Engr. Rilwan Cook Amode

May Allah grant us peace. May He cleanse our hearts from the evil it cling. May He speak for us, in our presence and absence.

Jumuah Mubarak!

Throwback:

Dear Lovers,

I have come to understand that even those who seem to have it all together face their own trials and tribulations. It’s easy to look at public figures and assume they are immune to the struggles that others encounter, but the truth is, they are all human. They experience setbacks, disappointments and even moments of doubt just like anyone else.

The reality is that behind the public persona, there are challenges and hurdles that must be overcome. They face pressures to meet expectations, manage responsibilities and maintain their integrity. There are days when things do not go as planned, and moments when the weight of their roles feels overwhelming. However, it is precisely these experiences that shape them and make them stronger.

So, dear followers, do not be disheartened by the challenges you face. Know that you are not alone in your struggles. Each and every one of us, no matter our position or status, has our own battles to fight. The key is to remain steadfast, keep faith and never give up.

Remember, as the popular saying goes, "your current situation does not determine your final destination." Stay focused, stay positive and continue to push forward. Keep believing in yourself and your abilities. Keep pushing through the difficulties and verily, brighter days are ahead.

Best regards,

Engr. Rilwan Jimoh-Cook Amode

Dear Lovers,

I warmly congratulate all Muslims on the commencement of the New Hijrah Year, 1448 AH.

The Hijra is a time for reflection. It's a time for renewal and a recommitment to the values that Islam teaches us every day.

As we begin this new year, I hope we remember that being a Muslim is not just a title. It is a responsibility to uphold truth, show kindness, promote peace, care for our neighbours and be good ambassadors of our faith through our words and actions.

I pray that Almighty Allah makes this new Hijrah year a year of peace, mercy, progress and abundant blessings for us all. May He protect Ilorin, preserve Kwara State, grant Nigeria lasting peace and bring relief to communities affected by violence, insecurity, banditry and other social challenges. May He comfort those who have lost loved ones, protect our security personnel and volunteers, and restore safety to every corner of our nation and the world.

May Allah guide our leaders, strengthen our communities and unite humanity upon goodness and justice.

Happy New Hijrah Year 1448 AH.

May Allah make it a blessed year for us all. Ameen.

Engr. Rilwan Jimoh-Cook Amode

Dear Lovers, as we commemorate Democracy Day, we celebrate the enduring values of freedom, justice and the collective aspiration for a better Nigeria.

At the same time, our hearts are with the families who have lost loved ones to insecurity, those who have been displaced from their homes and everyone carrying the pain of loss, fear and uncertainty. We pray that Almighty Allah grants comfort to the bereaved, healing to the wounded and hope to those facing difficult times.

We also acknowledge the sacrifices of our security personnel, local vigilantes, volunteers, community leaders and concerned citizens who continue to work tirelessly for the safety of our communities. We appreciate the voices of activists and advocates who continue to push for greater accountability and more effective responses to the security challenges confronting our nation.

We pray that this Democracy Day inspires us all to build a Nigeria where peace is strengthened, justice is upheld and every citizen can live in safety and dignity.

Happy Democracy Day. Happy Jumuah.

May Allah bless Nigeria, and Nigerians, ameen.

Engr. Rilwan Jimoh-Cook Amode

Democracy recognizes the common people and empowers everyone to express themselves freely. It ensures that every voice is heard and upholds equal rights for all. Happy Democracy Day!

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki on his appointment as the new Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate by our father, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

This appointment comes with great responsibility and immense trust. From the numerous testimonies shared by people across different walks of life, Sheikh Dasuki is widely regarded as a scholar of sound knowledge, humility and good character. We pray that the confidence reposed in him will be justified through impactful leadership and sincere service to Islam and humanity.

As he assumes this noble position, may Almighty Allah grant him abundant wisdom, deeper knowledge, good health, patience and the strength required to lead the faithful aright. May Allah guide his words, bless his efforts and make his tenure beneficial to the Ilorin Emirate and the entire Muslim Ummah.

I also pray that Allah continues to preserve our revered Emir, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and bless the Ilorin Emirate with peace, unity, progress and righteous leadership.

Congratulations once again to Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki. May Allah make this appointment a source of blessings for us all. Ameen.

Engr. Rilwan Jimoh-Cook Amode

Dear Lovers, many of us are waiting for the perfect time - waiting for more money, better connections, clearer opportunities, greater confidence or ideal conditions before we take the next step. However, what we see around us has taught us something different.

