Thinking Aloud Magazine: Oct-Dec 2021

ISSUE

16 OCT - DEC 2021

A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE publication of rehoboth dream solid foundation (rdsf)

CONTENTS

Cover Photo: Kemi Ogunleye

Dr. Folasade Hunsu Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Mr. Patrick Edebor Editorial/publishing consultant. Owner, Patrick Edebor and Associates.

Mr. Akin Adejuwon Curator, Institute of Cultural Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Mr. Rotimi Lawuyi FCA Owner, RAMA Editors.

Dr. Mrs Olayinka Opadiya Senior Pastor, Every Nation Church Sydney Australia.

Mrs. Abimbola Komolafe Founder/Executive Director, Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Rear Admiral (Rtd) Oladeinde Joseph , Chairman, Board of Trustees Pharm. Samson Igbokwe Mrs Roseline Igbokwe Mrs Ronke Osikoya Ms Ketumi Alasa Pastor (Dr) Joshua Opadiya Dr (Mrs) Yinka Opadiya Mrs Abimbola Komolafe Rear Admiral (Rtd) K O Komolafe

Editor Bimbo Komolafe

Publication & Design Benjamin Eze

Project Manager Tomi Olatunde-Idowu

Project Team Edison Egere

@2021. Thinking Aloud Magazine, a publication of Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Othniel Komolafe Grace Adoga Celestina Osiki

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non -commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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EDITORIAL

ISSUE

16

OCT - DEC 2021

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the Q4, 2021 edition of Thinking Aloud (TA) produced by Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF).

On behalf of the Editorial Board and the TA project team, I wish all our readers a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

It is my pleasure to bring you this exciting and rich edition as we wrap up 2021.

Our inspiring feature for the quarter is Kemi Ogunleye, a top Banker, an experienced communication expert and founder of the ‘Chrystallis conversations platform’. As ‘Chrystallizer-in-chief’, Kemi is quietly doing an awesome work by bringing needed attention to many important issues through having conversations about them. The TA team caught up with her to understand her passion and the urgent need for attention to these issues. You will love reading our interview with Kemi as it highlights lessons from past Chrystallis conversations around mental health, home safety, parenting special needs children, emotional/physical abuse and other issues.

Our health corner features 2 interesting articles, one each for each gender. The female readers will enjoy reading the article on ’34 menopause symptoms’ while the men will learn a lot from the article on ‘prostate cancer’.

The Trustees of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation are very grateful to all our sponsors for their trust, commitment and continued support. We cannot do all we do without you.

This quarter our ‘RDSF Success Story’ features the moving and emotional story of how Emmanuel Sunday moved from abject poverty and hardship to being a success today. Emmanuel is a testimony of how intervention by RDSF can bring hope and economic empowerment.

It is a story that confirms to our sponsors and readers that the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation is making the desired impact. Emmanuel now holds a BSC in Political Science and Public administration and currently works as a Vice Principal in a college.

The Q4 Finance Coach article is titled ‘Tips to organizing your Personal Finance’ highlighting the pathway to financial fitness in the new year.

Have a delightful reading experience and remember to share the magazine with your loved ones.

As we wrap up 2021, stay well, stay safe and be kind to your body.

Enjoy the festive season with your loved ones and remember to show kindness to people around you.

Bimbo Komolafe Editor

connect with us on social media | thinkingaloudmagazine

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‘CLEAN-UP’: A SCHOOL’S EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS

As a school owner, it’s always a joy to welcome children into our learning community, watch them settle in, and gradually and steadily begin their journey to excellence.

It is every parent's dream to have excellent children. It is equally every school’s dream to produce excellent students.

Every parent aspires to have children who are Socially, Morally, Mentally, Emotionally, and Physically (SMMEP) balanced. Every school aims to educate the total child.

Unfortunately, SMMEP balanced children don't happen by dreams nor do excellent children happen by the wave of a wand.

It takes work. Hard work! Intentional work! It is a fulltime job.

The best and easiest way to handle any job assigned to you is by teaming up with people of like minds and vision. People who share your dreams and aspirations.

Each member of the team doing his little bit. In the education community, this learning team is a triad, made up of the learner, the school, and the parent(s).

In my over 20 years of being in the school environment, I have noticed over and over again, that children who excel in their studies and are ‘SMMEPbalanced’ are mostly children whose parents are actively and intentionally involved in their learning. Unfortunately, the numbers are low and we would love to see it grow.

The more excellent children we have today, the more excellent adults we have tomorrow. The onus is on us, parents, the child’s first teacher and best cheerleader, an essential member of the triad, to ensure that the seed of excellence is not only planted but continually and effectively watered. It is time for us to re-evaluate, reassess, and re-strategize. It is time to make a commitment to Clean-Up and start afresh.

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Here is how to go about it: C- Communicate with your child.

Simply put, talk to your child and allow your child to talk too. Share stories about what it was like with you growing up. Create an atmosphere whereby your child can tell you about anything - especially their challenges and fears, without the fear of being judged. Communication helps boost a child’s self-confidence and creates an atmosphere of positivity. A child that is self-confident is intrinsically motivated with a positive attitude towards learning and would put in his best with little or no external push.

L- Listen to your child.

When you listen, it lets them know that you are genuinely interested. As parents, we must master this very important skill called listening. Children want to talk. Children want to be heard. In listening to your child, you get to allow him to express his views. Such a child wouldn’t sit quietly in class without making an effort to ask or answer questions. He wouldn’t grow up with glossophobia.

In listening to your child, you get to know him and would easily notice any red flags which could be a distraction to his studies. If your child always talks to you about a friend at school and suddenly stops, then you could guess that something is wrong and try to get him to open up to you. This is very important as you are most likely to give him a healthy suggestion of not only how to mend relationships, but also how to get along with people. In listening to your child, you get an insight into what he is being taught and how he is being influenced by peers.

This puts you in the best position to observe and correct any character which does not align with your family values and worldview.

If your child knows that you listen to him, he most likely will listen, trust and respect you. If a child listens to, trusts and, respects his parents, he would not find it difficult to respect his teachers and the school authority. | 5 |

“Dear Parent, you are your child’s best cheerleader.

If a crowd is cheering him on, he is able to pick your voice from the hundreds of voices.”

E- Encourage your child.

Everyone loves to be encouraged, even children. Let’s take a look at some definitions of the word ‘encouragement’. It is the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope. The act of trying to stimulate the development of an activity, state, or belief.

Persuasion to do or to continue something.

Dear Parent, you are your child’s best cheerleader. If a crowd is cheering him on, he is able to pick your voice from the hundreds of voices. That one voice is unparalleled. If he stumbles and falls, he wants to hear you telling him “it’s going to be okay, get up, dust yourself, and keep at it”. Celebrate your child’s milestones no matter how little. If they do well, celebrate them. If they don’t, encourage them.

Be careful to praise their efforts and not only their achievements. This ensures that they continue to try to improve on themselves and are not only focused on the end result but the process. A child that gets encouraging words from his parents would be motivated to always put in his best effort. Such a child would never give up easily.

A- Attend school functions.

When you get involved in school activities it lets them know that you are genuinely interested. Don’t just get them enrolled in school and walk away. Be a part of their school. Make it a priority. Your child needs your presence. The school needs your voice.

If your child knows that you would be present at every school function, then he would put in an effort to participate in school activities.

Attending school functions also allows you to understand the school; its vision, values, curriculum, etc, and places you in a better position to consolidate at home, what is being taught in school.

N- Never talk ill of your child’s school or teacher to his hearing.

Sadly, a handful of us might be guilty of this. We openly criticise every school staff from the staff at the gate to the teacher in the classroom and even fellow parents.

While dropping off our child in school, the security man is slow and stupid. The parent driving in front of us is blind and sometimes mad.

The teacher who gives assignments doesn’t know anything. The bursar who sends you the school fees bill is foolish and thinks you grow money on trees in your garden.

The headteacher who disciplined your child for bad behaviour is wicked and hateful. Harsh words indeed and our children are listening and ‘enriching their vocabulary’. We are slowly grooming disrespectful, angry and hateful children. Children love their school staff, and they love you too.

Imagine the psychological conflict you put them in when you make them think you are at loggerheads with everyone in their beloved school.

Let’s make this commitment together, when next we are upset by the actions of school staff, if we must react negatively, we should not do so in the presence of a child. | 6 | | 6 |

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U- Use positive words on your child.

“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit- you choose” Proverbs 18:21 MSG. The words you speak to your child shapes the child- who he believes he is, what he believes he is capable of, and invariably, what he becomes. Words have a long-lasting effect and as parents, we should take advantage of this to deliberately build up and not tear down. Children who grow up in an environment of negative words turn out to be angry, hot-tempered, and ill-mannered. Using positive words helps build up your child’s self-esteem. Your child would also be respectful, using positive words on others.

Let’s be deliberate about this and feed our children the fruit of life daily. Here’s a little fun fruit colour checklist for you to use. You should be able to tick at least two each day.

And finally, the last letter in our CLEAN-UPprocess is the letter P. P- Pray with your child.

I am certain that you pray for your child. What we want to see you do is pray WITH your child.

By doing this, you are teaching him how to pray. He learns to depend less on you who is limited and more on God who is limitless and present everywhere. He appreciates the difference between a priviledge and a right.

Praying with your child teaches him gratitude, and instills discipline. A child who is disciplined knows the right thing to do and the right time to do it and wouldn’t need to be constantly reminded that ‘intentionality breeds Excellence’.

“Dear Parents, let’s get to work. Let’s be a firm support to schools and together let’s deliberately join forces to raise excellent children.”

Abimbola Lawuyi is multi-disciplined and loves to express her gifts in diverse ways. A graduate of Industrial Microbiology, she holds a Diploma in Montessori Education from Modern Montessori International (London). Abimbola is the Executive Director, Teko School, Port Harcourt, Montessori trainer, and is the Manager of T3 Consult, a Teacher Training Agency. A Creative person, who believes in giving each project her all, to achieve it. She is a co-author of the book ‘40 Pearls of wisdom’ a book with inspiring stories as told by 40 women who share intimate details of the wisdom they have gained from life’s experiences. She is married to Rotimi Lawuyi, blessed with two beautiful girls, and resides in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

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TIPS TO ORGANIZING YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE

This article highlights pathways for readers who have a desire to achieve or improve on financial fitness in the New Year.

As you read, look back and identify your areas of weaknesses and the mistakes you made in 2021. The objective is to avoid these mistakes in 2022 and thrive financially. Remember, all our circumstances are different, and everyone has a unique financial journey.

I will write on principles that are critical for anyone with a goal for financial fitness. Note that these tutorials like any manual will only help you change your financial situation if you TAKE Action. Be determined to take necessary action to achieve your financial fitness. Tony Robbins, an American Businessman, motivational speaker and ‘life coach’ says “If you change nothing, Nothing will change.”

1. Understand Financial Fitness and Financial Freedom Understanding financial fitness and financial freedom is relevant for all persons irrespective of the season of life; young graduate, mid-level career person, top management/executive, business owner, pre-retirement, or retired. Financial fitness means being able to manage your money to meet your current and future needs.

THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

Being financially fit means understanding and applying the principles and best practices for financial planning, saving, budgeting, and investing right to achieve financial freedom.

If financial fitness is important for financial freedom, what then is financial freedom? Financial freedom is achieved when you have enough money or income to pay your living expenses for the rest of your life without having to depend on others.

Simply put, financial freedom means getting to the stage where you have enough money working for you to meet your needs – i.e., you stop working while your money begins to work for you. It is that stage you attain where your passive income exceeds your expenses. We define passive income as income that requires minimal or no labour to earn and maintain.

Financial fitness is a life journey towards financial freedom and requires continuous attention. Everyone is on the financial fitness journey.

While the poor will focus on moving away from being financially dependent on people, the focus of the wealthy will be to retain, sustain, grow and preserve their wealth. | 8 |

Everyone must aim to keep working at financial fitness to ensure their passive income is grown, sustained and continues to EXCEED their EXPENSES. We must have a goal to gradually move away from depending on active income to passive income.

2. Obtain Financial Education In order to be financially fit, you must possess financial education and stay financially literate.

develop and maintain healthy financial habits.

Your Finance Coach or Financial Mentor can also act as an accountability partner, holding you responsible for your actions and inactions.

Anyone who works closely with a coach or mentor will have access to current information relevant to stay financially fit.

What is financial literacy?

Financial literacy is the possession of the set of skills and knowledge that allows an individual to make informed and effective decisions on their money & financial resources.It covers money concepts like financial planning, making a budget, savings, investments, managing debt, planning for retirement, and being aware of financial frauds. Etc There are many ways to get financial literacy and financial education to stay up to date and these include: • Subscribe and sign up for useful newsletters & join relevant online communities • Work with a Finance Coach and have a Finance Mentor • Follow coaches online • Attend webinars and money discussion sessions • Walk & work with a Financial Mentor and a Finance Coach.

“A Financial Mentor will teach you financial tactics and strategies based on his experience to guide you from making mistakes and errors while working to attain your financial goals.”

3. Financial coaching and Financial mentoring Working with a Finance Coach or Financial Mentor is another way to stay financially fit. One of the responsibilities of your coach or mentor is to keep you informed on money matters and guide your habits around this. In holding your hands and giving you needed guidance, they also help you stay updated on skills and knowledge that will help you make informed and effective decisions about your money.

Who is a Financial Mentor? - A Financial Mentor is a trusted guide or counselor that helps a person in the area of business, personal finance and investments. A Financial Mentor will teach you financial tactics and strategies based on his experience to guide you from making mistakes and errors while working to attain your financial goals.

Who is a Finance Coach? - A Finance Coach will help you develop plans to achieve your goals and will help you understand the basics of personal finance and help you

4. Have financial targets and work with a financial plan “By Failing to plan, you are planning to fail.”

– Benjamin Franklin.

Financial targets and plans are very fundamental for financial fitness. A financial target is a money-related objective you want to achieve over a period of time. Your financial targets help you put a boundary around your money and also give your money direction.

Your financial plan is the detailed proposal for achieving your financial goals. It is the roadmap that will guide you to your desired destination.

Your financial targets should be classified into short term goals (achievable within 12 months), medium term goals (achievable between 1 and 5 years) and long-term goals (achievable in 5 years and above). Some examples of financial Targets/goals are listed below: Short term (12 months) • Furnish your house • Family holiday • Register for a professional examination • Undertake a professional certification • Acquire skills Mid-term (1 to 5 years) • Pay off a loan or a portion of a loan this year (car/ house/?)

• Buy land/ build the foundation of your house • Start a business | 9 |

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Long term (over 5 years) • Save towards retirement • Financial liberation for your lineage (from poverty) • Save towards children’s education • Become fully self-employed • Expand your business • Pay off mortgage • Build to Own your own home “Always plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” Richard Cushing – American Bishop What Is a Financial Plan? - Investopedia defines a financial plan as a document containing a person’s current money situation and long-term monetary goals, as well as strategies to achieve those goals. Your financial plan includes laid down strategies, guidelines and instructions to stay financially fit and achieve your financial targets/goals.

A good financial plan will consider your current earnings and available cashflow, what you own versus what you owe, cost of living, your stage/season in life, your marital status and risk appetite. All these will help you establish what you can save towards your goals, how much and for how long.

