By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Mrs Halima Oyelade, the Special Assistant on Corporate Communications to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and her daughter, Stephanie on in Abuja presented one book each to the public.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Book Presentation was supported by The Redeemed Christian Church of God’s (RCCG) ‘Desires of Nations’ in Jabi Abuja.
Halima’s eight chapters and 90 pages book ‘Blessed Beyond Reproach’ narrated her widowhood story and gave 21 helpful tips on how to find God.
Also, her daughter presented her own 25 pages book, ‘Good God! Grief?’ which explained the five stages of grief and how to overcome them.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq congratulated the Oyelades for writing the books.
“You have become an encourager to others. It is true that when you are in grief, uncertainties, sorrows and sadness would come your way. But thank God that you have conquered.
“I want to also thank the church for standing for them. My ministry is also a partner with the church, especially the faith-based organisations, because we take care of the vulnerable groups in the country.
“However, no church should allow any of its member to be lost. The church should continue in its humanitarian responsibility,” Farouq said.
NAN reports that Farouq was represented at the event by Mrs Nkechi Florence Onwukwue, the Director of Special Needs in the Ministry.
Similarly, Ezekiel Odeyemi, Continental Overseer (Africa 2), The RCCG, Abuja said it has been ten years since the passing away of Mr Oyelade.
“By the time you read the book, you would know what Halima passed through after the dead of her husband and also understand how faithful God can be.
“Halima has shown to us what it means to be a Christian Woman and with her children, what it takes to be a Christian Mother.
“We live in a world were sad things happened, but Jesus who had overcome adversities for us has shown to us that whatever we are passing through, we can equally overcome,” Odeyemi said.
He admonished Christians to always be on the side of God, adding that God will always be by their side.
Halima, who author ‘Blessed Beyond Reproach, said she wrote the book to help people that have gone through and those going challenges and difficult times.
According to her, the initial stage of widowhood is difficult, because it is a dark, lonely and horrible place to be, adding that if you can allow God to lead you, eventually, you will come out in place of victory and joy.
She said widows should not sit back, become beggars and have a pity party so that people would pity them, adding it is good believe God and obey His words.
“I lost my husband ten years ago. It was not easy. We humans may experience one form of loss or the other. Some women have suffered reproach through traditional widowhood practices, though, I did not.
“For those going through suffering and traditional widowhood practices, or other forms of suffering, don’t let other people or situations to define you.
“If I could work through it, they too can work through it. All widows and widowers should look up to God, because, God is an unfailing companion.
“In the Book of Isaiah 54, God says that he is the husband of the widow; and that the reproach of your widowhood, you will remember no more. So if they can just trust God and walk in faith, He will make everything alright” Halima said.
Halima’s daughter, Stephanie said the inspiration behind writing ‘Good God! Grief’ was to encourage people who go through grief.
She said she wanted to remind them that regardless of the pains, tragedy and misfortunes in their lives, God is good.
“I told my story in the different stages of grief and how I was able to see God through each of the stages and at the end of the day, I was able to conclude that God is always good and always good to do what is good for us.
“For those who are going through grief, I would tell them that it is okay to cry, it is okay to feel what they are feeling, because they are humans, but look up to God and draw strength from him,” Stephanie said.