REPORTER'S DIARY: Meet Mr. Ojo Joel, the commercial driver who returned my lost phone after 11 days

Within and outside Nigeria, there is documented evidence of exceptional Nigerians exhibiting high integrity and moral standards of an uncommon nature in diverse areas. Many of these Nigerians have consistently shown that upholding values and high moral standards are matters of personal choice and decision.

11 days ago, while returning from a journey that took me to Ikeji Arakeji in Osun State, I lost my phone. That Wednesday morning, I got in a car coming from Akure en route to Osogbo. I sat alone in the front seat beside the driver until a plus-size lady joined me, making it very uncomfortable for both of us.

Every minute of the journey was painful. The seat was small; it couldn't contain the lady alone conveniently, going by her size, let alone both of us.

The journey wasn't a long journey, but the 1 hour and some minutes spent in the car was torturous and painful. My back, knees, and legs ache beyond words. By the time I finally alighted from the vehicle at Ilesa garage, it took me more than five minutes to regain my strength to move my legs.

When my legs finally regained strength to walk, I noticed that one of my two phones was missing. I tried to figure out how it happened. I then realised that due to space constraints in the vehicle, my left pocket was very close to the gear, and every time the driver tried to change the gear, his hands kept coming in contact with my pocket where the phone was kept. 

At that point, I was convinced the phone dropped in the vehicle. I dipped my hands into my other pocket and reached out for the second phone. I began to call. I called for more than 15 times, hoping the driver or the plus-size lady would pick it up, but that never happened.

I was frustrated that the phone was just ringing. I knew that I had put the phone on vibration and that might make it difficult for people to hear it ringing. 

20 minutes later, I picked up the phone again to call, and there was a response.

"Are you the owner of this phone?" he spoke calmly.

"I am the owner," I responded quickly.

"The phone dropped from my pocket."

He then replied, "I am about to return to Akure, but I will help you to keep it, and whenever I come to Osogbo, you will get it back from me," he said.

Four days after, he came to Osogbo. He called me to come around for the phone, but I couldn't go because of some circumstances that warranted it. Seeing I couldn't meet him, he promised to let me know whenever he was in town again.

For the number of days that he was with the phone, he called me about 5 times, assuring me that I will get my phone back.

Last Friday, Mr. Ojo Joel handed over my phone to me. While trying to compensate him with a token, the network was bad and the transfer wasn't going through.

He insisted that I should not bother myself because the network was bad at that time. 

However, I eventually transferred a token to him as a way to appreciate him for his exemplary 'omoluabi' values.

As I put this piece together, my shout-out goes to Mr. Ojo Joel, a true Nigerian worthy of commendation. He chose to return my phone when he could have easily converted it to his own.

WHY INTERNS SHOULD BUILD CAPACITY

 

A few years ago, some female students came for their SIWES in our organisation. Four were from the same school—a federal polytechnic in one of the southwest states—while the remaining two were from a private polytechnic.

Days after their resumption, I engaged them in a conversation with a view to knowing their interest in their chosen profession and how we could help them to learn and understand the practical aspect of journalism and radio broadcasting.

After the conversation, I assigned them a beat to cover. It was to report a story on Nigeria's democracy that was about three weeks away then. I told them to trace the history of our democracy and to leverage materials online to prepare their report.

For the three months or so that they spent with us, they never submitted the report. 

It was from one excuse to another. At a point, I was fed up with them, and I stopped asking for the report. 

Other staff also complained about their poor attitude to work. Some staff complained about them not being able to carry out specific tasks assigned to them.

They couldn't write any story. They couldn't handle any gadget for radio or TV production. 

They couldn't do any vox pop even in their own indigenous language. It was that bad for them.

All they came to do was to sit down and mark attendance. When they aren't pressing phones to chat, they're secretly doing TikTok videos or discussing their boyfriends.

Since they never showed interest in learning, despite forcing them, they ended up leaving without acquiring the basic practical knowledge that could complement what they've learnt in school.

For the other two students from a private polytechnic, both of them (a lady and a guy) were very inquisitive and always ready to learn. 

After they completed the three months, they both came back for another one-year industrial training and were accepted.

Just last week, one of them got an offer as a studio assistant. Why? He has proven himself that he has built capacity and that he could become a team player in the organisation. That is how opportunity comes the way of some people.

For young undergraduate students here, don't joke with your internship; that could be a platform for you to start and build your professional career.

Be diligent and build capacity; you never can tell who is watching you.

Have a wonderful week ahead.

WHAT CONFIDENCE DO YOU HAVE IN GOD?

Confidence in God is a feeling of trust or assurance that the creator has the ability or the quality to respond to our situation with a view to turning around the situation for good. It involves having a high level of trust and certainty in the supreme God.

In recent months, I have had to pray over many things that are dear to me and to people around me. Sometimes, the prayers look so simple (like that of a child) and the communication very short because the heart aches. But one thing that keeps me going is the confidence that I have in God that he is able to do all things and to remedy all situations no matter how bad or ugly they may look.

