Thinking Aloud Magazine: Oct-Dec 2023

ISSUE

24 OCT - DEC 2023

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

CONTENTS

Cover Photo: Dr. Charity Ezenwa-Onuaku

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

Project Team

Publication & Design

Othniel Komolafe

Edison Egere

Benjamin Eze

Grace Adoga Celestina Osiki

Project Manager

Dorcas Adekunle

Tomi Olatunde-Idowu

Amarachi Uduma

@2023. Thinking Aloud Magazine, a publication of Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

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 Bimbo Komolafe Editor

Dear readers, In this edition, we are honoured to feature on our cover, the remarkable journey of Dr. Charity Ezenwa – Onuaku, Founder and President of WealthyGen. Dr. Charity's recent recognition with the prestigious U.S. President's Lifetime Achievement Award underscores her unwavering commitment to humanity. She is also an honoured listee of the Marquis Who's Who Publications Board, in recognition of her achievements which have been proven to be of significant value to society. Dr. Charity shares her profound insights as a social entrepreneur dedicated to poverty alleviation through financial education. Her commitment to economically empowering the less privileged and helping them achieve financial freedom is truly inspiring.

Our fitness corner features an engaging interview with Sean Allan Ozeer, a global fitness enthusiast who shares valuable lessons on staying motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle across various countries. This piece serves as a source of inspiration for our readers seeking sustainable fitness practices.

Mental health takes center stage in this edition, as we present an enlightening extract from the book titled "Mental health for the average Joe" by Dr. Marcia Verduin and Pastor Keith Tower. This insightful piece aims to shed light on the importance of mental well-being in our daily lives.

Our finance article delves into the critical topic "The Pitfalls of Investing or Buying Assets in Another Person's Name." This informative piece provides valuable guidance to our readers navigating the intricacies of financial investments.

In the Trustees' Corner, our Readers and RDSF partners are invited to meet the persons guiding the Foundation's growth, impact, and transformative initiatives. Our guest in this edition is Dr Joshua Opadiya, a pioneer Trustee.

In this edition’s RDSF Success Story, we showcase the transformative impact of the support provided by the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation. Sandra Gambo's journey to her first degree, despite financial constraints, exemplifies the foundation's dedication to empowering individuals and creating opportunities for educational advancement.

As usual, the Q4 edition is filled with stories of resilience, empowerment, and expert insights. I invite you to delve into the pages of this enriching edition which is a testament to our dedication to delivering content that informs, inspires, and elevates.

Happy reading!

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connect with us on social media | thinkingaloudmagazine

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10 HARMFUL PARENTAL HABITS TO AVOID

by Mrs Akinbowale Sileola Adebusola

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t is natural for every parent to want to do the best for children but the efforts do not always pay off in a positive way.

Below are the list of 10 things Parents should avoid doing to their children:

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Parents follow certain practices to discipline children. However, certain parenting habits can hamper child’s development.

NEVER HIT YOUR CHILD Some of us were disciplined in this manner and we are prone to treat our children in the same manner. We believe in “spare the rod and spoil the child” principles. Hitting can produce short term disciplinary results but it sends out a very wrong message to kids. It teaches them that using force and physical violence is an apt way to get results.

“Traditionally, parents have been doing a lot of activities that are now deemed harmful to the mental and psychological development of the child’s brain.”

NEVER LIE IN THE FRONT OF CHILDREN Children learn from their parents and if you lie in front of them, they will also do the same in future. In the long run the child will not be able to resolve situations in a

Traditionally, parents have been doing a lot of activities that are now deemed harmful to the mental and psychological development of the child’s brain.

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truthful and humane way. Avoid lying in front of your children at any costs and find out alternative ways of managing your situations.

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NEVER SHOUT Majority of us are used to shouting at our children especially when they refuse to take to correction easily. Do not shout at your children or at anybody in presence of your children. This will make them aggressive and make them shout in retaliation too.

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DO NOT USE BAD LANGUAGE Swearing or using cuss words in front of children gives them the message that it is all right to use R such words in order to emphasize a D point. In return the child will start swearing at school and will develop S disciplinary issues.

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DO NOT REJECT KIDS Physical rejection of your child like refusing to hug, kiss and caress your child can send out an uncaring message to your children. A child is very vulnerable to rejection and will often take years to emotionally recover from the trauma.

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DO NOT PRAISE IN VAIN Praising your child all the time without any reason is worse than not praising your child at all. Excessive praise tells your child that hard work and achievements are not required to earn praise. Praise your child moderately on achievement of success and goals.

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DO NOT PRESSURIZE Excessive pressure to achieve academic, extracurricular or sports excellence can mentally damage your children. Expect the best but be practical about your expectations. Creating undue pressure is one of the worst things parents can do to their children.

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NO CRITICISM IN PUBLIC Many parents think that criticizing the child in public will lead them to improve. However child psychologists say that this is emotional abuse and will either take away the confidence of the child or urge the development of a rebellious attitude. The child should never feel disrespected otherwise a healthy equation between the parents and child cannot be developed.

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DO NOT IGNORE YOUR CHILD Ignoring the child sends out the nonverbal message that they are not cared for or loved. Obviously this is emotionally destructive for the child and pushes the mind towards depression and reclusiveness. In time the child will become emotionally distant from the parents and reciprocate by ignoring them. | 5 |

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DO NOT RELY ON INSTANT GRATIFICATION Giving your children whatever they want whenever they want, is a sure-fire way of spoiling them.

Teach your kids that hard work is required to achieve anything in life and there should be something that they do which will deserve them what they are asking for. Instant gratification will only send out the wrong message that everything is easy in life to your children.

“Teach your kids that hard work is required to achieve anything in life and there should be something that they do which will deserve them what they are asking for.”

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The Pitfalls of INVESTING OR BUYING ASSETS IN ANOTHER PERSON’S NAME

by Bimbo Komolafe

loss, strained relationships, and even legal battles, emphasizing the necessity of a cautious approach to collaborative investing.

“Opportunities for investing or acquiring assets often come with associated risks, which can turn these opportunities into financial burdens if not properly managed.”

CONSEQUENCES OF NOT BEING THE LEGAL OWNER

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n 2011, my father, who was seventy, passed on. Even though he was educated and had retired as a Commissioner of Police, he died intestate (i.e. without a will). My father was extremely close to his elder brother and relied on him to make some investments on his behalf.

This closeness meant that my siblings and I knew we had two dads, where my uncle held the position of ‘big daddy’. When my father passed, ‘big daddy’ knew more of my father’s assets than we did.

As I pen this article, I honour the memory of both “dads” and specially acknowledge and honour ‘big daddy’ as a man of integrity who genuinely loved my dad.

My father passed on before his elder brother and my ‘big daddy’ had the responsibility of ensuring we had access to all my father’s estate. He called a meeting where he handed us a document on which he had listed ALL my father’s assets.

Now back to the essence of this article, can you imagine if “big daddy” wasn’t a man of integrity? My siblings and I would not have benefited from the assets known only to my ‘big daddy’. In this article, I will delve into the complexities, risks and potential challenges associated with investing in the name of acquaintances, be they close family members or friends, and I will discuss the need for careful consideration.

Loss of property rights and legal ownership: When you buy property in the name of someone else, you lose legal ownership. The absence of legal ownership places you at a significant disadvantage. Without clear legal rights as the legal owner, you may face challenges asserting your interests, impacting decisionmaking authority, and potentially resulting in financial loss.

Understanding the Risks Involved Opportunities for investing or acquiring assets often come with associated risks, which can turn these opportunities into financial burdens if not properly managed.

Lack of Legal Recourse: The lack of legal ownership often translates into a lack of legal recourse. In the event of disputes or disagreements over this asset, the actual owners may find themselves with limited options for legal action, leading to frustration and financial vulnerability.

Understanding the risks of investing or buying assets in another person's name is important for several reasons. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions, protects against potential legal complexities, and ensures that such financial collaborations align with personal goals. On the other hand, ignorance of these risks can lead to financial

Risk of losing the asset: The nature of man is to be selfish and think of himself first. Someone holding another person’s asset can come under financial pressure or succumb to greed and get tempted to apply and convert the asset in his care. The person in whose name the property is acquired is the one recognized by law as the owner and so can sell the

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property against the wishes of the true owner. They can also encumber the property by taking a mortgage against the asset in their name.

Exclusion from owner’s estate: Another consequence is if the pseudo owner dies while holding an asset on behalf of the real owner. At death, if there is no will, the asset defaults to the estate of the deceased whose heirs can deal with his/her estate as they deem fit. In such circumstances, the real owner has no choice than to be at the mercy of the heirs of the deceased. If an asset you purchased is in the legal name of another person, you have no legal right over that asset and cannot transfer or gift the property to another person. On the flip side, the real owner can die before the one in whose name the asset was acquired. Here, survivors of the real owner may find it challenging to establish ownership and claim these assets, as legal ownership might not have been clearly defined.

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Family Disputes: Another situation is where a couple jointly purchase assets or investments in the name of one partner. This has the potential to cause problems in future when each party has a different decision on their share of the property; e.g. sale or inheritance decisions. The lack of a clear legal owner in a jointly owned | 7 |

family property can lead to undesired legal battles between couples or among siblings after the passing of a parent. The absence of legal clarity exacerbates familial tensions and results in unnecessary emotional, mental and financial pain.

Challenges in managing Investments: Imagine purchasing shares in the name of another person. Such investments often result in shared/lost control. This means you cannot manage your investments as you desire. For example, if you have cashflow requirements and need to trade some stocks you bought in their name, you have to instruct the pseudo-owner to do this. You are at the mercy of their availability and competence to do this. This potentially restricts how you manage and grow your investments.

Inability to Leverage Investments as collateral for Loans: If the investments are not in your name, you may face challenges in leveraging them for additional financial opportunities or using them as collateral for loans.

Banks and financial organisations often use the value of assets as collateral when extending loans or considering you for certain services. If the assets are in another person's name, you cannot add them to the value of your investments to access financing

for other opportunities.

Visa restrictions: Investing in the name of another person poses challenges when it comes to visa applications that require a demonstration of financial capacity and net worth.

The lack of direct ownership and control over the assets can create difficulties in providing verifiable documentation and may raise questions about your financial independence and stability. This is one negative consequence of investing in the name of another person amongst others.

Complications with Tax computations: Investing in another person's name means the income from such investments are also not in your name and this may lead to tax evasion and tax frauds, resulting in serious legal consequences for both the beneficial and legal owners involved.

Impact on Personal Relationships: There is the risk of collaborative investments between friends or families negatively impacting relationships. Disputes over financial matters often spill into other aspects of family life, affecting relationships.

This is because such investments made may lead to breaking trust causing resentment and strained personal connections.

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REASONS WHY PEOPLE BUY ASSETS IN ANOTHER PERSON’S NAME Price discounts & access to investment opportunities: From my coaching experience, I discovered that one reason people buy assets in other persons’ names, is to take advantage of price discounts offered to employees by organizations or to access opportunities that company cooperatives offer. For example, the recent sale of the shares of a telecommunication company offered the shares to staff at a discount.

Some of the staff invited their friends/family members to buy through them to access the discount.

Similarly, some cooperative societies of companies often create opportunities for their members to own assets (land, houses or cars) at negotiated discounted prices. Since these opportunities are strictly for members, acquaintances of the members have no choice but to acquire these assets in the names of the members they know.

Whilst the discounted prices make these assets accessible to non members, I recommend weighing the short-term benefits against the longterm risks/potential losses.

Corruption and money laundering: Another reason people buy assets like this is to hide stolen money. In cases where assets are acquired through illegal means, individuals might invest in other people’s names to shield those assets from potential confiscation by law enforcement or regulatory authorities. Buying in another person’s name helps to divert regulatory authorities from tracing misappropriated funds to the thief.

Lack of knowledge and information: Sometimes, there is genuine love and trust between two people who are comfortable enough to purchase in the name of one party. They do this ignorant of the disadvantages of excluding one of the names in the documentation. This is often the case when couples invest together. There are many disadvantages to the party whose name is not on the legal documents as these assets without their names cannot form part of their Net worth.

Emotional manipulation and false cultural narrative: Emotional blackmail and manipulation is another reason couples exclude their partner’s names from the legal documentation of jointly owned assets. One party may manipulate the other into believing they need to give up their rights to an asset because they are in

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love. From the cultural point of view, some cultures still discourage women from owning properties. Whilst there should be trust between couples, the right thing needs to be done and legal documentation of owners of joint assets should be in the names of all owners. Investors must also understand what they are giving up when they permit exclusion of their names from the legal documents of jointly owned properties.

ACCEPTABLE SCENARIOS FOR NOT INVESTING IN YOUR NAME Joint Ventures: Collaborating with others on a business venture or investment opportunity may involve shared ownership. In such cases, you may choose to invest jointly with partners or co-owners but with the rights and responsibilities of all owners clearly stated in a legally executed agreement.

