society
The Glory in Failure: Why Every Defeat Is a Lesson Disguised as Pain
The Glory in Failure: Why Every Defeat Is a Lesson Disguised as Pain.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“Celebrating setbacks, learning through pain and turning losses into the raw material of greatness.”
The Power of Falling Forward.
Failure; the WORD that frightens millions, breaks dreams and often silences ambition. Yet, to those who truly understand life, failure is not the OPPOSITE of success; it is the FOUNDATION of it. Every stumble, every rejection, every disappointment carries within it the seed of wisdom. “I have not failed,” said Thomas Edison after a thousand unsuccessful attempts to invent the light bulb, “I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
In celebrating my failures as I do my successes, I choose not to drown in self-pity or frustration but to rise with understanding. For in every fall lies a reason and in every reason, a lesson waiting to be learned. Life’s defining difference is not between success and failure, but between those who give up and those who use failure as fuel for the next leap.
Understanding the Nature of Failure.
Failure is not a curse; it is an inevitable companion on the journey of excellence. Psychologists at Stanford University describe failure as a “NEUROLOGICAL FEEDBACK SYSTEM,” an event that triggers learning and adaptation within the human brain. The discomfort we feel after failing is not punishment; it is a call to SELF-CORRECTION. Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, argues that people with a “GROWTH MINDSET” view failure as information, not defeat. “EFFORT,” she wrote, “is what ignites ability and turns it into accomplishment.”
In my journey, I have learned to observe failure with gratitude. Not every path chosen in confidence leads to the right destination. Sometimes, what you thought was the best choice reveals its folly only when the results come. Although that is the beauty of the process, we are not designed to be flawless; we are designed to evolve.
The Courage to Celebrate Downfalls.
It takes courage to celebrate failure. Society glorifies success stories though hides the broken pieces that shaped them. We see the triumphs of great men and women but rarely the TEARS, DOUBTS and DETOURS behind their RISE. Nelson Mandela in his words, “Do not judge me by my success; judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
When we celebrate failure, we do not glorify LOSS; we glorify LEARNING. We acknowledge the human condition; the fragile, uncertain, yet resilient nature of existence. Every time you choose to celebrate your fall, you rob fear of its power over your destiny. You begin to see the symmetry of life: the ups and downs are not enemies; they are alternating rhythms in the song of purpose.
Lessons Hidden in Defeat. Some of the world’s most remarkable achievements were born out of failure.
Walt Disney was fired for “LACKING IMAGINATION.”
Albert Einstein did not speak fluently until age nine and was “EXPELLED FROM SCHOOL.”
Oprah Winfrey was once told she was “UNFIT FOR TELEVISION.”
Steve Jobs was fired from the very company he founded before returning “TO BUILD APPLE INTO A GLOBAL EMPIRE.”
What unites these individuals is not luck, but resilience; the ability to reinterpret failure as redirection. “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm,” said Winston Churchill. That enthusiasm (that refusal to surrender to defeat) defines those who ultimately change the world.
Failure as a Mirror.
Failure reveals character. It strips away illusions and forces self-honesty. It makes you ask: Who am I when nothing works? Who am I when applause turns to silence?
In those quiet moments of doubt, the real growth happens.
Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” This is not a call to endure pain passively but to extract power from it. When we confront our failures, we refine our judgment, clarify our goals and strengthen our spirit. We stop living to impress others and start living to fulfill purpose.
It is in failure that humility is born and humility is the seed of wisdom. Every wise man is a product of mistakes properly examined.
The Science of Gratitude in Failure.
Gratitude, psychologists say, changes the brain’s chemistry. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology revealed that gratitude activates the medial prefrontal cortex and the region associated with DECISION-MAKING and EMOTIONAL BALANCE. In essence, when we choose to be grateful even in failure, we are not denying pain; we are rewiring the brain to see beyond it.
In my own philosophy, GRATITUDE IS NOT OPTIONAL; IT IS ESSENTIAL. When I look back at my failures, I do not see wasted years. I see preparation; chapters that shaped endurance, insight and discernment. Gratitude turns regret into reflection and reflection turns experience into wisdom.
The Thin Line Between Success and Failure.
Life has a strange balance, the difference between success and failure often lies in time and perspective. The “DOWN” moments are not permanent; they are pauses that prepare you for your “UP” moments. The wheel of life turns for everyone and the wise learn to stay calm in both ascent and descent.
