Fellow Nigerians, let us set aside politics for today and delve into my personal life. I’d like to share with you how God Almighty has blessed me in my own humble way.
Life has taught me that humility, truthfulness, and kindness yield far greater rewards than pride and an insatiable pursuit of wealth. Born into a humble family, my upbringing was fraught with challenges, yet I’ve found that humility has opened doors to numerous opportunities.
I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by supportive friends, colleagues, and associates who have stood by me through thick and thin. This is why I’m eager to share my personal story with the younger generation, emphasizing that humility, truthfulness, and kindness can take you farther in life than you ever imagined.
One invaluable lesson I learned from my parents is the importance of taking responsibility for my actions. They instilled in me the notion that the only reward I can be certain of is the one that comes from my hard work. This mantra has never failed me, and it’s what drives me to work tirelessly towards leaving a lasting impact.
I’ve come to realize that one of the most effective ways to leave a lasting legacy is through authoring books. Books have the power to transcend time and space, traveling far beyond their authors. They serve as permanent records, continually referenced by people, and possess the ability to change the world, influence leaders’ ideologies, and transform millions of lives.
This time next week, I’ll be celebrating my birthday and launching my third book on the 29th of this month. Today, we reference great minds like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, among others. Their remarkable achievements are a testament to their vision, determination, and divine ordination.
Friends, let me emphasize that your future is largely dependent on how you plan and design it. As I prepare to mark this milestone, I’m reminded that our lives are a reflection of our choices, and it’s essential to strive for greatness in all we do.
Always maintain unwavering faith in your endeavors, and never entertain doubts about your convictions. Regardless of the obstacles you encounter, remain resolute and committed to your goals, for perseverance ultimately yields success.
This year has been particularly challenging, filled with trials and tribulations ordained by God Almighty. One of the most significant tests was when my younger brother, the second-to-last born in my family, was diagnosed with kidney failure. Despite our tireless efforts to save his life, including appeals for assistance from various individuals, Allah’s will ultimately prevailed. This year has left an indelible mark on my memory, and I must acknowledge the profound impact of my mother’s unwavering resilience in the face of adversity. No woman willingly surrenders her children to the cruel fate of illness and death.
As I reflect on this year’s experiences, I am reminded of the importance of prioritizing good health above material wealth. No matter how affluent one may be, sickness can rapidly deplete even the most substantial fortunes. This harsh reality serves as a poignant reminder to cherish and pray for good health.
On a more positive note, this year has also marked a significant milestone in my academic pursuits. I have resolved to pursue a certificate and set a timeline for myself to attain a PhD by 2028, at the latest. I am thrilled to report that my efforts have begun to yield tangible results. I have successfully completed my Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) in Statistics from the Kwara State College of Education. Furthermore, I anticipate completing additional programs at Al-Hikmah University and Kwara State University in 2025. I extend my deepest gratitude to God Almighty for guiding me throughout this journey.
The book I am set to launch next week Sunday is not merely a personal achievement; it is a testament to the struggles and aspirations of Nigeria, Africa, and indeed, the global community. We are all too familiar with Africa’s innate fear of death and its ardent desire for a good life. The developed nations we often reference have achieved greatness through immense sacrifice and perseverance. Their leaders are accountable to the people, who will not hesitate to hold them responsible for their actions.
When I notified the police and DSS of my intention to organize peaceful protests in Kwara State, I was met with skepticism and ridicule. Some labeled me a “paperweight activist,” while others claimed I was seeking popularity. However, I can confidently say that God has blessed me in my own humble way. What popularity could I possibly be seeking, when I have been endowed with a loving family and supportive friends?
Family and friends urged me to abandon my plans for the protests, and even my friends in the security services expressed their disapproval. Nevertheless, I remain resolute in my pursuit of answers to pressing questions: Why do government officials, citizens, and community leaders fear protests? What lessons have the 36 state governors learned from the August protests? How can the government prevent future occurrences, and what triggered the August protests in the first place? My upcoming book provides insightful solutions to these questions, making it an essential read for all Nigerians.
As a dedicated weekly columnist, public policy analyst, human rights activist, and anti-corruption crusader, I have consistently sought to contribute to discussions on every significant event unfolding in Nigeria. My keen interest in national affairs drives me to stay informed and engaged.
Last December, I swiftly penned my second book, launched on the 9th kwara state house of assembly to address their underwhelming performance. The book also outlined a comprehensive agenda for the 10th Kwara State House of Assembly, providing actionable recommendations for improved performance.
My first book, a compilation of articles written during my tenure as a weekly columnist with National Moonlight Newspaper, covers a wide range of topics pertinent to Kwara State. As a result, there is hardly any issue in Kwara State that I haven’t addressed in my writings.
We remain resolute in our commitment to holding those in government and aspiring leaders accountable, drawing their attention to pressing matters that demand action. Recognizing that we have no other state or country to call our own, we must strive tirelessly to ensure its prosperity benefits us all.
If every Nigerian were to fulfill their civic responsibilities and contribute to the nation’s progress, we would undoubtedly be in a better position today. However, it is lamentable that we often prioritize blame over constructive action when addressing national issues that affect us all.
I would also like to announce that during my book launch, I will be conferring awards on forty deserving Nigerians. These individuals have made significant contributions to literacy and youth development in Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole. This award ceremony will serve as an opportunity for me to express my deepest appreciation for their selfless efforts.
This award is a token of our appreciation, acknowledging the invaluable impact these individuals have had on our society. If the government fails to recognize and celebrate our contributions, then it is imperative that we take it upon ourselves to honor and celebrate one another. By doing so, we encourage and motivate each other to strive for even greater heights.
I’d like to extend a warm birthday wish to myself in advance, as well as offer congratulations on the upcoming launch of my book!
