A few of the greatest lessons I have learned in life:

EVERYONE has an opinion.  NONE of them are right.

Being able to listen to all and believe NONE is a skill.  Truth works on its own time.  Otherwise, everyone would know it—which simply isn’t the case.

You have two ears and one mouth, therefore, listen twice as much as you talk.  You will grow wiser, faster.

The foolish young are idealistic know-it-alls whilst the wise elders are simply more practical.

Don't kid yourself.  But don't lose your inner child either.

Imagination is the creation-station relation.

The music you listen to is the soundtrack of your life.

Love is in the little things.

Fear is a projection of what is not KNOWN.

The heart reigns supreme when it is no longer foolish.

One who thinks themselves wise has a long way yet to go.  The road to wisdom has no end in sight.

What was noble yesterday has become nefarious today.  Nobility has a short life which requires continual renewal.

Where one fears to tread, someone has already traveled.  There is an example for every impossibility.

Bravery is earned through courageous choices. 

Freedom is an attitude.

Abuse is “inverted tolerance” of what you put up with in yourself.

Defeat is always optional.

"Why" is what you ask yourself.  "Who, what, when, where and how" is what you ask others.

Time is merely motion.  You don’t live BY it, you MAKE it.

A sharp tongue is equal only to a dull wit.

Unpleasant people are only required until you develop intolerance.

The law of thirds states that 1/3 of people (anything) are good, 1/3 are neutral and 1/3 are evil.  Who can say "I am all three at once!"?

Beauty is only eye deep.

Love is a series of the smallest actions, the tiniest notices and the realest moves.

I have many more hours in a day than most.  To rise early is an investment in your SELF.  It always pays over-time.

Freedom didn’t come until I lost control (the external world).  Then I found the power I was looking for (the internal world).
 
The sum of your human experience is where all elements meet.  The ground and the air.  The shore of water and earth.  The sunlight and your skin.  The mind and your heart.

The heart is the muscle of the mind.

Soul is something you develop over time.  It has no truer or greater expression than what makes YOU - unique to all else.

I do not OWN myself; I AM MY SELF.

To live YOUR purpose is to live ON PURPOSE.....

"In Ghana, our politicians fear court a lot, but in Nigeria, politicians will encourage you to go to court because they can bribe Nigerian judges."

~ John Dumelo

SIR, LEADERSHIP COMES WITH CRITICISM

A MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO SMK

Dear Distinguished Leader,

Your passion, resilience, and commitment to Southern Kaduna and Nigeria as a whole are deeply appreciated. But as you continue to lead with vision and dedication, please be reminded that criticism is a natural part of Leadership not a sign of failure, but a sign of relevance.

Even our Lord Jesus Christ, who performed miracles and preached love, was not free from critics. Despite healing the sick and feeding the multitudes, some still shouted Crucify Him. If the perfect One faced rejection, we must understand that no matter how good a Leader tries to be, he can never satisfy everyone.

Do not be discouraged by harsh words or misunderstandings. Let every criticism, even the unfair ones, strengthen your resolve. True Leadership is tested by how one handles opposition. In fact, the absence of criticism might mean nothing meaningful is happening.

Sir, your ability to endure, reflect, and keep moving forward in the face of criticism will only make your legacy stronger. Keep working, keep believing, and keep leading not to please men, but to serve your purpose and make a lasting impact.

Critics may be loud, but your results will always speak louder.
Sign Comr Sunday Esua #Bright Future to Southern Kaduna, Nigeria
Kaduna Political Affairs
Come to Southern Kaduna
Midat Joseph
GURARA FORUM
Inside Kaduna

*THE RESTORER'S DAILY GUIDE*

DATE: WEDNESDAY 16TH JULY 2025

THEME: *POSITION FOR YOUR DESIRED CHANGE*

MEMORIZE
2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

READ
Genesis 21:1-6
And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.
For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.
And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.
And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
*Change is the only permanent story on earth.*

MESSAGE
One of the greatest lessons of life is the fact that "Nothing on earth remains the same forever; everything is subject to change with time."

