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Living dog better than dead lion By Tunde Odesola

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Shekau, the commander of the second deadliest terror group worldwide, Boko Haram, crouched on his toes. With the butt of his AK 47 to the ground, Shekau clutched the barrel, which pointed skyward, in his left hand. He scooped some sand in his right hand and let the fine grains slip through his fingers. A grin glazed his face.

 

In the beginning. They were the sons of rebellion. Rebellion fertilized by years of tragic neglect. Neglect that prizes cow life far above human lives. Human lives wasted daily without a war in sight.

So, the heirs of terror turned against the land and her inhabitants. Pinheads turned into warheads. Insanity cages sanity, takes reason captive and ensures that pestilence wastes beyond noonday. Book becomes Boko. Hate becomes Haram, and mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.

Shekau, the commander of the second deadliest terror group worldwide, Boko Haram, crouched on his toes. With the butt of his AK 47 to the ground, Shekau clutched the barrel, which pointed skyward, in his left hand. He scooped some sand in his right hand and let the fine grains slip through his fingers. A grin glazed his face.

It is his land. He fought for it. He won it. The battle was tough but his army was tougher. His untrained and unschooled ‘ragtag’ army had just crushed a national army whose budget for arms and ammunition was in many billions.

Shekau: (Sniggers) These yeye kafirai people think they can win this Jihad through propaganda. I kill their soldiers like flies at the warfront, they kill me and my warriors on the pages of newspapers.

2-i-C: Don’t mind them, Ayatollah! We shall soon carve the whole of the northern territory out as Boko Haram sultanate. We’re already in Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

Shekau: (Thrusts his open palm slightly above his shoulder. A Field Commander, Abass Ali de Ruthless, places an architectural plan in Shekau’s hand from behind)

Ali: That is the much-awaited architectural design for the proposed state-of-the-art airport, world-class mall, Islamic university, banks, residential apartments, arms manufacturing firm and power plants for the proposed sultanate.

(Shekau spreads the large design on the ground with his right hand, his left hand holds his AK 47 upright)

Shekau: Allahu Akbar! This is a multi-billion dollars project. It shall be accomplished, insha Allah! And I assure you that no kobo of the funds for this project will be embezzled. If we allow corruption as they do on the Naija side, this war will be lost.

2-i-C: Insha Allah, we’re winning because, unlike them, we’re focused, sincere, committed, courageous and passionate…

Shekau: (Cuts in) Don’t mind them. They’re a selfish lot. What does it take to run an efficient system? Inside this Sambisa Forest, what do we lack? Our Islamic schools are going on smoothly while the ASUU strike has paralysed their universities. There’s an uninterrupted power supply here. Our wives and children sleep with their two eyes closed, but they cannot sleep.

2-i-C: I deployed 60 Bloody Lions to Katsina, Ayatollah.

Shekau: For what? Are we going there for another throat-slitting, harvest of human heads?

2-i-C: Not yet. But I have an intelligence report that their Big Masquerader is coming to town…

Shekau: To Katsina, kwo?

2-i-C: Yes, Ayatollah!

Shekau: That’s where I’ll show them who owns the land. First, reduce the number of the Bloody Lions to 15, 60 is too large, otherwise, we will be charged with war crime. We shall strike under his very nose.

2-i-C: (Smiles) Everyone knows who owns the land. Nobody reckons with a government, whose army opens fire on protesting innocent citizens, and can’t own up to its action. If Boko Haram strikes anywhere, it owns up to it. It’s a shame, an army that kills its own people.

Shekau: Don’t mind them. That government lies at the speed of light. Their army is not for the people, not for the constitution. It’s for oppression.

Ali: What they lack in terms of welfare for the people, they make up for it in lying.

Shekau: Certainly! For example, Katsina and many northern territories have long fallen to us but what they tell their people and the international community is that they are in control.

2-i-C: How can the international community help you when you give them the wrong data always? How would they sell the actual amount of arms and ammunition you really need when you already said you’ve badly degraded Boko Haram and you call it ragtag?

Ali: Ayatollah, Boko Haram has become a major source of enrichment for them.

Shekau: Yes, I know. They’re confused and they lack direction. In a viral video, a General in their army recently lamented the obsolete equipment his men were being forced to use, he was demoted. Today, their minister and spokespersons are lamenting that they don’t have the armament to face my firepower. I think they should all be demoted, too.