Legal or Tax Considerations: Depending on your specific financial situation and the legal and tax landscape in your location, there might be strategic reasons to invest under a different entity, such as a trust, corporation, or partnership, to optimize tax benefits or minimize liabilities. If | 8 |

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this is the case, ensure that the rights and responsibilities of all owners are clearly stated in a legally executed agreement.

Estate Planning: Some individuals choose to hold investments in the name of a trust for estate planning purposes. This can provide a structured way to pass on assets to heirs and manage the distribution of wealth over time. The terms of the Trust will clearly state the desired beneficial owner of the investments.

Asset Protection: In certain situations, such as high-liability professions, individuals may choose to invest in assets under a separate legal entity to protect personal assets from potential legal claims or business-related risks.

Privacy and Anonymity: Some individuals, for reasons of privacy or anonymity, may prefer not to have their name directly associated with certain investments. Using entities like trusts or corporations can provide an additional layer of privacy.

Partnership or Family Investments: When family members or business partners collectively contribute to an investment, it might make sense to hold the investment in the name of a partnership or family trust, facilitating shared ownership and decisionmaking.

“Some individuals, for reasons of privacy or anonymity, may prefer not to have their name directly associated with certain investments.”

As you can see, in the few circumstances when not investing in your name is permitted, you are expected

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experts can provide valuable insights tailored to your specific circumstances and goals.

GUIDELINES AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES TO SECURING YOUR INVESTMENTS 1. If you currently have assets, investments or business interests in another person’s name, take immediate action to transfer these back to your full legal names or to a legal entity that clearly states your ownership and protects your interest.

2. To avoid confusion and conflicts down the road, couples desiring to purchase assets jointly, should have the FULL NAMES of both owners on the documents. For clarity, the names on the documents should be the first, middle and surnames of each party. For example, Mr Jide Obi Hassan and Mrs Joke Obiageli Hassan, not Mr and Mrs Jide Obi Hassan.

3. To overcome these challenges, estate planning is crucial. Having a clear and legally binding WILL ensures that the deceased's wishes are honored, and provides a roadmap for the distribution of assets. This proactive approach simplifies the inheritance process and helps prevent disputes among survivors.

4. Investors are encouraged to seek professional advice before making financial decisions involving others.

Seeking professional advice is paramount. Before engaging in collaborative investments, consult financial advisors and legal professionals to ensure clarity, transparency, and protection of your financial interests.

It is cheaper to pay for professional services than be exposed to possible financial losses from poor legal documentations. Legal professionals will help draft clear agreements that outline ownership rights, responsibilities, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each party involved in the investment. This ensures transparency and helps avoid misunderstandings.

In summary, investing or buying assets in another person's name comes with inherent risks. Financial challenges, trust breakdowns, vulnerability to fraud, and legal complexities can have far-reaching consequences. I have written this article for readers to be vigilant and informed. Awareness of the potential pitfalls empowers individuals to make sound financial decisions.

A WILL is very simple to create.

Write a WILL identifying all your assets and your desired actions for these assets on your demise. Save your loved ones emotional and financial stress related to fighting over assets. Remember you have to ensure all your assets are in your full legal names before including them in a WILL.

to invest in a legal entity that protects your rights and not to invest in another person’s name. It is essential

to carefully consider the legal, finanD cial, and strategic implications before deciding not to invest in your S own name. Consulting with financial F advisors, legal professionals, and tax | 9 |

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DIABETES PREVENTION AND LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION

by Dr. Olubukola Ojo

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iabetes mellitus (DM) is a health condition characterized by persistently elevated blood glucose. It is due to defects in insulin production and/or its action. Insulin is a polypeptide hormone produced by the pancreas and facilitates the uptake of glucose from the blood into the tissues.

When there is a defect in its secretion or function, blood glucose accumulates with the resultant effects. Symptoms of diabetes mellitus include; frequent urination, excessive thirst or dry mouth, unintentional weight loss, blurred vision, tingling or numbness on hands and feet, lack of energy or tiredness, slow wound healing, frequent infections.

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Patients with diabetes may not have classical symptoms of elevated blood glucose but only present for the first time with symptoms of the complications. DM is classified into type 1 DM, type 2 DM, gestational DM and other specific types. Risk factors for type 2 DM include excess weight | 11 |

IDF recommendations for a healthy diet for the general population are, choosing water, coffee or tea instead of fruit juice, soda, or other sugar sweetened beverages, eating at least three servings of vegetable every day, including green leafy vegetables and eating up to three servings of fresh fruit every day.

Other recommended measures include, choosing nuts, a piece of fresh fruit, or unsweetened yoghurt for a snack, choosing lean cuts of white meat, poultry or seafood instead of red or processed meat, choosing peanut butter instead of chocolate spread or jam. Whole-grain bread, rice, or pasta should be chosen above white bread, rice, or pasta and unsaturated fats (olive oil, canola oil, corn oil, or sunflower oil) instead of saturated fats (butter, ghee, animal fat, coconut oil or palm oil).

gain, family history of diabetes in parents or siblings, abnormal blood fat, previous abnormal blood glucose, unhealthy eating habits and high blood pressure amongst other things.

Healthy eating and increased physical activity help to promote weight reduction or maintain weight loss with overall reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes.

There is a robust evidence that type 2 diabetes can be prevented, or its onset delayed, in people who are at a high risk for the disease. Lifestyle modification has been shown to be effective and to reduce the occurrence of new diabetes by up to 60% or more.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) recommends physical activity at least between three to five days a week, for a minimum of 30-45 minutes. These include, walking, Jogging, running, cycling, dancing, swimming.

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Mental Health FOR THE AVERAGE JOE

by Dr Marcia Verduin and Pastor Keith Tower

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hen speaking of mental and emotional health struggles, we have a generally accepted layman’s definition in mind: Mental and emotional health issues happen when our coping skills get overwhelmed. Each of us has a basic set of coping skills that we use to handle everyday life.

As we go through life, we develop a set of coping skills and strategies that help us deal with life’s setbacks and challenges. When we speak of struggles with mental and emotional health, we don’t necessarily mean “I’m a little bit stressed” or “I’m having a sad day” when the situation would appropriately warrant being stressed or being sad.

For instance, we have laughter, we have friendships, we have rest, we have recreation, we have purposeful work, we have things for which we are grateful. There are many strategies that people consciously or unconsciously employ that are considered normal coping skills.

Rather, it is when the coping skills that you have for handling stressful or sad situations get overwhelmed.

Your normal coping skills are no longer adequate to deal with the situation at hand, and your emotions move to a place where they impair your daily functioning.

“Mental and emotional health issues happen when our coping skills get overwhelmed.”

We saw this overwhelmed coping quite a bit throughout the COVID pandemic. Statistically, there has been a massive rise in depression since the start of COVID. The normal ways with which people would

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deal with sadness were not adequate given the circumstances.

We saw a rise in anxiety and a rise in stress disorders for the same reason.

We actually saw an interesting rise in what we call coping-related disorders. This happens when a person overextends the effectiveness of a normally healthy coping mechanism and it produces an ancillary problem.

Let’s look at three quick examples.

Eating can be a coping mechanism that provides delight and relief. We can agree that chocolate is therapeutic. My daughter insists that ice cream is a source of joy.

I (Keith) happen to take great comfort in a platter of nachos. The truth is that a piece of chocolate after dinner or a small dish of ice cream in the evening promotes good feelings and, in moderation, can produce a good and satisfying mood to cope | 12

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with a stressful or sad day. But when the stress or sadness is enduring, like it was during the height of the pandemic, the occasional dish of ice cream became a daily bowl (or two) of ice cream as the need for soothing increased beyond the normal limits.

From a layman’s perspective, Mental and emotional health issues happen when our coping skills get overwhelmed. To bring greater clarity, let’s look specifically at the terms coping and overwhelmed.

A Word About Coping

Another healthy coping skill is exercise. It is good for both mind and body to go for a run. It releases endorphins and good hormones. Some people were exercising and working out prior to the pandemic, which reduced their stress and lifted their mood. And then COVID hit. The world became weird and crazy and scary. So, many people exercised more to handle more stress. But they could not work out enough to cope with the anxiety that had been created. Some people ended up actually working out too much.

“Many people exercised more to handle more stress.

But they could not work out enough to cope with the anxiety that had been created. Some people ended up actually working out too much.”

Alcohol use is another coping mechanism. While we are not promoting its use for coping, alcohol does physiologically promote relaxation. Many people, as part of their normal lifestyle and coping strategy, have a glass of wine in the evening. It produces relaxation. During the pandemic environment, one glass of wine was not enough to relax. So people increased to two drinks, then three. Rather than relaxing with a beer on the weekend, people turned to multiple beers every night to relax.

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As the stress, sadness, and uncertainty increased, normally healthy coping mechanisms were insufficient, so these mechanisms were increased to match the situation. We joke that people are coming out of the COVID crisis as either a chunk, a hunk, or a drunk. But these are actually signs of coping-related stress disorders. | 13 |

Mental and emotional health issues happen when our coping skills get overwhelmed. Johns Hopkins University has created a continuum for coping that is helpful for conceptualizing this idea: Resistance - Resilience - Recovery The continuum of coping has three stages: Resistance, Resilience, and Recovery. Resistance is the stage where you develop the coping systems and skills that allow you to navigate life. In the church world, these coping systems include having regular fellowship, being involved in a small group, reading Scripture, rhythms of Sabbath, and practices of grace.

These include taking care of your body with rest, exercise, and eating well. Hobbies and meaningful activities are also forms of coping that fall under Resistance. These are the life practices that make you resistant to being overwhelmed by the challenges that happen in life.

Even though you may have welldeveloped coping skills, and may have a highly developed resistance to becoming overwhelmed, sometimes in life you just get hit with something for which you are unprepared.

Despite having developed coping skills in Resistance, sometimes life leads to your Resistance being insufficient.

Resilience is the stage where you persevere through the challenge and then re-engage the coping skills of Resistance. Resilience involves recognizing what happened and then re -accessing, reapplying, and reengaging the skills of Resistance.

Resilience allows you to begin to move forward from the setback.

“Even though you may have well-developed coping skills, and may have a highly developed resistance to becoming overwhelmed, sometimes in life you just get hit with something for which you are unprepared.”

Some setbacks in life have a more significant impact than others.

When you face a challenge that overwhelms your Resistance, and the challenge is significant enough that you are unable to use Resilience to re -apply the skills of Resistance, then Recovery becomes necessary. Recovery is the stage where professional intervention becomes helpful in assisting you to re-engage the necessary life skills of Resistance. Recovery may include medication, therapy, counseling, or other interventions from a professional or highly skilled helper. The goal of Recovery is not to be in Recovery. The goal of Recovery is a return to a healthy mental and emotional journey through life. Recovery is a means to return you to Resistance.

“Recovery may include medication, therapy, counseling, or other interventions from a professional or highly skilled helper.”

Let us equate this emotional process with the natural process of going for a walk. Resistance is the process of learning to walk. You go from crawling to toddling, needing to hold on as you wobble forward. Before long you start to be able to walk. Then you get proficient at walking. You can walk up a hill and you can walk down a hill. You can walk left and right around obstacles. You can walk backwards and you can walk with a little jump to avoid obstacles like a puddle. Emotionally, as you move through life, you develop a mastery of your coping skills. You become more proficient at coping and become more emotionally nimble to adapt to the realities of life. The stage of Resistance is like walking.

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that prohibits you from getting back up and re-applying your normal walking skills. You fall (or get knocked over), then you do a selfscan, and when you try to get up you realize that you cannot. You may need to go to an emergency room, see a specialist, or have surgery before you will be able to properly apply the skills that you usually use to walk.

After the visit to the doctor or hospital to fix the injury, you may need physical therapy to re-learn the skills to walk properly. The goal is not to stay in the hospital. The goal is to walk again. Recovery involves professional or skilled interventions to allow recovery from an emotional setback so that you can again engage your coping skills of Resistance and get back to normalcy of life.

“Recovery involves professional or skilled interventions to allow recovery from an emotional setback so that you can again engage your coping skills of Resistance and get back to normalcy of life.”

“Emotionally, as you move through life, you develop a mastery of your coping skills. You become more proficient at coping and become more emotionally nimble to adapt to the realities of life.”

be, sometimes you trip and fall. Now Resilience would be like the process of doing a self-scan, brushing off the fall, getting back up on your feet, and starting walking again. Through Resilience you get back up. And through Resilience you begin to reapply the skills of Resistance that you were using when you were walking.

But sometimes it doesn’t matter how agile you are or how good of a walker you are. Sometimes you fall down.

Sometimes there is an obstacle in the environment you did not see, and you trip. Sometimes there is a malicious person in the environment who shoves you down. Sometimes a truck comes by unexpectedly, and you get startled and fall as you jump back.

And sometimes you are just more careless, more negligent, more inattentive. Whatever the reason might

“Now Resilience would be like the process of doing a self-scan, brushing off the fall, getting back up on your feet, and starting walking again.”

In continuing the comparison with walking, sometimes when you fall, you’ve fallen in such way that you need help to get back up. Sometimes you fall, and you sustain an injury

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The mental health discussion in American culture today seems to focus on a continuum of coping that only includes Resistance and Recovery, where the validity of Resilience is no longer emphasized.