While you can set your financial targets and develop a suitable financial plan to achieve your goals, I recommend that you work with a financial advisor or financial planner for better results. You can get support from paid services or you can seek pro-bono services.

No matter how difficult things may turn out to be, a good financial plan will keep you in control and help you adjust and get back on track faster from financial surprises and unexpected disruptions. Most people fail in their quest for financial fitness & freedom because they don’t set targets and work with financial plans.

5. Use the budgeting tool and understand Where Your Money Is Going A budget is an estimate of your expected income and expenditure for a set period of time which may be weekly, monthly, or annual. Budgeting helps you keep an eye on where every single naira or dollar is going . There is an adage that says ‘the devil finds work for idle hands’, I like to think that the devil also finds work for idle funds.

You cannot FIX your finances and be in control without effective budgeting & expense tracking.

In working with a budget, it is important to learn to apply the 50/30/20 budgeting rule.

This rule recommends that you make provision for your needs, wants and savings in the following ratios: 50% to your Needs (items essential to your survival that will cause great inconvenience if not available) 30% to your Wants (items not essential or necessary to THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

survival, but which can improve the quality of life you live) 20% to your savings (which helps you grow your wealth.

Your savings are eventually channeled to right investments).

Budgeting is not a complicated process, a simple spreadsheet or note book and a pen is all you need.

“Couples should both earn money for the family and assets owned should be deployed to earn revenue.”

6. Apply the ‘ESI’ Model to achieve Financial Fitness The ESI model teaches us to EARN more, SAVE better and INVEST well. When the ESI model is properly applied, we succeed in our journey towards financial freedom.

EARN More - Create multiple streams of income Multiple streams of income means that you have income from several and different sources. Having multiple streams of income means that a person is receiving income from several, residual or passive income streams at once. Receiving income from several sources may include taking on more than one paid employment, rendering services in addition to a main employment or having a side business or hustle in addition to your main job.

If one source stops or is eliminated, you can rely on another source. Most people do not maximize and generate income from the opportunities they have.

Couples should both earn money for the family and assets owned should be deployed to earn revenue.

Understand the time value of money - To successfully work towards financial freedom, you must understand and value money and know that every penny counts. You must work to ensure that you get the best value for your 24 hours. Don’t accept a job if the salary won’t cover your expenses. Know that your time is your seed and once you accept, then you can’t effectively seek for a better job.

SAVE Better - How can I save BETTER? The answer to this question is in three simple words; Plan, Budget, and Track.

I. Plan – where do you want to end up? Have a financial target and a plan to achieve this target.

II. Budget – Create a budget. i.e. put monetary values to your financial plan, put figures to achieve the plan III. Tracking – helps you check progress by keeping good financial records of your earnings and expenditure. | 10 |

TIPS to saving BETTER No matter what you earn, put something away as savings.

Most people say “how can I save anything when my salary is not enough to meet my immediate needs”.

The truth is if you are earning 90% of your current pay, you will still find a way to survive. Assume your actual take home is 90% of your income and apply the 10% to savings. The trick is to apply the self discipline to spend within the 90%.

If you don’t save when you earn little, you will struggle to save when you earn a lot. Learn to save from unexpected GIFTS. Many people who struggle to save are in the category of those who spend without a plan.

Don’t leave savings as the last thing after expenses, rather make it the first – that is why we call it ‘pay yourself first’. Every other thing after your savings requires you to pay others (eg when you pay your bills).

“Where an opportunity offers unbelievable returns, it is a red flag, and you must ask enough questions. If you don’t understand, don’t invest! .”

There are different classes of investments to choose from but four main areas to consider include shares, property, bonds and cash.

Be conscious of the fact that you can have variety of options even within an investment option. E.g. Stocks, what mix of shares should you invest in as a player in the capital market?

If investing in Property, be sure to consider different locations and different building projects.

Financial fitness requires that you do not put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your investments wisely so as to spread your risks and take advantage of various sources of income.

Conclusion I want to conclude this article with this saying by Thomas Jefferson: 'Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude'.

-Thomas Jefferson At the end of the day, if you will attain financial freedom by staying financially fit and organizing your personal financials, YOU need to have the right attitude to money and you must take ACTION.

INVEST well - Understand investments and Diversify your investments Understand investments - You must invest right if your goal of having financial freedom is to be achieved. Ask the right questions when offered an investment option.

One money mistake many make is to commit to an investment opportunity without fully understanding the scenario. Do Not INVEST if you do not understand.

Every business/investment opportunity comes with measured risks which must be well reviewed and checked before investing.

Where an opportunity offers unbelievable returns, it is a red flag, and you must ask enough questions. If you don’t understand, don’t invest! Seek expert advice if required.

Though it is important to take investment decisions promptly to avoid losses, this does not mean you should take decisions without having full information. You must ensure you have answers to all your questions. Only take investment decisions when you have all the answers.

Diversify your investments - Diversification is very key in creating and growing your wealth. This means spreading your money around and investing in different types of investments. By doing this, you reduce your risks and exposures. This is a good way to help protect your money, as it is unlikely that all your investments will perform badly at the same time.

Bimbo Komolafe FCA, FCIB writes from Lagos and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. She is also a Certified Financial Education Instructor.

For more tips from the finance coach follow her on: Instagram - @financecoachtoday Twitter - @financecoachbk Website - www.financecoachbk.com Facebook – Finance coach money and wealth | 11 |

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TRAILS TO THE UNCERTAIN

people who have journeyed the path before, and make redefinitions based on where you really want to be. Imagine how truly lost you’d feel if you could find no paths, no prints, and no sense of direction to ensure navigation.

Some have considered life a mystery to fathom, a puzzle to solve, a reality to live through, or just another burden to bear. I mean we all begin uniquely, opportunities occur to us differently, varying circumstances and leverages, however, there comes a point in everyone’s life where decisions becomes weighty, and actions or reactions can be empowering or crippling.

To remain indecisive is enough to navigate one towards failure, because life seem to spin fast, and sometimes too fast for one to catch up. Maybe you also have this feeling, I often do; wishing life had a remote control, so I can slow down its pace, pause it, play it, fast forward and skip some moments, relive some experiences.

Whew! Life keeps moving, sometimes the seconds seem faster than others, and while one is caught in a rush, life might not pause but you can, take a break, hit the pedals, just hold up for some minutes… catch your breath… finish this piece of writing.

How do you determine a path? I mean we all do it similarly, we look for trails! Footprints, tracks, pavements, something that shows that someone has been here. I mean we might not be certain what lies ahead or what realities we face beyond the path, but there is this level of peace and comfort that comes with knowing that the path you are about to take has been taken before and journeyed by many.

It’s like finding yourself in a jungle or an uncertain place and in trying to figure out where to go, you find a distinctly well threaded path, a level of comfort comes knowing that someone has been here, will be here, might be behind me, or ahead of me. You don’t feel so lost anymore, you have a clearer sense of purpose, to follow the path, see where it leads, find THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

Now, you can see a path, its trails leads to someplace uncertain, but you are comforted because a path speaks to your heart that what is uncertain to you has been a certain and well defined course of direction for some others, and it is a lot better to be uncertain than to be incapable.

This is the reality we become accustomed with as we are surrounded on different sides by decisions that seem to threaten our very existence if we miss it.

Career choices, marital choices, financial choices, etc., and often we do, like every thinking man, prioritize security and survival.

We therefore begin to search paths already treaded.

We develop these into systems, cultures, and traditions, which can be safely imitated without fear of contradiction. Upon these principles we have built societies and civilizations, do what someone has done, follow a path that has been trod, don’t dare take adventures into the unknown, stay safe, and remain reasonable. If it hasn’t been done, if there are no trails, do not venture.

So we have institutions, schools built to replicate paths already taken, and can be followed safely, courses to study, templates to follow, job patterns and financial patterns. With trails we live replicable patterns, so a person doesn’t necessarily need to look for in-depth answers, a man can ignore his genius or creativity and just adopt external definitions, and in order to escape the eerie feeling of being lost, he can find solace that there are paths others have walked and he can do same.

Trails however are not wrong, they are important, necessary for human cultures and a necessity for survival. It helps people fit in, and those who are not wired as trailblazers can easily live and thrive in the trails left by others, enhancing structures and support. | 12 |

Now these people are often choked up by the need to also have a sense of survival and security, and their subtle rebellion from the norm is also their formidable opponent. They will know this because they will hardly find fulfilment regardless how well invested they are in the prevailing cultures. For those who find themselves in this category, fulfilment and security are not in the same box, purpose and safety are not in the same jurisdiction. Yet to choose the present over the possibility of the future will birth misery and to choose the possibility of the future without the cushion of the present will birth uncertainty and fear.

It is important that you finish this piece of writing, because at this point I address a group of people so necessary and definite. If civilizations will abound and cultures will evolve, then we must understand the place of the “first”. These are those who venture without trails.

If you are here, I will leave just a slight wisdom that should help you succeed. If you are constantly left in the bother of trying to fit in without success, consistently bugged with ideas that seem out of reality, bothered with if you have too little, ignore too much, etc., here is just a little wisdom; learn to use the present!

A unique dimension of leadership whose following is not necessarily in people. It is actually possible that one can venture into the unknown, and leave a trail, a footprint that highlights that path for those behind, those who would rather acclimatize than be exposed to the risk of setting new trails.

The present is your gift for the future you want. It is your resource to build the uncharted. You will need tools only the present can offer. Know your rebellion, get support if you can, it is a lot better building with a team, get as much security in the present that will not compromise your vision.

“Men must adventure into the uncertain, and lead by their footprints.”

Finally, never doubt yourself. No, don’t do it. It will turn on you and seek your destruction. Be prepared to fail and do it over again. No one has done it before, you are the one who will define what failure means in this route.

Leave those trails into the uncertain, you just might inspire a generation.

Society cannot evolve without these people. Men must adventure into the uncertain, and lead by their footprints. The bane is this, the same systems that has evolved from the trails of previous trailblazers that gives a direction and definition to a culture or society becomes a hindrance and the biggest obstacle of those who seek to set new paths.

Before I venture into the clarification of this phenomenon, it has become important to note that those who create new paths do so in two ways, either a progressive venture from previous build ups into unexplored paths i.e. resting on the security that alignment to social structures already brings and taking the next step forward from the last footprint seen in a direction.

The second way is more scarce, more terrific and definitely prolific. Its success often alters cultural landscapes. It is a venture without real templates, a walk right into an uncharted territory. It is a dare and a risk not many can take, for the trails will either urge others in a new path or instruct them in a way not to follow.

Ajibola Gabriel is an educator who serves to excite the human mind to excellence, leaving trails that can improve cultural landscapes. He is the lead instructor at Mindverse Limited and a prolific business innovator. He is an author and a writer, a conference speaker, poet and spoken word artist. He loves gospel music, jazz, and performing arts; and is excited by creativity. It can be said he has a scientific mind, but an artistic soul. He enjoys good conversations, can be incredibly sarcastic and has such a brilliant passion for excellence. He is a passive geologist, and in consistent pursuit of God. | 13 |

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INTERVIEW WITH KEMI OGUNLEYE

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Q1. Please tell us about your childhood - family, educational background etc. Was there anything in your background which triggered your desire to give back in the way you do via the Chrystallis platform?

Response: Thank you for the honour. I was born into a typical middle-class Nigerian family. The third of four children, I was christened Oluwakemi (meaning God dotes on me) and true to my name, I was rather doted upon by my parents and other members of the family! I was also a smart and precocious child which made me the darling of my elementary school teachers.

Unfortunately, at the age of three, I had polio which left me with a noticeable limp in my right leg. This made my family protective of me, but I really didn’t like being different and I certainly didn’t like the fact that I walked with a limp. I wanted to prove I could do what everybody was doing so I was a ‘tomboy’, running and jumping, playing football with the boys. I did everything just to prove that the polio couldn’t slow me down. I tried very hard to act ‘normal’, but deep down, I was very insecure about my limp, and it really affected my confidence.

into the false narrative that says that we can only be useful and valuable if we are perfect. But the simple truth is that nobody is perfect. We all have our struggles, but we can be a blessing to ourselves and to others in spite of, or perhaps even because of, those very struggles.

The Chrystallis platform seeks to create an enabling environment for us to be vulnerable, authentic and open about our issues, because when we share our stories, we liberate ourselves and we liberate others as well.

We started in 2017, and even though the platform is still quite small, I’m encouraged by the impact we’ve made so far, and I am excited by what is still yet to come for us.

“The focus or the goal of Chrystallis is to help foster a culture where we share our stories and experiences more openly.”

In retrospect though, being “different” was a blessing in disguise because I think it made me very empathetic. I was instinctively drawn to people who were struggling and I always found myself defending those who couldn’t defend themselves. I suppose I never wanted anybody else to have that feeling of being different or “not good enough”. I was always more introspective, thoughtful and more aware of other people’s struggles, and that has sort of stayed with me up till now.

Q3. What would you say is the focus of the Chrystallis Conversations series? What are you trying to achieve with these conversations?

Q2. Please introduce the Chrystallis platform to our readers. How did the name come about, and how long has Chrystallis Conversations been around for?

I just want to create an enabling environment for people to be able to speak their truth without feeling judged or stigmatised because without truth, there can be no freedom.

Response: Chrystallis is a God-given name. I literally heard it in my sleep and when I woke up and searched for the name on Google, I found nothing – no such name existed.

God then told me that “Chrystallis” is an amalgamation of two words - chrysalis which is the cocoon from which the butterfly emerges, and crystallize, which means to come into form or to come into being. So Chrystallis speaks to the process of becoming all that you were created to be. The platform was borne out of my desire to birth a community where we can support one other in this process of becoming our best selves.

As human beings, we tend to want to define ourselves by our mistakes and imperfections. We limit and silence ourselves because we’ve bought THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

Response: The focus or the goal of Chrystallis is to help foster a culture where we share our stories and experiences more openly. As a society, we don’t encourage people to speak up about what they are going through, and as a result too many people are literally dying in silence.

Q4. You had some very illuminating conversations around mental health awareness. What are key lessons for us all on this subject? Do you think we are paying enough attention to mental health issues?

Response: Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go in our society when it comes to the issue of mental health. There is so much ignorance around mental health illnesses, which leads to a lot of stigmatisation and misinformation. The truth is that the same way we take care of our physical health is the same way that we should take care of our mental health. Psychological and emotional issues can be properly addressed and managed with the right care, information and resources. The key is to destigmatise the subject so people feel comfortable seeking the help they need. | 16 |

Q5. How can parents support their children through mental health challenges? Do you think parents in the African setting possess enough knowledge and exposure to handle mental health challenges?

Response: Well, I think things are changing slowly, as parents become more aware of the need to ensure the total wellbeing of their children; the focus is shifting from academic performance alone, to emotional and mental wellness.

As parents and caregivers, we must be fully present and unequivocally supportive of our children, particularly if we know or suspect that they are experiencing mental health struggles. We must be their ally and advocate, giving them the assurance that we are in their corner and that they will always have our love and support.

“You must be intentional about creating an atmosphere where your children are comfortable opening up to you.”

Q6. What advice do you have for parents who do not prioritize their child’s mental health?

