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Easter | Zikoko!
  • These Are the Most Famous Eggs of All Time

    I won’t get into the details of why eggs are synonymous with Easter celebrations, but they somehow symbolise the re-emergence of Christ. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s focus on some lesser-celebrated iconic eggs. 

    The egg of life

    These Are the Most Famous Eggs of All Time

    This egg was highly slept on until Nollywood showed us the light in 2003. We can’t say we know how you can lay your hands on this magical egg that has the power to raise the dead but start by going to Google with the search query: “Where’s the nearest evil forest?”

    The egg of wealth AKA Ọ̀fọ̀rọ̀ Ndụ́

    These Are the Most Famous Eggs of All Time

    This egg is the second most GOATED egg of all time. It’s on some magical shit that brings prosperity and blessings to anyone who receives it. How to find it? We don’t know.

    The egg Ghanaians always eat

    Even if you dig beneath the crux of Mother Earth and hide yourself in a thick-as-fuck bunker, you’ll still hear about the exploits of the Ghanaian egg. Last we heard of it, it made a surprise appearance inside meat pie.

    The eggs that were put in one basket

    These Are the Most Famous Eggs of All Time

    These eggs are so famed for bad luck that they have a huge reputation in global academia as a warning sign. Ask anyone about Idioms, and these eggs will appear quicker than you can spell “fry”.

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    And the ones used for sacrifice

    They’re the black sheep of the worldwide egg family for three reasons: They roll with gods and jinns, they’re never clothed, and they’re unnecessarily scary.

    The egg that married bread

    Think of Romeo and Juliet’s story, and you’ll understand why this egg is famous. Yup, this egg is a hopeless romantic.

    And the one that eloped with Yam

    These Are the Most Famous Eggs of All Time

    Rumour has it that yam was betrothed to red oil until this egg appeared. Yam and egg continue to live happily to this day. Just ask Sabi Girl Ayra.

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    The eggs all men protect

    These eggs are famous for being the only known identical twins in the egg world. They’re fragile AND they have the special ability to produce life.

    READ NEXT: The Meaning of Easter and How It Affects My Faith

  • QUIZ: Let’s Recommend What You Should Listen to this Easter Holiday
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  • Easter Is Upon Us: Enjoy It These 7 Ways

    Easter may not be as lively as Christmas, but it comes with days away from capitalism, so enjoy it in these fun and uncomplicated ways.

    Palm Sunday swag

    It’s normal to make crosses out of palm leaves during Easter. But do you remember how we hung the palm cross around our necks like chains? Yeah, you’re not too old to do that and even rock it all day. Feeling like a kid again is fun; you should try it.

    Sing a special number at church

    See it as an open mic to sing about Christ’s death or resurrection. The applause that’ll come after will have you feeling like a superstar.

    Family drama group 

    Gather your family and set up the stage in your living room. You can act as Judas Iscariot, Mary, Jesus or one of the two thieves beside him. Not only would you give the rundown of one of the most dramatic Christian stories, but you’ll also strengthen your family bond. What’s better than that?

    Sunday night parade

    Join your church members to sing and drum in the middle of the night to announce that Christ has arisen from death. It’s outside, fun and cheap.

    Food exchange

    Where’s the fun in cooking jollof rice or frejon in your house and not sharing it with neighbours and friends?

    Lock in with family

    What’s better than spending time with your family this Easter, with all the laughter, cooking and chores? It’s what Mary and Joseph would’ve wanted, if Jesus didn’t have to sacrifice for a big mission. 

    Sleep

    It’s completely fine if all you want to do is sleep throughout the Easter period. It’s a short window to recuperate for your capitalist overlords.

    Forget Rice, Eat These 7 Bible-Inspired Meals This Easter

  • QUIZ: What Should You Do This Easter Break?

    Thinking of what to do for these two days? We’ve got you covered.


  • You’re More Like Judas Iscariot Than You Think

    Everybody likes to bash Ju-ju baby, and understandably so. But as the princess of Africow once said: 

    This isn’t a case to justify Ju-ju with the backstabbing juju’s actions, but as you go around dragging him like Tiger gen, do it with the awareness that there’s probably a sprinkle of Judas Iscariot’s bad character in you.