I can recollect vividly that on many occasions of those moments of prayers, I would struggle to find the right words and expression to convey thoughts the way I wanted them.

Sometimes, I will have to switch between speaking in the Holy Ghost and singing in the spirit. Other times, I will run on a frequency of the Yoruba language, mixing it with the English language recurrently just to draw the attention of God to issues pressing to my heart and why He should show mercy.

In all of those moments, I was confident (just as I am now) in the ability of the supreme God to answer every bit of the prayers. God has never failed, and He would not provided we have confidence in Him and do not seek alternative solutions elsewhere.

If there's anything you are trusting God for, whether in business, family, career, or academics, you've got to have confidence in Him. You've got to believe Him and surrender everything to Him so that He can step into your situation and grant you your heart's desires.

My prayer for you now is that God will give you rest from that struggle. He will extend His hand of mercy to you and will answer those secret prayers that are in need of an answer.

God bless you.

5 Things Young Journalists Should Know

The journalism profession is constantly evolving, and there's a need for young journalists who are just stepping into the profession to brace up for the challenges in the field.

For undergraduates and fresh graduates, it's no longer just about waiting for a newsroom job or carrying a press card—it’s about taking initiative and developing a strategy to survive in the heavily populated profession.

Here are five essential principles every young journalist should hold close:

1. Start Writing and Building Your Online Presence

As a young journalist, don’t wait for a platform—create yours. Start a blog; post micro-articles on Facebook, X and Medium. Ensure that you publish consistently. As you do this, you are building a digital online presence. Your digital footprint is your modern-day portfolio. All you need to do is to build it with impactful stories. The more you write, the better you become at what you do. The more visible your work is, the easier it becomes for people – editors, recruiters, and collaborators – to find you and read about your work. Don't be intimidated by others; write your truth and publish it.

2. Embrace Truth as Your Armour

With the emergence of technology, misinformation and fake news are on the increase. For young journalists, truth is not just a journalistic ideal—it is your armour. It protects your credibility, your audience’s trust, and the integrity of the stories you tell. You must always verify your sources and check your facts. If in doubt, don’t post. Don't be in a rush to break any news; what use is breaking news filled with half-truths or misinformation? The more you commit to reportage of truth, the better it is.

3. Be unique in your writing and storytelling approach.

Develop a style that’s yours. Let your style be your identity. Create a style in your approach to opening a story, the flow pattern or the tone, and let it reflect your personality and perspective. The best journalists are not just reporters—they are storytellers whose works resonate with their audience.

4. Protect Your Integrity

There will be pressure—pressure to twist facts, pressure to receive a brown envelope, pressure to suppress truth and pressure to trade objectivity for mediocrity. Always remember that journalism is a calling rooted in public service. Once you lose your credibility, it’s hard to reclaim.

5. Master the Tools of the Trade

Finally, good journalism today demands versatility. As a young journalist, give yourself to learning. Learn how to shoot and edit videos. Learn how to write across formats. Learn how to post strategically on digital platforms and learn how to use tools like Canva, CapCut, QuillBot, and InShot.

Being able to use the tools makes you valuable and gives you control over how you tell your stories.

Facebook murder: Religion, ritualists, and the rest of us

 

Few weeks after one Timileyin Ajayi, a 32-year-old gospel singer, was apprehended for killing his 24-year-old girlfriend, Salome Eleojo Adaidu, over accusations of cheating, there's yet another case at hand similar to that of Ajayi. But this time, it isn't about a gospel singer; it's about an Islamic teacher, AbdulRahman Bello Mohammed, who was apprehended by law enforcement agents in Ilorin for luring a Facebook friend.

The suspect, a 29-year-old man, allegedly invited the victim, Miss Yetunde Hafsoh Lawal, through a phone call on Monday, February 10, 2025, and subsequently killed her the following day and dismembered her at a location in the Olunlade area on the outskirts of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

This recent killing has generated a lot of reactions among Nigerians, particularly among Islamic scholars and leaders in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital. Ilorin is predominantly a Muslim state where values and tenets of Islamic teachings hold sway. But this killing of Yetunde Hafsoh Lawal by an Islamic teacher has left many bewildered. 

Most netizens on the social media space have  questioned the motive behind the murder of Yetunde Hafsoh to have been murdered and dismembered by a religious teacher -an Alfa. What has human body parts to do with an Islamic teacher? What does an Islamic teacher want to do with human blood? These and many questions are begging for answer.

 

The suspect, during interrogation by police, confessed to killing the victim with the intent to do "Oshole/Ajoo owó (money rituals)"

Looking at the similarity in the case of Timileyin Ajayi, a gospel singer and AbdulRahman Bello Mohammed, the Islamic teacher who has just been apprehended, there is a question that comes to ones mind and the question is this: What is the relationship between religion and ritual killing?

Emmanuel Kelechi(2018) "defines religion as a system of beliefs and practices that admits a binding relation to a supernatural Being or beings." Hence, religion involves the relationship between humankind and a deity or divinity. 

