Author: Onome Omodara

Writers Journal

A STORY OF GRACE

I was in church some months ago and someone caught my attention, it was this particular young man he looked so joyous, his smile was so natural and captivating. I kept wondering, what exactly happened to him I’ve never seen him this happy. It was if my little sister could see through my mind she whispered to my ear “he is a changed man” I simply shook my head in agreement but deep within me I was willing to know what changed this young man.

That birthed this interview, this young man shared his story and then it occurred to me that a lot of people need to hear this story. This interview got me so emotional but not just that I picked up a lot of lessons.

Enjoy the story.

Onomewrites: You are my hommie and all that but for the sake of those who are just seeing or reading about you for the first time tell us something about you.

Ayodeji: Well, I am Ayodeji Banigbe, 24, from Ijara Isin, Kwara state. I am currently studying Transport Management in Lautech, Ogbomosho and I am a Christian. What more? 

 Onomewrites: That’s good so growing up as a child, what was your childhood dream?

 Ayodeji: Well, Dream? As a child, I just wanted to be great, apart from everybody wanting to be Doctors and engineers; I wanted to be an artist, as in to paint to be precise.

Onomewrites: So you loved painting as a child?

 Ayodeji: I’ll say drawing, pencil sketching, in primary 6 I sold a drawing of an aero plane to my mate for 30naria and for me that was a big deal (smiles)

Onomewrites: That sounds interesting so let’s fast forward to your growing up, what do you enjoy doing?

 Ayodeji: Enjoy? Hmm (thinks) I enjoy a lot of things, but music is number one, listening to it and making mine as well and for the rest of the what I enjoy doing list, I can list a million, I love good and intelligent conversation, meeting new people, traveling, and a little bit of fashion. EtcEtc

Etc

 Onomewrites: Wow…Talking about music, do you have any soundtrack you’ve done?

 Ayodeji: Well, I have a hand full. I kinda ‘sold out’ when I dropped my first project on campus in 2012 “Need For Spit (the mixtape)” it was a 12 tracks+ project (CDs) and again, in 2015, I released “Need For Spit 1.5 EP” (Online) and another single last year October 1st “Not In My Country” (Online) which is still the latest

 Onomewrites: You do have a hand full; I must really commend you well done. Talking about you doing music did you really get all the support you needed especially your parents?

 Ayodeji: Well, I gotta say I started out of the blues, so when I had recorded some songs I came home and played them to my folks. All they had to say was, just remember the son of who you are. I didn’t get any support as such but a while ago I released a track and my dad wasn’t cool with it because it wasn’t to glorify God He just kept it cool to let me follow my heart but he was excited when I became a Christian.

 Onomewrites: Talking about you becoming a Christian, for me that was like the best news when I saw you post something biblical on Instagram and then I saw you again and it was so real,  Please tell us what changed you?

 Ayodeji: To the glory of God as much as I can start to brag about the salvation through Christ. It cannot be overemphasized, John 6:44 will be the perfect response to that.

 Onomewrites: Wow, let me read John 6:44 (“No man can come to me, except the father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day”)

Onomewrites: Was it that you just opened the Bible or you got tired of your past, at what point did the change occur?

Ayodeji: Coming from a Christian home, the bible was always open but it came to a point where I knew deep down I was in the wrong crowd, the kind of people I attract, the kind of energy around me. I needed more, I need Jesus.

Onomewrites: I love that part! You knew you needed Jesus

 Onomewrites: You were hungry for more right? Did you find that Jesus by searching the scriptures or you went to church?

Ayodeji: Hungry will not point out the true feeling I had, I would say I was empty, powerless and poor. You understand?

 Onomewrites: Hmmm, I really understand

 Ayodeji: My early knowledge about Jesus was enough, I just said to myself “Jesus, Take over” that was June 12, 2016 and that morning I wrote down my confession and I still pray them every morning till now

Onomewrites: And Jesus took over. Can you tell us a little bit of your past?

Ayodeji: Did all the bad things our parent told us not to, but I haven’t murdered someone before (laughs)

 Onomewrites: What of drugs????

Ayodeji: Smoked weed, skunk, cigarette, alcohol, did pills of all sort and I sexed like food. I was a yahoo boy, just wasn’t the big boy on that I guess grace just found me and sort me out.

Onomewrites: Are you okay with me sharing your past with the world?

Ayodeji: I am unashamed

 Onomewrites: thank you and I really agree, it must have been grace so how has the journey with Jesus been?

