Olaniyi Olanrewaju

I followed a thread on Twitter last night. It was a chat on Teachers and Classroom by Esan Olasumbo. It provoked me to stay awake for several hours into the night. I just couldn't go to bed. I sat at my table and buried my head in deep meditations and writings. The state of education in Nigeria is really a cause for concern. The government has repeatedly told us that we are on our own, but we cannot fold our arms and just watch things to continue this way. I know a lot of people are making efforts to make things better. I know of Slum2School project, Teach For Nigeria, Future Begins Now, Sera Schools Initiative. They are trying to make things better in different ways. I went on YouTube and saw a video by Dr. Ezekwesili's foundation. The video reminds me of a map I saw yesterday in church. The map showed the population of all African countries and some other data. Apart from the fact that Nigeria has the highest population in Africa, I discovered that Nigeria's popula...

Topic: Choosing Jesus (Part 2) Text: Acts 21:13 Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." Last week, we considered the question that the Lord asked the 10 tribes of Israel in Amos 3:3. This week, the Lord laid on my heart to also share with you in that line. The text for this week is a response from Paul, the apostle who was being restrained by his friends from going to Jerusalem. Several prophets have told him that he would be bound and imprisoned if he goes to Jerusalem, but Paul responded with a response that must be our stance in these times. He said he is ready, not just to be bound, but to die for the name of the Lord Jesus. Following God's plan for our life can cause us to make some decisions that looks like suicide to our family and friends, but if we are truly going to follow the Lord at this time, we must be ready to encount...

Topic: Choosing Jesus (Part 1) Text: Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? (Amos 3:3) The book of Amos was written by a prophet from Judah to the 10 tribes of Israel during the days of King Jeroboam. The 10 tribes, led by Jeroboam had left the living God and followed the idols set up by the King. Amos was a shepherd raised by God to warn them and demand for a change. The question in the text was asked by the Lord Himself. He asked if two can ever walk together if there isn't any form of agreement between them. This question is very relevant today as we are placed in the same shoes that the 10 tribes found themselves after breaking away from the son of Solomon. They had the autonomy to do whatever they wanted. Before two people can walk together, they must have first agreed to go in the same direction. The same applies to our walk with God in this time. If we will walk with God, we must first agree to go in the direction He has chosen. Our plans and pursuits must...

For about 2 weeks now, I have had a thought in my mind about "pathways". We all have a past, a story. Actually, our life is a story. We all have a past, present and also a future. The future many times brings fear to us and we are always advised to focus on the future, let go of the past by doing great works in the present. It's so easy to say because the past can sting so hard! When I was in the University, the president of my fellowship made a statement that I can never forget because it brought a great deal of peace to my heart. He said "God knows about your past". I was so relieved by that statement. My past really doesn't have any "terrible" event like that, but I have so many memories I wish I never have. Many of them, scars of being disobedient and misunderstood. Right now, I look at what use to be wounds and I see scars. Not just scars, but beautiful scars. Souvenirs of a Warrior; marks of a Victor. I have used my past experien...

My heart is very joyful tonight. My heart has been springing up several melodies and songs to my Lord and the reason is because I understand the reason why I have some scars. They used to be wounds, but they long ceased to be wounds as I began to know Him who is specialized in bringing out beauty from ashes. Today makes it exactly 9 years ago that I suffered a great disappointment. I just left secondary school and I was optimistic about getting admission into OAU. I had passed UME (now UTME) and the Post-UME. Although my marks were not enough for the course I chose, someone my parents knew told us not to worry. All the admission lists had been released except one- the last list which will be released on the Matriculation day- February 2, 2009. Prior to this time, lectures had started and this person that was helping encouraged me to move to campus and attend the lectures too. So, I packed my bags and all I would need and went over to stay with a friend. You know the ego na. La...

One of the most abused creation of God is the woman. The woman have been seen through a lot of shades in different settings. Some shades are nothing short of barbaric. I find it very interesting that the devil is very much after the woman even from the beginning. Last month, a news broke about the making of a sex doll that is meant to replace the woman in the house. The sex doll is simply a sex machine that of course, cannot nag or ask for money. You get? To some, its worth it. Someone has even divorced his wife to get one. There is this part of the woman that I always cherish anytime I see it and that aspect is what I see evidently in the life of a bible character- Jochebed. Jochebed occupies a very special place in my heart because of the role she played in the life of her son- Moses. Moses was born at a time when Egypt had enslaved their visitors- Israelites. Pharaoh had commanded his soldiers to kill every baby boy born by the Israelites. Jochebed knew this. When she gave ...