Connect with us

society

Upgrade, modernisation of Oja-Oba market is The right step in right direction – Oba Balogun

Published

on

MOUN Lagos State Council rejoice with His Excellency Mr.Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu

By Ifeoma Ikem

The decision by the leadership and the entire people of Isheri-Olofin land in Egbe Idimu Local Council Development Area of Alimosho LGA, Lagos State to upgrade and modernise the Oja Oba market is a developmental step in the right direction that will sooner or later delight all stakeholders, even the critics of the progressive agenda and indeed, all his subjects.

His Royal Highness, Oba Wahab Balogun, chatting with our reporter, said this following the recent protest staged by the association of plank dealers of the market claim that they were ejected by the developers who followed a lawful process and issued an ultimatum which expired since August.

Oba Wahab, pointed out that the commiunity planned to modernise the market since 2016 before it become a reality when a developer approached the local and relevant authorities who gave them authorisation and the governmental cum legal nod to embark on the modern market project which will end the environmental pollution from wood dusts.

Condemning the protest, he stressed that he was shocked to find out that the traders who evacuated their wares or property peaceful after exhausting the days offered to them as ultimatum went ahead to stage protest and create unnecessary attention to misinform the public.

“This land the traders occupied is unlawful and it has been constituting nuisance by emitting quantum dust as pollution to embarrass the royal palace and its environs, making the area an eyesore.

“It is supposed to be a beautiful serene, the traders should be happy that the royal family and community have taken appropriate steps to develop the market for the good of all’’.

He calls for understanding and calm in the land, assuring that law abiding plank dealers have gotten another place provided for their business by the Isheri Olofin community.

“I am surprised the plank dealers raised an alarm over what followed due process.

“If I may ask, `why would they try to tarnish my image, for years this traders occupied this place without paying royalty to any legitimate community or government, why must they decide to stage a misleading protest, even when they know they were merely usurping the land ?

“Why should they shed crocodile tears after years of illicit occupation and exploitation of the local family and community?

“Why should they make efforts to truncate the development strides of the Isheri Olofin people?

He, however, urged the public to disregard the actions of the traders and their cohort which were targeted at sabotaging the process of actualising the age long development agenda of the great people of Isheri Olofin land, who are yearning for more modern structures and infrastructure in the community.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

society

When You Accept, You Win: The Untold Secret to Inner Peace

Published

on

When You Accept, You Win: The Untold Secret to Inner Peace. By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

When You Accept, You Win: The Untold Secret to Inner Peace.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

“Life is not about being better than someone else; it is about being better than you used to be.” ~ Wayne Dyer

Life is not a straight road; it twists and turns, stumbles and rises and often punches us in the gut when we least expect it. No one, not even the most privileged or the most pious, is promised constant happiness. In fact, to assume that life will always go your way is a dangerous illusion. The truth is that life can never guarantee happiness, but it does offer us the power to endure, grow and most importantly ACCEPT.

This acceptance is not weakness; it is power. It is the key to peace of mind in an unpredictable world. When we understand that there are things beyond our control (other people’s success, the circumstances of our birth, time, death, betrayal, loss, missed opportunities) and we choose to stop wrestling them, we begin to live freely. Acceptance does not mean surrender; it means clarity. It is the admission that some battles are not worth your mental health, your joy, or your future.

 

The Myth of Constant Happiness. We live in an age where social media sells the illusion that everyone else is doing better than us; smiling on yachts, attending million-dollar weddings, buying new homes, posing with luxury cars, launching billion-dollar start-ups. The pressure to “KEEP UP” can make people lose their sense of reality. Now here’s the truth: no one is happy all the time and nobody’s life is as perfect as it looks online.

According to a 2023 global study by Ipsos, over 45% of people worldwide reported feeling stress and anxiety daily, despite apparent success or wealth. The World Health Organization also confirmed that depression remains the leading cause of disability globally. What does this tell us? THAT HAPPINESS is not GUARANTEED by SUCCESS, MONEY or even LOVE. It is FOUND in MINDSET.

Acceptance is Freedom. When you accept that not everything will go your way, you eliminate unnecessary suffering. You accept that you are ahead of alot of people, but others are far ahead of you and that’s okay. Life isn’t a race; it’s a personal journey. Just like the MOON and the SUN, we all SHINE at different TIMES.

In the words of American author Mark Manson: “The desire for more positive experience is itself a negative experience. And, paradoxically, the acceptance of one’s negative experience is itself a positive experience.”

Acceptance allows you to breathe, think clearly and reset your focus on what you can control. It helps you detach from toxic comparison and walk your unique path with confidence.

COMPARISON is a THIEF. One of the worst habits modern society encourages is the constant COMPARISON of lives, COMPARISON kills JOY. It leads to DEPRESSION, ENVY, RESENTMENT and HOPELESSNESS.
Harvard University’s 75-Year Study on Adult Development (which remains one of the longest-running studies in the world) concluded that people who focused on personal growth and meaningful relationships were far more fulfilled than those who chased social status and compared their lives to others. In simpler terms, you will never be at peace if you constantly measure yourself against someone else.