Response: My advice to such parents is to “wake up!” As parents, it is your duty and responsibility to nurture your child’s body, mind, body and spirit.

You must be intentional about creating an atmosphere where your children are comfortable opening up to you. Because, if your child cannot feel safe with you, with whom will they feel safe?

Q7. On a recent Chrystallis episode, you had a guest who spoke about her experience as the parent of a special needs child. Please share some key lessons from that conversation.

Response: That was a very powerful episode, full of deep insights and lessons. For me, I was struck by the strength of a parent’s love and commitment to getting the best care for her child. This is a bit personal for me, because as I said earlier, I had polio as a child, but my parents left no stone unturned in their quest to get me the best medical care and support. They also tried their best to ensure that my condition didn’t affect me mentally and emotionally - they always wanted me to be confident.

Similarly, the woman who was my guest on that episode has devoted all her energy to caring for her special needs son and ensuring he gets all the support and support required to attain his highest potential. Everyone in the audience was truly

inspired by the lengths she and her husband are willing to go and the sacrifices they are making continually for the sake of their child.

Q8. Some of your past conversations have been with people who have suffered great physical and/or emotional pain. What in your opinion is the greatest weapon they have used to rise above and overcome their pain? How can our readers help someone around them who is going through pain of any sort?

Response: I think the common thread that runs through all the conversations we have had on the show, is the power of faith and resilience. All my guests who have shared their stories of triumph over pain, have attested that they overcame their circumstances by believing strongly that they would make it, and then by taking active steps in the direction of their faith, even when things seemed bleak and hopeless.

If you are close to someone who is going through a difficult time, I think that first and foremost, you should just be present and available. Be a listening ear, be a source of support. Beyond this though, also look for ways to provide tangible help as and when required; from helping them find the right resources, to contributing financial assistance as necessary and to the best of your ability, whatever you can do to help, just do it.

Q9. As an experienced communication expert, please speak to the subject of Imposter Syndrome. What is it and what tips can you share with our readers on how to overcome this?

Response: Imposter Syndrome is the idea that you don’t deserve to be where you are, or to have what you have. Women, in particular, are often plagued with the notion that they are not worthy to occupy a seat at the table.

We have that voice in our head telling us that we’re not good enough, that we didn’t do well enough, that we are going to fail publicly.

Personally, I refer to that voice as “the hater that lives in my head”, and for a long time, that hater dominated my thoughts and dictated my perception of myself. Over the years, I have learned to minimize its power over my life. I don’t know if I will ever be fully rid of my resident hater, but I understand things better now.

So if you suffer from impostor syndrome, please know that you’re not alone. Countless others also struggle with these negative feelings. Most importantly, no matter what that hater in your head is telling you, know that it isn’t the truth. So, replace the negative talk with positive affirmations. | 17 |

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Act confident, even when you don’t really feel it, and as with any other thing in life, the more you practice, the better you will become at actually being confident.

Q10. You shared openly about your experience with the Covid-19 virus. Do you think there is still some stigmatization around contacting the virus hence limiting the way survivors share lessons from their experiences? What can we all individually do better to contain the spread of the virus?

Response: I don’t think there’s stigmatization around the virus like there was in the early days of the pandemic. We now have a lot more information, which is a good thing. To curtail the spread of the disease, I think we all need to remember that Covid -19 is still very much out there and we need to take all the precautions and protocols seriously. It’s still a disease that can kill, so we can’t afford to become complacent.

Q11. House fires Incidentally, this is on your platform. some safety tips on fire disasters.

can be a terrible experience. one area you have spoken about Please share with our readers how to protect your home from

Response: I had a terrible fire in my house in February 2021. Prior to this, I had never had any personal experience with fire so I was totally clueless as to what to do when the fire broke out.

What I learnt from this incident is how quickly afire can spread, and how silent fire is while it is doing its damage.

With this in mind, it is essential that we all have functional fire extinguishers and smoke alarm

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system at home. Fire drills are helpful because in an emergency, it is what you’ve practiced will come to mind. Everybody in the home, from the oldest to the youngest, should know what to do in the event of a fire outbreak.

Above all else, prioritise your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Don’t risk your life trying to save personal belongings. As my 11-year-old son said to me when I was crying about the fire: “Mum, it’s just stuff. We are alive and we are fine!” I wiped my tears immediately because I knew he was absolutely right – things can be replaced; life is irreplaceable.

Q12. You write quite a lot, and in one of your articles you went down the “Naija” memory lane and listed the good old life you lived while growing up in Nigeria. What are some of the things Nigerians (those in government and those being governed) need to do to give Nigeria a chance at getting back the old glory?

Response: Well, the first thing to remember is that our leaders are Nigerians like us, which means whatever we see in government is a reflection of the values of the people. So we each need to look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we are reflecting the right values. Because until we get it right at the individual level, we can’t get it right at the macro level.

Are you doing the right thing and pursuing excellence in your own little corner? If not, then even if we replace all the people in government today with a fresh set of Nigerians, we will still face the same issues. The change we are seeking lies in our hands.

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Q13. Given the current state of the country, what advice do you have for our young readers who are trying everything possible to “japa” (i.e. leave for greener pastures abroad).

Response: Sincerely, I can’t blame anyone who wants to ‘japa’ because things really do look bleak at the moment. All people want is an opportunity to be able to live their lives and actualize their potential, and that’s not too much to ask. The truth is, we can’t all run away from the country. Even if you succeed in leaving, life abroad is not a bed of roses, especially with the subtle (and not so subtle) xenophobic and jingoistic sentiments sweeping across the Western world today. So why don’t we focus on making our country better? It’s a cliché, but there really is no place like home.

Q14. Back to the Chrystallis platform - one of the taglines for your conversation series is “changing the world, one conversation at a time.” Would, you say this has happened so far? What hopes and plans do you have for the series?

Response: Well, we’re certainly not there yet, but we’re on our way. Right now, I tell myself that if I am impacting just one person, then it’s worth it. My goal is to make that ‘one’ a thousand, and on and on from there.

Q16. In what ways are you a different person today because of Chrystallis?

Response: The work I do though the Chrystallis platform has made me more aware that everybody has a story, and everybody has a battle they’re fighting.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the personal battles people are dealing with are often not obvious to the rest of the world.

This is why we really need to be kinder to each other. Life is indeed a journey, and my mission is to use my voice and my platform to make the journey easier for as many people as possible.

“Life is indeed a journey, and my mission is to use my voice and my platform to make the journey easier for as many people as possible.”

Q17. How do you get your guests to be candid, open, and vulnerable with you?

I really hope that soon, we can take these conversations to a bigger space and platform because I believe the work does have the potential to change minds, change lives, and ultimately, change the world.

Response: Well, I think the first thing is that I don’t bring anyone on as a guest except they are absolutely willing and ready to share their story. I never try to coerce or push anyone because if they aren’t fully ready, their reticence will manifest during the show.

Q15. Can you tell us about the first episode of Chrystallis Conversations? And which episode has been the most memorable for you so far?

A lot of the topics we deal with are very sensitive so I can totally understand if someone doesn’t feel ready to speak publicly about their experience.

Response: My first ever episode was with Bolanle Okusanya-Feyita, a female undertaker who descends from a long line of undertakers. When her father and brother died in a horrific plane crash that occurred in the line of duty, she decided to carry on the family business.

Owing to what I do, there are a lot of people who reach out to me privately just to talk and unburden; they’re not ready to share publicly but they want to talk and I’m happy just to be a listening ear.

We spoke about life and love and loss, and the human at the nexus of these three. She also shared how her personal experience with grief and loss has put her in a unique position to properly support her clients in their time of bereavement. It was a very deep conversation indeed.

Regarding my most memorable conversation: I really cannot choose one as I have had so many amazing and life-changing discussions to date. I am truly grateful and humbled that people are willing to trust me enough to share their deeply intimate and personal stories.

The primary purpose of Chrystallis is not the show; it’s the community we are building and a lot of that happens behind the scenes.

For those that are willing to share their stories, I really don’t have to do much because they are ready to open up. I simply provide a platform, through the show, and I allow them to take the lead.

As the host, my job is to guide the conversation while respecting the boundaries of my guest. And my guests know that I won’t sensationalise their story or push them beyond their comfort zone, so they are comfortable with me. I don’t take that privilege for granted at all. | 19 |

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Q20. Would you say your faith has played a role in who you have become? And can you share with us how you handle the low moments in your life.

Response: My faith in Christ has been my anchor through all the changing scenes of my life to date.

In my lowest moments, He is right there with me; in times of joy and laughter, He is present with me.

So, whenever I am going through challenges, I just remind myself that the same God who kept me before, will keep me again because He certainly didn’t bring me this far to leave me now.

Q18. The depth of the Conversations is truly inspiring - just knowing someone else has walked this path and has overcome helps other individuals navigate their struggles. Can you share a struggle you have personally faced and overcome?

When I reflect on God’s faithfulness to me, I am encouraged to keep going - He has my back!

Q21. As a busy career woman, and a very hands-on mother, what role has your support system played in helping you balance your responsibilities?

Response: My biggest struggle has been around my insecurities. Having polio at age three, and walking with a limp as a result, really affected my confidence.

Response: I work for one of the leading banks in Nigeria and as you might imagine, my job can be very intense.

I was always self-conscious about the way I walk, and self-conscious about the fact that my right leg is visibly scarred and noticeably smaller than the left leg.

So for me, having the right support system in place has been invaluable. My family and my closest friends have been there for my son and me from the very beginning.

Over the years though, I have learned to accept myself just the way I am. It hasn’t been an easy journey, and I am certainly not there yet in terms of being totally confident, but I am getting closer with each passing day.

They’ve walked with us every step of the way. At times when my work schedule is particularly busy and I can’t make school activities, one of my siblings will represent me.

I still battle with insecurities, but they don’t have as much of a hold over me anymore. Now, I see my scars as evidence of the battles that I have fought and won!

“My faith in Christ has been my anchor through all the changing scenes of my life to date. In my lowest moments, He is right there with me...”

When I have to travel, my son has a second home at his aunty and uncle’s house. They are all so involved in raising him that sometimes I joke that I don’t really know what it means to be a single parent, because honestly, I’m not doing this alone!

Q22. On a final note, we know it is not all about work with you. What do you do for fun?

Response: Fun for me is anything that involves good company, good conversation, good food, good music, a good book - any combination of some or all of these elements!

Q19. As a mother of a 12-year-old boy, how are you navigating the challenges associated with raising a fine young man in this increasingly chaotic and confusing world?

And because my house is truly my happy place, what I enjoy most of all, is bringing all this together in my own home – so having friends and loved ones over for a meal and for general good vibes, is happiness for me.

Response: I would be lying if I said that I have this parenting thing figured out. I don’t; not even close.

All I know is that I proceed daily by the grace of God, and I just trust that the grace that has brought us this far, will take us all the way.

*** TA: Thank you again for sharing the Chrystallis story with our Readers. We commend your efforts and wish you well with taking the Chrystallis conversations forward.

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LATEST UPDATES FROM RDSF

The Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation is a nonprofit and non-governmental organization committed to charity activities that will enhance the social and economic wellbeing of the less privileged in the society through education support, skills acquisition and mentoring programme. Since 2011, the Foundation has supported over 250 students via scholarships and over 600 young people have benefited from its skills acquisition and mentoring programmes.

Many of our past beneficiaries have become financially independent and are now able to acquire additional relevant skills, professional qualifications or further studies even as some have joined other benevolent Nigerians to extend financial support to those in need. Some of these testimonies can be found in prior editions of the magazine and on our website.

This year, nine of our beneficiaries completed their tertiary education programme with two of them being inducted into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and another bagging a first class degree in law.

We also adopted eighteen new students currently have fifty-five students under scholarship support programme.

THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

and our

Skills Acquisition In September, the Foundation partnered with Wistraledged Consulting to train 70 young entrepreneurs and intending entrepreneurs in an array of business soft skills needed for managing small and medium enterprises. This training which was held online for two weeks was a follow-on class for the Webinar that was held in August 2021.

After the 2 weeks bootcamp, three of the participants were supported financially to either scaleup their existing business or birth their business idea.

Winners of the Grants

Ulochi Onyebuchi is a graduate of the Federal Polytechnic Enugu. She lives in Ago Palace area in Lagos and currently undergoing her NYSC programme in Sokoto State. She learnt shoemaking while she was undergoing her degree programme.

RDSF is delighted to support her with N200,000 to start her business.

Ominisi Evelyn is an Economics graduate from the University of Jos and a onetime beneficiary of our scholarship programme. She is the CEO of Evaz Couture; a fashion design house for making bespoke wears and also training of intending designers. She has been able to establish her brand in Gombe State after her NYSC in 2018. | 22 |

Elizabeth Oyekan is a graduate of Lagos State University. She started her online store for sale of fairly used electronic gadgets after working for few months with a resale hub company. She is passionate about doing business and RDSF is delighted to support her.

2021 RDSF Teachers’ Excellence Award The Teachers’ Excellence Award was instituted by the Foundation in August 2018 during the Annual Lecture to celebrate teachers that have demonstrated excellence in the impartation of knowledge to students in public secondary schools in Lagos.

The award which had a monetary value of N250,000 as the grand prize, N75,000 for the first runner-up and N50,000 for the second runner-up during its first and second edition was reviewed by the Trustees this year to N150,000 for the first runnerup and N100,000 for the second runner-up.

“To arrive at the winners, the Board of Trustees put all the candidates through stringent evaluation using a combination of information on the CV and those earlier gathered from the field.”

Meet the winners

This year’s edition was held for teachers in Lagos Education District IV; comprising secondary school teachers in Apapa, Mainland and Surulere zones.

To arrive at the winners, the Board of Trustees put all the candidates through stringent evaluation using a combination of information on the CV and those earlier gathered from the field. After due appraisal, the candidates for RDSF 2021 Teachers ’ Excellence Awards emerged.

Mrs Ronke Osikoya (RDSF Trustee, speaking at the event).

Mrs Eucharia Nchedochukwu Nwenyi (Winner) Can you tell us about yourself?

I am Mrs Eucharia Nchedochukwu Nwenyi. I am 51 years old. I have the following University Degrees: B.A. History (2nd Class Upper), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and M. Ed. in Educational Psychology.

Why did you choose teaching as a profession?

I did not choose teaching profession but Providence took me to it. Honestly, I never wanted to be a teacher after my NYSC which I undertook in my present school, Ideal Girls' Junior High School, Surulere, (then Ideal Girls' High School, Surulere).

My Principal, Dr. Mrs. Egbuwoku during my Service Year in 1992/1993 told me that I was doing excellently well, that she would go and get me an Appointment Letter to join Teaching Profession after NYSC, I declined and told her 'no', that I don't want to be a teacher. Six years after, I saw myself accepting what I did not want from inception. Fortunately, Dr. Mrs Egbuwoku, my Principal during my NYSC was the one that did our two-day Induction Seminar for us as new teachers.

A cross-section of Principals.

In her words, she called me, Eucharia, 'see what you have done to yourself' and I responded, 'ma, that was the way God wanted it for me'. | 23 |

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Since then, I embraced teaching as part and parcel of my life. Honestly, I put in everything about me in it and all the teachers, non-teaching staff, students, Vice Principals and Principals I have worked with, can attest to that. And for 22 years plus in this no ble profession, I have no regret. Outside the teach ing environment, so many people believe so much in me just because I carry myself well as a well-trained teacher through my modest life-style.

