Opinion
The Story of “Good” and “Bad” on the Canvass of Reality
Published
3 years agoon
By
Eric
By Tolulope A. Adegoke
“Good is a path. Also, it is a choice. It is a choice that must be made. Every man is born a “chooser”! Your faithful decisions would determine your fate. Find your “good”; Choose your “good”; Re-unite with your “good”; Stick to your “good”, even when tempted by “bad”! You don’t overcome “bad” by being bad. You can only overcome “bad” by being good, as this is a better barter for better and sweeter conquests in all realms of human endeavours, beyond human comprehensions!” – Tolulope A. Adegoke, Ph.D., MNIM
Your faithful decisions would determine your outcomes. What’s “Good”?
“Good” is simply when crisis works for peace to reign, and I will say it’s all for the better.
“Good” is when positive and negative agree to power energy, and I will say it is all for the better.
“Good” is when “noise” submits to “quietness” for the sake of sanity.
It is when the soul opens up to divinity for the great alignment of our spirit to that which is holy, pure and kind.
“Good” is when “war” submits to lasting “peace”,
It is when someone humbly admits his/her errors and maturely seek for forgiveness.
“Good” is when both “good” and “bad” happens for the benefit (good) of those who love God, and I’ll say it’s all for the better.
What’s “Good”? Good is a rare virtue, one of the most genuine forces that breeds sanity, sanctity, and safety.
“Good” is God steps in the dark, like a lamb among the wolves; light in the darkness; a stream in the wilderness; a force for the fall of the false, for what is true and real to be revealed; and I will say it’s all for good.
“Good” is a pull of faith in fate to fulfilling our destinies.
“Good” may be mocked, but that doesn’t stop the authentic “good” from being good and better.
“Good” may be frustrated out of your abode, but without you, “good” is still good, and would always find a place of abode conveniently, honourably and peaceably accommodated by those that truly value the virtue of its versatility because it is a university that requires sanity, sanctity and maturity to overcome adversities… and I will say it’s all for good.
Let me paint you a picture of a good story on the canvas of reality without any iota of gullibility:
“Bad and “Good” started living under the same roof, but one had to leave for the other to reign, and one thing is constant about “good”. It flows naturally and doesn’t struggle to be heard, to be seen nor to be felt.
Eventually, there was a cold rift between the two forces, but instead of warring, “Good” left for good. After three (3) months, the oil in the lamp that powers the light in the home and environment ran out. They solely relied on the illumination generated by “Good” while it was with them. Ooh, gross darkness emerged as a result of the absence of “Good”, as a result of the absence of light.
The light was obtained from “Good”, because the only thing that “Good” took with it while leaving was the power of light. There was no light, no warmth, no sight, then “Bad” became very ill and grew old in its weak condition. Because of pride, and “Bad” refused to look for good.
Truly, “Bad” was bad, and “Bad” is bad; but “Good” was busy illuminating those that accommodated it after leaving its previous abode.
The good news of “Good” spread abroad, and it became a strong nation; stronger than the greatest. After being battered and beaten by bad, everyone began migrating to secure their destiny and fulfill their purposes. They’d all been raped so badly by “Bad”.
“Good” became HOPE, FAITH, DELIVERANCE; “Good” became HELP, HOPE; “Good” became the last resort for their resolve.
One day, “Good” had to look for “Bad”, and invited “Bad” to a meeting alongside its supporters.
“Good” stood up and asked the congregation: “Why do I live there? Why do you think I am here?” And the supporters screamed: “because you are good, because you are kind, because you are hope, deliverance, and our last resort and resolve.”
And “Good” asked again: “What has “Bad” offered you all so far?” And there was deep silence, the atmosphere became so cold; it was so touching, mournful and sorrowful. People become so broken, because virtually all of them have lost one or two things to being followers of “Bad things, either consciously and unconsciously; either ignorantly, lackadaisically and adamantly.
The “Bad” became so sad, but “Good” further made a good and godly statement: “Everything, both the good and bad, happens for the good of those that love God,” Good continued: “I am a creation with a purpose of illumination, for sanity and sanctity by divine order, while “Bad” is a creation with a purpose of pollution, instigated or permitted by divine order to help understand, reveal, appreciate the course and cause of “Good”. Would any of you present here understand the value of good if there were no bad? If there was no darkness, would there be any need for light to be valued? If there is no blindness, would there be any need for sight? If there is no hunger, would there be any need for food?
Value is understood, respected, honoured, acknowledged properly through lack. Would there be any valuable peace if there were no wars? If there is no noise, would there be any value for quietness or silence? Is there any value in wisdom that comes from good if there is no foolishness?!!If there is no death, would there be any value for life? If there are no illnesses, would there be any value or need for cure or healing?”
