mentorship

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

Opinion / / / , , , , , , ,

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

Opinion / / / , , , ,

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 6 (“Reflections on a Remarkable Journey: You deserve the cheer guys “)

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I often hear from colleagues and friends about how highly Babatunde Saheed speaks of me in my absence. These moments make me reflect on the kind of person he is. A few months ago, we sat together, and he recounted our journey, beginning when I served as his correspondent in 2007, until I became an in-house analyst a decade later. Initially, I worked as an invisible analyst in 2018, with live studio appearances starting the following year. This journey has been remarkable, and sharing the stage with some of the best in the business has been an incredible experience. Most importantly, having my idol and mentor, Babatunde Saheed, beside me on the Saturday special has been invaluable. Everyone in my close circle knows how much I have considered leaving the world of sports commentary. However, the passion I continually receive from my work keeps holding me back. The leadership qualities Babatunde Saheed displays are rare, and I learn a great deal from him. To the young professionals out there: at some point, you will need someone who sees and regards you as a colleague rather than a protégé. It is invaluable to have someone who is not shy to publicly acknowledge your contributions to their success. Idris AnimasaunArchitect and Social Change Advocate

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