Welcome To February!

From The Truth Media Family,

Happy New Month!!!

Welcome to February!

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When your heart beats to please

The King of kings,

His kingdom you seek,

Not worldly things

Peace resides within your soul

And joy overflows like a river.

To every plan given to Him,

He brings to live and would deliver

Go through this month

With trust in Him;

When true worship rises like sweet perfume

And in grace you rejoice with wondrous hymn

Then should you prepare for testimonies;

For miracles await!

*** Written by Michael Olajubu alias Jacobs Adewale (Admin) ***

THE TRUTH MEDIA

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Through It All: Memoir Of My Many Trials And Triumphs by Kola Olugbodi

BOOK REVIEW

“As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned, said Jesus, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him”. – John 9:1-3 (NIV)

A similar situation as depicted with these verses above was the case of Mr. Kola Olugbodi and unarguably, the works of God were mightily displayed with miracles and wonders.

“Through It All: Memoir of My Many Trials & Triumphs” is a book that summarizes the magnitude of God’s goodness, grace and faithfulness in the life of a man sold out to God in Christ Jesus.

Mr. Kola Olugbodi’s experiences might not be so peculiar – contracted polio at an early age, had a tough childhood, grew with disability, failed O-Level exams once or twice, had his marriage proposal turned down three times by the love of his life, eventually got married and had issue with the fruit of the womb, job issues, business nosediving to bankruptcy, becoming a debtor that stood behind bars for days and a host of other human problems.

“It is right it should be so:

Man was made for joy and woe;

And when this we rightly know

Through the world we safely go.

Joy and woe are woven fine,

A clothing for the soul divine”

These poetic lines by William Blake succinctly correspond with what the Holy Spirit’s inspired Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind…” (NIV)

All of Mr. Olugbodi’s travails are not entirely new to man but what stands out is how his life predominantly reflects yet another revelation of how God repeatedly proves to mankind that He is dependable and will never forsake those that put their hope and trust in Him.

“…and God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

And true to His promises, in every storm of life God has always provided a way of escape for His children, which was evidently portrayed in the life of Mr. Olugbodi, as you will come to discover in this book.

In all of our trying times and amidst the toughness of our ordeals, when God is brought into the picture, disability becomes ability, impossibility becomes a possibility and every test eventually turns out to be a testimony. Only when God is brought into the picture!

God’s ways always defy the myopic reasoning of men. “Seeing is believing” is a phrase that resonates with the human psyche but Mr. Kola Olugbodi’s memoir elucidates the potency of dogged faith that believes even without seeing.

Through it all, the hands of the lord rise strongly for the good of those that truly love Him.

“He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,

but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.

It is not by strength that one prevails” – 1 Samuel 2:9 (NIV)

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“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,

who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.

They rejoice in your name all day long;

they celebrate your righteousness.

For you are their glory and strength,

and by your favor you exalt our horn.

Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord,

our king to the Holy One of Israel.” – Psalm 89:15-18 (NIV)

“Through It All: Memoir of My Many Trials & Triumphs” is a motivational pill everyone should read and be inspired to confront and overcome life’s challenges, not alone but by the strength and power of the living God. For where there is the living God by your side, there is a way. Victory is assured!

Mr. Kola Olugbodi’s life is a sheer miracle “that the Lord has done and it is marvelous in our eyes”.

You can purchase the book “Through It All” via this link: https://amzn.to/2Mmt4ja

It is worth a read!

*** Book review by Michael Olajubu alias Jacobs Adewale ***

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ

Faith Under Fire

My Dearest Friends,

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ…” 1 Peter 1:7.

Herein is a valid consolation for every believer in distress and anguish, not losing sight and thought of the assurance of peace and gladness through it all.

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, David wrote in Psalm 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Being a man or woman of faith does not exempt you from the travails of life. Just as “the rain falls on the just and the unjust”, the believer and the unbeliever alike share similar life’s experiences.

We hurt, we struggle, we fail, we fall, we fall sick, we groan and we are consumed by the burden of living each day at a time, but these are not enough reason to surrender and forsake our faith even when the tempest is at its peak.

We should know that God never promised a smooth sailing by reason of our choice to repent of our sins and accept His grace in Christ but He did promise to guide and guard us through till a safe landing is attained.

Jesus told a parable about a man who built his house on a rock and a man who built his house on the sand. The same storm came to both houses but when all was said and done, the man's house on the rock was still standing.