2-i-C: They’ve reduced governance to clowning. On a more serious note, Ayatollah, there’s something needing your urgent attention – our next year’s budget. It’s on your table for approval.

Shekau: Yes, I’ve seen it. No problem. Our international funding can take care of our needs. Also, the funds we generate through taxes in the various states are well spent. Nobody embezzles our security funds, unlike them that share everything, including poverty, hunger and diseases.

2-i-C: All our rank and file commend the speed with which you attend to state matters, Ayatollah.

Shekau: Why am I leading the people if I can’t serve them? Whenever I’m mentally and physically challenged, I’ll quit and let a more effective person mount the saddle. There lies patriotism and true greatness. But when power and greed are all you live for, you lose focus of service and breed bad blood.

(Shekau makes some pencil marks on the architectural design)

(He continues): I want the airport to be right beside the shopping mall, hotels and hospital. You know, those shameless Kafirai, they will soon be coming here on spending sprees for medical treatment, arms procurement and tourism.

Ali: Many of their citizens say their country is the worst place to live in the whole world. Some even call it a zoo.

Shekau rises up to his feet and slowly walks away from the architectural design into one of the cars in his bulletproof convoy. The convoy pulls out slowly and majestically; the journey ahead still includes visits to Chad and Cameroon.

This Commander-in-Chief is a workaholic, he personally goes out to see how his Boko Haram country is faring. He doesn’t delegate power and goes to sleep. He has no time for propaganda. Shekau and his convoy returned to Sambisa in the pillar of darkness by 11pm. He was tired.

Shekau: Mukhail, switch on the radio, I want to listen to the news.

Mukhail: Yes, Ayatollah.

The baritone of the newscaster wafted through the inconspicuous speakers of the brand new automobile. Here are the news highlights:

Newscaster: Students abduction in Katsina today shocking – PindiPi; Naija Army one of the best in Africa – Defence Chief; Baba’s failure to appear before Reps, sign of dictatorship – Fayose; Maina collapses in court; 700 road projects currently ongoing – Government; Nobody in charge of Nigeria – Soyinka; #ENDSARS killing: We stand by our story – CNN; Families of victims killed during #ENDSARS protest testify at tribunal; Soldiers killed protesters during #ENDSARS protest – CNN report; 10,000 police constables groan over unpaid six-month salaries…

Shekau: Is that a country? A country of injustice. A country described internationally as being fantastically corrupt. Where’s their anti-corruption chief today? Corruption has become a huge factory in their country, where some people have the license to practise corruption. A country where a governor suspends his aide for ‘spraying’ money but the governor himself had also been sprayed with money as he danced like a newly freed slave. A country without a head. Is that a country? Auzubillah!

Email: tundeodes2003@yahoo.com
Facebook: @tunde odesola
Twitter: @tunde_odesola

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The Last Quarter: Reflections on Life’s Journey Through the Seasons

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The Last Quarter: Reflections on Life’s Journey Through the Seasons

By George O. Sylvester

Introduction

Life, in its most poetic essence, is a journey of seasons, a passage from innocence to wisdom, from vibrancy to vulnerability. In the first quarter, we are driven by passion and purpose, in the second by ambition, in the third by responsibility and in the final quarter, by reflection. This last quarter is not merely the closing act; it is the grand culmination of the experiences, choices, triumphs and regrets that define a lifetime.

The musings on youth and old age, once viewed as distant abstractions become real, visceral truths. As beautifully captured in the prose we reflect upon: “When I was young, I found it difficult to wake up. Now I am old, I find it difficult to sleep.” This paradox highlights not only the physical shifts but the profound philosophical transformations that occur over time. This article seeks to explore the deeper truths embedded in the lived experience of aging, armed with facts, powerful expressions and timeless wisdom.

The Shifting Concerns of Life

Our priorities, fears and values evolve in tandem with our years. Youth is often obsessed with appearance ie pimples, muscles, beauty and validation; but in old age, these concerns give way to more sobering reflections: wrinkles, health, companionship and mortality. A 2022 study by the American Psychological Association found that anxiety about appearance peaks during adolescence but gradually gives way to concerns about health and loneliness after age 60.

This is poignantly expressed in the lines:
“When I was young, I was waiting to hold someone’s hand. Now I am old, I am waiting for someone to hold my hand.”
This inversion is not merely poetic, it is statistically supported. A 2020 World Health Organization report revealed that over one-third of the elderly population globally suffers from social isolation, a leading cause of mental and physical health decline.