Lao Tzu, the Chinese philosopher wrote: “Failure is the foundation of success and the means by which it is achieved.” Success and failure are twins not opposites. The same HUMILITY that sustains you in failure must guide you in success. When you understand this, you stop fearing life’s unpredictability and start embracing its rhythm.
Humanity Thrives on Those Who Learn.
The progress of humanity is built on the courage of those who dared to fail. The Wright Brothers failed multiple times before achieving FLIGHT. Marie Curie faced skepticism and poverty before pioneering RADIOACTIVITY. Nelson Mandela endured 27 years in prison before becoming a symbol of RECONCILIATION.
These are not stories of perfection; they are testimonies of perseverance. Humanity thrives when we see failure not as a verdict but as a voice whispering, “TRY AGAIN, BUT WISER.”
In my failure, I find HUMANITY the collective struggle of all who dared to dream and fell short then rose again. In my success, I find RESPONSIBILITY the duty to remind others that failure is not fatal and victory is never final.
Final Reflections: Gratitude as the Greatest Victory.
In the end, life is not a straight line but a dance between LOSS and GAIN. To celebrate failure is to declare independence from FEAR. It is to say, “I am not my mistakes; I am the lessons they taught me.”
When gratitude becomes your default language, every setback becomes sacred. You begin to see that the journey itself (not the trophy) is the true reward. Gratitude transforms pain into perspective, failure into formation and disappointment into divine preparation.
As the great author C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Failures, repeated failures are finger posts on the road to achievement. One fails forward toward success.” Those who grasp this truth rise above the temporary shame of defeat and embrace the eternal wisdom of growth.
So, I celebrate my failures as I do my successes. In every fall, I bow in gratitude. In every rise, I give thanks. For in failure, I have found clarity and in success, I have found responsibility.
To live with this understanding is to conquer life itself; for gratitude is not merely the posture of the heart; it is the CROWN of WISDOM.
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
society
Stop Means Stop”: Legal Experts Warn Ignoring ‘Stop’ During Intimate Acts Can Be Criminally Punishable
“Stop Means Stop”: Legal Experts Warn Ignoring ‘Stop’ During Intimate Acts Can Be Criminally Punishable
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Grounded in international law and consent principles, legal authorities stress that continuing sexual activity after a partner withdraws consent may constitute sexual assault and lead to imprisonment.”
A growing body of legal interpretation and expert opinion reaffirm that consent in intimate encounters is not a one-off event but an ongoing requirement; withdrawn at any time by either participant. Legal practitioners and rights advocates are increasingly warning that if one partner clearly says “stop” during sexual activity and the other continues, this conduct can constitute a criminal offence with significant penalties, including imprisonment.
Consent must be “a voluntary agreement to engage in the sexual activity in question,” and crucially can be revoked at any stage. Once a partner expresses withdrawal of consent (by words like “stop” or by unmistakable conduct) the other party is legally obligated to cease all activity immediately. Failure to respect this is widely recognised in multiple legal jurisdictions as sexual assault or rape.
Professor Deborah Rhode, a prominent authority on legal ethics, has stated: “Respect for autonomy and bodily integrity lies at the core of consent law. Ignoring a partner’s withdrawal of consent undermines basic personal freedoms and is treated as a serious offence in criminal law.”
According to experts, this legal principle is not limited to strangers but applies equally to long-term partners and spouses. The Criminal Code in many countries explicitly rejects implied or blanket consent based on relationship status.
Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney has similarly emphasised that clear communication and mutual agreement are essential, and that “once consent is withdrawn, any continued sexual activity crosses the line into criminal conduct.”
This means that in places where consent law is well-established, ignoring an explicit “stop” can lead to charges of sexual assault, with courts interpreting such conduct as a violation of an individual’s autonomy and dignity.
The issue has gained media and legal attention in recent years across numerous jurisdictions (including Canada, parts of Europe, and reform discussions in U.S. states) as courts and legislatures clarify that sexual consent is continuous and revocable at any time. Although no globally consolidated database exists of individual cases tied specifically to a news report on this warning, reputable legal frameworks consistently reinforce that continuing after “stop” is unlawful.
The subject engages legal scholars, criminal law practitioners, human rights experts, and statutory bodies advocating sexual violence prevention. Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors may pursue charges when clear evidence shows that consent was withdrawn and ignored.
In practice, consent frameworks require that the person initiating or continuing sexual activity take reasonable steps to ensure ongoing affirmation of willingness. Silence, passive behaviour, or failure to stop when asked cannot substitute for ongoing consent.