Everyone were marveled, yet they were all broken. “Good” further said: “I say to you again, everything, both the good and bad, happens for the good of those that love God.
The most genuine force for healthy living is good; bad is the path to destruction. “Bad became bad; bad became sorrowful; “Bad” became humbled; “Bad” became broken. He had no choice than to renounce itself from being bad.
Everyone applauded and praised him, saying, “Good” is the deliverer for eternity.”
But I have to tell you today, that “Good” is a path. Also, it is a choice. It is a choice that must be made. Every man is born a chooser! Your faithful decisions determines your fate!
Find your “Good”, and then choose your “Good”. Re-unite with your “Good”. Stick to your “Good”, even when tempted by “Bad”!
You don’t overcome “Bad” by being bad. You can only triumph over “Bad” by being good. Your faithful decisions would determine your end. Both “Bad” and “Good” are established and determined by your strong decisions and choices. Both life and death are choices you resolve to make.
Life is good. Death is bad. Death gives room for a fresh life. And when a seed is planted into the earth, it must die. It must decay, and that would give room for a new life, for a NEW DAWN… And I would say, “IT’S ALL FOR GOOD, the better, and the BEST!”
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Opinion
Skills Acquisition: Way Forward for Nigeria’s Educational Development
Published
2 days agoon
June 19, 2025By
Eric
By Ayo Oyoze Baje
“The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways” – Robert Greene
As concerned Nigerians keep deliberating on the best way to navigate the twists and turns inherent in our education delivery system, if yours truly has his way secondary school students should be spending three days of each week for theoretical knowledge and two for practical skills development. These include skills such as tailoring/fashion design, hair dressing and carpentry. Others include building construction, painting, domestic farming, singing, acting, oratory and comedy.
This has become more expedient because in 2023, Nigeria ranked 100th out of 100 countries in Coursera’s Global Skills Report in terms of skill proficiency. Incidentally, the country also ranked low within the Sub-Saharan Africa, placed 12th out of 13 countries.In fact, other African nations such as Botswana and Cameroon outperformed Nigeria in the same report. This was an indication of a significant skills gap in the country. But recent indicators suggest an increase performance that should be built on. For instance, Nigeria showed the fourth-highest year-on-year growth rate for Professional Certificates enrollments on Coursera. This clearly suggests a growing awareness and participation in skills development initiatives which should be built on.
For instance, the unemployment rate in Nigeria stands at about 4.84% in 2025, according to Statista. com. This translates to an estimated 5.74 million people who are unemployed. Similarly, the youth unemployment rate is around 7.50% according to Trading Economics.
Given the current global influence of information technology, the expanding impact of Artificial intelligence ( AI ) and the soaring influence of climate change. Others include the increasing need to ride the freaky waves of economic survival, and the stifling space for employment, not only in Nigeria but across the globe. Yet, the country is abundantly blessed with rare talents in different fields of human endeavour.
Mention names such as Silas Adekunle, known for his robotics expertise and the world’s first intelligent gaming robot or Riya Karumanchi, who invented a device to assist visually impaired individuals the importance of skills acquisition in the development of the talents of our youth gradually dawns on us.
It is a similar scenario when the name of
Hassan and Hussaini Muhammad, who created a way to convert petrol, water, salt, and alum into hydrogen cooking gas crop up. And out there there are other young Nigerian inventors such as Khalifa Aminu (FM transmitter), Muazzam Sani (remote-controlled car), and the team behind the smart walkway light and automatic irrigation. The importance of skills acquisition cannot therefore, be over emphasized.
.
Put in its simple terms, skills acquisition is crucial for Nigerian students academic development, because it enhances their employability, as well as boosts entrepreneurship. In fact, it contributes to overall national development. According to experts on educational development it empowers students to be self-reliant, reduces poverty and unemployment, and also provides them with a global perspective.
The impact and import of students’s skills acquisition is amply deployed in Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun state. There, students are exposed to the practical aspect of whatever course they are studying such that seasoned professionals are invited to deliver the practical aspect of their theoretical knowledge.Such is the impact that engineering students have become problem solvers. They have constructed pavements, fences, designed and built solid infrastructure.
Furthermore, the Centre for Agricultural Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies (CATES) has come up as a key initiative at the same university. As a noble cause it was established to foster practical, solution-oriented approaches to agricultural and entrepreneurial development within the university and the wider community. The skills promoting aspect of it is that CATES focuses on areas such as poultry technology, aquaculture, cassava farming, and mushroom culture. It also operates a vegetable farm and a plantain farm on campus. All these explain why graduates of the citadel of knowledge become self employed, with several of them kick starting the process right from the University as undergraduates. All these boost their financial independence while they contribute to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP.
