"All Fingers Are Not Equal—A Mental Health Lesson for Nigerians" In the picture attached, 3 measuring tapes are placed side by side. All are meant to measure the same thing—but look closely. The starting points are not aligned. Even though they are designed for the same purpose, their results will always differ because they don’t start from the same place. This image teaches us a powerful life lesson, especially about mental health and personal struggles. 🏮The Nigerian Reality: The Pressure of Comparison: In Nigeria today, people constantly compare themselves with others. "My mate has built a house; why haven’t I?" "She has two cars, and I’m still trekking." "Look at his business booming, and mine is crawling." We forget that everyone's starting point is different. Just like the measuring tapes in the picture, some people start life with better opportunities, resources, or support systems, while others face setbacks from day one. 🏮Mental Health and Silent Battles: Many Nigerians suffer silently because of these unfair comparisons. They fall into depression, anxiety, or self-doubt, forgetting that: Some people are battling illnesses you can’t see. Some are healing from emotional wounds you don’t know about. Some are fighting family problems, financial hardships, or traumas quietly. Key Message: “All Fingers Are Not Equal” Just like fingers on the hand, no two lives are the same. 🏮 Accept your journey. Don’t measure your success with someone else’s ruler. Focus on personal growth, not competition. Seek help when you’re mentally overwhelmed. (It’s not weakness—it’s wisdom.) 🏮 A Call to Action Dear Nigerians, let’s normalize: Talking about mental health without shame. Supporting each other without judgment. Understanding that life’s measurements are never the same for everyone. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. Be kind to yourself. Your race is unique. #MentalHealthAwarenessNigeria #AllFingersAreNotEqual #MentalHealthMatters #StopTheComparison #SeekHelpWhenNeeded