    He was envious

    Judas was a fake friend to Jesus — as fake as ₦15k Adidas slides. He put the “j” in jealousy simply because Jesus was a better person than him. If your friend gets something you’ve always wanted, it’s okay to sit with that jealousy for a minute. But if you decide to pull a Judas, anything your eyes see, let your hands carry.

    He was a traitor

    Jesus carried that man from Jerusalem to Galilee, but he turned around and sold him out for 30 small pieces of silver? Well, you sell out secrets, put innocent people in a wrong light and slide into their relationships unprovoked. 

    Once a crime is involved though, we’re going to need you to open your mouth and traitor like you’ve never traitored before.

    He was greedy AF

    Look, he was in the Mo’Hits Records of his time — besties with Jesus, touring the world together. Heck, he was eating the disciples’ money too.

    Judas could’ve continued enjoying that life, but they dangled a bag of precious metal in his face, told him to jump and he asked, “How high?”But let me tell you, if they serve you food in a mixing bowl and you finish everything or you eat more than two eggs at once, Judas is your daddy.

    He was a liar

    Judas was at the last supper when Jesus declared, “One of you will betray me.” All the disciples went around asking, “Is it me, Jesus?” and he had the guts to join them?

    A lying liar. The devil was caught shaking.

    You might be one too sha. A white lie is still a lie, so the next time your friend asks where you are, and you tell them, five minutes away when you’ve just stepped out the bathroom, hold your hand to your chest and say, “Judas Iscariot, is that you?”

    He was a hypocrite

    Judas claimed to be a disciple, a follower of Jesus, and most likely went around preaching to people. Then he turned around and did everything he and his besties preached against. 

    We don’t make the rules, but if you say you eat beans and refuse gbegiri, then you and the man who led Jesus to the grave might have something in common.

    He was a thief

    Politicians learnt their work from Judas. This man was treasurer of the disciples, but instead of thanking God every day for the opportunity and serving diligently, he treated the holy money like his personal stash. Now, if you ‘fapped’ pens in high school, if you keep that ₦50 change that rightfully belongs to your mother, if you also take small meat from her pot without permission, you and Judas just might be twinning.

    He felt remorse

    He wasn’t necessarily sorry he’d sold his oga and friends out, but he felt bad it led to Jesus’ death. 

    If you don’t feel any remorse at all for your bad behaviour, it simply means you’ve surpassed Judas’ level, and you’re now dining with principalities and powers.

  • Just Imagine: Jesus Rose on the 5th Day Instead of the 3rd

    The Bible says, “He was buried and raised from the dead on the third day”.

    But what if Jesus decided the suffering human beings had put Him through during the 33 years of His human existence was enough, and He wanted to rest for two extra days?

    Jesus knew the time was now. It’d been three days since they dragged Him through the city and treated Him like He’d gone into their homes and stolen all the money they didn’t have.

    He’s the light of the world, but where was that light coming from?

    Voice: Psstt, psssttt.

    He closed His eyes tighter, willing the voice away.

    Much better.

    But…

    Jesus sighed and closed his eyes again.

    Angel: Ah. Sir, abeg. It’s Your Daddy that sent me oo.

    Jesus:

    Angel: It is time.

    Jesus: I’m not doing.

    Angel: Hmm? 

    Jesus: Shebi you did not see the way I carried that cross? And they still flogged Me on top. 

    Angel: Sir…

    Jesus: Look at My hand.

    No, just see the hole they chook inside My hand. I need to rest, abeg.

    Angel: Master Jesus, but it’s been three days.

    Jesus: Ehen? I used the three days to conquer death and collect the keys of that fire fire place.

    The fire fire place

    Angel: Sir…

    Jesus: Shhh 

    They hear female voices, and the angel moves toward the stone at the entrance of the tomb.

    Jesus: If you…

    Everyone stands still.

    The stone starts moving, and Jesus places his hand on it to still it.

    Angel (in a whisper): It’s the Marys and Salome, Sir.

    They hear a basket drop and hurried feet moving away from the tomb.

    Jesus: Shebi you can see what you’ve done?