 Ayodeji: It’s been wonderful. Every day I am watching out for something new

Onomewrites: Can you really describe the feeling that being with Jesus has given you?

 Ayodeji: I am feeling like superman.

 Onomewrites: (laughs)

 Ayodeji: I have got super powers now.

 Onomewrites: I love that, I’m sure you can’t trade that for any other thing.

Ayodeji: (smiles) I can’t!

Onomewrites: Talking about your music again. Do you plan to start doing gospel songs now and what’s your genre of music?

 Ayodeji: My only desire is to be fully transformed to the person of Jesus Christ. That was a question I battled with, with myself and my management company. It took me a long time to try and figure that out.  I had to wait for God’s direction, which He has been given by the power of the word.

 Ayodeji: I am a Hip pop artist. And if I say I will start doing “gospel song” I will be looked at as a praise worship artist which I am not.

 Onomewrites: Hmm

 Ayodeji: My watchword is from the book of Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers”.

 Onomewrites: Hmm

 Ayodeji: And I know that Colossians 1:16 the last part says ” all things were created by him, and for him”

 Onomewrites: Hmmm TrueTrue

 Ayodeji: So, I am going to make music inspired by God through His word and all the wonderful things He created and that includes my salvation.

 Onomewrites: I’m sure a lot of people would be glad to hear such music

Ayodeji: But on top of everything, expect the bitter truth, the unapologetic ones, the Paul kinda approach. The Lord will help us all.

Onomewrites: (Amen) I think we all need the truth!

 Onomewrites: Finally, what would you like to say to the wonderful people who are reading this

Ayodeji: Nothing much really. I will say with all of my heart right now that “Everybody needs Jesus” And that without Christ we are nothing. I think it’s time we begin to make Jesus famous. I wish I could try to code things but the truth is the truth.

Onomewrites: We all need Jesus. Thank you so much for time. 

Ayodeji: To the glory of God. I’m honoured.
CONCLUSION

After the interview with Ayodeji it occurred to me that God is still in the business of sorting people out and bringing them to Himself, Ayodeji is just one of those grace has found. It’s never too late grace is always available.

Keep making exploits.
Omodara Onome

onomewrites@gmail.com

 

“Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet” – Jean-Jacques Rousseau

The look on their faces said it all; it had to be love. David read out the vows he had carefully written for the woman he had grown to adore. She was his angel. He felt it was too good to be true. Janelle saw the love and sincerity in his eyes as he read those vows. She knew that having a man like David was a blessing – he calls her ‘’my angel’’. Janelle couldn’t wait to be with him and be called his wife.

The pastor joined them and asked David to kiss his wife. A moment he had been waiting for, to kiss this gorgeous woman again, this time in front of his family and friends to seal and affirm his love for her. He held her tightly as his lips melted into hers. He gave her a covenanting kiss, a kiss which meant he will be her man, her support, forever.

Ten years had passed and it had been a wonderful ride with David for Janelle; he was a good husband and a wonderful father to their two kids. Janelle never felt the need to share her story – she was a well-known public speaker – until the day one of her mentees came to her see her at home. She was watching her favourite program on the TV with David when Diana came in. she was like a daughter to them and they had watched and helped her grew into a better lady.

 Diana was 27 year old, a strikingly beautiful lady, her round face had no spot, with perfect almond-shaped eyes. Like Janelle, she wanted to be successful in her career and she was.

She had one imperfection in her perfect life, men were not coming around her, and the ones that came were in her words “lower than my standards.” She looked at her mentors and said in tears “what have I done? What is wrong with me? Is there something I did to God that he chose not forgive? I’ve been serving him my whole life and I have gotten nothing return? I am 27, I don’t have a fiancé, all my friends are married and have given birth, why am I different?”

Janelle moved towards her and held her in a way that showed she cared, a thin smile rested on her lips as she turned to her husband and said “Honey don’t you think it’s high time someone heard my story”, David turned to Diana and said “are you ready?” His face was impassive, his voice was calm – it had a smoothing relief. There was in it that made Diana wanted to hear the story. Diana gave an affirmative nod.

Janelle met David when she was 29, her friends were married and they had had kids. As a teenager, Diana had a dream of getting married at 25. At 24, all the men approaching her were not what she dreamt of. Janelle never got worried until people close to her started mounting pressure. Her mum prayed for her every night. The pastor’s wife asked questions. She started thinking she had a problem. 

