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Under-Rated: The Potential Game-Changer
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By Tolulope A. Adegoke
“The ‘Zero’ that isn’t empowered will never Emerge a HERO; Reason being that Opportunities without adequate and necessary preparations would always yield to futility (vice-versa).” – Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD., MNIM, FIMC, CMC, CMS
The Potential Game-Changer in this context is the number “Zero”. It is used in this context to describe someone who has the potential to cause a massive transformation, despite having the similitude of a failure. It was Abraham Lincoln who said: “Nobody had ever expected me to become president.” He contested and failed severally before eventually becoming the President of the United States of America.
Lincoln aside, the success of Portugal at Euro 2016 football tournament has a powerful message for every one of us, in every sphere of life. That Portugal beat France 1-0 to become the European Football champion in July 2016 is no longer news. The big news however is the fact that it was a substitute player who was not considered fit to start the same game, who scored the winning and history-making goal. Before the game, all eyes had been on the great Cristiano Ronaldo. But just in the 14th minute, he was carried off the field on a stretcher with a knee injury!
Naturally, with Ronaldo, the star player, injured, panic erupted amongst football fans worldwide and the Portuguese team in particular. In all truth, Portugal probably thought their end had come! But Eder, a substitute from the bench, scored an epochal goal during the extra-time, thereby securing Portugal’s first European Championship title.
Interestingly, when the trophy was presented, it was lifted by Cristiano Ronaldo, who had broken down in tears at the final whistle. That day, he and the watching world had learnt an unforgettable lesson: If you desire to see true success and progress, never underrate anyone. If you wish to see outstanding results in every area of life, you must be determined to pursue total unity and team work because a tree cannot make a forest and nobody is indispensable!
Portugal won without King Ronaldo on the field! Never underestimate any man. Don’t despise your zero because it might end up being your HERO, just as Eder proved to be. We also have the biblical example of David, who emerged from being a mere shepherd boy in the wilderness to becoming a military general, and then, the king of Israel!
The other side of the “ball game”
So far, we have considered zero as a positive potential that must be nurtured from dormancy to vibrancy and greatness. However, there is something else that zero could represent and unlike the previous representations of zero, this does not require being nurtured but being neutralised. This is because like other forms of zero, this also has the potential to grow – in this case, though, into something destructive. This zero is the ‘zero of the weak point’
The story of some individuals would only revolve around their weak point, especially how it limited them from fulfilling their purpose and destiny. A weakness is often a behavioural flaw that prevents or limits someone from being (a game changer) fully effective. Whichever way this flaw is handled can result in great consequences. Both the Bible and contemporary history are replete with stories of individuals who had great potentials but did nothing to neuter their weaknesses and thus exposing themselves to failure and regret.
We have the example of Moses who was called by God to the lead the Israelites out of Egypt, their land of slavery. The exceptional grace on his life made him a HERO. The Lord used him to perform many miracles in Egypt. Through him, God afflicted the Egyptians with ten plagues. The Lord also used him in parting the Red Sea and in demonstrating other wonders in the wilderness (Exodus 33:22-23). Yet, his weak point of anger terminated his mission of leading the Israelites to the Promised Land (Exodus 17, Exodus 32:19-20).
As the Bible records, the congregation of children of Israel had journeyed from the wilderness of Sin. Thus, the people began to reproach Moses and Aaron, their leaders. Moses had gone to God to present the complaints of the people and God had instructed him to speak to the rock for water, but he had struck the rock instead, as a result of his anger at the attitude of the Israelites. God was not happy with this. Eventually, Moses only saw Canaan from afar but didn’t get there.
Samson is another good example to be used here to describe the flaws of mighty individuals. In spite of his great strength, he was eventually captured and became a victim. Ironically, he had been born to be a deliverer of the Israelites (Judges 13). Due to the anointing of God upon him, he had become the most powerful man on earth. He could face 10,000 soldiers all alone, and he once killed a lion with his bare hands. At the height of his strength, the Philistines were afraid of Israel. However, he had a character flaw, which he considered to be a zero – that is, an insignificant weakness. That flaw was the love of women, especially wayward women, which was against the conditions given to him by God. That seeming zero would eventually lead to his downfall, when he revealed the secret of his power to Delilah, one of his wayward women (Judges 16). Towards the end of his life, the same Samson who had been a terror to the Philistines ended up as their puppet and slave. They blinded him and turned him to an object of scorn.
In our contemporary times, there are many whose “zero” character and behavioural flaws such as careless use of the tongue, addictions to drinks and drugs, lust for the opposite sex, love of money, uncontrolled temper, have cut short their lives and destinies. The reason being that they did not realise where their unchecked flaws or could lead them until it was too late.
