Opinion
Opinion: Thriving in Trying Times – Part 2
Published
5 years agoon
By
Eric
By Tolulope A. Adegoke
“Until you are tried (pushed), you will not strive, if you do not strive, you may not thrive! To thrive is to lead, to lead is to overcome barriers or win. But our Trying-times may differ.” – Tolulope A. Adegoke
The aim of this write-up is to enlighten the reader on how to thrive, lead and conquer in trying times, and as well on how to overcome challenges and to benefit from unexpected changes in your life. This will be one of the very most important hours that you will spend reading. I, therefore, charge you to kindly invest it in yourself and I hope that you will take the contents in here to help deliver others around you too; so as to move them also to the higher levels of their life.
We must understand that living beyond just surviving is the point at which a man starts ‘living’, not merely existing in this earthly plane.
I have personally decided some years ago in my life that I was not going to be a survival, but a ‘thriver’. I wanted to be someone who will not live under any circumstances of life, but I will create my own circumstances. And this is where taking charge of your circumstances comes to play its vital roles through the power of personal leadership (response-ability) for effective and efficient lifestyle. A simple thought about thriving which also connotes leading.
I will be painting two unique animals on the canvass of the word ‘thriving’, which connotes Personal Responsibility for effective individual or corporate efficiency in trying moments that God Almighty- the Creator identified Himself with, in the Scriptures which are: i. The Lion and the other is ii. The Eagle. These two animals are important to be carefully studied because He identified Himself with them. He calls Himself the Lion of the Tribe of Judah; also He says, “I will bear you up as an Eagle bears her Eaglet”. Both of these animals are unique because they are both leaders in their areas of authority. The Lion is a leader in the Animal Kingdom, while the Eagle is the leader in the Bird’s Kingdom; so I am not surprised that God identified with them. He created them, and He knows their unique qualities and characteristics. He built into them certain qualities that cause them to continue to thrive come what may happen, rise to the top and become Heads of their own territories.
The Eagle
What makes the Eagle thrive, even in trying times? What makes it the king of Birds?
It is vision and ability (strength) to maximize the storm and gracefully glides peacefully, even to the highest mountains. It is the vision of the Eagle that gives it an advantage over other birds. An Eagle can see in detail what is over five to six miles away. There are several other qualities in an Eagle, but its sight (vision) is the most outstanding; its capacity to see from distance in details.
The Lion
Here is another mystery Dr Myles Monroe (of blessed memory) once said that: ‘an army of sheep led by a lion will always defeat an army of lions if they are led by a sheep’. The paradox here is clear enough for our individual, corporate and national comprehension and adoption. In other words, to thrive at any given time is to lead anytime, and to lead every time is to thrive every day. Leadership determines the quality of the followers. The Lion has the capacity to transform a Sheep into Lion-thinkers (that is, having a Lion Mentality) because leadership can transform cowards into warriors. Put in clearer words, followers cannot rise above their leaders. You become just like the people that lead you. So, if you desire to improve your individual lives, there is a need to improve the leadership that you follow; and you cannot lead people to thrive farther than you have gone yourself.
To thrive at all times, it is important to have a re-think on the kind of leader that you are following or yielding to; it could in any ramification of life (religion, finance, politics, friendship among others). Who are you allowing to influence you? this will determine how far you can go in life and how much you well you will surmount the hurdles in your trying moments. That is why if a football team fails, the Management does not sack the players but sacks the coach of the team because he controls the team and the team yield to his tactics and gimmicks. The coach is responsible for the team. This means that the followers or team are either retarded ore released by (who they follow) the quality of leadership. This is why leadership is the key to succeeding life, even in trying moments.
The lion is still a mystery because it is a rare example of leadership. The Lion is not the strongest in the animal kingdom, not even the tallest nor the most powerful, heaviest and most intelligent, yet the leader- which is an indication that there is hope for everyone who is currently termed a zero (nobody) or not-good-enough. I charge to kindly take a good look of those lists which you have been using as excuses not to become an effective leader or not to thrive in your trying times. The Lion cancels all of your excuses for not becoming great and effective. Why then does a Lion thrive as a leader despite its shortcomings? The answer is ATTITUDE!
The power of the right attitude matters in every aspect of our lives. The Lion is the leader of the jungle which comprises of the bigger, faster, tougher and taller animals just it possesses and demonstrates the right attitude. The Lion thinks differently! (the Lion-Mentality). But Attitude comes from something very important which is BELIEF; so, I suffice to say that ‘Attitude’ is a product of ‘Belief’, which can be likened to FAITH in the Hebrew language; and I call it the ‘Faith-posture’. The Lion believes in itself- this makes it control itself and deploys it towards life. Put in another word, Belief is another word for Self-Awareness (Self Knowledge). When you discover the truths about yourself- that is about who you truly are according to Scriptures, it changes your approach to life and the way you carry yourself.