Control What You Can. Accept What You Can’t.
You didn’t choose your birthplace, the color of your skin, your parents or your early financial background. Some people are born into WEALTH, others into WAR. Some get an early start in life, others crawl into progress through PAIN and FIRE. It is what it is, but here’s what you do control: your MINDSET, your DISCIPLINE, your REACTION, your WORK-ETHIC and your BELIEF-IN-YOURSELF. That is enough.

Billionaire entrepreneur Jack Ma, once rejected by 30 jobs and told he was “NOT GOOD ENOUGH,” said: “You should learn to smile when you fail, knowing that every setback is temporary. What you cannot change, you must learn to rise above.”

Real Growth Begins at ACCEPTANCE. Let us not confuse “ACCEPTANCE” with “RESIGNATION.” Acceptance is understanding the terrain; resilience is deciding to walk the terrain anyway. Once you accept that life isn’t fair, you become stronger. You stop waiting for a perfect opportunity and start building your own. You stop blaming others and start creating solutions.Every mature mind eventually comes to this realization: you are not entitled to an easy life. Life owes you nothing (not success, not justice, not love), but you owe yourself peace, sanity and purpose.

Balance Ambition with Grace. Being ambitious is great, it moves the world forward. Ambition without acceptance becomes poison. It turns into greed, restlessness and desperation. The healthiest ambition is the one balanced with the grace to accept when the timing IS NOT right or when life throws you curveballs.

Michelle Obama, in her memoir Becoming, stated: “Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.”

Own your story. Whether you are behind, ahead or stuck in the middle, it is still your journey. You can not photocopy another person’s destiny.

You are Not Late, You are on Your Path. It is said that Colonel Sanders founded KFC at the age of 65 and Morgan Freeman got his breakout role at 52. Meanwhile, Mark Zuckerberg became a billionaire at 23. Different seasons, different timeliness, same potential for impact. Stop panicking. Life is not a ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL program. What matters is what you do with what you have, where you are. That is the path to real fulfillment.

Inner Peace is the Real Flex. What is more powerful than owning cars or properties? Inner peace. The ability to sleep at night without anxiety, bitterness or fear. The ability to laugh freely, love purely and live fully. Peace of mind is the luxury too many rich people DO NOT have.

In the words of spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle: “Accept — then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it.”

This mindset changes everything. It creates emotional intelligence, mental stability and spiritual strength. You become less reactive, more intentional and more grateful.

The Bottom Line: Acceptance Is the Beginning of Power. This is not a call to give up. This is a call to wake up. To see life as it truly is; flawed, unpredictable, yet full of potential. To stop trying to control the wind and instead adjust your sails. To stop chasing shadows and start embracing the light within you. Let go of the illusion of constant happiness. Life will bruise you, humble you, test you. It will also shape you, teach you and (if you let it) transform you. The moment you accept that you are ahead of some and behind others, that life is both suffering and beauty, you find peace; and from peace, you find power.

“Happiness can exist only in acceptance.” ~ George Orwell

When You Accept, You Win: The Untold Secret to Inner Peace.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

Continue Reading

society

Dr Habeeb Olalekan Okunola Crowned Lagos State Man of the Year 2025

Published

on

Dr Habeeb Olalekan Okunola Crowned Lagos State Man of the Year 2025

 

In a highly anticipated and significant announcement, Chief (Dr.) Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, MON, OFR, the President of CINI Holdings, has been officially recognized as the 2025 Lagos State Man of the Year. This prestigious honor, awarded by the organizers of the Lagos State Man of the Year Award (LASMAYA), emerged from a comprehensive polling process that highlighted Dr. Okunola’s strong rapport and unwavering support from the community, culminating in an impressive tally of 6,926 votes from a total of 16,940 valid votes cast.

The organizers attributed Dr. Okunola’s nomination to his remarkable passion for entrepreneurship, which has been consistently demonstrated through his various ventures and initiatives. As the head of CINI Holdings, he has played a pivotal role in forging partnerships with both local and international conglomerates, driving innovative solutions across multiple sectors, including real estate, construction, energy, and procurement. His entrepreneurial acumen and strategic foresight have not only propelled his company to new heights but have also contributed significantly to the broader economic landscape.

Beyond his business accomplishments, Dr. Okunola is widely respected as a philanthropist and visionary leader. He is the founder of the Habeeb Okunola Foundation, an organization dedicated to uplifting disadvantaged communities throughout Lagos. Through the foundation, he has spearheaded a multitude of initiatives aimed at improving education, business healthcare, and economic opportunities for those in need. His steadfast commitment to humanitarian efforts and community development has solidified his reputation as a beacon of hope and inspiration within Nigeria’s bustling metropolis, often referred to as the “Centre of Excellence.”

This year marked the Thirteenth Edition of the Lagos State Man of the Year Award (LASMAYA), an initiative designed specifically to celebrate and honor extraordinary individuals whose contributions have left a lasting impact across various sectors within Lagos State. Dr. Okunola’s exceptional achievements were lauded not only for their quality but also for their transformative effects on both the local economy and the social fabric of the community. His leadership has been instrumental in nurturing entrepreneurial initiatives and promoting innovation, both of which are critical for the sustainable development of the state.

