Metro
Zero to Global Impact: Unlocking the Power of Training, Discipline and Sacrifice
By Tolulope A. Adegoke PhD
“Look past the exterior, and see that there is so much more within. Then decide to unleash that potential to the fullest” – Lincoln Patz
Lead-In
From overlooked beginnings to celebrated legacies, history proves that the journey from zero to global impact is not a matter of luck — it is a matter of preparation, intentionality, and sacrifice. The same principles that elevate individuals also transform corporations and even nations.
The Possibility Within
Every individual, organization, and nation carries untapped reservoirs of potential.
But potential, left untouched, achieves nothing. It must be developed, refined, and activated — often through a process that demands vision, courage, and persistence.
Pull Quote: “Potential alone is not enough — like raw gold, it must be refined before it can shine.”
Training – The Catalyst of Transformation
Training bridges the gap between capacity and performance. It’s what converts hidden value into tangible results.
- Biblical Example: Abraham’s household servants, born into obscurity, became fearless warriors through deliberate training (Genesis 14:14).
- Leadership Example: David’s distressed and discontented followers became “mighty men of valour” (2 Samuel 23:8-17) after disciplined mentorship.
For corporates, training converts average teams into high-performance units.
For nations, training is the strategic investment in education, vocational skills, and leadership that drives sustainable growth.
Training Tip for Leaders:
- Individuals (Peoples): Learn a skill that solves real problems.
- Corporates: Build a learning culture that rewards growth.
- Nations: Prioritize educational reform and vocational programs.
Discipline & Diligence – The Engines of Excellence
Training starts the journey; discipline and diligence sustain it.
- Discipline is doing what must be done, even when it’s uncomfortable.
- Diligence is doing it consistently and excellently.
Proverbs 12:24 puts it plainly: “The hand of the diligent will rule.” This applies to professionals mastering their craft, corporations scaling their influence, and nations executing long-term policy plans.
Pull Quote: “Lasting impact is built on the bedrock of diligence, not shortcuts.”
Sacrifice – The Extra in Extraordinary
Sacrifice is the invisible currency of greatness. It is the “extra” that takes the disciplined and diligent beyond ordinary limits.
- Corporate Parallel: Global brands like Apple and Toyota grew through relentless reinvestment and delayed gratification.
- National Parallel: Countries like Singapore sacrificed short-term comfort for long-term stability and reform.
Luke 12:49-50 reveals Christ’s own understanding of sacrifice: knowing the mission and embracing the cost.
Sacrifice Checklist
- Delay gratification to reinvest in growth
- Trade comfort for capacity-building
- Accept short-term loss for long-term gain
Global Impact – The Mandate of Every Generation
Global impact is not just about reaching every continent — it’s about creating solutions that outlast you.
Every seed of Abraham (Genesis 22:16-18) carries a global assignment. In business and governance, this means building systems, products, and policies that solve problems on a scale that transcends borders.
Pull Quote: “Anyone who desires global impact must be ready to pay a global price.”
The Right Investment – Strategic Empowerment
Strategic empowerment requires purpose-driven investment:
- Individuals: Acquire skills that match your calling.
- Corporations: Invest in innovation and human capital.
- Nations: Prioritize infrastructure, education, and technology.
2 Timothy 2:15 reminds us to “study to show yourself approved,” which, in practical terms, means building capacity for your specific assignment.
The Ultimate Key – Divine Alignment
Beyond strategy lies divine alignment — aligning your gifts and mission with God’s purpose. This ensures that your impact is not just big, but eternal.
David’s faith, courage, and responsibility positioned him for leadership far beyond human expectation. The same God who lifted him from shepherd to king still specializes in using “zeros” to confound the wise.
Activation – Turning Weakness into Strength
Transformation begins when you face your limitations and commit to growth.
The story of Dr. Curtis, who turned a moment of public embarrassment into a public speaking career, proves that weaknesses can become platforms for influence. In the same way, companies can turn market failures into innovation breakthroughs, and nations can turn crises into resilience models.