No one can, therefore, live beyond the limits of their belief. A lot of people have been trapped as a result of their belief system. This is why I have decided to remind you of this principle for overcoming life and its fiery darts; while this is an eye-opener to others who have never seen life in this light. I didn’t write this to arouse your individual intellects, but to cause a change for a ‘divini-stic’ encounter by disrupting your mind to rediscover yourself, not just as ordinary, subordinate and natural man, but a Supernatural-unique being through the lenses of an overcomer. That you can surmount any height, that you can become anything as long as you believe and engage the Faith-posture in your trying moments to thrive and conquer.
Kindly come down from the clouds of excuses of lack of money, time and chances; what you may be truly lacking is the Sight-belief-system. So, the key to life is knowing and having a clear understanding of ‘how’ to live beyond your present belief. The word Belief as said earlier means FAITH, the word Faith means ‘Belief’. According to Dr Myles Monroe (of blessed memory), “Leadership is 20% Skill and 80% Attitude”. This is why majority across the world, even nations are followers- they wait for things to happen because they can’t make things to happen.
You can go to a university and obtain certain levels of degrees in leadership, yet be unable to decree in the leadership space as a genuine leader. Or obtain international certifications in Management, yet unable to manifest fully and thrive in trying times, because information does not necessarily change the Belief-systems. Beliefs come from your environment, the people you permit into you circle or caucus, those powerful enough to influence your thought-patterns, it could come from your parents, family, religious organization, educational system, movies that you watch and the Books that you refuse to read. Your beliefs come from your environment which you have resolved to settle-in, and have assimilated with the life-patterns or system therein; not until you break out of such system, you may never breakthrough but would remain retarded or restrained by the limitations which come from the system. As individuals, corporate organizations and nations, we all need a release from limiting-systemic patterns and that could be solved through visionary and effective leaders with efficient leadership structures and patterns. This connotes that, one careless error from a leader or head of a family, organization or nation would likely affect and inflict a majority, even across the world or the total structure of an organization or the destroy the family and also the individual in question. To thrive is to lead, to lead is to overcome barriers or win. But our Trying-times may differ.
Currently, humanity (across the world) is going through its Trying-moments and world leaders are coming together to find or proffer solution to a common (global) issue, called the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Decisions from these leaders could affect the over 7billion of the world population.
(Thriving in Trying-Times continues next week….)
Thank you all for reading.
Watch out for the Book titled: “The Power of an Empowered Zero” (From Zero to HERO) by Tolulope A. Adegoke. Foreword by Dr Yomi Garnett (CEO/Chancellor, Royal Biographical Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania U.S.A., U.K., Abuja, Nigeria.) Edited by Ola Aboderin.
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Opinion
From Zero to Impact: The Leadership Mindset That Transforms Executive Management (Pt.1)
Published
23 hours agoon
July 18, 2025By
Eric
By Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD
“Man is a divine construction formed from dust—built and empowered as a divine system of and for legitimate leadership by God on earth. Through it all, the Maker, God, was patient with the entire process of creating over 7 billion expressions of His kind today, beginning from the very start. This is a perfect lesson: never sacrifice the power of excellence for the sake of time. Let us all learn the virtues of patience and mastery from the Maker. If He could do it, then so can we, having been empowered by His breath of life and created in His image and likeness. Therefore, it would be a grave error to act as though we are bastards of creation—such conduct does not glorify Him.”– Tolulope A. Adegoke
Introduction: The Seed of Significance
Leadership is not defined by a title, a corner office, or a large bank account. True leadership begins with a mindset—often birthed in obscurity, nurtured in humility, and forged in persistence. In many cases, leadership begins at zero—a point of insignificance, where visibility is low and expectations even lower. But it is from this “zero point” that greatness emerges, when rightly cultivated.
We often underestimate the potency of small beginnings. Just like the number zero, which on its own appears meaningless, yet when placed strategically can turn one into ten or a hundred, small beginnings carry the potential for exponential growth when stewarded with vision, purpose, and consistency.
The Zero Principle in Leadership
In the world of executive management, we tend to focus on performance indicators, measurable outcomes, and quick wins. But many transformative leaders did not begin their journeys with resources, influence, or acclaim. Their leadership legacy began the moment they conceived an idea or dared to dream differently.