LASMAYA is organized by the Centre for Policy Development and Political Studies, a division of Hany Communications Ltd., with the mission of identifying, celebrating, and honoring exemplary role models who embody excellence and integrity within the Lagos State community. The recognition of Dr. Okunola this year serves as a testament to his relentless dedication to societal advancement and his influential role as a transformative leader in various spheres.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Okunola expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters, emphasizing that this accolade transcends personal achievement and represents a collective victory for everyone who shares his vision of a prosperous Lagos.

“This recognition is a tremendous surprise to me, as I have always worked quietly to impact lives positively. I embrace this honor wholeheartedly, acknowledging the significant role I have played over the years in Lagos, Nigeria, and beyond. This accolade invigorates my commitment to do even more, inspiring collaboration with others, as innovation is key in creating wealth, uplifting lives, and providing effective solutions to pressing issues. I extend my sincere thanks to my supporters, partners, well-wishers, and the thousands who voted for me.”

He further reaffirmed his dedication to fostering innovation, advocating for sustainable growth, and promoting inclusive development, while calling upon all stakeholders to continue celebrating excellence in every area as Lagos moves confidently toward a brighter future. Dr. Okunola urged everyone to uphold the principles of service, excellence, and community engagement, which he believes are essential for propelling Lagos toward continued success and progress.

Continue Reading

society

Yoruba Forum Commends Shettima for Unalloyed Loyalty to Tinubu

Published

on

Yoruba Forum Commends Shettima for Unalloyed Loyalty to Tinubu ...Says President Made Right Choice for VP in 2023

Yoruba Forum Commends Shettima for Unalloyed Loyalty to Tinubu

…Says President Made Right Choice for VP in 2023

 

The Yoruba Youth Progressive Forum (YYPF) has praised Vice President Kashim Shettima for his “unalloyed loyalty” to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that his selection in 2023 was a pivotal decision for Nigeria’s progress.

Addressing a gathering of youths, stakeholders, and media at a press conference in Lagos, the YYPF celebrated Shettima’s steadfast commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing him as a “pillar of humility, steadfast loyalty, and composure” in the face of relentless opposition-driven rumours aimed at destabilising the administration.

Yoruba Forum Commends Shettima for Unalloyed Loyalty to Tinubu
...Says President Made Right Choice for VP in 2023

The Forum emphasised Shettima’s loyalty predating his vice presidency, recalling his support for Tinubu during the 2023 primaries when he boldly championed a Southern presidential candidate, a stance requiring “the highest moral courage and strong commitment to equity and justice.”

“Even long before 2023, when others hesitated and doubted, he stood boldly behind the candidature of Ahmed Tinubu, believing in his capacity and defending his credibility with political bravery,” the YYPF stated.

This decision, they argued, showcased Shettima’s dedication to national interest over regional sentiments, setting a precedent for unity and cooperation.

The YYPF condemned what they described as “unfounded rumours, speculative assertions, and politically engineered fallacies” propagated by opposition elements to sow discord between Tinubu and Shettima.

“We denounce the cheap attempts by some political desperadoes to stir discontent between the presidency and the vice presidency,” the Forum declared, labelling such efforts “unpatriotic” and doomed to failure.

They praised Shettima’s silence amid these provocations as a mark of wisdom and discipline, noting, “A silence that’s not weakness, but wisdom. A composure that’s not detachment, but discipline.”

Highlighting Shettima’s contributions, the YYPF underscored his role as an indispensable ally to Tinubu, from policy formulation to political coordination within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Reports from within the APC and across the National Executive Council continue to validate his place as a key strategist, a voice of reason, and a loyal steward of the Tinubu mandate,” they said.

The Forum pointed to Shettima’s diplomatic engagements on security issues, his speeches at public events, and his posture during cabinet meetings as evidence of his maturity, strategic insight, and clear understanding of his duties as Vice President.

The YYPF also celebrated Shettima’s commitment to inclusivity, noting that despite being a Northerner, he has consistently upheld the ideals of “governance of inclusivity” central to Tinubu’s administration.

“He has proven that politics can be principled, and that one can rise through the ranks not by betrayal, but by consistency and strategic alignment,” the Forum stated.

They, however, dismissed attempts to paint Shettima in divisive colours, asserting that his embrace of unity and cooperation has made him a symbol of national integration.

Issuing a stern warning to detractors, the YYPF declared, “Those who are determined to distort the image of the Vice President with malicious narratives are enemies of national progress.

“They must desist or risk being publicly exposed for their treacherous schemes.”

The Forum clarified that their commendation was not driven by ethnic bias or political gain but by a “factual appraisal” of Shettima’s character and competence, which they said transcended tribal boundaries.

In a call to action, the YYPF urged Nigerians to move beyond “archaic differences of North versus South or East, and Christians versus Muslims” and rally behind leaders who prioritise the nation’s future.

“What we are witnessing is a strategic President who has found in Shettima a vice who is not competing for glory but complementing his vision,” they said, emphasising the dividends of harmony, focus, and national cohesion yielded by Tinubu’s choice.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending