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The Power of Planning: Authentic Strategy for Delivery of Possibilities (Part 2)
By Tolulope A. Adegoke
‘You must:
Permit to perform by planning well; perform to perfect by training well
Lean on knowledge, from it you may find wisdom.
Acquire skills for accessing and actualizing desired intentions or goals.
Never ever relent following the above steps over and over again!
True VISION exposes, then empowers our individual or corporate MISSIONs. There will be no fulfilment of mission(s) without effective planning. It is an effective plan that compels you to sit well (that is, to study well and strategise properly). If you do not sit well, you will never ever discover or unlock a passion (solution) to pass on and on (that is, to solving challenges or problems) unto the next generations- this, will not only grant you prosperity but also posterity! For without effective planning, there will be nothing of such values for all-round IMPACTS! Planning is an intentional and strategic order, through which principles are discovered, from which possibilities are birthed to solving individual, corporate and national challenges in a bid to hand over a better world unto coming generation(s)’
– Tolulope A. Adegoke
Effective planning is the key to success. It is revealed in Proverbs 24:3-4 (NKJV) that: ‘through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.’ This means that, every enterprise is built on wise planning, it becomes strong through common sense and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts.
Luke 14:28 further reveals that: ‘For which of you, intending to build a tower sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?’ So, for any serious building to be built, there must be effective planning through blueprints, calculations (that is, Engineers has to work on blueprints and calculations, the same goes for quantity survivors before they start construction at all). Jesus Christ said, before you can live a meaningful life, you must sit down first!
In the University, when you sit for an examination and fail, you will need to re-sit, that means you didn’t sit well for the examination at first! Sitting means planning, while sitting well means planning well!
Most students fail exams in the first place because they didn’t plan well, no definite plans on the grades you intend to get! Common sense tells you to find what works for you, and work on that which works! Those who have flights planned flying higher. Therefore, your goals must be simple as letters A, B and C, which can be described as:
Attainable, accessible, Actual (that is, specific).
Believable, bold (that is seeable, firm)
Creative, concrete.
I can vividly remember at a time (years ago) when one of my revered mentors from the United States requested that I send him synopsis about myself, which includes my plans for the next five to ten years. Though I knew that I needed and wanted to succeed big time, yet I could not write it plain on black and white; I knew I craved to impart lives globally, but I didn’t know what mental or social structures needed to put in place… I was like dynamite wanting and waiting to explode but didn’t know how to. So, I wrote so many pieces of stuff down and forwarded it to him (I guess he’s busy laughing out loud as he’s reading this piece of mine right now). I thought within me that, anyone reading this synopsis would at least, by themselves deduce facts from the many words I have engaged to describe my desires and intentions for the future. In truth, as at then, I didn’t really have the understanding of the formulas A, B and C. My revered mentor later responded with a phone call, in his enchanting and some-how intimidating baritone: ‘Adegoke, you need to make your plans for the future so plain and simple enough such that it will be clear enough to make the race as simple as A, B and C!’ yes sir, I responded timidly. Do you meditate at all? Yes, sir, but not all always, sir. I responded as swiftly as I could. Alright, anyone one who desires to soar must first sit well, seek solitude in order to visit the industrial giant within, the dialogue to with him and discover who and what stuff he has been created for. Whatever answers you receive in such processes must be written in very plain language. Seek answers, find the way, and knock the shut doors you desire through thinking and meditative prayers…this will give you enough substance or capacity to have and make bold plans without missing the right words to describing who you are and what purposes you have been created to fulfil. Is that clear? He uttered firmly. Yes, sir. Very clear, I responded. It was then I realized the Power of Silence in Solitude… it was then that I started developing a firm relationship and became a better friend with the Holy Spirit-Who has been patiently craving for my full attention, just to help me out with my destiny! It was then I understood the awakening of the giant within. It was then I was able to conquer many battles of the mind. I started arriving at the sublime state, such that I understood well that God is always ready to respond to our many requests, and help us with strategies through the mediums of humility that breeds inspirations, to the point of revelations, later to illuminations, then we could advance to creativities at Divine speed. But of what use is speed without direction?
Many people today crave to have speed in their daily dealings, yet forgets to deploy the tools of strategies which could only be powered by sitting down well, humbly- focusing on the Maker, aligning with Him to discovering deep things secrets that your parents, teachers and role models cannot even dare teach you. Not until you sit well, to plan well, you will never discover a passion (that solves problems) to pass on unto the next generation that delivers not just prosperity but posterity!