    Mary Magdalene, Salome and Mary, the mother of James, walk quietly towards the city.

    Salome: What if…

    Mary, the mother of James: Shhh

    Salome: Ahn ahn

    Salome walks fast to stand in front of them.

    Salome: Please, we heard what we heard. You know there’s nothing He cannot do. 

    What if Jesus is awake? 

    Strangers on the street stop to stare at them…

    …before running off.

    Mary Magdalene:

    Salome: Sorry. 

    Jesus wanted to rest, that was all. But two days after Salome and the Marys visited, no one was letting Him be. Three more angels had come to “watch over” Him, and the humans had turned His tomb into a tourist attraction. 

    So the rest He was trying to rest had touched the hem of His own garment, developed strength like no other and turned around to bite Him. 

    Jesus: Zikoko, I can hear you oo.

    He’d learnt His lesson, and it was time to get back to work.

    Jesus could hear them coming.

    He stood up from His spot on the ground.

    Jesus:

    Shall we?

    The disciples, Salome and the Marys stand in front of the now-open tomb.

    Salome drops to her knees.

    Salome:

    Mary Magdalene:

    Jesus stands behind the group, peeking into the tomb as well.

    Jesus: What are we looking at?

  • Forget Rice, Eat These 7 Bible-Inspired Meals This Easter

    We know nothing beats party rice, and with Easter Sunday coming up this week, the Nigerian in you is itching to make yet another pot of jollof. Don’t. 

    Try these other iconic meals instead: 

    Sardine bread 

    If you paid any attention in Sunday school as a child, you’d know the disciples loved bread; it’s all they ate at their gatherings. So what better meal to celebrate this special occasion than bread and fish AKA sardine bread? 

    Porridge

    Jollof rice is great, but the fact that nobody sold their birthright for a plate of it shows you how lowkey basic it is. At least, with porridge, there’s variety — yam, plantain, beans, potato. You better give porridge a chance this season.

    Salad 

    Before Daniel landed in the lion’s den, what was he eating? Vegetable and legumes, Ma. Who knows, maybe that’s why the lion refused to eat him. Yet, here you are, complaining about the shege Nigeria is showing you when all you eat is rice.

    Related: You Already Love These 8 Foods, But Have You Tried Them in a Salad? 


    Corn 

    We know we made fun of agbado in 2022, but if Pharaoh had been so pressed about losing his grains, then maybe we should put some respect on it. You can even pair it with beans and dodo. 

    Wheat and efo riro

    Considering how many times wheat was mentioned in the Bible, figuratively and literally, it’s clear that it’s an important meal. And when you add vegetable? Somebody please shout, “Hallelujah”.

    Lamb chops

     

    You just received your salary, so you can afford to splurge this period. Just pair some lamb chops with a bottle of water wine as you celebrate this special holiday. That’s how they would’ve done it in Jesus’ time. 

    Creamy pasta

    Okay, they may not have eaten this one in the Bible, but with how much easier they could access cheese and milk, it was only a matter of time till one of the four Marys discovered creamy pasta. Take it from us.


    READ NEXT: Easter Is Near, but Let’s Agree to NOT Use These Wishes This Year

  • Easter Is Near, but Let’s Agree to NOT Use These Wishes This Year

    If there’s one thing Nigerians love, it’s sending wishes and greetings for everything. New month? Wishes. New week? Wishes.

    We’re not saying sending greetings for a prominent event like Easter is bad, though. We’re just tired of seeing these particular ones.

    Anything containing “arose/arosen”

    Every Easter, the evil spirit behind typos increases its work rate and suspends everyone’s autocorrect. So for everyone’s safety, let’s just agree to stay away from the verb, “rise”. 

    “He has paid your debt”

    If you decide to use “He” instead of “Jesus”, then my assumption that you’re referring to someone paying off my literal debt is on you. Emewiele has turned us all into money hunters. Don’t play.

    “Death could not hold Christ down, so nothing will hold you down”

    Please, only send this to people who’ve japa. Because plenty of things are holding us down in this Nigeria. Don’t remind us of our pain on such a joyful day.

