Metro
The Painted Canvases: ‘Zero’ As a Nation!
By Tolulope A. Adegoke
“It takes rising up to the call(s) of destiny for any group or individuals of any nation or community(s) to reach the destination of their quality state! You cannot change the world that you live in until you change yourself from within! You can get up, yes! You must get up! Be inspired! Be responsible!” Tolulope A. Adegoke
We’ll be painting Japan in 1945, after the Second World War, as an image of a Zero on a detailed canvas, but her narrative doesn’t finish there. The Second World War began in 1935 and concluded in 1945 as a consequence of the United States of America’s political and military engagement, which officially embraced the doctrine of isolationism. Her role before the war was purely economic, allowing her to accumulate financial muscle for herself in order to establish what was required for her worldwide reputation. During the war, Germany, Italy, and Japan sought to establish a “tripartite strategy” in order to gain hegemony over all countries on the planet. Germany, under Adolf Hitler, desired total control of Europe; Italy, under Benito Mussolini, desired total control of Africa; and Japan, under Emperor Hirohito, desired total control of Asia. However, Adolf Hitler of Germany and Benito Mussolini of Italy were eventually defeated, while Japan was ordered to step down in order to end the war, but she remained adamant (stiff-necked); the United States of America saw this as a threat to their global intentions because Britain and France had been weakened by the war. As a result, by unleashing the “Weapon of Mass Destruction” on Japan, America assumed the burden of joining in the Second World War both politically and militarily. Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan’s two main economic centers, were completely devastated, resulting in the loss of countless lives and assets. The impact of the United States of America’s bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on the Japanese continues to this day to demonstrate the breadth of the devastation of once popular and lush territory into deserts (Zero).
At the anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings in the early 2000s, Japan’s Prime Minister said, “If they gave Japan enough time to move her people, they could bomb Japan any way they wanted, and even if they put Japan in the desert, they would rebuild Japan to the world’s second-largest economy in a short time.”
Japan is an example of a country that does not have enough steel to create bonnets, enough silicon to produce side mirrors, or enough rubber to produce steering wheels, but is the world’s largest exporter of automobiles. Where am I going with this? Japan came from zero to be responsible, despite the difficulties and pains of ascending the ladder of becoming a worldwide hero among countries of the globe, against all chances of being smashed to zero. Every zero, if diligently worked on, has the ability to bounce back. The riches of every country, therefore, will be discovered in-between its people’s “ears,” i.e., the contents of their brain and character of their being (applicability capability)!
Life is the irrefutable, mysterious (powerful) gift given to man by God, containing a plethora of hidden secrets…
It is up to us (man) to maximize its use, but only man’s actions poison it! There is always a reason to do something and a reason not to do it. This is known as an “excuse.” It is God’s responsibility to deposit riches and treasures in the shape of skills, potentials, or gifts into our earthen vessels, but it is up to us as people to dig very deeply with real light for their revealing, utilization, and maximization for our own benefit for His (God Almighty) glory.
Nigeria as a country fits into the above-mentioned framework in order to re-orient her leadership and followership, particularly the youth, via this evident truth in the ultimate reality of being and living. It is important to emphasize unequivocally that Nigeria’s wealth is not in the Niger-Delta (South-South region), nor is it anyplace in the ground, nor is oil our riches, nor is it any of the natural resources that we have around us, but it is the people that you can see around you, exactly where you are… We are Nigeria’s riches because we have the elegance, splendour, and capability to harness and use those mineral resources, as well as one another, to satisfy the Creator’s certain requirements! The so-called natural resources that we so desperately seek beneath the earth are not the “actual resources,” but the untapped “divin-istic wealth” of those who died before their time with their riches in them…These people did not perish in vain! A functional resource (s) is the quality treasure (s) encoded in a living, physically sized being known as “man”, positioned in-between his two ears (his brain)! These assets that God bestowed upon him are limitless since he was formed for special objectives of addressing requirements and providing potential (beyond the norm) for people, corporations, and nations. The human brain is a perplexing (yet powerful) biological system that allows us to link our hearts to the supernatural. We must thus be resolute and prepared to die empty by depleting the resources that God Almighty has placed inside us for the glory of God Almighty and the development of people and the environment.
When a man prays to God for money, God showers him with thoughts that will change his destiny, then connects him with other individuals who were made to chart causes that are earthly or supernaturally connected to the fulfillment of the intended purposes of these ideas. These folks are known as “destiny’s assistants!”
The more we ask God for answers, the more God sends another man in the shape of new-borns who carry divine solutions through divine order or inspires, discloses, and illuminates another adult man with the appropriate and needed ability to fulfill the solution in an active and visible manifestation! The more a man fails as a result of earthly distractions or causes, the more He sends another man to replace him and carry out His ideal intentions. God is never taken aback by man’s flaws or gaps. He always has backup plans in place to complete the delivery mission(s).
