society

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

Published

1 year ago

May 9, 2025

Sahara Weekly

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

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

Published

3 days ago

June 2, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

A property dispute within the Omotayo-Ojo family has taken a dramatic turn following a controversial demolition exercise at a residential building in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State, which reportedly left tenants displaced and led to the detention of some police officers allegedly involved in the operation.

The property, located at 23B Loveall Street, Ikosi-Ketu, has been the subject of a prolonged ownership tussle since the death of its owner, Chief Oludola Omotayo Ojo, the Babaalaje of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, in 2019.
Residents said tension erupted when a group of individuals, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the premises and commenced demolition activities.

According to eyewitnesses, portions of the building were pulled down while tenants rushed to salvage their belongings from affected apartments.

The residents alleged that windows, doors and roofing sheets were damaged during the exercise, exposing parts of the building to the elements and causing significant losses to occupants.

At the centre of the dispute is Mrs Mojisola Omotayo Ojo Alolagbe, who claimed that the property was allocated to her by her late father during his lifetime as a source of financial support.

She alleged that some family members had persistently challenged her ownership claim despite ongoing legal proceedings relating to the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Alolagbe further claimed that the latest incident was part of a series of attempts to wrest control of the property, citing previous cases of alleged vandalism and partial demolition in November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.

The situation escalated further when reports emerged that police officers allegedly involved in the demolition were later apprehended and conveyed in a Black Maria vehicle over questions surrounding the legality of their participation in the operation.

Sources familiar with the matter said those behind the demolition had initially claimed to be acting on approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands. However, the authenticity and extent of such approval could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

The development has generated concern among residents and community members, who questioned the involvement of security personnel in what they described as a civil matter.

Some tenants, who said they had recently renewed their tenancy agreements, lamented the destruction of their property and appealed to the authorities for protection and possible compensation.

They also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, insisting that the rights of all parties involved should be protected.
Stakeholders have urged the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the judiciary to intervene and ensure that the dispute is resolved through lawful means to prevent further escalation.

The controversy has continued to draw public attention, raising concerns over property rights, estate administration and the role of law enforcement agencies in civil disputes.

society

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

Published

5 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

society

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Published

6 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.