    Anything that references “Easter eggs”

    Shade, did your mummy take you to Sunday school every week for you to grow up and start talking about Easter eggs? Please, keep that western nonsense out of this ethnic household. Also, bunnies are mammals, so the whole thing is definitely sus.

    “Have a wonderful celebration”

    Maybe it’s just me, but when I hear “celebration”, I immediately think “outside activities”. With which cash, dear?

    “Wishing you renewed hope this season”

    Renewed hope sounds suspiciously similar to a certain Baba Blue’s campaign slogan. It’s giving PTSD.

    Anything that involves billing

    Easter is a time for sober reflection, please. And no, it’s not just because there’s no money anywhere. 


    NEXT READ: 9 Things Every Nigerian Would Do if They Could Time Travel

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  • Most Convincing Reasons Why You Should Prefer Easter to Christmas

    People always say, “Don’t pit two bad queens against one another”, but since we love chaos over here, we just had to. While Christmas is a fun holiday filled with rocks and enjoyment, there’s something about Easter that just makes it the superior girl. When you really think about it, being raised from the dead is a bigger flex than being born.

    Here are other reasons why Easter is just a much better holiday than Christmas. 

    1. You don’t have to travel anywhere 

    Imagine travelling anywhere in these hard times. With which money? One major reason why we love Easter is that it’s a very stress-free holiday. You get time off from work, and you don’t have to spend half of that time planning a trip or packing a bag. We stan a flexible queen. 

    2. Probably the cheapest holiday that involves Jesus 

    Omo, Christmas is expensive. Let’s not even pretend. Christmas spending and preparations start the moment we start breathing in the cool December air. You have to buy new fits, send money to your family, pay for your journey back home, and it’s not even your birthday. But with Easter, all you need is your house, a bottle of wine, one chicken and two cups of rice. Very simple and cost-effective. 

    3. Church praise and worship will slap extra because the holy spirit is in the air

    Celebrating the birth of a child is cute, but you see the resurrection of someone who allegedly died for three days. Come on, that’s a milestone mehn. While Christmas praise and worship do usually slap, the one you’ll experience at Easter service bangs harder than a Davido feature (sorry OBO, the game is the game). 

    4.  The sermon is not too long 

    Easter church services are not like Christmas church services where the pastor’s sermon is longer than two Indian films. This time around, the pastor understands that this is not a long holiday and we’re all trying to make the most out of it, so he’ll do his best to respect himself. If your pastor doesn’t follow this rule, stand up mid-service and start singing “Time no dey” from Runtown and Uhuru’s The Banger. Don’t worry, God will understand.

    RECOMMENDED: Pros And Cons of Spending Easter With Your Family

    5. You get to hang out with  the family members you actually like 

    Since you’re not travelling back home, there’s a very small chance you’ll run into that nosy auntie that’s always asking about your imaginary husband. For Easter, you get to trim your invite list. Unlike Christmas where people can legitimately claim to be pissed you didn’t invite them to your party, Easter vibes are pretty chill, so you can invite the people who make you happy and the others can choke.  

    6. No need for unnecessary decorations 

    Christmas tree? We don’t know her. Light, sparkles and socks? Not here, please. No need to stress yourself setting up or taking down decorations. Complete peace of mind. 

    7. Plenty of time to catch up on Zikoko content without distractions 

    Unlike Christmas where you’re constantly distracted by all the relatives you have to greet, or all the plates you have to wash, Easter is more peaceful and less hectic. Do you know what that means? You can catch up on all your favourite Zikoko flagships and all the hilarious content you missed while you were busy chasing the bag. True or false? Tell us in the comments!

    ALSO READ: The Meaning of Easter and How It Affects My Faith

  • Bible Characters Who Could Be Nigerian Politicians

    Nigerian politicians can be many things: dramatic as hell, disappointing and scandalous. Incidentally, so are a lot of Bible characters from a million generations ago. We can’t even be sure that Nigerian politicians aren’t directly taking inspiration from them.

    Bible Characters Who Could Be Nigerian Politicians

    In the spirit of Easter, we look at Bible characters that could very well make it as Nigerian politicians if they existed in 2022.