Fine-tune your mind into the divine frequency to align with your Maker, therein lies the guide to your destiny by the leading of the Word (Scriptures). Meditation on the Word of God powers your vision as revealed in Joshua 1:8. It enables you to see beyond Academics; therein you have access to ‘revelational’ knowledge to solving issues beyond mortal reasoning, and becoming a blessing! You become a god over specific challenges or problems; you become an answer to the prayers of a majority! You become a dream come true.
Back to the above subject, your goals or dreams must be ‘Achievable’, realistic and also accessible in your vision- it must not just be a dream you have never pictured within you. You can only feature in the future that you have pictured within you!
Your dreams must also be ‘Believable’ by you! And to others at least to a reasonable extent. It must be goals that will make the blood run in your veins, which is an indication that you so much believe in it, even if there are oppositions and both ugly and beautiful distractions on your paths.
Lastly, your dreams must be ‘Concrete’- your goals must be rock-solid (that is, it must carry weight and must scare you). If your dreams do not scare you, then it is not a dream! And despite the fact that it is very scary, you must believe in what Ephesians 3: 20 (KJV)says ‘Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly, abundantly and above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.’ That means the power that works within us must be powered or propelled by FAITH! This is where the power of FAITH comes to play; your faith must work; it must align with your dreams!
(To be continued…)
Tolulope A. Adegoke is an acclaimed “globalpreneur”, with the mandate to enrich lives and provide the professional, spiritual, academic and leadership empowerment needed to birth, maximize and sustain possibilities in peoples, corporates and nations. He is a prolific writer, frequent keynote speaker and spoken word poet, among others, having written countless articles in diverse reputable fields and honoured many public invitations. Tolulope is the privileged Founder/ President, TheGlobalSTAGEImpacts (GSI) – wired for delivering possibilities. He is the Founder and Chief Editor, Your Online Celebrity Exhibition Magazine (YOCEM) – a global online platform wired for the continuous showcasing of natural talents, skills and businesses of individuals and corporates. He is the CEO, Beyond Media Consults. He is also a Senior Administrator.
E-mail: adegoketolulope1022@gmail.com
globalstageimpacts@gmail.com
A group of Nigerians on Wednesday took their protest to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, calling for the removal of the commission’s chairman.
The demonstration is part of the ongoing “Save Democracy” movement gaining attention across the country.
The protesters gathered early at the INEC premises, dressed in branded T-shirts bearing the inscription “Operation Save Our Democracy.”
Many of them also held placards in red and white, with different messages expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of the nation’s electoral system.
Eyewitnesses said the protest remained largely peaceful but loud. The crowd chanted solidarity songs and voiced strong demands for reforms.
A common chant heard at the scene was “We no go gree,” as demonstrators moved in groups around the entrance of the commission’s office. Some protesters also raised specific demands, shouting “INEC Chairman Amupitan must go.”
In a video seen by POLITICS NIGERIA, several well-known activists and political supporters were present at the protest. Supporters of Aisha Yesufu, Mama Pee, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other civic voices were visibly active in the demonstration.
The video showed a charged atmosphere, with participants waving placards and engaging in coordinated chants.
Security presence around the area was noticeable but not aggressive. Officers were stationed at strategic points to monitor the situation and ensure that activities did not get out of hand. There were no immediate reports of violence or arrests as of the time of filing this report.
Another clip circulating online showed key figures within the opposition coalition preparing to join the protest. Prominent leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and David Mark, were seen mobilizing supporters at Maitama Roundabout in the Federal Capital Territory.
The group appeared to be gearing up for a larger convergence as part of the same demonstration.
As the protest continues to gather momentum, it remains unclear what immediate response will come from the electoral body or the federal government.
The Executive Secretary/CEO of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has further demonstrated his commitment to officers’ welfare as a cornerstone of effective security delivery with the reception of a delegation from Shenzhen Comen Medical Instruments Co. Ltd. who paid him a courtesy visit at the LSSTF Headquarters on Tuesday.
During the visit, the top executives of Shenzhen Comen Medical Instruments Co. Ltd led by Regional Director for Africa, Jeff Zhang, signalled the intention to partner with the Lagos State Security Trust Fund to strengthen healthcare support for security personnel serving assiduously across Lagos. Members of the delegation include the MD/CEO of May Care Hospitals, Ma AiMei among others.
At the heart of their engagement is a growing recognition and shared understanding that the physical and mental fitness of security operatives is directly linked to their effectiveness in safeguarding lives and property. Their discussions centred on proposed donation of critical medical equipment, instruments, and healthcare resources tailored to the needs of officers across multiple security agencies in the state.
