AOP, Writings

A Year of Light: Gratitude, Growth, and Guidance

Subhanallah, Alhamdulilah, Allahu Akbar!

It’s been a whole ‘nother 365 days of living, and as i mark another year of life, i am filled with immense gratitude for the gift of existence.

For those who’ve been part of my journey for a while, you may recall my last birthday’s message and end of the year post, i mentioned last year as my darkest period ever. The weight of those moments were suffocating and I struggled to find solace. But in the midst of the darkness, I made a conscious decision to try something else this year, I said I’ll try talking to God more often instead of allowing these suicidal thoughts take control. Subhanallah, the power of prayer and faith has been my anchor. I actually talked to God more often this year, and all I can say is that God is the best therapist or help we have because he is the only one that truly listens to us even when we think he isn’t. And as long as we pray to him consistently, he definitely answers our prayers.

If I’m to poetically describe my last year, I’d say “imagine navigating a tunnel with no end in sight, a never-ending expanse of darkness” that’s how last year was. I was at my lowest and it was a period I pray never to experience again. Even though it kinda shaped me and prepared me for the year to come, I pray never to experience such again.

But this year, “imagine while you’re at the darkest part of that tunnel, then you look ahead and you start to see flickers of light and as each month passes by (as you walk further), the light starts getting brighter. And suddenly you find yourself at the brightest part of the tunnel. The once dim tunnel, is now illuminated and you can now see the beauty of the journey ahead”. That is exactly how this year came.

Just as 2024 was my darkest period, I can say that 2025 has been the complete opposite of that, and for that I am completely grateful to God. And I pray that my next year would be like “stepping out of the tunnel completely to the everlasting light”.

A day after my last birthday (27th November, 2024), I left my comfort zone to unfamiliar territory. I came to Adamawa state for my NYSC. My decision to come to Adamawa has been a defining moment. It’s been therapeutic , a journey of self discovery, an epiphany, and an opportunity to grow. There’s this loneliness that comes sometimes when you leave your comfort zone to unfamiliar territory, but I never for once felt this loneliness throughout my entire service year. Probably because I was blessed to find a community that has embraced me, and I’m grateful for the mentors , colleagues, and friends who have become my support system.

So I want to specially express my heartfelt gratitude for your guidance and support to Mallam SYB, Mallam Gire, Dr Martins, Mrs Folasade, and Dr Mayowa who have all been my mentors and bosses and also helped me in many ways I can’t list out in one way or the other since coming to Adamawa. I also want to say a very big thank you to my colleagues at work, fellow corp members, and everyone I’ve met along the way. Thank you. You all have made Adamawa feel more like a home for me.

On my last birthday I got some good news that I wasn’t really expecting, but eventually shaped how the following year (2025) turned out for me. And on this birthday of mine, I guess I could say birthday presents came early as I just got another very wonderful news. And this probably would shape how my next year turns out.

Above all, I  thank Almighty Allah for his boundless blessings and mercy. “FABI AYYI ALA I RABBIKUMA TUKAZZIBAN” – Which, then, of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

To my parents, and family who have stood by me through thick and thin, I thank you for your unwavering support and prayers. Your love and encouragement have carried me this far, and I am forever grateful. Keep praying for me.

Here’s to another year of living, learning, and growing!

AOP, Writings

Stronger through the struggles

Sometimes, I pause and look back on the journey I’ve traveled. It’s not been easy, but with every step, I’ve grown stronger. Life’s twists and turns have tested me, yet with perseverance and faith, I’ve made it through the darkest nights. I’m not naive to think the struggles are over, but I do know I’m in a better place now. Consistency, not perfection, has been my goal – consistently choosing happiness, not just acting it. I’m grateful for the progress I’ve made and the lessons learned along the way. With God by my side, I’ve navigated the storms, and though the path ahead may still be uncertain, I’m stepping forward with hope and determination.

AOP, Writings

Rising above the ashes: A year of epiphany.