    Peter

    This man publicly denied Jesus Christ three times only hours after swearing they were going to be BFFs for life. You know he’s the type of Nigerian politician that would promise free education to get himself elected. Once in office, you can forget it because he’d deny he ever made that promise. Unless you can get a rooster to crow near him or something.

    Bible Characters Who Could Be Nigerian Politicians

    Methuselah 

    Methuselah lived 969 years on earth, and you just know Nigeria would have a Not-Too-Old-To-Run law if he was alive today. Just like Methuselah refused to die for a long time, Nigerian politicians don’t know when to stop. They can sit in the National Assembly for 20 years or keep running for the same presidential position for 30 years.

    Bible Characters Who Could Be Nigerian Politicians

    ALSO READ: Game of Thrones: Who Wants to Be Nigeria’s President in 2023?

    Saul/Paul

    Saul of Tarsus was extremely anti-Christian before his dramatic conversion to Christianity, which prompted his change of name to Paul. This makes him tailor-made for Nigerian politics where politicians jump from one party to the next. 

    Bible Characters Who Could Be Nigerian Politicians

    A Nigerian politician Saul today, Paul tomorrow

    The difference between Paul’s time and now is that the defection process for Nigerian politicians doesn’t always involve temporary blindness. But that would be cool to see.

    King Herod 

    A ruthless ruler whose military gets away with the massacre of innocent young people based on paranoia? King Herod wouldn’t find it hard at all to make it as a Nigerian politician.

    Bible Characters Who Could Be Nigerian Politicians

    Deborah 

    Deborah was kind of like a politician in her day. She’s the only female judge mentioned in the Bible, which makes her a rare breed. Thousands of years later, she’d have the same status in Nigerian politics where women are barely represented in public office. There’s never been an elected female governor, or president or vice president. Attempts to improve the representation of women in politics is also meeting a lot of resistance. But every now and then, you get a Deborah.

    ALSO READ: Does the National Assembly Hate Nigerian Women?

    Judas Iscariot

    This man will stab you in the back while also kissing your cheeks. Definitely a bribe-taking Nigerian politician that claims to be your friend.

    Ananias and Sapphira 

    Not much is known about Ananias and Sapphira other than that they were a couple that tried to cheat the Lord by holding back some of the proceeds of a sale. As Nigerian politicians, you just know they’re the type to award a ₦1 billion contract and pocket ₦700 million, preferably stuffed inside their babariga. And rather than the instant death they got in the Bible, they’d just keep rigging winning elections in Nigeria.

    Bible Characters Who Could Be Nigerian Politicians

    *Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events, is purely coincidental.

    Joseph

    It may look like this article is really just bagging on Nigerian politicians, but every now and then, you get a decent leader like Joseph. He’s visionary, has lofty dreams and saves for the rainy day. It’s such a shame others that’ll come after him will piss away his legacy. Also went to prison before he became a leader, just like some Nigerian politicians.

    Jacob

    Jacob’s deception of his father, Isaac, to receive the blessings meant for his brother, Esau, is one of the Bible’s earliest fraud stories. And Esau selling his birthright to Jacob in exchange for a plate of porridge reads exactly like the vote-selling that occurs around Nigerian elections today.

    Eve

    Eve’s hunger for power to be as knowledgeable as God convinced her to eat the forbidden fruit. And when she was caught, she didn’t take full responsibility for her actions. Instead, she blamed an animal for it. She has all the makings of a Nigerian politician that’d blame past administrations for her current failures. 

    Bible Characters Who Could Be Nigerian Politicians

    #ItWasn’tMe

    Samson

    You can imagine Samson gets elected into office because he boasts he can solve insecurity on account of his six-pack. But the only thing he’s wrestling while he’s in office is the sin of the flesh. Safe to say he’s caught up in at least one sex scandal

    Lucifer/Satan

    What does a Nigerian politician have that this entity does not possess? Is it the sweet mouth? The proclivity for self-sabotage? The cunning? The arrogance? Or the dashing personality? Give Lucifer public office and watch him create hell for the people that voted for him.