This likely is a reaction to prior generations’ emphasis on a continuum that only included Resistance and Resilience, where the validity of Recovery was not readily acknowledged. There is a classic, old school response to when someone gets hurt that sounds like, “Man, just get up and rub some dirt on it.”

A child would fall down and would cry, and a parent, grandparent, or coach would just say “Get up and rub some dirt on it.” “Suck it up and R don’t be hurt.” In other words, get up and apply some Resilience. Get up D and start moving. And many people S were told, with regard to mental and F | 14

emotional health, to just get up and rub some dirt on it. Within the church sometimes, the answer for those hurting mentally or emotionally was to just trust God and rub some dirt on it. Have more faith and rub some dirt on it. Get over it.

“Within the church sometimes, the answer for those hurting mentally or emotionally was to just trust God and rub some dirt on it.

Have more faith and rub some dirt on it. Get over it.”

In reaction to the shortcomings of that Resistance-Resilience response, a new generation has swung the pendulum past Resilience as an uncaring answer, to Recovery as a panacea for all emotional challenge and pain. So when a person feels sad, it’s no longer something to be coped with and pressed through with Resilience. Instead, it’s labeled trauma and Recovery measures are immediately sought. It is now Resistance - Recovery.

We’ve lost the language covering the range of sadness—of being “bummed out,” of “not doing so great,” of “I’m feeling sad”- which can be met with Resilience and navigated back to Resistance. Instead, we quickly label nearly all sadness as depression and move straight to Recovery. To be clear, actual depression should be met with Recovery. But not all feelings of sadness are depression.

Our current continuum of Resistance - Recovery is also costing people the benefit of what gets produced during Resilience. Ponder these scriptures for a moment:

“So when a person feels sad, it’s no longer something to be coped with and pressed through with Resilience. Instead, it’s labeled trauma and Recovery measures are immediately sought.”

This is Part 1 of a 2-part serialization of Chapter 2 of the book written

by Dr Marcia Verduin and Pastor Keith Tower titled ‘Mental health for spiritual people’. The book seeks to explore and explain in simple language, some of the mental health challenges people face whilst recommending solutions from a medical and spiritual perspective.

Copyright © 2023 by Marcia Verduin & Pastor Keith Tower.

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.

The current continuum of coping includes only Resistance and Recovery. We are missing that there is real dignity in being able to say to someone “I believe in you. You can get back up and do this.” A proper perspective on coping needs to follow the full continuum of Resistance Resilience - Recovery.

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“To be clear, actual depression should be met with Recovery. But not all feelings of sadness are depression.” | 15 |

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INTERVIEW WITH DR. CHARITY EZENWA-ONUAKU

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Please tell us about your childhood - family, educational background etc. What are the family traits, upbringing or qualities that have influenced your work with WealthyGen and other initiatives?

Thank you for the incredible work you do at Reho both, and thanks for letting me share my experience with your readers. My first name is Charity and charity they say begins at home. My childhood was a learning experience and just like every child, we observe everything happening around us and we learn. I grew up learning great money lessons from my parents who were at both ends of the money principle-spectrum.

My father was a philanthropist and would give everything he had to help anyone in need, even if he didn’t have any left for the next day. My mother was the saver. She would save a portion of her small salary and only spend what was left. A time came when my father couldn’t run his business due to his poor health, so his money stopped flowing. His goodwill, as a result of his philantrophy, kept him going. Since we had a saver who was planning for “rainy days”, our lifestyle and standard of living never changed.

I also saw firsthand, people who were once considered rich and wealthy but had nothing to show for it at the later stages of their lives. These money les sons never made sense to me until I moved to the United States and got into school to advance my ca reer in Finance. It was a completely different system. So many things can make or break you financially. I was determined to achieve financial success, so I researched. It was during this time that every thing my parents did made more sense to me. I began to understand why some people were not able to sustain their wealth.

That’s how I started teaching people around me, beginning with my friends and other Africans who also needed guidance to navigate the system.

WealthyGen was born out of this inspiration, to educate people on how money works and the different money principles that can help people achieve financial wellness and sustainable growth.

“My father was a philanthropist and would give everything he had to help anyone in need, even if he didn’t have any left for the next day. My mother was the saver.

She would save a portion of her small salary and only spend what was left.”

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You have had a multifaceted career, including finance, academia, and community service roles.

How do these diverse experiences come together in your current work? How did your educational journey shape your path as a social entrepreneur?

I believe that a diverse background brings about di verse ideas and skills. This is what I consider a strength. My undergraduate degree was in Economics. The reason I love economics is because it not only gives you a good understanding of people and their behaviour, but you also get to know and understand the economy. You get to learn about money and finance, but not as focused as the accounting and finance folks.

So, I went on to study both at the graduate level, getting an MBA in Finance and an Master of Science in Public Accounting. I studied International Business for my doctorate degree. These diverse, but related academic disciplines gave me a solid understanding of not just the economy, but also the business, the people and behaviour, and how money and finance work.

With this background, I have worked in Finance for over fifteen years, mostly in the non-profit sector. I have also worked as an adjunct professor of Finance, teaching both graduate and undergraduates in Corporate Financial Management.

My educational background, work in the community action sector, and teaching experience, all shaped my path to teaching financial literacy and empowering people to get on the path to living financially well; and doing that through my own non-profit organization, WealthyGen.

“I believe that a diverse background brings about diverse ideas and skills. This is what I consider a strength.”

You were recently awarded the prestigious U.S. President's Lifetime Achievement Award for your contributions to humanity. What were the key contributions that earned you this recognition and how will it impact your future initiatives? Has this award impacted the Foundation’s work and vision?

WealthyGen is five years old this year. Someone followed the impact we’ve made over these years, found it worthy of being awarded, and nominated me for the award. The award is in recognition of my efforts, time, and skills devoted to creating and implementing financial literacy programmes for WealthyGen and delivering these programmes in | 18

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person at various locations in the DMV area (District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia); and virtually, empowering many people across the globe. One of our notable contributions is the Financial Empowerment for Young Adults (FEYA) programme which has empowered many young adults in the US. In addition, I’ve also dedicated my time and resources to helping women gain power in their families and communities through financial counseling services and financial education workshops.

Your commitment to financial literacy and empowerment is impressive. Please share a success story or examples of individuals whose lives have been positively transformed through the WealthyGen’s programme.

Our impact extends beyond the United States and into Africa where we’ve provided better lives for many widows through WealthyGen signature Women Empowerment Project (WE Project). We’ve set up businesses for many widows who live in poor households in Nigeria to help them earn sustainable income. In addition, we provide financial education, train them on how to run their businesses and open saving accounts for them. All these we do at no cost to the widows.These were what earned me the award. It is a proof that the impact of our work is being felt and is pushing us to continue to do more.

She got into college a few months after one session and wrote to tell me how the session has changed the way she manages her money. She saves a portion of her stipend and invests her savings after accumulating for a few months. Her portfolio has continued to grow. Many high school seniors have opened their own bank accounts after our sessions and have started saving.

“We’ve set up businesses for many widows who live in poor households in Nigeria to help them earn sustainable income.”

We have a lot of success stories. So many young people who have gone through our programmes are actively saving and investing. One of them attended our sessions as part of the requirements for receiving our scholarship award.

Our Women Empowerment Project (WE Project) has changed a lot of widows’ lives. They are earning their own income and taking care of their children without depending on anyone. One of the widows we empowered had less than two thousand naira when we met her. Currently, she has saved over two hundred thousand naira and has continually paid rent for her house and shop independently. Her children were at risk of dropping out of school. One of her daughters was to get into college, but she income to see her through school.

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Recently, she sent us a picture of her daughter’s graduation. She supported her daughter through school independently. Currently, she is building her own shop, where she will continue her business without renting anymore. We’ve had many success stories that we are not able to share here. All I can say is that WealthyGen programmes are changing lives, one person at a time.

“Our Women Empowerment Project (WE Project) has changed a lot of widows’ lives. They are earning their own income and taking care of their children without depending on anyone.”

Our major differentiator is a strong focus on sustainability, combining technology, capacitybuilding education, and enterprise development to empower individuals and families for sustainable growth, with a particular emphasis on lifting people out of poverty. This unique approach sets our programmes apart in terms of their social impact and long-term benefits. Our WealthyGen app is in the middle, helping us achieve this.

In this digital age, technology plays a crucial role in education and empowerment. How do you see technology, such as the WealthyGen app you recently launched? What sets it apart from other financial management tools?

Technology is shaping the future of everything. We launched the WealthyGen app to serve three purposes.

1

As a mobile application to help people manage their finances in one place. It is an all-in -one tool anyone can use to create monthly budgets; track income and expenses; set financial goals and track progress towards each goal; and organize one’s assets and liabilities in one place so that with a tap, you can see a listing of these assets and their values; manage one’s net worth and see historical changes; and also see a calculated target net worth showing what one’s net worth should be.

With the WealthyGen app, you can manage your money like a pro, and YOU are in control of your finances.

2

To deliver financial education to the hands of anyone using our app. So, without attending our financial workshops, we push money tips and useful finance nuggets in the form of notifications so that our users can empower themselves with tips to make good financial decisions.

3

To help empower other people who need help and may not have any resources available to them. Proceeds from the WealthyGen app go towards our scholarship programmes to help some children go to school; support our free financial education workshops; and help us continue the many good work we do at WealthyGen.

The WealthyGen Planner is a unique addition.

How does this tool assist individuals in planning and budgeting effectively, and what have been the outcomes or feedback from users?

WealthyGen planner was our first take on providing a tool to assist individuals in planning their busy lives and managing their finances. It is in the form of a portable notebook. It is unique. People love it because it is both a life planner and a budget book.

The feedback has been great.

As you can imagine, technology is changing the way we do most things. Our response to adapting technology led to the creation of the WealthyGen app.

People who still prefer the manual ways of paper and pen still find the planner very useful, but the more technically savvy ones who prefer to leverage technology in managing their finances more effectively are actively using the WealthyGen app and transforming their finances. So, both exist as our tools for financial empowerment for whatever works best for our users.

“WealthyGen planner was our first take on providing a tool to assist individuals in planning their busy lives and managing their finances. It is in the form of a portable notebook.”

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As a finance coach, what are the relevant financerelated questions intending couples should ask their partners before taking a decision to marry?

And what red flags in finances should a spinster or bachelor look for during courtship?

Marriage is a partnership and a celebration of love at the same time. It’s a union of two different people from different backgrounds and personalities.

There are numerous finance questions to ask an intending spouse, but the list is endless. You just cannot ask all the right questions. I would say, take time and learn about their money principle. Are they conscious about managing their finances, are they investing or have an interest in investing? How do they see their future lifestyle? Are they just liv ing day to day and all right with whatever life throws at them in the future? Are they consciously making efforts to prepare and protect their future?

Without asking so many questions, you can learn a few things that will paint the picture for you.

Some red flags may be because of a lack of knowledge. Some people just do not know. Are they coachable and willing to learn? Keep in mind that a R question one person may ask, another may not ask.

D So, start by understanding what your ideal financial relationship will look like and you can go from S there, keeping in mind that you may need to make F some compromise on so the can partnership work. | 21 |

You can both attend financial workshops or coaching sessions together and learn together.

“There are numerous finance questions to ask an intending spouse, but the list is endless.

You just cannot ask all the right questions. I would say, take time and learn about their money principle.”

Nigeria is a multi-ethnic society with rich cultures.

In your work with women in rural communities, are there any societal traditions or cultural values that have played a role in your approach to poverty alleviation and financial education? How do you manage long-standing behavioral patterns or cultural practices/belief that serve as obstacles to financial growth and productivity?

Because of how widows are perceived and treated in most African countries, we involve the community leaders first and notify them of who we are, the work we do, and why and how we do our work. We do this before we empower widows in any community. This is important to our work to ensure that our efforts are not misunderstood and that the widows A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

receive the support they need from their communities. We’ve seen some widows being accused of prostitution and denied their rights. By engaging with the community leaders first, we clear any doubts that may come after we empower the widows.

In some cultures, widows are expected to rely on their brother-in-law’s financial support. In most cases, they are expected to remarry their brother-in -law just to have that financial support. We educate them to own their decision and earn their income to become financially independent, and only remarry if they want to rather than out of financial hardship.

You authored a chapter in a book titled Empowering African Women for Sustainable Development and the focus of your chapter is on 'Gender Parity Gaps and Poverty: Empowering African Women for No Poverty and Zero Hunger.' Kindly share with our readers the aim of this work and the key message in this chapter.

The book was published by Empowering African Women (EAW) in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action on Women’s Empowerment adopted at the United Nation’s Fourth World Conference on Women (United Nations, 1995). It was the first volume of a thematic series titled “Beijing +25: Repositioning the African Woman for UN 2030 Goals ” Since the Beijing Declaration, gender inequality gap and poverty rates have declined in the African region. The region however still remains at the top of the chart of having the highest incidence of gender inequality, and as home to the world’s poorest people. This chapter applies current data from the United Nations Human Development Reports, World Bank World Development Indicators, and current research data to review the direction and rate of poverty in relation to African women, postBeijing.

