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Opinion: Shine As an Inspiration to Others
By Tolulope A. Adegoke
“Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.” ― Thomas Jefferson
You have nothing to be concerned about, my buddy. Everything you need to achieve is encoded in your potential and personality characteristics. Even the storms of difficulties that you are experiencing or may experience are gifts in disguise. They are your practice grounds for releasing your inherent abilities!
As we’ve previously shown, discovering your life’s purpose requires the use of God’s “sixth sense.” Following that, you must play your role by maximizing your potential and improving your weaknesses. This will save you from drowning in the pits of failure and remorse, as so many others do on a daily basis in the fight of destiny.
God intends for you to be a HERO in your age. And you can only do it by using your “empowered zeros” in your particular areas of calling.
As we conclude our study of the realm of greatness in preparation for individual activation and ultimate elevation, keep the following in mind and meditate on them constantly:
Talents are meaningless unless they are put to use.
Seeds are worthless until they are planted in the ground—and not just any land, but fruitful ground.
You are nobody—no matter how talented you are—until you activate and utilize your own potential.
You are living not because you are intelligent, but because the Almighty has called and selected you to do!
Every seed, skill, or potential inside you has a purpose.
As a result, you must discover your mission (calling) and provide your talents to the world by making a good difference in people’s lives, businesses, and countries! Not just tales, but breakthroughs (testimonies of potential) are what the world wants to hear from you.
You are the embodiment of Heaven on Earth… Your abilities and skills are divine deposits inside your earthly vessel (2 Corinthians 4: 7)
Empowering them all grants you complete access to ruling (Heaven) on Earth. You are not of this world, and neither is your potential, yet you must be here (that is, alive) for your abilities to work. You are the complete manifestation of God’s power in action. And it is both the foundation and the pinnacle of all leadership!
It is your talents that lead to excellence, which draws success when empowered (worked on), which ultimately leads to greatness with a legacy.
While your earthly vessel would disintegrate as a consequence of the end of its earthly life, the hero inside you will never cease speaking for you even after you are gone!
As a result, you should never stop finding, empowering, activating, and utilizing your zeros. You are the next HERO the world needs!
Here’s something from Edgar A. Guest to encourage you on:
“DO NOT GIVE UP!
When things go wrong, as they sometimes do,
When the route you’re on seems to be all uphill,
When money are few and obligations are high,
And you want to grin, but you can’t help but sigh.
When caring is weighing you down,
Rest if necessary, but don’t give up…!
Life is strange, with all of its twists and turns.
As everyone of us learns from time to time,
And many failures are reversed.
When he could have won if he had struck out;
Don’t give up, even if the pace seems to be slow-
You may be able to land another strike…
Failure turned inside out is success-
The fog of uncertainty has a silver tinge to it.
And you never know how near you are.
It may be close even though it seems to be far away.
So fight when you are most vulnerable-
“You must not give up when things become bad!”
Here’s a golden piece devoted to everyone who is developing capacity and utilizing it to offer possibilities for individuals, corporations, and countries!
A Teaching Spirit and a Deliverance Heart!
Tolulope A. Adegoke wrote this.
‘When learning how to be humble, you must be ready to listen, learn, and develop, as well as be open to ideas and corrections from others.’ You don’t know everything, and you certainly can’t pretend to! As a result, here is a daily mantra for all seasons: my spirit is peaceful, quiet, and accessible before my Maker, God Almighty!
I will continue to be teachable.
I will not be so arrogant as to think too highly of myself!
I’ll sit at the feet of my God-sent teachers to study so that I may fly above the clouds.
I will stay modest for the rest of my life!
I will acknowledge my assistance and praise God in them. I will make peace with everyone.
I will continue to develop my gifts/potentials with the goal of benefiting others all around the world.
I will never look down on any guy I meet.
I will continue to do my best for God (Divinity) and the people (Humanity),
I’m not going to give up until I’ve fulfilled my destiny.