In the words of Regnerus and A. Burdette (2006) they noted that "religion is a belief in and worship of a God and that religion vary in their cipher and beliefs but all depict their relationship with their deities. 

If people like Mohammed under the cloak of religion masquerade themselves as teachers of a religious group, then it is obvious that people like him are nothing but ritualist who hide under religion to perpetrate evil. 

Yetunde's death adds to the growing list of the number of ladies who have been allegedly killed by their boyfriends in recent times. Earlier this month, police authorities in Akwa Ibom started a probe over the gruesome murder of a makeup artist, Emrich Effanga. 

Ritual motivated killing have been linked to the belief that rituals done with a human part will enable an individual to become wealthy. This is the primary belief of ritualist and the driving force behind their evil acts. This erroneous belief of making money particularly among youths should be discouraged.

Religious leaders have a duty to counsel their followers on the dangers of engaging in ritualist acts. The society should also deemphasize the culture of preaching materialism at all cost by encouraging hardwork and dignity of labour among the youth. 

Following the widespread condemnation of the killing of Yetunde, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has  directed Imams across the state to use their Friday sermons to preach against ritual killings and other inhuman acts, emphasising the need to uphold morality and dignity in society. 

The Emir also urged clerics in the Ilorin Emirate and beyond to help sanitize the system by identifying and exposing individuals like Abdulrahman Bello to law enforcement agencies before they cause more harm. This is a welcome development but beyond the pronouncement, justice must also be served accordingly to serve as a deterrent to other people like AbdulRahman who may still be planning to engage in such a dastardly act.

Parents and guardians must also warn their daughters on the dangers of building relationship with strangers especially people whom they met on the social media space to avoid being a victim of ritualist.

Oyetunde Oni writes from Osogbo, Osun state.

World Radio Day: A Reflection on the Power of Radio as a Tool for Empowering Local Communities.

In 2011, UNESCO designated February 13th of every year as World Radio Day. This day is set aside to recognize the role of radio as a medium in informing, educating, and empowering people across the world. Radio is a powerful medium of communication that breaks the barrier of literacy and geography.

How important is radio?

A major benefit of radio is its ability to reach those in rural areas with low income. In many developing nations, Nigeria included, radio is the primary source of news and entertainment for local communities, as it breaks the barrier of language by giving the indigenous people a sense of belonging.

Radio empowers the local communities. 

In many local communities in Nigeria, community radio broadcasting programs are tailored to local dialects, ensuring that crucial information is accessible to empower the local people. For instance, at the Redeemer's FM 103.5 radio programs, like "Nje eti gbo" provide our audience with stories from the daily newspapers in Nigeria in the people's local dialect. The stories are disseminated in such a way that the people are informed and at the same time entertained. Similarly, another program tagged "Ebo ope" is a program that inspires people to express gratitude to their maker for the benefits of life as well as tangible and intangible resources.

Radio as a tool for civic education and political awareness 

Radio has been highly instrumental in advancing democracy and promoting political engagement at the grassroots in Nigeria. Many community radio stations now use radio as a tool for civic education and advocacy to inform the people about their rights, electoral processes, and government policies that affect them. Similarly, the listeners have the opportunity to express their opinions in the form of feedback through phone-in programs.

Bridging the gap between the literate and the illiterate

In many communities in Nigeria, educational radio programs teach people how to read and write in their own native language, thereby empowering them with basic literacy skills. Similarly, many non-governmental organisations and the government leverage the power of radio to speak to the people in their local language when it has become necessary to pass across crucial information that can save people from imminent threat or danger.

Finally, we must not forget the contributions of brilliant minds behind the MIC in all radio stations across Nigeria and globally for their insightful content, news, analysis, and program contents geared at informing the people of various communities.

As we celebrate World Radio Day today, the power of radio in shaping lives and communities cannot be downplayed. It remains a powerful medium for empowerment and inclusivity.

LESSONS FROM THE OLD YEAR

 

The year 2024 was a remarkable year of learning and growth for me. The year came with lots of challenges, but in the end, there are valuable lessons and experiences that shaped me as a person.

One of the lessons I learnt in 2024 was to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way. Opportunities sometimes are embedded in challenges. Instead of complaining, our responsibility should be how to uncover the opportunities in the midst of challenges.

Again, I learnt that whether in business, a career, ministry, or in any other areas of life, we need to take networking seriously. Networking provides the opportunity to connect with others and foster new bonds and friendships that can provide mutual benefits.

I also learnt that being kindhearted and supportive to other colleagues or team members is important. Being compassionate to others can be an opportunity to win more friends that may foster unity and togetherness.

Finally, embracing teamwork spirit and commitment to supporting one another at work can help to overcome difficult moments at work. 

I am going to carry with me these lessons and some others into making 2025 more fruitful and meaningful.

Wishing you a happy new year filled with opportunities for growth and development.

#newyear #2025Ready

Proudest moments of 2024 In Retrospect

 

The year 2024 has been a remarkable year of learning and growth for me. The year came with lots of challenges, but in the end, there are valuable lessons and experiences that shaped me as a person.