The Illusion of Time and the Surprise of Aging

Perhaps the greatest trick life plays is convincing the young that they have all the time in the world. A 2019 Pew Research study found that people in their 20s tend to underestimate how quickly time will pass. But by age 60, many express astonishment at how fast life moved.

“I remember well, seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me… Yet, here it is!”
This bewilderment reflects what psychologists call “telescoping,” a cognitive bias where past events seem closer than they actually are. What seemed distant in youth is suddenly here and with it, a host of unexpected realities: aching joints, greying hair and nostalgic memories.

The Power of Memory and the Weight of Regret

In youth, we celebrate moments; in old age, we cherish memories. It’s a painful irony that by the time we understand the true value of time, we have so little of it left. Neuroscientific research from Harvard shows that the human brain prioritizes emotional memories in later life, particularly those tied to family, love and purpose.

“Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn’t done; things I should have done.”
Such confessions are echoed by millions in their twilight years. Bronnie Ware, a palliative nurse, documented in her bestselling book “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying”, that the most common regret was, “I wish I had lived a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.”

Health is the Real Wealth

Too often, people chase money, status and possessions only to find that none of it matters when their health fails. As the writer notes:
“It is health that is the real wealth and not pieces of gold, silver or printed notes.”
This is no mere opinion; the World Bank reports that countries with higher life expectancy and health quality index also experience greater individual happiness, regardless of GDP.

Health in the later years becomes both a blessing and a burden. While youth takes mobility for granted, the elderly find triumph in tying a shoelace or walking unaided. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that by age 75, 85% of individuals suffer from at least one chronic health condition.

The Gift of Perspective

What once seemed urgent now feels trivial. Old age brings perspective, clarity and often a new appreciation for the ordinary.
“When I was young, I admired beautiful things. Now I am old, I see beauty in things around me.”
This philosophical shift is not weakness, it is wisdom. In fact, the concept of “positive reappraisal,” a coping mechanism developed more robustly in old age, helps the elderly find joy in small things and gratitude in the everyday.

As Viktor Frankl, Holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, wrote:
“In the sunset of life, the meaning of existence becomes clearer and the trivial loses its grip on the soul.”

Living with Purpose, Even in the Final Stretch

The so-called “last quarter” of life must not be viewed with fear, but with reverence. It is the harvest of a life lived imperfectly, perhaps but lived nonetheless. It is a time for legacy, for reflection, for storytelling and for loving without pretense.

“Don’t put things off too long…you have no promise that you will see all the seasons of life.”
This call to action is both urgent and universal. The brevity of life should compel us to live boldly, to forgive swiftly and to invest time in relationships over possessions.

Rabindranath Tagore once said, “Let life be beautiful like summer flowers and death like autumn leaves.” There is dignity, beauty and purpose even in decline, if only we choose to see it that way.

Resolution: A Life Fully Lived

Rather than calling this the “conclusion” of life, let us embrace the term resolution. For it is in this final phase that the pieces of the puzzle finally make sense. The patterns, the missteps, the pain and the joy. They all merge into one coherent whole. And though the body weakens, the soul, if nurtured, finds strength in wisdom and peace.

The writer says it best:
“Old is good. Old is comfortable. Old is safe. Old songs. Old movies. And best of all, friends of old.”
This is not the end. It is the grand finale, the calm after the storm, the soft, golden glow after a long day’s sun. And in this gentle dusk, we find that what mattered all along was not the pace but the path, not the achievements but the affections.

So to those in their first, second or even third quarter of life, heed this wisdom. Live now. Laugh often. Love deeply. And prepare not with fear, but with faith, for that final quarter, where everything finally begins to make sense.

The Last Quarter: Reflections on Life’s Journey Through the Seasons
By George O. Sylvester

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Just In: Nigeria Removed from List of Countries Indebted to IMF

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Just In: Nigeria Removed from List of Countries Indebted to IMF

 

– The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has removed Nigeria from its list of debtor countries.

 

– Country now better placed to strengthen fiscal credibility, says presidential aide, O’tega Ogra

 

 

In a report titled: ‘Total IMF Credit Outstanding – Movement from May 01, 2025 to May 06, 2025,” obtained on the multilateral institution’s website yesterday, Nigeria was not listed among its debtors which has a total of 91 developing and least developed countries owing the Fund a total of $117,797,656,224 as at 6th of May 2025.