*Change is the only permanent story on earth.*

This is why you should never give up in any situation; because sooner or later, that situation will change.
Father Abraham and Mother Sarah waited for several years for a child until all hope seemed gone. God showed up for them at the end of the tunnel and their story was changed. To somebody reading this piece, YOUR STORY IS ABOUT TO CHANGE IN A HURRY in Jesus name.

I prophesy to you today that YOUR WAITING SEASON will be turned into a HAPPENING SEASON WITH TESTIMONIES in Jesus' name.

*ENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOU TODAY*
1. Don't give up no matter what you may be going through now. DIVINE silence is not divine absence.
2. No matter how long you have to wait, it will be worth all the waiting when God shows up for you. So wait a little more.
3. God has not abandoned you to sort out the issues of your life alone. He is at work in your life even if you can't perceive Him.

*Our circumstances do not spell doom, but an unbiblical approach in handling them does.*
*What the enemy is doing is not the issue. Your response is the issue.*

Things change positively in our favour when our approach and response to issues are in line with God's Word. However, everything takes the worst turn and also lingers when our approach is carnal and unbiblical.

Watch and pray always.

ACTION STEPS
1. Consider all your past trials and how God broke through for you; and be encouraged. This present situation will also come to an end very soon!
2. Refuse to negotiate retreat with the enemy over your destiny. It is too late to turn back.
3. Take some days off work to seek the face of God in prayers and fasting for a drastic change in your life.

PRAYERS
Dear heavenly Father, Thank you for today's devotional guide. Oh, LORD GOD of HOST arise set me at safety from my strong enemies. Send me encouragement to boost my Faith for continuity in my walk with you in Jesus name.

REMEMBER
*Change is the only permanent story on earth.*

AUTHOR: JEDIDIAH DAVID

DAILY READING: 1Chronicles 29; Colossians 1-4;

HYMN
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one ! no, not one !
None else could heal all our soul's diseases,
No, not one ! no, not one !

Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done ;
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one ! no, not one !

2
No friend like Him is so high and holy,
No, not one ! no, not one !
And yet no friend is so meek and lowly,
No, not one ! no, not one !

3
There's not an hour that He is not near us,
No, not one ! no, not one !
No night so dark but His love can cheer us,
No, not one ! no, not one !

4
Did ever saint find this Friend forsake him ?
No, not one ! no, not one !
Or sinner find that He would not take him ?
No, not one ! no, not one !

5
Was e'er a gift like the Saviour given ?
No, not one ! no, not one !
Will He refuse us a home in heaven ?
No, not one ! no, not one !

PLEASE SHARE

HEALTH TIPS FOR TODAY
1. Start your day with a glass of water.
Your body goes quite a few hours without hydration as you sleep. Drinking a full glass of water in the morning can aid digestion, flush out toxins, enhance skin health and give you an energy boost.

2. Begin with something positive.
Wake up and do something that inspires you like journaling, walking in nature, or other hobbies. Whether it’s productive or relaxing, beginning your morning on the right foot can cultivate a positive mindset and set the tone for the entire day.

3. Get plenty of sleep.
Sleep is just as important as eating healthy and exercising. From improving your productivity and concentration to helping support your overall health, getting the recommended hours of sleep per night can have a major impact on your wellbeing.i

4. Get some fresh air.
Whether you get outside for some exercise or to read a book in the sunshine, you should take at least 30 minutes a day to get some vitamin D.

5. Get moving throughout the day.
Try the stairs instead of the elevator, take short walks around your office or ride a bike instead of driving. Vigorous exercise is essential but moving throughout the day will keep you energized, as well as benefit your mind and body.

6. Track your steps.
Tracking your steps will help you see how much you’ve actually moved throughout the day and may even encourage you to challenge yourself to reach a certain amount of steps every day.

7. Give your eyes a rest.
Eyes become easily strained when you’re constantly focused on your computer screen. Reduce the risk of tired eyes by looking away from your computer for at least 20 seconds in 20-minute intervals.

8. Eat real food.
Real food is whole, single-ingredient foods that are unprocessed and free of additives. Incorporating these foods into your day can help improve your health, manage your weight and give you energy.

