Category: Columnists

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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Democracy and the Power of Good Leadership By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) Democracy, derived from the Greek words demos (people) and kratia (power or rule), is a system of governance that places power in the hands of the people. It thrives on the principles of freedom, equality, participation, and accountability. Yet, the success of any democratic system hinges not only on the structures that uphold it but also on the quality of leadership steering its course. Good leadership in a democracy is the catalyst that transforms collective aspirations into reality,…

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The Power of Rest: Why Sleep Is the Unsung Hero of a Vibrant Life By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) In the relentless rhythm of modern life, where hustle is glorified and productivity is king, we often overlook one of the most fundamental pillars of a fulfilling existence: sleep. It’s not just a pause in our day or a necessary inconvenience—it’s the foundation of our physical health, mental clarity, and emotional resilience. Sleep is the silent partner in our journey through life, the unsung hero that fuels our dreams, sharpens our…

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The Power of Life and the Morality of Our Children By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) Life is a sacred gift — a divine trust handed down from generation to generation. It is a journey filled with infinite possibilities, boundless energy, and, most importantly, a moral responsibility. Among the many blessings of life, the most precious is the gift of children. They are the living continuity of our values, our legacy, and our dreams. But in an age of shifting norms and digital distractions, how we guide the morality of our…

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As children growing up in the trenches, we had the opportunity to participate in various games and competitions. One of such games that comes to mind during the Christmas period is the balloon game of luck, also known as ‘Try Your Luck’. The local hawkers would bring around a colourful carton board with well-arranged and numbered balloons of different shapes, sizes, and forms. We were always eager to empty our clay banks (kolo) to participate in the balloon game of luck. Less for the hawkers manipulative tendencies to retain the…

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