 

Just In: Nigeria Removed from List of Countries Indebted to IMF

 

Total IMF credit outstanding refers to the total amount of unpaid and outstanding principal due to the Fund from its member countries. This includes both outstanding loans under current arrangements and those that have expired.

 

 

When contacted on the development yesterday, a top IMF official in Washington DC, who pleaded to remain anonymous, told THISDAY they were trying to confirm the reports, pointing out that Nigeria borrowed a rapid finance loan during the pandemic.

 

 

However, StatiSense, a data company which also confirmed on its X handle yesterday that Nigeria was no longer listed on the list of countries indebted to IMF, revealed that as at July 28, 2023, Nigeria was owing the Fund $1.61 billion, this was reduced to $1.37 billion as at January 5, 2024; $933.03 million as at July 10, 2024; $472.06 million as at January 8, 2025, before it was finally settled this month.

 

 

It was learnt that the value was converted from Special Drawing Rights (SDR), an international reserve asset created by the IMF to supplement the official reserves of its member countries, to US dollars.

 

 

In a post on his X handle, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Engagement, Strategy, and New Media, O’tega Ogra, said the development was a signal of discipline, reform, and strategic reset by the Tinubu-Shettima administration in restructuring “our finances to enable us to be better placed for a prosperous future.”

 

 

He added: “As Nigeria closes the chapter on these legacy debt obligations, we are better placed to strengthen our fiscal credibility and show the world, and ourselves, that Nigeria is serious about managing our economy with responsibility and vision.

 

 

“Does this mean no more business with the IMF or other foreign lenders? No! Nigeria still remains a member of the IMF and can approach it at any time if the situation demands. This is definitely not a door slammed shut.

 

 

“Why? Because global partnerships like the IMF remain valuable allies, especially in a world defined by volatility and uncertainty. The difference now is that any future engagement will be proactive, not reactive, and will also be based on partnership, not dependence. Debt clearance today, reform momentum tomorrow.

 

 

“President Bola Tinubu will continue to prioritise long-term reforms with sound financial management for the benefit of our country and generations yet unborn. Nigeria is rising with clarity, capacity, and credibility, and this is why you should take a #BetOnNigeria.”

 

 

The IMF recently commended Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, describing them as bold measures that have helped stabilise the economy and laid the groundwork for future growth.

 

 

The IMF, in its recent 2025 Article IV Consultation Mission to Nigeria, last month, by a team led by Axel Schimmelpfennig, stated: “The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilise the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth. These reforms have put Nigeria in a better position to navigate the external environment.

 

 

“The macroeconomic outlook is marked by significant uncertainty. Elevated global risk sentiment and lower oil prices impact the Nigerian economy.

 

 

“Macroeconomic policies need to further strengthen buffers and resilience, reduce inflation, and support private sector-led growth.”

 

 

Schimmelpfennig in the statement had noted that the cessation of deficit financing by the CBN, the removal of costly fuel subsidies, and improvements in the foreign exchange market were major policy shifts that signaled a commitment to reform.

 

 

He stated: “The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilise the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth. The financing of the fiscal deficit by the central bank has ceased, costly fuel subsidies were removed, and the functioning of the foreign exchange market has improved.”

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Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

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Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

 

Pretoria – May 5, 2025

 

In a vibrant and heartwarming celebration held at the University of Pretoria on Monday, May 5, 2025, Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia proudly graduated with an Honours degree in Public Administration and Management.

 

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

 

Dressed in academic regalia and beaming with pride, Hlavutelo walked across the graduation stage to thunderous applause from her family, friends, and fellow graduates. The event was a joyful culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

 

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

 

Her parents, visibly emotional and proud, described the moment as one of the happiest of their lives. “We are overwhelmed with joy,” said her mother. “Watching our daughter achieve this milestone is a dream come true.”

 

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

 

The colourful ceremony, filled with music, traditional attire, and jubilant celebrations, marked a significant chapter in Hlavutelo’s academic journey. She expressed gratitude to her family, lecturers, and peers for their unwavering support, adding that she hopes to use her qualification to serve her community and contribute to ethical governance in South Africa.

 

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

 

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia’s achievement stands as an inspiration to many young South Africans, reminding them that with determination and support, anything is possible.

Baloyi Hlavutelo Locreetia Shines Bright with Honours Degree from University of Pretoria

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