In summary, the legal maxim is clear: verbal or unambiguous withdrawal of consent must be respected. Ignoring it shifts the encounter from consensual to criminal, potentially resulting in serious legal consequences including imprisonment.
Lagos Family Property Dispute Turns Violent After Death of Chief Omotayo Ojo
By Ifeoma Ikem
A festering family dispute over property has escalated into a series of violent attacks in Lagos, leaving residents of a contested apartment in fear for their safety.
Mrs. Omotayo-Ojo-Alolagbe (Nee Omotayo-Ojo) the third child and first daughter of the late Omotayo Ojo, has alleged repeated assaults and destruction of property by her siblings from her father’s other marriages.
According to her account, hostility against her began while her father was still alive, allegedly fueled by the affection and support he showed her. She claimed that tensions worsened after his death in 2019.
Mrs. Alolagbe stated that her late father had given her a particular apartment during his lifetime, assuring her she would not suffer hardship, especially after her husband left the marriage. She said the property became her primary source of livelihood and shelter.
However, she alleged that her siblings had sold off several other family properties and were determined to dispossess her of the apartment allocated to her by their father.
The dispute reportedly turned violent on Nov. 15, 2025, when unknown persons allegedly attacked the building. She said the incident prompted her to petition the Chief Judge of Lagos State and the Commissioner of Police.
Despite the pending legal proceedings, she alleged that another attack occurred on Jan. 21, 2026. During that incident, parts of the building were vandalised, including the walkway and the main gate, which was reportedly removed.
A third attack was said to have taken place on Feb.18, 2026, during which the roof, gates, and sections of the walkway were allegedly dismantled. Residents were reportedly assaulted, and some were allegedly forced to part with money under duress.
Tenants in the apartment complex are said to be living in fear amid the repeated invasions, expressing concern over their safety and uncertainty about further violence.
Mrs. Alolagbe alleged that the attacks were led by a man identified as Mr. Alliu, popularly known as aka “Champion,” whom she described as a political thug. She claimed he arrived with a group of about 50 men, allegedly brandishing weapons and breaking bottles to intimidate residents.
She further alleged that the group boasted of connections with senior police officers, politicians in Lagos State, and even the presidency, claiming they were untouchable.
According to her, some arrests were initially made following the incidents, but the suspects were later released. She expressed concern that the alleged perpetrators continue to threaten her, making it difficult for her to move freely.
She also disclosed that during a meeting on Feb. 23, 2026, an Area Commander reportedly told her that little could be done because the matter was already before a court of law.
The development has raised concerns about the enforcement of law and order in civil disputes that degenerate into violence, particularly when court cases are pending.
As tensions persist, residents and observers are calling on relevant authorities to ensure the safety of lives and properties ,while allowing the courts to determine ownership and bring lasting resolution to the dispute.
Adron Homes Introduces Special Ramadan Offer with Discounts and Gift Rewards
As the holy month of Ramadan inspires reflection, sacrifice, and generosity, Adron Homes and Properties Limited has unveiled its special Ramadan Promo, encouraging families, investors, and aspiring homeowners to move beyond seasonal gestures and embrace property ownership as a lasting investment in their future.
The company stated that the Ramadan campaign, running from January 20th to April 6th, 2026, is designed to help Nigerians build long-term value and stability through accessible real estate opportunities. The initiative offers generous discounts, flexible payment structures, and meaningful Ramadan-themed gifts across its estates and housing projects nationwide.
Under the promo structure, clients enjoy a 30% discount on land purchases alongside a convenient 36-month flexible payment plan, making ownership more affordable and stress-free.
In the spirit of the season, the company has also attached thoughtful rewards to qualifying payments. Clients who pay ₦200,000 receive a Provision Hamper to support their household during the fasting period, while those who pay ₦400,000 receive an Automated Prayer Mat to enhance their spiritual experience throughout Ramadan.
According to the company, the Ramadan Promo reflects its commitment to aligning lifestyle, faith, and financial growth, enabling Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to secure appreciating assets while observing a season centered on discipline and forward planning.
Reiterating its dedication to secure land titles, prime locations, and affordable pricing, Adron Homes urged prospective buyers to take advantage of the limited-time Ramadan campaign to build a future grounded in stability, prosperity, and generational wealth.
This promo covers estates located in Lagos, Shimawa, Sagamu, Atan–Ota, Papalanto, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osun, Ekiti, Abuja, Nasarawa, and Niger states.
As Ramadan calls for purposeful living and wise decisions, Adron Homes is redefining the season, transforming reflection into investment and faith into a lasting legacy.
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