I’m not going to let go until I’m completely tired.
I am just a tool in my Creator’s Mighty Hands. He employs me in accordance with His perfect will to carry out His plans, all to His glory!
The world will continue to witness my Maker’s compelling wonderfulness through me. He will continue to grow inside and through me… I will not be a ‘wander-fool!’
I’m not embarrassed of the decisions I’ve taken or the actions I’m taking…
I will be happy and cheerful for the rest of my life! It is not my life, but my Father’s… God in the form of a MAN (Me); with this, I am unbounded, unchained, and unlimited.
Because of this vision, I am neither embarrassed nor frightened of my task…
I will continue to be honest, wise, and thankful!
I will make certain that my effects are felt all across the globe, but also that they are felt close to home, so that they may be launched into the yonder beyond the sky, where the realms of impacts continue…
I’m not going to give up. I’m going to construct castles in the sky and leave footprints in the sky…
Yes! Footprints may be seen in the sky… Visionaries are the only ones who can see them…
An eagle’s power rests in its flight and eyesight!
I keep my head down to avoid stumbling and fumbling!
Genuine power, true vision, and flights into the unknown may all be found in humility!
I will be quick and totally obedient till the finish… My prospects of dignity and grace are based on my faithfulness.
I will fly on the wings of the Holy Spirit to overcome all obstacles and resistance…
I’m not going to concentrate on the cross, but on the crown… Not the exams, but the testimonials; not the cost, but the reward… Not the grains, but the profits, not the hisses, but the ease, not the pests, but the rest that will come after all the hard labor… I will have my crown of glory, sitting in glory and magnificence, praising my Creator, my Master, for having kept me thus far without giving up on me… “
This is when a tool transforms into ‘The Tool’! We are nothing more than tools in the Creator’s Mighty Hands, used to carry out His flawless plan on Earth: to love, repair, construct, solve, touch, bless, and impart.
Envy the sacrifices, not the triumphs!
A Federal High Court in Abuja has authorised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and detain six promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) over an alleged investment fraud amounting to over one billion dollars.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who issued the order on Thursday after the EFCC’s lawyer, Fadila Yusuf, moved an ex-parte motion, stated that the detention would be pending the conclusion of the investigation into the alleged offenses and possible prosecution.
“I have listened to the submission of the learned counsel for the applicant (EFCC). I have also reviewed the affidavit evidence, including the exhibits, along with the written address. I am of the view and I so hold that the application is meritorious. Consequently, the application is granted as prayed,” the judge held.
The six suspects listed as the 1st to 6th defendants are Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim.
In the ex-parte motion filed on April 23 by Yusuf, the EFCC sought an order from the court to issue warrants of arrest for the defendants and an order remanding the defendants in custody pending the conclusion of the investigation into the alleged offenses and possible prosecution.
The lawyer stated four grounds for the motion, noting that the EFCC has a statutory duty to prevent and detect financial crimes through investigation. She also mentioned that there was intelligence received by the office of the commission’s chairman regarding the defendants, concerning various criminal offenses.
She said: “The defendants are at large, and a warrant of arrest is required to apprehend them for proper investigation and prosecution of this case.”
In the affidavit supporting the motion, the EFCC stated that in April 2025, it received intelligence about an alleged investment scheme fraud involving the defendants.
It was alleged that the defendants and their company, ST Technologies International Limited, in collaboration with another company, Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), orchestrated the fraud. The case was assigned to the EFCC’s Cybercrimes Section for investigation.
The agency revealed that preliminary investigations into the intelligence revealed:
“That Messrs. Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, and Seyi Oloyede, through their company, ST Technologies International Limited, promoted another company, Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), by advertising and luring unsuspecting members of the public to invest in cryptocurrencies on the CBEX investment platform.”
The EFCC also stated that the defendants promised unrealistic returns of up to 100% on investments.
“That the victims were made to convert their digital assets into USDT stablecoin for deposit into the suspects’ crypto wallet.