One of my proudest moments in 2024 was working with kindhearted and humane leaders who value the contributions of every team member. This has been the tradition since I joined this organization. Each and every leader I have had the privilege to work with are individuals who demonstrate love, encourage growth, and offer constructive feedback geared at improved performance within and outside the office space. Their compassion created an office environment that radiates peace. One of the lessons I got from these persons is that you can be a leader without necessarily becoming a boss.

Equally inspiring was the opportunity to work and collaborate with highly experienced colleagues. People who know their onions. Each of them, veterans in what they do. I could recollect vividly—on many occasions—how we were able to navigate some difficult moments trying to find solutions to some challenges that come with broadcasting, handling hardware, and multimedia content production.

Also, beyond the capacity to deliver on any project, the teamwork spirit and commitment that permeated every project was laudable. I could remember a fellow colleague, who was on maternity leave, who had willingly stepped in for me to fill up a space when I wasn't around at work. This is an example of a sacrifice that cannot be downplayed in any organization. Our shared commitment to achieving our goals as colleagues while supporting one another was at its peak. 

All of these reminded me that life’s greatest joys usually emanate from meaningful relationships, love, and shared sacrifices towards one another. As we prepare for 2025, I am definitely going to carry with me the lessons of kindness, love, and teamwork from 2024 towards making 2025 more fruitful and meaningful.

2024: The Professional and Personal Perspective

It's a few days to the beginning of a new year. Now is the time for deep introspection about the outgoing year with a view to evaluating the journey so far.

This year for me was a year marked by dedication to writing. Nearly two months into the year, a close friend of mine, now outside the shores of Nigeria, recommended me for a writing gig—an academic writing. I quickly embraced it not because the pay was juicy but because I wanted to embrace another writing challenge. But here is the problem: the gig was in another discipline that is obviously different from my background. Nursing. It was the second time that I would be handling this type of writing in that field. It was research-driven and organic to the core. The job was delivered and was a win-win situation for all of us.

This year, I had the privilege of writing dozens of articles and social media posts and did dozens of multimedia productions (audio and video) for my organization, for individuals, and for some clients. 

Each of my works gave me the privilege to explore various topics such as faith, spiritual growth, and personal development, among other areas. Similarly, being a broadcast journalist created opportunities for me to analyze issues on air, set agendas for the public, and engage in robust conversation with opinion leaders, community leaders, and listeners who listen to our station within and around our neighbouring communities.

Furthermore, 2024 marked significant growth in my professional network. I had the privilege to attend conferences (local and national) where I met with new colleagues in the broadcast industry. I also connected with industry experts, shared ideas, and learned from other professionals with a view to expanding my understanding of the evolving broadcasting landscape and technological innovations, particularly on the emergence of AI in the broadcast industry. 

In addition, 2024 was a year of making meaningful impacts in the lives of other people. I had the opportunity to coach and teach scores of students (those in higher institutions and a few secondary school students) in the art of multimedia production and content creation. Some of the trainees became experts who later worked with us on a few other projects.

Looking back, 2024 has been a year of learning, growth, and connection. I hope 2025 will come with greater opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

Until then, enjoy the last weekend of the year.

 

THE POWER OF EXTRA EFFORT

In today's competitive work environment, it is crucial to exert extra effort. Organizations and employers of labour are in constant search for workers that are committed to completing tasks, demonstrating commitment, and showcasing excellence in the discharge of their duties.

Putting in extra effort at work is not only important for professional growth; it is also crucial for personal growth. A lot of times, people only focus on completing tasks assigned to them, ignoring the need to go the extra mile to get the task done beyond what is expected.

When you put in extra effort and exceed  expectations, there's a possibility that you are unlocking your door to recognition, possible promotion, and career advancement. Your extra effort at work or in completing tasks portrays you as a person with a strong work ethic who will be valued as a team player.

Those who consistently put in extra effort tend to build a positive reputation among colleagues and superiors. This reputation can lead to significant opportunities, such as leading important projects or being considered for higher-level positions.

Be committed to adding your extra effort to every task, for in due season you will reap the rewards.

Have a great week!

My name is Oyetunde Oni. I am an author, a broadcast journalist, and a multimedia content creator.

Social media, Nathaniel Bassey and the need for self-restraint

The importance of social media cannot be overemphasized, given the numerous advantages that it has brought to humanity. With the advent of social media, people can easily connect with one another, sharing ideas, thoughts, and opinions across frontiers. Social media has also become a tool for business owners, organizations, and service providers to promote their businesses and engage with prospective clients across geographical borders.

However, with the rise in the use of social media, it is increasingly becoming a tool of oppression; stalking, identity theft, personal attacks, and misuse of information are some of the dangers faced by social media users. The quest for likes, shares, comments, and increased traffic are some of the underlying factors why people are sometimes reckless in what they say on social media without considering the consequences of their actions on others and themselves.

Recently, gospel artiste Nathaniel Bassey, petitioned Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to investigate and prosecute four individuals who falsely accused him of being the father of Mercy Chinwo’s child. 

