PUNCH Newspaper *The unseen crisis facing Nigerian men (moment Otunba Kunle Akinyele collapsed)* *Message not just for Men alone, but for everyone* 5th May 2025. Ganiyu Olowu *When Otunba Kunle Akinyele, a respected hotelier in Lagos, slumped and died at his wife’s 60th birthday thanksgiving, the nation gasped in disbelief. One moment, he was celebrating life and love; the next, he lay lifeless at the altar of joy*. The video is haunting — *a man gesturing, gasping, reaching for help in a sacred space, surrounded by those he loved but alone in his final battle.* This was not just a death. It was a metaphor of silent suffering, buried exhaustion, and what men have come to normalise in the name of strength. Akinyele’s case is not isolated. It is one of many chilling examples of how Nigerian men, particularly in their mid- to late years, are collapsing under the weight of responsibilities, unspoken pain, and undiagnosed illnesses. According to the World Health Organisation, men in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, are 2.4 times more likely to die prematurely from preventable causes than women. This alarming disparity is fuelled by cultural and behavioural factors: men are less likely to seek medical help, more likely to suppress emotional turmoil, and often glorify suffering in silence. In Nigeria, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and untreated mental health conditions are among the leading causes of sudden deaths in men. So This Happened (215) Reviews Death Of Lagos... In 2019, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya—admired for his strength and spiritual leadership—passed away quietly after years of enduring deep emotional losses and reportedly ongoing health complications. His resilience was legendary, but it masked what many now see as untreated grief, intense stress, and likely silent medical conditions. Then came the sudden death of veteran broadcaster Ayo Oduleye, better known as MC Loyo, who slumped while compering an event in Ibadan. His charm and humour lit up stages, but in the blink of an eye, the microphone fell silent. Just like that. Similarly, the passing of Mr Ibu (John Okafor) in early 2024, after months of battling illness, reminded the country of how many male entertainers struggle financially and physically behind the scenes, putting on a show while their bodies deteriorate. Masculinity, when warped, can become a silent weapon—not just against others, but against oneself. *ENDEAVOUR TO TAKE GOOD REST PLEASE* Globally, the story remains the same. In 2014, beloved comedian Robin Williams died by suicide, a victim of masked depression. And in 2022, cricket legend Shane Warne died suddenly of a heart attack, a casualty of silent coronary disease and an overstretched lifestyle. Yet while statistics shock and headlines haunt, the everyday grind of the average Nigerian man tells an even sadder tale. Take Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital—the city that never sleeps, and where many men now barely do. A significant number of working-class men reside on the mainland or in Ogun border towns like Mowe, Ikorodu, Sango Ota, or Ibafo but must commute to the Island for work—a journey that often begins by 4:00 a.m. and ends by 9:00 p.m. on return. This is no exaggeration. Studies from the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority reveal that Lagosians spend an average of four to six hours daily in traffic—with many men doing these five to six times a week. That is over 1,400 hours a year lost in gridlock—time stolen from rest, from family, from reflection. For these men, the day begins before the rooster crows. They rush into overcrowded buses, endure fumes of frustration, only to return home when their children are already asleep. There is no room for hobbies, hardly any time for checkups, no outlet for pain. Sleep is a luxury. Rest is a myth. And joy is rationed, like fuel in a scarcity season. This modern man is constantly running on empty—physically present but emotionally absent, financially committed but spiritually depleted. And society applauds his hustle, without asking at what cost. The idiom says, “Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” but what if the crown is invisible, made not of gold but of expectations, bills, unspoken grief, and sacrificial silence? Men are praised for providing, for showing up, for being “rocks”. But even rocks erode—silently, slowly, and then all at once. The greatest tragedy is not that they die, but that they are dying unseen. Consider the tragic case of a 42 year old engineer in Port Harcourt who collapsed at his workstation after weeks of working overtime to meet project deadlines. His colleagues described him as “dedicated to a fault”, but his sudden death revealed the dangers of ignoring signs of burnout and hypertension. Another heartbreaking example is the story of a young entrepreneur in Enugu who passed away in his sleep after complaining of chest pains for weeks. Despite his family’s pleas, he refused to visit a doctor, citing his busy schedule and financial obligations. His autopsy later revealed undiagnosed cardiovascular disease—a silent killer that could have been managed with timely intervention. One unforgettable story is that of Samuel Okwaraji, the gifted footballer and patriot who gave everything to his country on the football pitch. In 1989, during a World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos, Okwaraji collapsed and tragically died of congestive heart failure at just 25 years old. His life, so full of promises, was cut short under the intense demands of national expectation. The harsh conditions of the game that day, combined with the immense physical and psychological pressures he faced, ultimately proved too much. These stories compel us to ask: What are we doing to ourselves in the name of strength? Why does the world celebrate silent suffering but frown upon seeking help? Dr Salawu Abiola, a psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital in Yaba, offers critical advice for men navigating these pressures. He emphasises the importance of prioritising rest, adequate sleep, and regular health checkups. “If you work and die today, someone will replace you at the workplace, but no one replaces you in the family,” he warns. Abiola advocates setting realistic goals, managing time effectively, and creating moments of joy and relaxation amid life’s challenges. He also highlights the need for men to engage in positive activities, such as exercise, hobbies, and socialising with supportive people, to release built-up tension and foster mental well-being. Check your vitals before you check your wallet. Monthly profit means nothing if your heart gives out unexpectedly. Your strength is not in how much you carry but in how well you manage your load. Therapy is not weakness. It is a repair. Just like a car needs servicing, your mind and soul need realignment. Build relationships where you are more than a provider—where you are allowed to cry, collapse, confess. A good name is better than riches, but good health is the foundation of both. As Chinua Achebe once said, “When the drumbeat changes, the dance must also change.” The drumbeat of life today is faster, louder, and less forgiving. Men must adjust their rhythm. Health is the new wealth. Silence is no longer golden; it is dangerous. *Ganiyu Olowu, a public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos*. punchng.com ©️ 1971- 2025 Punch Nigeria Limited *MAY WE ALL LIVE LONG IN JESUS NAME* 🙏 CULLED #olufaderomi #grace