    ALSO READ: Time Is Running Out for You to Register for Your PVC

  • Smarter Places to Hide Your Goat Meat This Easter

    Goats are to Easter what chickens are to Christmas. And just like at Christmas, we expect the crime rates in the kitchen to skyrocket during this time. For newbies in this game and oldies who want to outsmart the goat meat thieves this year, we’ve decided to suggest five efficient ways to keep your goat meat safe for Easter celebrations.

    Kolo

    places to hide goat meat this easter, kolo

    Traditionally made for saving cash, this can come in handy when you realise you have to take desperate measures to protect your goat meat from friends and family. 

    Safety deposit boxes

    places to hide goat meat this easter

    You have to understand that these guys aren’t relenting in their efforts to part you from your ogunfe. The kolo can be easily destroyed, but a safety deposit box with secret combination codes can make that much harder to do. Like the Saviour on Easter Sunday, Ji, ma sun.

    Bank vaults

    places to hide goat meat this easter

    If you’re like me and your deep-fried goat meat is very precious to you, then you’ll agree with me that there’s no place too extreme to hide them. You can take your trays of fried meat to a bank and drop them as precious deposits. I’m sure they’d understand.

    A Lagos apartment

    places to hide goat meat this easter, a lagos apartment

    To be honest, if our politicians can rent an entire apartment to hide stacks of stolen public funds, then why can’t you do the same for goat meat? Let’s face it — is there really any amount too much to spend on keeping your goat meat from the itchy fingers of the crooks in your house?

    Newspaper

    Just hide them between pages of newspapers. Nobody reads them anymore anyway.

    places to hide goat meat this easter

    Read Next: The Meaning of Easter and How it Affects My Faith

  • The Meaning of Easter and How It Affects My Faith

    Easter weekend is almost here, and while some of us are excited because it’s a public holiday, others are happy because it’s a chance for them to either renew or strengthen their faith. In this article, I speak to five young Nigerian Christians about what Easter means to them and how it affects their faith.

    “I feel a great sense of admiration for Jesus”

    —*Tolani, 25

    My relationship with God is a bit tricky. I believe in God and I love Him, but that’s mostly where it stops. I don’t pray, read my Bible or go to church, mostly because nothing motivates me to do so. I stopped doing all of these things consistently once my parents no longer forced me to.

    One of the major reasons I lost motivation was because Christianity and the practice of Christianity were shoved down my throat for most of my life by my parents, extended family members and school. The most frustrating one was school. Tell me why Babcock University thought it was okay to force me to go to church four times a week. 

    The moment I could, I distanced myself from the religious practices of Christianity, but my belief in God stayed. I wasn’t allowed to explore Christianity by myself, and I think that’s what I want — to get to know God on my terms and at my own time. 

    I love Easter because it reminds me of the huge sacrifice that Jesus made. Whenever I think about everything Jesus went through — the betrayal, the beating, the crucifying — and the fact that He felt all that pain, I feel a great sense of admiration for Him. Sometimes just thinking about it makes me feel closer to Him to learn more about him. I hope that one day, the desire will turn into action. 

    Easter is about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, without that, there’d be no Christianity. And that’s why I feel like Easter is the best time for anyone struggling in their faith, to get closer to God. 

     “I went back to God and started to truly learn about His place in my life and started to be more active and intentional about Him”

    —*Emeka, 24

    I like to think of God as my best friend. I trust Him with my well-being, and I look to His word for guidance in my everyday choices. I typically talk to Him throughout my day and devote a portion of my day to praying, studying or praising Him. It wasn’t always like this; I struggled with understanding God for most of my teenage years. I tried to read books that helped, but I still had many questions I couldn’t find answers to. In 2019, I decided to do things my way. I felt like God wasn’t interested in me and I could never meet His standards, so I stopped trying altogether. But then I got tired of doing everything by myself.

    In 2021, I went back to God and started to truly learn about His place in my life and started to be more active and intentional about Him. I started talking to a lot of my Christian friends and told them about my frustrations. They were kind enough to walk me through it at my pace and were honest and open with me. I found out that they also had struggles. That made me feel like I wasn’t alone and encouraged me to continue to serve God. I love Easter. Easter helps me focus on the love God has for me, and the sacrifice Jesus made for me. It’s a time for me to rest in His love and take a break from the everyday hustle.