The petition, according to Bassey’s legal representatives, was submitted on April 1, 2024, alleging criminal defamation and cyber stalking against some individuals identified as Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, Terrence Ekot, and Dj Spoiltkid.

The four social media users alleged that Nathaniel Bassey fathered the child of fellow popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, leading to the spread of the false accusation on X (formerly Twitter). This is one of the many examples of false accusations and deliberate damage to reputation that go on daily in the social media space. This type of unfounded allegations and malicious statements can tarnish the reputation that these individuals have built over the years and consequently render their marriages and businesses unstable. Why should a sane person utter statements capable of causing others to suffer?

Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 states that:

Any     person     who     knowingly     or     intentionally     sends     a     message     or     other     matter     by    means    of    computer    systems    or    network    that:   

(b) he     knows     to     be     false,     for     the     purpose     of     causing     annoyance,     inconvenience    danger,     obstruction,     insult,     injury,     criminal     intimidation,     enmity,     hatred, ill     will          or    needless    anxiety    to    another    or    causes    such    a    message    to    be    sent: commits    an    offence    under    this    Act    and    shall    be liable    on    conviction    to    a    fine    of    not    more    than    N7,000,000.00    or    imprisonment    for    a    term    of    not    more    than    3    years    or    to    both    such    fine    and    imprisonment.

While we advocate for freedom of expression as enshrined in Section 39, Subsections 1 and 2, of the 1999 Constitution, ‘Every person is entitled to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference…’ This freedom should be exercised within the ambit of the law. Undoubtedly, regardless of ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, language, social, or marital status, people have the right to express themselves ‘intelligently’ but when such rights infringe on other people's rights, they must take responsibility and be ready to face the consequences of their actions.

This issue of Nathaniel Bassey will be a wakeup call for ‘online in-laws’ and ‘keypad mercenaries’ to take caution and be responsible in what they like, share, and endorse on the social media space. 

Oyetunde Oni is my name. I am a writer, a broadcast journalist, and a lover of good works. I am excited to be back here after a few weeks of break. Have a wonderful weekend!

AFCON 2023: LESSONS FROM THE VICTORY OF IVORY COAST

The African Cup of Nations has come and gone, but there are lessons to be learned from the competition, particularly the victory of the host nation and their tortuous journey to becoming champions.

In the group stage of the tournament, the Ivorians lost two out of three group matches but still got to the final. Notable among the defeats they suffered was losing 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea. It was a humiliation for the host nation, as they lost in front of thousands of their fans.

Ivory Coast had to mobilize support for Morocco in order to beat Zambia so that they could qualify out of the group stage.

By providence and some element of luck, they had a second chance and started taking it with seriousness and tenacity of purpose.

One of the lessons to learn from the victory of the Ivorians is that sometimes you may start badly in life, but that does not mean you will end badly. It is very possible to have prepared, worked hard, and labored rigorously and still find yourself struggling to make progress. When you find yourself in such a situation, you don't have to give up. You just have to keep pushing, fighting, and believing that failure is a temporary setback and that you can emerge victorious.

Another lesson from the victory of the Ivorians is that in life, when you have a second chance or opportunity to right your wrong or to act on something, don't play with the second chance. Give it all the seriousness it deserves and strive to make it better. The Ivorians were lucky to qualify for the second round, and they picked it up game after game. Each one of us must approach life gradually. We must focus on one thing at a time with determination to excel.

In addition, taking a look at the progression of the Senegalese team, they didn't lose any match at the group stage. But when they played against Ivory Coast, which lost two of their group stage matches, they were eliminated. What's the lesson here? The race is not for the swift. That someone has gone ahead of you in life doesn't mean you cannot overtake the person or the group of persons. All you need to do is keep grinding and working on yourself. With your determination to triumph and the availability of superior grace as a system of advancement, you can always succeed.

Having displayed teamwork, zeal, and individual brilliance in their build-up to the finals, the Super Eagles of Nigeria weren't as hungry as the Ivorians were in the final of the match. After leading by a lone goal in the first half, they sat back only for the Ivorians to keep the pressure on them, and in the end, the Ivorians came from behind to clinch the prestigious trophy. In life, learning to keep the momentum going is one of the secrets to victory. Even when it appears that you are losing the battle, keep the pressure on. Keep pushing hard, and with time, you might find yourself lifting up that trophy you had dreamt of and singing the victory song that you have longed to sing.

Four Life Lessons From The School Bell

Life is replete with diverse symbols from which deep lessons of life can be taught and learned. One of such symbols is the school bell. There are valuable lessons that we can learn from the bell while we go through life. Some of these lessons resonate from childhood into our adulthood shaping and remoulding us.

The school bell is one of the symbols of authority in any academic setting -especially in the primary and secondary school. The school bell keeps the students on their toes in the morning. The rhythmic tolling sets the commencement of activities and also instill the consciousness of punctuality in every students.