Zech.4.6 - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zech.4.7 - Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. Zech.4.9 - The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. #olufaderomi #grace

*You Shall be Satisfied!* For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness. *Psalm; 107:9* * Prayer: May the Lord satisfy you and yours with every good things according to His will and purpose for your life. *Amen!* Happy Sunday! Happy New Week! #olufaderomi #olufaderomi #grace

𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲. Relationships don’t fail because love died. They fail because people got stuck in a stage and didn’t grow through it. Here’s a breakdown of the 𝟲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, and what each one demands from you: 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝟭: 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 (𝟬–𝟯 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀) When everything feels magical — but most of it is fantasy. • Intense attraction and excitement • Constant communication and longing • Idealization: seeing them as perfect • You’re falling fast — but not deep yet Enjoy the spark, but don’t mistake it for a foundation. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝟮: 𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 (𝟯–𝟲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀) The butterflies turn into bonding. • Emotional connection deepens • Affection and physical intimacy increase • Shared experiences grow • You feel “in love” Chemistry starts it, but connection sustains it. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝟯: 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞 (𝟲–𝟭𝟮 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀) Love now has a mirror — and it shows the truth. • Flaws, habits, and differences emerge • Disagreements surface • Your ability to communicate is tested • Love becomes a choice, not just a feeling This stage makes or breaks the relationship. Grow, or it cracks. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝟰: 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗖𝗬 & 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗦𝗧 (𝟭–𝟮 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀) You’re either building something solid — or drifting apart. • Emotional vulnerability increases • Deeper understanding and acceptance • Shared values and life goals become clear • Security and trust replace uncertainty Safety, not spark, builds intimacy. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝟱: 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 (𝟭–𝟱 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀) Now it’s about the life you’re building, not just the love you’re feeling. • Long-term decisions are made together • Responsibilities are shared • You face life’s seasons as a team • Love feels rooted Love is not something you feel every day, it’s something you choose every day. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝟲: 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗧𝗛 & 𝗘𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 (𝟱+ 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀) It’s no longer just about staying together — it’s about growing together. • Personal and relational growth • Navigating change and life challenges • Deep companionship and peace • Reinventing love in each season Great relationships evolve, they don’t stay where they started. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 You don’t need a 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽. You need two people 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲. Don’t quit at the hard parts. That’s where most love stories lose their plot. #olufaderomi #grace #RelationshipWisdom #LoveGrowth #EmotionalIntelligence #KnowTheStages #olufaderomi