They entrust me with so many tasks/values like leadership, accountability, transparency, discipline, integrity, hardwork, efficiency/effectiveness, trustworthiness, assertiveness, etc. By the Grace of God, I have not been found wanting. To God be all the Glory, Amen.

“Outside the teaching environment, so many people believe so much in me just because I carry myself well as a well-trained teacher through my modest life-style.”

You were recently awarded for your contribution to the educational sector by the Foundation. How do you feel about this?

Do you ask me how I feel being a Star Winner of Teachers' Excellent Award of N250,000 organized and rewarded by Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation? I'm more than very happy because this is a prayer answered and a dream come true.

This Award has made me a celebrity in the teaching Profession. You can see that I am now being renewed/rejuvenated with extraordinarily amazing strengths to do more exploits because to whom much is given, much is expected and we know that the reward of hard work is more work.

All thanks to Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation who has proven to the world with its benevolent actions that teachers' rewards are not only in Heaven but also, here on Earth. Kudos to RDSF for continuously making these persistent giant strides in the field of Education. May God continue to bless and favour you super abundantly in the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.

And to other organizations who are yet to emulate RDSF to promote and motivate, please, do so. By so doing, teachers will do their work with a lot of joy and happiness. They will be fulfilled at every point of their lives without living in regrets, frustration and depression. They will put in their best, thereby raising the standard of education in our country, Nigeria.

THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

Teachers’ Excellence Award winner, Mrs Eucharia Nchedochukwu Nwenyi.

Kindly describe a time you felt challenged by a student's domestic situation. How did you handle the situation?

In the course of this my profession, I have come in contact with students who were challenged negatively in one way or the other. When I was in Aguda Junior Grammar School, Aguda-Surulere, one of our students was extremely maltreated by her Guardian, after the School Authority intervened in the case, the Guardian still persisted with her wickedness, I had to travel to the East to locate the girl's family. I came back with her mum and uncle and accommodated them for three days, while I was dropping them to their daughter's guardian's house. I pleaded with them not to let her know that I was the one. After spending three days with us, I had to pay their transportation back.

So many cases of sexual molestations of these young girls because they were not empowered and informed, as a trained Psychologist, I was able to help them out of these ugly incidences. When some of these students come to me that they didn't eat before coming to school, I try in my own little way to buy food for them and also, solve their other needs, both emotional and psychological.

What advice do you have for other teachers?

My advices to my colleagues are thus: • Be patient with these children. Some of them have irresponsible parents, that's why they behave the way they do.

• To make themselves readily available to some of these helpless students.

• Reducing our shouting on them and also, stop cursing them. Calm down and talking to them with love, even when we are chastising them.

• Let's do our best all the time, knowing that one day it will be our turn to shine as a star.

• Never lose hope, no matter what. | 24 |

Principals at the 2021 RDSF Teachers’ Excellence Award

Poem recitation by students of Aje Comprehensive High School.

photographs from the teachers’ award Nominees for the 2021 RDSF Teachers’ Excellence Award.

Mrs Eucharia N. Nwenyi (Winner 2021 RDSF Teachers’ Excellence Award) and Mrs Ronke Osikoya (RDSF Trustee)

RDSF Trustees and awardees

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Mrs Martha Toluwalope JESULEKE (First Runner Up) Kindly tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am Martha Toluwalope JESULEKE (Mrs.), a Senior Education Officer in Lagos State Government with over eight years of teaching experience. I would describe myself as an enthusiastic and resilient young Educator with keen interest in Science Technology Reading Engineering Arts and Mathematics {STREAM}. This birthed ‘The Jesuleke Limited’, a consulting firm that brings the beauty of STREAM into reality and makes its relatable.

Why did you choose teaching as a profession?

My Mother who is a lecturer in one of the Nigerian Universities is a real inspiration to me. I ’ve watched her over the years and see in her ability to guide learners in various capacities; her sense of justice made me realize I can also replicate these, even much better in my classroom. Also, counselling of learners on social and emotional issues and the results thereafter gives me more joy.

You were recently awarded for your contribution to the educational sector by the Foundation. How do you feel about this?

Honestly, I feel so elated at the job I’m doing. I had no idea I was going to emerge as the first runner up, but God proved His faithfulness. This has inspired me to do more!

“Giving has been part of my life.... I learnt this from my mother, this was further solidified as I observe my husband give to people cheerfully.”

You donated part of the award proceeds to financially support indigent students. What prompted this kind gesture?

Giving has been part of my life.... I learnt this from my mother, this was further solidified as I observe my husband give to people cheerfully. I was touched

by Mrs. Ronke Oshikoya’s speech during the award ceremony. She took us through the history of the foundation and also mentioned the amazing things done by the foundation.

She however said that the foundation is working towards reaching more lives and beckoned on us to support to make this great vision more successful. I immediately pledged in my heart that I would give a token to support without even knowing I would win and see how God made it happen.

THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

I-R Mrs Olukorede Olubanjo (Director Co-curriculum science and technology, Education District IV), Mrs Martha T. Jesuleke (1st runner-up 2021 RDSF Teachers’ Excellence Award) and Mrs Tayo - Subir (Deputy Director District IV)

How do you cultivate positive relationships with your students and create a sense of class community?

I find this question very interesting because it is a rare privilege, I won’t take any day for granted. I befriend all the learners, listen to them and allow them take the lead while I guide them during lessons. Not only that, they belong to my online community where we interact on real life issues aside academics.

What advice do you have for other Teachers?

To my dearest Colleagues, kudos on the great job you’re doing to mould lives. I charge all to keep being resilient bearing in mind that our rewards are right here on earth.

Mr Adeniji Lookman Obasanjo (Second Runner Up) Kindly tell us about yourself?

I am Mr Adeniji Lookman Obasanjo, a native of Ogun State. I had all my education in Lagos State apart from my first degree in Kwara State. I teach English Studies in one of the reputable government schools, Stadium Junior High, Surulere, Lagos.

Why did you choose teaching as a profession?

Man is but a pencil in the hand of his supreme creator who writes his/her destiny! I never thought I would find myself in this laudable profession but Providence (God) has a way of keying who he ever so desires into a path! I finished my secondary school in 1997 as a young chap full of life who desired to be a mass communicator and sat for GCE and JME exams. However, I had challenge of passing the exams at first sittings.

So, I was employed by one my guardians to teach in his coaching centre. I was assigned to take primary four and five while I await the results of my JME and GCE done for umpteenth time! | 26 |

It was there and then I discovered I could teach effectively and the seed for the passion for this job was sown! When I eventually passed my exams, I applied to study Economics but eventually was admitted to study English Arts The journey to being a teacher began and was indeed one I would always be glad to share!

You were recently awarded for your contribution to the educational sector by the Foundation. How do you feel about this?

I felt elated and on top of the world! For the first time in my eleven- years career, my contribution as a life moulder was celebrated in a phenomenal way; publicly. Although I had had series of awards in the past, it had not been of this magnitude! When I was announced as the second runner- up, I asked within myself if the name could be truly me! Alas! it was and I thanked God! Indeed, all callings are great when pursued greatly!

“Many a time, these wonderful learners are faced with domestic challenges and these thereupon may affect their performance in school.”

Kindly describe a time you felt challenged by a student's domestic situation. How did you handle the situation?

Yes! As a teacher, you have a lot to contend with and one of these is a child's domestic situation.

Many a time, these wonderful learners are faced with domestic challenges and these thereupon may affect their performance in school. A case in point is a student in my former school.

He lost his mother during his birth and he had been without motherly love and affection from birth! The boy is exceptionally good and his father and grandmother always tried their best to support their son but mother's love and attention was missing.

Thank to Mrs Oyebode and other teachers like me who supported this young lad. Mrs Oyebode sorted for NGOs to support this boy's education and sometimes, I would have to go and pick his provisions from these NGOs to help the boy.

We supported the boy in our(teachers’) own way through his secondary education and today, by His (God's) grace, he is a pioneer medical student of one of the prestigious schools in Nigeria (FUTA).

He is currently doing his registration! So when we show compassion and love to our students, learning proceeds smoothly and enthusiastically for our

L-R Mr Odunuga B. Akinwunmi (Principal, Stadium Junior High school Surulere), Mr Adeniji L. Obasanjo (2nd runner-up 2021 RDSF Teachers’ Excellence Award) and Rear Admiral (Rtd) Kehinde Komolafe (RDSF Trustee).

wonderful learners for life and we would have them for life. When a teacher limits his/her teaching to only the classroom, he/she has his/her learners for this time. When it goes beyond the classroom to care for their social life, you have them for life too!

What role does discipline play in teaching and what is your approach?

Punishment should be a corrective mechanism and must be done with love! As a teacher, I don’t beat my wonderful learners for I believe I can talk them out of their ill behaviour by His grace. I tried as much as possible to instil discipline through being a role model of what I preach!

Learners learn fast from what you do and not what you say! Be the change you desire in these wonderful learners and you would marvel at the results. Although this is herculean, with prayer and God's guidance, you would make the desired change!

How have you been able to manage your relationship with the parents/guardians of your students?

It is very challenging! Many of the parents are under pressure of parenting! Many of them don't believe parenting goes beyond food provision. lt is an all-encompassing phenomenon that includes the training of the 3 Hs of a child (heart, head and hand).

A child can be literate but not educated when his/ her cognitive domain is only perfected. So, I ensure I have a cordial relationship with the parents through establishing a warm and friendly relationship with the learners. I know when this is the case, the learners sell you to their parents who will be willing to have a relationship with you! By doing so, we are able to mould the learners both from the home and the school. | 27 |

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I owe my success to God the creator, my colleagues in the wonderful profession and my wonderful learners whose votes at the outset had taken me to the final destination of being the third best teacher in the district! I thank Rehoboth for this recognition also and God will continue to enrich the organization and grant the board of trustees good and sound health when we meet again ,we will be glad indeed and if not, parting is here already well made. It is well by His grace!

Partner with us to touch more lives We sincerely appreciate all those who have contributed to the success stories of our beneficiaries since inception. Your tremendous support has kept us focused on our mission and made us more determined to make greater impact in our targeted communities.

Below are various ways to partner with the Foundation 1. Adopt a student scheme Under this scheme, the Foundation will recommend indigent students who will be adopted and sponsored for their full academic programme. The sponsor can choose to be anonymous or meet the beneficiaries. Here, the sponsor will also be provided with a periodic statement of the beneficiary's academic performance.

2. Sponsor a Workshop/ Training/ Event You can also choose to sponsor any of our programmes like the Annual Lecture, Thinking Aloud Magazine and Teachers’ Excellence Award or support the skill acquisition programme organized for indigent undergraduates in various tertiary institutions to equip them with relevant ICT and soft skills.

THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

3. One Time Donation You can give a one-time donation through a transfer to the Foundation's account or donate online through a secured donation link on our website.

4. Pledge Sponsors can also make a pledge to give some money to the Foundation on a regular basis (weekly, monthly, quarterly, biannually or annually). If you are interested in making a pledge, kindly send an email with details of the pledge and credit the Foundation's bank account.

5. Volunteer You can also volunteer your time and expertise by joining the RDSF team to carry out its daily operations and execute various projects across Nigeria. Most of these voluntary services can be done remotely.

You can also visit our website to learn more about RDSF at:

www.rehobothdreamsolidfoundation.org Please subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive notifications at:

Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation

| 28 |

RDSF Team and volunteers.

Mrs Ronke Osikoya and Rear Admiral (Rtd) Kehinde Komolafe (RDSF Trustees at the event).

Students of Aje Comprehensive High School .

photographs from the teachers’ award

Grace Adoga (RDSF social media handler) and a nominee.

Award nominees at the 2021 RDSF Teachers’ Excellence Awards.

| 29 |

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Mrs Olubajo Olukorede receiving a gift from RDSF Administrator.

Mrs Tayo Subir receiving a gift from RDSF Administrator.

photographs from the teachers’ award

Omotola and Tina - RDSF Team members.

Mrs Subusola Omoniyi receiving a gift from RDSF Administrator.

THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

Rear Admiral (Rtd) Kehinde Komolafe (RDSF Trustee at the event).

| 30 |

TEACHERS WEBINAR As part of Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation's mission to improve the education sector in Nigeria, RDSF organized a webinar with the aim to enlighten teachers and empower them with skills needed for continued effectiveness on the job.

The webinar was held on the 20th of November 2021 with the topic; The role of Positive ParentTeacher Communication in teaching’. It was well attended by 149 participants with sixteen of the attendees winning prizes ranging from N5,000 to N50,000.

The Guest speaker, Dr. Barney J. Wilson used a pragmatic approach in delivering the training and many of the Teachers provided positive feedback with some requesting RDSF to consider organizing more of such webinars in future. Some of the feedback received are shared below.

“I learnt that what matters as I discharge my duties is to love, respect and have empathy for students, parents, colleagues and others.”

I learnt that what matters as I discharge my duties is to love, respect and have empathy for students, parents, colleagues and others.

Every decision that the school makes should be child/student centered. Teachers matter, parents matter, but none of these matter without the child.

Relationship is about everything, without good relationship with students, parents and others, we have achieved nothing.

Mrs Ademola-Aliu Mary It was a wonderful and an educative lecture which talked on the type of relationship that should exist between parents and teachers, teachers and pupils/ students. An open form of communication will enhance understanding between the parties/ stakeholders. This will also make teaching and learning to achieve its desired goals.

It was a robust lecture which will help every participant, particularly the teachers to relate well and positively with their students and the parents.

However, more time should have been allotted for question/answer session. In all, it was a wonderful experience. Kudos!

Olufemi Ransome-Kuti

Feedback from participants Everything in life begins with a process, Dr Barney J Wilson has shown that teachers must endeavour to make conscious efforts to learn, relearn and unlearn concepts so that teaching and learning in Nigeria can meet international standards. So that we can add value, be selfless and see the growth we desire in our students.

The question-and-answer section was well dealt with by Dr. Wilson and I am very grateful for the privilege to be amongst the nominees. I look forward to more of such training. Well done Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Ngozi Osiegbu | 31 |

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I commend the great work Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation is doing in the society and in the Education sector by encouraging and providing trainings that will help Educators become better.

Thanks for all you do!

Martha, Toluwalope Jesuleke (Mrs) The webinar was very educative. It has really given me a new insight on how to relate with my students as in loco parentis.

I will like to use this privilege to deeply appreciate the organizers of this program so much for their well-planned & timely educative information. I personally enjoyed every bit of it. Furthermore, this program has helped me to see areas I need to improve & make necessary adjustments on. I really appreciated the way Dr. Barney discussed the subject. Thank you so much for your time, effort & all the resources you put together to give us this beautiful piece.

Ashememazi Oladele

It stated the communication roles of the teachers and that of the parents in the teaching, the methods to use in getting the attention of the students.

Once again thanks to Rehoboth Solid Dream Foundation

Visit the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation YouTube channel to watch the recording for Dr Wilson’s presentation.

Comfort Odofin Today's training was an eye opener towards effectiveness in teaching pedagogy. Some of the lessons learnt include: In love, serve one another and as a teacher, you must have empathy, childcenteredness and show love.