We strive to maintain the mindset that “we are the wealth of our generation(s), situated in specific geographical locations for the divine purpose(s) of performing a divine mandate all to the glory of God and for the relief of humanity from grieves, agonies, and pains.” Your nation(s) depends on your endowments to thrive; without you, there will always be gaps in that specific area of your calling(s) due to your unwillingness to surrender to it! I now charge you to rise to your divine calling(s). Only then do you have a chance to become a LEGEND (hero)! You, can take charge (control) of your talents only if you can imagine them. Do not become a zero! ” It is a man’s talents that will pave the road for him… he will stand before monarchs (kings), not mere (ordinary) men! This is an undeniable fact: without your constructive contributions, your country would stay at zero! To achieve the goal of their quality state, any group or person from any country or community must answer the call(s) of destiny! You cannot change the environment in which you live unless you first change yourself.
You can get up, yes!
You need to rise up!
Be inspired!
Take responsibility!
Learn and Apply. Thank you!
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.
The Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA) has joined the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day 2025, celebrating the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women in Nigeria and beyond.
This year’s theme: “Accelerate Action,” which calls for rapid actions towards gender equality, underscores the urgent need to create equal opportunities for women in all spheres of life, including the media, politics, business, and technology.
As a collective voice in digital journalism, NOMA remains committed to using online platforms to amplify women’s voices, advocate for gender equality, and highlight the challenges women face in the society.
Particularly in the media, Nigerian women have played a pivotal role in shaping the narratives, exposing injustices, and driving meaningful conversations leading to transcendental transformational changes that have galvanised into different affirmative actions.
In her goodwill message to women on the International Women’s Day 2025, the Chairperson of NOMA, Theresa Moses, congratulated the women and called for an accelerated action towards a future where women are valued, respected, and celebrated for their contributions to our society.
“As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, I am reminded of the immense progress Nigerian women have made in shaping the media landscape, banking industry and other sphere of life. Yet, we still have a long way to go in achieving true gender parity.
Also speaking on the occasion, NOMA’s Public Relations Officer, Oluwamuyiwa Oyedele, emphasized the need for greater representation and accelerating action towards inclusivity in the media: “Women’s stories matter, their perspectives shape our society, and their voices must be heard.
At NOMA, we are dedicated to fostering a media landscape where women are not only seen but empowered to lead and influence policies. Therefore, women in the public space, offices and political office holders deserve mutual respect devoid of harassment of any kind while carrying out their assigned functions.
NOMA calls on government agencies, private institutions, and the public to take actionable steps in dismantling systemic barriers that hinder women’s progress. By fostering an egalitarian society, as we move closer to a future where women can thrive, lead, and inspire the next generation.
“At NOMA, we are committed to amplifying women’s voices, promoting inclusive storytelling, and advocating for policies that would empower women to take their rightful place in leadership positions.’
#IWD2025 #NOMAForWomen
Governor Ademola Adeleke on Thursday held a special briefing session with the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, affirming that there is no court order reinstating the court-sacked ‘Yes/No’ council chairmen.
The briefing, according to statement by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, was a continuation of the governor’s statewide consultations with elders and opinion moulders on the recent uproar on the leadership of local governments including a visit to Chief Bisi Akande at his Ibadan residence.
At the meeting attended by top traditional rulers under the chairmanship of the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oodua, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, both the Commissioners for Justice (Jimi Wole Bada) and Information (Kolapo Alimi) presented the four judgements to prove to the kings that the court order sacking the chairmen remain valid and in force.
Governor Adeleke in his briefing paper widely shared among the monarchs declared that statesmanship and divine intervention have saved Osun from major calamity, lamenting that “our state just survived a major threat to the democratic space.
“As one of the highly literate communities in Nigeria, we have a duty to avoid misinformation and disinformation, hence my coming here to present all details about the recent local government face off.
“We are all aware that after I defeated Gboyega Oyetola in July 2022, he hurriedly organised a Yes/No local government election. Two political parties, PDP and APP went to Court to challenge the arrangement for the election.
“So there were two separate suits, PDP case was filed before the promulgation of Local Government Election Law of 2022. In both of these cases, the Federal High Court decided that the process and procedure leading to the election was flawed. The court in both cases declared the election null and void and of no consequences and removed the persons who were purported to have been elected through that flawed election.The Court nullified and ordered that those who were purportedly elected vacate the office.
“In the first appeal against the APP judgement which sacked the Yes/No Council chairmen, the APC and the APM filed an appeal but did not pursue the case. They went to sleep as lawyers would say. The respondent in the case which included the PDP, sought to dismount the appeal. So the Court of Appeal dismissed the APC appeal.
“Our fathers, since the appeal was dismissed, the judgement sacking the Yes/No chairmen remains valid. As at today, the sack order has never been vacated by any court of law.
“Now in the second case involving APC V PDP, the Court of Appeal noted that there were four issues for determination and resolved issue 1 and 2 and said; (1) the amendment granted by the Federal High Court when the case was pending was wrong; (2) the second order made by the Court of Appeal in that process was that the case itself was premature and that there was no cause of action. The court consequently resolved that issue 3 and 4 became academic exercise, that is of no value, effect or importance.
