Category: Columnists

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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A New Dawn in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Beyond Politics, Omooba Aroyewun’s campaign resonated deeply because it addressed not just the symptoms of underdevelopment, but its roots, namely; lack of infrastructure, youth unemployment, weak economic systems, and disjointed governance. The people are not waiting passively. They are hopeful, and are ready to collaborate, but their expectations are unmistakably clear, including Safer and more navigable roads, Youth empowerment and skills development, Transparent governance, Reliable traffic control, Sustainable revenue systems, and an Inclusive economic policies. Among these priorities, two foundational areas stand out as the…

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Life and the Power of Arrogance By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) Arrogance is a strange force. It can build empires — and destroy them. It can inspire confidence — and invite downfall. In life’s long theatre, arrogance often walks on stage disguised as self-assurance, but the script usually ends with a twist: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Arrogance is not mere confidence. Confidence says, “I can do it”; arrogance says, “Only I can do it.” While confidence inspires and empowers, arrogance isolates…

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The Quiet Strength: Life and the Transformative Power of Humility By Oluwole Solanke (PhD FCIB) In a world that celebrates noise, applause, and accolades, humility often whispers in the background — but its impact echoes far beyond the noise. True greatness is rarely accompanied by arrogance; it’s often clothed in the quiet dignity of humility. “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis Humility doesn’t mean you are weak or unsure of yourself. Rather, it is the conscious decision to put ego aside…

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By Oluwole Solanke, PhD, FCIB With profound gratitude to Allah (SWT) and immense admiration, I, Oluwole Solanke, on behalf of the Oriwu College 1977 Set, extend our warmest congratulations to you on the remarkable occasion of your 80th birthday. Today, as we gathered at the esteemed Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island, to celebrate your extraordinary life, the presence of Royal Fathers, former and serving Heads of Service, Permanent Secretaries, white cap chiefs, your beloved children, grandchildren, family, and well-wishers was a powerful testament to the profound legacy you have…

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Leadership Beyond Praise: Sycophants taking the stage! In the early days of leadership, applause often comes easy. Supporters gather, voices rise in praise, and images flood the media. For many, it’s a moment of triumph. But for a serious leader, especially in Nigeria, it should be a time for quiet reflection and deep discernment. The greatest danger facing a new leader is not opposition or criticism, but the embrace of sycophants. That is, those who offer praise but avoid truth. These individuals don’t challenge, they flatter. They don’t inform, they…

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The Gift of People Who Walk Away By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) It’s one of life’s hardest lessons—People you loved, helped, trusted, or built with… walk away.Some leave quietly.Some leave suddenly.Some leave after you gave them your very best. At first, it feels like a wound.A betrayal.An unexpected void But in time—and with healing—you begin to see the truth:Some people walk away, not to break you, but to bless you. Not Everyone Is Meant to Stay We like to believe that the people we start with will be the people…

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