Conclusion – Your Call to Action
No matter your starting point — overlooked employee, small business, or underdeveloped nation — the journey to global relevance follows the same path:
1. Train relentlessly.
2. Discipline yourself.
3. Work diligently.
4. Sacrifice for the vision.
Pull Quote: “The harder and smarter you work, the greater your capacity to deliver possibilities that transform lives, institutions, and nations.”
Final Word:
You may start as a “zero,” but with training, discipline, and sacrifice, you can become a “hero” whose legacy commands global attention. The world is waiting for your contribution. Now is the time to act.
Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a Recipient of the Nigerian Role Models Award (2024), and a Distinguished Ambassador For World Peace (AMBP-UN).
The Ministry of Police Affairs has countered an earlier statement by the Police Service Commission (PSC) regarding the closure of the portal for admission applications into the Nigeria Police Academy, saying the statement was misleading and false.
A statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Affairs Unit, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) said the admission portal is still open and running. It accused the PSC of meddling into affairs it has no constitutional rights or jurisdiction over.
The statement in full:
The attention of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs has been drawn to a misleading and inaccurate disclaimer issued by the Police Service Commission (PSC) on 31st July 2025.
We wish to categorically state that:
The application for admission into the 12th Regular Course Degree Programmes of the Nigeria Police Academy is valid. The admission process is ongoing and follows due process in line with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Federal Ministry of Police Affairs guidelines,
The PSC has no constitutional role in university admissions, and its statement is therefore legally baseless and misleading.
All interested applicants and the general public are advised to disregard the said disclaimer. The online application portal remains open as earlier advertised.
As part of its commitment to sustainable development and community well-being, Access Bank has launched the Access Clean Water Project, a transformative initiative aimed at improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in 10 communities across Nigeria.
Through the Access Clean Water Project, Access Bank has facilitated the installation of boreholes in 10 underserved communities, namely: Arogun, Omu Ishoko, Kemta, Ajibode, Aleku, Ogunrun, Oniwawa, Okeran, Abaren, and Afojupa, ensuring reliable access to clean and safe water for thousands of residents. The project, implemented in partnership with HACEY, a leading development organisation, directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 6, ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
With Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million and access to pipe-borne water in urban households declining from 32% in 1990 to just 3% in 2015, the need for sustainable water solutions has never been more urgent.
The Access Clean Water Project addresses this challenge by providing functional boreholes and WASH education to communities in Obafemi Owode and Otta Local Government Areas, benefiting over 500,000 residents.
This initiative aligns with Access Bank’s broader Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy and reinforces its position as a leading sustainability-focused financial institution. By supporting clean water access, the Bank is fostering community growth through improved health, education, and economic opportunities and demonstrating its commitment to inclusive development and long-term positive impact.
“Access Bank is proud to support this vital initiative that not only improves lives but also strengthens the foundation for sustainable economic growth,” said Esther Graham, Programme Officer, Health, Access Holdings PLC. “Our commitment to community development is unwavering, and we believe access to clean water is a fundamental right that drives progress.”
In addition to infrastructure development, the Access Bank Clean Water Project includes comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education, equipping community members with essential knowledge on hygiene practices and the prevention of waterborne diseases. The impact of this initiative is far-reaching.
By improving access to clean water, the project is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne illnesses, enhance hygiene standards, and promote healthier living conditions. Ultimately, the project is expected to strengthen community resilience, drives sustainable development, and reaffirm Access Bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and well-being across Nigeria.
A self-acclaimed Ilorin-based Islamic cleric, Abdulrahman Bello, accused of killing and dismembering the body of a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, Hafsat Yetunde Adefalu Lawal, in connivance with four others, has been found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging.
However, Justice Hannah Ajayi of the Kwara State High Court, in her judgment on Thursday, discharged and acquitted Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and Abdulrahman Jamiu — the four other accused persons in the trial — of any connection to the five-count charge case.