The study finds some progress in closing the gender inequality gap and reducing poverty in Africa, with remarkable progress in the women's financial inclusion rate. To advance this progress and further empower African women for “no poverty and zero hunger”, the study recommends targeted initiatives that promote women’s access to resources and capital, access to financial education, and a refocus on agriculture.

You are deeply involved in philanthropy in Nigeria though you are based in the USA. Could you share some specific initiatives or projects in Nigeria that have made a significant impact on the local community?

One thing we did with our WE Project is that we made it a community-based project through which we empower many widows from the same community at once. We train them together; open savings accounts for them at a community bank near them, set them up with businesses of their choice, and hand it over to them the same day in the presence of their community members and leaders. The impact of this strategy is that they form a kind of cooperative, working together to support each other to grow, and acting as inspiration and motivation for other women around them.

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The potential long-term impact of the WE Project is profound, affecting not only women but also their families and the broader society. Can you give us an example of how a woman's economic empowerment via the WE Project had a ripple effect on her family and community?

What sets our WE Project apart is the fact that we empower only those who truly need empowerment.

That is those widows who have no one else assisting them, with little children who are solely dependent on them. We have seen most of their children drop out of school or on the verge of dropping out before we intervened. We continually monitor our beneficiaries, and all their children are currently enrolled in schools. Mrs. Baraya whom we empowered in Jos, Plateau State in 2018, had no hope of sending her daughter to university. But, four years after her empowerment, her daughter completed her final year university project. Just by empowering one widow, we have created a brighter future for all her | 22

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children. We help all the widows start their own businesses at no cost to them and we also train them on how to successfully run their business and manage their money. These widows are adding to the economic activities of their communities, earn ing sustainable incomes, and contributing to the growth of the broader society.

“Mrs. Baraya whom we empowered in Jos, Plateau State in 2018, had no hope of sending her daughter to university. But, four years after her empowerment, her daughter completed her final year university project.”

The FEYA programme covers a range of financial topics, including credit, borrowing, and building a good credit score. Can you elaborate on how these components of the programme empower young adults to make informed financial decisions and avoid common financial pitfalls?

We are catching them young! Through the FEYA programme, we target young adults who are yet to begin and who have just begun their independent financial lives. The programme empowers them to acquire knowledge, gain practical money skills, and develop the confidence to make informed financial decisions. Financial literacy is an essential life skill.

Developing financial literacy is crucial as it forms the very foundation for a multitude of pivotal, lifechanging decisions. From critically analyzing credit card offers to analyzing employment agreements or R acquiring a first home, this indispensable skill equips young adults with the power to navigate D life's significant milestones with confidence and S success.

The Education/Scholarship Programme aims to provide access to quality education. In your opinion, what possible educational policies do you think the Nigeria government can adopt to enhance access to basic quality education?

I will say that it boils down to two things: qualified teachers and a conducive learning environment.

The Nigerian government is busy promoting free basic education, but these free education schools are the worst place anyone can send their students to learn. They have poor-quality teachers, poor learning environments, and little to no basic equipment or tools to aid learning.

You cannot attract quality teachers if you do not pay them a competitive salary and provide a conducive learning environment. Parents would rather pay high private school fees to get a better education for their children than send them to free education schools where they get poor quality education. The Nigerian government should implement policies that prioritize teachers' compensation, re model basic education schools, and provide learning tools and equipment to facilitate learning. Only then can they begin to attract quality teachers who can transform the Nigerian education system.

“The Nigerian government should implement policies that prioritize teachers' compensation, remodel basic education schools, and provide learning tools and equipment to facilitate learning.

Only then can they begin to attract quality teachers who can transform the Nigerian education system.”

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In addition to your work at WealthyGen, you have served in roles such as acting director of finance and accounting for the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and director of financial planning and analysis for United Planning Organization. How do you balance your corporate career and your commitment to WealthyGen, Inc.? What advice do you have for aspiring social entrepreneurs looking to make a difference while managing their careers?

I must say that it’s not easy. There is always so much to do and so very little time. The secret is just time management and planning your activities ahead. Most times, you just have to put in extra time, maybe later at night or earlier in the morning.

But the one thing that keeps you going and committed is the passion for what you do. I am commit ted to WealthyGen. My passion for making an impact drives me. I constantly remind myself why I started in the first place. It is that “why” that makes the difference. I cannot trade anything for it.

As a social entrepreneur, you can still juggle your full-time job while you stabilize your business. Prioritize time management and planning as your secret weapon. Do not neglect your full-time career as that may still be the main source of income you need to sustain your passion business until it's able to stand on its own and support you.

Your organization has achieved substantial success in a relatively short period. Can you share your vision for the future and any upcoming projects or initiatives that we can look forward to?

You have three children to nurture and ensure they become successful. How have you been able to manage your career and still ensure it is not to the detriment of your family? What advice do you have for women who are struggling to create a balance between family obligations and career growth?

No matter how busy you may become, still make time for your family regardless. My family is my biggest support system. They know and understand what I do. They know when I'm working and when it's “their” time, and they get my full attention.

That time may not be as much but make it as quality as it can be.

Any word of advice regarding finances or quotes on finance you want to leave us with, that will propel us into taking the necessary steps to make the changes we need to in our finances?

The most important investment you can ever make is investing in yourself. You are your biggest asset, and you have the capacity to achieve anything you want to achieve. So, whatever your goal is, invest in developing that capacity within you. Need a promotion or a better-paying job? Learn a new skill or improve on your existing skill. Need a business, invest in learning all about the business. Want to build wealth? Learn how money works. It's all in you, you just need to optimize it and develop the right mindset. If everything fails, your human asset is one thing that remains with you, and you can always fall back on it. You are your biggest asset!

Our vision is that WealthyGen becomes a household name and the go-to place for anyone wanting to achieve sustainable growth and financial well-being while building a wealthy generation. Right now, our focus is on optimizing our current programming and tools to provide impactful solutions for the peo ple we serve.

How do you define success in your mission of financial empowerment, and what keeps you motivated to continue this important work, day in and day out?

Our success is measured by individual outcomes.

Our philosophy is that one person matters, so we take it one person at a time. When we schedule a class and only one person attends, the session still holds because that is one person in addition to the many we have empowered.

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Each time we receive one success story, we are one step closer to achieving our goal. It is these individ ual success outcomes that keep me motivated every single day.

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INTERVIEW WITH PASTOR JOSHUA OPADIYA

Is there anyway your upbringing has influenced your choice of charity? Are there other charity organizations you volunteer for?

Tell us a bit about your background – childhood, family & educational background.

I am Joshua Opadiya, I come from Ibadan city in Western Nigeria. I am the third child in my family.

My parents, Chief and Mrs. Samuel Moradeyo Opadiya, are no longer with us.

I completed my primary education at Alafia Institute, Mokola, Ibadan, and pursued my secondary education at Ibadan Boys High School. Following this, I attended Polytechnic Ibadan for my Higher School Certificate (HSC). In 1982, I obtained my first degree from the University of Ibadan and subsequently served in the National Youth Service at Cardinal Ekandem Seminary College, Uyo, in Cross Rivers State.

Furthering my education, I earned a Masters in Entomology from the University of Ibadan in 1985. My academic journey took me to the University of Inns bruck in Austria, where I attained my Doctor of Science in Ecotoxicology in 1998.

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My upbringing has profoundly influenced my commitment to this charity. My father, a fervent advocate for education, instilled in us the significance of providing every individual with the opportunity to learn. Witnessing his dedication, I observed him sponsoring numerous individuals in their pursuit of education. His philosophy prioritised investing in the education of willing and talented individuals over personal expenditures, reflecting a selfless commitment to the betterment of others.

“My upbringing has profoundly influenced my commitment to this charity. My father, a fervent advocate for education, instilled in us the significance of providing every individual with the opportunity to learn.”

You serve on the board of trustees of the RDSF, can you share with us what influenced your decision to join the board despite it being a pro bono service?

My passion for assisting the less privileged motivat ed my choice to serve on the board. | 26

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Kindly tell us how the success in your career has been instrumental in your engagement at the board of the RDSF and other NGOs you have served.

Leading a church has taught me valuable skills in connecting with people and fostering a compassionate heart for the less privileged in our society.

What inspired you to start the Every Nation Church in Australia and how has your ministry impacted the community and beyond?

The desire to impact the next generation, nurture disciples, and spread the gospel in Australia has been a driving force for me.

Recently, we received a heartfelt letter from a former student who secured a position on a policy drafting team in Australia. In his words, "Back in 2020, the idea of being part of such opportunities was unimaginable for me. The key factors that contributed to my growth were the support of my family and the unwavering support from the wonderful people at Every Nation Church. I share this letter as a token of my deep gratitude for the grace, kindness, and open-heartedness displayed by all members of the Church."

As a senior and respected pastor, kindly share your thoughts on the role of church leaders in promoting unity and managing conflicts amongst different tribes and communities? In your opinion, what can be done to enhance the role they play because they are closer to the people?

R

Church leaders can strengthen their role in proD moting unity and conflict resolution by actively cultivating inclusivity, teaching and exemplifying S peacemaking principles, encouraging open commuF nication, participating in community outreach, | 27 |

offering pastoral counselling and mediation, advocating for social justice, collaborating with leaders from other faiths, equipping themselves for cultural competence, and seeking guidance through prayer and spirituality. Their close connection to the community positions them uniquely to contribute positively to fostering harmony and understanding.

You have been married for over 37 years. Can you share with us some of the marital values that has kept your marriage? And what advise do you have for young people preparing to choose a life partner?

Choosing a life partner who shares a deep love for the Lord and spiritual alignment has been foundational in our journey. Factors contributing to our strong connection include sharing a vision for the future, open communication, and regular joint prayer. Surrounding ourselves with credible, Godfearing couples for guidance, mutual accountability, and keeping sight of the bigger picture have further strengthened our relationship.

I advise aspiring couples to seek godly counsel be fore entering marriage, ensuring they marry for the right reasons. While romantic love is important, it may not be constant, and its absence doesn't signify doom for the marriage. Never view divorce as an immediate option; if challenges arise, seek guidance and assistance to restore the relationship to a healthy state.

“I advise aspiring couples to seek godly counsel before entering marriage, ensuring they marry for the right reasons. While romantic love is important, it may not be constant, and its absence doesn't signify doom for the marriage.”

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Youths nowadays would posit that the pressures and expectation of their own contemporary period is different from what was obtained before. Is this position valid? And what are your views on the values the youths of today have from a values, ethics, and cultural perspective.

The notion that today's youth experience distinct pressures and expectations compared to past generations holds merit. Societal, technological, and cul tural shifts have played a role in shaping the values and expectations of each generation. Recognising these generational differences is crucial, as each faces unique challenges and opportunities influenced by their respective contexts.

In terms of values, ethics, and culture, today's youth may demonstrate both similarities and differences when compared to previous generations.

The values, ethics, and cultural perspectives of today's youth are diverse and influenced by various factors. Key areas of distinction include their relationship with technology and connectivity, engagement with globalisation, active participation in so cial activism, emphasis on work-life balance, and a notable focus on individualism.

Understanding and appreciating these shifts contribute to a more comprehensive perspective on the evolving dynamics of each generation and it can help to fostering a meaningful intergenerational di alogues.

The RDSF focusses on economic empowerment through charity activities in education, mentoring and skills acquisition. In your opinion, what is the most challenging problem confronted with the educational system of Nigeria?

One of my most significant challenges is the insufficient government investments in the educational system, coupled with inadequate support for educators in government institutions. This has led to the proliferation of numerous private providers, often with fees that are unaffordable for many.

What project executed by the Foundation would you consider the most emotional to you and why?

Assisting less privileged students with scholarships to complete their studies holds particular significance for me, given the importance I place on education.

Kindly share with us some of the challenges you have faced in your philanthropic work and what advise do you have for people intending to venture into sitting on the board of any NGO? Indeed, spreading your messages and recruiting volunteers or donors can pose challenges, but leveraging the multitude of existing social media platforms provides a valuable solution over time.

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GAMBO SANDRA RDSF SUCCESS STORY

BACKGROUND. My name is Gambo Sandra. I am the third child and the only girl of a family of five from Uromi in Edo State. I hold a BTECH in Project Management and currently serve as a sales executive at Vava, having been retained after my NYSC program.

Additionally, I work as a realtor at ATCO homes. I was born in 1996 at the Air Force base in Ikeja, Lagos State, my father served in the force, and my mother was a trader. I attended Air Force Primary School, and life was comfortable until the unfortunate loss of my dad in 2001 while I was still in primary three.

THE DARK PATHWAY TO SURVIVAL. My mother didn't own any property in Lagos at the time of my dad’s death and could not afford rent as she was a petty trader.

Faced with financial challenges, she sent my younger brother and I to live with my aunt in Bariga, Lagos, hoping I could continue my education there. However, instead of sending me to school, my

aunt turned me into her domestic help, assigning various household tasks to me. I felt heartbroken watching my cousin go to school while I remained at home. This continued until my brother and I decided to run back to mum.

