting challenges. As we reflect over the ten (10) years period, remember some friends,

associates of our esteemed cabinet who passed on such as Chief P.C. Okoli, Chief Oka Obulu Uzo, Chief Okpa wu Aku, Chief Mathias Ezemokwe, and most recently, our dear brother, Chief Donald Chukwuemeka Osuji. May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed; through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

"After counting our many  losses we cannot, but still find reason to continue to thank God for what he has done and many more good things he has promised to do for our cabinet. 

"To Ezechimelu and all members, I say congratulations on the occasion of our 10 years anniversary," Barr. Barnabas Okoro. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY ANGEL

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. I wish you a very happy birthday! (Psalm 121:7).

The Scripture says, ‘He will put His angels in charge of you to watch over you carefully’. Have the most enjoyable birthday ever. (Luke 4:10).May God give you the strength and courage to confront all of life’s challenges. 

May Jesus Christ bless you. May the Lord grant you the desires of your heart and answer all your prayers. May His face shine upon you, bringing joy and success to your life, Psalm 20:4-5. 

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

The Lord himself will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forget you. Don’t be afraid and don’t worry. 

I love you. Happy birthday my Angel! (Deuteronomy 31:8).

ESE LENORA NTAN GOES TO CHURCH

It was a day of joy for the family of our Editor-in-chief, Pastor Okey Iroegbu when his granddaughter was dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ at the Elevation Church Lekki on Sunday, February 4, 2024. The

dedication of baby Lenora attracted her grandparents from the both families, Uncles, Aunties, brothers and sisters as the occasion created an ample opportunity to meet with each other after the 2023 yuletide. The guests moved to the residence of her parents, Arch. and Mrs. Ntan for refreshment. Coincidentally, her elder brother, Gabriel Ntan would be marking his two years birthday on Saturday, February 10, 2024 where a sumptious parrty would be

hosted for the family members, Associates, friends and well-wishers. The Baggage Magazine wishes Ese good and healthy growth in Jesus name, Amen.

2024: THE YEAR OF OPEN DOORS

 

– Revelation 3:8“I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it…”The guiding light of the year 2024 for the members of St. Joseph’s Chosen Church of God and the Body of Christ as given by God through the Holy Spirit to His Servant; His Eminence, Apostle Samson Nyeche Ogbu, Spiritual Leader, St. Joseph’s Chosen Church of God.Compliments of the Season!Happy New Year Church!It is with great joy and honour I stand on your behalf to humbly appreciate the Almighty God who in His infinite mercies has kept us alive, as we usher in a new year that the Lord has given us. We count it a privilege and honour to see a year end and another comes simply because of the Mercies of the Lord.I know that some did not make it for one reason or the other, some maybe their purpose on earth came to an end or the devil terminated their existence before time. Taking a deep review of the year 2023, the actions, inactions, reactions, hustling and various conditions that transfused into our personal, national, social, political, economic, Church, Family and spiritual lives; one can say that it was an eventful year. Despite all circumstances, the Lord did not leave us in the dark.He is always with His Church, guiding and guarding us even in the midst of the shadow of death, He kept us safe and secured. Glory be to God!!!As

