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The Empire State of the Mind: Acts of Being Responsible in Trying Times

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By Tolulope A. Adegoke

“Man, has failed in his responsibilities to life, if he would refuse to overcome his greed.”- Tolulope A. Adegoke

Let’s share, not out of pity, but responsibility just like the Cubans in trying times. The Cubans’ lifestyle speaks volume and worthy of being painted on the canvass of responsive leadership:

Cuba has sent over 400,000 health professional to work free in 164 countries. Italy is now the epicenter of the Covid-19 pandemic with deaths in the past one week, averaging over four hundred. Almost all countries in the world are protecting just themselves and conserving their finances, health workers and medical supplies for their citizens. In contrast, Cuba is mobilizing and sending thousands of its medical professionals to countries ravaged by Covid-19, just last Saturday, it sent 52 doctors and nurses to Italy, a developed European country, to help battle the virus. Italy’s Permanent Representative to the European Union (EU) Maurizio Massari, had complained that his country’s cry to the EU member countries for medical help to combat the corona virus had gone unanswered. The Cuban deployment of its “armies of white robes” to Italy, was the sixth international medical brigade it was sending out to fight Covid-19. It had sent them to Grenadad, Nicaragua, Suriname, Venezuela and Jamaica. When the 140 Cuban medical professionals arrived Kingston, the Jamaican Health Minister Christopher Tufton greeted them thus: “in a time of crisis, the Cuban government, Cuban people…have risen to the occasion, they have heard our appeal and have responded.” The Cubans are dogged fighters who no matter how bad the situation becomes in those countries, do not turn their backs. For them, no matter the battle field; military, medical or humanitarian, neither retreat nor surrender is an option. Watching a video of the Cuban’s arrival to the applause of grateful Italians was emotive for me. It was a definitive statement that all human beings are one irrespective of ideology and colour, and even level of development. The acts of the Cubans in rescuing passengers of the British ship MS Braemar and sending doctors to Italy, is also a lesson that a financially poor, underdeveloped country can come to the rescue of rich and developed countries. It is instructive that Cuba, an Island that is just 110,860sq with a population of 11.3million, relying over the decades on raw sugar and Tobacco export, as being under American economy, commercial and financial embargo since October 19, 1960. Yet, is has an almost 100% literacy and one of the most developed health systems in the world. In fact, one of the main medicines that China used successfully to treat Covid-19 patients is Interferon Alpha 2b, a drug Cuba produced in 1981 to fight the dengue virus. For many years Cuba stood alone and isolated in the organization of American States, but through commitment, will-power, consistency and development paradigm, it won over most of the States to its side. Cuba teaches us in Africa, particularly Nigeria that there is no alternative to being self-reliant; to building basic institutions and investing in the people. It teaches the Nigerian elites who appropriates the countries resources to themselves and their Western masters, that there is no alternative to building indigenous or local capacity. That if they had built the health system rather than think they can always go abroad for medical treatment they would not be patients in the dilapidated hospitals now that the corona virus has shut out the outside world to all Nigerians irrespective of status. Cuba as great exemplar here is no fluke. It is built on the foundations of its founding fathers like the poet Jose Marti 1853-1895, general Antonio Maceo ‘the Bronze Titan’ 1845-1896 and the later generations like Fidel and Rauel Castro, Camelio Cienfuegos, Haydee Maria and Celia Sasanchez who taught that humanity is one and that its resources must be deployed for common good, particularly in favour of the poor, the weak and marginalized. The Cuban philosophy embedded in the thoughts of a man like Ernesto Chez Guevera who taught that: “the life of a single human being is worth a million times more than all the property of the richest man on earth.” The Cubans are living Chez’s advise that: “we must strive everyday so that this love of living humanity is transformed into actual deeds, into acts that serve as examples as moving force.” I strongly believe that Cuba would be ready to help in Nigeria’s Covid-19 battle. Let’s continue to stretch our hands friendship for the good of mankind, to the glory of God Almighty.

My Charge!

Let’s imbibe care as a lifestyle.

Let’s share, not out of pity, but responsibility just like the Cubans in trying times.

Let’s read facts & figures of local, national & global events so as to know ‘how’ and understand ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘where’ to wire or harness our energies for outstanding impacts.

Everything, no matter how little or frail is worth studying. It’s an act of responsibility (pills) that must be swallowed & executed by all.

In truth, the plague is over.

We have cried to the Almighty to heal our lands (across the nations of the world).

And truly, God has fulfilled His part of the deal (of healing).

But, it’s time for us as humans to heal ourselves (race, status & endowments notwithstanding) by spreading genuine love to one another in deeds (practical expressions).

The word ‘Love’ is a practical experience. It is a right that must be experienced by all.

Man, should stop giving out of pity, but out of responsibility to life!

