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
Baba Kuboye, Fela Kuti’s Nephew, Gains Global Spotlight as Grammys 2026 Beckon
Baba Kuboye, a Grammy Award nominated Afrobeat artist and nephew of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti is fast cementing his place as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary African music, with growing global attention ahead of the 2026 Grammy Awards.
The Lagos-born musician earned a Grammy nomination through his contribution to the Contemporary Blues Album by Antonio Vergara, a milestone that underscores his rising influence beyond Afrobeat into global music spaces. Son of respected Afro-Jazz musicians Fran and Tunde Kuboye, Baba’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in a rich family legacy that blends music, activism and cultural consciousness.
Raised in a vibrant musical household in Lagos, Baba Kuboye grew up surrounded by live performances at his parents’ famed jazz hub, Jazz 38, where he began performing at an early age. His close relationship with his uncle, Fela Kuti, profoundly shaped his sound and philosophy, inspiring a commitment to socially conscious music that speaks truth to power.
In 2023, Baba Kuboye reached a major career milestone when he showcased his EP, From Ikoyi With Horns, at the globally acclaimed SXSW Festival in the United States, performing alongside his 13-piece band. One of the standout tracks from the project, Ikoyi Boy, won Best Afrobeat Song at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards, further solidifying his international appeal.
Known for his innovative fusion of traditional Afrobeat rhythms with contemporary sounds, Baba Kuboye’s music addresses pressing social issues including racism, mental health, and inequality, echoing the protest-driven roots of Afrobeat while speaking to modern realities.
Beyond the stage, Baba Kuboye continues to shape the industry as the founder of Down 4 Whateva Entertainment, recognized as the first minority-owned independent Afrobeat label in the United States. Through this platform, he is championing cultural authenticity and creating opportunities for emerging African talents.
His work has received international exposure on platforms such as BET and MTV, alongside honours including the Stardust Award from North Texas Performing Arts.
As anticipation builds toward the Grammy 2026 season, Baba Kuboye stands as a powerful symbol of Afrobeat’s global evolution, rooted in heritage, driven by purpose and resonating across continents.
Fans can stream Afroverse: The Album by Baba Kuboye on all major digital music platforms and follow him on social media:
Instagram: @Babakuboye
X (Twitter): @Babakuboye
TikTok: @Babakuboye
Nigeria will be at peace when youths are gainfully employed
By Ifeoma Ikem
A philanthropist, Mr Calistus Chukwuedozie says Nigeria will be at peace when its youths are gainfully employed and in turn solve the problem of insecurity across the nation.
Chukwuedozie, a past President of the Rotary Club, Victoria, Lagos made the assertion at the memorial thanksgiving in honour of his late father, Pa Anthony Onuchukwu Chukwuedozie at Catholic Church of Transfiguration, VGC, Lagos,.
He said he observed first-hand how employment can help curb insecurity when he travelled to his home town Ihiala, Anambra state for his father’s burial.
He credited Onyema’s employment initiatives in Mbosi, Ihiala, where at least one person per household reportedly benefits from job opportunities within Air Peace as a major factor fostering calm, unity and economic stability in the area.
“I was at home for almost one month during my father’s burial ceremony and noticed that there was no report of kidnapping, robbery and criminal activities in my community.
“When I made enquiry, I was told that the Chairman of Air piece, Allen Onyema, gave over 250 youths of the community employments and promised them more jobs.
“With what he did for the community, he was able to solve the problem of insecurity and the youths listened to him when he advised them to shun crime.
“ I for one have more than 100 people under my employment.
“Families forced their bad children to give up crime and renounce it and many of them have turned new leaves.’’
He reiterated that if well to do people in each community in the South East or Nigeria at large should replicate what Allen Onyema did, every youth will be gainfully employed and nobody will be a willing tool in the hands of criminals.
`The government on their own should liaise with Banks to give soft loans to many people who want to start small scale businesses.
`Many of our youths have learnt one trade or the other, but have no money to set up their businesses.
If they can get access to soft loans for their businesses, the nation will be a greater and peaceful place do businesses.’’
Chukwuedozie, the CEO of MICCALLY AUTOS, who also spoke about the enduring values his father stood for said the man’s life journey was defined by principle, discipline and service to humanity.
He described his father as a man deeply rooted in integrity, adding that his father’s remarkable life as a soldier, teacher and farmer reflected both strength and nurture.