    “I believe Jesus understands what I’m going through because He knows about suffering.”

    —*Tunde, 22

    My relationship with God is on the rocks right now. It’s been very cold for the past year. That bothers me because I’m the type of person who needs something to believe in. I still very much believe, I can’t just bring myself to practice my belief the way I’d like to. It might be because I’m depressed and kind of hate my life in its current state. 

    Sometimes when I’m in the mood for God, I pray, but I know that’s not enough. I know I’m supposed to practice my belief whether I’m in the mood or not. So I’ve been doing little things to push myself closer to God. I try my best to pray every morning. I also have an 8 a.m. alarm that says, “Choose God today.” The alarm is supposed to keep me in the consciousness of God. It’s to remind me to do things like pray throughout my day, think about God and be curious about Him throughout the day.

    I’ve had that alarm every day for seven months, but I only started taking it seriously this week. And that’s because this week is Easter. Easter is the origin story of Christianity. The death and resurrection of Jesus is the reason why Christianity exists. So it feels like there’s no better time than now to work towards a better relationship with God, to choose God, at least for me. 

    With where my life is at right now, I’m sometimes comforted by the fact that I believe Jesus understands what I’m going through and He knows about suffering. So I don’t feel like I’m talking to someone who doesn’t understand. Which, now that I think about it, is probably all I need right now — for someone to understand. 

    “My devotion to God and my participation in church activities was largely based on the fear that if I didn’t do those things, I would suffer.” 

    —*Abraham, 29

    My relationship with God is great. I understand the nature of His love towards me and the extent of the sacrifices He has made for me. I see him as a father who leads me and guides me. 

    There was a time when the image I had of God was one who just gave out rules and regulations and expected me to just conform. Then, my devotion to Him and my participation in church activities were largely based on the fear that if I didn’t do those things, I would suffer. There was no conviction behind my actions. But I know better now because I attend a better church, and I understand how to properly study the Bible. I now operate from a place of delight and fellowship.

    Easter is vital because it helps me reflect on what Christ did for me. But I don’t necessarily feel closer to God because of Easter. However, I respect that there are seasons people can take advantage of to strengthen their walk with God, and Easter is one of them. I think people feel that closeness to God during Easter because some of them pay more attention to the things of God.

     RELATED: Jesus Is My Role Model for How to Be a Man — Man Like Israel Oni

    “I’ve always understood that pain and suffering are a part of my journey in Christ.”

    — *Tolu, 26

    I’m a devoted believer, and I love the study of God. I grew up in a Christian home and was exposed to miracles really early, so I’ve never really doubted my belief in God. 

    This isn’t something I say as a thing of pride, but I’ve always understood that pain and suffering are a part of my journey in Christ. I’ve experienced pain in many ways, and the strange thing is, pain and suffering have strengthened my faith in God. That’s the benefit of having a transcendent hope: I believe in an eternal God who’ll take my suffering away when I leave this earth.

    The essence of Easter is an everyday reality for me. I love Easter, but the essence of Jesus’ death and resurrection is for us to love our lives, acknowledging that reality every single day. Every day for me is Easter.

    ALSO READ: 16 Things That Happen to Every Nigerian Catholic When Easter Weekend is Near

  • QUIZ: Which Of The Disciples Would You Have Been?

    It’s one thing to be a Bible character, and it’s another to be a part of Jesus’s inner circle. Get ready to find out which of the disciples you would have been.

    Oh, and happy Easter!

    QUIZ: How Many New Testament Books Can You Name In 2 Minutes?

    Bible scholars, get in here.

  • 10 Unintentionally Funny Easter Messages From Nigerian Brands We Saw This Year

    If the Twitter timeline dumpster fire that occurred on International Women’s Day 2020 taught us anything, it’s that Nigerian brands suck when it comes to customized messages that are meant to celebrate holidays and market at the same time. Easter 2020 was no different.

    Here are 10 funny ones we saw.