9. Snack smart.
It’s easy to mindlessly snack throughout the day, so make sure your snack choices aren’t weighing you down. Mixed nuts, veggies, Greek yogurt or even a piece of dark chocolate are all great options that will keep you feeling satisfied.

10. Take your vitamins.
Multivitamins contain vitamins and minerals that are essential to your health. No matter how healthy you eat or what diet you follow, it can be difficult for your body to get all of the nutrients it needs from food. Research your options and find a multivitamin that fits your needs and supports your health.

11. Get some alone time.
Spending time alone can be extremely beneficial for your mental health. Get to know yourself, figure out what you want and start living your most purposeful life.

12. Try something new.
Join a book club, sign up for a class, start cooking. Try something new at least once a month. Making a point to keep learning throughout your life can keep your mind lively and engaged.

13. Schedule your appointments.
Visit your dentist twice a year, make sure you’re getting those annual checkups at the doctor and schedule the recommended screenings for your age group. Make your health a number one priority.

14. Make time for your friends and family.
Spending time with your friends and family may not seem like a top wellness tip but it is vital. Humans are social beings and rely on other humans to maintain their mental, emotional and physical help. Setting time aside to spend with your loved ones can help relieve stress, increase self-esteem and lead you to make more positive choices.

15. Take care of your skin.
Building a daily skin care routine can help you maintain overall skin health or improve concerns like acne, scarring or dark spots. Find a cleanser, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen and give your skin the love it deserves.

16. Limit blue light before bed.
The blue light emitted by your tech devices may be the cause of those restless nights. Put your phone or laptop away at least an hour before bed to set yourself up for a good night of sleep.

17. Manage your money.
Money worries are oftentimes a big source of stress for some people. Saving for the future, home mortgages and paying off loans—it all adds up. Create a priority list for yourself and determine a realistic budget to provide yourself some relief.

18. Practice gratitude.
Oftentimes, we tend to focus on what we’re lacking in life instead of focusing on the things that we do have. Start measuring your worth by your successes rather than your deficits by keeping track of the things that go well in your life.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be a daunting task. These wellness tips are small steps you can take to make big changes in your life.

*Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for Physicians of Natural Medicine*

*Key Advantages of CPD for NCPNM Registered Professional Members*

1. *Upholding Professional Standards*

CPD ensures that Practitioners stay current with the *Latest Global and Indigenous Knowledge* in Natural Medicine. It supports the Council’s goal of promoting *Safe, Effective, and Ethical Practices* in line with Nigerian and international expectations.

2. *Regulatory Compliance and License Renewal*

* CPD participation is a key requirement for *License Renewal*, Certification Upgrades, and Professional revalidation by the *NCPNM* .
* It affirms adherence to Council guidelines, health regulations, and National laws governing Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

3. *Enhanced Clinical and Diagnostic Skills*

* Builds competencies in *African Traditional Medicine*, Herbal Therapies, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, and other Holistic Modalities.
* Improves *Clinical Reasoning, Diagnosis, and Patient Management*, particularly in treating Endemic Health Challenges in Nigeria (e.g., Malaria, Diabetes, Hypertension).

4. *Public Trust and Professional Image*

* CPD involvement demonstrates a Physician's *dedication to excellence*, increasing public confidence in the profession.
* Strengthens the Council’s vision of building a cadre of *Credible and Competent Natural Medicine Professionals* across the Country and the World at large.

5. *Promotion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems*

* Encourages Documentation, Research, and Modernization of Our *rich ethnomedicinal heritage*.
* Facilitates the integration of indigenous Natural Medicine into Primary Healthcare Systems.

6. *Networking and Interprofessional Collaboration*

* CPD events foster *Interdisciplinary Connections* among Natural Medicine Practitioners, Nutraceutical Scientists, Researchers, and Biomedical professionals.
* Expands referral Networks and promotes unified advocacy for recognition and inclusion in National Health Policy.