“So the Court of Appeal in Akure came to the conclusion that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to have entertained the matter in the first place and then struck out that case that was filled by PDP and made NO ORDER.
“In the 53-page judgment that is in the public domain, there is nowhere an order was made by the Court of Appeal for reinstatement of the sacked chairmen. Even if there was any request for reinstatement, prayer 3 and 4 were described by the Court of Appeal as academic and the court declined to consider them”, Governor Adeleke told the monarchs.
The state governor told the royal fathers that “Osun state was ambushed suddenly by elements within the All Progressives Congress (APC) whose agenda was to burn down the state. Without any basis or foundation in law, the APC executed a deadly plot.
“The evil agenda is to illegally take over the council secretariats based on a court of appeal ruling that has no consequential orders nor contain anything about reinstatement of sacked chairmen.
“I immediately alerted the nation and security agencies in a national broadcast. Yet, nothing was done. We lost seven residents with several others injured. As a responsible leader, I ordered all parties to stay away from the secretariats. PDP members obeyed and the APC Yes /No chairmen defied the directive.
“As if that was not enough, we were shocked to read from the Attorney General of the Federation, advising us to comply with a non-existing court order. Same advice was extended to us by the Inspector General of Police.
“We were in the midst of all these when an order of the state high court mandated the electoral commission to fill the vacancies occasioned by the earlier sack of the yes/No chairmen. The court also ordered security agencies to provide security for the elections.
“Our royal fathers, the local government election was validly held despite intimidation and harassment by security operatives who were taking directives from Mr Oyetola. We have now filled the vacancies in line with the electoral act, court judgements and the constitution of the country.
“I have proceeded to direct the elected officials to stay away from the councils. Our approach is to apply rule of law instead of self help to get the illegal occupants of the Secretariats out of the way. We will not resort to violence. We will allow the law to take its full course.
“I was informed that the newly elected council chiefs and local government workers have dragged the illegal occupants of the council secretariats to court. We await court hearings and rulings.
“We are worried as a government because if you have a court judgement in your favour, there is a procedure for enforcement. The court has a process for enforcement. That process has no room for brigandary and self help as the APC Yes/No chairmen are doing.
“Secondly, why did APC refuse to pursue the appeal filed against the APP judgement that sacked its chairmen? Why did the APC fail to appeal to the Supreme Court when its appeal was struck out by the Court of Appeal?
“In the case of Akure appeal court ruling, PDP has nothing to appeal against to the Supreme Court as there was no consequential order and as the court has directly ignored reinstatement request as mere academic exercise.
“Thirdly, the Supreme Court ruling on Rivers local government election has clearly confirmed that the Osun Yes/No election was conducted in violation of the electoral act and therefore remains null and void. The latest judgement of the apex court affirm that there is no legal ground for the Yes/No chairmen to continue to illegally occupy the secretariats.
“Our royal fathers, you have all the facts before you. There is no reinstatement order as you can see. The Supreme Court came on time to validate the judgement of the Federal High Court which sacked those elected in violation of the electoral act.
“I appeal to our royal fathers to further educate their subjects on the facts of the controversies. We are a community of enlightened citizenry. We should not allow fake news to be weaponized to destroy our dear state”, the Governor noted in his address.
The royal fathers expressed appreciation and support for the state Governor and resolved to educate their subjects and also pass the message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Officers of the Nigerian military, on Thursday, invaded the Ikeja Electric office in Lagos State, following a dispute over power disconnection to an Air Force base.
The armed military personnel forcibly entered Ikeja Electric’s office on Ago Palace Way in Okota, Isolo, Lagos, subjecting the staff to maltreatment.
According eyewitness account, the armed officers, dressed in military uniforms, arrived at the premises opposite MITV, around 7:40 am.
Employees and other individuals present at the office were allegedly subjected to physical assault by the invaders.
The confrontation reportedly stems from Ikeja Electric’s disconnection of power to the Nigerian Air Force base in Ikeja two weeks prior, as sources indicate that the disconnection resulted from unpaid electricity bills amounting to millions of naira.
According to reports, there was an agreement in place for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to pay ₦60 million monthly for 10–12 hours of daily electricity supply to the base. However, conflicting claims exist regarding compliance with this arrangement. While NAF sources claim they consistently fulfilled their payment obligations, Ikeja Electric representatives state the Air Force failed to pay its outstanding debt.
Military sources expressed concern that the power outage compromised their security, particularly regarding the operational warehouse containing high-calibre arms. They claim rising temperatures due to failing cooling systems put sensitive equipment at risk.
Although the police intervened, the armed personnel, reportedly led by a female officer, refused to back down, allegedly destroying property of the company, and subjecting the manager to inhuman treatment.
The officers are said to be Nigerian Airforce officers.