“The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dream…” — James Allen
Visionary leadership does not wait for ideal conditions. It recognizes that the acorn holds an oak, the egg contains flight, and the dust of the ground can host divine breath. The power of leadership lies in this: to see what others overlook, and to ignite potential in what seems insignificant.
The Creation Blueprint: A Divine Example
Genesis 2:7 tells us, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life…” This powerful illustration reminds us that transformation begins with form and breath—structure and spirit, process and empowerment.
In executive management, the same model applies. Talent (dust) must be shaped (trained) and then empowered (motivated and inspired) before it can become impactful. The leader’s role is not merely to manage but to breathe life into people, processes, and possibilities.
Zero becomes a turning point when leadership intervenes.
Strategic Leadership: Transforming People, Processes and Purpose
Leadership is influence—but more importantly, it is intentional influence aimed at developing others. A strong executive leader does not discard a low-performing employee, student, or team. Instead, they ask:
- What potential lies beneath the surface?
- What is missing in terms of guidance, training, or motivation?
- How can I provide the environment necessary for growth?
Just as zero represents an opportunity rather than a void, leaders must learn to see gaps not as failures but as spaces for strategy and innovation.
A classic case is that of underperforming staff or students. While society often labels them as failures, visionary leaders choose to believe otherwise. They recognize that the very act of showing up—despite odds—is itself an act of potential. The difference between mediocrity and mastery often lies in one person’s willingness to believe, support, and lead.
Leadership as Rebirth: The Power of Belief and Motivation
Allow me to share a personal journey. I was not always an achiever. As a student, I frequently took the last position in class. Yet, I had someone who believed in me—my mother. She never scolded me harshly for poor performance. Instead, she would say, “I believe in you. You can do better.”
Those words became the wind beneath my wings. That belief awakened a force within me—a motivation so deep that it outlived temporary setbacks. This is what transformational leadership looks like—the ability to see light in someone else’s darkness, and to fan that light until it becomes a fire.
Today, as I reflect on my journey from the margins to the center, from insignificance to influence, I recognize that my mother exemplified a rare leadership trait: empathy-driven empowerment.
Organizational Implications: Cultivating a Zero-to-Impact Culture
Executive leaders must realize that:
- Every great organization was once a start-up.
- Every top performer was once a learner.
- Every innovation began as an idea—unfunded and untested.
The role of leadership, therefore, is to create a culture that values potential. This includes:
- Encouraging innovation, even in its raw form.
- Recognizing effort as much as achievement.
- Providing continuous learning and development platforms.
- Implementing mentorship and succession strategies.
A leadership culture that respects zero will never run out of value, because it knows how to generate greatness from nothing.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Visionary Leadership
As James Allen so aptly put it, “You cannot travel within and stand still without.” Leaders who impact the world do not begin their journeys with applause; they begin with vision. They do not wait for momentum—they create it. They recognize that zero is not emptiness, but potential unexpressed.
Whether you are a CEO building a global firm, an administrator leading an institution, or a teacher shaping minds—you must never despise the days of little beginnings. Never underestimate the pregnancy of zero. Within it lies the blueprint for greatness.
Leadership Mandate: Birth Greatness from Dust
Just as God created a living being from dust, every executive leader is called to create value from vision, to transform ideas into influence, and to inspire people into their purpose.
Because in the end, it’s not how we started that defines us—but how we lead the journey from zero to impact.
Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a Recipient of the Nigerian Role Model Award (2024) and a Distinguished Ambassador For World Peace (AMBP-UN)
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Opinion
Gov Aiyetadiwa: Driving Ondo’s Industrialization Vision with Passion
Published
2 days agoon
July 17, 2025By
Eric
By Ayo Oyoze Baje
“From Akure to Owo, Ilaje to Ifedore, we are beginning to witness development projects taking shape. Road construction, health facilities’ rehabilitation, and improvements in our schools are no longer mere promises but realities” – Abiodum Faleye ( former lawmaker, Ondo North Senatorial District )
Considered from a broad perspective, leadership success and a political one at that encompasses the unfailing principles of a deep understanding of the people’s most pressing needs, prioritizing such and addressing them through well articulated policies, programs and projects. One is talking about processes that are not only people – oriented but are sustainable. It takes not only a vibrant vision but the capacity to assemble like minds who share in such vision, along with pragmatic partnerships to pilot it across the stormy waters of the freaky economic waves to the harbour of the people’s collective hope. Yet, one significant factor which facilitates the dreams to reality is that of such a leader being fully prepared for the onerous tasks ahead, a hitherto elusive factor that has hindered development across some states in the country.