At that time, my mother had received the death gratuity from my father's passing. She sent part of the money to her brother to secure a property in the Ibeju Lekki axis, intending to focus on my father's burial.

Additionally, she arranged for me to stay with another aunt in Ogun State. This aunt treated me kindly, and I attended a good primary school where I completed Primary Four.

Later, when my mother was asked to leave the Air Force base, she called my uncle to inquire about the house's readiness. He assured her it was ready, but upon arrival, we discovered nothing had been done on the land. Overwhelmed and with nowhere to go, my uncle graciously offered us a room in his three-bedroom apartment in Jakande Estate, keeping two

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rooms for his own family. After some time, I returned to my mum, and my she enrolled me in Victoria Island Primary School, where I completed my primary education.

THE STRUGGLE TO ACCESS EDUCATION. After a few years, we had settled into a new environment and adapted to our changed financial circumstances. I gained admission to Aunty Ayo Secondary School in Ikoyi, and my mother secured a shop in Jakande where she conducted business.

We were content until the day I returned from school to find all our belongings scattered outside.

For reasons I still can't comprehend today, my uncle's wife had R hired men to throw our things onto the street. My mother wept, D vowing never to return because, S had her brother not spent the money meant for building our F | 30

house on himself, we wouldn't have faced such a situation. On that rainy day, compassionate neighbours took in our belongings, and my mother fervently prayed for divine assistance.

Upon hearing our plight, an elderly woman offered her sitting room to my mother, as she had already rented out the other rooms in her flat. Gratefully, my mother accepted, and we moved in with her. We spent most of our days in the shop, only returning to her place at night to sleep and leaving early in the morning.

Due to financial constraints, I frequently missed classes as my mother couldn't afford transportation. At times, I asked people to let me sit on their lap or stood in the bus, resulting in lateness and subsequent punishments in school.

This continued until I reached SS1. During that time, I crossed paths with Pastor Kehinde Komolafe, the Teens Coordinator at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Resurrection Parish in Jakande Estate, Lekki.

I shared my challenges with him, and he directed another teacher in the Teens church (Ms Bamipe Oki of blessed memory) to provide me with weekly transport fare from the church’s welfare fund. This support allowed me to focus on my studies and my mother was relieved that transportation was no longer a hindrance. The assistance persisted until I completed my secondary school education.

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My mother fell seriously ill and faced a life-threatening situation.

Despite taking her to the hospital, we lacked the means to cover the medical expenses. With no other option, we brought her home, trusting God for a miracle while my eldest brother manned her shop. To create additional space, my brother expanded our wooden shop, and we lived there | 31 |

for three years. Eventually, a company expressed interest in the land, and after compensating my mother, we used the funds to complete a 2-bedroom flat. We moved into the new place, and after finishing secondary school, I secured a job to contribute towards the household expenses.

TAKING ACTION. In 2012, I secured admission to a polytechnic, but due to financial constraints, I couldn't afford to pursue it and had to forego the opportunity. I again confided in Ms. Bamipe Oki, my teacher at the Teens church at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Resurrection Parish, Jakande Estate, Lekki.

with Mrs. Komolafe, advised me to apply for the RDSF scholarship. Fortunately, I secured the scholarship, which covered both my tuition and accommodation expenses. As the class representative of my department, I sold handouts to my course mates, allowing me to generate income for my daily sustenance. I dedicated considerable effort, working diligently, to graduate with a second-class upper division in 2019.

Upon sharing my situation, she encouraged me to aim for admission into a university, assuring that we could figure out the next steps from there. In 2013, I discovered the pre-degree program at the Federal University of Technology Akure.

When I shared this with my mother, she informed me that she couldn't afford it. Overwhelmed with disappointment, I spent the entire day in tears. Witnessing my unhappiness, my mother, feeling deeply concerned, took a loan from a microfinance bank to support my enrolment in the program.

Upon arriving at school, I faced challenges affording accommodation. Approaching a lecturer for assistance, he guided me to the portal and arranged for me to manage any available room in the hostel, considering the ongoing strike that left numerous rooms vacant. This arrangement granted me free accommodation for the first two semesters.

THE RDSF IMPACT. After passing my 2014 JAMB exams, I approached the late Ms. Bamipe, who, after consulting

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. Every day, I strive to improve myself, aspiring to secure a more fulfilling job that will elevate my career and income. Presently, I find joy in making a positive impact in the lives of others in whatever way I can.

I am profoundly thankful for the support I received from RDSF, and I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Founders and Trustees, Admiral & Mrs. Komolafe, and honor the memory of Ms. Bamipe Oki, who consistently stood by me.

My dream of becoming a graduate materialized even when my mother couldn't have afforded it.

May God bless the Chairman and Trustees of RDSF and those supporting their vision.

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RDSF Volunteer’s Corner

BIOLUWATIFE OLUWAFERANMI OKE

Can you share a little about yourself and your background?

H

ello, my name is Bioluwatife Oluwaferanmi Oke. I graduated with a degree in Banking and Finance from Ekiti State University, AdoEkiti and I am an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

I have around six years’ experience working in a Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company where I've had the opportunity to work in the Sales Team as Trade Activation Manager for some three years before moving to the Finance function where I have worked in the Commercial Finance team as Marketing Finance and Sales Finance Analysts respectively.

I currently work in the Treasury Team as Treasury Analysis Manager. My skills include Strategic and financial planning, analytical problem solving and financial analysis, and I am particularly passionate about relationship building and stakeholders’ management.

In my free time, I enjoy dancing to music, playing games, traveling and organizing events which I believe contribute to my creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Looking forward, I am excited about reshaping the narrative of how we interpret the world, and I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF).

THINKING ALOUD | ISSUE 24 | OCT - DEC 2023

What inspired you to get involved with the Foundation as a volunteer?

I

volunteer for RDSF because I have a personal connection to education, the experiences of friends and family, and I have a strong sense of empathy. I want to contribute to making a positive impact in some important areas such as education, healthcare, environment and social justice. I believe in the power of collective action to address challenges and improve the lives of others. I personally find a sense of purpose and fulfilment in contributing to people’s growth either by advising or referring R them for opportunities, volunteering helps me to do something D larger than my capability and in this I found purpose and a pro- S found sense of satisfaction.

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What motivated you to dedicate your time and money to support our cause?

W

ell, my story is the motivation behind getting involved.

My university education was not a bed of roses due to financial constraints. Though, I was not the brightest of students I still made the list of top five students in a class of about 150.

I did not concentrate as much as expected because of the financial crisis we faced back home which impacted my academic performance.

I had to settle with selling clothes, acquired different skills (Bag making, Shoe making, Make -over, Dress Making etc.) to make ends meet. You can agree with me that all these including the emotional state of mind of a student could also make the brightest mind become dull.

I experienced this firsthand; though I graduated with a Second Class Upper degree, I believe maybe if I didn’t go through the financial struggles, I could have made a first class degree; likewise, so many other bright minds I met in and after school.

I believe in education and finding a foundation that can help bridge the gap between financial needs and intellectual development was important.

Reflecting on your time as RDSF volunteer, what specific projects or initiatives have you been involved in, and how have they impacted you?

My experience at RDSF has been nothing but the best; there is this sense of fulfilment I have volunteering for the Foundation.

I

“I’m driven to contribute to RDSF as its mission aligns with my personal values and beliefs. I want to make a tangible and positive impact on society.”

I started volunteering in 2016 when another of the skills-up course was conducted in my school which impacted myself and some students.

Amongst the various projects you have been a part of, do you have a favourite, and if so, what makes it special to you?

benefitted from the skillsup programme in 2015 supported by the Foundation. The courses assisted in developing my interpersonal relationship and communication skills which helped in my first job and till date.

The first Teachers Excellence Award (TEA) Project in 2018; I saw how they genuinely appreciated the kind gestures of the Foundation and that alone is an inspiration.

What drives you to dedicate your time, resources and skills to volunteer work? And how would you describe your experience as a volunteer of RDSF?

I

’m driven to contribute to RDSF as its mission aligns with my personal values and beliefs. I want to make a tangible and positive impact on society. Contributing time, resources, or skills to this foundation allows me to be part of meaningful efforts that address important issues or challenges and I love it here.

M

y favourite project is the Scholarship support. In the Scholarship review team, I get to hear people’s stories and trust me, most are very emotional. The foundation helps to lift the burden off students and that assist them in achieving good success.

If you could inspire others to take action or make a positive change, what message would you share based on your volunteer experiences?

"

Don't underestimate the impact of small acts of kindness and positive choices. They have the power to change the world. What small change will you make today?"

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RDSF Updates UPDATE ON OUR WORK/PROGRAMMES

T

he Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation is a non-profit and non-governmental organization committed to charity activities that enhance the social and economic wellbeing of the less privileged in the society through education support, skills acquisition, and mentoring programmes.

Since 2011, the Foundation has supported over 250 students via scholarships and over 1,500 young people have benefited from its skills acquisition and mentoring programmes.

L-R Captain MA Ahmed, Miss Ruth Jacob, Mrs Jacob and Mr Edison Egere.

Many of our past beneficiaries have become financially independent and have acquired 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, the Foundation sponsored a total of 67 students.

The This year’s Grand prize went to Mr Adeniji Lookman Obasanjo. Mrs Idera Martins was the first runner-up, while Mr Agbaje AbduRamoni Ojo was the second runner-up. Consolation prize winners went to Mr Giwa Olarenwaju, Mrs Arise Morenike, Mr Adelekun Isaac and Mr Abiona Kamoldeen.

TEACHERS WEBINAR

O

n the 25th of November 2023, the Foundation organized its Third annual webinar in honour of teachers with the topic ‘Breast cancer in sub Saharan Africa: our peculiarities and challenges’. You can watch a recording on the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation YouTube channel.

The speaker Dr. S.A. Onjefu, a Senior Registrar in general surgery at the University of Ilorin Teach ing Hospital, has also been a health columnist of the Thinking Aloud Magazine.

L-R Mr Adeniji Lookman Obasanjo, Mrs Idera Martins & Mr Agbaje AbduRamoni Ojo.

2023 RDSF TEACHERS’ EXCELLENCE AWARD

T

he Teachers’ Excellence Award was instituted by the Foundation to celebrate public secondary school teachers who have distinguished themselves. The award comes with a grand prize of N350,000 for the winner, N250,000 for the first runner-up and N150,000 for the second runner -up. However, this year’s edition had two additional categories (the Non-Teaching Staff Award and the Student Excellence Award) and consolation prizes for four teachers. The winner of the maiden category of the Student Excellence Award was Miss Ruth Ekeminiabasi Jacob and she received a tertiary education scholarship. Mrs Ajayi Esther won the Nonteaching Staff category and she received the sum of N150,000.

L-R Mrs Arise Morenike, Mr Adelekun Isaac and Mr Abiona Kamoldeen & Mr Giwa Olarenwaju.

THINKING ALOUD | ISSUE 24 | OCT - DEC 2023

“The Teachers’ Excellence Award was instituted by the Foundation to celebrate public secondary school teachers who have distinguished themselves.”

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2023 Teachers’ Excellence Award

SPEECH BY THE CHAIRMAN OF RDSF BOARD OF TRUSTEES It is my firm belief that every nominee screened is deserving to be an awardee. This is because it was your merit that stood you out in the first instance that led to your nomination for consideration for the award.

Therefore, congratulations to you all. You are all (in reality) awardees even though we are constrained to only select the ‘primus inter pares’ – i.e. the first amongst equals.

I

have the singular honour and privilege to be here today on the occasion of the 2023 edition of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF) Annual Teachers Excellence Awards. This event as we all know is dedicated to celebrating and appreciating our dear teachers; people who have resolutely stood as the vanguards of our society, the bearers of the torch of civilization and the nurtur ers of the next generation of leaders.

I salute you all for the great job that you have all been doing and will continue to do to nurture our youth, develop our communities and build a great nation.

RSDF Teachers’ Excellence Award has become a major pillar of the Foundation’s activities. Currently, it is in its fifth edition for Year 2023 and having become entrenched, the Foundation could have decided to conduct the award in any number of ways.

Firstly, the Foundation could have liaised with the school of the respective winners and just granted the award either in the principal’s office or at the school assembly ground. However, adopting these options would have detracted from the gravity of and import of the award itself which is a deep apR preciation of the role of teachers in our society.

D Hence, the decision of the Foundation to specially S celebrate the awardees in a grand manner and in so doing, ensure the right exposure to their courage, F sacrifice, dedication and hard work. | 35 |

Aside the awards itself, this forum also presents an opportunity for us all to network, cross-fertilize ideas, engage positively and build meaningful relations as we are all stakeholders to the most important project which is building the youth to take their place in society as confident, independent and engaged civic-minded individuals. Hence, the 2023 Edition of the RDSF Teachers Excellence Awards is not an event to be missed but rather it is one to be eagerly looked forward to.

This year, in our tradition of using this occasion to provide guidance, we have chosen to dedicate the occasion to your well-being. As a testament to this, a webinar on breast cancer was held in your honour on 25th November. We strongly encourage you to make your health a top priority in your daily life.

