Category: Columnists

“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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The Power of Calmness in Life By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) In a world that thrives on speed, noise, and constant motion, calmness is a superpower. It’s the quiet strength that anchors us amidst life’s storms, the gentle force that allows us to think clearly, act wisely, and live fully. Embracing calmness doesn’t mean withdrawing from the chaos of life; it means navigating it with grace, clarity, and purpose. Let’s explore the transformative power of calmness and how it can reshape the way we live, love, and lead. The Essence…

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The Power of Life and Misplaced Compassion By Oluwole Solanke (PhD, FCIB) In a world often defined by fast-paced living and fleeting priorities, life remains the most priceless gift of all. It pulses in our veins, beats in our chests, and gives us countless opportunities to start again, to forgive, to build, to impact, and to be impacted. But in the same breath, misplaced compassion—the kind that seems noble on the surface but destructive underneath—can erode the very essence of life we are called to cherish and protect. The Power…

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Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun: The Corner Stone! The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA has made a bold and progressive choice by presenting Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA) as its official flag bearer for the forthcoming local government chairmanship election. This remarkable achievement is not just a personal victory for HOA, but a major win for youth inclusion and visionary leadership. HOA’s emergence is indeed a breath of fresh air. A product of the people and a youth with a heart for service, Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun has consistently demonstrated what it…

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True Life is Revealed by Your Character, Not by the Worth of What You Own By Oluwole Solanke (Phd, FCIB) In a world obsessed with material wealth, social status, and outward appearances, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly defines us. We are bombarded with messages that equate success with the size of our bank accounts, the brand of our clothes, or the grandeur of our homes. But beneath the glitter of possessions lies a timeless truth: true life is revealed by your character, not by the worth of…

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