society
The Last Quarter: Reflections on Life’s Journey Through the Seasons
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.
society
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.
At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.
Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.
The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.
During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.
Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.
Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.
society
Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.
“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.
The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.
The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.
According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.
The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.
It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.
The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.
The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.
The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.
“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.
Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London
Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.
The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.
He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.
“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.
“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.
“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.
“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.
“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”
The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.
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