The fact, as has been stated, is that everyone has a weak point which can be easily dismissed as a zero. This means that within every hero, there lies a zero. Or to put it in another way, “there is a kid in every king.” What this requires is for you to tackle your zero so as not to be drowned in the valley of life. Starve your weak point to develop the hero in you, though the journey to achieving it may not be smooth, because it is truly not easy to be easy! Crave for a good change, work on yourself, by allowing the Potter (God Almighty) to break, remould, bake and make very good use of your earthen vessel for His glory; only via this means would you be able to overcome your flaws and emerge a global game-changer in your area(s) of calling(s) or purpose.
Thank you all for reading.
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It’s a Scam: Beware of Tinubu’s Electricity Supply, ADC Warns Nigerians
The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has warned Nigerians against waiting for President Bola Tinubu to fulfil his campaign promise of providing reliable electricity.
The Council challenged the President to explain why millions of Nigerians continue to experience poor power supply despite his pledge that voters should not re-elect him if he fails to deliver electricity.
In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC accused Tinubu of making fresh promises during his recent campaign outings in Kaduna, Rivers and Jigawa states instead of presenting a clear account of his administration’s achievements.
Recalling the President’s campaign promise, the Council quoted him as saying: “If I don’t give you electricity, don’t vote for me for a second term.”
“Tinubu is only repeating his old electricity promise in Jigawa, while Nigerians are still waiting for answers on why reliable power supply remains out of reach,” the Council said.
The Council also questioned the whereabouts and impact of 2,000 tractors reportedly imported from Brazil under the administration’s mechanised farming programme.
It further accused Tinubu of taking credit for projects started by his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, while failing to show enough achievements of his own.
News
Tinubu’ll Lose Despite Thuggery, Judicial Manipulation, Says ADC-PCC
The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has declared that President Bola Tinubu will lose the 2027 election, insisting that intimidation, violence and manipulation of democratic institutions cannot prevent his exit from office.
In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the Council accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating the judiciary and deploying security agencies against opposition parties.
Ologbondiyan warned that growing attacks on opposition members across the country pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
He cited the killing of several members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State, allegedly following an attack on the party’s campaign venue by suspected APC thugs.
He said the incident is part of a disturbing pattern of violence against opposition parties, particularly members of the ADC, NDC and Allied Peoples Movement (APM), in Kaduna, Kogi, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto states.
“This is not politics. This is state-sponsored terror against democracy,” he said.
The Council also raised concerns over the preparedness and neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that its voter register database had been compromised and that APC sympathisers had been deployed to sensitive positions.
It further alleged that security agencies were being used to harass, arrest and intimidate opposition members.
Ologbondiyan expressed concern over the alleged involvement of a serving director of a security agency in the APC Presidential Campaign Council as co-Director of National Security and Intelligence, describing it as a violation of the law establishing the agency.
“One thing is now very clear to all Nigerians: Tinubu is not preparing for an election. He is preparing for a coronation,” he said.
The ADC-PCC maintained that alleged manipulation of judicial processes and electoral institutions would not guarantee President Tinubu’s re-election, warning that Nigerians would resist any attempt to impose a president through compromised judicial decisions or electoral fraud.
It called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend their votes and democratic rights ahead of 2027.
The Council also urged the international community, civil society organisations, religious and traditional institutions to pay closer attention to what it described as the deteriorating political and security environment, warning that silence could embolden those undermining democracy.
It appealed to security agencies to remain politically neutral, stressing that their allegiance should be to the Constitution and the Nigerian people.
“Those who allow themselves to be used as tools of oppression today will answer for their actions tomorrow,” Ologbondiyan warned.
News
Lagos Guber Candidates Unveil Plans to Address Education, Housing, Transport Challenges
Governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State have outlined contrasting plans to address housing, transportation, education, healthcare and the rising cost of living ahead of the 2027 elections.
At a governorship debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, the candidates, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat of the APC, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the ADC, Funsho Doherty of the NDC and Adedeji Doherty of the PDP, presented their policy blueprints and defended their credentials for seeking to govern the State.
While Hamzat, the incumbent deputy governor, pledged to sustain ongoing projects and expand infrastructure, the opposition candidates criticised the State’s development priorities, arguing that its substantial internally generated revenue had not translated into improved living conditions for ordinary residents.
Rhodes-Vivour accused successive administrations of pursuing policies that favoured the wealthy at the expense of vulnerable residents, particularly in housing and urban development.
He said Lagos needs a government that prioritises the interests of ordinary people, adding that his administration would adopt an integrated approach to urban planning, housing, transportation, education, healthcare and waste management.
The ADC candidate promised to deliver 100,000 housing units within his first four years through a combination of social housing, a proposed luxury tax and development of the state’s eastern foreshore.
