I particularly enjoyed the book, "The Plot to Save South Africa: The Week Mandela Averted Civil War and Forged a New Nation" by Justice Malala.

One of the lessons from that book has helped me this year to remain firm in my convictions, especially in crises, so as not to lose focus. This firmness is needed when making decisions that appear controversial.

For example, when the sacked Local Government Chairmen took us to court, we were determined to see the process through. They got a judgement in their favour, but we have requested a clarification to know whether all 33 LG Chairmen and the “illegal” LCDA Chairpersons should be paid. We believe that this is the prudent thing to do to ensure that the money is paid out to the right people. But these Chairmen have gone to another court to compel us to pay them without waiting for the Supreme Court's clarification. So, when you read headlines like “Court Freezes Oyo Accounts In 10 Banks Over N3.5bn Debt.” This is really what it is about.

So, what have I learned from 2023? I have learned the truth of the Yoruba saying, "Eniyan o kii nrin ki ori ma mi," which translates to "There is no way to walk without the head shaking." No matter how good you are, you cannot be perfect. You cannot satisfy everybody. The only thing I can do is to keep working in the best interest of the generality of our people. This is my resolve as we enter 2024.

Do reply to this newsletter to tell me what 2023 has taught you. Let us learn from each other.

Talk to you again soon.