Both builders had the same opportunity and faced the same storm but what distinguished the result was the foundation. The house built on the rock exemplifies a life with the foundation of faith. A life built on faith in God is never shattered or defeated.

Often times, after the storm leaves you come out better than before the strong winds started blowing. Increase, promotion and divine health emerge, and a peace of mind that passes all understanding overshadows the pains of the past.

As a believer, I encourage you to shake off the victim mentality and put on a victor mentality.

In Christ Jesus, you are equal to and ready for anything the enemy throws your way. That sickness is no match for you, so don't let it overwhelm you. You can handle it. You have been armed with strength in the Lord.

Isaiah 51:9 says, “Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord...” God has you in the palm of His hand and He's not about to let you go. There is an anointing on your life that protects you and enables you to overcome the wiles of the enemy.

“Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Beloved, I wish above all that you prosper and live in health and holiness continually. Please see below a short video titled “Faith Under Fire” to enliven your soul and remind you about the attitude you should have when trials come your way.

May the God of peace and the peace of God abide with you now and always. Amen.

God bless.

*** Written by Randall Brewer (Edited by Jacobs Adewale) ***

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ

Happy New Year, Awakening to 2019

From The Truth Media family,

Happy New Year!!!

Welcome to January 2019

When we look back to the year before

And some faults and failures we find,

When still we thrive and choose to ignore

The aches and anguish that lay behind,

We often find strength to soar,

Faith to fly and grace to grow;

And for the believer who would have no more

Of worldly ways and none of sin to know,

Such is blessed without fear

And 2019 becomes a year of cheer.

*** Written by Michael Olajubu alias Jacobs Adewale (Admin) ***

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ

Welcome To June!

Background Image Cred: Cardstore

From The Truth Media family,

Happy New Month!!!

There’s a whisper in the air,

It tells of pleasant things;

The valiant who can dare

Would get what this month brings.

It’s a bright new day of peace,

It’s a brand new month of June,

When you let all worries cease,

Soon will you savour life’s boon.

Put your trust in God,

He’ll guide and defend you;

Though your life is flawed,

In Him is hope for you.

Prepare your mind for wonders,

As all your dreams come through,

This June may displease others,

For you, it’s sure breakthrough.

*** Written by Michael Olajubu alias Jacobs Adewale (Admin) ***

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ

The Turning Point

Steve lived for pleasure all his youth,

Those days he spent for girls and beers,

He knew all clubs but not the truth

That such a life brings bitter tears.

He called it fun – all he could see,

He knew not life could turn out mean;

Soon, cash ran out, so was his glee,

Then did he see where he had been.

For once he felt the pangs of life;

Alone, aggrieved, he was hopeless

And thought it best to end his life

Than live with doubts yet penniless.

Poison in hand, about to die,

Knocks at the door delayed his plan,

He raised his gaze and asked, ‘God why?’

Only to see it was a man.

‘What do you want? And who are you?’

Were what Steve asked the unknown man.

‘I do not mean to bother you,

‘Good evening Sir, my name is Dan,

‘I live close in the neighborhood;

‘I’ve come to share good news with you.’

The strange man preached how God is good

And what His Son had to go through

That all may have eternal life,

Freedom from guilt, sorrow, and sin.

Steve met Jesus and gave his life,

That day he found relief within.

Being born-again he gave it all

To follow Christ and be like Him.

His past was gone; Steve became Paul

His sinful days were behind Him

And now he lives by faith in Christ;

The Devil has no hold on Him.

You too can have this joy in Christ;

He calls for you, come unto Him

All ye that labour and in pain

And you’ll find succour for your soul.

The glitz of life is all but vain,

To have it all and lose your soul

What shall it profit in the end?

*** Written by Michael Olajubu alias Jacobs Adewale (Admin) ***

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ

In The Mood Of Easter

Easter, for every true believer of Jesus Christ, should not only symbolize a time of soul searching, sober reflection and examination of our walk with the Lord but should also represent a time of sincere gratitude.

This gratitude associated with Easter is one that springs from the knowledge of the greatest gift of love exhibited at Calvary and made manifest in the person of Jesus Christ our Saviour and King.

To suppose that Easter is a season of mere merriment and one of those holidays to evince religiousness would amount to spiritual shortsightedness.

The world was lost in sin and sadness, destined for doom but God demonstrates his love for us in this: while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). And nothing more encapsulates the message of Easter than this.

We actually have nothing to prove to God as reasons for being alive. Not by works but by grace are we saved (Ephesians 2:5,8) and as believers, the least of what is expected of us is complete surrendering of all to God, our souls obliged to worship and our hearts opened for Jesus to reign.