It’s been a cold 365 days of living in anger, pain, depression, anxiety, pushing loved ones away, loneliness, OCD, low self esteem, S. A. D, among many other emotions. 2024 was not really the darkest of times for me as the previous years have seen me at my lowest. 2024 has been a year of epiphany. These circumstances don’t get to define who I am anymore, I mean I’m not the only one who thinks I’ve got a bad fu**ng life, so I quit playing the victim. Of all time I found myself drowning, I was the only one who picked myself back up, and that’s when I realized that I’m the only one who can help myself, so I had to take charge and quit playing the victim. I guess people will always hurt you, but that’s only when you give them the chance to. You can’t let anyone tell you who to be or write your narratives, you’ve got to be the author of your own life cause nobody can do that better than you. This past year was filled with days where the only thoughts on my head were suicidal, I’m glad o survived this phase and now I’m going to try something else like talking to God more often, cause I found out that he’s the only one that truly listens even when we think he isn’t. So whenever I’ve got questions, I need advice, or the suicidal thoughts starts coming back, then I’ll talk to God.

You are stronger than you think.


As I close the chapter on 2024, I’m reminded that although the darkness isn’t gone yet, the darkness I’ve faced has not been in vain. It’s thought me resilience, self awareness and the importance of self care. I’ve learned to acknowledge my emotions, to confront my demons, and to seek help when I need it. Most importantly, I’ve discovered that I am stronger than I thought, and that I have the power to choose how I respond to life’s challenges. I can choose to let my experiences defines me, or I can use them as fuel to drive my growth and transformation, that’s an epiphany. As I step into the new year, I’m filled with a sense of hope and renewal. I know that there’ll still be ups and downs ahead, but I’m ready to face them head-on. I’m ready to take control of my life, to chase my dreams, and to live with purpose and intention.

A year of transformation: From victim to victor.


To anyone who may be struggling, I see you, I hear you, I believe in you and most importantly, God hears you and sees you as well. Remember that you are not alone, and that there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. Don’t give up, even when the darkness feels like it’s never ending, keep pushing forward, even when it feels like the smallest of steps. You are stronger than you think, braver than you feel, and loved more than you know. Don’t let anyone, including yourself, define your worth. You are worthy of love, care and compassion – not just from others but from yourself. Hold on to hope, and know that better days are definitely ahead. Keep shining your light, even in the darkest of times. And always remember that you are loved, you are valued, and you are enough. You don’t know this, but God resides in you.

The darkest nights lead to the brightest dawns.
AOP, Writings

That’s a lie

It’s the rainy days that makes us cherish the sunshine. What am I trying to say?

Everybody falls sometimes. Just remember that that’s alright. It’s the lows in life that makes us cherish the high. And if it isn’t, I guess I’ll be fine believing a lie. When you’re alone, and you feel afraid, just remember that you’re not the only person that isn’t okay. There’s millions of us just like you and at the end of the day, we’ll all be fine. Maybe that’s a lie as well, I guess we’ll be fine believing this lie.

AOP, Writings

Sunsets and smiles

Life is a journey. In this journey we all come across highs and lows, twists and turns and these eventually shapes us into the person we become. It’s funny how we could experience profound joy one minute and crippling sadness the next. Life’s journey often lead us through valleys of darkness, but if you eventually make it out of the valley to the peak of the mountain, you’ll be surprise the amount of light you’ll find there.

Depression, a silent companion for many. A phenomenon barely understood by few. All it does is whisper lies of unworthiness and hopelessness, but remember at the peak of the mountains, comes eternal light. When the weight of living feels heavy on your shoulders, the beauty of a sunset reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is light. Watching the sunsets, gives a sense of peace and hope. The hope that tomorrow comes with a promise of a new day.

Love, a moment of warmth in life’s coldest paths. It is like a drug that everybody uses and the outcome depends on how you use it. Love could be the gentle touch of a friend, the unwavering support of family, or the passionate embrace of a partner. Remember, love is like a drug we all use. Abuse it and you risk losing it. Love is a reminder that we are never alone in our struggles and it also gives the strength to smile even when our hearts are heavy with sorrows.