The Guest Speaker

Mrs Atolagbe Temitope Adejoke On behalf of the teachers who have benefited immensely from the lecture resourcefully put forward by Dr. Barney and well organized by Rehoboth Dreams Solid Foundation, I say a big thank you to the Board Of Trustees and other partners and staff of RDSF. We really appreciate your intellectual gesture in retraining the teachers and assisting the Government in enhancing the standard of Education in Nigeria. Long live Rehoboth Dreams Solid Foundation. Looking forward to more exciting lectures in the near future.

Abdur-Rasheed Ogunlade The training is teaching redefined not just impactful, new ways of interacting with our dear parents was opened. The objective is to draw attention to issues that can improve the delivery of education to the students we support.

Dr Barney. J. Wilson with more 30 years of leadership responsibilities did a great job in educating us on the way forward and the objective was really explored. With the above new knowledge, I can say I AM A NEW TEACHER. SUGGESTION: Public schools teachers need more of this type of training, we will be glad to be invited for future trainings.

Morenike Ogunibe Arise THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

The speaker Dr . Barney J. Wilson is the Deputy Director of Education at Greensprings School, Lagos, Nigeria. Dr Wilson has a Doctoral Degree in Urban Educational Leadership and Community College Leadership from Morgan State University, USA. He has a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon University, USA, and Bachelors of Science Degrees in Electrical Engineering, Economics and Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University, USA. He is an experienced educator with more than 30 years of leadership responsibilities in the United States and Nigeria, centered on student wholesomeness and dedicated to creating state of the art experiential learning experiences where teachers and students blend theory and practice to enhance teaching and learning. Current responsibilities include managing the academic programmes for Greensprings School’s four campuses, in a child-centered but cost -effective way. | 32 |

SURVIVAL AGAINST ALL ODDS •AN RDSF SUCCESS STORY• She was barely six months old and we were exposed to the rain, sun and mosquitoes

My name is Emmanuel Sunday and I am the third child in a family of five children. I hail from Mkpat- Enin local government area of Akwa Ibom state. I have a B.Sc in Political Science and Public Administration and certification with Chartered Institute of Administration in view.

I am currently working with Sharon field schools and college, Lekki, Lagos as a Vice Principal.

“We had to cook the little food we had on the roadside; passersby did not mind looking at us.”

How it all started I was born in Maroko, Victoria Island and grew up in Jakande Housing Estate; a ghetto area in Lekki, Lagos. After the demolition of Maroko, my family was rendered homeless in an open space.

My mum at that time just gave birth to my younger sister who is the only female and last child in the family. She was barely six months old and we were exposed to the rain, sun and mosquitoes.

The environment was dirty and everywhere was surrounded by stagnant gutter water. My dad was jobless and mum's business was affected by the demolition. Sleeping in an open space without roof, the weather was extremely cold at night and hot during the day; with the little baby it was hell on earth.

We had to cook the little food we had on the roadside; passersby did not mind looking at us. We suffered from malnutrition. The situation was worse than the internal displaced persons (IDPs) THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

because they have a place, but we did not have any shelter except the sky. We stayed outside in the open for two months before we were advised by people to go to the Jakande Housing Estate where we started living in a single room apartment.

After the eviction of Maroko residents, my father who was a security guard (a gate man) lost his job.

My mother was a petty trader, she sold periwinkles, vegetables and firewood. However, she never had a shop or space to display her goods. She supplied her customers only on demand.

My siblings and I were the foot soldiers that helped move the goods to various locations where they were needed. I cannot forget how I used to wake up as early as 5:00am; trek kilometers to load bags of periwinkles or fetch firewood around Eleganza then trek back to Jakande Estate; this distance is about 8km. I still remember how hard it was.

“There was no comfort, feeding was a major challenge. Many times, my parents were not able to buy new uniforms to replace those worn out.”

We were living in abject poverty that my parents could not send all of us to secondary school at the same time. A family of seven living in a single room.

There was no comfort, feeding was a major challenge. Many times, my parents were not able to buy new uniforms to replace those worn out. I would collect used uniforms from senior students to wear.

As a child in primary school, I walked some kilometers because my parent could not afford to give me transport fare of five naira then. | 33 |

I happened to be the first child to complete secondary education. As soon as I finished my secondary education, my mother congratulated me and encouraged me to get a job and see how I can start my own family. On the other hand, my dad congratulated me, he said, " I wish I can send you to the university, but I don't have the means".

My fate was in my hands. Good enough, I was in the teens church of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Resurrection Parish located in Jakande Estate, Lekki Lagos. The teens church was my second home; the leaders there were my second parents. I cannot help but to mention names here. Many thanks to Pastor Komolafe, Pastor Ibitoye, Pastor Shedrack, Mrs Komolafe and late Ms. Bimpe Oki. Sis Mary, great brothers like Fregene, Irabor, Sule, the Ogunleyes, Egere, Chijioke, Lukpata etc. These people were real inspiration to me.

“I received encouragement spiritually, financially morally and otherwise. My dream came through the very day I was shortlisted for admission into the university.”

After I spent half a decade at home in my quest to gain admission to the university. I was encouraged by Pastor Komolafe and Pastor Ibitoye after several attempts at writing and failing the JME exams. I received encouragement spiritually, financially morally and otherwise. My dream came through the very day I was shortlisted for admission into the university.

My joy was short-lived because I did not know where the school fees would come from. I approached Pastor Komolafe and told him about my admission and he referred me to his wife Mrs Komolafe. This was how I came about Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation. They came to my aid and supported me through school.

Against all odds, I am the first graduate in my family.

“There is no gainsaying that being part of one's success is sacrosanct and it's leaving an indelible mark on the sand of history which will forever be remembered.”

There is no gainsaying that being part of one's success is sacrosanct and it's leaving an indelible mark on the sand of history which will forever be remembered. I thank you all who have contributed in one way or the other to my success. I am grateful to you all. God bless you and God bless RSDF.

Emmanuel Sunday

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6 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PARENTS (

“As we have come to celebrate 80 with you, we will come and celebrate 90!! We will come and celebrate 100 and even 120 sef in Jesus nameeeeeee!!!!”

And we all chorused a loud earth-shattering amen.

That was the chairman of the day, praying at my friend’s dad’s 80th birthday last week. Shortly after the prayers, my friend came over to our table and some of our friends started to banter with him; asking if he truly wanted his Dad to live till the age of 120, he just laughed and we all moved on.

I would really love to see my Mum celebrate 120 years; actually, I want her to be around forever. At my big age, watching my mum grow older has been quite discomforting and unsettling for me. She clocked 65 in June and honestly, I still remember quite vividly, her 35th birthday.

I am 34 and I can imagine how young and full of life she was, back then. Now, 65, she is not that young lady anymore and it is tough coming to terms with the sad reality that she cannot be with me forever. Her mum (my grandma) died at 34 so to my mum, 65 is a huge blessing.

THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

)

When your parents start hitting 60 and above, does the thought of them passing ever cross your mind?

How does that make you feel? Or do you quickly pray in tongues, bind that spirit of morbidity, do the sign of the cross and move on? Like my friend would say to me, “death go come one day o, unless you wan follow rapture.”

Death truly is inevitable, but sadly, in this part of the world, it is not something we openly discuss or prepare for.

It is very tough comprehending the concept of mortality especially when it applies to the people you love most in the world. But I’m realising that perhaps if you are fortunate enough to admit that your loved ones won’t be around forever, it can be an opportunity to make the present moments count.

Watching our parents age can be quite challenging and maybe heart-breaking because, really there is nothing you can do about it. But I think we can create beautiful moments with the time that we still have together. | 35 |

“Watching our parents age can be quite challenging and maybe heart-breaking because, really there is nothing you can do about it. But I think we can create beautiful moments with the time that we still have together.”

TIP #1. Get To Know Them Better: Did you know that it is very possible you do not know much about your parents? While they are still here, ask them who they truly are and show genuine interest. Don ’t ask because you intend judging but have an open mind while asking. Ask about their childhood, what growing up was like. Also, ask if they have any regrets. You can record these conversations.

TIP #2. Let Them Know You Understand: I remember saying on my radio show one time that a lot of our (Nigerian) parents went through the Civil War, came out and underwent no form of therapy – that, worries me and makes me feel sorry for so many of them. They raised us the best way they could. A lot of us would have collapsed under such challenges. As they grow older, they sometimes tend to act like kids – be tolerant, be understanding.

TIP #3. Forgive Them: Parenting is a selfless journey and it comes with no manual. Adulting or maybe being a parent makes you understand your parents more. Of course, these days, it is easier to critique some of their methods but do not forget that they didn’t have the resources or exposure that you have today. You probably would have made such mistakes if you were a parent in those days too. Forgive them.

“Parenting is a selfless journey and it comes with no manual.

Adulting or maybe being a parent makes you understand your parents more.”

TIP #4. Show Up When They Need You: Don’t be too busy for your parents because you will surely create time when they pass on. Go with them for their doctor’s appointments, attend that owambe with them if they insist, visit from time to time, etc TIP #5. Celebrate Them While They Are Still Here: Don’t wait until their wake before you talk about how much you cherish them or how much you appreciate something they did. Say it now.

TIP #6. Help Them Through Their Health Challenges: Failing health comes with old age. To those whose parents have health challenges, love them through it, take good care of them and don ’t act like they are a burden. They would do the same for you without flinching, so be a good caregiver.

Nothing prepares one for the passing of a parent, even when they are aged. My mum may not be with me forever but she is here now and I have to make the most of that relationship.

Adenike O. Lanlehin is a Broadcaster and Event Comperé resident in Lagos. | 36 |

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7 BENEFITS OF FASTING FOR IMPROVED HEALTH

Fasting is a practice that dates back centuries and plays a central role in many cultures and religions.

Fasting is defined as "abstinence from all or some foods or drinks for a set period of time", there are many various ways of fasting. Generally, most types of fasts are performed between the range of 24–72 hours.

Intermittent fasting, on the other hand, involves "a cycle between periods of eating and fasting", also ranging from a few hours to a few days at a time.

Fasting has been shown to have many health benefits, from increased weight loss to better brain function.

Here are 7 health benefits of Fasting.

1. Fasting Promotes Blood Sugar Control by Reducing Insulin Resistance: Over the years, numerous studies have found that fasting may improve blood sugar control, which could be especially useful for those at risk of diabetes. As a matter of fact, a study with type 2 diabetes showed that short-term intermittent fasting significantly decreased blood sugar levels.

It can also be stated that both intermittent fasting and alternate-day fasting were effective at limiting calorie intake and reducing insulin resistance.

Decreasing insulin resistance can increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin, allowing it to transport glucose from your bloodstream to your cells more efficiently.

THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

Coupled with its potential blood sugar-lowering effects, fasting could help keep your blood sugar steady, preventing spikes and crashes in your blood sugar levels. Keep in mind though that some studies have found that fasting may impact blood sugar levels differently for men and women. For instance, one small, three-week study showed that practicing alternate-day fasting impaired blood sugar control in women but had no effect in men.

2. Promotes Better Health by Fighting Inflammation: While acute inflammation is a normal immune process used to help fight off infections, chronic inflammation can have serious consequences for your health.

Research shows that inflammation may be involved in the development of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Some studies have found that fasting can help decrease levels of inflammation and help promote better health.

One study of 50 healthy adults showed that intermittent fasting for one month significantly decreased levels of inflammatory markers. Another small study discovered the same effect when people fasted for 12 hours a day for one month.

What’s more, one animal study found that following a very low-calorie diet to mimic the effects of fasting reduced levels of inflammation and was beneficial in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, a chronic inflammatory condition.

“Some studies have found that fasting can help decrease levels of inflammation and help promote better health.” | 38 |

3. May Enhance Heart Health by Improving Blood Pressure, Triglycerides and Cholesterol Levels: Heart disease is considered the leading cause of death around the world, accounting for an estimated 31.5% of deaths globally so switching up your diet and lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of heart disease. Some research has found that incorporating fasting into your routine may be especially beneficial when it comes to heart health.

One small study revealed that eight weeks of alternate -day fasting reduced levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and blood triglycerides by 25% and 32% respectively (9Trusted Source).

According to a recent study of 110 obese adults, fasting for three weeks under medical supervision significantly decreased blood pressure, as well as levels of blood triglycerides, total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol.

In addition, one study of 4,629 people, associated fasting with a lower risk of coronary artery disease, as well as a significantly lower risk of diabetes, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

4. May Boost Brain Function and Prevent Neurodegenerative Disorders: Though research is mostly limited to animals, several studies have found that fasting could have a powerful effect on brain health. One study in mice showed that practicing intermittent fasting for 11 months improved both brain function and brain structure.

Other animal studies have reported that fasting could protect brain health and increase the generation of nerve cells to help enhance cognitive function, because fasting may also help relieve inflammation, it could also aid in preventing neurodegenerative disorders.

In particular, studies in animals suggest that fasting may protect against and improve outcomes for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. More studies are however needed to evaluate the effects of fasting on brain function in humans.

5. Aids Weight Loss by Limiting Calorie Intake and Boosting Metabolism: Many dieters pick up fasting looking for a quick and easy way to drop a few pounds. Theoretically, abstaining from all or certain foods and beverages should decrease your overall calorie intake, which could lead to increased weight loss over time. Some

research has also found that short-term fasting may boost metabolism by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which could enhance weight loss.

In fact, it is believed that intermittent fasting over 3– 12 weeks was as effective in inducing weight loss as continuous calorie restriction and decreased body weight and fat mass by up to 8% and 16% respectively.

In addition, fasting was found to be more effective than calorie restriction at increasing fat loss while simultaneously preserving muscle tissue.

“Fasting was found to be more effective than calorie restriction at increasing fat loss while simultaneously preserving muscle tissue” 6. Increases Growth Hormone Secretion, Which Is Vital for Growth, Metabolism, Weight Loss and Muscle Strength: Human growth hormone (HGH) is a type of protein hormone that is central to many aspects of your health. In fact, research shows that this key hormone is involved in growth, metabolism, weight loss and muscle strength. Several studies have found that fasting could naturally increase HGH levels.

One study of 11 healthy adults showed that fasting for 24 hours significantly increased levels of HGH. Another small study of nine men found that fasting for just two days led to a 5-fold increase in the HGH production rate. Plus, fasting may help maintain steady blood sugar and insulin levels throughout the day, which may further optimize levels of HGH, as some research has found that sustaining increased levels of insulin may reduce HGH levels. .7. Could Delay Aging and Extend Longevity: Several animal studies have found promising results on the potential lifespan-extending effects of fasting.

In one study, rats that fasted every other day experienced a delayed rate of aging and lived 83% longer than rats that didn’t fast. Other animal studies have had similar findings, reporting that fasting could be effective in increasing longevity and survival rates.

Current research is still limited to animal studies.

Further studies are needed to understand how fasting may impact longevity and aging in humans. | 39 |

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everyone. If you suffer from diabetes or low blood sugar, fasting can lead to spikes and crashes in your blood sugar levels, which could be dangerous. It’s best to talk to your doctor first if you have any underlying health conditions or are planning to fast for more than 24 hours.