Remember, "health is wealth." Your long-term well -being is our collective wish. To promote a healthi er lifestyle, consider prioritizing regular health check-ups, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol intake, staying hydrated, consuming ample fruits, maintaining a consistent exercise routine, adopting a nutritious diet, and ensuring sufficient sleep, among other beneficial practices.

I welcome us all again and I want to state on behalf of RDSF that the Foundation will continue to seek avenues of engaging with teachers in particular and stakeholders in the education sector in general, in a bid to impact positively on the nurturing of our youths.

Thank you for your dedication, and we wish you a healthy and fulfilling journey ahead.

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2023 Teachers’ Excellence Award ADDRESS BY GUEST OF HONOUR

way to engage with him and nurture him to become an engaged and independent person contributing his quota to society.

The aforementioned challenges notwithstanding, a teacher’s key imperative is to build the child (particularly the special needs child) to develop and become the best version of himself possible as well as become a confident and engaged person. Thus, while it may be difficult to develop the customized education package in a public school, nevertheless, the teacher needs to first of all that special needs exist on a wide spectrum.

Therefore, it behoves the teacher to identify as best as possible what the needs of the student are.

Thereafter, there would be the need for mind-reset away from teaching to nurturing as much as possible. To this end, building independence and developing functional life-coping skills become imperative alongside academic skills. Ultimately, this would result in better engaged students who are poised to take their place in society whilst eliminat ing the negative dynamics of stigmatization and bias.

I

am highly honoured by the invitation extended to me by the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF) to address this distinguished gathering. Being a teacher myself with over 4 decades experience in the education sector, and being cognizant of the (at best) benign indifference accorded to the efforts and sacrifices of teachers, it is indeed quite heartwarming to witness and be part of RDSF’s initiatives to recognize and reward the efforts of teachers in nurturing the next generation of leaders in Nigeria. Hence, I want to congratulate every single teacher selected for consideration for the RDSF awards.

In conclusion, I hope I have ignited a spark, a desire and a wish in all our hearts to do better by our special needs students. Furthermore, it is my fervent hope that at the end of the day, RDSF’s modest efforts would in no small measure impact positively on our teachers in particular and the education system in general.

Although there can only be one winner of the award, every single teacher here, in reality is an awardee. This is because you were found worthy to be shortlisted and screened for the award. That in and of itself is an attestation to your dedication, hard work, passion, engagement and commitment to imparting the best to your students and impacting your host community in the best possible way.

Thank you very much for this opportunity and God Bless!

Beyond speaking to your efforts as teachers, I would want to engage with you on something that I am passionate about which is Special Needs Education.

This is because Special Needs Education is an area that is often overlooked and to which some elements of stigma is attached. At the outset, I am duly aware of the pressures and burden of serving in public schools with the multitude of students which makes the emphasis to be on ‘teaching’ rather than ‘nurturing’. Thus, the teacher is hard pressed to recognize the special needs child, work-out the best

R D S Nominees and school principals at the event.

THINKING ALOUD | ISSUE 24 | OCT - DEC 2023

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2023 Teachers’ Excellence Award MEET THE WINNERS

Winner

How do you feel being the winner of the TEA 2023?

All callings are great when pursued greatly! Hence l am elated and highly honoured to become the winner of this edition (Teachers excellent merit award for 2023) of Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation! It is a privilege to be adjudged the best amongst other wonderful teachers in the district! We are all winners irrespective of my announcement as the coveted winner of the award! Thank you, God and Rehoboth, for this feat!

You were second runner-up in the 2021 edition.

When you got nominated again, were you optimistic of winning again?

Kindly tell us a about yourself - education background and family.

I had my primary and secondary education in Lagos here; Kadara primary school (1985 to 1991) and Denton Grammar School Ebute Metta Lagos (1991 to 1997). Thereupon, l proceeded to the famous University of Ilorin for my undergraduate degree (2003 to 2006),after which l had my masters degree at the prestigious university of Lagos. Before this, l had my post graduate diploma in Education in 2016 to put me in good stead for job of teaching.

Why have you chosen the teaching profession? Do you think the profession is accorded enough respect in Nigeria? And what would you be doing if you were not a teacher?

Teaching has always been a laudable and noble profession! My choice of the profession was born out of my pre university experience; l had taught in a coaching centre for years before l secured my admission into a tertiary institution and the experience was wholesome and wonderful, seeing young people learn from me. This was the impetus! However, teaching has not been given the recognition it deserves! Teachers are not appreciated and applauded by the society because it is not a money making venture! Thanks to NGOS like Rehoboth that take the bull by the horn to appreciate teachR ers! The pay and the renumeration are still low and daunting compared to developed nations! Teachers D struggle to send their children to school across S board! God help us! I love humanitarian job and if teaching is not feasible, it will be another of such!

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Yes, l was the second runner up two years ago and when my wonderful learners nominated me again, l felt this was another golden opportunity to represent them well! At first, l was nervous because of the process involved in the selection strictly on merit and devoid of any internal or external influence! However, l trusted in God and swung into action (doing the needful).

The first stage of the nomination are usually made by students. Why do you think your students keep nominating you?

A good teacher should inspire his/ her wonderful learners that he/ she is their friend and a helper whom they could trust! The learners don't care how much you know until you show how much you care!

So, competence and a good cordial relationship must be exhibited by a teacher to win their trust!

We (teachers) are naked before them and they always take cognisance of our actions and inactions!

When we limit our teaching and learning to the four walls of the classrooms, we have them for that period! When it goes beyond this, to cover their social lives and wellbeing, you have them for life!

What is your advice to other teachers?

Learning and teaching proceeds smoothly and enthusiastically when relationship is warm friendly and non- threatening! So, l will advise teachers to adopt this mode of teaching in their dealings with these wonderful learners! Some of them come to school with different social, economic and religious challenges which could impede their learning if we don't meet them with cheerful hearts! The one who A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

2023 Teachers’ Excellence Award MEET THE WINNERS

will be the Dangote of tomorrow, may not look like him today! So, treat equal equally! Little things we do for them now matter in the long run! A student had once told me that l am a blessing to them!

While one at Enugu (2008) during my service year said, "When we meet again Sir, we would smile and if not, parting is here already well made."

First Runner-up

If you have the ability to formulate an educational policy that will impact the educational sector in Nigeria, what would that be? lt would be to make the job highly competitive and lucrative. When these two are done, it (teaching) becomes a job not just for any Harry, Henry and Mary but for professionals who know their onions and who are deserving of respect and who are highly paid! These would have a profound effect on the output!

What is your most memorable experience as a teacher?

These are two occasions! One, when Eya Winifred, my student in Enugu State then, during my national youth service scheme passing out, emotionally wrote in her letter, " Master, when we meet again, we would smile and if not, parting here is already well made."

Two, last Thursday (Nov.30th) when l was adjudged and announced the overall winner Of Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation Teachers' merit award 2023! You could see the dramatic turn of event with my acrobatic display.

“A good teacher should inspire his/ her wonderful learners that he/ she is their friend and a helper whom they could trust! The learners don't care how much you know until you show how much you care! So, competence and a good cordial relationship must be exhibited by a teacher to win their trust!”

THINKING ALOUD | ISSUE 24 | OCT - DEC 2023

Kindly tell us a about yourself - education background and family?

I am Idera Martins an educator, a counsellor and a mentor. I’m a graduate of The University of Lagos, I studied Guidance and counselling and I have a master’s degree in Measurement and Evaluation.

I’m from a family of nine and I’m married and have an adorable daughter.

Why have you chosen the teaching profession? Do you think the profession is accorded enough respect in Nigeria? And what would you be doing if you were not a teacher?

I chose the noble profession so as to impact knowledge and make a positive change in the society through education. Unfortunately, the profession isn’t accorded enough respect in Nigeria. If I wasn’t a teacher, I would have been an event planner or a counsellor (I’m still one).

How do you motivate your students?

I motivate my learners by encouraging them, I make them know they are the best and a master piece. I also try to tell stories to encourage and motivate them.

“I motivate my learners by encouraging them, I make them know they are the best and a master piece.” | 38

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2023 Teachers’ Excellence Award MEET THE WINNERS

How do you think a teacher can avoid burnout?

What advice do you have for your colleagues who are considering quitting teaching because of burnout?

Nigeria breweries, Capper and D’Alberto, etc. He raised over forty individuals from the streets and our extended family even from the little money that he earned from his job.

By taking charge of your wellbeing, take time out to relax and by practicing good sleep habits. I advise you don’t quit but try taking a step at a time, try identifying the real cause in order to prevent future burnout.

I grew up in Amukoko a suburb of Ajegunle in the former Apapa Local Area. My early education started at the Local Authority Primary School, Amukoko in the year 1985 till 1991 when I passed the Common Entrance to attend Unity Secondary School, Tolu Olodi-Apapa, Lagos. After I completed my secondary education in 1996, the West Africa Examination results weren’t that good.

In your opinion, what is the most rewarding aspect of being an educator, and how do you keep your passion for teaching alive?

I feel the most rewarding aspect of being an educator is when your learners with little or no knowledge about a subject matter are filled with knowledge. Also, witnessing my learners excelling and breaking barriers keeps me going. I keep my passion for teaching alive by researching, going for trainings and relaxing with other teachers in the teacher’s lounge.

Second Runner-up

I had to write WAEC(P) twice as well as fending for myself through teaching at tutorials, Schools, and working in factories. In 2021, after my Arabic education, I went to the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka to study Integrated Science/ Mathematics having missed the opportunity to study Medicine & Surgery and Engineering (Electrical and Electronic) at the University on two occasions due to absence of financial and human support. After completing the NCE education I proceeded to the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka to study Mathematics Education. Aside from teaching as a career, I am currently coding using the JAVA Language, learning digital applications, and studying for a Master's programme in Mathematics and Computer Science.

Students usually make the first stage of the nomination. Why do you think your students nominated you?

Tell us a little about yourself - educational background and family.

R D S F

Agbaje AbduRamoni Ojo is the fifth child in a family of six. I lost my mother, Mrs. Taiwo Asanatu; a petty trader, an Aworian, at three (1986) after she gave birth to my sister. I was raised by a single parent, my father, M.O. Agbaje (Chief), also an Aworian from Lagos (Ijanikin) who never remarried for over thirty years till he passed on in 2018. My father, a philanthropist, worked as a supervisor at | 39 |

I always try to make mathematics pleasurable to learn, from known to unknown using pragmatics and scientifically proven strategies. In most cases, I tried to help students learn at their speed with an approach to minimize obstacles and create a safe learning environment by understanding learners' emotional intelligence and using it to enhance their performance.

“I always try to make mathematics pleasurable to learn, from known to unknown using pragmatics and scientifically proven strategies.”

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2023 Teachers’ Excellence Award MEET THE WINNERS

What is your advice to other teachers?

place and the positive impact you've had on your students. Instead, try taking a break or seeking support from colleagues, mentors, or a therapist.

a. Learn, unlearn, and relearn! b. Be eager to learn from others' experiences and use them to improve your skills and approach to teaching and learning. c. Most importantly, find an added source of income through the emerging digital literacy

These are ways to overcome burnout and reignite your passion for teaching. Don't let burnout defeat you - you've got this!

How do you motivate your students?

Kindly share your proudest moment as a teacher.

a.

Understand and connect with each student individually b. Set achievable goals and rewards c. Encourage and praise effort and progress d. Incorporate fun and engaging activities e. Provide constructive feedback and support f. Foster a positive and supportive learning environment g. Continuously assess and adjust motivational strategies.

I have so many proud moments: but was very proud when I was nominated to speak for the entire Mathematics teachers in District IV in a meeting with the Commissioner of Education, the permanent secretaries, directors, and leaders, and captains in the education. My opinion spoke volumes and led to the adoption of a new approach.

If you can formulate an educational policy that will impact the educational sector in Nigeria, what would that be?

Non-Teaching Staff Award

I. Review teacher's wages and salaries; II. All school exams and tests should be Computer Base Test (CBT) with provision of cameras to reduce the rate of exam malpractices III. Schools will be run with enough teachers. This is important due to the population increase, even if it has to be run in morning and afternoon session How do you think a teacher can avoid burnout?

What advice do you have for your colleagues who are considering quitting teaching because of burnout?

Teachers should employ the 21st-century skills and approach in their teaching. Technological; the use of applications and artificial intelligence is transforming the learning space and thereby making the job easier. The use of this device will reduce the stress associated with most pedagogy.

Winner, non-teaching staff award (Ajayi Bisola Esther) with prize sponsor, Dr Kimberly Schollard.

We need to look after ourselves Creating regular time for medical check-ups is key to staying healthy and motivated throughout the school year, and seeking administrative support should be a last resort.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by burnout and considering quitting teaching, don't give up just yet.

Remember why you became a teacher in the first THINKING ALOUD | ISSUE 24 | OCT - DEC 2023

My name is Ajayi Bisola Esther. I am from Ogun State and I was born into the family of Mr. & Mrs. L.O Ajayi. I am the third of six children, married to Mr. S Akintunde and blessed with three children.

