society
Giving Up Is Not an Option: The Power of Reinvention and Relentless Pursuit of Purpose
Giving Up Is Not an Option: The Power of Reinvention and Relentless Pursuit of Purpose.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In a world filled with turbulence, uncertainty and brutal distractions, many abandon their life’s mission at the first sight of adversity. Dreams dissolve like vapor not because they are unattainable, but because the dreamers grow weary. Relaxing or giving up on a mission you want to achieve is nothing but a sign of laziness, cowardice and a shallow understanding of life’s process. As harsh as it sounds, this truth must be stated boldly: WINNERS NEVER QUIT and QUITTERS NEVER WINS.
To abandon your mission is to betray your own destiny. It is to lay your future at the feet of mediocrity. History is replete with examples of those who persisted and changed the course of humanity and those who perished in the valley of excuses. The difference between success and failure often boils down to persistence. As Thomas Edison famously said, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
Adversity Is Inevitable, but So Is Growth
Pain is not your enemy. Failure is not your nemesis. In fact, every obstacle is an invitation to greatness. It is life’s way of testing your resolve. Nothing in this life is final not even success, not even failure and not even suffering.
Everything is in motion and everything that happens to you is happening for you. What looks like defeat today is often a redirection to a more purposeful path.
According to Dr. Samuel Ekundare, a Human Kinetics expert and motivation coach, “The body achieves what the mind believes. When the muscles cry for rest, the mind must shout louder: ‘Not yet!’” Human physiology supports this assertion. The principle of progressive overload in strength training teaches us that muscles grow only when pushed beyond their limit, they tear, they hurt, but eventually they rebuild stronger.
So it is with purpose. The more you are stretched the more capable you become of achieving greatness.
Laziness in the Face of Purpose Is the Real Tragedy
It is laziness, not fate that kills dreams. Not the kind of laziness that sleeps all day, but the refined version: PROCRASTINATION, fear of failure, reliance on comfort and mental indiscipline. “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will come upon you like a thief,” says Proverbs 24:33-34.
When you give up or settle too soon, it is not life that has defeated you, it is your mind that has betrayed you. Pastor Paul Adefarasin once declared, “Comfort is the enemy of progress. You cannot be called to greatness and expect to remain in your comfort zone.”
Even in Islamic teachings, perseverance and hard work are divine commands. Sheikh Dr. Yasir Qadhi, a renowned Islamic scholar, once said:
“Our Prophet (peace be upon him) faced loss, betrayal and mockery, yet he never gave up. He turned obstacles into stepping stones. That is the Sunnah of success.”
The Holy Qur’an reinforces this principle:
“Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Qur’an 13:11)
This verse emphasizes the necessity of personal responsibility, action and persistence. Nothing IMPROVES until you do.
Reinvention: The Birthplace of Dreams
When life hits you hard, the answer is not retreat, it is reinvention. You were not made to collapse; you were designed to evolve. Every failure, every rejection, every betrayal is raw material for the new you. Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison, once said, “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
Reinvention is the art of shedding the past while holding onto your vision. It is about becoming the embodiment of your dreams and desires. When you refuse to give up, you send a signal to your soul: “I still believe in you.” And that belief alone is powerful enough to move mountains.
Neuroscience supports this. Studies in Frontiers in Psychology show that neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself becomes more active in adversity when paired with intentional focus. This means you are biologically wired to grow after failure not to shrink.
Faith, Fitness and the Fire Within
The spiritual and physical dimensions of perseverance are deeply connected. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:27, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.” Just as athletes train relentlessly for fleeting medals, you must train your mind and spirit for eternal impact.
Bishop T.D. Jakes once thundered, “You cannot conquer what you are not willing to confront.” Life’s challenges are not designed to defeat you. They are crafted to reveal you, the real you, the one who has courage, tenacity and a fire that cannot be quenched.
Islam teaches the same. Imam Suhaib Webb, a popular American Islamic scholar, once said:
“You cannot expect the sweetness of success without tasting the bitterness of struggle. Even the Prophets faced trials but they never surrendered.”
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was orphaned, mocked, exiled and attacked, yet he pressed on. He never abandoned his mission. He said:
“The strong believer is more beloved to Allah than the weak one, even though there is good in both.” (Sahih Muslim 2664)
Reignite the Fire
So how do you keep going when life is screaming for you to stop? How do you move forward when the results are not showing yet?
Remember why you started.
Purpose is fuel. Go back to the original fire that ignited your journey.
Surround yourself with fighters.
Motivation is contagious. Stay close to people who push limits not make excuses.
Reframe failure as feedback.
Every failed attempt is data, it teaches, sharpens and redirects.
Invest in your physical and spiritual health.