7. *Support for Innovation and Entrepreneurship*

* Encourages exploration of *Natural Health Product Development*, Wellness centers, and Preventive Medicine Models.
* Offers insights into Business Development, Medical Ethics, Branding, and Digital Health.

*Core Values Reinforced by CPD under NCPNM*

1. *Integrity*: *CPD* instills Ethical Awareness and Promotes transparent, responsible healthcare delivery.

2. *Excellence*: Encourages Mastery in Natural Medicine Techniques and evidence-informed practice.

3. *Service to Humanity*: Reinforces the role of Natural Medicine in promoting Community Health and Disease Prevention.

4. *Cultural Respect*: Strengthens Practitioners’ understanding of the value of Nigeria’s Traditional Healing Systems.

5. *Leadership*: Prepares Physicians to take on Advocacy, Education, and Leadership roles in Healthcare Reform.

By promoting active engagement in CPD, the *Nigerian Council of Physicians of Natural Medicine* strengthens its mission to:

* *Protect Public health*
* *Elevate The Status* of Natural Medicine in Nigeria
* *Support Lifelong Learning* among practitioners
* *Promote Scientific Research* and Integration of traditional knowledge

*Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for Physicians of Natural Medicine*

*Key Advantages of CPD for NCPNM Registered Professional Members*

1. *Upholding Professional Standards*

CPD ensures that Practitioners stay current with the *Latest Global and Indigenous Knowledge* in Natural Medicine. It supports the Council’s goal of promoting *Safe, Effective, and Ethical Practices* in line with Nigerian and international expectations.

2. *Regulatory Compliance and License Renewal*

* CPD participation is a key requirement for *License Renewal*, Certification Upgrades, and Professional revalidation by the *NCPNM* .
* It affirms adherence to Council guidelines, health regulations, and National laws governing Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

3. *Enhanced Clinical and Diagnostic Skills*

* Builds competencies in *African Traditional Medicine*, Herbal Therapies, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, and other Holistic Modalities.
* Improves *Clinical Reasoning, Diagnosis, and Patient Management*, particularly in treating Endemic Health Challenges in Nigeria (e.g., Malaria, Diabetes, Hypertension).

4. *Public Trust and Professional Image*

* CPD involvement demonstrates a Physician's *dedication to excellence*, increasing public confidence in the profession.
* Strengthens the Council’s vision of building a cadre of *Credible and Competent Natural Medicine Professionals* across the Country and the World at large.

5. *Promotion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems*

* Encourages Documentation, Research, and Modernization of Our *rich ethnomedicinal heritage*.
* Facilitates the integration of indigenous Natural Medicine into Primary Healthcare Systems.

6. *Networking and Interprofessional Collaboration*

* CPD events foster *Interdisciplinary Connections* among Natural Medicine Practitioners, Nutraceutical Scientists, Researchers, and Biomedical professionals.
* Expands referral Networks and promotes unified advocacy for recognition and inclusion in National Health Policy.

7. *Support for Innovation and Entrepreneurship*

* Encourages exploration of *Natural Health Product Development*, Wellness centers, and Preventive Medicine Models.
* Offers insights into Business Development, Medical Ethics, Branding, and Digital Health.

*Core Values Reinforced by CPD under NCPNM*

1. *Integrity*: *CPD* instills Ethical Awareness and Promotes transparent, responsible healthcare delivery.

2. *Excellence*: Encourages Mastery in Natural Medicine Techniques and evidence-informed practice.

3. *Service to Humanity*: Reinforces the role of Natural Medicine in promoting Community Health and Disease Prevention.

4. *Cultural Respect*: Strengthens Practitioners’ understanding of the value of Nigeria’s Traditional Healing Systems.

5. *Leadership*: Prepares Physicians to take on Advocacy, Education, and Leadership roles in Healthcare Reform.