The school bell teaches us the art of transitioning in the journey of life because life itself is full of uncertainties. Therefore, we must constantly be on guard, prepared and watchful. The consistent shift from one class to another for students who are in school mirrors life's unexpected turns, emphasizing the need to navigate change seamlessly. A man can be struggling to eat today but tomorrow he can be feeding a nation. The school bell reinforces the notion that transitions must happen and that they are not disruptions but opportunities for growth. 

Another lesson from the school bell is that it emphasizes time management. It reveals the broader truth that time is a finite resource and individuals must allocate it wisely by striking a balance between work and leisure for personal and professional growth.

Also, the school bell builds a sense of togetherness for collective action that promotes unity. Every student is binded by the sound of the bell. This experience of responding to the bell cultivates a cooperative spirit among the students, teaching that individual efforts contribute to the overall harmony of a community. In the same manner, the school bell emphasizes harmonious relationship among colleagues and co-workers.

Why You Should Set a Goal in the New Year

A goal is a set target that an individual or group aims to achieve within a set period of time. Every goal must be specific, measurable, and achievable.

A major benefit of setting a goal is that it provides direction, motivation, and the needed guide toward desired outcomes. For your goal to be effective, it must be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Every goal that is set, personal or professional, must serve as a roadmap that will help individuals prioritize tasks and stay focused on their goals. A clearly identified goal or goals gives you the energy and impetus to push towards the accomplishment of your set goal.
Successful goal-setting involves careful planning, regular evaluation, and adaptability to changing circumstances, fostering continuous growth and development.

Setting achievable goals in the new year is an important step towards personal and professional growth. In every new year, people make resolutions and set goals. But a few weeks into the year, a lot of people fail to keep up with the pursuit of their goals. The reason is simple. Most goal-setters lack intentionality and purpose in the pursuit of their set goals.

Here are some guides to help you set and attain realistic goals in the new year.

1. Evaluate the past year:
The first thing to do before setting a new goal is to reflect on the previous year. Think about your achievements, challenges, failures, and areas for improvement. When you take time to reflect, you will gain valuable insights that can inform your goal-setting process. Reflecting on both successes and setbacks allows you to set more meaningful and realistic objectives for the coming year.

2. Know Your Priorities:
You must know what is most important to you. When you don't set goals, you are most likely to be distracted from those things that matter to you, such as goals. Identify the most significant aspects of your life, such as career, health, relationships, and personal development, and set goals around these areas. Prioritizing these areas helps you focus on what truly matters to you. Consider what brings you fulfillment and balance, as this will guide you in setting goals aligned with your values.

3. Define your goals and make them clear.

Make sure that your goal is specific, measurable, and time-bound. For instance, rather than set a goal like "read daily," you need to be specific. The goal can be to "read for 1 hour daily between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. When you have a goal clearly stated like this, you now have to build internal mechanisms to help you be consistent in reading during the hour set.

4. Break down your goals:
Sometimes, some goals may take time to achieve. Therefore, learn how to break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, making it easier to track your progress.

5. Create an action plan: Write a thorough action plan that outlines the steps needed to accomplish each goal. You might need to specify the methods used if maintaining your fitness is your main objective. For example, you might have to jog for thirty minutes, three times a week. Alternatively, sign up for an hourly fitness class on the weekends.

6. Have a flexible and practical mindset.
Setting and sticking to a goal does not guarantee success. In fact, when you encounter some extremely difficult obstacles, you may feel inclined to give up on your goals. At this point, if things change, you might need to modify your goals. You'll need to be adaptable as you work toward your goals. Being adaptable enables you to adapt to unforeseen challenges without feeling discouraged.

7. Monitor Your Progress:
Regularly monitor your progress to stay motivated and identify areas that may need adjustments. Create a system, either using goal-tracking software, a spreadsheet, a notebook, or a daily record, to track and monitor your accomplishments and milestones.

8. Accept failures.
It is inevitable that there will be moments when you struggle to continue. However, keep in mind that obstacles are a normal part of every path. Consider them chances for learning and development rather than failures. Examine the causes of your breakdowns, modify your strategy as necessary, and use the experience to fortify your resolve and resilience towards your goal.

Finally, establishing realistic goals in the new year requires careful thought, targeted preparation, and a dedication to ongoing development.

May 2024 be more fruitful and prosperous for you!

My name is Oyetunde Oni. I am a writer, a broadcast journalist and a believer of the word of God.

LIFE IS A GIFT

Yesterday was my birthday, and I decided to reflect on the few years that I have spent on earth. My introspection about my journey ended with the conclusion that life is indeed a gift.

I pondered the ability of the supreme God to do unto me as He so desired. After all, God (the potter) has power over the clay. "Why has He made me in His own image?" I asked myself. He could have made me something else instead. But He chose to fashion me in His own image and breathe life into me.

I remembered at 18 years old how God had delivered me from the hands of death that could have swallowed me. I remembered how I had struggled with death that night as I rolled on that student-sized bed, hoping and silently praying that that night wouldn't be my last. The fear of death will make the strongest of us tremble. Those who have had a near-death experience will understand better.

While thinking about my journey here, I vividly recalled the multiple hurdles and challenges that God has helped me overcome. The ups and downs of life and the favor and mercy that EDUMARE has given me.

