Category: Columnists

Life and The State of Our Nation @ 65 By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) As Nigeria marks its 65th year of independence, we stand at a crossroads of reflection and resolve. Our journey as a nation has been one of resilience, woven with moments of triumph, struggle, and unyielding hope. At 65, Nigeria is not just a land of diverse cultures and vibrant dreams but a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. In the face of challenges—economic uncertainties, social divides, and systemic hurdles—there is a clarion call for…

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Beyond Yahoo Boys: The Deeper Rot of Nigerian Leadership In Nigeria, a troubling narrative has often gained ground among politicians. That the country’s battered international image is largely because of young Nigerians engaged in internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo.” This assertion is not only misleading but also a dangerous oversimplification. While internet fraud is a moral and social problem that deserves condemnation, it is dishonest to suggest that it is the root cause of the lack of respect Nigeria faces in the global community. The truth is clear—Nigeria’s…

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LIFE and the Benefits of Self-Care By Oluwole Solanke (PhD FCIB) In a world that glorifies busyness and celebrates the hustle, we’ve somehow forgotten one of life’s most fundamental truths: you cannot pour from an empty cup. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. It’s the foundation upon which we build meaningful lives, nurture relationships, and contribute our best selves to the world. Redefining Self-Care Self-care has been misunderstood and commercialized, often reduced to bubble baths and spa days. While these can be wonderful, true self-care runs much deeper. It’s about making conscious…

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Failure as an Asset to Life By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) Failure. The word alone can make your stomach churn, conjure images of disappointment, or bring back memories you’d rather forget. Society often paints failure as the ultimate defeat—a dead end, a scarlet letter, a reason to give up. But what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong? What if failure, far from being a liability, is one of life’s greatest assets? Embracing failure as a catalyst for growth, resilience, and innovation can transform how we live, learn, and…

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LIFE and the Power of Hidden Battles By Oluwole Solanke (PhD FCIB) Life is a mosaic of moments—some radiant, others shadowed, but all deeply human. Beneath the surface of our daily smiles and routines lie hidden battles: the quiet struggles, unspoken fears, and resilient triumphs that shape who we are. These battles, often invisible to the world, are where we forge our strength, discover our purpose, and learn to embrace the beauty of our imperfections. As we explore the power of these hidden battles, let’s draw inspiration from timeless quotes…

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LIFE and the Benefits of Lifting Others By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) Life, at its core, is not about how much we acquire for ourselves but about the difference we make in the lives of others. True greatness is not measured by wealth, titles, or possessions, but by how many people can point to us and say, “Because of you, I did not give up.” The beauty of life is in giving, sharing, and lifting others when they are weak. As Booker T. Washington wisely said: “If you want to…

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Life and the Discipline of Denial By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) Life is a journey of choices. Every day, we are faced with opportunities, temptations, and decisions that shape who we become. One of the greatest secrets to a meaningful and successful life is the discipline of denial—the ability to say “no” to certain desires today in order to say a greater “yes” tomorrow. Denial is not about deprivation; it is about direction. It is the art of resisting short-term gratification for the sake of long-term fulfillment. As Aristotle once…

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Life and Personal Growth Investment By Oluwole Solanke PhD FCIB Life is a divine gift, and how we live it determines the legacy we leave behind. Just as money placed in a wise investment grows over time, so does a life that is intentionally invested in personal growth. The quality of your tomorrow depends largely on the seeds you sow into yourself today. Personal growth investment is not about accumulating material wealth alone; it is about building character, knowledge, resilience, and purpose. As the great philosopher Socrates once said, “The…

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THE ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF LASTMA IN THE SOCIO-URBAN FABRIC OF LAGOS Lagos as Nigeria’s economic epicenter, is home to over 20 million people and more than one million automobiles, making traffic congestion a chronic urban challenge. The establishment of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in 2000 was a strategic move to combat the economic and social costs of traffic gridlock. Beyond improving traffic flow, LASTMA’s work has had measurable impacts on economic productivity, logistics efficiency, and urban investment. One of the most significant economic outcomes of traffic management…

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Life and the Power of Tolerance By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) Life is a mosaic of different people, cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. No two individuals are exactly the same, and therein lies both the beauty and the challenge of human existence. The bridge that helps us coexist, thrive, and grow together is tolerance—the quiet power that softens conflicts, builds peace, and teaches us the art of patience. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit.” Tolerance…

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