    1) ALAT

    All this brought to my mind was the visuals of Jesus hanging on the cross in agony and an angel showing up with Jesus’ phone being like, “Hey Jesus. I know you’re in all kinds of unimaginable pain right now but you actually forgot to confirm this transfer. Oh, you can’t move because you’ve been nailed to a cross? Sorry about that. Well, if you tell me your pin, I can do it for you. Lol”

    2) Access Bank

    The same scenario as the one above but with a POS machine instead of a phone.

    3) Barter

    The most insane thing about this one (apart from the anachronism of it all) is that Judas stores the number he’s chatting with as “Pharisees“. Did all the Pharisees share one phone like the Grey Sisters in Greek mythology shared one eye? Also, why does this read like Judas was planning to skip town with the money?

    4) A Creative Expression

    I like that these people tried to kill two birds with one stone by sneaking in a COVID-19 safety tip. However, this poster focuses too much on Pontius Pilate and not enough on Jesus (the main reason Easter is even a thing), which I think is fucking hilarious.

    5) Eyowo

    Wow.

    6) FIRS

    Translation: Jesus wasn’t an onigbese, which means you have no reason to be one. Be like Jesus. Pay your fucking taxes.

    7) Sterling

    Well, I didn’t get nailed to a cross and then hung up to die so I think I had a much better Friday than Jesus did. Even with Miss Rona doing her thing.

    8) This Shoe Company

    This is the most out-of-pocket one of them all. THIS is the kind of shit that would’ve gotten a nigga struck by lightning in the old testament, no explanations given.

    9) Telenergy

    Lmao. Everyone loves a good, cheesy pun.

    10) Sterling (again)

    🎶Can we go back, this is the moment
    Tonight is the night, we’ll fight till it’s over
    So we put our hands up cause the tomb can’t hold us
    Cause the tomb can’t hold us🎶

    Article inspired by a Twitter thread made by user @LipglossMAFFIA.

    What’s up, Zikoko Fam? It would mean the world to us if you spared a few minutes to fill this Reader Survey. It’s so we can bring you the content you really want!

  • QUIZ: Can We Guess How You Will Spend Easter 2016?
    Happy Easter, guys!
  • 16 Things That Happen To Every Nigerian Catholic When Easter Weekend Is Near

    1. When you realize it’s a 4 – day weekend.

    This is the life.

    2. When your boss gives you work today and says the deadline is Friday…

    …but Friday is Good Friday and there’s no work.

    3. When you keep hearing ‘Easter bunny’ and ‘Easter eggs’ on TV but you’re in Nigeria so you don’t even understand why they exist.

    Rice and chicken. As usual.

    4. When your friends start asking you why Catholics take Easter so seriously.

    Is it ya concern?

    5. When you realize that you will actually be in church from Thursday to Sunday.

    And you have to follow Jesus to Galilee on Monday.

    6. But all those non-Catholics are getting a holiday too, and they’re not spending all of it in church.

    SMH!

    7. And on Good Friday, you cannot eat meat, so it’s a fishy affair.

    Which is probably not much fun, except it’s peppersoup.

    8. When you do something bad on Easter Saturday but you cannot be sad, because Jesus already died for your sins on Good Friday.

    Bless you, Lord.

    9. “Bless me father for I have sinned. It’s been 8 years since my last confession…”

    8 YEARS?!

    10. When you’re at Peter’s fire and they get to the part where he betrayed Jesus and the guilt just washes over you.

    And you start promising not to sin again.

    11. When you sleep off during vigil so you’re not awake at midnight when Jesus rises.

    No really, how do you feel?

    12. When Easter Sunday service is so long, you’re sure it’s penance for all your sins.

    I won’t sin again.

    13. But you console yourslef with the fire jollof rice at home after church so you try to relax.

    Take your time, Sir.

    14. When your parents STILL waste time greeting their friends after church.

    Even today? You saw them last week!!!!

    15. When all your non-Catholic family friends come to your house for ‘Easter Party’ so you have to be a waiter on the day your Lord rose from the dead.

    It’s not your fault.

    16. But finally, you’re happy it’s Easter because it means lent is over, and so is the long fast.

    *relief*
  • QUIZ: What Should You Splurge on This Easter?

    Confused about what to splurge on this Easter period? We’ve got you.