In all of these, one thing is sure and true: God is good and His mercy endures forever. In my little years, experience has taught me that the fierceness of life is without empathy—life comes at all of us differently and suddenly without notice.

We, however, must put our trust and totality in God in order to be able to overcome the vicissitudes of life.

I encourage you to be resolute and not give up in your quest for that goal. Be strong and more determined to pursue that dream. It may not look good today, but you will lift up your eyes tomorrow and sing the triumphant song only if you believe in God.

This is my story of God's goodness in the years gone by.

My name is Oyetunde Oni.

Have a beautiful week. God bless you!

Four Reasons Why You Should Learn Graphic Design

The importance of a Graphic Designer cannot be underestimated in any organization. Many organizations today now hire Graphic Designers, ghostwriters, and copywriters among others to work for them because of competition with other brands.

So, as a Graphic Designer, the opportunity to make good money is now available.

Below are some of the benefits of being a Graphic Designer:

1. Your employment isn’t tied to just one industry

Companies across a huge variety of industries need to promote their brands. This means that they need logos, brand guidelines, and tons of other important visual materials to support them. This means there’s plenty of opportunity to work for clients across a wide variety of industries whipping up a promotional poster or working on a logo for a company.

2. You can work in multiple environments

The way work comes to graphic designers is pretty unique. You may find yourself as part of a small, in-house team working for a single client or in a fast-paced agency environment that works with multiple clients with their own distinct visual feel. 

3. You can decide to be self-employed

As a Graphic Designer, not only can you work in a variety of environments, but you can also be your own boss and choose to start a freelance business in that niche. Not only does this mean you can work from home, but you can also set your own price and hours of work.

4. You have the power to showcase your creativity

Graphic Designers get to express their creativity on a regular basis because that's the essence of the job! You’ve got plenty of creative ideas and concepts you’d like to experiment with, and this job allows you to give them an expression. 

If you’re the kind of person who has a wide range of interests and is always itching to learn something new, graphic design could provide the right outlet for you, allowing you to learn and make money.

Here is an opportunity for you to acquire a skill in Graphic Design that will help you to be financially independent and take care of your needs.

Click the link below: 

https://tinyurl.com/yp3cykj9

Four Lessons From My Social Media Break

 Four Lessons From My Social Media Break

In the last week of September 2022, My mobile phone fell down and stopped working. All efforts to repair it were futile and that made it difficult for me to use social media. Though I had an alternative device that can still give me visibility online, I made a commitment to go on a compulsory break away from the social media space.

A few days ago, I decided to return to the social media space, and here are the lessons that I learned from the compulsory social media break:

Firstly, as a broadcast Journalist and an online news editor, I struggled to keep pace with happenings locally and internationally. Ordinarily, with a click on the social media platforms that I use, I will be able to access a plethora of information that usually inundates the social media space but because I logged out of the social media space, gathering information becomes a challenging exercise.

Secondly, I lost connection with vital information from the network of people or groups that I belong to. For instance, I had to rely on word of mouth to get information from colleagues, church members, friends, and family members. I also missed some opportunities to write articles and news stories for some interested persons and groups because I wasn't available online and some of these people don't have my phone number. This, for me, was a major blow for taking the break because writing for these people would have come with some "dividends of naira" to shop for the family, especially in a season when rice has suddenly turned to gold. But because I was off the social media space, I missed the opportunity.

Thirdly, I spent more on making calls during my social media break. Messages that could have been sent via social media networking sites became messages that I had to send by calling those concerned. And on so many occasions, the network by the service providers was so terrible that making calls became a problem thereby slowing down the dissemination of information.

Finally,  I learned that you don't have to be a celebrity before you can influence people positively. During my social media break, 

I never knew that some people follow some of my social media posts. In fact, some of these people neither like nor comment on my posts, yet they take cognizance of my posts. These persons reached out to me after observing my long departure from the social media space. The lesson here is that we all have influence in one way or the other. We all carry a measure of a deposit of grace inside of us. No hand is empty, we all have a modicum of influence.

The lessons I learned from my absence on the social media platforms are numerous but the ones discussed are key among the lessons. While some people have argued that social media can be a distraction, I am of the opinion that setting one's priority on how to use social media is the key to overcoming the possibility of getting distracted from other assignments. 

Thanks for reading my post

Reporter's Diary: From Osogbo to Ibadan, my public transport experience

 Reporter's Diary: From Osogbo to Ibadan, my public transport experience

Entering public transportation in Nigeria could be very frustrating and disappointing especially when you have an urgent assignment to do or a deadline to meet.

In this piece, Oyetunde Oni recounts his experience in a commercial bus and the challenges commuters face when using the public transport system in Nigeria.

At 6:05am, I was already set. I moved out trying to catch a bus to Ibadan. The weather was cozy as the harmattan pervaded my neighbourhood. As I navigate through the thick darkness, I dipped my hands into my pocket and reached for my phone. With a click, I put the torch on and walked swiftly across the street looking for public transport to convey me to Ibadan.