Skills acquisition therefore,
increases employability, more so in today’s competitive job market. Having relevant skills makes students more attractive to employers. These include skills such as digital literacy, communication, and problem-solving, which are highly valued across various industries.Entrepreneurship programs teach them how to start and manage their own businesses. This eventually, leads to economic growth and improved living standards with appreciable Human Development Index, HDI. By equipping students with practical skills, skill acquisition programs can assist to lift individuals and families out of the terrifying trap of poverty and ultimately reduce the unemployment rate for the country.
From the global perspective, many skills are transferable across borders. This is one good lesson learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic. Nigerian students can latch on it to participate in the global economy through remote work or international collaborations. It also fosters confidence in students, assist them to adapt to the global socio-economic dynamics,while instilling a sense of accomplishment in them, thereby contributing to overall personal growth.
Of great significance, is that
a skilled workforce is essential for the nation’s economic growth and technological advancement. Overall, the skill acquisition programs contribute to building a more productive and innovative society. So Nigeria work on the report which highlighted specific skill areas where it lags, especially technology and data science.
Nigeria should also learn from countries that stand out for their high levels of skill acquisition and development. These include Northern European nations such as Finland, Norway, and Sweden which consistently rank high, along with Switzerland, Singapore, and Germany. These countries often prioritize education, training, and creating opportunities for their populations to acquire and utilize a wide range of skills. As rightly noted by Malcolm X: ” Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today”.
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Opinion
The Unsung Patriots: When Integrity Stands Above National Honours
Published
1 week agoon
June 14, 2025By
Eric
By Sani Sa’idu Baba
Nigeria’s Democracy Day ought to be a solemn reminder of the sacrifices, resilience, and commitment of individuals who have stood tall in the face of tyranny and injustice. It is a day that should celebrate not only democracy itself, but also the patriots who have preserved its fragile flame. Yet, in what many see as a deliberate and politically motivated omission, several Nigerians of high calibre, unimpeachable character, and unassailable contributions to nationhood were left out of the national honours list announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
This omission is not a matter of oversight. It is a calculated decision that speaks volumes about the political insecurities within the corridors of power. One name that resonates profoundly in this discourse is Chief Dele Momodu, adopted son of the late MKO Abiola, a journalist, publisher, presidential aspirant, and fearless voice of the people for over four decades. Chief Momodu is a man who has not only chronicled Nigeria’s history but has lived and shaped it through his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and democratic ideals.
Let us be honest, this is not about merit. If it were, Chief Dele Momodu’s name would have featured prominently on that list. This is about fear, fear of principled rejection. It is about avoiding the kind of national embarrassment that befell the Buhari administration when internationally acclaimed writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie openly declined a national honour because she believed it lacked genuine integrity. Her rejection was not out of arrogance, but from a place of conviction, a deep sense of responsibility not to allow her name to be used as an endorsement of a government she could not, in good conscience, support.
President Tinubu’s government, undoubtedly aware of Dele Momodu’s outspokenness and principled stance, likely feared a repeat of such rejection. Because men like Chief Momodu would not want to accept such honours from those who have allegedly turned our hard earned democracy into a civilian dictatorship. For him, a national honour must be more than a political gesture, but a reflection of national values, a reward from a government that truly serves its people.
Chief Momodu has never been one to seek validation from the powerful. His life’s work has been about amplifying the voices of the voiceless, challenging injustice, and standing firm even in the face of exile and persecution. That is who he truly is. I believe that he will happily accept a national honour from a government that embodies the ideals of democracy not one that plays lip service to it. It’s only a matter of time!
This June 12, as we mark another chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey, we must also reflect on the kind of leadership we celebrate. It is not enough to decorate the loyal and the silent. True honour lies in recognising the bold, the honest, and the principled even when their truths are uncomfortable.
To Chief Dele Momodu, and others like him who continue to walk the path of integrity, your absence from the national honours list is not a dishonour. In fact, it is a badge of honour in itself. For in a time where sycophancy is rewarded, your principled silence, your steadfast commitment to truth, and your refusal to compromise, speak louder than any medal ever could. Nigeria sees you. History will remember you.
Your recent 65th birthday celebrations which was meant to be simple and low-key but turned into a well organised global celebration all in your honour speaks volumes.
May your integrity continue to inspire a generation that refuses to trade truth for personal gains.
Happy democracy day…
Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba writes from Kano
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Opinion
Nigeria’s Reforms Have Put the Country on the Global Economic Map
Published
2 weeks agoon
June 8, 2025By
Eric
By Abdul Samad Rabiu
As my country steadies itself, Britain, its Western allies and their companies should deepen this partnership
As ghosts of the 1930s haunt the global outlook, the scramble for trade deals has seized control of government agendas. The United States has leveraged its “tariff war” to secure better terms, driving both friend and foe to the negotiating table. British deals with the US and India have provided some refuge from the prevailing gloom.