Success and failure are two sides of the same coin, intertwined in the fabric of our very existence. Success should not be defined by the accolades, or material things but rather by the lives we touch and the positive impact we make. Likewise failure shouldn’t be seen as a dead end. But rather as a stepping stone. Embrace failure as a teacher and not as a foe and watch it fuel your determination to rise again, stronger than you ever were. Know that even losses can be victories when we learn from our failures (that’s an epiphany).

Through the highs and lows, the victories and the losses, never underestimate the power of a smile. A simple curve of the lips, has the power to brighten someone’s day and spread joy in the darkest of times. Sunsets and smiles, though simple in their beauty, hold the power to heal wounds and mend broken spirits. In the face of failure, a smile becomes a symbol of resilience, a testament to our ability to rise above adversity and try again. And in moments of success, a sunset becomes a celebration of how far we’ve come and a reminder to cherish the journey ahead.

AOP, Writings

Shattered Hopes

Hope. The word they used in lying to us. They told us hope is a word that holds promise and light. But in reality, it’s nothing but a cruel deception that’s slowly devouring our souls. What is hope to someone who has lost everything? Hope is nothing but a lie to maintain the happiness of the fortunate, and deepen the sorrows of the afflicted. Hope is never a cure to depression, anxiety, loneliness or any other S. A. D out there. Perhaps it’s time for people to face the cold truth. The truth that happiness and sadness are meant to coexist, and the sad ones should stop striving to be happy at all costs, because even sad people can have happy moments, and that’s all that matters. When you’re in your happy moment, enjoy it while it lasts but never get too comfortable. I know i once told y’all that the cure to pain isn’t something you buy in the liquor store. Maybe I’ve been looking at the wrong stores? I was blinded by the false hope of a sunny day. It’s not the hurt that comes from being sad that causes depression, but rather the constant striving and failing to achieve happiness. I am lost in my own words, but one thing I know of is that, depression isn’t the killer. It’s the hope that kills. The hope of a sunny day, the hope of being consistently happy, the hope of becoming better, the hope that at the end, everything will be alright, the hope that makes you feel you were destined for more, for greatness, leaving us yearning for something unattainable, that’s the hope that kills.

How long before that hope kills you?
Perhaps it’s time to let go of that hope? Let the chains of hope fall away, and in its place, find peace within yourself in the acceptance of your reality.

AOP, Quotes, Writings

Truth Hurts But Secret Kills

The phrase “Truth hurts but secret kills” emphasizes the destructive power of keeping secrets and the importance of honesty. Secrets can create a heavy burden on an individual’s mental and emotional state, leading to stress, anxiety, and even physical health problems.

While the truth can be difficult to hear and may cause discomfort, it is often the best course of action in the long run. Secrets can damage relationships and lead to a loss of trust between individuals. They can also lead to a sense of guilt or shame, and even escalate to more serious consequences if the secret is revealed.

It’s important to recognize that telling the truth requires courage, but it can also bring about positive change and growth. By acknowledging the truth and facing any consequences, individuals can move forward with a clear conscience and start to rebuild trust in relationships.

In conclusion, while the truth may be painful, it is essential to confront it instead of keeping secrets, which can lead to further damage. So, it is always better to be honest and transparent rather than keeping secrets that can cause more harm in the long run.

AOP, Quotes, Writings

Last Days Of Our Lives

We go through so much struggle for a life that even tho belongs to you, can be taken away from you at any point without your consent. Is this struggle worth it? So many people struggle with this debate in their mind. I won’t tell you that the struggle is worth it, but what I’ll tell you is, with patience, comes ease. The struggle might seem worthless, the dark days might seem never ending, but with standing strong and never giving up, i can tell you that these dark days, will be the good old times you’ll laugh about in the future. This piece reminds me of my favorite quote which proves nothing is permanent. “This too shall pass”.
Remember, it’s REAL till the day we die. If you ever feel like you need someone to talk to, someone that really understands what you’re going through, then you can always reach out to me. Author Of Pain will always be there, no matter what.

