Metro
Opinion: There Are Footprints in the Sky!
By Tolulope A. Adegoke
“The sky is the basis (foundation) for champions! The sky is not the limit, but the beginning, therefore it is abnormal to be normal (ordinary)!”- Tolulope A. Adegoke
There are footsteps in the sky…Do not limit yourself! Don’t be frightened! Don’t be a slacker!
To break through into the sky’s beyond, you must rip up the sky’s ceilings…
There is a world out there beyond the sky! I’ve seen it, and I’m about to be catapulted into the sky, breaking through into the world beyond…
The Earth would soon be shut up…! Only those who can break through would be able to sail through! There are footprints in the sky…
The sky is a foundation (basis) for winners! The sky is not the limit, but rather the starting point…
Only the brave, courageous, indefatigable, loyal, modest, graceful, and appreciative would survive with wings and strength to fly into it and then burst through! There is life on the other side of the sky…
The sky has layers! The more modest you are, the more powerful you will be…
The stronger you grow, the higher you will soar…Your power is found in your obedience to the little quiet voice…
Maintain your attention on the world outside your boundaries! You are more powerful than you realize! Yes!
There are footprints in the sky! It is intended for those who are not self-centered, who have a ‘divini-stic’ attitude and grace…
The higher you fly, the more you uncover! The farther you look, the clearer your understanding! The more you know, the more you know!
The quicker you take action toward your life objectives, the closer and faster you will arrive at your destination!
The closer you go to your goal, the better and more satisfied you will become! An eagle’s power resides in its attitude, in its unwavering confidence in reaching the peak; its mindset is not surrendering to the storm, but rather maximizing the storm to fly to the sky when other kinds of birds are already hiding.
To reach the PEAK, you must have a clearer vision and a stronger mindset. One consistent feature of the PEAK is that it is already prepared and roomy, but only for a select few who are not ordinary (normal)…
Being normal is abnormal (ordinary). That is why the route to the summit is so small! In fact, the path to freedom is limited. There is FREEDOM at the PEAK! The sky is so big that any kind of bird can fly across it without colliding with another.
There are footprints in the sky! The sky has layers, but it is not for the sluggish! It is intended for hard workers since only hard workers can think smarter (think above their limitations)!
Smart employees are high flyers! The unfailing mind of an eagle!
There are footprints in the sky, but only champions may leave their imprints!
We all have footprints, but where exactly are you leaving yours? The sky is the starting point…
Don’t restrict yourself! You can’t become something you can’t see from inside! You may never realize what you have never worked for!
Only solution suppliers respect the sky and build their businesses on it! They are conquerors, survivors, and leaders all at the same time!
They are the ones that lead and conquer! They not only leave prints in the sky, but they also construct castles in it with stones hurled at them by mockers who haven’t even figured out where they are on the ground!
You can’t reach for the stars unless you wake up from your sluggishness and restrictions!
You must battle your way up with your thoughts and actions toward creating, assisting, supplying, leading, sharing, and concentrating on things other than’self’… Then the sky is always yours to grab!
Find your way up into the sky before you get entrapped by your limits! You’re not getting any younger; you have a job to play not just on the ground, but also in the sky! You have a ‘destiny’ to fulfill and a mission to achieve!
Never give up! Isaiah 60:1 says, “Arise and shine!” You cannot shine until you take the risk of pushing yourself outside your comfort zone!
We all appreciate the moon, the sun, and the galaxy of stars since they are all beyond our reach (in the sky)!
We may also be there to be appreciated by others, to be examples of unwavering efforts and bold steps, to be living Legends, solution providers, gracious and thankful!
But, in order to spin to the sky, you must first be extremely humble to the earth!
What are you doing while you’re still on the ground? What imprint are you leaving? How many lives have you touched? How many destinies have you saved?
Be extremely modest in clear essence (sincerity), with a good mindset of effects, and the STAGE in the sky will be yours!