Less reported – but with similar potential – was last year’s signing of the Enhanced and Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) between the UK and Nigeria , the former’s first such agreement with an African nation. Quiet in its arrival, the pact may yet echo louder.
As someone who has built multinational businesses across Africa, I know the vast opportunity the continent offers, and Nigeria in particular, which alone accounts for a fifth of sub-Saharan Africa’s 1.2 billion people. But I also understand the limitations we have often placed on ourselves when it comes to securing investment.
Lowering barriers to trade is crucial, and for that Britain’s ETIP looks prescient. However, investment and business potential will remain discounted as long as African nations cling to state intervention – from subsidies and price controls to exchange rate distortions – all of which have consistently bred dysfunction and economic instability. Fortunately, Nigeria has now decisively turned a corner, embracing market economics under a liberalising government.
In Morocco this week, Foreign Secretary David Lammy indicated Britain’s position is shifting too. Setting out his strategy for Africa, he said British policy must transition from aid to investment. “Trade-not-aid” is no new idea – but it is the first time a British government has so clearly echoed the demand the African continent has voiced for years.
In making that shift, Nigeria is taking the lead for a continent to follow. So many Nigerian administrations I have known have been hostage to economic events, doubling down time and again on state intervention rather than having the conviction to reform. This administration is proving different. After two years of difficult reforms, Nigeria – under President Bola Tinubu – is now poised to fulfil the promise of its vast natural resources, rapidly growing population of over 200 million people, and strategic coastal location along the Gulf of Guinea.
First, the Tinubu administration removed a crippling fuel subsidy – the most significant policy reform in years. At 25 to 30 cents per litre, petrol in Nigeria was among the cheapest in the world. But the subsidy was bankrupting the government: by 2023, it consumed over 15 per cent of the federal budget – roughly equivalent to the proportion the UK spends annually on the NHS.
When President Tinubu ditched the fuel subsidy on his first day in office, criticism quickly followed. Prices, at least for the time being, have risen. However, statistics must be understood in light of the wide-ranging distortions the subsidy created.
Officially, fuel consumption in Nigeria has dropped by 40 to 50 per cent. But that is not because Nigerians’ petrol use reduced by this amount. In reality the country was subsidising the region, with cross border fuel smugglers profiting from arbitrage. The illegal trade was so blatant that on a visit to neighbouring Niger a few years ago, then-President Mohamed Bazoum even joked about it, thanking Nigeria for the cheap fuel. Though the move was politically unpopular, the subsidy had become unsustainable. Now, spending is being redirected toward development and infrastructure – laying the foundations for long-term growth.
Second, the country has moved from a fixed to a market-determined exchange rate. Previously, only select groups could access the official rate – especially those with political connections; the rest had to rely on a more expensive parallel informal market determined by supply and demand. But selling dollars at an artificially low rate only entrenched scarcity, a problem compounded by an opaque exchange mechanism that deterred foreign investment.
Every two weeks, we used to make the 12-hour drive to Abuja to seek dollar allocations for imports – camping out at the Central Bank for three or four days. Now, I no longer need to go. I’ve met the new Governor only once in two years – because I haven’t had to. Monetary orthodoxy has finally arrived, bringing with it the liquidity that both domestic and foreign businesses depend on to smooth trade and de-risk investment.
Third, the shackles of politics are being prised from business, bringing greater certainty, fairness and stability to the landscape. Five years ago, I woke up one morning to find that the port concession for a new venture of mine had been revoked. It turned out my company was outcompeting a friend of an official of the Nigerian Ports Authority. In the end, it took then-President Buhari’s personal intervention to save the enterprise.
Had I not been politically connected, the business would have folded – along with the 4,000 jobs it provided – at a time when job creation was, and remains, Nigeria’s most urgent challenge. Today, such connections are no longer necessary. The playing field is being levelled, flattening the political ridges and dips that once skewed the game.
Many of these reforms required political courage to withstand the force of criticism. Prices rose as distortions were removed, yet the administration held firm, even as vested interests co-opted public discontent for their own ends.
Indeed, many of the benefits of reform are still to be felt by the wider public. But economic fundamentals must be fixed before that becomes possible. That lead-time often tempts market reformers to reverse course, or avoid reform altogether. Now that Nigeria has made it through the toughest phase, its direction should be clear to investors.
For Britain, the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership with Nigeria was a strategic bet on reform, resilience and long-term reward. Nigeria is now delivering its part of the bargain. As my country steadies itself, the UK, its Western allies – and their companies – should deepen this partnership.
Abdul Samad Rabiu is a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist
Culled from Daily Telegraph (UK)
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