Interestingly, one of such a remarkable leader whose historic emergence in Nigeria’s political landscape has kept him in the public view since he assumed office in 2023 after the demise of former governor Rotimi Akeredolu is none other than Governor Lucky Aiyetadiwa of the Sunshine State, Ondo. But has he brought a sunshine smile to the faces of millions of the good people of the state? That is the million naira question. The answer is an emphatic “yes” in more ways than one. From impactful infrastructural development, quality education and healthcare delivery, fruitful agriculture, tourism to the innovative Ondo Global he has approached the industrialization of the state from a holistic perspective.
In terms of being prepared for the job, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa comes in as a thoroughbred Nigerianu businessman and politician Unlike most of his predecessors in office who were either teachers, or a lawyer. So, his approach to governance is driven by his wealth of experience garnered from the business sector. Also, he previously served as deputy governor of Ondo State from 2021 to 2023 under Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Well aware that whatever physical achievements are made in the absence of security would amount to nothing, Aiyetadiwa has sustained and built upon the Amotekun security initiative of his predecessor, Akeredolu. It is not surprising therefore, that the challenge of insecurity in the state has reduced over the past two years.
With regards to educational development, one of the most commendable achievements is the employment of over 2,000 teachers in both primary and secondary schools.The construction and renovation of schools are also a testament to the governor’s effort in making learning convenient and attractive for learners.This would reduce unemployment by providing jobs for many youths. By this he has demonstrated Bill Bradley ‘s statement that: ” Leadership is by empowering others to become better.
Equally praiseworthy is the payment of 82.6 percent of the state’s debt, which has gone a long way in stabilizing our financial system and restoring confidence in the state’s economy.
On infrastructural development for which he keeps receiving accolades,
his administration’s resolve to revive and complete several abandoned projects left behind by previous governments is praiseworthy. So is the construction of the 7km road at Gbangbalogun axis at Akure stands out. There is also the reconstruction and rehabilitation of over 60 kilometers of roads across various parts of the state. Apart from their even distribution this effort is making transportation easier for the citizens while improving access to economic and social opportunities. This is commendable, is it not? Of course, it is. But there are more reasons to understand why the people of Ondo State are full of praises for one of their own from the backwaters of Ilaje, currently becoming a game-changer in the state’s political history
In a similar vein, in the health sector, the governor’s intervention in upgrading 102 health centres has largely improved access to primary healthcare delivery. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s vision for food security, availability, and rural development are exemplary. As the major cocoa producer in Nigeria, there is growing focus on chocolate processing, with several initiatives aimed at boosting local value addition. The drawback however, is that a large portion of the beans are traditionally exported as raw material, resulting in a missed opportunity for revenue generation. To address this, the state government and private investors have been developing cocoa processing facilities, including the Johnvents Cocoa Processing Factory, to increase the amount of cocoa processed locally.
The state is actively pursuing the development of a deep-sea port at Araromi Seaside, also known as the Ondo Sea Port. This project is considered a key part of the state’s economic development strategy, with plans including a 75-kilometer stretch of unbroken Atlantic coastline and an adjacent Free Trade Zone. The deep-sea port is envisioned to be located two kilometers offshore. The governor has also emphasized the need for synergy among security agencies to protect border communities, which is likely related to the port development and its potential impact on the region.
“We have the longest coastline in Nigeria with the deepest draft. The process began under the last administration, and I’m committed to completing it. The deep seaport will be the first in Nigeria capable of handling modern vessels,” he added.
To bolster the vision of industrialization, Ondo and Bauchi states have partnered to attract $2.6bn investment to Ondo state.The high-level meeting, held recently in Akure, focused on plans to establish a fertilizer production and harmonial plant, alongside a petrochemical facility, all projected for completion within the next 12 months. The investment, is spearheaded by Residents Group Cement, with Dr. Abbas Waziri, Executive Director who accompanied Governor Mohammed on the visit. It is expected to significantly boost the state’s economy to create thousands of jobs, and enhance agricultural and industrial development.
In all of these outstanding achievements what make them impactful are predicated on the factors of being pro-people, employment generating, bearing improvement on the Human Development Index, HDI and sustainable. And as the seasoned journalist, who is the newly appointed Commissioner of Information, Idowu Ajanaku rightly highlighted they are inclusive and open to critical analysis,to bring out the best in them. That reminds us of the saying that: “Leadership is practised not so much in words as in attitude and actions” as aptly stated by Harold Geneen.
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Very jittery about the coalition, and it should rightly feel so.
If coordinated properly, they have the capacity and numbers to upstage APC, from national politics.
If they manage to do it, it will be well-deserved.