She met Felix at a friend’s wedding and they got talking, he got her number and they started off their friendship, they got connected and Janelle thought her waiting was over. She felt it was love, and she fell in love. Three months later she met Felix’s parents. Janelle was convinced she would be his wife. As their relationship progressed they agreed on every other things but not spiritual matters.

Felix was a casual Christian who prays once in a while. Janelle wanted a man who was spiritually strong to take the headship role in the family. Janelle told one of her mentors, she advised her to pray about it. Janelle knew “praying about it” meant she had to break up, she knew she wanted someone better but age was mounting pressure.

She went to visit Felix that dull Saturday morning, a minor argument crept between them, and she was shocked with surprise when he planted two deafening slaps into her left cheek. Janelle ran out and ended their relationship. Felix came back begging but Janelle knew better, her friends advised her to forgive him,  her mother felt Felix was okay, that what he did was just a reflex action but Janelle refused. She made up her mind to be patient for her own king who will treat her like a queen.

Six months later she met David at a conference and she knew in her spirit that this was her king, they connected on everything and she couldn’t wait to be his queen. David had also been praying and waiting for the right person he had been in relationships where those ladies treated him like a rag, some cheated on him, that made him vow to be patient for the right person

 Janelle had an aura around her, a peaceful aura that attracts. That aura made David to walk up to her and engage her in a conversation. As they talked he discovered that her beauty was spiced with intelligence. He decided not to let her go. A year after they got married!

Diana couldn’t hide the surprise on her face as she asked “Mummy how old were you when you got married?” Janelle replied with a smile “I was 30. Diana, you are 27. You can meet your own king this year and marry at 28. You need to be patient; don’t force God. Let him work out his plans for your life. His choice is the best.”

David continued from where Janelle stopped. “Wait for God’s choice, the man who will treat you like an angel is worth waiting for, delays are never denials. It’s just God’s way of saying I have a better idea, just hang on.” The surprise on her face turned into tiny streams of tears. Diana spoke through her tears. “I’ve always admired and craved for your kind of marriage. If it takes patience I don’t mind waiting for a man who will call me his angel” they all smiled and they prayed for Diana before she left. 

As David looked at his wife, he saw the thing that was in her eyes the first time he kissed her. He couldn’t resist it. He pulled her close him, her lips buried in his mouth. He gave her a gentle yet passionate kiss, paused and said “Every time I kiss you, it feels so heavenly. You are not just my queen, you are an angel” wet warmth travelled though her body as he said those words. Janelle was proud, and within herself, grateful she waited for her David. He was worth waiting for. She embraced him, her head on his chest, listening to his rhythmical heartbeat. David gently pulled her head up, looked into her eyes and said “I love you my angel and I will always support and be there for you” and that promise he sealed with another kiss that came straight from his heart. Both wrapped in that fragile wind called romance.

CONCLUSION

Patience takes a lot of work but at the end of the day it’s always worth it, I don’t know if you are like Diana, you are frustrated, tired and even angry at God. Hey, just hang on, don’t give up, you are close to your victory.

The best gift of life comes to them that wait, I know it’s not easy and nobody understands but be rest assured that God loves you and your blessings are on the way. Don’t give up!

The best is worth waiting for.
Your friend,

Omodara Onome

onomewrites@gmail.com

A MAN WITH A VISION

“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others” – Jonathan Swift

The oxford dictionary defines vision as an idea or a goal towards which one aspires. A dream births a vision and with a vision you are set to accomplish great things. A man who has a vision is like a pregnant woman, who at the beginning can be pushed so close to the edge that he would feel, wish or hope to take it all back and retreat to that comfort zone. Like a mother however, once he scales through, there is no greater joy than holding that wonderful baby that is the product of her labour. The sleepless nights do not matter anymore.

When a vision is conceived and you are there laying the groundwork, trying and panting really hard and even sometimes being open to a helping hand; and yes, it can be as difficult as nobody taking notice nor seeing your labour (why should they, people only appreciate the finished product) but when that vision finally becomes a manifestation, the world pays you to breathe you. No matter what, don’t settle for less when you are designed for the very top.

A real man should have a vision but at the same time he needs a confident woman to run that vision with. A woman’s place should not be underestimated and so it is very essential to have a woman who believes in your vision. A woman influences and quite conveniently is also a multiplier, anything you input in her she multiplies. It is not just enough to have any woman but a confident and passionate woman to support your vision.

Let’s talk about a man, who had a vision, he is a man I personally love and respect. I’ve once heard this man say everything he is now he has seen years ago. This man had a vision and very importantly also had a confident woman who believed in his vision.