we all know, the year 2023 was a year of transition of Leadership for us in St. Joseph’s Chosen Church of God; the third Spiritual Leader in the person of Apostle (Dr.) W. U. Omoregie, JP, was called to be with the Maker on February 14, 2023, and on April 19, 2023, the fourth Spiritual Leader of the Church, Apostle S. N. Ogbu was chosen and appointed to continue piloting the affairs of the Church as the Holy Spirit who is the Executive Head of the Church directs and governs His Church. Ours is a spiritual Church that is predominantly governed by the Holy Spirit. We must consistently be in touch with His directives and heaven’s current policy framework for man, especially as it concerns St. Joseph’s Chosen Church of God. To this end, the guiding light and spiritual compass for the Church, St. Joseph’s Chosen Church of God and all who believes in the covenant God has with this Church is “OPEN DOORS”. Year 2024 is our year of OPEN DOORS, (Revelations 3:8.) Brethren, you are welcome to the year of Open Doors; “…behold I have set before you an open doors, and no man can shut it…” Literally, a door is a swinging or sliding barrier that closes the entrance to a room or building or vehicle. It is the entrance (space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building. It also means an access to a place.Figuratively, door is a symbol of opportunity, especially for Christians witness and service (1 Cor. 16:9; II Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3; Rev. 3:8). Door is also used to represent the way by which a person enters into something. Christ Himself is the door by which one enters into Salvation (John 10:9; Acts 14:27; Hosea 2:15).Open Doors represent opportunities given by God; they are new beginnings, spiritually, physically, socially, ministerial, financially, health wise and so on. It is the fulfillment of the Promise of God, and it is an access into His divine providence and covering.It is a long period of time given by God for us to make amends before His judgment comes upon us. It is our year of Open Doors to all that God has made for His people in Jesus’ Name, Amen.(a) HOW TO IDENTIFY AN OPEN DOORIt is of note to mention here that the devil also opens doors for evil occurrences and projections, so we have to be watchful and be smart to identify the doors opened to us by God. Many times, an open door from God is one that allows our faith to be stretched and strengthened. Let us take note of the following:i) The Door that God opens will never contradict His Word.ii) The Door that God opens will be accompanied by Confirmation.iii) The Door that God opens will require you to depend on Him. Matt. 6:33; Heb. 11:6.(b) WHAT LEADS TO OPEN DOORS“I know what you do; I know that you have a little power, you have followed my teaching and have been faithful to me. I have opened a door in front of you, which no one can close. Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people, who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God. Instead, they find joy in obeying the law of the LORD, and they study it day and night.” Revelation 3:8; Psalm 1:1-2 (Goodnews Version)The following leads to open doors:i) Obedience to the Word of God. Isaiah 1:19.ii) Steadfastness to the teachings of Christ, Rev. 3:8; Ps. 1:1-2.iii) Taking responsibilities for the Kingdom of God (Service), Isaiah 22:20-22.iv) Righteousness – Isaiah 3:10; Ps. 92:13-14.v) Faithfulness to Christ in the midst of difficult times – Rev. 3:8; Ps. 1:1-6.vi) Consistent fellowship with the brethren – Heb. 10:25.vii) Giving – Luke 6:38.- Give your life to God,- Give your time,- Give your possession,- Give your wisdom,- Give your love,- Give your money and so on.It is imperative to note that the Church in Philadelphia had open door because the Lord testified that they kept His teaching and did not deny His name, coupled with their faith in Him.(c) OPEN DOORS FOR YOU!Beloved Children of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, I declare the following doors to open for you and your families to walk through it into your desired victory this year 2024!!(1) The door of Salvation (Acts 4:12; Eph. 1:13; 6:17).(2) The door of Grace (Gen. 6:8; Eph. 2:8-9).(3) The door of Mercy (Eph. 2:4-5; James 2:13).(4) The door of Favour (Isa. 58:11; Psa. 5:12; 30:5)(5) The door of Prosperity (Psa. 92:13; Deut. 11:11-15) Spiritual Prosperity Mental Prosperity Financial Prosperity Material Prosperity Relationship Prosperity.(6) The door of Divine health (Isa. 53:4-5; 1 Pet. 2:24; Ex. 15:26)(7) The door of Satisfaction (Deut. 28:1-11)(8) The door of Safety (2 Tim. 4:18; Prov. 18:10; 29:25; 46:1).(9) The door of Service (Ex. 23:25)(10) The door of the Gospel (Acts 1:5-8; Matt. 28:19-20).(d) KEYS TO OPEN DOORS (Matthew 16:19)(i) Be encouraged by past testimonies (Rev. 12:11).(ii) Praying with thanksgiving and praises to God (Eph. 5:19-20).(iii) Have faith in God and in His promises (Matt. 11:22; James 2:16-26).(iv.) Pray in the Spirit (Rom. 8:26-27).(v.) Persistence (1 Thess. 5:16-18).(vi.) Fasting (Matt. 6:16-18)(vii) Obedience (Isaiah 1:19; Deut. 28:1-2).(viii) Giving (Luke 6:38).(ix) Faithfulness in Tithing (Mal. 3:10; Deut. 28:12).(x) Faithfulness in service (Col. 3:23-24; 1 Pet. 4:10-11).(xi) Commitment and Hardwork (Prov. 22:29).(xii) Worship (Psalms 34:9).(e) HOW CAN ONE RETAIN OPEN DOORS – Isaiah 60:11The Lord Jesus Christ promised that the door will remain opened and no one can shut it. It is because the Church in Philadelphia proved themselves to be faithful and committed to Christ and His Word. Therefore, we can retain open doors by been faithful and committed to God in our Christians walk with Christ in our regular fellowship, prayers, soul winning, payment of Tithes and offerings to God, and our expression of love.My beloved, be willing and obedient to the Word of God, abide in Christ and be fruitful. You will definitely enjoy open doors in the year 2024 and eat the good of the Land wherever you find yourself.I enjoin all the Ministers of God to take a minimum of the first quarter of this year to expound our guiding light message to the children of God, under their immediate watch. Teaching, preaching and revival sessions should be based on OPEN DOORS 2024 for the first twelve weeks of the year, so that this message will be well understood and applied by all.Brethren, it was agreed that there will be no Conference this year 2024, so that Regions and Ministries can have the latitude to organize their Conventions. I expect full participation by all sections of the Church within and outside the shores of Nigeria, because it is also a year of Open Doors for Church Growth and Expansion. Beloved, God has prepared the year 2024 to open doors for all those that are faithful and committed to His Word. As you walk through the year of Open Doors, may you experience the presence of God mightily, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.Once again, I wish you a Prosperous Year 2024.Remain Blessed!Apostle Samson N. OgbuSpiritual Leader,STJCCG.