There are footprints in the sky! You are not exempted; you can make it there as well, but it must begin inside you!
Learn, Apply, and Disseminate.
Thank you very much!
Tolulope A. Adegoke’s book “The Power of an Empowered Zero” (From Zero to HERO) is one to look out for. Dr. Yomi Garnett (CEO/Chancellor, Royal Biographical Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America, United Kingdom, and Abuja, Nigeria) wrote the foreword. Ola Aboderin edited the book.
By Tolulope A. Adegoke PhD
Democracy, at its best, represents far more than periodic elections or formal institutions of government. It is a living covenant between the state and its people — one that promises participation, accountability, justice, transparency, and the genuine opportunity for collective advancement. In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a key actor on the global stage, the interplay between democracy and the prosperity of its citizens remains central to the nation’s future. When democracy is nurtured with sincerity and competence, it becomes a powerful driver of human development, economic growth, social cohesion, and national stability. When it falls short, it risks breeding disillusionment, inequality, and unrest. This write-up examines this vital relationship, reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, its impact on citizen well-being, persistent obstacles, and realistic pathways toward a more secure, prosperous, and hopeful future for all Nigerians.
The Promise and Practice of Democracy in Nigeria
Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 ushered in the longest stretch of uninterrupted democratic governance in the country’s post-independence history. The 1999 Constitution, despite its imperfections, enshrines core principles such as separation of powers, fundamental human rights, federal character, and regular elections. For millions of Nigerians, democracy symbolises the chance to have a voice in shaping their destiny and to benefit from responsive governance.
True democratic prosperity goes beyond economic statistics. It encompasses improved access to quality education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, decent employment, and equal opportunities. When citizens experience tangible improvements in their daily lives as a result of democratic processes, public trust in institutions grows stronger. Conversely, when prosperity remains elusive for large segments of the population, democratic legitimacy weakens.
Nigeria has recorded notable achievements within its democratic framework. The liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, banking reforms, the rise of the creative economy (Nollywood, music, and digital content), and increasing participation in regional trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) all occurred in a democratic environment that enabled private enterprise and innovation.
Persistent Challenges on the Path to Prosperity
Despite these gains, significant gaps remain between democratic aspirations and lived realities. Nigeria continues to grapple with high rates of multidimensional poverty, youth unemployment, and widening inequality. Many citizens, particularly in rural areas and among vulnerable groups, feel disconnected from the dividends of democracy.
Key challenges include:
- Insecurity: Persistent threats from insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts continue to destroy lives, displace communities, and discourage investment.
- Economic Structure: Over-reliance on oil revenue, weak industrial base, and limited value addition in agriculture and solid minerals constrain broad-based prosperity.
- Institutional Weaknesses: Corruption, uneven policy implementation, and limited coordination across government levels often undermine development efforts.
- Human Capital Deficits: Inadequate investment in education, healthcare, and skills development leaves many young Nigerians unprepared for the demands of a modern economy.
- Electoral and Governance Issues: Concerns about electoral integrity, political patronage, and policy inconsistency sometimes erode public confidence.
These issues are not unique to Nigeria. Many democracies worldwide, especially in developing contexts, face similar tensions between democratic ideals and developmental outcomes.
Practical Pathways to a Deciding and Fruitful Democratic Future
For democracy to truly assure prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry, deliberate and sustained actions are required across multiple fronts:
1. Strengthening Institutions and Accountability Independent and well-resourced institutions — particularly the judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, and electoral bodies — are essential. Transparent appointment processes, adequate funding, and robust oversight mechanisms can significantly reduce impunity and enhance public trust.
2. Inclusive Economic Transformation Nigeria must accelerate economic diversification by investing heavily in agriculture, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and the creative industries. Policies should deliberately target small and medium enterprises, women, and youth. Human capital development through quality education, vocational training, and digital skills must become a national priority.