IMPORTANCE OF SAYING SORRY IN A RELATIONSHIP AND MARRIAGE WHEN YOU ARE WRONG Apologizing is an essential part of maintaining a healthy, strong, and resilient relationship or marriage. It serves as a bridge to healing, restoring trust, and building a deeper connection with your partner. Here’s why saying sorry is so important: WHY APOLOGIZE? 🤔 1. Acknowledges hurt or wrongdoing An apology signals that you recognize the pain or harm caused by your actions, showing that you care about how your partner feels. 2. Shows empathy and understanding It reflects an understanding of your partner's perspective and emotions, demonstrating that you value their feelings. 3. Diffuses tension and conflict Apologizing helps to de-escalate difficult situations, calming emotions and clearing the air for healthy communication. 4. Rebuilds trust and credibility A sincere apology demonstrates your willingness to take responsibility for your actions, which helps rebuild lost trust and re-establish credibility in your relationship. 5. Demonstrates accountability and responsibility Apologizing shows you are accountable for your actions, accepting responsibility rather than deflecting blame. 6. Encourages forgiveness and healing Saying sorry opens the door to forgiveness, allowing both partners to move forward and heal together. 7. Strengthens communication and intimacy Apologizing fosters open, honest conversations, deepening emotional intimacy and mutual understanding. 8. Sets a positive example for conflict resolution By apologizing, you teach the importance of humility, reconciliation, and healthy conflict resolution to others, especially children or those observing your relationship. Follow this channel ✅ https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vak8fCV9xVJbSFCiGN1K BENEFITS OF APOLOGIZING 🥰 1. Reduces stress and anxiety Apologies clear the air, easing emotional tension and creating a more peaceful environment. 2. Increases feelings of love and affection A heartfelt apology can rekindle affection, making your partner feel valued and loved, even after a disagreement. 3. Improves communication and understanding Apologizing encourages open dialogue and helps both partners understand each other better, leading to stronger communication. 4. Enhances relationship satisfaction Relationships where apologies are given sincerely are more likely to be fulfilling and positive. 5. Encourages personal growth and self-awareness Apologizing invites self-reflection, allowing both partners to learn from their mistakes and grow individually and together. 6. Fosters a culture of respect and empathy By apologizing, you reinforce a culture where mutual respect and empathy thrive, making the relationship a safe space for both partners. 7. Helps to avoid resentment and anger Avoiding the “silent treatment” or holding grudges, a genuine apology helps to prevent negative emotions from building up over time. 8. Promotes a healthier and happier relationship Relationships that feature regular, honest apologies are healthier and more likely to be enduring because they are rooted in love and respect. HOW TO APOLOGIZE EFFECTIVELY 🙏 4 1. Use the "3 Rs" of apology: Regret, Responsibility, and Remedy Regret the hurt caused, take responsibility for your actions, and suggest a remedy for moving forward. 2. Be sincere and genuine in your apology Authenticity is key. A half-hearted apology can often do more harm than good. 3. Listen actively to your partner's concerns Give your partner space to express their feelings and truly listen without interrupting or defending yourself. 4. Validate your partner's feelings and experiences Acknowledge that your partner's feelings are valid, even if you didn’t intend to hurt them. 5. Offer a specific solution or plan for change Demonstrate your commitment to improving by offering a clear solution or changes you’ll make moving forward. 6. Follow through on your commitments An apology is only meaningful if it’s backed up by action. Ensure that you take steps to avoid repeating the same mistake. 7. Show empathy and understanding Show that you truly understand how your actions have impacted your partner, not just in words but in actions as well. 8. Be patient and open to feedback Healing takes time. Be patient with your partner and open to hearing how they feel, even if it takes time to forgive. TIPS FOR MEN 🤜🤛 1. Swallow your pride and admit fault It takes strength to admit when you’re wrong. Let go of your ego to foster a deeper connection. 2. Use "I" statements to take ownership Phrases like “I am sorry for…” rather than “You made me do…” put the responsibility on you. 3. Avoid making excuses or justifying Resist the urge to explain away the mistake. Just apologize and focus on your partner’s feelings. 4. Show vulnerability and emotional intelligence Being open about your emotions builds trust and shows that you care about your partner's feelings. 5. Be willing to make amends Your partner should feel that your apology is sincere, so be prepared to make real changes if necessary. TIPS FOR WOMEN 👗 1. Communicate clearly and assertively Share your feelings honestly and directly, avoiding passive-aggressive behavior or withholding. 2. Specify what you need from your partner Let your partner know what will help resolve the issue or what you need moving forward. 3. Avoid being critical or judgmental Offer a soft, loving approach when addressing the issue, rather than criticizing or pointing fingers. 4. Show appreciation for your partner's apology When your partner apologizes, acknowledge their effort and express gratitude for their sincerity. 5. Encourage open and honest communication Foster a space where both partners can freely express their feelings without fear of judgment. WHEN TO APOLOGIZE 🤝 1. After a conflict or argument Don’t wait for too long to apologize. Address the issue as soon as possible to prevent lingering resentment. 2. When you've hurt or offended your partner If your words or actions have caused pain, it’s important to recognize that and apologize immediately. 3. When you've made a mistake or error A simple acknowledgment that you were wrong goes a long way in healing wounds. 4. When you've broken a promise or commitment If you’ve failed to keep your word, apologize and demonstrate that you can be trusted moving forward. 5. When you've disregarded your partner's feelings Apologizing when you’ve been insensitive shows respect for your partner's emotional well-being. Saying sorry isn’t just about saying words; it’s about understanding, acknowledging, and healing. By apologizing effectively, you strengthen your relationship, deepen trust, and build a stronger foundation for the future.

TALK FOR THE TODAY (Please Read &Share) 8+8+8 RULES TO BALANCE LIFE The 8+8+8 rule offers a balanced approach to managing daily life. By allocating time into three 8-hour blocks, individuals can prioritize: 1. Work (8 hours): Focus on professional or personal projects, ensuring productivity and career growth. 2. Good Sleep (8 hours): Prioritize rest and rejuvenation for physical and mental health. 3. Personal Time (8 hours): Divide this into three aspects: - 3F - Family, Friends, and Faith: Strengthen relationships, nurture connections, and explore spirituality. - 3H - Health, Hygiene, and Hobbies: Maintain physical well-being, practice self-care, and enjoy personal interests. - 3S - Soul, Service, and Smile: Cultivate inner peace, engage in community service, and spread positivity. This framework encourages: - Balance: Allocate time effectively across different areas of life. - Self-care: Prioritize physical, emotional, and mental well-being. - Relationships: Nurture connections with loved ones and build meaningful relationships. - Personal growth: Pursue hobbies, interests, and spiritual growth. By embracing the 8+8+8 rule, individuals can create a more balanced, fulfilling, and purposeful life.