How to Start Fasting: There are many different types of fasts, making it easy to find a method that fits your lifestyle.

Here are a few of the most common types of fasting: 

Water fasting: Involves drinking only water for a set amount of time.



Juice fasting: Entails only drinking vegetable or fruit juice for a certain period.



Intermittent fasting: Intake is partially or completely restricted for a few hours up to a few days at a time and a normal diet is resumed on other days.



Partial fasting: Certain foods or drinks such as processed foods, animal products or caffeine are eliminated from the diet for a set period.



Calorie restriction: Calories are restricted for a few days every week. Within these categories are also more specific types of fasts.

Additionally, fasting is not generally recommended without medical supervision for older adults, adolescents or people who are underweight. If you decide to try fasting, be sure to stay well-hydrated and fill your diet with nutrient-dense foods during your eating periods to maximize the potential health benefits.

Be reminded, if fasting for longer periods, try to minimize intense physical activity and get plenty of rest. When fasting, be sure to stay hydrated, eat nutrient-dense foods and get plenty of rest. It’s best to consult with your doctor before fasting if you have any underlying health conditions or are planning to fast for more than 24 hours.

Fasting is a practice that has been associated with a wide array of potential health benefits, including weight loss, as well as improved blood sugar control, heart health, brain function and cancer prevention.

From water fasting to intermittent fasting and calorie restriction, there are many different types of fasting that fit nearly every lifestyle. When coupled with a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle, incorporating fasting into your routine could benefit your health.

“There are many different ways to practice fasting, which makes it easy to find a method that fits into just about any lifestyle. Experiment with different types to find what works best for you.”

To get started, try experimenting with different types of fasting to figure out the best option. There are many different ways to practice fasting, which makes it easy to find a method that fits into just about any lifestyle. Experiment with different types to find what works best for you.

Safety and Side Effects.

Despite the long list of possible health benefits associated with fasting, it may not be right for THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

Olukoya Olusegun Ajayi is the CEO of Silverback Lifestyle and Wellness Services, an avid fitness enthusiast and athlete who plays for EKO TRINITY of the Nigerian Rugby League, he is also the COO of Florence John Energy. Olukoya has an M.A in TV and Film Production from Sunderland University, United Kingdom and is a creative content writer, an aspiring Media Mogul; he is on a mission to ensure that the next generation of Nigerians adopt fitness in their everyday living.

Follow Segun on Instagram @Silverback_fitness9ja | 40 |

34 MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS (

)

Hot flashes are the body's reaction to a decreased supply of the hormone estrogen, which occurs naturally as women approach menopause. Not all women experience hot flashes, but more than half do.

Menopausal symptoms affect about 70% of women approaching menopause.

Typical menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes or night sweats, are caused by changing hormonal levels in the female reproductive system.

Almost all women notice early symptoms while still having periods. This stage of gradually falling and fluctuating hormone levels is called peri-menopause, which often begins in the early 40s.

The symptoms of menopause usually last for the whole menopause transition (until the mid-50s), but some women may experience them for the rest of their lives.

The most common symptoms are: Hot Flashes, Night Sweats, Irregular Periods, Loss of Libido, and Vaginal Dryness.

However, there are a variety of treatments that can be considered to deal with these symptoms.

1. Hot Flashes, Flushes and/or Cold Flashes About 75% to 85% of American women are estimated to get hot flashes when they're in menopause.

Hot flashes, which can be felt like a sudden, transient sensation of warmth or heat that spreads over the body creating a flushing (redness) particularly noticeable on the face and upper body.

Whether your own hot flashes are experienced as delicate flushes or the engulfing flames, rest assured they're normal.

THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

In some, estrogen production decreases gradually, producing few hot flashes. But for others, the ovaries stop estrogen production abruptly (same case as surgical menopause). For these women, hot flashes can be a real roller-coaster ride. Also you may get the night time version of hot flashes, known as night sweats.

2. Night Sweats Night sweats is the evening course of hot flashes, but typically more intense. Night sweats, which is also known as "nocturnal hyperhydrosis", isn't actually a sleep disorder, but it is a common perspiration disorder that occurs during sleep.

3. Irregular Periods, Menstrual Irregularities Most women experience absent, short, irregular periods at some point in their lives. A wide range of conditions can cause these symptoms, while the most common cause is hormone imbalance. Your periods may come more frequently, every 24 days instead of every 28, or they may come later than they used to.

You may have a light period that lasts only a few days, then the next month have very heavy bleeding. Your period may last a shorter amount of time, or go on and on for what feels like an eternity. You may skip a month, then go back to normal for several months, then skip two periods in a row.

Menstrual irregularity is most common in the mid forties as you approach menopause. A lack of hormonal balance or a decrease in estrogen production is the main cause of it. There can be medical causes for irregular periods as well, they aren't as common though. | 41 |

4. Loss of Libido

7. Fatigue

Sex therapists say that low libido becomes a problem that should be addressed only when it is perceived as a problem. "It's usually only in the framework of a relationship that it becomes an issue" Dr. Zussman says. "It's when there is a discrepancy in desire between the person and partner, or when people feel there's something wrong with them because they have a low level of desire."

"Fatigue is second only to pain as the most common symptom doctors see in patients," says David S. Bell, M.D., a chronic fatigue researcher at Harvard Medical School and the Cambridge Hospital in Massachusetts.

"One-fourth of all Americans will have long episodes of lethargy and tiredness." Particularly common in women undergoing the menopausal transition, chronic fatigue can have a drastic impact on daily life, putting a strain on relationships, work productivity, and quality of life.

Everyone experiences peaks and valleys in sexual desire, an ebb and flow in libido that could be caused by any of a variety of factors. Occasionally, a hormonal imbalance or prescription drug will sap sex drive. And, of course, there's a difference between sexual drive and sexual function.

5. Vaginal Dryness It's basically a loss of the usual moist and soft feel of the lining of vaginal area which may be associated with itching and irritation. When your estrogen levels drop, your vaginal tissues start drying and become less elastic. Sex becomes uncomfortable, you may be more prone to infections, your vagina is frequently itchy and easily irritated, and, on the emotional side, you may feel older.

As we said, vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy occur when your estrogen levels drop. Your vagina is usually very elastic, able to easily stretch for sex and childbirth. But as estrogen levels go down, your vaginal walls get thinner and lose some of their elasticity. Your vagina becomes dryer and takes longer to become lubricated.

Finally, it may atrophy -- becoming somewhat smaller in width and length. This symptom may appear due to a sudden drop in estrogen (such as you do with surgical menopause), also, it can be experienced when going through a natural premature menopause. Either way, though, it's a very unpleasant menopause symptom; it can be very emotionally upsetting when you're in your 20s or 30s.

6. Mood Swings, Sudden Tears A person with a mood problem is like a human roller coaster. One minute he's up, the next minute he's down. He never seems to be able to get off the ride. His mood swings are intense, sudden and out of control.

Chronic and severe mood swings are a psychological disorder, a health problem every bit as real as a physical ailment. In fact, sometimes they're the result of a physical problem, like a premenstrual syndrome.

And just like a physical problem, they can be treated.

You should contact your doctor to get more advice.

Fatigue, one of the most common menopause symptoms, is defined as an ongoing and persistent feeling of weakness, tiredness, and lowered energy level. This should be distinguished from drowsiness, which implies an actual urge to sleep. Fatigue involves lack of energy rather than sleepiness. If the fatigue comes on suddenly, it could be a sign of crashing fatigue.

8. Hair Loss or Thinning, Head, Pubic, or Whole Body; Increase in Facial Hair Connected to estrogen deficiency, since the hair follicles need estrogen; some women notice this before any other sign because it is obvious. Hair loss can be sudden or gradual loss or thinning of hair on your head or on other parts of your body. You'll notice hair in your brush, your hair may also get drier and more brittle or notice a thinning or loss of pubic hair. A gradual loss or thinning of hair without any accompanying symptoms is common.

Hair loss that is accompanied by general ill health requires your doctor's attention.

9. Menopause Sleep Disorders (With or Without Night Sweats) If you're waking up a lot at night, tossing and turning, and generally suffering with insomnia, it might be connected with menopause. When you begin going through menopause, you may find that your sleep is less and less restful, when you sleep at all.

In the past, doctors believed that interrupted sleep was a consequence of night sweats, but recent studies indicate that you can also have problems with sleep that aren't connected to hot flashes. Typically, the frequency of insomnia doubles from the amount you may have had before you entered premature menopause.

And research also indicates that women begin to experience restless sleep as many as five to seven years before entering menopause. Again, though, the problem is recognizing that the insomnia you're suffering from has its roots in changes in your hormone levels. | 42 |

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10. Difficulty Concentrating, Disorientation, Mental Confusion During early menopause, many women are troubled to find they have difficulty remembering things, experience mental blocks or have trouble concentrating. Not getting enough sleep or having sleep disrupted can contribute to memory and concentration problems.

If your doctor determines that your disorientation isn't caused by a serious medical condition, then you might consider these possibilities: -Investigate your drugs. -Disorientation is a side effect of some drugs. Learn to relax. -Practice stress-reduction techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga and meditation and try to be physically active on a regular basis.

11. Disturbing Memory Lapses Memory loss affects most people in one way or another. More often than not, it is a momentary memory lapse; nothing to worry about - it happens to the best of us. However, when memory lapses begin to become a regular occurrence, it is wise to dig a little deeper and seek medical advice.

Women approaching menopause often complain of memory loss and an inability to concentrate. Misplaced car keys, skipped appointments, and forgotten birthdays, but these memory lapses are a normal symptom of menopause. It is mostly associated with low levels of estrogen and with high stress levels.

12. Dizziness, Light Headedness, Episodes of Loss of Balance Dizziness is a transient spinning sensation and/or a feeling of light-headedness or unsteadiness; also, the inability to maintain balance upon standing or walking. Dizziness is a symptom of many medical conditions. There are things that people can do to cope with their dizziness. But if you experience an unexplained dizzy spell, see your doctor, because you can't be sure if it's a trivial problem or a symptom of a serious illness.

Changes in diet and exercise can help rev up your body's metabolic rate. Also trying natural alternative supplements may help.

13. Weight Gain during Menopause Weight gain, specifically a thickening in your middle, is another sign of changing hormones. While a number THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

of books and doctors claim that menopause has nothing to do with weight gain, that weight gain occurs in menopausal women because they're older and their metabolism is slowing down, other studies indicate that hormone levels are tied to weight gain and redistribution of fat.

Changes in diet and exercise can help rev up your body's metabolic rate. Also trying natural alternative supplements may help.

14. Incontinence, especially upon Sneezing, Laughing, Urge Incontinence Incontinence falls into three main categories, although people can leak through because of a combination of causes.

First, there's stress incontinence, in which you urinate accidentally when you laugh, cough, sneeze or exert yourself. This happens either when the bladder neck shifts position out of reach of the internal muscles that put pressure on it or when those muscles themselves fail to work effectively, because of age, surgery or childbirth.

The second one is urge incontinence, in which the bladder develops a "mind of its own," contracting and emptying whenever full despite an individual's conscious efforts to resist. And last, overflow incontinence, in which you completely lose the sensation that you have to go.

You should see your doctor if you urinate when you shouldn't, because you have no sensation that your bladder is full. | 43 |

15. Sudden Bouts of Bloat A puffy bloated feeling that seems to come out of nowhere; usually you'll notice bouts which are periodic increases in fluid retention and abdominal distension.

Doctors call the gassiness, bloating and discomfort that occur after eating dairy foods lactose intolerance.

It means your stomach is unable to digest the lactose or milk sugar- in dairy foods.

Unfortunately, most adults have this problem to some degree, according to Jay A. Perman, M.D., as people age, they produce less lactase -the enzyme needed to digest lactose. Without lactase, the undigested milk sugar ferments and gases form.

The trapped gas makes your stomach bloat. If you have persistent, unexplained bloating or stomach pain for more than three days, then you should contact you doctor.

16. Increase in Allergies Many types of allergy have their basis in hormone reactions. This is particularly true of ladies who experience increasing symptoms as they undergo hormone changes, usually in their late twenties or after the babies are born. Hormone imbalance is a type of allergic reaction experienced by women from before puberty to old age. It is a heightened reaction to the normal function of hormones.

17. Changes in Fingernails-Softer, Crack or Break Easier A black or blue nail tells the world that you and your hammer had a problem. Reddish yellow nails demonstrate that you change your nail polish often.

Nails that split and break can be a sign that you're spending too much time with your hands in the sink.

Nails that take on a convex, spoon like appearance may mean respiratory deficiency or simply that you're not getting enough iron. Nibbled nails and hangnails can betray your anxiety level.

Fingernail and toenail problems are usually caused by inflammation of the skin around the nail or by an infection. A persistently painful and inflamed fingernail or toenail requires your doctor's attention.

18. Changes in Body Odour Have you ever heard the saying: "body odor is the smell of sweat"? Well, it may be partly true. In fact,

our bodies make two types of sweat: eccrine sweat, which is odorless, is present all over the body, and is used to control the temperature of the whole organism. The other type of sweat is aprocrine, a stronger substance produced by the glands under the arm. Apocrine sweat is odorless too, until bacteria on the skin surface acts upon it.

The smell of this sweat may be more intense in people with inadequate hygiene, or merely have bad genes.

How to reduce the body odor? Use a deodorant soap whenever you take a shower. Antibacterial soaps will solve the problem because it's the bacteria that are producing the odor. The antibacterial soap will do all the work; making scrub unnecessary.

19. Bouts of Rapid Heart Beat A pounding, racing heart is the second most common complaint associated with perimenopause. These bouts of rapid heart beat scare a lot of women because of their sudden onset, unexpected arrivals, and seemingly no way to stop them. This partially accounts for the sleeping troubles during perimenopause. This pounding can mean something other than perimenopause, so it's very important for a woman who is experiencing this symptom to report it to her doctor.

There are a couple of things you can do when the pounding begins. First relax and take deep breaths.

Try to reassure yourself that this only a symptom of perimenopause and it will pass. If you are in bed when this occurs, change your position and do some deep breathing.

20. Depression Feelings of sadness can be normal, appropriate and even necessary during life's setbacks or losses. Or you may feel blue or unhappy for short periods of time without reason or warning, which also is normal and ordinary. But if such feelings persist or impair your daily life, you may have a depressive disorder.

Severity, duration and the presence of other symptoms are the factors that distinguish ordinary sadness from a depressive disorder. This is called: Depression, or irritability, which is a significant change in mood for an extended period of time associated with loss of interest in usual activities, sleep and eating disorders, and withdrawal from family and friends.

Depression can happen to anyone of any age. It afflicts almost 19 million Americans each year, and up to one in five American women will suffer from clinical depression at some point in her life. Women are two to three times more likely than men to suffer from depression. Many women first experience symptoms of depression during their 20s and 30s. | 44 |

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21. Anxiety, Feeling Ill at Ease Anxiety can be a vague or intense feeling caused by physical or psychological conditions. A feeling of agitation and loss of emotional control that may be associated with panic attacks and physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and palpitations. The frequency of anxiety can range from a one-time event to recurring episodes. Early diagnosis may aid early recovery, prevent the disorder from becoming worse and possibly prevent the disorder from developing into depression.