No one is above another, it is by the order of Grace that ‘we’ are not consumed. It’s a privilege to ‘have’, but is right to ‘give’ especially in trying times.

Cuba, (a developing nation) great exemplar of responsive leadership continues to give her best to developing & developed nations across the world. Cuba only survives on raw Sugars & Tobacco exports yet heals the world kindly in her own gentle capacities void of the shame of grieve & greed!

Shame on your energies as a wealthy entity if you cannot be responsible in trying times!

Shame on your pride & ego if you cannot relief others of their pains in trying or trauma times!

Shame on your abilities or skills if it’s not wired for humanistic ideals!

Shame on your status as feathers that cannot even father the poor or the needy in trying times!

Shame on your anointing if you cannot kneel for others across the world to rise in trying times (as this)!

I charge you all to launch out in your best capacities as given you by Grace to heal the world by starting with the ‘living’ sitting or standing next to you!

Avarice is a demonic ‘missile’ fired at Man by ‘evil’ to destroy the world; forgetting that haven destroyed the world, he (Man) has consciously & unconsciously helped himself or herself to destroy himself or herself!

I ask you, would you live alone in a world that you didn’t create but given unto you by Grace?!

The moment you decide to start living ‘alone’, then, you start dying alone.

Ask yourself: Who gave you ‘life’?

Are your efforts really worth the grace or wealth that you carry?

(I guess you know the genuine answers to that).

Then why live like a container?

Why not live as a channel (as a useful tool in the hands of the Almighty)!

Why watch & starve others to death!

Why hoard the wealth & grace that you carry?

Who are we, if not Grace?

For it has been given to be (genuinely) GIVEN.

What do you have that you were not given? Nothing!

Kindly come down from that evil clouds of ‘self’ and release that which you have as a healing balm to the oppressed, tormented and the poor around you. Here, you have naturally proven worthy of the scepter of grace for greater wealth, capacity and channels to flourish in trying times.

Lights shines brighter in dark places.

You will only be used and dumped if you submit your (scepter of grace) powers to the administrations of evil tidings consciously & unconsciously!

Man, therefore, has failed in his responsibilities to life, if he would refuse to overcome his greed!

  • Be aware
  • Be awake
  • Be strong
  • Be safe
  • Believe
  • Become

It’s time to share.

It’s time care.

It’s time ponder.

It’s time to relief, not relent.

It’s time to love again.

It’s time do what you can, where you can.

It’s time to let ‘life’ flow again (through you).

It’s time not to be farther, but nearer than ever.

It’s time to be a responsible father and act as feathers unto the ones in your care.

It’s time to be a dedicated mother, not a murderer.

It’s time to wipe your tears and widely open your ears to learn reigning trends, so as to avoid being a ‘sophisticated’ prey!

Yes, you are an extension of God Almighty on Earth to power and extend His Grace upon the earth as kings and priests!

That’s exactly why He has created and blessed you for such a time as this (trying time).

Be humble, it breeds compassion.

Be compassionate, it breeds inspirations.

Be inspired, it breeds revelations.

Be revealed, it breeds illuminations.

Be illuminated, it breeds divine creativities (in the order of Grace).

It’s time to be divinely ‘human’, again! Activating this power & prowesses, you are simply doing no man any good, but yourself!

When God blesses you in areas of endeavour (work), be responsive enough to put life into it.

Be responsible!

God bless!

Watch out for the Book titled: “The Power of an Empowered Zero” (From Zero to HERO) by Tolulope A. Adegoke. Foreword by Dr Yomi Garnett (CEO/Chancellor, Royal Biographical Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania U.S.A., U.K., Abuja, Nigeria.) Edited by Ola Aboderin. 

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Aare Emmanuelking Attends Classy Valedictory Service of Remo Sec. School

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Remo Secondary School (RSS) has made history with the graduation of its 2026 class in what is being described as a groundbreaking academic ceremony, as the prestigious public secondary school celebrated its graduating students in a university-themed graduation style.

The historic valedictory service, which brought together students, parents, teachers, school administrators, old students and distinguished guests, was marked by pomp, pageantry and an atmosphere of academic excellence, as graduating students appeared in full academic graduation gowns, caps and other traditional graduation regalia.

In a striking departure from conventional valedictory ceremonies typically held in public secondary schools, the school’s principals and teachers, as well as the National Executives of the Remo Secondary School Old Students’ Association (RSSOSA), also donned academic gowns, creating the atmosphere and grandeur of a university convocation.

The remarkable initiative transformed the valedictory service into a memorable graduation experience for the students and marked a significant milestone in the history of Remo Secondary School, Ogun State, and potentially, the Nigerian public school system.

The ceremony was not only a celebration of the completion of secondary education, but also a deliberate effort to instil in the graduating students a sense of pride, achievement and responsibility as they prepare to transition into higher education and the next phase of their lives.

