Metro
The Gift of Pain: Maximizing Adversity As a Builder!
By Tolulope A. Adegoke
“Adversity is an adventure that develops a ‘venture’ at the junctures of ‘what’ would have destroyed the structures of your purpose on this plane called Earth, but eventually turns out to be a weapon and a builder towards fulfilling your destiny and lifting the weights of glory! How you see situations or challenges and confront them matters, and they are functions of your mindset as a being called MAN. You determine what (must) come out of it! Adversities are surmountable! You are the actor in the picture. Your posture influences the picture. I charge you to BE THE HERO, not a ‘zero’! So, maximize the scenarios in your favour! It is, therefore:
Acutely advertising
Destructible!
Vulnerable!
Episodic!
Revival!
Surmountable!
Impactful!
Terrifying! But, it is all about
YOU and what’s in you! ” —Tolulope A. Adegoke
John 16:33 (NKJV): ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. ‘
Romans 8: 37: ‘Nay, in all these things, we are more than conquerors. ‘ (NKJV)
ADVERSITY is a builder. It is to a man what fire is to gold! Fire purges, melts, heats the gold, and makes it SHINE!
It is the way that a man sees adversity that he gets from it. If you take it to be a builder or ladder, it would build and lift you (vis-à-vis).
It is the challenge that comes one’s way that brings out either the best or worst character in a man.
Winners today were once failures, but they were determined enough through the order of divine grace and strong-will to face it all and breakthrough, which eventually culminated in them being globally celebrated in their areas of calling!
It is the same adversity that breaks one person, that builds another! It all depends on the way we manage and wire our mental and spiritual focus. You either rise up or succumb to the pressures that come with adversity! It is left for you to pick yourself up, bounce-back like a palm tree, and encourage yourself to surmount the mountain (s) before you! Once the mountain is surmounted, you enter into glory.
Adversity is what builds our spiritual and physical muscles, so as for us to be fit enough to bear or carry the weight of glory.
Adversity is like an examination for a student; it gives him promotion or demotion, which is determined by his level of preparation and his level of mindset towards becoming a victor or victim, hero or zero!
It is based on our individual levels of reactions to ‘adversity’ that gives us the edge in surmounting it. It can make or mar you. It can make you in the sense that, if you embrace it with rugged faith, then, you will come out strong; but, if you submit to it, it will crush you. Kindly permit me to say that Dr Yomi Garnett, Yinka Oba, Fela Durotoye, Strive Masiyiwa, among others, are living proof [you could ask to interview them in person about how true this is.]. Even so, the testimonies of Job, Joseph, Paul the Apostle, and others in the Holy Bible lingers on and on.
You must not see ADVERSITY as a problem, but a challenge that must be confronted with hope, faith, love, and hard & smart work to conquer, which are the courageous weapons for success that lead to greatness in the face of tribulations, no matter how many times they come.
You must always see yourself on the other side of it. What you see attracts what you get!
A wise man once asked his children: Can you say a professor is a failure? They replied, “NO! The father responded: Wole Soyinka failed the West African Senior Secondary Certification Examination nine (9) times… The children screamed! But can you still call him a failure today? No, the children replied… The father then asked why? Then, the children responded, ‘because he confronted his fears and was determined enough to overcome them by hard work and with the influence of divine grace… and eventually succeeded.’
The moral of this illustration is that you are not a failure until you give up!
Today, you call him Prof. Wole Soyinka (a hero), but as at the time he was failing WAEC, most people called him a dullard (a zero).
Adversity is a ladder to greater levels of glory!
You cannot get your reward until you finish your course!
You can not get your crown until you are done with the cross!
No guts, no glory! You cannot overcome the wilderness until you grow wild!
You cannot get through to the promised land until you are completely processed (refined)!
No gold ever shines without passing through the furnace!
You cannot become more until you’ve been mocked!
You cannot have your prizes until you have fully paid your prices! What we regard as adversity is a setup for us to overcome and step up! It is a junction or curve on our journey to fulfilling our destiny! Don’t interrupt the processes of growth and sustainable development.
Adversity is an examination in disguise to build our muscles so as to be fit enough to carry or bear the weight of GLORY!
