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Power of Positive Attitude: The Dr. Robert Schuller Story!

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By Tolulope A. Adegoke

“I really don’t know what my talent is, but I thought this would be a good chance for me to give what I think I owe you all, and that is an explanation. If I have one talent, it is this: I can tell you that during that time my faith became very real to me.” – Carol Shuller

Having examined the possibilities of grace and wisdom, let’s consider the triumph of a positive mindset, using the incredible story of the Schuller’s family.

For four years, Dr Robert Schuller and his family watched how their daughter, Carol, amazingly moved from a hospital bed to the ski slopes. When they arrived from Korea to Carol’s bedside in Sioux City, Iowa, after her motorcycle accident, Schuller had been shocked by what he saw. His daughter lay in her bed in intensive care. Her body was bruised, broken and disfigured. But her spirit was whole and hearty. Incidentally, while on the way to see her, Schuller had relentlessly pondered his opening line. What would be my first words to her? But on getting to her, she solved the problem by speaking first: “I know why it happened, Dad. God wants to use me to help others who have been hurt.”

It was this positive attitude that saw Carol through seven months of hospitalisation, intravenous feedings, and consequent collapsed veins. This positive attitude gave her the courage to fight a raging infection that threatened her limb and her life. She hung on until a new drug was released by the United States’ FDA (Federal Drug Agency). It was the right drug at the right time – a real miracle.

Moreover, it was the same positive mentality that helped Carol to make the transition from a hospital patient to a “handicapped” member of a family and school. It helped her feel normal and whole again. She refused to allow the inconvenience of an artificial limb to keep her from pursuing the active life she loved, including soft ball.

The summer after her accident, Carol shocked her father by saying: “Dad, I am going to sign up for softball again this year. “That’s great!” Her dad responded, not wanting to discourage her. At that time, Carol’s artificial leg had been attached just below the knee. She was plagued by a stiff knee that could barely bend a thirty-degree angle. She walked very stiffly. Running was out of the question.

However, Dr Schuller took Carol to the local school where all the parents were lining up with their girls to sign up for the girls’ softball team. Carol signed up and went back to check her uniform. As she swung her stiff plastic leg into the car and rested her jersey, socks and cap in her lap, her father turned to her and said, “Carol, how do you expect to play ball if you can’t run?” Instantly, she replied, “I have got that all figured out, Dad! When you hit home runs, you do not have to run.”

Carol eventually hit enough home runs that season to justify her presence on the team! She learnt the lesson: Tough times never last, but tough people do. She has had six more surgeries since that first amputation. She soon became a regular skier and ultimately met her goal, which was to win a gold medal in the qualifying races that, in turn, admitted her to the elite corps of skiers participating in the National Ski Championships! Some years back, she pulled her goggles on and took her place among champions in the country- at the young age of eighteen years!  Yes, she still walked with a limp. She drew curious looks from strangers. But her positive attitude helped her even with that.

Now, this is the most incredible part. Few years ago, the Schullers were privileged to be guests of the American-Hawaiian Steamship Company on a one-week cruise; it is a custom on the last night to have a talent show in which any of the passengers can participate. Carol, then seventeen years old, surprised her family one day by saying, “I am going to be in the talent show tonight.”

Carol was not into singing or dancing. So, naturally, her father was curious as to what she would do that night. Carol is not in the least ashamed to be seen in shorts or swimming attire, although her present artificial left leg covers her stump to just below the hip. But she is very conscious of the fact that people look at her out of the corners of their eyes and wonder what happened to her.

On the night of the talent show, Schuller and his wife sat in the lounge along with six hundred other people. The talent show was scheduled to take place on the stage in the big, glorified cocktail lounge. As you can imagine, it is a very secular scene. The acts that performed that night were typical of amateur talent shows. Then it was Carol’s turn. She came on stage, wearing neither shorts nor Hawaiian garb, but a full-length dress. She looked beautiful. She walked up to the microphone and said:

“I really don’t know what my talent is, but I thought this would be a good chance for me to give what I think I owe you all, and that is an explanation. I know you have been looking at me all week, wondering about my fake leg. I thought I should tell you what happened. I was in a motorcycle accident. I almost died, but they kept giving me blood, and my pulse came back. They amputated my leg below the knee and later they amputated through the knee. I spent seven months in the hospital – seven months with intravenous antibiotics to fight infection.”  She paused a moment, and then continued, “If I have one talent, it is this: I can tell you that during that time my faith became very real to me.”

Suddenly, a hush swept over the lounge. The waitresses stopped serving drinks. The glasses stopped tinkling. Every eye was focused on this tall seventeen- year-old blonde. She said, “I look at you girls who walk without a limp, and I wish I could walk that way. I cannot, but this is what I have learnt, and I want to leave it with you: It is not how you walk that counts, but what walks with you and who you walk with.” And she sang a powerful song,

And He walks with me,

And He talks with me

And He tells me I am His own,

And the joy we share

In our time of prayer

(originally, “as we tarry there”)

None other can ever know

“Thank you,” she ended.

According to Schuller, “There was not a dry eye, not a life that was not touched that night as Carol gave those powerful words. Tough times never last, but tough people always do! Because tough people know that with men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible! What makes a person survive and thrive? Why are some people tough enough to win over their tough times? These are questions that have before been important as they are today, because we are going through the toughest time that our country has ever faced. We cannot merely talk about strategies for success. We have to get down to hard core principles that will work. And the only principle that we can believe in are the principles that are tested, tried and proven (trusted).”