After waiting for about 20minutes, an eighteen-sitter commercial bus appeared. I peeped into the bus trying to do a quick scan of the passengers to be sure that am not entering a one-chance bus. While I was still peeping into the bus, the conductor interrupted with his deep voice, "egbon e wole sinu oko. Ko si ewu rara, Ibadan straight" (Enter into the car. There is no problem at all. We are going to Ibadan.)

 As I moved in reluctantly, I saw two passengers. One sitting beside the driver and another elderly man occupied the third row-the young man beside the driver was obviously drunk. This was evident from his incoherent speech and the unending communion he was having repeatedly with the conductor. He kept muttering silently and after some minutes slept off.

I was preoccupied with the thought of how to get to the church for the Sunday service. It had become imperative for me to appear for the service and thereafter proceed to another place for a meeting.

While I was thinking and hoping that the journey will be fast devoid of any hindrance, little did I know that I am in for a serious delay.

Suddenly, the bus stopped working.

"Kilonse oko yi laaro yi,"(meaning- what is happening to this bus this morning) the driver asked repeatedly waiting for the passengers to speak.

One of the passengers replied, "kilode to muna lo? E ye wo. (Why did it stop working? Check it)

I was beginning to sense disappointment. The driver told those occupying the front sit and those of us behind him to get down and in a few minutes, he fixed whatever was the problem.

The driver continued to scout for passengers and within a few minutes, the vehicle was full and we were on our way to Ibadan.

The journey continued and within a short time, we got to Ode-Omu and from there to Gbongan enjoying the early ride.

Trouble however started on getting to Ikire junction. Some passengers who wanted to buy the popular "dodo-Ikire" asked the driver to stop so that they can buy the "dodo". The driver pulled over and after the passengers had gotten what they wanted, the vehicle stopped working again.

I was peeved and at the same time anxious about leaving that spot. We moved out of the vehicle again as the driver tried to fix it again. While trying to join some wires together, he looked at some passengers seeing the angry look on them said, "e ma binu, oko yi lo n se radarada,"

An angry passenger replied to him, "didn't you know before that the car isn't in good condition?", the man said angrily.

Since the driver couldn't fix the bus the second time, he got another bus for us and we moved in and continued the journey till we arrived Ibadan.

How to live a happy life

 

Most people find it hard to live a happy life especially in this part of the world because of numerous challenges that are confronting them. Most of the factors that rob people of their happiness are hinged on the need for love, financial pressure and family needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. A lot of people have become victims of sicknesses and untimely death because of the inability to overcome the challenges they're passing through.

On today's edition of my podcast, I will be discussing some of the ways through which you can live a happy life irrespective of what you are going through.

Firstly, to live a happy life, you must be contented with whatever you have. You must understand that contentment is a virtue and a strength on your part. A lot of people are not contented with what they've and they try to get whatever they want by all means using any available means-legal or illegal. It is in the act of exhibiting a lack of contentment that most people suffer untold hardship and pain because they are not contented with what they have. In 1 Timothy 6:6, The Bible speaks about being content. The verse says, but godliness with contentment is a great gain. That part of the scripture makes it abundantly clear that we brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out of it. The wisdom here is that no matter the position you want to get to, no matter what you strive to achieve, and no matter the record you want to set, you won't go with anything when you cross over the bar to the other side of the divide. So it is important that we cultivate the habit of being contented with whatever we have whether little or much.

Secondly, to live a happy life, you must learn to be patient. To be patient means to have the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. Majority of us are not patient when it comes to getting certain things. We want that promotion now! We want the investment to yield profit immediately. We want to ride the latest cars now! We want everything to take shape immediately. Most people are frustrated when they're spending months or years in pursuit of their personal needs and they aren't making any meaningful progress. A lot of people have stopped their academics halfway because of lack of patience. A lot of people have walked out of their marriage because of lack of patience. While a lot of people have also ended up in correctional facilities because they perpetrate fraudulent acts because they couldn't be patient to wait for their time. Dear listener, for you to live a happy life you must be patient.

Another way through which you can live a happy life is by showing gratitude. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what you have received in life. So many people don't know how to express gratitude. They complain and grumble when challenges come their way. Dear listeners, you need to be grateful on a daily basis. Be grateful for the shift in position from where you are yesterday to another level today. Your yesterday may be rough, but you are not where you used to be. So, be grateful for what you have been able to achieve presently and also give thanks to God for the greater things ahead of you. When you cultivate the habit of gratitude, anxiety and depression will fizzle out of your way and you will gather strength and momentum to live a happy life without any iota of worry.

Also, another way to live and enjoy a happy life is by celebrating your small wins and success. A lot of people don’t see any reason why they should celebrate their little wins because they may look so small and insignificant to what they want. It is important to celebrate your small wins because when you celebrate them, you will create a memory out of the wins. And these memories will become an impetus that will drive you to pursue other goals irrespective of the obstacles on your way. Don’t treat your little wins as though it is not an achievement that is not worthy to celebrate. Celebrate your wins no matter how little or small it seems.