Exercise. Pray. Fast. Rest. Your body and soul must be in sync.
Speak life.
Your words shape your reality. Stop saying “I can’t.” Start declaring, “I will.”
It Is Not Over Until You Win
Les Brown, one of the world’s most acclaimed motivational speakers, said it best: “It’s not over until I win.” That is the mentality that separates legends from losers. The world is not waiting for your excuses, it is waiting for your example.
Giving up is easy. Anyone can do it. But pushing through when it hurts, believing when you see no results, trusting when the storm clouds gather that’s the stuff of greatness.
As Pastor E.A. Adeboye once stated: “If God gave you the vision, He will give you the provision. But He expects you to walk by faith, not by sight.”
And in the words of Sheikh Abu Yusuf Riyadh Ul Haq, a leading British Islamic scholar:
“Life will test you. But in every hardship lies an opportunity to return stronger. The believer never loses he either wins or learns.”
Final Word: You Are the Embodiment of Destiny
You are not just a human being. You are a carrier of purpose. You are the answer to someone’s problem. You are a blueprint for someone else’s breakthrough. But all of this becomes possible only if you keep going. Life is a marathon not a sprint. You must pace yourself, encourage yourself and above all, REFUSE to QUIT.
Reinvent yourself. Refuse to relax until the mission is accomplished. Nothing in this life is final, except the moment you stop trying.
So keep pushing. Keep praying. Keep building. You are becoming the embodiment of every dream and desire your soul has ever imagined.
society
Governor Dauda Lawal Hails Troops for Successful Fight against Banditry, Terrorism across Zamfara State
Governor Dauda Lawal Hails Troops for Successful Fight against Banditry, Terrorism across Zamfara State
Governor Dauda Lawal has commended the troops of the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation Fansan Yamma for achieving significant operational successes against bandits in Zamfara State. The troops of the Joint Task Force launched an elaborate and coordinated onslaught in the early hours of Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Kaura Namoda and Birnin Magaji Local Government Areas of Zamfara State. Following the encounter, troops effectively neutralised three gang leaders and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition, which included an AK-47 rifle, a machine gun, a locally fabricated handgun, seven rifle magazines and a total of 571 rounds of ammunition.
Governor Lawal described the renewed military offensive as timely, particularly due to the successful operation recorded on May 10, 2026, which disrupted a significant gathering of notorious terrorist leaders and neutralised several commanders. The troops acted on an intelligence report that confirmed that the terrorists had converged at a concealed location in Tumfa Village, Shinkafi Local Government Area, with the intention to coordinate attacks and criminal activities targeting innocent communities in the state. The Air Component launched a precision airstrike on the identified terrorist hideout that successfully destroyed the structure, which served as the terrorists’ meeting point. The governor further reiterates Zamfara State Government’s commitment to ongoing support and logistics for the military and other security agencies operating in the state.
Old Students Association rejects alleged commercialisation of Unity School land
By Ifeoma Ikem
The Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) has rejected the alleged commercialisation of any unity schools land under the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) initiative.
The association made its displeasure known during their awareness walk to protest the concession of the 33 hectares of land belonging to Federal Government College (FGC) Kano yesterday in Lagos.
The members were carrying placards, some of which read “PPP: Save the Future”, “Protect Unity Schools”, “PPP must serve Education not land conversion” and “Schools are not for Real Estate”.
President-General of the Unity Schools Old Students Association USOSA Michael Magaji says Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) was designed to improve public institutions, and not strip them of assets or reduce their land.
Over 60 Unity schools members were drawn from across the nation for the awareness walk to protest against the alleged sale of the school lands.
The P-G said the association was advocating for a sustainable funding model that would preserve educational assets while improving infrastructure, manpower and learning conditions.
“Our coming together is to restore the lost glory of Unity Schools and strengthen Nigeria’s education system. Unity schools are nation-building institutions that have produced leaders across various sectors.
“Unity Schools were not just about education, they were about integration built not by spectators but by active citizens that believe in one nation.
“ The alumni support PPP but oppose the sale of educational assets. Unity never happens by chance but designed, nurtured and protected,’’ he added.
He added that the awareness walk brought about by the alumni across the nation was also to have a stronger network to revive the vision of the Unity Schools.
Mr Humphrey Nwafor, Lagos Chapter President, Federal Government College, Kano Old Students Association said that they are pushing back against the alleged commercialisation of Unity School lands.
Nwafor pointed out that the 33 hectares of land belonging to FGC Kano was concessioned without adequate consultation with stakeholders.
“We are saying there is a better option. Instead of selling our lands and assets, we would rather fund the schools ourselves.
“If the government says it does not have enough money to run the schools, the old students can provide support without taking one inch of the land,” he said.
