OBSERVER'S CORNER

As a child, I was captivated by the tales of legendary African leaders such as Patrice Lumumba and Nnamdi Azikiwe. Their passion for elevating Africa to new heights filled my mind with visions of a continent overflowing with abundance. However, reality has left me disillusioned. In my formative years, my school echoed with songs praising these leaders, and our houses were named after them. I was led to believe that I could traverse Africa as easily as moving from one town to another. The idealistic notions instilled in me by my teachers painted a picture of a utopian homeland. In my fantasies, I wandered through Tanzania, basking in the beauty of Lake Victoria, or scaling the majestic Kilimanjaro. I envisioned myself in South Africa, surrounded by the wonders of nature. Yet, these dreams now seem like mere illusions. I yearned for an Africa without borders, where I could roam freely, but instead, I was shackled by disappointment. The Africa I imagined, a land of boundless opportunities

Love is the universal language that I have always envisioned resonating throughout the world. It has been heralded for generations, yet what we often witness is love merely spoken, not truly embodied in actions. Contemplating this, one phrase has captivated my thoughts: "Love does not hurt." I firmly believe that when one is truly filled with love, their actions will consistently uplift and honor others. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all have love as the cornerstone of their teachings. A genuine follower of any of these faiths holds love in the highest regard. This brings to mind a remarkable priest I had the privilege of meeting years ago. This man has become someone I deeply cherish. His every action and deed radiated the love of Christ. He taught me that love is synonymous with sacrifice and selflessness. Even when he appeared weary and pale, he never allowed it to hinder his priestly duties. Intrigued by his unwavering devotion, I resolved to uncover his secret. What h

Poem by: Naa Doodua Doodu "Why mistake lust for love? Love's definition excludes lust, Pure, untainted, not sullied. We confuse our urge to consummate with love's embrace. Let not material desires lead us astray, tempting sin against God. This month, let's not misinterpret it as a celebration of love, actions that harm us and future generations. The devil tempts us to desecrate God's temple. Let us stand firm in faith, resisting sin's allure. Ad pacem et bonum nostrum."

I have long been a staunch advocate for the active and complete involvement of children in the animation of Church activities. I firmly believe that when given the opportunity, they will never fail to impress, bringing immense pride to both the church and their parents. Neglecting their inclusion will only exacerbate the decline in youth participation in church activities, a concern we all lament. I have been fortunate enough to witness the remarkable endeavors of various Children's Ministries within different churches, and I must confess, they have always been nothing short of extraordinary. The dramatization of readings and the harmonious singing, among other activities, have consistently served as a profound source of spiritual upliftment. By granting children the chance to actively and wholeheartedly participate in the liturgy of the church, we can bolster their confidence and propel them toward the heights we all aspire to witness. It is not the fault of the children, but rath

I have a strong aversion to supporting those who find it easy to talk to fellow humans but are reluctant to talk to God. Let me tell you about this young man I met some time ago. At first glance, he seemed like a devout person, but for some reason, I saw things differently. I had the chance to spend some time with him, and to my surprise, he had this superiority complex. He believed he was better than everyone else around him. I couldn't understand why he struggled to pray in a group, to the point of getting sick but was perfectly fine when praying alone. It was like he could talk the talk but couldn't walk the walk when it came to group prayer. Now, I get that our moods can fluctuate daily, but that shouldn't stop us from doing what we need to do when it comes to following God in our unique way.

Poem by Naa Doodu Doodu A king has fallen, Death has laid its icy hands on him. His family grieves deeply, In this time of desperation, Who shall we turn to? Children, now grown, Yearn for the love of their father. Who will fill the void he left? With whom will they share their joys? The woman by his side, Weak from the loss of her lifelong companion. How can she comfort her children When her own heart is shattered? "Please come back to me, my beloved, For I miss you dearly. Though I cannot question the will of our Maker, I trust His wisdom. He gives and takes as He sees fit, Rest well, my love, Until we meet again."

I must confess, that hypocrisy is a malignant affliction that demands our utmost attention. It vexes me to no end when individuals fail to engage in honest discourse. Recently, I stumbled upon a captivating tale that I deemed worthy of sharing with my esteemed companions. This narrative revolved around a group of ambitious young individuals striving to establish their presence in a foreign land. However, the more they endeavored, the more the insidious specter of hypocrisy reared its ugly head. In one particular incident, a dear friend graced their company with her presence. Superficially, everything appeared flawless, but beneath the surface, a venomous undercurrent of gossip and deceit thrived, akin to a lion stealthily stalking its prey. The mere exchange of glances directed toward the invitee was enough to shatter her spirit, yet her indomitable resilience propelled her forward. It became increasingly evident that the other members of the group had grown weary of her presence, thou