22. Irritability A significant change in mood for an extended period of time associated with loss of interest in usual activities, sleep and eating disorders, and withdrawal from family and friends. "Occasional irritability is a normal part of being human," says Paul Horton, M.D., a psychiatrist in Meriden, Connecticut. "But irritability also can go hand in hand with almost any illness. Very often, people who are falling ill will become irritable but don't know why."

If your irritability persists more than a week and is adversely affecting your job performance and relationships with your family, friends and coworkers, better see your doctor.

23. Panic Disorder, Feelings of Dread, Apprehension, Doom A significant and debilitating emotional state characterized by overwhelming fear and anxiety.

These feelings can be vague or intense caused by physical or psychological conditions. The frequency THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

can range from a one-time event to recurring episodes.

If your life is totally disrupted by this symptom, better contact your doctor.

24. Breast Pain Pain, soreness, or tenderness in one or both breasts often precedes or accompanies menstrual periods but can also occur during pregnancy, breast-feeding, and menopause. It can be resumed in a generalized discomfort and pain associated with touching or application of pressure to breast. Consult your doctor if the pain is severe or persists for two months or more, also if the breast pain that is accompanied by a breast lump or nipple discharge.

25. Headaches during Menopause Though headaches can be caused by a variety of factors such as muscle tension, drinking too much alcohol or can occur with common illnesses such as the flu.

During the early stages of menopause, you may find that you're getting more and worse headaches. This is often caused by your dropping estrogen levels. Many women with regular menstrual cycles get headaches just before their periods or at ovulation. These headaches, sometimes called "menstrual migraines" occur when estrogen levels plunge during the menstrual cycle. So, when your body begins slowing down its production of estrogen due to premature menopause, you may wind up getting one of these hormonally-induced headaches. Severe headaches that are accompanied by confusion or high fever can indicate a serious health condition and require your doctor's immediate attention. | 45 |

26. Aching, Sore Joints, Muscles and Tendons Aching Joints and muscle problems is one of the most common symptoms of menopause. It is thought that more than half of all postmenopausal women experience varying degrees of joint pain.

Joint pain is basically an unexplained soreness in muscles and joints, which are unrelated to trauma or exercise, but may be related to immune system effects mostly caused by fluctuating hormone levels.

So if you're eating lots of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, which means a healthy diet, it's likely that your digestive system is churning out a healthy amount of gas.

If you have gas and stomach or abdominal pain for more than three days, or if the pain is more severe than before, you should see your doctor immediately.

30. Gum Problems, Increased Bleeding

It is not wise to ignore these aches and pains. Early treatment can often bring about a cure and prevent further development of arthritis.

The most common gum problem is bleeding, and it's a sign of inflamed gums, or what dentists call gingivitis.

But gingivitis is just the overture for more serious problems.

Getting plenty of rest, using herbal aids, eating nutritious foods, preferably organic food, fruits and vegetables-and avoiding known toxins and stimulants, are healthy strategies for fighting joint pains.

Bleeding and sore gums are the same as most health problems: If you catch them before they get too bad, they're easy to reverse. "Gingivitis is absolutely reversible in the earlier stages," says Dr. Allen.

27. Burning Tongue, Burning Roof of Mouth, Bad Taste in Mouth, Change in Breath Odor

To put bleeding gums in reverse, put your hands on floss and a toothbrush. But make sure to hold that toothbrush the right way.

Burning mouth syndrome is a complex, vexing condition in which a burning pain occurs on your tongue or lips, or over widespread areas involving your whole mouth without visible signs of irritation.

The disorder has long been associated with a variety of other conditions, including menopause. It affects up to 5 percent of U.S. adults, women seven times more often than men. It generally occurs after age 60.

But it may occur in younger people as well. If you have persistent pain or soreness in your tongue, lips, gums or other areas of your mouth, see your doctor.

28. Electric Shock Sensation Under the Skin and in the Head A peculiar "electric" sensation, or the feeling of a rubber band snapping in the layer of tissue between skin and muscle, that may be related to the effect of fluctuating estrogen levels on nerve tissue. It can also be the precursor to a hot flash. If the symptom gets intense, contact you doctor for further assistance.

29. Digestive Problems, Gastrointestinal Distress, Indigestion, Flatulence, Gas Pain, Nausea Changes in gastrointestinal function with excessive gas production, gastrointestinal cramping and nausea.

A certain amount of flatulence is perfectly natural, but people who switch to a healthy diet sometimes worry unnecessarily that they're producing too much.

You have to worry if sores develop under your dentures or if there is swelling, puffiness, soreness in your bleeding gums. Take advice from your doctor in these cases.

Bleeding and sore gums are the same as most health problems: If you catch them before they get too bad, they're easy to reverse.

31. Increased Tension in Muscles An increase of aches and pains throughout the body muscles associated with soreness and stiffness in muscles.

Women whose general health and resistance are good are apt to have less premenstrual tension than those women suffering from poor nutrition and lack of physical exercise.

There are some things you can do to try to keep symptoms to a minimum: Exercise helps boost endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, so it may help improve moods and has been found to significantly reduce many physical and psychological PMS symptoms. Next time you have a build-up of tension or anxiety, try to run it off. | 46 |

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But tingling can also be a symptom of any number of problems, including anxiety, a herniated spinal disk, poor blood circulation, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, carpal tunnel syndrome or a tumor.

Any unexplained tingling that affects an entire side of your body or is accompanied by muscle weakness, warrants immediate medical attention.

34. Osteoporosis (After Several Years) Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disorder where there is thinning and weakening of the bone, and a general decrease in the bone mass and density. This means that they are much more susceptible to breaks and fractures.

32. Itchy, Crawly Skin When your estrogen levels drop, your collagen production usually slows down as well. Collagen is responsible for keeping our skin toned, fresh-looking, resilient. So when you start running low on collagen, it shows in your skin. It gets thinner, drier, flakier, less youthful-looking.

This is another of those symptoms of menopause that makes you feel older before your time and, in this case, it's clear why. You may look a little older than you used to.

Menopause does affect your bones. Normally your bones will go through a process where old bone is replaced by new bone cells. When you are young your body makes more new bone than it takes away in old bone.

Your body's ability to handle this process changes with age, so that by the time you are about 35 there is less bone building than there is bone removal. During the menopause your estrogen levels drop. Estrogen is involved in the process of calcium absorption into the bones.

All women will experience acceleration in bone density reduction as their estrogen levels drop.

Worst, this sign often shows up early in menopause.

Collagen loss is most rapid at the beginning of menopause. It is possible that premature menopause also leads to more rapid collagen loss.

You may look a little older than you used to. Worst, this sign often shows up early in menopause.

33. Tingling Extremities This may feel like the "creepy-crawlies" as if bugs were walking all over you, a burning sensation like an insect sting, or just super-sensitivity. In most cases, tingling is harmless.

It usually occurs after you pinch a nerve or press on an artery and reduce blood flow in your arm or leg causing it to "fall asleep." When you change body position and relieve the compression, the tingling quickly goes away.

THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

Mrs. O.O Ajayi is the MD of Florencejohn Health affiliated to Narayana Health India. A highly experienced Nursing Professional with over 35 years working experience.

She previously worked in the medical unit of a reputable Oil and Gas company for 31 years with quality experience as a Senior Nursing Sister in all aspects of Nursing Care Units. | 47 |

PROSTATE CANCER

Epidemiology of prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States. The American cancer society estimates that there would be about 248,530 newly diagnosed prostate cancers in 2021.

The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ, the size of a walnut located just below the base of the urinary bladder. The urethra (urinary pipe) passes through it and its secretion forms part of the seminal fluid. Every normal man (male) has a prostate regardless of age. It is needed for reproduction.

As important as the prostate gland is, its diseases have bedeviled men especially in their old age as the prostate usually begins to enlarge gradually as men age above forty years. Prostatic enlargement is uncommon below the age of thirty but as high as 90% in men above the age of 80 years.

This enlargement is the commonest cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in men in their old age. Not all enlarged prostates give symptoms. The enlarged prostate may be malignant (cancer) or benign (noncancer called benign prostatic hyperplasia –BPH).

Whether benign or malignant, the symptoms could be so worrisome to the extent of impairing a man’s quality of life. Though the benign disease is more common than the malignant, this discussion will be centered on the cancer of the prostate.

“Not all enlarged prostates give symptoms. The enlarged prostate may be malignant (cancer) or benign (non-cancer called benign prostatic hyperplasia –BPH). “

One in every six white and one in every five Black American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Globally, one out of every nine males will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at one point in their lives. In the United States, only one out of forty-one men will eventually die from the disease as most of the patients present with early stage of the disease and the treatment at this stage is effective.

According to GLOBOCAN 2020, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer and the fifth commonest cause of cancer deaths in men with estimated 1.4 million new cases and 37,500 deaths worldwide in 2020.

It is second to lung cancer in incidence and comes after cancer of the lungs, liver, colorectal and stomach in mortality. The incidence of prostate cancer varies significantly across the globe with incidence rates varying from 6.3 to 83.4 per 100,000 men across regions.

Though the second most common cancer in men globally, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in about 112 countries of the world with highest rates occurring in the Northern and western Europe, Northern American, Australia/New Zealand and Southern Africa and lowest incidence in Asia and Northern Africa. But some authors are of the opinion that the data may not be the true reflection of the reality as most of the countries with high rates are the countries with good screening systems and that if good screening systems are available everywhere, the incidence rates are likely to be higher in countries said to be having low incidence rates. Other authors are of the opinion that the incidence rates tend to increase as regions adopt western lifestyle. | 48 |

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“Other risk factors are ethnicity (e.g. it is more common in the African-America than white American), family history of prostate cancer, high consumption of red meat or red meat cooked at high temperature, obesity, physical inactivity and cigarette smoking.”

Regional pattern of mortality does not follow the incidence rates. The highest mortality rates are found in the Caribbean, sub-Saharan African and Micronesia/Polynesia; it is the commonest cause of cancer deaths among men in 48 countries including many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Caribbean, Central and South Americans as well as Sweden.

Etiology and risk factors: it is still a thing of surprise that for a disease as common as the cancer of prostate, little is known about its etiology. Risks associated with prostate cancer are advanced age and male sex hormone as those castrated before the age of puberty do not develop prostate cancer. Other risk factors are ethnicity (e.g. it is more common in the AfricanAmerica than white American), family history of prostate cancer, high consumption of red meat or red meat cooked at high temperature, obesity, physical inactivity and cigarette smoking. Consumption of vegetables and vitamins are associated with decreased risk of prostate cancer.

Symptoms: In most cases, prostate cancer does not show any symptom at the early stage. Common symptoms are: frequent urination especially in the night, difficulty starting or holding urine, straining at urination, feeling of incomplete emptying of bladder, blood in urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, low back or bone pain, lower limb weakness. However, most of these symptoms are also seen in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, urethral strictures and bladder neck stenosis which are not cancers. But symptoms like low back or bone pain and lower limb weakness are features of metastasis (spread) to distant organs.

Screening: The efficacy of prostate cancer screening with serum Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is high.

Since PSA measurement was introduced into clinical practice in 1986, early diagnosis and management of prostate cancer have been revolutionalized. It is effective in the detection of early prostate cancers and many countries have adopted it for prostate cancer screening. Nonetheless, screening for prostate cancer THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

has been a subject of controversy because some believe that screening will encourage over treatment with its complications as many prostate cancers are indolent and may not require active treatment than watchful waiting.

Diagnosis: diagnosis of prostate cancer is made from the combination of physical examination especially digital rectal examination, laboratory results especially serum PSA, imaging e.g. Trans rectal ultrasound, and most important, prostate biopsy for tissue diagnosis. The histology from the biopsy can show which cancer is likely to be aggressive or indolent.

Treatment: Because of the varied natural history of prostate cancers, treatment varies from watchful waiting to aggressive treatment.

For the low-grade tumors, watchful waiting and active surveillance may be all that is needed.

Radical prostatectomy (surgery) is curative for earlystage tumors that are confined to the capsule.

Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and Castration (medical or surgical) are treatment options for the advanced stage tumors.

Conclusion: Prostate cancer is very common. It is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in men worldwide. Screening is effective in the detection of early stage of the disease. Treatment is individualized and varies from watchful waiting to aggressive treatment like Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and medical or surgical Castration.

Dr S.A. Onjefu is presently a Senior Registrar in General Surgery at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin Nigeria. He is currently working on chemotherapy – induced nausea and vomiting (the most dreaded side effects of chemotherapy) in patients with breast cancer. | 49 |

SNIPPETS FROM THE 2021 TEACHERS’ EXCELLENCE AWARD

PROTOCOL 1. Let me first express my gratitude to the Almighty God for granting us the grace to see the light of today.

I am indeed honoured to present these remarks. I felicitate with our dear teachers on this occasion - the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation’s 2021 Teachers’ Award in recognition of the efforts of our teachers.

As we are all aware, in recent times, Nigeria being a player in global affairs and a leading nation in Africa, has had its fair share of insecurity which has overtime, threatened the positive development of education.

Similarly, the advent of Covid-19 and its disruptive effect on academic activities further strengthened a more holistic technology-based approach to teaching in order to avoid learning gaps. It is really gratifying to note that teachers have continued to put in keen efforts in the discharge of their responsibilities despite the challenges of the unusual times we are in.

2. The former president of India, Dr APJ Abdulkalam said: “Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, calibre, and future of an individual. If people remember one as a good teacher, then it would be the biggest honour for one”. Since 2018, The Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation, alongside

numerous well-meaning citizens of the world has chosen to recognise teachers who are doing their best to invest in the next generation of world leaders. It is therefore our joy to set aside today to acknowledge and appreciate teachers for all their efforts.

3. Richard Dufour, an American Education researcher known for developing educational strategies once said that “Teaching is the profession that creates all other professions”. Without teachers, there will be no lawyers, no doctors, no scientists, no engineers, no architects and many more.

Teachers do not only build the life of students but the entire generation through their ideas and knowledge.

Therefore, teachers have a major role to play in shaping the future of students and helping them become successful in their respective careers.

Dr AbdulKalam equally noted that “Teachers are the backbone of any country, the pillar upon which all aspirations are converted into realities.” Teachers form the crucial stepping stones that ultimately guide students to the path of success. Hence, It is only logical for anyone in a position to encourage and recognise teachers to do so, in whatever little way they can. | 50 |

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I hereby make a pledge on behalf of RDSF Board of Trustees that the Foundation will, continue to encourage and reward teachers, making a difference The foundation will do this for as long as God gives us the grace, 4. It is in this light that we will be giving three awards today. These awards come with cash prizes ranging between N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) and N250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) to three carefully selected teachers. Let me seize this opportunity to say that, should you miss out of today ’s prizes, it does not in anyway indicate we appreciate you less. The award is a yearly event, it may just be your turn next year.

“Given the importance of education to the national prosperity of a nation, I want to implore the Federal, State and Local Governments to emplace measures that will ensure safe and conducive school environment everywhere in Nigeria.”

5. Ladies and gentlemen, permit me to use this forum to pass a message to the authorities in Nigeria on behalf of the teachers. You can never tell where this will be heard or seen. Here it is: Given the importance of education to the national prosperity of a nation, I want to implore the Federal, State and Local Governments to emplace measures that will ensure safe and conducive school environment everywhere in Nigeria. The times we are in demand an urgent review of the security architecture of school environments. This can never be over emphasised.