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL DATE: Tuesday MAY 6TH 2025 THEME: LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION III MEMORIZE: The counsel of f the LORD Standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Psalm 33:11 READ: Genesis 50:16-20 16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, 17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. 18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. 19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. MESSAGE As I conclude the teaching I started two days ago, I want you to take special note of today’s memory verse. It tells us that God’s counsel will stand forever. This implies that no matter what anyone tries, God’s plan for your life can never be changed. Isaiah 46:10 says, “…My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:” When things that do not seem to align with God’s plan for your life start happening to you, don’t despair; trust God and be confident that He is able to make all things work together for your good. For example, in the Bible, God showed Joseph a glimpse of His plan for his life in two dreams (Genesis 37:5-9). However, instead of keeping his mouth shut, he announced the dreams to his brothers and parents. His brothers got angry and sold him into slavery. They thought they were destroying him, but little did they know that they were helping Him towards his destiny. After he was brought into Potiphar’s house, tragedy struck again, and he found himself in prison. I’m sure the devil must have mocked him and asked, “Now, what has become of your big dreams?” However, God never fails to bring His word to pass; He hastens His word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12). The bigger the challenges, the more He will showcase His mighty power. God had a great destiny prepared for David, but the moment the oil came upon his head and he was anointed as king, it seemed all hell was let loose upon him. He became a fugitive for 13 years, moving from one hideout to another. In his psalms, he recorded how he felt during that season (Psalm 88:15, Psalm 25:16). However, despite all he faced, he still became Israel’s king as God ordained. I am sure that was why he said, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19). Beloved, no matter how much the enemy tries to stop you from achieving that glorious destiny that God has prepared for you, I want you to know that all things will work together for your good when you love God, and you are aligned with His purpose (Romans 8:28). Loving God means that you must obey all His commands (John 14:15). Don’t lose hope when negative circumstances come your way. Trust in God, obey all His commandments, and He will surely bring you to a glorious end in Him. KEY POINT No matter the difficulties you may be facing in your life, God is able to make all things work together for your good. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Chronicles 24-26 AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE HYMN 30: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD 1 When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word, what a glory he sheds on our way! While we do his good will, he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Refrain: Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. 2 Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, but our toil he doth richly repay; not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, but is blest if we trust and obey. 3 But we never can prove the delights of his love until all on the altar we lay; for the favor he shows, for the joy he bestows, are for them who will trust and obey. 4 Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at his feet, or we'll walk by his side in the way; what he says we will do, where he sends we will go; never fear, only trust and obey. #olufaderomi #grace

If you bears Segun by name of have someone who bears Segun. Then this message is for you. #olufaderomi #grace

KAI, THIS WORLD SHOULD JUST END. I AM SHOCKED 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭Oh , OTUKPO Mrs Ikpi travelled out of Otukpo for an official duty to Makurdi. She was expected to spend 6 days but as fate would have it, the programme only took 2 days. Since she could not reach her husband on phone because of poor network in Makurdi, she decided to return home unannounced. At home, her children told her that their father had a female visitor the moment she left and that the lady has been with them since then. On hearing this,she became so furious and jealous. Learning the lady was in the visitor's room, she peepped: loi and behold, the lady was there; even putting on her wrapper. She quietly went to the kitchen and boiled water in her very big kettle. As the water was boiling, her husband drove in. The husband went straight to the visitor's room calling out: 'MY LOVE I'm home.' not knowing his wife was also around. The wife was even more angered when she heard that and said to herself 'today, you will bele full. She took the hot water she boiled in a very big kettle which had already reached 100% degree centigrade and made very Big eba (ÈBÀ) and Okoho soup for her Husband, Herself and the Mother In-Law in the Guest room to eat, while her children ate Noddles. Imagine the heights of your Standing 👂 And the readiness 0f Ur Mind at the woman's Action hmmm. .. IT IS WELL... GOD WILL HELP Us What where you think while reading this story? #olufadderomi #grace

Daddy, I HV come to say thank you for this day. Thanks for day four. #Olufaderomi #peejay

Let your good works better known to God and not many. #Olufaderomi #Grace

When a man who is in the best position to help you fails to help you, it's a clear sign he/she is not your destiny helper. You need not to beg or struggle when God connects you to your destiny helper. Look up to God only #Olufaderomi #grace

Man's failure leads to God's appointment. #Olufaderomi #Grace