Therefore, adversity is:
Acutely advertising
Destructible!
Vulnerable!
Episodic!
Revival!
Surmountable!
Impactful!
Terrifying! But, it is all about
THANK YOU! You determine what must come out of it! Adversities are surmountable! You are the actor in the picture. I charge you to BE THE HERO!
You are not a failure until you give up! Adversity unveils us to realms of glory! It compels us to aim higher, while it charges us to take the stairs!
Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. reveals that: ‘The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy!’
It is not easy to be EASY. We must be determined, we must work and do our best to escape genuinely, but only God can deliver us from all uneasiness. Only God gives us the grace to overcome all odds!
Stop being frustrated when you are confronted with challenges. Rather, engage in audacious faith to confront and conquer your fears! It is a revival, and you are in for a revolution that will propel the required evolution. Adversity is an advanced citadel of learning in disguise! I call it the advanced ‘universe’s-city’, where reality poses a great threat, just like examinations within the four walls of a university.
Thank you all for reading this #EpistleForChampions
In his efforts to further enhance inter-agency cooperation and bolster security collaboration towards combating crimes and emerging threats, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Moshood Jimoh, has played host to Comptroller of Customs, Muritala Muhammed Airport Command (MMAC), Comptroller Toyin Awe, and his counterpart from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Comptroller D. O. Adebambo of the Lagos Command.
The two officers in their separate courtesy visits to the Lagos CP held at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters, focused on strengthening inter-agency cooperation, particularly in tackling the growing challenge of insecurity in the country, with special emphasis to Lagos State.
During the visit, Immigration’s Adebambo, who arrived first highlighted the NIS’s efforts in managing migration and border control, introducing the e-border system, which features camera installations and control centers to monitor and respond to irregular migration. He also mentioned the BATIC, a technology innovation center that enables real-time supervision of border areas and airports.
Adebambo also emphasizing the importance of cooperation and synergy between the NIS and the police in ensuring the security and safety of Lagos State, noting the NIS’s efforts in documenting and expunging irregular migrants, as well as its initiatives to facilitate foreign direct investment and employment opportunities for Nigerian youth.
In his response, CP Jimoh acknowledged the existing cordial relationship between the two agencies, and assured Adebambo of his commitment to strengthening their cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing and joint operations.
On his part, Comptroller Awe of the Customs, emphasized the crucial role of synergy between security agencies, citing recent seizures of illegal military accoutrements at the airport. These included arms and ammunition, camouflage uniforms, and drones, which were intercepted due to the vigilance of customs officers conducting 100% cargo examinations.
The Comptroller noted that intelligence-led operations have been instrumental in identifying and intercepting illicit shipments, many of which originate from Turkey. She revealed that those involved in the illegal imports had been prosecuted and imprisoned.
“We cannot do it all alone. The synergy between security agencies must continue, especially now that insecurity has become a major concern. Within my command at Muritala Muhammed Airport, we recently seized several military-grade items, including arms, ammunition, and drones. These seizures were possible because of the eagle-eyed vigilance of my officers and our strict adherence to 100% cargo examination protocols,” Comptroller Awe stated.
He further highlighted the deep historical ties between the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, stressing the need for continuous cooperation. “We all know that aside from the military, most security agencies, including the police, serve as the foundation for other law enforcement bodies. For instance, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) originated from the Nigeria Customs Service. This shows that our responsibilities are interconnected, and our collaboration is essential for national security,” she explained.
CP Jimoh, in response, further reiterated the importance of security agencies working together to support the Federal Government’s economic policies, including the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and other business-friendly initiatives. He assured that the Lagos State Police Command remains committed to ensuring a safe environment for business operations while also prioritizing national security.
“At this level, we do not have issues with cooperation. Our responsibility is to ensure that our officers at all levels align with this vision and understand the importance of collaboration. Lagos, as a center of excellence, demands nothing less than excellent performance from all security agencies. Our role is to protect government investments and ensure that the state and federal governments achieve their desired objectives,” he added.
All the agencies reaffirmed their commitment to intelligence sharing, joint operations, and continuous engagement to address security challenges effectively.