AOP, Quotes, Writings

FRENEMIES

Your enemies can always try, but they can never truly hurt you. They can always try, but they’ll never truly see you fall. Those creatures called friends, those are the ones you should be mindful of. Cause they’ll hurt you over and over and over again. They’ll eat with you, laugh with you, do everything with you, but behind your back, they’ll stab you over and over again because you gave them the chance to. Believing that everyone you love will hurt you is without doubt a lie, but believing the ones you love would never hurt you is a much bigger lie. Remember;
Sometimes the person you’re taking a bullet for, is actually the one pulling the trigger.

AOP, Writings

Birthday Message To Self

I can’t promise to love you forever. But on some special days like this, the love I have for you can’t be described with mere words even from the greatest of poets. I’m proud of the person you’re gradually becoming against all odds. Last year you were in a bad state, wouldn’t say you’re out of it now, but you don’t feel like you can’t be. You deal with so many silent battles but yet you find a way to make sure those around you are always happy even if you’re not. You’re phenomenal and I know it. It’s said that everything that breaks you down, could also build your character and to you even losses are victories, that’s just Phenomenal. You were made for more, you were made for greatness, I could tell that the minute I first saw you. The journey of your life might feel like a rough one, but still is an easy one cause you got families and friends who loves you a lot. The path to greatness is never an easy one, yours is one to be remembered for generations to come.

JIYO RE ABDULGAFAR✌🏾

AOP, Writings

Fundamental Rights Every Nigerian Citizen Should Know.

THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SIMPLY LAW(A law blog with a unique way of writing to aid the layman understand the basic areas of law that affects our daily interactions. We take pride when our readers return to appreciate the insights they gained from the blog and how it has simplified layers of complexities in our legal systems)

Every human being on earth irrespective of whatever country or continent he/she is located at has rights, duties, liabilities, and privileges which are provided for in the laws of that country. As such Nigerians are also entitled to such rights and privileges which are backed up in the laws that exist in Nigeria. The rights of every Nigerian citizen can be found in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and they are known as Fundamental Rights. This article will list and explain the rights to enlighten everyone on his/her rights.

  1. Right To Life.

Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life. This is the most important right of every Nigerian citizen.
Although, a person shall not be regarded as having been deprived of his life in contravention of this section, if he dies as a result of the use, to such extent and in such circumstances as are permitted by law, of such force as is reasonably necessary –
(a) for the defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence of property:
(b) to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained; or
(c) for the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection or mutiny.

  1. Right To Dignity.

Every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly. What this right means is that every Nigerian citizen has a right to not be subjected to torture or forced labour.
Although, forced labour does not include;
(a) A labour required as a result of a court sentence
(b) A labour required by the armed forces, police forces.
(c) A labour that is part of a communal obligation of the well being of the community.

  1. Right To Personal Liberty.

Every person shall be entitled to his personal liberty and nobody shall be deprived of it. But when a person is detained in lawful custody, he or she has the following rights;
(a) Right to remain silent and not answer any questions at all until his lawyer is present.
(b) Right to be told in written format, the reason for his arrest.
(c). Right to not be kept awaiting trial in detention for a time longer than the maximum time for imprisonment for the offence he committed.

  1. Right To Fair Hearing.

This right ensures that in the determination of an individual’s civil rights and obligations a person shall be entitled to a fair hearing by the court.
This right ensures that;
(a) Presumption of innocence.
(b). Right to a lawyer of his choice.
(c) Right to an interpreter if he/she does not understand the language used at the tribunal.
(d). Right to adequate time and facilities for his/her defence.

  1. Right To Privacy.

Every person shall be entitled to assembly privately and associate with other persons. The constitution does not explain in detail how this is protected exactly. Although from reading the provision, we could discover three elements which are the privacy of the individual, privacy of his/her home, the privacy of conversation and communication.

  1. Right To Freedom Of Movement.

Every person is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and reside anywhere in the country. Also, no citizen shall be denied entry or expelled from the country.

  1. Right To Freedom Of Thought, Conscience And Religion.

This right ensures that every citizen has the right to change his religion or belief freely. This right does not entitle any person to form or take part in the activity of a secret society.

  1. Right To Own A Property.

Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, every citizen of Nigeria shall have the right to acquire and own immovable property anywhere in Nigeria.