6. To teachers, I encourage you all to continue with renewed vigour to imbibe the tenets of a good teacher that would enhance the quality of education, thereby promoting the national prosperity of the nation. One of these tenets is effective communication which is essential for building teacher -student rapport and creating a trusting environment for the students. A teacher must be able to communicate the classroom ’s curriculum in an effective and organized manner that students will understand. This way, the students will know precisely what is expected of them.

7. In addition, as good teachers, you must imbibe a strong work ethic. A good teacher never quits, and especially not on his students. A strong work ethic involves professionalism and being completely responsible to students.

You have to take responsibility for several things, including your students ’ possible misbehaviour within the classroom setting. Note that not all students have the same attention span or the same level of discipline and ‘learnability’. As teachers, you must be patient and remember that this is an inevitable part of the teaching profession.

8. Lastly, as good teachers, you must be role models to your students. An effective teacher must lead by example.

You should always influence your students positively to ensure they meet the required expectations. Your students will always want to look up to you as their role model. You must not fail them in this responsibility.

“An effective teacher must lead by example.

You should always influence your students positively to ensure they meet the required expectations.”

9. On this note, I want to sincerely commend the Board of Trustees of RDSF for this initiative. I also want to appreciate all teachers here today and congratulate today’s awardees for their selfless efforts in shaping the future of our nation.

10. I thank you most sincerely once again. Thank you and God Bless.

Sir O.O. JOSEPH, Rear Admiral (Rtd), CON. THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

| 51 |

PRIX DE MERIT

A good day passes by, Just like the setting of the sun, The best day it is, As we celebrate our teachers, They have the heart of gold, Our teachers, Our second parents.

Looking through the window, we see it bright, Looking through, love radiates The clarity you give us, is as clear as the crystals Like water rushed on the golden sand And never crashed along the way.

Our teachers, Our second parents.

Our teachers are happy, They are happy, and have contagious smile, They have the heart of saints, And memories are never lost, Tears rolled down are drained by their words, Our teachers, Our second parents.

Always looking forward to your class, Looking forward, to further learning If we have to grade you, you will get an A+ We are happy that you are our teachers Our role models, Our confidant.

Like our heart, they are so close to us, Just like a child is close to her mother, You are a friend and a pathfinder .

Teachers are key, that unlock our minds, They are guides, who help mould our minds, Our teachers, Our second parents.

Teachers are one of a kind, As after God, they are next to us, The best awards are for you, Our dear teachers we ask you, Why are you so kind to us?

Our teachers, our second parents.

R-Read and ride the road to Rehoboth E-Education you made like a rollercoaster H-Housing the hunter hunting optimism O-Once we stretched by new ideas B-Boldly, we learn all like the Sage O-Open mindedness our guiding principle T-Teachers our second parents, Our loco parentis H-Happy days are here, happening like a funfair.

Over the earth are millions of teachers, Millions of teachers exist on the planet earth, Like the busy bees, you're full of life, Validation of the young mind, the key, The key to open our timid minds.

Why are you as gentle as a dove?

As kind as a dolphin, As pleasant as a sheep, You always turn our crude to gas We cannot say thank you enough Our teachers, Our second parents.

These are the lawyers who you have made, Doctors to keep your health, Transformation of the world we learnt Just the best, you have validated in us, We learnt to teach the world, Our teachers, Our second parents.

Guiding light, beautiful angels, We gaze up in the sky to look at you Looking up to you, like our shining light Stars that shine, bright in us Twinkle Twinkle great stars Our teachers, Our second parents.

Dear teachers, you are like a spring, Who nurture new green sprouts, You encourage and lead always, Especially when we're in doubt, We love you all dear teachers.

Kudos to Rehoboth Foundation, Thank you for this initiative, Education District 4 we call, Swaying high like the eagles always.

Thank you.

Mrs. Odeleye Olufunmilayo wrote this poem to commemorate the 2021 Rehoboth Teachers’ excellence Award Day. She is a committed and passionate teacher. She has written so many poems and has an anthology yet to be published. She has a Master’s degree in public and International Affairs from University of Lagos.

She joined Lagos State Teaching Service in June 2010 and has risen to the level of a Principal Education Officer. During her teaching career with the Lagos State Government, she has been recognized for her hard work and passion for the job. She was Education District IV best teacher 2014 and Lagos State 2nd Runner up Best Teacher 2015. She also won a best teacher Award with Chairos Foundation in 2016. She was awarded the Star Best Teacher, I.N.V.E.N.T, 2021 and was recently a nominee for the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation Best Teacher Category, 2021.

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the rehoboth dream solid foundation board of trustees Rear Admiral Oladeinde (‘Deinde) Olusoga Joseph was born at AraMoko, Ekiti State into the humble family of late Mr. Joseph Owolabi and late Mrs. Ajibabi Owolabi on the 9th of May 1948.

He enlisted into the Nigerian Navy in July 1967 and later graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna and was commissioned as a Sub -Lieutenant in July 1971 in India. He received professional training as a naval officer in India, United Kingdom and the United States of America. Rear Admiral Joseph is a graduate of the Nigeria Command and Staff College Jaji and the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru.

As a professional naval officer, he went through all the ranks in the Navy until he was promoted to the full Rear Admiral rank in 1998. While in the Navy, he had 4 sea commands, which included that of NNS Aradu (the Navy’s flag ship), 2 Training bases and 2 Operational bases. He had 2 tours at Jaji Staff College as Chief Instructor and Director of the Naval Faculty. He was also the Military Governor of Ogun State between 1990 and 1992. His last job was Chief of Navy Personnel at Naval Headquarters until he retired in June 1999.

Married to Mrs. Katherine Lolade Joseph since April 1975, Rear Admiral ‘Deinde Joseph is blessed with 3 children; Toyin (now Mrs. Borisade), and the boys Seyi and Jide, all University graduates.

His hobbies are photography, reading and he is a handicap 9 golfer. A practicing Christian of Methodist Church of the Trinity, Tinubu since 1967, he has a passion to help the less privileged in the society. Rear Admiral Joseph is a recipient of the National Honour of the Commander of the Order Of the Niger (CON), and brings his experience and goodwill to the Foundation as the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Ms. Ketumi Alasa was born on 12th February 1956 and hails from the Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. She had her tertiary education (HND Computer Science) from the Sheffield City Polytechnic, England. Her work life commenced with her NYSC, during which she served with The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. in Lagos between 1979 and 1980.

Thereafter, she worked for Royal Exchange Assurance as a Computer Programmer from 1980 to 1981. She was also employed by Delta Steel Company Aladja as a Computer Programmer/ Analyst developing and maintaining computer applications from 1981-1984.

In 1984, she was employed by The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd as a Computer Programmer Analyst in the Information Technology department. She worked with Shell until 2008 when she retired after a successful and rewarding career.

Since retirement, with her strong entrepreneurial skills, she has been running a business of furniture, household and home decorative items. She has 5 kids, 4 of whom have successfully completed their university education. In her leisure time, she enjoys gospel music and playing golf, for which she has won numerous awards. She is a devoted Christian with a deep passion for missionaries and their families. She loves to extend help and support to the less privileged. Ms. Ketumi Alasa is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

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Deacon Samson Madu Igbokwe is a 1983 B.Pharm Graduate of Pharmacy from the former University of Ife (Unife), now known as Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). In addition, he gained a Masters in Business Administration Degree (MBA) from the University of Lagos (Unilag) in 2000. He also acquired a Certificate of Proficiency in Information Systems Management (CPISM).

Shortly after his Youth Service Corp at Military Hospital Lagos, he set up his own pharmacy business at S.W. Ikoyi, Lagos in 1985 which he has been running as Chairman/Managing Director till date. This is a company that supplies and distributes pharmaceuticals to its community and hospitals in Lagos State.

A devout and practicing Christian, he gave his life to Christ on March 31, 1991 in The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Akoka. Since then, he has served in various capacities in TREM as House Fellowship Centre Leader, Zonal Leader, Assistant Area Co -coordinator and Financial Secretary/Treasurer of Caleb Group of the Christian Men Fellowship.

He is currently serving as the Chairman Hospital Visitation Ministry in TREM. He is a member of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and a Treasurer at Ikoyi Pharmacy Community Zone. He has passion for contributing to his community, and often assists in reaching out to orphans, the fatherless and widows in the community.

Periodically, he visits in a group and prays for the sick in hospitals in Lagos, ministering to their spiritual, physical and material needs. He is happily married to his amiable wife Mrs. Roseline Igbokwe and they have 5 children. Deacon Samson Igbokwe is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Deaconess Roseline Igbokwe was born on November 2, 1965 in Ikoyi, Lagos, and is married to Pharmacist Samson M. Igbokwe.

She is an alumna of Sikkim Manipal University (SMU), Gangtok, India and the University of Lagos (UNILAG); Bsc. in Applied Information Technology, Business Administration and Masters in Business Administration(MBA) from the same institution.

She holds a Certificate of Proficiency in Information Systems Management (CPISM), Advanced Diploma in Systems Engineering (ADSE), Certificate in Strategies for Managing and Collecting Data (LBS) and Certificate in Core Sales Skills (LCT). She worked with Texaco Nigeria Plc as well as Chevron Oil Nigeria Plc as Food Mart Supervisor, Senior Retail Business Consultant, South, and then MRS Oil Nigeria Plc as District Sales Manager, Southwest Nigeria, Credit Control Manager for Nigeria, Aviation Commercial, Retail Sales Manager for Southeast/Southwest Nigeria and Head, Sales & Marketing. Nigeria.

A hard worker with enthusiasm for excellence, in 2006 she won the ‘African Pakistan Global Downstream 2006 Cultural Award, of Customer Facing and Market Focused ’ in Chevron, having executed superior and consistent execution and sales implementation of all programs, processes and systems. She had focused the department’s organization around achieving the best business financial targets through an agreed set of Profit & Loss control measures in all MRS Oil Nigeria Plc service stations in Nigeria.

She is an ordained minister with The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM): and at various times has held the following positions: Assistant Secretary, Young Women Fellowship; Assistant Secretary, Christian Women Fellowship and Chairman Disciplinary Committee of the Evangel Voices Choir and Team Lead with the Christian Women Fellowship. Deaconess Roseline Igbokwe is also a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation. She is blessed with (5) five children.

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Pastor (Dr.) Joshua Gbadebo Opadiya is the Senior Pastor of Every Nation Church Sydney, Australia, a worldwide family of churches and ministries.

He is currently serving as the Hub Leader of the Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Papa New Guinea and Fiji) overseeing the ‘Every Nation churches and ministries in the Oceania region.

Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya previously lectured in the Lagos State University, Nigeria for 6 years, before moving with his family to Innsbruck in Austria where he lived for almost 6 years. Thereafter, the family moved to Sydney Australia in 1999 where together with his wife, Dr. Mrs. Opadiya started the ‘Every Nation Church.

He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the reputable University of Ibadan in Nigeria and holds a doctorate degree in Ecotoxicology from the Technical University, Innsbruck, Austria.

Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya has a burden to raise godly leaders and see the nations return to Jesus Christ.

He has travelled and ministered in several nations worldwide.

Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya's passion is to connect with young adults and adults alike who are leaders, peacemakers and bridge builders in their colleges, universities and in their communities. His life has been dedicated to this cause, reaching out, equipping, counseling and mentoring. He is also the dean of Every Nation Leadership Institute, a part-time program that is purposefully designed to provide discipleship training and biblical teaching for people from all walks of life. Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya and his wife have been married for 31 years. They are blessed with children. He is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Dr. (Mrs.) Yinka Opadiya is a senior pastor with Every Nation Churches and Ministries. Alongside her husband Pastor (Dr) Joshua Opadiya, she oversees the multi-congregational Church organization in Sydney, Australia – a church with members from diverse cultures, age groups and professions.

She is a teacher and motivational speaker with a passion for teaching about God's love and His purpose for humanity. She is also passionate about women and youth ministry; and is committed to mentoring women and young girls.

Her heart-cry is to see ‘the Church’ respond to the Great Commission of ‘making disciples’ and transforming nations. A graduate of the prestigious Universities of Ife and Ibadan in Nigeria, she also holds a Doctorate degree in French (Women Literature) from the University of Innsbruck in Austria. She had worked as a French Lecturer in the Lagos State University and in various schools in Sydney Australia. Dr. (Mrs.) Yinka Opadiya been married for 31 years. They are blessed with children. She is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Mrs. Ronke Osikoya holds a law degree (LLB) from the University of Lagos and an MBA (1988) from the same University. She is a Certified Trainer for the Commonwealth Association on Corporate Governance and has facilitated on the Directors course on Corporate Governance. She is a Management Consultant that co-runs a management consulting firm, Pedion Partnership Limited.

Her values are strongly shaped by her Christian faith and she believes very passionately in supporting the under-privileged, particularly children, which accounts for her involvement with the Foundation.

Mrs. Osikoya is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation and lives with her husband and 2 sons in Lagos, Nigeria.

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Mrs. Abimbola Komolafe is a devout Christian who was ordained as a Deaconess of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the year 2000 and as an Assistant Pastor in August 2013. She served as a Coordinator in the Teens ministry of the Resurrection Parish of the RCCG in Lagos where her passion for supporting the education of the less privileged was birthed .

She is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Banker and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. Mrs. Bimbo Komolafe has taken various management, Leadership and professional courses, within and outside Nigeria and is an Alumna of the Lagos Business School. She worked for 9 years in a reputable Merchant Bank in Nigeria and thereafter worked for 20 years with one of the leading Oil and Gas companies in Nigeria. She currently works as a Principal Consultant for Threshold of Trust Nigeria Limited.

Married to Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd) who is also an Ordained Pastor of the RCCG Nigeria, they are blessed with 3 children. Together with her husband, they are committed to providing financial support to as many less privileged students as they can accommodate. Mrs Bimbo Komolafe is the founder and Executive Secretary of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd), is a highly revered and distinguished military officer who served meritoriously with impeccable records in the Nigerian Navy. He graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1980 and was commissioned as a Naval Officer a year after. Due to his quest for knowledge and passion for competence, he proceeded to study at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he graduated in 1985 with a B.Sc. Degree in Accountancy. He attended several courses nationally and overseas and witnessed consistent career growth during his active years in the military.

Rear Admiral Komolafe is a change agent with a commitment to providing transformational leadership and ensuring realignment of processes, operations, resource and people on various integrated fronts for optimum value creation. He held various sensitive positions in the Navy before his voluntarily retirement from the Service after 35 years of meritorious service. He presently sits on the Board of many prestigious organizations. Beyond his Military career, Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd.) is a lover of God and a Pastor. He is married to Mrs. Abimbola Komolafe and they are blessed with 3 children.

Charity to the less priviledged

Skills Acquisition programmes

THINKING ALOUD | OCT - DEC 2021

Raise funds for the needy

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Supporting the poor

We appreciate every support over the years and your continued support and commitment that has made it possible for us to continue to provide succor to the less privileged in our society. We pray that God will bless you and grant you success in all your endeavors.

Donations: You can make your donations online at: https://www.rehobothdreamsolidfoundation.org/donations