Advocate

Dear Young Folks (Series 8) “Breaking Free: The Power of Resilience and Focus in the Journey to Success”

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Dear Young Folks, As early as the age of 14, I yearned for a freedom I knew wouldn’t come easily. I had a dream and a vision of everything I wanted, etched vividly in my mind. The years rolled by, and with every opportunity that came my way, I carefully executed my plans, one step at a time. However, as I grew older, the path to fulfilling my desires became more challenging. Along the way, I created more enemies, faced unforeseen battles, and waged wars I never anticipated. When I took my first shot at breaking free in 2013, I was unprepared for the struggles that had plagued my growth over the years. The freedom I once sought seemed to be consuming me, and at some point, I fell into a dark pit of despair. Yes, depression is real, and if not properly managed, it can make death seem like the only way to escape the weight of one’s worries. It’s easy to assume that everything is perfect when looking at the curated life I once displayed online. But pain is real, and it’s personal. I won’t air my dirty laundry here, but I will say this: if therapy is an option for you, don’t hesitate to seek it. In the eye of the storm, pause. Take a deep breath. Reassess your position, re-strategize, reinvent yourself, rebrand, and above all, stay alive. The most valuable gift is life itself, and the ultimate victory belongs to the one who endures to fight another day. A part of me was deeply broken in 2024, and that version of myself was laid to rest with the outgone year. It’s sad to bid farewell to the person I once was, but as I mourn him, I’m here, finding the courage to break free from trauma, rebuild, and improve my engagements moving forward. To young adults: Stay steadfast and focused in the pursuit of your dreams. The journey may be fraught with challenges, but your resilience and determination will lead to unimaginable growth. Do not be discouraged by setbacks or overwhelmed by the expectations of others. Instead, channel your energy into building the life you envision. As the saying goes, “Success comes to those who work hard and work smart; it’s not just about laboring, but about striving with wisdom and purpose.” Wishing you all the very best in 2025. Cheers IA

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Shaping Young Minds Through Conversations

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One of my boys called me recently, asking for a data subscription for their mi-fi. As the call was ending, he reminded me not to forget. Just as I was about to hang up, I heard his younger brother chime in, “Thank God you said that because my daddy forgets everything.” With that, they cheerfully said, “Bye Dad.” After the call, I sat quietly, reflecting on that brief exchange. I realized I couldn’t overlook this moment. If they are sharp enough to notice and point out my forgetfulness, then surely, they are ready for conversations about responsibility, empathy, and thoughtfulness. Without delay, I called them back. “Hi Al-Ameen, I haven’t heard from you in days. The only time we spoke was yesterday through Grandma’s phone, but you’ve been talking to almost everyone else. Next time you reach out to someone – even if they have obligations to you – start by building a conversation. It’s important.” As I spoke, I recalled their grandmother once telling me they hesitate to call because they assume I’m too busy and won’t answer, or that I’ll promise to call back but never do. That realization hit hard. I set aside my pride, acknowledged my fault, and stayed focused on the lesson I needed to share. Al-Ameen paused, then softly replied, “I’m sorry, Daddy.” Just like that, the moment passed, but the seed of understanding had been planted. It’s easy to overlook these small but essential details in life. We often receive calls from friends, family, or long-lost relatives who only reach out when they need attention, affection, or financial support. It starts from somewhere – the absence of meaningful conversations, the lack of genuine connection. Marriage and parenting are full-time commitments. As parents, we are the first and most influential agents of socialization for our children. Conversations, no matter how brief, shape their understanding of relationships, respect, and empathy. We must never assume they are too young to grasp these lessons. They are always listening, watching, and learning – it’s our responsibility to guide them with intentionality and care. Idris AnimasaunArchitect and Social Change Advocate

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Dear Young Folks (Series 5) “Tomorrow’s Leaders: Balancing Present Gratification with Future Consequences”

1 Comment / Opinion / / / , , , , , , , ,

Dear Young Folks, The emerging leaders of tomorrow wield both the promise of progress and the peril of shortsightedness, as they grapple with the temptation to prioritize immediate rewards over long-term sustainability. This delicate balance between present indulgence and future responsibility echoes throughout your actions and inactions, revealing a concerning resemblance to the traits of certain political figures. In the pursuit of effecting meaningful social change, I remain steadfast in my commitment to upholding honor as the cornerstone of ethical conduct. Guided by the understanding that integrity is the hallmark of superior individuals, I am unwavering in my efforts to carefully deliberate my words and engagements across social media platforms. It is disheartening to observe the fervent defense of governmental actions and policies by many young individuals, often driven by personal biases and emotional attachments. While it may be tempting to distance ourselves from the influence of politicians, we must acknowledge that our very existence is intricately intertwined with the policies they enact. Today, I am compelled to address the insidious campaign aimed at suppressing certain news stories, preventing their dissemination on platforms more prominent than my own. This concerted effort to control the narrative reflects a troubling disregard for transparency and accountability within the administration, threatening to erode public trust and perpetuate misinformation. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the publishers of Whatsapp Ibadan, Ibadan Elite Broadcasters, Ibadan Lawa, Industreet Blogs Ibadan PR, and 9ja Connect for their invaluable collaborations. Through these partnerships, we have facilitated numerous engagements that have catalyzed prompt government action on various occasions. Equally deserving of commendation are the government officials who have received our feedback with openness and responded with a level of responsiveness and accountability that is commendable. Dear fellow folks alike, we bear a responsibility not only to our present selves but also to the generations yet to come. It is on this foundation that I seek your support to sustain our efforts in driving meaningful change, recognizing the pivotal role that government policies play in shaping the future for those who will follow in our footsteps. See you all next week. Idris AnimasaunArchitect and Social Change AdvocateHC Ministry of Concerned Citizens

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