Ndị Nkem,
I have loved the Yoruba Hymn Ọdún yà a yabo not for its sweetness in terms of how beautifully crafted it is nor its musical arrangement, but; for its deep philosophical attributes.
Ọdún yi a yabo
Odun yi a yà tò
Pere gede
La o ye
These words are quite poignant and when juxtaposed with the Divine instruction by God to Moses, commanding him to say to Aaron give the Israelites the Priestly Blessings in Numbers 6:22-26, you will understand the even more the richness of this Hymn.
According to Babatunde Popoola, when translated and interpreted, it connotes the following;
The year will not be difficult; the year will be easy while other common interpretations convey a similar meaning of peace, ease, and productivity: May this year be peaceful and joyful; may the grace of God abide with us all throughout the year.
May it be a female year for us," which is a prayer assuming feminine attributes such as patience, harmony, abundance, compassion, and empathy should predominate in our lives.. It also means Good, fruitful Year. The meaning is deeply rooted in the Yoruba cultural belief that ease and tranquility are associated with women (abo), while men are often seen as facing more struggles and challenges.
This is where the inspiration for the theme of the year Quantum Leaps emanates from.
Now I am sure in 2025 you noticed that people change, love hurts, friends leave, things go wrong and people moved on. My dear friend, remember life goes on! That is why it is called a phase and you are passing through; some say close your eyes to them but I say, if you close your eyes to evils, how would you see the good when it comes?
By virtue of my Baptism in Christ which makes me Priest, Prophet and King and, as Head of my Home and Priest of family, I pronounce these Priestly Blessings blessings upon you and yours as it is contained in Numbers 6:22-26.
On behalf my household, I bless you in this year 2026 which marks a major milestone for me many thanks to God;
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord reveal his face to you and take pity on you.
May the Lord turn his countenance toward you and grant peace to you.
On this first day of the year, as God himself has given his word that once we invoke this blessings, he will bless us, I place you, your family, business, career, academic, spirituality, marriage, relationships, finances plans, dreams and aspirations under the divine unction of the words of the passage above. His blessings which maketh rich and addeth no sorrow shall catapult you into quantum leaps.
As you make your plans for the year, please make some room for God to be God.
Welcome to your new season of excellent accomplishments through Christ our Lord. Amen.
As Always,
Stay Jiggy
Jisi