Reality does not change because we wish it to change. Reality changes when we act.

Action is one of the most powerful forces available to any human being. It has the ability to break down walls that fear, doubt, procrastination and negative thinking have built in our minds. It also has the power to overcome barriers created by difficult circumstances, limited resources and unfavourable environments.

The truth is that most breakthroughs do not begin with certainty. They begin with a decision to move.

The business owner who succeeds started before knowing everything. The student who excelled started studying before feeling fully prepared. The leader who inspires others started by taking responsibility before feeling qualified.

Every meaningful achievement is built on a series of actions, not a series of excuses.

People of action understand that obstacles are part of the journey. They experience disappointments. They face rejection. They encounter delays and setbacks. But they refuse to remain where they are. When one door closes, they look for another. When one path becomes blocked, they create a new route. They may pause to rethink, but they do not surrender. This is why action separates dreamers from achievers.

A good plan without action remains a wish. A great idea without action remains a thought. Talent without action remains potential. Knowledge without action remains information.

Dear lovers, if there is something you have been postponing, this is a push. Make the call. Submit the application. Start the business. Learn the skill. Write the proposal.

Take the first step. You do not need to see the entire staircase before you begin climbing. What matters is having the courage to take the next step in front of you.

Remember, the road forward rarely appears before movement. It often reveals itself because of movement.

Act. Start. Move.

Your next level may be waiting on the other side of a decision you have delayed for too long.

Engr. Rilwan Jimoh-Cook Amode

Dear Lovers,

Not long ago, we were mourning the painful loss of lives in Woro community of Kaiama Local Government Area. Again, another heartbreaking incident confronts us as reports indicate that scores of students and their teachers were abducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, while one of the teachers was reportedly killed in a manner too painful and disturbing to comprehend.

These are our brothers and sisters, our mothers and fathers, our children, our teachers, our future leaders and nation builders. Sincerely, every life lost to insecurity is a painful reminder that the challenge before us is far from over.

What is even more worrisome is that similar cases of kidnapping have continued to surface across different parts of Kwara State in recent times. Insecurity is gradually becoming a burden too heavy for ordinary citizens to bear. Families now travel in fear. Communities sleep with anxiety. Parents worry about their children. This should concern all of us.

While we acknowledge that security is a collective responsibility and that communities must continue to support lawful efforts through vigilance, cooperation and timely sharing of information, government at all levels must do more. The protection of lives and property should remain a priority, not merely a subject of press statements and public assurances.

This is also a moment to appreciate our security agencies and volunteer groups who continue to put themselves in harm's way for the safety of others. Their sacrifices do not go unnoticed. On this special day, we pray that Allah strengthens them, protects them and grants them success in their efforts to rid our communities of these criminals.

Above all, we earnestly pray for the safe return of all those currently in captivity. May Allah bring our brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers back to their families in safety and good health.

May Allah comfort every family that has lost a loved one. May He protect our communities, preserve our state and grant peace and security to our dear nation. Ameen.

Engr. Rilwan Jimoh-Cook Amode

Dear Lovers,

One of the mistakes many of us make is believing that talent or skill alone is enough to sustain relevance in life. No. It is not.

After mastering a particular skill, the next thing to master is human-relationship. Learn how to speak to people. Learn how to manage emotions. Learn how to understand people beyond their words. Learn loyalty, empathy, patience and emotional intelligence.

A highly skilled person with poor human management will keep losing opportunities without understanding why.

Life is deeper than "I know my work." Your attitude matters. Your character matters. Your ability to work with people matters.

There are people with average talent today doing exceptionally well because they understand human beings. They know how to build relationships, maintain respect, communicate properly and treat people with dignity.

And there are also gifted people gradually becoming isolated because pride, poor attitude and inability to relate with others are silently destroying their opportunities.

Dear young people like me, as we grow, let's not only invest in certificates and skills. Let's invest in our personality too.

Learn how to listen. Learn how to control anger. Learn how to disagree respectfully. Learn how to value people genuinely.

Sometimes, what opens the next door for you is not just your competence, but your character.

May we grow in wisdom, maturity and understanding. Ameen.

Engr. Rilwan Jimoh-Cook Amode

Be rejuvenated. Be optimistic. You're never late; start now!
Remember, "great oaks from little acorns grow."
Happy New Month and Happy New Week. Best Wishes!