Justice Ajayi, who described the offence by the prime suspect as the highest degree of human wickedness and a cruel act, held that his defence in court showed he had a preconceived intention of killing the victim for money-making ritual purposes.
She also said that the confession of love by the prime suspect for the victim, with the intention to marry her, as stated in his defence, was a concocted lie to deceive the court.
The judge further stated that the attitude of the convict after committing the crime and before his arrest by law enforcement officers suggested that it may not have been his first time engaging in such an act.
The court also held that video and written evidence taken by officers of the DSS and police from the convict duly complied with the laws of the state.
It also held that no evidence substantiated the convict’s claim of being beaten or sustaining bloodstains due to police brutality. The judge said the convict did not present himself as a witness of truth, “because all what he said to deny allegations against him were afterthought”. More so, a book containing secrets of money-making charms was found in his apartment.
Justice Hannah Ajayi, who took a moment while delivering the judgment to admonish members of the public — especially young adults — on the bad influence of social media, said the victim might have been alive if she had informed family, friends, or relatives of her movement or visit to a Facebook male friend before she was killed.
The incident occurred on February 10, 2025, at Olunlade Area of Ilorin, Kwara State. The case has since attracted significant public attention both within and outside the state.
Justice Ajayi found the convict guilty of being in possession of human parts and human blood and sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦100,000 fine or a six-month jail term.
The court, which freed the convict of the rape charge, however, found him guilty of killing and dismembering the body of the victim and thus sentenced him to death by hanging.
It is recalled that Abdulrahman Bello and the four others were accused of conspiring and causing the death of Hafsat Lawal and dismembering her body.
They were also accused of conspiring to engage in the removal of her body parts, draining her blood, and being in possession of human parts and blood.
The prime suspect, Abdulrahman Bello, was solely accused of raping the deceased — an offence punishable under Section 283 of the Penal Code, CAP P4, Laws of Kwara State.
All five accused persons pleaded not guilty.
The five-count charge includes:
COUNT ONE: That you Abdulrahman Bello, Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and Abdulrahman Jamiu on or about 10th February, 2025, at Olunlade Area, Ilorin, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired to commit an illegal act, to wit; conspired to cause the death of one Hafsat Yetunde Adefalu and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code, CAP. P4, Laws of Kwara State 2006.
COUNT TWO: That you Abdulrahman Bello, Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and Abdulrahman Jamiu on or about 10th February, 2025, at Olunlade Area, Ilorin, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed an illegal act, to wit: caused the death of one Hafsat Yetunde Adefalu, then dismembered her body and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 221 of the Penal Code, CAP. P4, Laws of Kwara State 2006.
COUNT THREE: That you Abdulrahman Bello, Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and Abdulrahman Jamiu on or about 10th February, 2025, at Olunlade Area, Ilorin, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired to commit an illegal act, to wit: conspired to engage in the removal of human parts; found in possession of human parts; engaged in the draining of human blood and found in possession of human blood, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 9 and punishable under Section 12(a) of the Kwara State Prohibition of Dealing in Human Parts Law, Laws of Kwara State, 2018.
COUNT FOUR: That you Abdulrahman Bello, Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and Abdulrahman Jamiu on or about 10th February, 2025, at Olunlade Area, Ilorin, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed an illegal act, to wit: you engaged in the removal of human parts; found in possession of human parts; engaged in the draining of human blood and found in possession of human blood, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 7(a)-(d) and punishable under Section 12(a) of the Kwara State Prohibition of Dealing in Human Parts Law, Laws of Kwara State, 2018.
COUNT FIVE: That you Abdulrahman Bello on or about 10th February, 2025, at Olunlade Area, Ilorin, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed an illegal act, to wit: you raped one Hafsat Yetunde Adefalu and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 283 of the Penal Code, CAP. P4, Laws of Kwara State.