He also pledged to connect Lagos’ rail lines within two and a half years through a transparent, private-sector-driven arrangement.
Rhodes-Vivour said the proposed housing programme would include a structured system allowing residents to move from smaller accommodation to larger homes as their families and financial capacities grew.
He said: “We want a cleaner Lagos. We want a safer Lagos. We want a more affordable Lagos. I want a Lagos that works for everybody, not just the privileged few.”
On urban safety, he promised to create employment opportunities for young people, particularly at the ward level, to reduce insecurity and address the activities of political thugs.
He also pledged to tackle flooding through wetland protection, improved urban design and the adoption of technologies that would allow water to flow naturally without threatening communities.
Responding to a question on Lagos’ high revenue and its impact on household welfare, Rhodes-Vivour said the government had failed to make its wealth sufficiently beneficial to ordinary residents.
He cited the demolition of structures in Makoko and the development of housing projects beyond the reach of many residents as examples of what he described as exclusionary policies.
According to him, government should concentrate on providing support for people who cannot meet their basic needs, rather than prioritising those who can afford private solutions.
He said his administration would ensure transparent allocation of housing units and prevent individuals from monopolising multiple units at the expense of other applicants.
The candidate also proposed a housing progression scheme under which young people could initially occupy affordable self-contained apartments and move into larger accommodation as their circumstances improved.
The APC candidate said his experience in government has given him an understanding of the State’s administrative systems, residents’ needs and infrastructure challenges.
He said his proposed Lagos Promise agenda is built around seven pillars, with commitments that would be measurable and open to public scrutiny.
Hamzat added that his administration would prioritise transparency, respect for residents and accountability in the implementation of policies.
He said: “I take tonight as a job interview. The job is the government of Lagos State. And you, Lagosians, will be the interviewers and the people that we actually hire.”
On transportation, Hamzat promised to complete the Blue Line to Okokomaiko and extend the Red Line towards the Trade Fair area, while integrating rail, road and water transportation.
He also pledged to provide 4,000 new compressed natural gas buses to improve mass transit and reduce the pressure on commuters.
The APC candidate said the State’s limited land area and growing population make efficient public transportation essential to its development.
On housing, Hamzat said the government has delivered 24,000 housing units over the past eight years, including 18,000 units for residents, while several projects remain ongoing.
He promised to expand access to mortgages, proposing a system requiring a 10 per cent deposit and repayment over 25 years.
According to him, the arrangement would enable residents to acquire homes without having to pay the full cost upfront.
Hamzat said the government would continue existing housing projects, including developments in Ibeju-Lekki, Badagry and other locations.
He argued that mortgage financing is necessary to make homeownership more attainable, noting that many people struggled to build houses because of the high cost of construction.
Funsho Doherty of the NDC said Lagos is operating below its potential despite its substantial revenue base and economic importance.
He argued that residents continue to face rising taxes and levies without corresponding improvements in public services.
Doherty cited the State’s budget, internally generated revenue and long period of APC administration as reasons the government should be held accountable for its performance.
He said Lagos’ challenges include inadequate healthcare, poor educational outcomes, housing affordability, water supply and electricity.
The candidate said his vision is to move the State in a new direction through policies focused on health, education, opportunity, affordable housing, jobs, small businesses and the environment.
Doherty, who said he has spent 30 years in the private sector, argued that government policies should enable residents to develop their skills, earn incomes and build sustainable livelihoods.
He promised to make public education truly free, including removing examination fees and other charges that prevent children from completing their education.
He also pledged to provide pupils in public schools with an affordable daily meal.
On housing, the NDC candidate proposed 150,000 units, supported by an ecosystem of financing, government guarantees and other measures to improve affordability.
He said the objective was to empower residents economically, adding that the prosperity of individuals would translate into the prosperity of the State.
Adedeji Doherty of the PDP said his background as a technocrat, businessman, entrepreneur and industrialist had prepared him to address Lagos’ economic and infrastructure challenges.
He said his experience in the party, which he joined in 1998, has also informed his decision to contest the governorship.
The PDP candidate identified electricity, housing and education as priority areas, arguing that inadequate power supply is limiting industrial development and economic growth.
He promised to establish a research team to develop cheaper building materials and reduce the cost of constructing homes.
Doherty also said he would focus on underserved communities, particularly the islands, which he said lack adequate primary healthcare and other essential services.
He identified the State’s debt burden, bloated ministries, departments and agencies, and inadequate support for local governments as major challenges affecting service delivery.
The candidate said his administration would reduce the number of MDAs and review government expenditure to free up resources for residents.
He argued that local governments should be adequately empowered to address community needs, while savings from reduced administrative costs could be redirected towards improving living conditions.
Doherty also promised to review electricity costs and introduce measures to put money back into residents’ pockets.