I attended my elementary school at Makoko Anglican Primary School and high school at Fazil-Omar High School Iwaya, Lagos. I went further to obtain my Ordinary National Diploma in Office Technology at Yaba College of Technology. I am currently studying Guidance and Counselling at the University of Lagos with the hope to specialize and help students with special needs. | 40

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2023 Teachers’ Excellence Award MEET THE WINNERS

Being the pioneer winner of RSDF non-teaching staff award, I feel happy. I have been winning awards but this is exceptional because it came unexpected with no notification or preparation. I was shocked thinking maybe there was a mistake somewhere until I was forced to stand up by a colleague.

There are no words to express my feeling especially after the extra cash prize was announced.

I am sincerely grateful for the honour of receiving the award of Best Non-teaching staff from your esteemed organization. It is truly humbling to be recognized for my efforts, and I want to express my deepest appreciation for this meaningful acknowledgment. This award serves as a tremendous motivation for me to continue striving for excellence in my work. Thank you once again for this incredible honour. I am truly grateful for your recognition and support.

“Being the pioneer winner of RSDF non-teaching staff award, I feel happy. I have been winning awards but this is exceptional because it came unexpected with no notification or preparation.”

RDSF Team.

Students at the event.

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All winners and the Tutor General of Lagos Education District IV Mr Olusegun Olawale Osinaike.

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Lending a Helping Hand 6 WAYS TO SUPPORT THE VISION & MISSION OF RDSF

1 2

ADOPT A STUDENT SCHEME

SPONSOR A WORKSHOP/TRAINING/EVENT

Under this scheme, the Foundation will recommend indigent students who will be adopted and sponsored for their full academic program.

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.

You can also choose to sponsor any of our programs like the Annual Lecture, Thinking Aloud Magazine and Teachers’ Excellence Award or R support the skill acquisition program organized for indigent D undergraduates in various tertiary institutions to equip them with S relevant ICT and soft skills relevant to career success.

THINKING ALOUD | ISSUE 24 | OCT - DEC 2023

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3 4

ONE TIME DONATION

PLEDGE

You can give one-time donation through a transfer to the Foundation's account or donate online through a secured donation link on our website. https://www.rehobothdreamsolidfoundation.org/donations Bank: First Bank Nigeria Account name: Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation Account number: 2015884815

Sponsors can also make a pledge to give some money to the Foundation on a regular basis (weekly, monthly, quarterly, biannually or annually).

Such sponsor will just send an email with details of the pledge and credit the Foundation's account.

Matching gifts are charitable workplace donations made by corporate entities that matches employees’ donations to eligible non-profit organisations. It is a way to show their employees that they are mindful of their social needs and support the causes they are most passionate about by empowering them to donate to any non-profit of their choice.

5

WORKPLACE GIVING & MATCHING GIFT

Different organisations have different matching policies and it will interest you to know that some international corporations do up to double of your donations or more. What this means is that if a staff should donate a $100 to an NGO through a matching gift channel or work place giving, an organization with a 2:1 matching policy will donate additional $200 on behalf of that employee; making it $300 donation.

Many employees are not taking advantage of this platform and some are not even aware of the various workplace giving opportunities opened to them in their organisations; especially multinational corporations. As a donor, you can increase your impact by simply donating through a matching gift platform like Benevity. The process is very simply and automated in most organisations.

To do this, simply find out about your organisation’s workplace giving policies from your HR department. If you would like to get RDSF listed or registered for your organisation’s workplace giving program, kindly send us an email through rehobothdream@gmail.com and we will be happy to onboard.

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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.

VOLUNTEER

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FITNESS SPOTLIGHT WITH SEAN ALLAN OZEER Please introduce yourself to our readers.

I'm Sean Allan Ozeer, a dedicated student pursuing Digital Marketing Communications and Project Management at St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Hailing from the beautiful Mauritius Island, I bring a wealth of experience from my extensive five-year journey as a seasoned hospitality professional across various global destinations.

For the past five years, I've passionately delved into the realm of fitness, charting my course through selfteaching and exploration. This enduring commitment has fueled my continuous growth and knowledge in the field, enriching my understanding of the multifaceted aspects of fitness and well­ being.

What inspired your passion for fitness and healthy living? When did you start paying attention to this and how has it evolved over the years?

The drive behind my passion for fitness and healthy living started from a desire to disprove the many individuals who constantly labeled me as overweight and unhealthy. Their remarks fueled a determination within me to defy their perceptions and showcase a different reality - a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Initially, my journey began in 2018 as a means to silence these critics. What however started as a rebuttal to their comments quickly transformed into a more profound self -loving approach. Witnessing tangible results in just a few months prompted a shift in perspective.

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Navigating this path hasn't been without its challenges.

Traveling frequently and my deep appreciation for diverse cuisines posed hurdles. Yet, amidst these challenges, I discovered a more stable routine during my second year in Canada. This period of stability allowed me to craft a sustainable regimen that harmonized with my lifestyle, enabling me to maintain a consistent commitment to a healthy life.

How do you balance your fitness goals with the demands of studying in a foreign country like Canada?

In the life of a student, the balancing act extends beyond academics. It involves navigating work responsibilities, embracing the challenges of independence, and determining the lifestyle one wishes to lead. Initially, enjoying the student life by going out with friends, however, in doing so, I neglected attention to my diet and exercise.

By the end of my first year I was unhappy and angry at myself.

Realizing the impact of this imbalance, by the end of 2022, I made a conscious decision to set forth goals for the upcoming year. My priority shifted towards fostering a healthier lifestyle, emphasizing adequate sleep, preparing nutritious meals, and dedicating more time to workouts. This decision required reshaping my busy student schedule to accommodate these essential elements.

Sacrifices were inevitable; social outings were reduced and even non-existent, and study time were reduced, and boundaries were set to complete assignments in the best effective way by using less time and resource possible for the second year. | 44

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Being from Mauritius and having traveled to North America as well as other countries, how have these diverse cultural experiences influenced your approach to fitness and well-being? Can you compare the local fitness scene in Canada to your experiences in other parts of the world? Glad if you can provide valuable insights.

For me, the world of fitness extends beyond diverse cultures; it's a realm that unites individuals worldwide, transcending geographical boundaries, all driven by the same passion. It's a platform that fosters friendships with like-minded individuals from various corners of the globe. In today's interconnected world, social media has facilitated universal access to a wealth of fitness information, creating a shared global conversation on health and well-being.

Yet, despite this universal connection through fitness, notable disparities exist in the educational systems across different countries. Having experienced the educational landscapes of France, the USA, and now Canada compared to Mauritius, I've come to recognize a significant contrast. One aspect that struck me is the potential for integrating sports as a pivotal component within the academic curriculum.

In my observation, Western academic systems emphasize the importance of sports, instilling values like teamwork, a healthy lifestyle, and the significance of physical activity, not solely focusing on academics. This integration seems a crucial element that could be adapted from the Western systems into Mauritius' educational framework, nurturing a more holistic development among students.

Having lived in Los Angeles, France, and now Canada, I've noticed distinctive differences, particularly in Canada's climate affecting outdoor fitness routines. Unlike locations where year-round outdoor activities are feasible, Canada's weather poses limitations. Certain sports and workouts aren't as accessible due to the colder climate, unlike the 365-day outdoor workout advantage present in some other regions.

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Many people struggle with motivation.

What advice can you offer to those looking to stay motivated on their fitness journey?

Maintaining motivation throughout a fitness journey can be a real challenge. The truth is, there will be days when motivation seems elusive. However, relying solely on motivation isn't always sufficient. My advice to anyone struggling in this regard is simple: grant yourself the opportunity to make the changes you aspire to achieve. I often encourage individuals to explore beyond mere motivation. Approach it like a new beginning. Embrace curiosity on those days when motivation is lacking. Challenge yourself to discover how far you can push your limits ­ whether it's testing endurance in a run, lifting more weight, or exploring the extent of your flexibility. One | 45 |

professor always told me to approach things by going with a mindset to have fun even if you feel its not.

The key lies in not waiting for motivation to strike. Recognize that this journey isn't solely about feeling motivated; it's about taking proactive steps towards the change you desire in your life, so it will take a lot of effort until it becomes natural and part of your life.

Acknowledge that every small step forward counts and every mistake is way to learn and not to fallback. Tell yourself, "Yes, I'm taking the first step towards becoming who I want to be." Commit to repeating this dedication every day.

Understand that progress doesn't always mean intense workouts daily. Some days might involve lighter exercises, but the crucial aspect is consistently showing up. It's about making the conscious choice to move forward in your journey of transformation rather than succumbing to the easier path.

This mindset shift-focusing on daily progress rather than waiting for bursts of motivation-is what defines a successful fitness journey. Embrace the concept of gradual improvement: tomorrow, aim to replicate today's effort; next week, strive to do a bit more, and anticipate that each month will outshine the last. It's about making a commitment to your growth and progression every single day.

“The key lies in not waiting for motivation to strike. Recognize that this journey isn't solely about feeling motivated; it's about taking proactive steps towards the change you desire in your life, so it will take a lot of effort until it becomes natural and part of your life.”

Could you share some insights into your daily diet and nutrition choices that contribute to your healthy lifestyle?

One of my primary challenges, given a busy schedule, has been carving out time for cooking. To tackle this, I set out on a mission to curate recipes that encompass quick preparation, ease, taste, and most important, nutritional value. Before diving into what I eat, I prioritize creating a meal plan. This strategy not only helps manage my budget but also provides a clear understanding of the time and preparations required for each meal, enhancing my efficiency in the kitchen.

Intermittent fasting has proven effective for me. Limiting my meals to a span of 8-10 hours has brought about a heightened sense of energy. This eating pattern aligns well with my schedule and allows for just two meals A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

within this time frame. When it comes to nutrition, my focus revolves around maximizing whole foods while minimizing processed ones, and I consciously keep sugar intake to a minimum. My go-to protein sources primarily include chicken, beef, and eggs due to their natural richness in this nutrient.

To avoid monotony, I prepare diverse marinades weekly, ensuring a variety of flavors. Eggs, prepared in different styles like Sunnyside, scrambled, or in omelette form, contribute significantly to my protein intake. Additionally, green vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, and green beans feature prominently in my diet, given their high fiber content, which helps in curbing appetite.

Mindful eating has become a significant practice for me, especially with numerous temptations around. It's a habit cultivated over time, allowing me to navigate my sweet tooth. Managing discipline by saying no to unnecessary indulgences has been a challenge, but I've found celebrating meals to be a helpful strategy.

Rather than a "cheat meal," I opt for a "celebration meal." This approach allows me to enjoy special moments or achievements, while being mindful of consuming only what's necessary, avoiding overindulgence.

In essence, the combination of meal planning, intermittent fasting, a focus on whole foods, diverse protein sources, and mindful eating forms the cornerstone of my approach to a healthy and balanced diet amidst a busy lifestyle.

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Can you tell us about any memorable fitnessrelated experiences or challenges you have faced during your fitness journey?

One of the most unforgettable moments in my fitness journey occurred back in 2018 when I embarked on my first weight loss journey. Over a span of four months, I managed to shed 25 kilograms. It was an incredible feeling of accomplishment, knowing that I achieved this transformation through my own research, dedication, and self-teaching, often relying on YouTube for workout guidance. Experiencing the sensation of taking charge and being accountable for my success was truly empowering.

However, amidst my successes, one significant challenge emerged during the onset of the pandemic. I found myself in a tough mental state, which led to regaining weight and losing much of the muscle I had worked diligently to build. Initially, I felt disheartened, believing that my five months of inactivity had nullified my progress. But I refused to let that setback define me. I took it upon myself to start anew, essentially beginning from ground zero.

To regain my foothold in a healthy lifestyle, I delved into finding home workout routines and exploring new hobbies that could help me maintain the right mindset. This phase prompted a deeper exploration into the psychological aspects of fitness and its vital role in overall wellbeing. Through this experience, I discovered the immense importance of mindset and mental resilience in sustaining a healthy lifestyle. | 46

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In essence, these contrasting experiences - the triumphant weight loss journey and the subsequent setback during the pandemic-taught me valuable lessons about personal accountability, resilience, and the significance of a strong mental outlook in maintaining a consistent and healthy lifestyle.

As a young man, what advice would you give to individuals looking to start their fitness journey but are not sure where to begin?

My advice is simple: don't wait for the perfect moment or someone else to motivate you. Define your goals clearly.

If your aim is weight loss, seek out the best resources available for you. Personally, YouTube became my gold mine. I vividly recall dedicating an entire day in December 2017 to immerse myself in weight loss research from various renowned YouTubers. I meticulously took notes on crucial information.

Utilizing these resources extended beyond research. At the gym, I'd watch workout videos to ensure I executed exercises with the best form and safety measures. This meticulous approach became the cornerstone of my first successful weight loss journey.