“That the victims were initially given full access to the platform to monitor their investments. However, following deposits worth over $1 billion by the victims, the CBEX investment platform became inaccessible, and they could no longer withdraw their investments.
“That the victims later discovered that the scheme was a scam.”
During the investigation, it was discovered that although ST Technologies International Limited was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), it was not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for investment purposes.
The EFCC also uncovered that the defendants had moved out of their last known addresses in Lagos and Ogun states. The agency added that a warrant of arrest was necessary to place the defendants on a red watch list so they could be traced and apprehended to face the charges against them.
According to the commission, the investigation into the allegations revealed a prima facie case of investment fraud, and it would be in the interest of justice to grant the application.
The Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government Area in Lagos State, Mr Oluwagbenga Abiola, has withdrawn his interest to vie for the chairmanship position of the LG in the upcoming July 12, 2025 council election.
Abiola said he stepped down for Abdulganiyu Obasa, son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.
Abiola, who is a political protégé of the Speaker, says his decision was borne out of his loyalty to Obasa, denying that he was forced to step down.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Lagos, Abiola affirmed his loyalty to the party and to Speaker Obasa.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Lagos, Abiola reaffirmed his commitment to the party and to Speaker Obasa.
He emphasised that his withdrawal was a voluntary and conscious choice in support of Obasa’s son.
On Monday, Agege stakeholders had urged Obasa to allow his son, Abdulganiyu, to contest the council chairmanship, citing the Speaker’s significant contributions to the development of Agege and his long-standing political influence in the area.
In response to rumours that he had been pressured to withdraw, Abiola made it clear that he remained deeply appreciative of Obasa’s role in his political career.
He further pledged his full support for the Speaker’s leadership, stating that he would never act against the party’s direction or Obasa’s guidance.
“I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. This is the man who made me,” Abiola stated. “He appointed me Special Assistant on Media when he became Speaker in 2015.
In 2016, I was appointed Sole Administrator of Agege LGA, thanks to his recommendation to the governor. That appointment made me the youngest council boss in Lagos State at the time.
“In 2017, I became Secretary to the Local Government, and in 2021, Vice Chairman — all through the party’s and Speaker’s support. So, why would I oppose a man who built me politically and helped me grow in experience and influence?”
Although Abiola admitted to having aspired to the chairmanship, he made it clear that he respected the party’s collective decision.
“Yes, I aspired. Every Vice Chairman dreams of becoming Chairman. But the party has spoken, and I fully agree. Leaders and stakeholders have united. They’ve asked the Speaker to allow his son to contest, and I respect and support that,” he stated.
Abiola also expressed his commitment to serving the people, stating that he believed greater opportunities would come in the future.
“I trust my leader. He knows what’s best and can recommend me for even greater responsibilities when the time is right,” he said. “I’m still young and full of energy. I’ll work for the party and ensure we achieve victory.”
Abiola said he had instructed members of his Obasa Youth Alliance to fully support the party’s decision.
The West African Examinations Council has revoked the licences of 574 secondary schools in Nigeria.
WAEC announced that the affected schools were found to have committed examination malpractices.
The examination body also stated that the schools will not be allowed to conduct examinations even as the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, commences from Thursday, April 24, 2025.
This was disclosed by the Head of WAEC’s National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, during a press briefing on Thursday at the headquarters of the examination body in Lagos.
Dangut said WAEC had forwarded the list of the affected schools to the Nigerian government.
“This year, we have shared with them a total of 574 schools that have had their recognition withdrawn, and that is also going to be the same for all examining bodies.
“So, these are those that have got their license revoked as far as the examination centre is concerned. So we will not conduct examinations there. We don’t know them as far as conducting examinations,” Dangut said.
For the forthcoming 2025 WASSCE, Dangut stated that 1,973,253 candidates registered for the examination from 23,554 schools.
He added that 979,228 males and 994,025 females would take part in the examination.
The Punch