Easter should awaken the thirst for revival and hunger for sanctification. It should lead us back to the Cross, kneeling at the feet of Jesus to be washed and renowned in the blood of the Lamb. It should spur the church to action towards making disciples of nations and should rejuvenate our love for God, our Maker and Jesus Christ, our Lord.

It is understandable that taking up the cross to follow Christ is and has not been easy. And with all candidness from experiential knowledge as you should have, walking with the Lord wasn't meant to be easy. For a walk of faith is often on a path of fear.

But adversity should in no way deter the believer whose hope and guide is the Lord. We may be pressed from all sides but not defeated, mocked but not desolate, made object of hostility but not dispirited. Because for every casting down we face, there is a lifting up from the Lord.

Therefore, if no true transformation occurred in our lives during last year’s Easter, let’s not miss a time like this to reconcile with God and make our lives a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Him (Romans 12:1-2).

Our justification through faith in the death of Christ should compel incorruptible reverence to Him. And in knowing that our salvation is sealed with the Holy Spirit through the resurrection of Christ, this calls for gratitude.

Gratitude, gratitude and grateful should we be for all the Lord has done for us. And there is no better time to show it than now, this Easter.

From The Truth Media family, Happy Easter!

*** Written by Michael Olajubu alias Jacobs Adewale (Admin) ***

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ

Welcome To September!

From The Truth Media family,

Happy New Month!!!

If there’s but one wish from me to you

And one prayer that should come true:

I wish above all that you abide in health,

Abound in grace and heaven’s wealth.

I pray you spend your days with cheer,

Thrive in faith and conquer fear.

And when at eternity’s morn and all is said and done,

May you not groan for a purpose yet undone.

This I wish from me to you

And pray God makes it all come true.

Welcome to September!

A month-full of goodness to remember.

*** Written by Michael Olajubu alias Jacobs Adewale (Admin) ***

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ

Tithe: Should Christians Give Or Not?

Tithe or tithing is one perennial issue in Christianity that has garnered several controversies among various churches and denominations. But should it be an issue in the first place? Or is it the case of compulsion, volition or that it shouldn’t be paid at all that draws this much polemics about it?

Tithe or Tithing in the Old Testament

Going down Biblical memory lane, we find the initial shadow of tithe paying in Genesis 4:3-7, where Cain and Abel presented a portion of their toils’ harvests to God. We see also in Genesis 14:1-20, the first instance where tithe was mentioned and observed by Abraham to Melchizedek, king of Salem (who was a foreshadow of Christ – Hebrews 6:19-20, 7:1-28).

The second instance surfaced in Genesis 28:10-22, where Jacob made a vow to give a tenth of all that God gave him. These instances captured were before the law given to Moses and they are so mentioned that we may understand the genesis of tithe or tithing. However, the emergence of the law gave a clearer explanation on who is entitled to tithes and how it should be administered. It is in this regard, I believe, the misconceptions on tithing ensue.

An argument raised by Christians who are on the opposing side of tithe paying is that, according to the law, tithes were meant for the Levites (Priests), and in our current dispensation of grace and not of law, where the supposed place of the Levites (Priests) no longer exists, there should be no need to pay tithes.

But what they fail to realize is that from inception, tithes weren’t for the Levites (Priests) but for God, and though the Old Testament’s priesthood was a presage of what Christ was to accomplish, the advent of the new covenant didn’t nullify the validity of tithe or tithing.

Leviticus 27:30-33 says, “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s: it is holy unto the LORD…” So, we understand that tithe was and is for God and no one else. That is why we see God in Malachi 3:8 requesting from the people of Israel and the Priests is due – “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.”

*** Kindly visit: Christian Media Magazine to read full article or follow this link: http://bit.ly/2wPI9F0 ***

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...building the body of Christ

When Last Did You Have A Spiritual Checkup?

A young Christian lady had scheduled a business appointment with a client for 9am on Monday. Being a worker in the church and nursing mother of a seven months old girl, her Sunday was so occupied that she barely had time to even press her clothes to be worn the next day.

She was moving from one chore to another and eventually by 8:30pm, her to-do list was fulfilled for the day. She had only wanted to rest few minutes before dinner, only for a terrible sleep to overwhelm her. Being an early riser, it was odd that she woke up just five minutes before 9am on Monday. With much anxiety and remorse, she prepared hurriedly and off she went for the meeting.