  1. Right To Freedom From Discrimination.

This right ensures that no Nigerian citizen is to be subjected to any disabilities or restrictions based on the fact that he or she is a member of a community, ethnic group or place of origin.

AUTHOR: MUHAMMAD ABDULGAFAR

Click the link below to read tgw original post and get more educative articles from simply law:

https://simplylaw.com.ng/the-fundamental-rights-every-nigerian-citizen-should-know/

AOP, Writings

FINDING YOUR TRUE SELF

From the time we are born, many will be educated to be a version of themselves that please others. Whether it comes from the way you were raised or how you were taught in school, we often learn to put a mask on and be an actor in our life. Unfortunately, that behavior will not lead you to be happy and live a fulfilling life. You can discover the best version of yourself and transform your life so that you are no longer an actor in your life but the author. Choose to live the life that was made for you. In this book, you will have to commit to exploring yourself, try to be aware of your behaviors, and be honest with yourself. This book is for you, and no one other than yourself can know who you are. With commitment, vulnerability, and curiosity, you will be able to be the best version of yourself and put away the mask that you‟ve to wear for much too long. Are you ready to claim your power? Then let‟s start to explore your current life and see how much you are currently your true self!

Click the link above to download your copy and find out your true self.

AOP, Poetry, Quotes, Writings

SOFT COPY OF AUTHOR OF PAIN – THE JOURNAL: BE PATIENT AND TOUGH SOMEDAY THIS PAIN WILL BE USEFUL TO YOU.

The purpose behind this journal is to enlighten the general public on the importance of our lives. We live in a world where pain is inevitable, and these pains brings discomfort to our lives, and a lot of the times the end result is suicide. It’s a shame to us, that when we see our fellow brothers and sisters going through difficulty at some point in their lives, instead of helping them, we just laugh at them and use it to mock them. A lot of times we see this life as a competition, as a battle of the fittest which is why we don’t help others. The world is gradually coming to an end and it Is not right for us to end it with our own hands; the rate of suicide is rapidly increasing thus bringing the end to the world closer. Through the many stories, poems and articles from various writers across the world that seek to explore the crucial aspects of pains, I hope the world will begin to see people for what they truly are. It’s my prayers that the world will condemn suicide. The lives of each individual no matter how rich or poor, educated or uneducated, sane or insane are God’s gift to humanity and committing suicide isn’t a way out of any problem we face in this life. Committing suicide is a great sin in life, perhaps through writing, poetry and self expression, I and other great writers will successfully destroy this act that only brings more pains to your family and loved ones instead of ending yours.

AOP, Writings

Nathan Feuerstein (NF)

The music industry is getting bleaker by the day… People are now more focused on placing artists against each other in a battle of who creates the best music… And I think that mentality only exist among fans who only listen to music for the sound, beat and rhythm… not being able to connect with the message the music is really passing across.

I believe people who see past sounds and beats wouldn’t have any problem connecting with the artist cuz a real artist work is actually a reflection of the artist himself. It’s like the artist is letting us into his self-conscious… So it’s up to us to learn how to relate to it.

The likes of Nathan Feuerstein(NF) are rare. Not every artist have that constant willingness to open up the feelings confined inside. NF will always be a therapist to many! Real Music till the day we die, that’s the slogan.

AOP, Writings

LOVE YOUR LIFE.

What your heart likes, welcome it with a hello. What your heart dislikes bid it goodbye. Never force yourself to like something because others do and never pretend to hate something cause others do. Always be yourself, and not the person people assume you to be. You are the author of your life, don’t let anyone write your narratives. Welcome joy and happiness to your heart and bid farewell to fear and hatred. Sometimes this life would be wonderful and sometimes it would be unfair. The world we live in today can be so cruel, no one cares why, how, when or where you do something. All they care about is the outcome. When you loose, they’re going to laugh at your face, but when you win they’re going to act like they’ve been supporting you since day one. Remember, no matter what you’re going through, never let anyone be the author of your life, own your mistakes and success. When the road seem impossible to cross, call on God and he will guide you through. You don’t know this, but God resides in you.