Can this happen in Nigeria? Since 2012, Brazil has implemented a program known as "Remission for Reading," which allows prisoners to reduce their sentences by reading books and writing reports. For each approved book report, inmates can have four days deducted from their sentence, with a maximum of 12 books per year, totaling up to 48 days annually. The program aims to promote literacy, critical thinking, and personal development among inmates, facilitating their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Participants select books from the prison library, which includes materials in Braille, audiobooks, and foreign languages to accommodate diverse needs. After reading, inmates have 10 days to write a review demonstrating their understanding of the text. These reviews are evaluated by a commission comprising educators, librarians, and civil society representatives. This initiative has been recognized for its positive impact on inmates' lives, offering them a constructive way to reduce their sentences while fostering personal growth and reducing recidivism. Me: This is what is called correctional or reformational or rehabilitation center. #prison #CorrectionalFacilities #highlights

Hello GADA Family, It's Friday and I am so excited. This is a gentle reminder that we've made it through another week of showing up, doing our best and learning through it all. Whether you're managing a team, running a business, or building your career one day at a time, take a moment to breathe and reflect. - How did you lead this week? - How did you show up for yourself, not just your work? I believe in working with excellence and heart. Leadership isn't just about titles, it's about how we carry ourselves, how we treat others and how we honour our personal growth while pursuing professional goals. So today, pause and celebrate: 😍 The grace you extended to others and yourself 😍 The quiet strength behind every task you completed 😍The boundaries you protected. While we are celebrating the official launching of GADA Platform online, let this weekend be a soft reset. Reset. Reflect. Reconnect with your "Why" because next week, we rise again, grounded, focused and full of promises. Selah! Regina Edem Employee Relation Personnel

WHY IT IS MORE EXPENSIVE TO BE POOR THAN TO BE RICH Many people don’t realize just how costly it is to be poor… Very, very expensive! Being poor is not just a lack of money—it’s a lifestyle filled with penalties, mark-ups, and quiet suffering. Let’s break it down: Imagine someone struggling financially buying 5 cups of rice every two days for ₦2,000. Meanwhile, another person buys a whole bag for ₦80,000. Now, do the math: Over time, that first person ends up spending over ₦100,000 for the same quantity of rice! The rich buy in bulk while the poor pay in pieces. Poverty forces people to spend more for less, just to survive day-to-day. It's not just about money—it's a cycle that punishes the most vulnerable for not having enough in the first place. Here are some examples to illustrate this: 1. A low-income earner may buy a cheap dress for ₦4,000. It’s poorly stitched with low-quality fabric. After 2–3 washes, it fades, and the seams tear, forcing them to return to the market. They may end up purchasing the same type of dress 5 times in a year, totaling ₦20,000. In contrast, someone else may invest in a custom-made, high-quality outfit for ₦18,000 once—a durable, classic piece that lasts, allowing them to still wear it confidently the following year. 2. The same goes for shoes: A person might buy “affordable” flats for ₦3,500 every two months because they wear out easily. That’s over ₦20,000 a year. A better-made pair for ₦12,000 could last an entire year or more! 3. A mother working two minimum-wage jobs can’t afford a car, so she spends hours waiting for public transport in rain, snow, and sun—time that could be spent resting, upskilling, or with her children. She can’t afford to buy groceries in bulk, leading to higher costs per meal. She can't afford quality healthcare, so a small untreated illness becomes a major emergency. Needing to support her family, she goes to work sick, delaying her recovery and worsening her condition.😭 4. When it comes to wigs, if someone buys ₦5,000 synthetic wigs 6 times a year, that amounts to ₦30,000. Investing once in a ₦25,000 quality wig can last much longer. 5. Nutrition is another aspect to consider. Eating cheap can be double-edged: Every morning, quick, cheap options like akara and puff puff may seem convenient, but by age 40, diabetes or cancer may set in, leading to thousands spent on treatments, medications, and hospital bills. 😭 This cycle of poor nutrition, high stress, and lack of preventive care results in higher long-term medical costs, often paid out-of-pocket. 6. Sadly, there are tragic stories too: Parents who lost a child because they couldn't afford ₦5,000 for needed medications; a man who lost his pregnant wife due to an inability to pay for a necessary operation; or Mrs. Jose, who had to live in a hazardous environment due to limited finances, leading to her daughters being abducted and assaulted.😭 7. Poor individuals often spend more time commuting on unreliable public transportation and have to juggle multiple jobs or gigs, increasing stress and reducing opportunities for rest or personal growth. 8. A low-income family might take payday loans with sky-high interest just to keep their lights on, spending months paying it back. On the other hand, a wealthy person borrows at lower interest rates to invest in opportunities that increase their wealth. This is why a corrupt government may prefer its citizens to remain poor—because they profit more from poverty than prosperity. Cheap choices today can ultimately cost you your life tomorrow. The moral of the story? Poverty is expensive. It forces people to “get by” until they end up spending more for less. This is why empowerment and financial access matter; true savings lie in quality, not constant replacements. Being poor limits your choices, and those limitations create a cycle of additional costs—often making day-to-day living more expensive than it is for someone who has the means to plan, invest, and save. Don’t give up. Don’t count yourself out. There’s strength in perseverance. Learn to make money, manage your money, and grow your money. Pray for financial abundance, and it shall be well with you. The same God who turned water into wine can turn your nothing into something. May God help us all to find the right empowerment and finances that elevate us from poverty. 🙏