And there was an unfriendly traffic gridlock, what she least needed at the time. The client had called and wanted to cancel the meeting due to her lateness; “Please, kindly exercise some patience. I will be with you in the next ten minutes,” she said just to appease the client. Whereas, she was only five bus stops away from her house and many miles away from the rendezvous. Though she managed to meet the client eventually after several hours of delay, the fact remains that, she had lied.

Three days later, her boss told her to follow-up on a client and send feedback the same day. Amidst several tasks to be completed for the day, she forgot and because her boss didn’t ask at the moment, neither did she bother to carry out the assignment. Her boss asked for a progress report the following day and so as not to appear incompetent she replied: “My apologies sir. I had called the client but the number wasn’t reachable. I will try again and get back to you.” The boss retorted, “That’s fine but get back to me as soon as possible.” Yet again, she had lied.

She started her week with compromise. One misdeed led to another and more lies ensued that week. Sadly, no guilt what so ever did she feel and I guess she would say in her heart, ‘I didn’t really mean to lie. The circumstances were just beyond me and I know God being a merciful Father understands and will forgive me.’

This is how some Christians really are, daily compromising their faith and allowing ‘those little foxes that spoil the vine’ to dominate their lives and ridicule their testimonies of salvation. They neither watch nor pray and alas, fall into diverse temptations that give the devil an opportunity to trample on their faith and convictions.

In the epistle of Apostle Paul to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 13:5), he admonished them, and by extension all born-again believers, to examine themselves whether they are still in the faith; proving themselves by the standards of God in His word.

As Christians, we cannot afford to be nonchalant with our spiritual lives while gratifying the physical. The days are evil and seductions to backslide are taking several forms to the detriment of babes in Christ. The enemy of our souls is unrelenting on his intentions to multiply the sorrows of men and keep them in eternal bondage.

Hence, it is so important that we tread with caution, taking stock of our lives daily to know with certainty whether we are still right with God, for no one knows when the trumpet of rapture shall sound. And how painful and pitiable it would be to claim to know and serve the Lord and yet, not make heaven eventually just because of negligence of being spiritually conscious in examining our lives.

The Lord Jesus Christ admonishes us to watch and pray so we will not fall into temptations (Mark 14:38; Matthew 26:41). Jesus knew that for the true believer temptations, persecutions and trails are inevitable (John 16:33, see also Acts 14:22, 2 Timothy 3:12). Therefore, He exhorts us not for a second to lose our guards and often observe a spiritual checkup for we know not when the appointed time will come (Mark 13:33; See also 1 Timothy 4:16).

Unlike the young Christian lady whose story was earlier told, “No compromise” must a sincere Christian be.

"No compromise with error, for Bible truth we stand,

Let none remove the landmarks erected by God’s hand.

With loyalty our watchword and faith in Christ our stay,

We’ll bravely storm the forts of sin and thro’ Him win the day.

No compromise with worldliness, no yielding to the wrong,

No lowering the standard that’s stood thro’ ages long;

With Jesus as our leader, His Spirit as our guide,

We’ll firmly stand for righteousness whatever may betide."

We are truly in the last days where the seeds of the antichrist are on rampage. Sin lures at every corner and takes prey of souls that aren’t vigilant of the devices of the devil. Such people take lightly the exhortation of the Christian Hymn: “Christian, seek not yet repose.”

"Gird thy heavenly armor on,

Wear it ever night and day;

Ambushed lies the evil one:

Watch and pray."

We mustn’t be so lax as to allow the devil rob us of our salvation bought for a costly price at Calvary. Even spiritual complacency in times like this is as well dangerous for “if any man thinks he stands, he should take heed lest he falls” (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Finally, dear friends, let us examine and probe our ways, and let us return to the Lord should we find any blemish in our hearts and don’t measure up with God’s standards (Lamentations 3:40). Watch and pray in the morning, at noon and at night, and put away everything and anything that may hinder us from making heaven.

Run with perseverance the race marked out for us as believers, looking unto Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). And not forgetting that, it’s only those that endure till the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13; Matthew 10:22).

There’s so much at stake. We can’t afford to miss heaven for anything in this world or let our loved ones miss it too. So, when last did you have a spiritual checkup of your life? Should Christ come this very minute, will you make heaven?

Examine yourself today and may God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you and me through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. (1 Thessalonian 5:23).

Please share this with others so they may continue in the faith and prepare their souls for the coming of the Lord.

God bless you and thanks for reading.

