Day 21 (21st of May)

We came back to Lagos today. I thank God for journey mercies. It’s been quite fruitful but there is still a lot I need to do. I took Keke Marwa (Marwa’s bike) today. This is a form of transportation initiated by the then Lagos State Governor, Marwa as an income generating initiative as well as a mode of transportation. I think they have something like this in India as well.

I went passed my primary school today. It’s been over 33 years since I left. I was glad to see it’s been repainted and look good. It brought back a lot of good memories. I used to take public transport from Ketu to Maryland, about 7kms even as young as 10 years old. It was so safe in those days. I remember wanting to get to school very early in order to be part of the school bank for the morning assembly. I didn’t even mind not having breakfast. My younger brother Akin who was a couple of classes behind me loves his breakfast and I used to hurry him up just to get to school on time. The primary school is a catholic school and we used to have Holy Communion every so often (can’t remember exactly how often). I remember one time for such when only Catholics were supposed to take the communion. I and some other children decided to see what all the fuss is all about and took the communion. I don’t know how the Reverend Mother and Sisters knew, needless to say our names were called and we were punished. No one told me not to do it again.

I would love to visit my secondary school but I’m not sure I would get the time this time. There is a very good Government College Ikorodu (GCI) old student association, in particular the Lagos and London chapter. My old classmate who used to be our Head boy Oladimeji Odunlami with other dedicated GCIians are doing a great job getting this going.

This evening I was bitten so much by these tiny mosquitoes called koinkoin. I was helping a family friend do some work on the generator outside and these things feasted on me because I had on a wrapper as it was very hot. I saw multiple small lumps all over my arms and legs. I’m glad I was able to provide their evening food for them.

I’m spending the evening updating my journal as I’ve not been able to do so in the past couple of days. I was able to follow a discussion on facebook intermittently with respect to the issue of some Pastors having spent over 200 million naira on private jets last year. A lot has been said already. However, there was a comment by someone on the need to be circumspect when it comes to talking about the anointed men of God, and that facebook is not the right forum. You know, I hear this a lot. You can’t talk negatively about Pastors, because they are men of God. Does this mean Christian should keep quiet when you see and hear what is not right? What is not Christ like? On the issue of the right forum, where and how? Maybe, if there is more visibility on the accounts of Pentecostal churches, it would allay the concerns of people on how these blessings are being utilized. Where there is lack of information, it provides a breeding ground for rumours. I remember when I was younger and followed my parent to the African Church, in the Sunday bulletin; they would publish the total offering, tithes etc taken in the previous Sunday. There is also an annual Vestry meeting where all members of the church attend and each committee in the church gives account of income and expenditure in addition to the total church account, and all activities undertaken. Maybe many Pentecostal churches do, and I’m not aware of. God will bless His own. I would just like to see, as Christian are amongst the richest people in the world, they are also counted amongst the top most Philanthropists in the world. There is a lot to be done in alleviating poverty in our immediate environs. Father, make me a channel of blessing.

I’m praying for strength this evening. I have a couple of proposal to do amongst a few other things. God is my strength. Over and out for today. I’m giving God all the glory for today.