Honesty encompasses being truthful, sincere, and free from deceit in one's words, actions, and overall conduct. It involves not only telling the truth but also having integrity and acting fairly. Honesty is a fundamental aspect of building trust and maintaining healthy relationships. Key aspects of honesty: Truthfulness: Honesty means speaking the truth and avoiding lies or deception. Integrity: It involves maintaining ethical principles and acting with sincerity in all situations. Fairness: Honesty also implies treating others justly and avoiding bias or prejudice. Self-awareness: Being honest with oneself is crucial for personal growth and building confidence. Trust and respect: Honesty is essential for fostering trust and respect in social interactions. Foundation for progress: Honesty is vital for individual and societal progress, as dishonesty can lead to problems and hinder development.

If you’re someone who deeply self-reflects, you need to be very aware of something crucial for which most people are not aware of., ... Most people project! This is an incredibly important awareness to cultivate because you might mistakenly self-reflect on their projections, thinking that they, too, are engaging in honest introspection. You can easily get lost in this confusing loop of self-questioning, often based on people gaslighting you or subtly inducing self-doubt, simply because they are unwilling or unable to turn the mirror toward themselves. So, before you consider what someone else says to you about yourself, first of all, be absolutely sure that it comes from a person who is not only able to take accountability for themselves, but is also genuinely in the state of mind of trying to understand you, rather than judge. Understand that many people are not willing to confront their own flaws or turn the mirror to themselves. They don't care if they induce self-doubt and mental fog in you, as long as it helps them get away from their own wrong-doing. Not to forget those who know you are someone who self-reflects, and are simply using that very quality against you to manipulate you. Self-awareness is beautiful, a powerful tool for personal growth. But that being said, external awareness—awareness of others' patterns and intentions—is just as important, if not more so, in order not to fall into other people's toxic traps. This commitment to truth, even when uncomfortable, allows you to live with unfiltered emotions and clarity. #UnfilteredEmotions #MyxUsama #SelfReflection #NoProjection #AwarenessIsPower #Gaslighting #ProtectYourPeace #MentalClarity #EmotionalIntelligence #TrustYourself

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FATHER IN A FAMILY: PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Providing financial support 2. Emotional guidance and support 3. Disciplining and setting boundaries 4. Role-modeling values and behavior 5. Protecting and ensuring family safety EMOTIONAL SUPPORT: 1. Listening and validating feelings 2. Offering comfort and reassurance 3. Encouraging open communication 4. Supporting partner's emotional needs 5. Modeling healthy emotional expression DISCIPLINE AND GUIDANCE: 1. Setting clear expectations and rules 2. Teaching life skills and values 3. Encouraging responsibility and independence 4. Modeling respectful communication 5. Providing constructive feedback FINANCIAL PROVISION: 1. Managing household finances 2. Providing for family's basic needs 3. Planning for future financial security 4. Saving for children's education 5. Ensuring family's economic stability ROLE-MODELING: 1. Demonstrating integrity and honesty 2. Modeling respectful relationships 3. Teaching respect for authority 4. Encouraging physical and mental well-being 5. Embodying values and principles PARENTING PARTNERSHIP: 1. Co-parenting with mother 2. Sharing childcare responsibilities 3. Collaborating on discipline and guidance 4. Supporting partner's parenting style 5. Maintaining united front in parenting COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: 1. Participating in children's activities 2. Volunteering in community or school 3. Building relationships with neighbors 4. Role-modeling social responsibility 5. Fostering community connections PERSONAL GROWTH: 1. Pursuing personal interests and hobbies 2. Continuing education and self-improvement 3. Maintaining physical and mental health 4. Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care 5. Seeking support and resources when needed INFLUENCING CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT: 1. Shaping moral and ethical values 2. Encouraging educational and career goals 3. Modeling healthy relationships 4. Teaching life skills and independence 5. Fostering emotional intelligence. Edith Paul ✍️✍️