*** Written by Michael Olajubu alias Jacobs Adewale (Admin) ***

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ

Welcome To August!

From The Truth Media family,

Happy New Month!!!

I’ve seen the ways of the humble and just,

How they March through grace to August;

Though sometimes are weary but never weak,

They in the Lord abide and remain meek.

When trials fester and persecutors pester,

They stand resolute and bold as Esther,

Confidence reposed in the King of kings,

Knowing that triumph is what He gladly brings.

Let this mind be in you this August

And not to delight in contention or lust;

Sow for yourself righteousness

And reap the fruit of love and God’s goodness.

Another month, another blessing,

Another month of progressing.

Welcome to August!

*** Written by Michael Olajubu alias Jacobs Adewale (Admin) ***

THE TRUTH MEDIA

...building the body of Christ

Is Your God Able To Deliver?

A Christian who cowers with fear and trepidation at all threats and challenges of life really doesn’t know the God he or she claims to serve.

Such a Christian is one the Lord describes as, “O, ye of little faith” and is not deeply rooted and built up in Christ nor established in the faith that moves mountains. The body of Christ doesn’t rejoice in cowardice for we have not been given the spirit of fear but of power, love and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

We should know that there will always be oppositions and daunting times in every believer’s life. Daily, our adversary, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He is still in the business of killing, stealing and destroying the souls of men (John 10:10), and his major and only target are the very elects of God who have chosen to live by the Spirit and are dead to the works of the flesh.

It is undeniable that our Christian walk can never be devoid of trials and adversity, “for we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Even the Lord Jesus Christ in the book of John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Truly, only in Christ do we have lasting victory over the world’s difficulties and troubles. To trust in the arm of flesh is to settle for disappointments, depression and despair. But no true child of God ever knows defeat for his or her trust and confidence is in the Lord, God Almighty (Jeremiah 17:5-8).

This brings to memory the uncommon and uplifting story of the three Hebrew brothers – Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah – and how mightily God works for them that solely trust in Him. There’s no one who ever reads the Bible, even the book of Daniel 3:1-30 and would doubt the unrivaled power of the Most High God.

King Nebuchadnezzar openly put to test the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (as we all know them to be called) and wanted to know if their God was able to deliver. As the incident was recorded, King Nebuchadnezzar had made an image of gold and ordered all his provincial officials to worship it and warned that whoever does not worship the image will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.

The three Hebrew brothers with knowledge of God’s clear command in Exodus 20:1-5, 34:14-17, knew better not to worship a man-made god with eyes but cannot see, with ears but cannot ear and with mouth but cannot talk. To shorten the story, these brothers defied the King’s order and were thrown into the furnace. Then the miraculous happened afterwards.

What, however, strikes the mind is the Kings query when the brothers defied his order. King Nebuchadnezzar asked, “Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hand?” (Daniel 3:13-15).

Have you ever been in a situation where your faith is put to severe test? Your salary hasn’t been paid for months and your rent is due, your partner’s business isn’t as vibrant as it was, your child’s school tuition fee is impending and you are running out of stock for food. You ask a colleague for loan and he or she is requesting a nonnegotiable thirty percent interest on principal every month. Your siblings and relatives all exhume excuses with global economic cash crunch.

For want of alternatives, you ask few neighbors around and one of them puts it straight to your face, “but I thought you are a Christian and all these are happening to you. Don’t you pray? Why not ask your God for help?” You look at all sides and see no one to turn to. And here the devil rejoices at your calamity, asking you this same question, what god will be able to deliver you from my hand?

Dear brethren, learn from the Hebrew brothers and be strengthened by the example of their faith. And they responded, “We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:16-18).

Time and again has history revealed that they that know their God are strong and shall not be moved by the schemes of mean men or by threats and trials from the evil ones. They are not one to faint or falter in the days of adversity and times of troubles (Proverbs 24:10).

They are as brave lions that are never shaken. They have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they have no fear and in the end, they always look in triumph on their foes (Psalm 112:6-8). Now, the question is do you know the God you claim to serve? Is your God able to deliver?

But for those who do know their God and trust in Him, this is what He says to you, “I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you. At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you… I will give you praise and honour in every place you have suffered shame… and among all the people of the earth when I restore your fortunes before very eyes,” says the Lord (Zephaniah 3:18).

Don’t you believe it? If truly you do, then, have faith! The Lord is at work and He is able to deliver and save you from all your troubles.

*** Written by Michael Olajubu aka Jacobs Adewale (Admin) ***

THE TRUTH MEDIA

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