Another major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to deserving students in recognition of outstanding morals, good character and exemplary conduct. The awards, which cut across various categories, celebrated students who distinguished themselves not only through academic pursuits, but also through positive character traits, discipline, responsibility and good morals.

In a further demonstration of its commitment to the future of the graduating students and the advancement of education, Hope Bridge Social Impact Foundation awarded full higher education scholarships to about 25 deserving students. The scholarship awards will support the beneficiaries in pursuing their tertiary education, providing them with an opportunity to further their academic aspirations and achieve their full potential.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Remo Secondary School Old Students’ Association (RSSOSA), Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF, congratulated the graduating class and commended the school management, teachers and parents for their roles in nurturing and guiding the students throughout their academic journey.

He further expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government, ably led by the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, CON, for his administration’s commitment to transforming the education sector in the state.

He specifically acknowledged the Governor’s Yellow Revolution initiative, describing it as one of the notable interventions that has positively impacted the education sector and contributed to creating a more conducive environment for learning across public schools in Ogun State.

According to him, the Governor’s keen attention to education and the deliberate interventions of his administration have had a positive ripple effect that has extended to institutions such as Remo Secondary School, contributing to the school’s continued growth and development and helping to position it as a great institution.

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking also extended his appreciation to the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, for his leadership and evident contributions to the advancement of education in the state.

The event further highlighted the strong bond between the school and its old students, with the presence and participation of the old students, demonstrating the association’s continued commitment to the development and advancement of the institution.

The innovative university-style graduation ceremony is expected to remain one of the most memorable moments in the history of the school, and could set a new standard for how graduating students are celebrated in public secondary schools across Ogun State and beyond.

For the graduating class of 2026, the occasion was a day of pride, gratitude and celebration, a day when they were not only bid farewell from secondary school, but were honoured and celebrated as graduates stepping confidently into the future.

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Food for Living: Every Drop Counts

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By Henry Ukazu

Dear Destiny Friends,

The sayings that success is a result of every little thing we do every day and that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a little step are no jokes. They are facts because the journey of greatness begins with one good step in the right direction.

In the journey of life, one must be intentional in how they live their lives. Attention must be paid to what they eat, what they say, how they dress and communicate among others. In doing this they have to pay close attention to every single step or action they take because in the grand scheme of things, they’ll ultimately play a role in the big picture.

The principle of every drop matter is powerful. This principle is applicable to family, academic, sports and entertainment, spiritual, financial, health and even personal lives especially as it relates to personal development.

Anybody that wants to succeed in life must be intentional in applying the principle of every drop. Let’s explain how this principle works in our daily and professional lives.

Family

Family is the most important element in any society. To have a beautiful family, parents must be intentional in how they live their lives and how they train their children. Little acts like showing random and intentional love which entails sacrifice, kindness, empathy, tolerance, patience, forgiveness and understanding are critical. It’s important to state that when children learn love in the family, they tend to show love in society, but when they learn about hatred in the family, they tend to exhibit chaos in society.

So, every single action of parents speaks volumes. Children learn faster from actions than words. Isn’t it true that action speaks louder than voice? So, if a man or woman wants to imbibe a particular training, culture, or lifestyle to the kids, it’s imperative they must be intentional about their life and what information and exposure they bring to their children.

Academy

The principle of every drop also plays a crucial factor in the life of a progressive student who’s interested in succeeding in school. This principle of every drop works for students who are intentional in reading every day, attending classes, doing assignments, networking with the right people and organizations. All these will play a huge role in making the student succeed academically because they are gradually laying the stones of success.

Sports and entertainment

There’s no successful athlete or entertainer that didn’t take time to build his craft. These sets of people spend time training themselves every day. According to Usain Bolt, “I train for four years to run 9 seconds”. Let’s take a minute to digest that statement. Work is indeed behind the scenes. Most people don’t see the work that is done every day, all they see is the result. The joggings, exercise, food, doctors’ appointments, etc., just to mention a little, are some of the things behind the scenes they engage in to be successful. That’s the principle of every drop. The same principle is applicable to entertainers. They make mistakes, they invest their time and resources in learning the craft. A great man once stated that someone needs to practice a skill for 10,000 hours to become an expert in it.  This statement is so profound that I concur because as a successful writer and author of three trailblazers’ books, I have developed some level of mastery in writing while still leaving room for improvement.

Spiritual

The spiritual life of anyone is the most important part of any living creature. This is simply because the spiritual controls the physical. Any Christian who is intentional in living a life that’s pleasing to God must practice the principle of little drops, and that entails, avoiding ungodly acts like engaging in sexual immorality with the opposite or same sex, stealing, going to clubs, drinking to stupor, killing, stealing, etc., and replacing them love, kindness, charity, forgiveness, patience, empathy, etc. All these are acts of little drops to live upright.