Possibility-mindset works! It has helped countless people survive very tough times. It can help you too. It helped Robert Schuller; it helped Carol Schuller; it helped David in the Bible; it helped Daniel; it helped Joshua, it helped Joseph; it helped Apostle Paul…and I repeat, it can help you too!

Possibility thinkers are go-getters. Everybody has challenges. But you can learn to solve and manage your challenges, turning them to stepping stones to your rightful destiny. No matter how bad your situation may seem, know that it could always be worse. So, be glad it is not worse. In fact, it is actually surmountable! Put your challenges in the proper perspective. Stop making mountains out of a molehill. You are a natural champion – live it out!

Thank you all for reading.

Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke is an accredited ISO 20700 Effective Leadership Management Trainer. 

E-mail: adegoketolulope1022@gmail.com;

globalstageimpacts@gmail.com

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Police Detain Inspector over Ethnic Slur Against Igbo, Peter Obi

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The Lagos State Police Command has commenced disciplinary action against an inspector following a viral video in which he was seen making disparaging ethnic remarks while travelling in a public vehicle.

The officer, identified as Inspector Osumah Frank, made what the Command described as “careless, inappropriate and uncultured remarks,” according to a statement issued on Friday, September 25, 2026, and signed by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi.

In the video, Frank, who was in police uniform, was heard making remarks about Igbo people and discussing the political ambitions of a former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi. He also made comments involving President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The inspector was further heard suggesting that police officers could collect money to frustrate a political candidate’s chances of succeeding.

Reacting to the video, the Command said the officer’s remarks were made in his personal capacity and did not represent the position or views of either the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement said.

“It also wishes to make it clear that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force,” it added.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) Tijani Fatai, said police personnel are required to maintain professionalism and respect for members of the public at all times.

“All personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times,” the statement quoted Fatai as saying.

He said wearing the police uniform came with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force, adding that the Command would not condone any conduct capable of bringing the police into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Force.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and “policing with humility and integrity.”

The video, which circulated widely on social media from around September 23, had drawn criticism over the officer’s remarks, particularly those concerning Igbo people and his comments about police officers collecting money to frustrate a political candidate.

The police did not state the specific disciplinary measures being taken against Frank.

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ADC Unveils Presidential Campaign Council, Names Ibrahim-Imam As Chairman, Dele Momodu As Head, Media/Publicity

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC), has unveiled its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election, describing the structure as “lean” in response to the economic realities facing Nigerians.

The council, approved by the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, will be chaired by Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, serving as Deputy Chairman.

Senator Austin Akobundu will serve as Director-General and Campaign Manager, with responsibility for translating the campaign’s strategy into coordinated action.

The council will have six Deputy Directors-General overseeing various operational directorates, while 30 directors have been assigned specific responsibilities.

In a statement on Thursday, Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council and Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, said the structure was deliberately kept “lean” to reflect the economic circumstances confronting Nigerians.

“When families are struggling with food prices, transport costs and shrinking incomes, a campaign asking for their trust must show discipline in how it operates,” Shaibu said.

Dele Momodu will head the Media and Communications Directorate, while Dino Melaye will lead Contact and Mobilisation.

Mohammed Hayatudeen will chair the Policy Team, working with Professor Mohammed Sagagi and other members, including Professor Kingsley Moghalu, while Chief John Oyegun will chair the Campaign Advisory Board.

Shaibu said the campaign structure was designed to be focused on work, with clearly defined responsibilities for every directorate and assignment for every director.

“Our measure of success will be how clearly we address the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power—and how effectively we organise to make Nigeria affordable again,” he said.

The council is expected to coordinate the ADC’s presidential campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general election.

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Tinubu Extends Europe Vacation, Due Back at Weekend

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President Bola Tinubu has extended his “working vacation” in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, the Presidency said on Monday.

The announcement came as Vice President Kashim Shettima represents the President at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.

Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 to begin his working vacation in London. After spending one week in the United Kingdom, he proceeded to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

Bolloré’s media interests include Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.

A statement signed on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said Tinubu has remains in touch with developments at home and continued to direct the affairs of government despite being away from Nigeria.

One of the major decisions taken by the President during the period was his directive for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The deaths had raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the detention and treatment of the miners, prompting the President to order an independent probe.

Tinubu’s decision to extend his stay abroad means he will not personally attend the opening of the high-level segment of the UN General Assembly in New York. Shettima, who departed Abuja on September 20, is representing the President at the global gathering and will present Nigeria’s national statement.

The Presidency said the Vice President’s representation was part of the arrangements for Tinubu’s absence from the country.

With Shettima now in New York, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, will continue to represent the President at some official functions.

The Presidency said Tinubu had also delegated the Vice President to represent him at official functions while he was away, while Akume had similarly stepped in at other engagements.

The President’s extended stay in Europe also comes amid increased political activities at home ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the Presidency, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading notable leaders of the ruling party in consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country.

The consultations form part of ongoing political engagements as the administration moves towards the next electoral cycle.

The Presidency also reacted strongly to criticism over Tinubu’s decision not to attend the UN General Assembly personally.

It described as irresponsible what it called a “baseless insinuation” by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm headed by an ex-convict regarding the President’s non-attendance at the global gathering.

The Presidency maintained that Nigeria would be adequately represented by Shettima, who will deliver the country’s national statement.

Tinubu’s latest trip began as an official working vacation, during which the President combined his leave with selected diplomatic, business and governmental engagements.

His meeting with Macron in Paris provided an opportunity for discussions on bilateral relations, while his engagement with Bolloré focused on business and investment interests involving Nigeria.

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