According to him, the concession arrangement involving the school’s land will undermine the future of unity schools, which were established in the first place to promote national integration.
“These schools were established to unite Nigerians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds and we are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that public educational assets are protected,” he added.
He called on the Federal Government to leverage alumni networks in addressing funding challenges confronting unity schools.
“We are in solution mode and impact mode and we believe alumni associations should be integrated into the process of repositioning these schools.
“We recently met with officials of the Federal Ministry of Education and discussions are ongoing toward finding mutually beneficial solutions,” he said.
Mr Alex Akindumila, President of FGC Idoani Alumni Association said the concession controversy was a national test of how public assets and educational institutions are being managed.
He said that they are concerned that reducing lands allocated to unity schools could limit future expansion, agricultural projects, sports facilities, technical workshops and staff accommodation.
“The lands allocated to unity schools were deliberate and visionary.“They were designed to ensure that the schools remain self-sustaining and adaptable to future needs.
According to him, when you shrink the land of a unity school, you do not just reduce space, but reduce possibility , reduce ability to run agricultural programs that can feed students and teach enterprise, even the space required for sports facilities that build discipline, health and national pride.
Also, Mrs Ifeoma Okeke, an alumna of FGC Nsukka, called for transparency, due process and stakeholder engagement in any PPP arrangement involving educational institutions.
She said PPP agreements should align with the public purpose of the schools and not diminish their long-term capacity.
“There must be transparency, competitiveness and proper stakeholder engagement in any concession process involving public educational assets,” she said.
society
NAPS Southwest Condemns Delay in Passage of HND,/B.SC Dichotomy Bill, Issues 30 Days Ultimatum to Nigeria Senate and Federal House of Representative
NAPS Southwest Condemns Delay in Passage of HND,/B.SC Dichotomy Bill, Issues 30 Days Ultimatum to Nigeria Senate and Federal House of Representative
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) Southwest has strongly condemned the continued delay in the passage of the bill aimed at ending the long-standing disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) qualifications in Nigeria. The association has described the delay as unjust, discriminatory, and harmful to the future of polytechnic education in the country.
The NAPS Southwest expressed deep frustration over what it called the unacceptable silence and inaction from the Nigerian Senate and Federal House of Representatives regarding the bill. The proposed legislation seeks to abolish the dichotomy between HND and B.Sc holders, a divide that has for years limited career progression opportunities for polytechnic graduates, particularly in the public sector.
This ongoing delay represents a significant policy gap that must be urgently addressed. The continued discrimination against HND holders contradicts the principles of equity, fairness, and meritocracy that should define Nigeria’s public service.
For years, polytechnic students and graduates have faced systemic discrimination in employment opportunities, career progression, and societal recognition an injustice that undermines the value of technical and vocational education in national development. The proposed bill represents a critical step toward equity, fairness, and the full recognition of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
We therefore call on the current administration and the National Assembly to prioritize the reintroduction and immediate passage of this critical legislation. Nigeria cannot afford to sideline a significant segment of its skilled workforce due to outdated and discriminatory policies.
It is therefore disheartening that the Nigeria Senate and House of Representatives has yet to act decisively on this matter of urgent national importance. The continued delay raises serious questions about the commitment of lawmakers to addressing the challenges faced by millions of Nigerian youths in the polytechnic system.
The NAPS southwest unequivocally calls on the Senate and House of Representatives to, without further delay, deliberate on and pass the bill to end the HND/B.Sc dichotomy. The future of countless students and graduates depends on this decisive action.
The continued delay in passing this bill is a direct attack on the dignity and future of millions of Nigerian students and graduates, the statement read. We cannot continue to tolerate a system that places artificial barriers on capable individuals simply because of the institution they attended.
Failure to meet this demand will leave NAPS Southwest with no choice but to mobilize Nigerian Polytechnic Students and Graduates across the country for peaceful but firm actions to press home our demands. We are prepared to take all legitimate steps necessary to ensure that justice is served.
NAPS Southwest has therefore issued a strong warning to the Senate and House of Representatives, urging lawmakers to prioritize and immediately pass the bill without further delay. The association made it clear that failure to act promptly would trigger nationwide protests and coordinated actions by Nigerian polytechnic students and graduates.
We urge all relevant stakeholders to initiate comprehensive reforms that will harmonize qualification frameworks, ensure equal opportunities for career advancement, and restore confidence in the civil service system.
NAPS Southwest remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of polytechnic students and graduates across Nigeria. We will continue to engage constructively with policymakers and mobilize support until justice is achieved.
Signed
Comr Ogunsola Adewale John
NAPS Southwest Coordinator
+234 704 720 2907
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