3. Security as a Foundation for Prosperity A holistic security strategy that combines effective law enforcement with community engagement, intelligence-led operations, and massive socio-economic interventions in affected regions is vital. Addressing the root causes of conflict — poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation — is as important as tactical responses.
4. Youth and Women Empowerment With a predominantly youthful population, Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people. Deliberate investments in youth entrepreneurship, innovation hubs, sports, and leadership development can transform demographic pressure into a powerful dividend. Similarly, gender-inclusive policies that enhance women’s access to education, finance, and political participation will accelerate national progress.
5. Deepening Democratic Culture and Participation Civic education, responsible media, and active citizen engagement beyond election periods are crucial. Citizens must be empowered to demand accountability while contributing constructively to nation-building.
6. Leveraging Regional and Global Opportunities Nigeria should continue to play a leadership role in ECOWAS and the African Union while attracting responsible foreign investment and technology transfer. Successful democratic governance and economic progress in Nigeria can serve as a beacon for other African nations.
Relevance to the Wider-World
Nigeria’s democratic experience offers valuable lessons for other nations navigating the complex relationship between democracy and development. It demonstrates the resilience of democratic ideals even in challenging contexts, the power of a vibrant civil society, and the potential of a youthful population. At the same time, it highlights the universal truth that democracy must deliver tangible results to remain legitimate and sustainable.
Conclusion: Democracy as an Assurance of a Fruitful Future
Democracy remains the most credible pathway to sustainable prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry. While challenges persist, they should not overshadow the progress achieved or the immense potential that still lies ahead. The deciding factor for a fruitful future lies not in abandoning democracy, but in deepening, refining, and perfecting it.
This requires visionary and ethical leadership that prioritises the common good, active and responsible citizenship that demands accountability, and institutional reforms that translate democratic promises into tangible improvements in people’s lives. When democracy truly works for the people — delivering security, opportunity, justice, and dignity — it becomes the strongest assurance of a stable, prosperous, and hopeful future.
Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The choices made by leaders and citizens today will determine whether the promise of democracy translates into widespread prosperity or remains an unfulfilled aspiration. With courage, wisdom, collective commitment, and sustained effort, Nigeria can build a democracy that not only endures but genuinely serves the aspirations of its people — offering inspiration to many nations facing similar journeys around the world.
The future of the Nigerian citizenry can be brighter — if democracy is well defended, strengthened, and made to work for all.
Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a globally recognized scholar-practitioner and thought leader at the nexus of security, governance, and strategic leadership. His mission is dedicated to advancing ethical governance, strategic human capital development, resilient nation building, and global peace. He can be reached via: tolulopeadegoke01@gmail.com, globalstageimpacts@gmail.com
There was panic on Friday after human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, collapsed following a confrontation with the police during a Democracy Day protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
Reports said that Sowore collapsed after police operatives moved to disperse protesters gathered to demonstrate against insecurity, economic hardship and bad governance.
The demonstrators were dispersed after security personnel fired teargas canisters at the protesters in an apparent attempt to break up the gathering.
Following the incident, Sowore has reportedly been taken to an undisclosed hospital for further examination and treatment.
The FCT Police Command has successfully rescued five kidnapped victims following an intensive joint rescue operation conducted in the Byazhin area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Acting on recent kidnapping incidents within Paze community in Byazhin area, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, FCAI, personally led a clearance operation with a team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the NPF Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and Kubwa Area Command, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups.
On 9th June, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities. During the operation, the team engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralization of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other gang members fled into nearby hills with varying degrees of bullet wounds. During the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines. The Command therefore calls on healthcare practitioners, private and public hospitals, and members of the public to promptly report any individual presenting gunshot related injuries or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances.
The sustained pressure mounted on the criminal elements forced them to abandon five hostages, who were promptly rescued unharmed.
The rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. Meanwhile, search operations continue across the general area and adjoining communities aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery, resilience, and professionalism displayed by the operatives and supporting local security volunteers during the operation. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain security conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 07057337653.