By promoting active engagement in CPD, the *Nigerian Council of Physicians of Natural Medicine* strengthens its mission to:

* *Protect Public health*
* *Elevate The Status* of Natural Medicine in Nigeria
* *Support Lifelong Learning* among practitioners
* *Promote Scientific Research* and Integration of traditional knowledge

How Buhari’s Military Coup Saved Oba Sikiru Adetona from fellow Ijebu Governor

On November 23, 1981, Governor Victor Olabisi Onabanjo of Ogun State signed a formal order suspending Oba Sikiru Adetona from office as the Awujale of Ijebuland until further notice. However, it soon turned to a deposition, and the removal was scheduled to take effect on January 2, 1984.

But the Muhammadu Buhari coup of December 31, 1983, which toppled President Shehu Shagari's civilian government, halted the plan. Buhari’s intervention inadvertently preserved the Awujale’s reign for the next 41 years.

By the early 1980s, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, and Governor Victor “Bisi” Onabanjo, both sons of Ijebu, had entered a tense phase. The foundation had been set years earlier, when Adetona had generously assisted Onabanjo during his illness and even provided accommodation and support while he studied in London. Yet as politics took centre stage, friendship gave way to rivalry, and personal ire would lead to a constitutional crisis.

In August 1981, Oba Adetona wrote to the governor notifying him of his upcoming trip to London for medical reasons, including his overseas address and phone number, purely informative, not requesting permission. Onabanjo replied, demanding more details of the trip and the health grounds, apparently implying that it needed his approval.

Oba Adetona bristled, reminding him that his letter was purely a courtesy update and that, as a traditional monarch, he did not require permission to travel. Defiant, he departed anyway, changing his phone number to avoid further contact.

On November 23, 1981, Governor Onabanjo issued a proclamation suspending the Awujale from office, an unprecedented move. He established a Commission of Inquiry under Justice Solomon O. Sogbetun to investigate Oba Adetona’s perceived insubordination and administrative conduct.

True to the governor’s intentions, the commission reported unfavourably, and by early 1982, the Awujale was formally deposed by the Ogun State Executive Council.

Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona mounted a legal challenge against the Ogun State Government, contesting the validity of the Sogbetun Commission of Inquiry, which had recommended his deposition. His legal team was formidable, led by none other than Chief F.R.A. Williams, one of Nigeria’s greatest legal minds, and supported by Chief Sina Odedina, a prominent Ijebu lawyer.

As the case made its way through the courts, political events moved with dramatic speed. Governor Bisi Onabanjo, the man who had orchestrated the deposition, was re-elected and sworn in for a second term on October 1, 1983. For a time, it appeared that the Awujale’s fate had been sealed.

But destiny, always patient, waited quietly in the wings.

Just two months and 30 days later, on December 31, 1983, the Nigerian Second Republic collapsed in a swift military coup. In a broadcast, Brigadier Sani Abacha announced the takeover of the government by the military. The democratically elected administration of President Shehu Shagari was overthrown, and Major-General Muhammadu Buhari assumed the role of Head of State.

In Ogun State, Brigadier Oladipo Diya, a fellow Ijebu son from Odogbolu, was appointed the new Military Governor. The terrain had shifted.

Then, in 1984, the defining moment arrived.

Justice Kolawole of the Ogun State High Court delivered a landmark judgment. The court nullified the findings of the Sogbetun Commission and ruled that Oba Adetona’s deposition was unlawful. It ordered his immediate reinstatement to the stool of the Awujale of Ijebuland.

The military administration of Brigadier Diya, rather than appeal the ruling, respected the court’s decision. Without drama or delay, the judgment was enforced. And thus, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona returned to his throne in Ijebu Ode—restored, vindicated, and unbroken.

The monarch who had been deposed returned not in disgrace, but in quiet triumph. Like a cat with nine lives, he resumed his place not only as a custodian of tradition, but as a symbol of endurance, dignity, and the power of lawful resistance.

From that moment, a new era began: an era that would span decades, as Oba Adetona continued to reign with wisdom, courage, and conviction. The scars of 1981 remained, but they became part of a larger story, one of resilience in the face of injustice, and of a king who refused to be cowed.

Over the next 41 years, until his transition on July 13, 2025, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona would go on to become one of Nigeria’s longest-serving monarchs, revered across the nation not only for his longevity, but for the strength of his character and the example he set.