Let’s talk about Revd. Sam Adeyemi of the Day star Christian centre.

Pastor Sam Adeyemi is a Nigerian pastor, motivational speaker with special focus on positioning people for success and leadership qualities, He is the founder of Daystar Christian centre, president of Success Power international, He hosts a popular radio and television program called “success power.” Born on February 3rd 1967, a native of Yagba in Kogi state of Nigeria, Pastor Sam Adeyemi personify the saying that behind every success and achievements lies plenty stories to tell. Daystar Christian centre was on November 18, 1995 inaugurated at 4th floor of Eko Chinese hotel on Allen Avenue, Ikeja Lagos. Pastor Adeyemi recounts how tough things were for him in the beginning, when in 1994 he had to go on fasting and prayer with his wife, Pastor Nike Adeyemi, asking God to show him the next focus for his life and ministry and in July 1994 received the vision that lead to the establishment of Daystar Christian centre and success power international ministry. The church which currently is worth over 2 billion naira was in the early stage not able to pay its rent at several locations it had hold it church service in Lagos, Pastor Sam recalls how the manager of his rented church space chased his church workers out and warn against holding prayer meeting there, with the manager of the space occupying with his friend to play games in the rented hall and how he had to beg him to allow him hold service there that day, with promise he will pay by the end of the service, He recounts how the said manager sent an usher to him at about 10 minutes to the agreed hour even when the service was going on and he had to pause the service to collect offering so as to pay the manager.

Today, that is history, as this humble and spirit-filled man of God has raised an army congregation of men and women with quality Christian leadership strength, with the church experiencing astronomical growth and success over the past two decades of ministry.

Pastor Sam Adeyemi has authored several religious and biblical based motivational books including the bestselling -Success is who you are and Parable of Dollars. Other authored books include Ideas Rule the World, StartWith What You Have, Second Revolution, Multiply Your Success: LEAD and his latest additions: Nigeria of My Dreams, Generation Z+ and We Are the Government. Pastor Adeyemi is happily married to Nike Adeyemi and are blessed with 3 children. (Culled from recordsng.com).

This is a man who had a vision and he ran with it. I don’t know where you are right now but understand that though your vision may look unattainable to a lot of people, if you believe in your dreams, your vision (the first step of which is believing) the world will celebrate you. Set yourself ablaze and the world will watch you burn!

CONCLUSION

Everybody celebrates success but failure is an orphan. So, it’s time to pick up your vision again and start running. It’s not time to give up; every great man today had a vision yesterday. I challenge you to write the vision, make it plain and run with it. The world bows for men with a vision! It might not look like it right now but like Revd Sam Adeyemi, keep pursuing your goals; you will definitely get to the top.

I believe in you!

See you at the top!

Omodara Onome

Onomewrites@gmail.com

WRITERS JOURNAL

On 19th February 2017, I had the rare privilege of interviewing a visionary, a managing partner of DnS Corporation. Here is the inspiring story of a young man who had a great vision and was not afraid to start small; a story of commitment, integrity, hard work and passion.

Onomewrites: Can we meet you?
Mr. Divine: My name is Nifemi Oluyemi Divine; I am a Managing Partner of DnS corporation, a company that specialises in Web designs/development, branding (cloths and business), graphic designs, animations, cinematography, networking, digital marketing and lots more. The company is located in Ibadan, Oyo state of Nigeria. I am a graduate of Forestry and Wildlife Management from the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
Onomewrites: What exactly is the meaning of DnS?
Mr. Divine: DnS means Divine and Samson Corporation, which is exactly why the ‘D’ and the ‘S’ is always in capital.

Onomewrites: Wow! So who is this Mr. Samson?
Mr. Divine: Let’s say we are two cool guys who share same vision and passion. When I got the vision to start a company, I realized the vision is bigger than just me. So, I spoke with him about it and we just clicked. And there you have it; DnS Corporation.
Onomewrites: So tell us, how did you meet Mr. Samson?
Mr. Divine: (smiles) Our meeting was kinda funny ooo. I was travelling to Port Harcourt to the State’s NYSC Orientation Camp, for the mandatory one-year service to the fatherland as a young graduate, from Akure and fortunately, he happened to be sitting by the window side of the mid-row seat of the bus I was on while I sat near the door. That’s right, we met on a bus. While on our way, I went eavesdropping (smiles) on his phone conversations and from those calls, it was obvious he is an IT guy. As soon as we had a stopover, that was in Onitsha, I decided to chat him up and our connection was almost instantaneous. The IT savvy part of us took over and as they say, the rest is history.