Financial

To be successful in life, one needs to save no matter how small, and this saving entails discipline. Financial advisors have advised progressive minds to save at least 1/10th of their income. By the time one saves, one will understand the meaning of saving money and money will save you.

Health

Apart from one’s spiritual life, our health is the most important part of our life. It’s instructive to note that if you lose your money, you can get it back, if you lose your time, you can even buy it back all things all things being equal especially if you have money, if you lose your friends, you can get them back, but if you lose your health, it might take divine intervention to get them back. To have good health, it’s imperative for one to drink at least two little of water every day, exercise, sleep at least 8 hours and eat healthy amongst taking other hygienic measures like eating fruit and visiting your doctor.

Personal Development

This is another important aspect of a progressive mind. The hallmark of this principle can be seen in personal development because it shows how intentional one is elevating one’s life. As a small business owner, author, creative writer and human capacity development expert, I can’t emphasize the importance of personal development. My ability to publish three trailblazers’ books, publish creative articles consistently for the last eight years was not because I was smart or intelligent, no, it was simply because I was determined to do it. That’s personal development.

It’s one thing for people to inspire you from outside, but it’s another thing for the inspiration to come from inside. As a matter of fact, internal inspiration is the highest form of inspiration because if the whole is telling you can do something and you know you can’t do it, you’ll fail if you attempt to do it, but if the whole is telling you cannot do it, and you know you can do it, you’ll succeed because the Book of life states in 1 John 4:4 states, he that is in you is greater and stronger than he that is in the world.

Question: Do you want to succeed in life? If yes, pay attention to the principle of little things.

Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer and author of Design Your Destiny Design, Unleash Your Destiny and The Six Pillars of Succes . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com

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Timi Frank Challenges Tinubu to Publish Trump’s ‘Endorsement’ Letter

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Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has dismissed claims that a reported letter from United States President Donald Trump amounts to an endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a routine diplomatic correspondence acknowledging security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Frank challenged the Presidency to publish the purported letter, insisting that any authentic communication from the American President should bear the official White House seal and President Trump’s signature.

“The letter is not from the White House. If it doesn’t have the White House seal and the signature of the President of the United States, it appears dubious at best,” Frank said, questioning the authenticity of the document being celebrated by the Federal Government.

He maintained that, even if such a letter exists, it should not be interpreted as political support for Tinubu or his administration.

“The letter only commended Nigeria for partnering with the United States in addressing insecurity. That is the only reason President Trump may have written it. It was not an endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership, his economic policies or his administration. It did not say the Trump administration is backing President Tinubu or supporting him for any election in Nigeria. The Presidency is only trying to change the narrative by presenting it as something more than it is,” he said.

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, alleged that the publicity surrounding the reported correspondence was intended to divert public attention from ongoing discussions about the release and circulation of court documents relating to President Tinubu’s alleged past drug-related matters.

He noted that the letter was reportedly dated July 6 but only surfaced publicly weeks later. According to him, if it truly represented a significant political endorsement by President Trump, it would have been made public immediately rather than emerging much later.

Describing such correspondence as routine diplomatic practice, Frank said countries that collaborate with the United States on security and other strategic interests frequently exchange letters of commendation, adding that such communications should not be misconstrued as political endorsements.

According to him, the Federal Government’s celebration of the reported letter suggests it is seeking international legitimacy and credibility rather than highlighting any extraordinary diplomatic achievement.

“By celebrating this ‘letter’, the government is showing that it is looking for legitimacy and credibility before the international community. If it had confidence in its credibility, it would not make so much of an ordinary diplomatic letter,” he stated.

Frank recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari was invited to the White House during President Trump’s first term, arguing that such direct engagement carried greater diplomatic significance than a reported letter.

“President Trump invited Buhari when he was President. They stood together and addressed the world. If Tinubu believes President Trump is impressed with his administration, then he should visit Trump and stand side by side with him so the world can hear directly what he has achieved,” he said.

The former APC spokesman also questioned reports that the Federal Government had spent millions of dollars on lobbyists in the United States to improve its international image, arguing that a government with genuine international credibility would have little need for expensive reputation management abroad.

He further maintained that the United States has consistently projected itself as a defender of democracy, the rule of law, electoral integrity and the protection of human rights.

“The United States will never support a government that is corrupt, cannot protect the lives of its citizens or is tyrannical. America will always stand for democracy, election integrity and the protection of lives. Nigerians should not be deceived by the celebration of this ‘letter’.

“The United States remains committed to supporting efforts to address insecurity, protect election integrity and promote democratic values in Nigeria. That should not be mistaken for an endorsement of the Tinubu administration,” he said.

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