Dr. Ogunsan commended the Shenzhen Comen Medical Instruments Co. Ltd for their intended donation which will greatly support the healthcare needs and well-being of officers who are at the frontline of preserving safety and security in Lagos State. He hailed their proposed intervention as a timely response that will strengthen human capital which is the most important factor of the security architecture.
Ogunsan highlighted: “My leadership at the LSSTF has consistently maintained that security funding will not just be limited to operational vehicles, logistics and hardware but deep focus on human capital development. This is what drives operational success. This is why we are focused on constant training and retraining. This is why I am now advocating for the improved health and wellness of officers.”
“This shift will bridge critical gaps in occupational healthcare for officers, and sustain operational readiness. This is why I am calling for donors and partnerships to uphold the wellbeing of officers. With access to quality healthcare infrastructure, our officers will be well equipped to do their jobs,” he concluded.
The Federal government has expelled American missionary, Alex Barber, citing concerns over statements it says could inflame tensions and worsen divisions, especially in Plateau State.
The decision follows growing controversy surrounding his activities in Nigeria’s North-central region, where authorities allege his comments are capable of inciting unrest.
Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), confirmed the development during an appearance on TVC.
“Yeah, so we’ve realised what Alex Barber has done, so I must inform that Alex Barber is no longer in Nigeria,” she said.
“He has been, we can say, removed and sent out of the country because of the work he’s doing, which is creating division.”
Essiet further linked his remarks to violence in Jos, claiming: “Immediately after he made his speech in Jos, a lot of people didn’t know that two people, two Muslims, were killed immediately after his speech.
“Because of the impact of this provocative speech, which he has been making, he was sent out of the country and is no longer in Nigeria.”
Barber, a former American football player turned missionary, gained attention for humanitarian efforts in conflict-affected communities in Benue and Plateau states.
Through his initiative, Building Zion, and in collaboration with a US-based NGO, he participated in rebuilding homes and supporting displaced residents.
At Yelwata in Benue State, he reportedly helped reconstruct dozens of houses destroyed during attacks. During a project event in January 2026, he said, “So far, we have rebuilt 35 housing units… The joy among the people is overwhelming.”
Community leaders and some residents praised the intervention.
Julius Joor, the traditional ruler of Yelwata, said, “For the first time, private individuals have come to our aid in such a massive way. You have restored hope and happiness to our people.”
Similarly, legal practitioner Franc Utoo noted, “You have done what both the federal and state governments have failed to do.”
Despite the humanitarian work, Barber’s public statements increasingly drew criticism. In interviews and online posts, he described violence in the Middle Belt as organised and systematic.
Speaking to News Central Television, he said: “This is not just some random criminality… This is a war being waged on people.”
He also questioned official positions, asking: “If there’s no war in Nigeria, what is happening?”
His remarks, including criticism of government institutions and handling of the crisis, amplified his global profile but sparked backlash locally.
Critics argue his framing oversimplifies a complex situation involving banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and insurgency.
Some also accused him of presenting the conflict largely along religious lines, warning such narratives could heighten tensions.
A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, urged authorities to investigate his activities, saying they could “threaten public peace,” while cleric Ahmad Gumi also raised concerns about his rhetoric.
In a petition to security agencies in Plateau State, Aliyu Naziru alleged Barber was present at a violence scene under unclear circumstances and called for a probe. However, there is no confirmed evidence linking him to any criminal act.
Supporters insist Barber was drawing attention to neglected crises. Religious figures, including COCIN priest Ezekiel Dachomo, defended his efforts and cautioned against attempts to silence him.
Responding to criticism, Barber said: “They haven’t talked about me rebuilding villages… but when I speak out… then all of a sudden [they react].”
He maintained that victims across religious groups have suffered attacks, citing incidents in several northern states.
Analysts note that while freedom of expression is recognised, Nigerian laws restrict speech capable of inciting violence or public disorder, particularly in sensitive regions. Authorities also retain the power to deport foreigners whose actions are considered against national interest.
Essiet said the government acted to prevent further division, drawing a comparison with past global conflicts.
“That’s what the government has done, because we don’t want individuals to come and create division,” she said.
“I’ve been to Rwanda a couple of times… As simple as this whole narrative of what Alex Barber was saying is what some foreign actors did in Rwanda… and that led to a massive genocide.”
“Based on our experience, we don’t want Nigeria to follow that path… We must not allow people who do not understand the history of our crises to divide us.”
Barber denied allegations linking his statements to violence.
In a Facebook post, he said: “Let it be known that if Abiodun Essiet… made this statement, they are directly lying to the Nigerian and international community.
I’ve never heard of this person, nor had conversation with them.”
