Category: Columnists

By A. R. Aderibigbe Summary: The government’s current tax reform drive, led by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, appears more focused on boosting revenue than protecting struggling Nigerians. Taxing the poor in a bid to fix the economy is both unjust and counterproductive. When the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, recently mentioned that “Runs Girls” and “Agberos” could fall under Nigeria’s expanded tax net, many Nigerians were taken aback. What seemed like a harmless illustration of inclusiveness in taxation revealed something deeper, which…

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WHAT IS LIFE? By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) There are moments when we stop—truly stop—in the middle of our racing days and ask ourselves the question that has echoed through human consciousness since the dawn of thought itself: What is life? It’s a question that has no single answer, yet demands to be asked. It whispers to us in moments of joy and screams at us in moments of pain. It arrives uninvited when we watch a sunset, hold a newborn, or stand at a graveside. The Beautiful Paradox Life…

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Beyond the Cruelty of Nigerian Politicians: A Call to Youths and a New Leadership Model Historically, Nigerian politics has been marked by corruption and disregard for the people. During the oil boom of the 1970s, billions of dollars in revenues were mismanaged, leading to what Achebe (1983) described as the “tragedy of leadership” in The Trouble with Nigeria. The return to democracy in 1999 was expected to usher in change, but over two decades later, the narrative of mismanagement and poor governance continues (Suberu, 2001). Politicians often live in opulence,…

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LIFE and the Concept Between Love and Loyalty By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) In the tapestry of human existence, two threads weave together to create our most profound connections: love and loyalty. They are often spoken of in the same breath, yet they are as different as they are intertwined. Understanding the delicate dance between these two forces is understanding one of life’s greatest mysteries—how we choose to show up for one another, and why. The Nature of Love Love arrives like dawn—sometimes gradually, sometimes all at once. It’s that…

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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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