The visits marked a significant step towards enhancing collaboration and cooperation between the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Police Force, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the security and prosperity of Lagos State and the nation at large.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, his first since assuming office, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
CP Jimoh, who was accompanied by a Board Member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan among others, expressed gratitude while highlighting some of his plans to uphold security in Lagos.
Responding, Gov. Sanwo-Olu hailed the new CP for stepping effectively and seamlessly into the Lagos no. 1 policing job, and urged him to continue in that exceptional drive while assuring that his innovative ideas will be given due attention.
On his part, Dr. Ogunsan praised CP Jimoh for his drive, diligence, and dexterity since assuming duty as Lagos CP. He was emphatic about the grace and candor which which he assumed the job, especially given the circumstance that necessitated his appointment. Ogunsan was very optimistic that the new CP will enjoy tremendous support of Lagos State, noting that since “you have involved my expertise and experience in engaging with the intricacies of the development of the ideas, the planning, and subsequent execution; you have my word, I will put my energy behind you. God bless you on this new journey which is a significant one for your trajectory as a Police officer in the Nigeria Police Force.”
CP Moshood Jimoh, who was appointed in February, is the 41st Commissioner of the Lagos Police Command.
AIG Margaret Ochalla Agebe, on Monday, formally assumed office as the 54th Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, according to a statement by the FCID Public Relations Officer, ASP Mayegun Aminat, and made available to pointblank.ng
Her appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter in the leadership of the department, following the retirement of the esteemed AIG Augustina N. Ogbodo (rtd), who concluded a distinguished and exemplary career in the Nigeria Police Force.
A native of Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State, AIG Margaret Ochalla Agebe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Conflict Resolution and Refugee Management and a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies. Her robust educational background, combined with her extensive professional experience, underscores her readiness to lead FCID Annex Lagos in addressing the contemporary challenges of criminal intelligence and investigation.
Throughout her distinguished career, AIG Agebe has held several pivotal positions within the Nigeria Police Force, each contributing to her exemplary leadership profile. She has served as the Personal Assistant to four Commissioners of Police in Anambra, Officer In-Charge of the Monitoring Unit in Anambra, Team Leader of the IGP Monitoring Unit, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) at the Force Gender Unit, and Advisor to the Inspector General on Gender Issues. She also served as Commissioner of Police at the Anti-Fraud Unit in the Force CID, Abuja, and Commissioner of Police at the Special Fraud Unit in Lagos. Her exceptional work at the Special Fraud Unit paved the way for her elevation to Assistant Inspector General of Police at the Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, where she made a significant impact through her visionary leadership and strategic initiatives. AIG Agebe’s contributions were instrumental in the establishment of specialized units and frameworks that significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force.
AIG Agebe is widely recognized for her relentless commitment to professional development and operational excellence. She has attended numerous specialized courses and training programs, gaining invaluable expertise in law enforcement, which she has applied throughout her career across various commands and formations nationwide.
Her leadership and service have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Global Women Hall of Fame (2017), the Africa Women Leadership Award presented in South Africa by His Excellency John Mahama, President of Ghana, the National Security Award for Excellent Performance and Exemplary Leadership by the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senate Committee on Police Affairs, the Improving Access to Justice Award presented by former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and the Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Nigeria Police Award. Additionally, AIG Agebe has received the Season Corps Award for Competent Governance and Civil Trust, the Distinguished Global Amazon Award in Kigali, Rwanda, and the Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award of Excellence (2023). She was also honored with the International Security Service Award by ISO-SEC Switzerland and HSIIS United Kingdom (2024), the National Crimewatch Lifetime Achievement Award (2024), the Award of Excellence by the Yache Community Development Association, and the Outstanding Female Humanitarian of the Year Award. AIG Agebe’s unwavering dedication to advancing the efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force, with a particular focus on combating gender-based violence, fraud, and other criminal activities, demonstrates her deep commitment to justice, human rights, and national security.
In her new role, AIG Agebe calls on well-meaning citizens to support the Police in the fight against crime, promote justice, and strengthen national security. She remains steadfast in her mission to enhance the operational effectiveness of the FCID, ensuring public safety, upholding the integrity of the Police Force, and continuing her strong stance against corruption as envisioned by the Inspector General of Police.