Beyond his career paths, Pa Chukwuedozie’s greatest legacy, according to his son, was his unwavering commitment to raising all seven of his children into accomplished academic and business professionals.
“In my ancestral home, Ihiala, my father was widely revered as a community leader whose counsel and character commanded respect.’’
He commended the Inspector General of Police for his efforts in ensuring stability and safety of all citizens.
“The peace I experienced during my stay at home was a direct result of sustained communal engagement and youth empowerment.
“I also advocate for broader government inclusion in education and skills acquisition programs for the youths as productive engagement remains one of the most effective tools against insecurity and social vices.’’
The memorial event drew tributes from notable guests, including Chief Edwin Eze Ogidigha of Oraifite, Chairman of Yamaha Sub-Saharan Africa who described Pa Chukwuedozie as a man whose influence extended far beyond his immediate family.
He praised the late patriarch for positively shaping generations through his character, discipline and wisdom.
He said that the remarkable achievements and values seen in his children stand as living proof of a life well lived.
A guest Onwa of idemili, Nnamdi Ifebi who spoke in the same vein on security said that the steps that the governor of Anambra State has taken to address the issue of security have also yielded positive results.
“What miscreants were doing before now, thinking that they were untouchable is now a thing of past. I commend the governor and security agencies for their good job.”
As prayers were offered and stories shared, the memorial thanksgiving became more than a remembrance.
It evolved into a celebration of legacy, community impact and the quiet power of a man who lived with honour.
In every tribute echoed a singular truth that Pa Chukwuedozie may have departed this world, but the principles he lived by will continue to walk boldly through the lives he touched.
society
Stakeholders Seek Urgent Reforms to Tackle Youth Unemployment at disrupTED EduKate Africa Summit
Stakeholders Seek Urgent Reforms to Tackle Youth Unemployment at disrupTED EduKate Africa Summit
By Ifeoma Ikem
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector have called for urgent and scalable solutions to address the rising rate of youth unemployment, stressing the need for strengthened technical education and increased collaboration with the private sector to bridge existing skills gaps.
The call was made at the disrupTED EduKate Africa Summit 2026, a one-day leadership forum held at the University of Lagos, where participants examined the growing disconnect between education outcomes and labour market demands.
The summit brought together education leaders, private sector operators and development advocates to promote adaptive learning, practical skills acquisition and innovative financing models for Africa’s education sector.
Experts at the summit strongly advocated increased investment in technical and vocational education, noting that training programmes must reflect current industry realities and evolving labour market needs.
Speakers emphasised that Nigeria’s education system, particularly at the tertiary level, must urgently shift from certificate-driven learning to skills-based and experiential education aligned with global best practices.
Among the speakers were Deby Okoh, Regional Manager at Brunel University of London; Ashley Immanuel, Chief Operating Officer of Semicolon; Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation; and education advocate, Adetomi Soyinka.
The speakers highlighted the importance of continuous learning, teacher retraining and comprehensive curriculum reform to meet the demands of an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
They stressed that apprenticeship programmes, internships and hands-on training should be fully integrated into academic curricula, noting that over-reliance on theoretical qualifications has widened the employability gap among graduates.
In his remarks, Mr Tosin Adebisi, Director of EduKate Africa and convener of the summit, said the event was designed to challenge what he described as the education sector’s rigid attachment to outdated methods.
Adebisi said innovation must remain central to education reform, adding that stakeholders must rethink teaching methods, learning processes and approaches to solving challenges such as access to education, financing and employability.
He expressed confidence that sustainable solutions could be achieved through strong collaboration across education, private sector and development institutions.
Adebisi, alongside co-Director Mr Francis Omorojie, said the summit aimed at connecting stakeholders working across sectors to close existing skills and opportunity gaps for young people.
The summit also urged parents and educators to promote lifelong learning, critical thinking and adaptability among young people, stressing that education systems must evolve in line with global economic trends.
No fewer than 200 students from the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Ojo, and other institutions participated in the summit, which was initially expected to host the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.
In a welcome address, Prof. Olufemi Oloyede of the University of Lagos emphasised the need to shape young minds through innovation and positive thinking, noting that Africa’s development depends on the strategic use of its human and natural resources, as well as a shift towards creativity and innovation among youths.
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