Category: Columnists

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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An Assessment of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA on Traffic Management Abiodun AWOSANYA (Rex!) Traffic management is far more than a routine task in Lagos. It is a fundamental pillar that supports economic productivity and social harmony. With a population exceeding 20 million and one of the highest vehicle densities in sub-Saharan Africa, any disruption to the flow of traffic in Lagos can have immediate and far-reaching consequences. This is why the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) remains a vital institution. Yet, the nonchalant attitude of many organizations and event organizers toward…

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Do We Really Own Anything in This Life? By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) We live in a world obsessed with ownership. We claim titles, build empires, and collect things—cars, houses, land, clothes, investments—as if we can anchor permanence in a world built on change. But pause for a moment. Strip away the illusions. And ask yourself: Do we really own anything in this life? Everything We Own Will Outlive Us The truth hits hardest in moments of loss or transition. When someone passes on, their prized possessions remain—but they do…

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By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) Tomorrow, July 12, 2025, Lagos State stands at a critical juncture as over seven million registered voters prepare to cast their ballots in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) elections. This electoral exercise, orchestrated by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), is more than a routine civic duty—it is a litmus test for the vitality of grassroots democracy in Nigeria’s economic heartbeat. With 20 LGAs, 37 LCDAs, and 376 wards in contention, the elections promise to shape the future…

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The Power of Life and True Friendship: A Bond That Illuminates the Journey By Oluwole Solanke (Phd, FCIB) Life is a wild, beautiful, and unpredictable adventure—a force that pulses through every sunrise, every dream chased, and every moment of connection. It is the heartbeat of existence, urging us to grow, to love, and to find meaning in the chaos. And at the heart of this vibrant force lies one of life’s greatest gifts: true friendship. True friendship is the anchor in life’s storms, the laughter in its joys, and the…

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“We Rise by Lifting Others”: Life and the Transformative Blessings of Giving By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) “No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank In a world often fixated on getting, achieving, and hoarding, the quiet power of giving remains one of life’s most profound secrets. Giving—be it our time, resources, love, or simple acts of kindness—is not just an act of charity; it is a life-giving force that heals, uplifts, and connects. The Heart of Giving: More Than Material Things Giving is not confined to…

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Communal and Intertribal Clashes in Nigeria: A Nation Divided, A Region at Peace By Sobona Wasiu Adekunle The story of Nigeria’s communal violence is one of recurring tragedy. From the swampy creeks of the South-South to the fertile plains of the Middle Belt, inter-ethnic conflicts continue to claim lives and displace communities. While some regions like the South-West have developed mechanisms for peaceful coexistence, others remain trapped in cycles of violence that defy easy solutions. In the South-South and South-East, a tinderbox of ethnic tensions continues to ignite. The border…

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