Discovering your own Gift 🎁 involves introspection, self-assessment, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Here are some strategies to help you get started: 1. Set clear goals: Establish what you want to achieve in different areas of your life, such as career, relationships, or personal growth. 2. Track your progress: Keep a journal, log your accomplishments, or use a habit-tracking app to monitor your progress. 3. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses: Identify areas where you excel and areas that need improvement. 4. Seek feedback: Ask for constructive feedback from trusted friends, family, or colleagues. 5. Practice self-awareness: Recognize your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how they impact your productivity and quality of work. 6. Develop a growth mindset: Be open to learning, experimenting, and taking calculated risks. 7. Prioritize tasks: Focus on high-impact activities that align with your goals and values. 8. Eliminate distractions: Minimize procrastination and optimize your workflow. 9. Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. 10. Continuously learn and improve: Stay updated with industry trends, best practices, and new skills to enhance your quality and efficiency. By implementing these strategies, you'll be better equipped to discover your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing your overall quality and efficiency. What specific area of your life do you want to improve?

Many difficult truths, while initially painful to confront, can lead to significant personal growth and a more fulfilling life once accepted. Here are a few: Impermanence: Everything changes. Relationships end, jobs are lost, bodies age, and nothing stays the same. Accepting this doesn't mean embracing nihilism, but rather appreciating the present moment and living fully in it. It frees you from clinging to things that are beyond your control. You Can't Control Others: You can influence others, but you can't control their thoughts, feelings, or actions. Accepting this allows you to focus on what you *can* control – your own responses and behaviors. It reduces frustration and resentment. You Will Make Mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes. Accepting this removes the pressure to be perfect and allows you to learn from your errors. It fosters self-compassion and resilience. Happiness Isn't a Destination: Happiness isn't a permanent state to be achieved; it's a journey with its ups and downs. Accepting this helps manage expectations and appreciate the good times more fully. It reduces the pressure to constantly chase fleeting feelings. You Can't Please Everyone: Trying to please everyone is a recipe for exhaustion and resentment. Accepting that you can't please everyone allows you to prioritize your own values and needs. It frees you from the burden of seeking external validation. Life Isn't Always Fair: Life isn't always fair, and sometimes bad things happen to good people. Accepting this doesn't mean becoming cynical, but rather developing resilience and the ability to cope with adversity. It helps you focus on what you *can* do in the face of unfairness. You Are Responsible for Your Happiness: Ultimately, you are responsible for your own happiness. Blaming external factors for your unhappiness keeps you stuck. Accepting responsibility empowers you to take action and make positive changes. Growth Requires Discomfort: Personal growth often requires stepping outside of your comfort zone and facing difficult emotions. Accepting this allows you to embrace challenges and see them as opportunities for learning and development. You Will Experience Loss: Loss is an inevitable part of life. Accepting this doesn't lessen the pain, but it allows you to grieve healthily and move forward with greater understanding and compassion. These hard truths, when accepted, can lead to a more realistic, resilient, and ultimately more fulfilling life. They help to build self-awareness, foster self-compassion, and empower you to take control of your own well-being.

GROWTH AND MARRIAGE 1. Marry someone you can grow with 2. You may be a grown up but if you are not grown inside you will be difficult to relate with 3. Let your growth together as a couple be holistic. Grow spiritually, emotionally, mentally, socially, sexually and financially. Don't just focus on one aspect 4. It is frustrating to be married to someone who has no personal hunger for growth. Growth is first personal before it manifests as a couple 5. Sometimes troubles will come in your marriage to cause you two to grow in patience, communication and teamwork. Embrace challenges. Couples that have grown together handle challenges better 6. When you don't see growth in your marriage, it is easy to give up on it. Growth encourages more effort and investment 7. Your spouse might be more grown in some areas than you, be willing to learn 8. You might be more grown in some areas than your spouse, be willing to teach 9. No marriage is perfect, but what you two should be aiming at is growth 10. If you don't grow as a couple then being parents will overwhelm you 11. The more you celebrate the growth in your marriage rather than what is wrong in your marriage, the stronger your marriage will become 12. Appreciate the growth your spouse makes no matter how small to encourage him/her. It is a process, not an event 13. When you are working on your own personal growth you will not be jealous or insecure about the growth of your spouse's career or financial gain 14. For any marriage to grow it needs deliberate watering, nurturing and weeding. It won't happen by accident 15. You both grow faster and more united when you have a joint vision 16. Don't try and copy the same growth of other couples. Each couple is unique 17. As you grow as a couple, your preferences and patterns will change; you may not like the same music, the same gifts, the same destination spots you used to when younger; but love should be a constant 18. In case you two do fall financially, through bad choices, veer away from God or things collapse or seem to be coming to an end; together come back up. Every couple has storms. Sometimes the growth after the fall is greater and stronger. Don't give up, keep walking together