The neo-liberal economic policies embarked on by BAT has shrunk the economy brutally.
The country has shrunk far more economically after removing fuel subsidy, particularly when electricity is still non-existent, raising production costs infinitely and lowering spending, making it a double-whammy for millions.
Electricity costs have been double even when its generation, distribution and transmission hasn’t improved significantly blunting claims of Nigerians needing to pay humongous amounts if they want electricity, even if several examples exist of Countries in the Global South with far more reasonable electricity charges with even more access to electricity.
Let’s now add devaluation, that skyrocketed costs of goods in an import-dependent economy and ran more millions into penury.
War-level inflation, rising costs of living, food prices off the ceiling.
And what they have been told is that, that is the only way to rejig the economy.
The supposed billions stolen by subsidy thieves hasn’t been retrieved, and perpetrators jailed.
Customs officials that permit fuel smuggling that justified subsidy removal weren’t arrested and jailed.
Yet, the people who weren’t responsible for these lapses were told to stomach these lapses and adjust to “SAP” tightening adjustments.
Minimum wage of 70k has still not been paid, what was done was a cynical 40k wage award across levels. This after fuel went from 185 to over 900 naira in some places, and skyrocketing prices of goods quarter-by-quarter.
In 2000, When Olusegun Obasanjo raised minimum wage from 250naira to 5500 naira, and Federal civil servants pay raised from 3500 to 7500, it triggered the phrase “GBEMU AREMU” (Aremu’s Largesse) that raised national income and subsequent spending across several sectors.
Teachers would buy Opel cars prompting applause when it was announced on assembly grounds, and several civil servants started building houses leading to a construction boom.
Federal contractors are being owed despite government claims of record revenues, and gaslighting statements of more allocations being accrued to Governors.
Let us now go back to pet peeves about allocation of projects.
Gilbert Chagoury’s HITECH got awarded the “Lagos-Calabar coastal road”
The same Chagoury’s HITECH got the Sokoto-Badagry road.
The same HITECH was awarded Benin-Akure-Ilesha road.
Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road was taken from Julius Berger and handed to HITECH.
Chagoury’s ITB also got $700m port revamp contract.
BAT says Alex Zingman who got the $250m contract to bring in tractors from Belarus is his friend.
When major contracts are given to closet accolytes in a family&friends scheme, how will the economy grow, when fairness is out of the window.
Multi-billion dollar contracts are being handed out attimes with no bidding to preferred contractors whom the President openly calls “His Partner” (Chagoury).
This is the samee Chagoury who returned $66million to Switzerland to get his conviction expunged.
He paid $300million to Nigeria’s government to protect him from prosecution for his role in helping General Sani Abacha loot the country by transferring National funds abroad.
Abacha’s special friend tha helped launder money abroad is BAT’s advisor and confidante whose companies get no-bidding contracts and people are to keep quiet.
Yet, APC stalwarts will attempt to gaslight people by saying “Relax, economy is getting better, BAT knows what he is doing”, even when diaspora Nigerians who come into the country exchange their Pounds and USD into Naira, and still cannot cope with the skyrocketing prices.
People are being told to sacrifice, while they see the Presidency buy yatch, new vehicles and Presidential Jet.
If it’s the ADC that will come and trigger the APC, we are all in for it.
Even if several of the characters in ADC have been in government for years. Distributed stealing is much better for the economy than singular appropriation.
Perhaps, when Nigerians change governments over and over, politicians will sit tight and apportion some efforts towards working for masses and treat people with some level of respect.
And the coalition should watch out for Aregbesola, the main reason that has given the coalition impetus. He is not a man who gives half-measures. And he is coming for revenge.
There is no fight as interesting to watch as tight buddies turn into implacable foes.
Knowing him, Aregbesola would likely have control of Lagos ADC, where he would bring in many elements of APC currently disaffected and angry into the party.
Being more conservative than even Tinubu, he would avoid trap of filling positions with non-Yorubas.
What would ensue in Lagos, with an Aregbesola-controlled ADC will be a fight for the ages, people who knew “Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu” before he became “Asiwaju” or “Jagaban” would be brought into the fray.
Imagine for example, Muiz Banire, as Governorship candidate. Prominent families, in Lagos will be split down the middle, as Aregbesola comes for the jugular.
And woe betide APC, if the North refuses to vote for them and APC loses the Presidential election.
It makes the task of dismantling even Lagos from Tinubu’s hold after 28 years easier.
Tinubu’s current yes-men gaslighting people about economy should continue telling people all is well, even when economy squeezes people out.
In 2 years, they might lose everything. Both Federal and beloved Lagos.
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