Onomewrites: Interesting. Tell us about your journey from being an employee to an employer?
Mr. Divine: (laughs) Onome! Okay, although I’ve always known there was more to me than working under somebody, I also knew I had to start small. My journey so far; I got my first job at P-hub while still an undergraduate and worked there for a while before getting another job at Play as a Graphics Designer. I was given a two-week probation but after a week, they were pleased with my job and they forgot about the probation. I was with them for a month or two before I stopped going. I was just not comfortable being confined for a whole day and so again, I joined another establishment, which was Ultimate Travels and Tours; I was their project manager for a month before I resigned. I was on my own, trying to secure contracts and gaining ground while still learning and growing; then one day, someone just called me to design an application for the University of Maiduguri. I asked them to pay ₦50,000 but the guy who got the contract for me advised that what I was charging was too little for a University; that they would think I’m not good at my job. I didn’t know how to charge back then, and so I made some calls, spoke to some senior colleagues about how they bill their clients and they made suggestions how I should go about it. I charged the University the sum of ₦600,000 and to my surprise, they didn’t even negotiate. Once I got that pay, I just know within me that it was time to step out and standout; and so that was how we started DnS Corporation.

Onomewrites: What has this company been able to achieve so far?
Mr. Divine: Our major goal is to offer solutions, I came up with the idea of designing an online drug store, I asked around from hospitals and pharmaceuticals where they get their drugs and some told us they get it from the markets. We decided to design an online platform where pharmaceuticals could upload their drugs and they could be delivered to the buyers. However, to proceed with the plan, we needed approval from the Pharmaceuticals Association of Nigeria; they loved the idea and gave us go ahead. The platform was designed and the name of the website is quicken.com.ng. A lot of drug manufacturers are already on the platform while we are still working on new ideas every day.
Onomewrites: When did your love for IT start?
Mr. Divine: Hmmmm… My love for IT started when I was in my third year in the university, there was this 6 months ASUU strike and so I decided to use my spare time for something good. I started learning graphics, I downloaded dozens of videos on YouTube and even after the strike-action, I never stopped learning. Every single time I did a data subscription on my phone, I told myself my money must yield good results; something I called “Return on Investment” and so I maximized every opportunity. In my final year, I started learning web design.
Onomewrites: Where do you think you stand now in the world of Information Technology?
Mr. Divine: I thank God for grace, last year a survey was carried out and just three graphic designers were identified, or more like qualified, in Nigeria; myself and two other guys. The guy designing for Jumia came out as the best while I ranked next.
Onomewrites: Wow! That’s really nice, congratulations sir.
Mr. Divine: (smiles) Thank you.

Onomewrites: How many members of staff do you currently have in your company and what are the criteria for employment?
Mr. Divine: At the moment, we have about 22 employees at DnS. We don’t employ based on qualifications because we deal with intellect. If you are good enough and you are willing to work hard at it, that’s all we need.
Onomewrites: Sir, permit me to digress a little bit; what’s your take on the subject topic that a Visionary needs a Confident Woman?
Mr. Divine: (laughs) Onome this is not a relationship interview now. Hmmm… well, I quite agree that a great man needs a great woman. I’m in a relationship and I can say from experience that my woman has been a real source of inspiration; she’s been a manager and a great partner. So… Yes! A Visionary needs a Confident Woman.
Onomewrites: Where’s the place of God in all this?
Mr. Divine: God… God… God! He’s the one factor that is indispensable. He gave the vision and He has been backing it up; God is the brain behind DnS. So, God is the most important factor.
Onomewrites: So finally sir, what’s your advice to young ones who wants to be a CEO soon?
Mr. Divine: Don’t stop learning, be teachable and be humble; don’t ever forget the place of God. It’s a tough world out there and so you need God to survive.
Onomewrites: Thank you so very much for your time… We really appreciate you Sir.
Mr. Divine: (smiles) It’s an honour and a great privilege. Thank you for having me.

CONCLUSION
“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes (Carl Jung)”.
Look inwardly and you’ll realize there is more to you. Never give up on your visions and never stop dreaming new dreams, and I can bet you the sky is only your starting point.
You can do better as long as you don’t give up.

Omodara Onome
Relationship and life coach.
Onomewrites@gmail.com Continue reading “An interview with a visionary”