My message is this: take charge of your aspirations. Identify reliable sources, absorb knowledge, and apply it conscientiously. Waiting for the stars to align is unnecessary. Start with what you have, where you are, and with the resources available to you. One of my mentors always said "It is not about your resources, it is about your resourcefulness"

“My advice is simple: don't wait for the perfect moment or someone else to motivate you. Define your goals clearly. If your aim is weight loss, seek out the best resources available for you. Personally, YouTube became my gold mine.”

Many individuals seek inspiration from fitness role models. Are there any fitness personalities, books, or resources that have left a significant impact on your fitness journey?

I have a trio of favorite fitness YouTubers who have played pivotal roles in my fitness journey: Gravity Transformation, Athlean-X, and Caroline Girvan.

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Gravity Transformation, led by the Fat Loss Expert, provided a deep understanding of the science behind weight loss and fat reduction. Their insights and explanations were instrumental in shaping my approach towards shedding excess weight. Athlean-X has been an invaluable resource for enhancing my work out forms and transforming into a more athletically inclined indi| 47 |

vidual. The detailed instructions and guidance from Athlean-X significantly contributed to refining my exercise techniques.

Caroline Girvan, with her warm personality, offers a treasure trove of free workout videos designed for homebased exercises. Her YouTube channel became my go-to resource for convenient and effective home workouts.

Each of these YouTubers played a unique and crucial role in different stages of my fitness journey. Their diverse expertise, instructional content, and unwavering support through their channels have been instrumental in shaping my approach to fitness and well-being.

“Engaging in regular workouts has been instrumental in boosting my self-confidence. It has taught me the importance of self-initiated action and the necessity of unwavering belief in my goals, even when the journey gets tough.”

The benefits of fitness extend beyond physical health to mental well­ being. Can you share your experiences and insights into how fitness has contributed to improved mental clarity and overall happiness in your life?

Engaging in regular workouts has been instrumental in boosting my self-confidence. It has taught me the importance of self-initiated action and the necessity of unwavering belief in my goals, even when the journey gets tough. This process of consistent workouts has instilled in me the virtue of tackling challenges step by step, emphasizing the value of patience rather than seeking rapid solutions.

Moreover, the exhilarating rush experienced during workouts offers an incredible mental boost. It's a sensation that grounds me in the present moment, providing a temporary escape from external distractions. This heightened state of focus enables me to channel all my energies into the workout, allowing me to disconnect from any other thoughts or concerns.

As the new year approaches, setting fitnessrelated resolutions is a common practice. Do you personally make fitness resolutions, and if so, could you outline your fitness goals and aspirations for the upcoming year in detail?

This year, my fitness resolution revolves around striving for enhanced athleticism. I aim to push my boundaries by challenging my top speed, endurance, and explosiveness.

The aspiration is to push my mind and body beyond their current limits, exploring uncharted territories of strength and agility. It's about taking both my mental and physical faculties to heights they've never reached before.

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I FEEL LIKE A FAILURE

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was in a conversation with someone a few months ago, and the subject of failure came up. The person was enduring some circumstances in their life and was beating themselves up for the choices they made (or didn’t make) that landed them where they were. Throughout our conversation, I tried to explain to them that what they experienced wasn’t unique, because the enemy was using their circumstance as an opportunity to lie to them. I decided to share (for the 100th time) my experience with failure, hoping that it might bring some encouragement to those who might be struggling as well.

I once lived in a perpetual cycle of debt. Before I got my current job, I was in the freelancing world for about three years. I desired a world where I wouldn’t have to work for

anyone or be answerable to anyone.

If my client stressed me too much, I did not mind refunding their money, just so I could have my peace. But that lifestyle came with a whole lot of disadvantages, such as being broke, and borrowing money to alleviate the brokenness.

I was never the best when it came to managing finances. I and my brother were given the same opportunities, however, like the prodigal son, I was quick to squander my resources, thus, finding myself in the dire circumstances that I detested. The freelancing world was no easy feat.

Towards the end of 2022, I did not have any client, and hence no money.

Although my family stepped in because I had undergone a procedure and so they supported me in that season.

But thankfully, when January 2023

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came around, a client who had inquired about my services in August 2022, reached out to me and was ready to begin her project. This was the only client I had from January until August, and her bill was a little under 700K. With all my bills and perpetual gbese, it was hard to get by. It was as if whenever money came in (because my dad still supported me with a monthly allowance), I used it to payoff something I had borrowed from someone. I detested what lack of money had turned me into. I believe it to be a better situation if you’ve never had money, than when you’ve had it, and lost it. The thoughts of the “good ole days” are very taunting.

R I kept praying to God to bless me D with another client, or other opportunities to make money. My insecu- S rities also did not let me breathe in F | 48

the season I was in. Insecurities such as, disappointing my father after he had paid tuition in USD all those years for an engineering degree that I never used, sprang up from a deep place within my soul. I remember being very smart child growing up, but once I got into boarding school, I believe being in that system tainted my intelligence. Because I went there at such a young age. And without the guidance of those who are genuinely invested in your success, such as your parents, it was recipe for disaster, for me at least. In fact, one of my report cards read, “she sleeps too much.” (haha).

I struggled being in my secondary school at the time. From the abuse suffered under the hands of senior students, to being solely responsible for my educational success at the age of nine, I did not know what good was meant to come out that. It wasn’t until I was in my third year (JS 3), that I told my mother when she came visiting one Sunday that I no longer wanted to remain there.

Thankfully she listened. However, that lack of motivation to even study or to try to become something, wasn’t in me per se. So, it affected my performance in school, even up until the university level.

“As such I was terrified to come out to my parents with my struggles. Of course, you know how Nigerian parents were with formal education. I couldn’t say to them: I am struggling oh, I don’t think this field is truly for me. Thus, I kept hiding my failures.”

Chemical Engineering was so difficult for me to navigate. There were times when I tried to understand, R and I did okay, there were times when I did not put in any effort, and D I failed, and there were times when I S put my heart to it, and I did well.

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me not doing well in my first and second year in school, was going to affect my overall GPA, at the time of graduation.

As such I was terrified to come out to my parents with my struggles. Of course, you know how Nigerian parents were with formal education. I couldn’t say to them: I am struggling

oh, I don’t think this field is truly for me. Thus, I kept hiding my failures.

After college, a different type of struggle emerged. Just when I thought my painful past of differential equations and mass transfer were over, landing a job was a unique type of trouble that I did not know waited for me in front.

When the doors for jobs weren’t opening in the US, many advised for me to come back home, but I refused. I believed no one was going to hire me, I did not understand the engineering thing, and as such did not know what would become of my life.

My father on the other hand already had his grand plan for me. Come

back home, enter this bootcamp by Total Energies, in partnership with the University of Port Harcourt, and then secure a full-time job with them. One of my cousins got his job that way. I fought it. Partly because I knew that there was a great chance I wouldn’t excel, and partly because I desired to live in the US. So, I tried to make a life for myself in the US. Still, I couldn’t land any jobs. Even those who acted like there were going to hire me, ended up not hiring me. It got to a point when things became incredibly difficult that I began babysitting, and driving someone’s child to school, just so I could make ends meet. If my family had a clue of how hard I struggled, they would have come to get me. I however, acted as if all was well. And you know what that comes with now - you can’t be asking daddy for money. I felt like a failure, carrying these

insecurities with me over the years.

One thing I have come to know is that our struggles, and even insecurities are not novel. The enemy attacks most people, causing them to believe that they are failures, and they are the only ones who have “disgraced” their families. But we have a God, who teaches otherwise.

Who irrespective of our failures, and disgraceful behaviors, still beckons to us. In fact, before we went down the path of poor choices, He already knew, and like the father of the prodigal son, He waits to greet you, when you realize how far you have strayed and make the decision to return home.

Just because we are Christians, doesn’t mean we don’t have problems, failures, or insecurities. That is why Christ says come to me all you

who labor, and are heavy laden, and I would give you rest. Peter says, cast your cares on him, for he cares for you. We are frail, we make mistakes, we make poor decisions. We sin, we falter, and God knows all these things. That is why He sent Christ to die for us. Christ who is perfect, who can carry all our burdens, yet doesn’t fall because of the weight of them.

While I continued the hustle lifestyle in America, my I-20, which is a document for international students expired, my visa also expired, and I was there for two and half years out of status. This then ultimately led to my deportation. So, that thing which I was running away from in Nigeria, I had to go back and face it. And it wasn’t easy. At 29 years old, that was when I began NYSC, with those in their early 20s, who finished secondary school in 2012, nine years after I had finished.

I had to humble myself and go through that process which I dreaded. Then a friend introduced me to her boss who advised that I should go back to school and start over, if I wanted to break into the oil servicing or oil and gas industry at my age.

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In my mind I already believed that I was a failure, then the man confirmed it with his words. It shattered me. I ended up going to church after I left the man’s office. The pastor then got on stage and opened the service with, “God does not make failures.” He must have read my mind or seen me cry before arriving at church that Wednesday evening.

So, when those thoughts, which say to us: you are a failure, you will nev-

er amount to anything, Christ could never had died for a sinner like you, there is no point in you living, there is no point in you praying, your life is going to end up horribly anyway…

We should realize that those are lies from the enemy. And how can we dispel those lies? By fighting back with the word of God. When the enemy tempted Jesus, he responded with, “it is written.”

There is no other weapon for which we can dispel the enemy’s lies, except the word of God. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…”

“I’d be honest – if anyone had told me when the month of August began, that I was going to land a great job, be able to come out of debt, and be independent, I would have said, abeg, stop washing me.”

In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, the bible reveals that our problems are small and won’t last very long. And so, we should focus on the things we can’t see now, because what we see is temporal. And what we can’t see is eter-

nal. As such, don’t think that because you don’t possess certain skill sets, or because you didn’t land a job in the industry which you were supposed to as soon as you got out of school, that all hope is lost. Or that your mates are way ahead of you, or because you find yourself in a perpetual cycle of debt, that your life is always going to be that way. Well, without Christ, that could be a possibility. But with Christ, there is hope.

I’d be honest – if anyone had told me when the month of August began, that I was going to land a great job, be able to come out of debt, and be independent, I would have said, abeg, stop washing me. All these happened, but not without prayer.

Currently at my church, we are doing a series on prayer, and have a week of prayer coming up. I am so excited about this, because I know things began to shift in my life when I dedicated my heart to prayer when August began.

This life as the Holy scriptures teaches us, is not all that there is, one day we will be reunited with the Father, in a place where lack, debt, brokenness, sickness, violence, sexual immorality, death, and so on will cease to exist.

God has used my life experiences to grow my faith, refine me, discipline me, prune me, teach me contentment, teach me patience, and to trust Him whether I like where I am or not. So, I’d say, be faithful where you are, be content, trust in God, have faith in God, be patient, and don’t burden yourself about tomorrow.

“God has used my life experiences to grow my faith, refine me, discipline me, prune me, teach me contentment, teach me patience, and to trust Him whether I like where I am or not.”

At the beginning of August, something happened which caused me to run to God. I couldn’t turn to my family (even if I knew they would help) but because of shame, I kept it to myself. However, I searched scriptures (as usual) finding similar situations of God coming through for those who cried to Him. And so in my time of prayer, I would say: “God if you could see Hagar in her distress in the wilderness, or the widow who turned to Elisha in desperation because her late husband’s debtors were coming to capture her sons to work to pay their fathers debt, and if you are the same God, then you will also look upon me in my distress.”

And that was how everything changed. (I promise, I’d share the

story of how I landed my job very soon.)

I just kept trusting God, that the way things are now, is not how they will be forever. And even if things remained that way in my lifetime, the hope of the believer is not cut off, just because death has happened.

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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 Bank: First Bank Nigeria Account name: Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation Account number: 2015884815

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 studied Computer Science in the then Sheffield City Polytechnic now known as Hallam University, Sheffield, England. Worked in various capacities as an IT professional in leading multinational Oil and Gas, Insurance and Iron and Steel companies in Nigeria for 28 years cumulatively.

After a successful and rewarding career in the corporate arena, she took an early retirement and launched out to fulfil her entrepreneurial dream in real estate and retail management. As a real estate entrepreneur, she has made remarkable progress in development and management of properties. On the retail front, she runs a chain of interior decoration shops.

She is a practicing licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant and a certified Canadian Education Consultant and Foreign Student Recruiter for Canadian schools.

She is the CEO of Canada Outreach Immigration and Academic Consultancy, Managing Director of J-Three Sixteen Associates and Managing Director of Kay Kay Enterprise Interiors. She also serves on the Boards of a couple of christian and philanthropic organizations.

Blessed with five children, she enjoys playing the game of Golf. She served as a Lady Captain of IBB Golf and Country Club.

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She is a Christian with a deep passion and commitment to supporting Missions work and the under privileged. Ms Ketumi Alasa is also 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.

In loving memory of Deaconess Roseline Igbokwe, a Founding Trustee: November 2, 1965 - June 19, 2023. She was married to Pharmacist Samson M. Igbokwe, and together are blessed with five children.

She was 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 held 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.

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She was 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 was a Founding Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

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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.

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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.

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Charity to the less priviledged

Skills Acquisition programmes

Raise funds for the needy

Supporting the poor

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A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE