Opinion
Becoming the Best Version of Myself: The Power of Letting Go of Friendship Expectation
By Ibe Wada
We all know that friendships are an integral part of our lives, providing us with companionship, support, and shared experiences. Yet, it’s essential to recognize that expectations in friendships can sometimes become a hindrance to personal growth and genuine connections. In my own journey, I discovered that ever since I removed expectations from friendships, I became a better version of myself.
The Weight of Expectations
We often enter into friendships with certain expectations, consciously or unconsciously. We expect our friends to always be available, to understand our thoughts and feelings, and to fulfill our emotional needs. While it’s natural to have some expectations in relationships, they can sometimes be unrealistic and detrimental.
When we expect our friends to fit into a specific mold, we limit their individuality and our own capacity for personal growth. We may become disappointed when our friends don’t meet these expectations, leading to conflicts and strained relationships. Expectations can turn genuine friendships into a transactional exchange rather than a source of emotional support and joy.
The joy that Comes with Letting Go
My journey towards becoming a better version of myself began when I consciously decided to let go of these expectations. Instead of expecting my friends to always be available, I learned to appreciate the quality of the time we spent together. Rather than assuming they could read my mind, I started to communicate my thoughts and feelings openly.
By releasing these expectations, I found a newfound sense of freedom in my friendships. I could embrace my friends as unique individuals, appreciating their quirks and differences. I realized that they, too, were on their individual journeys of growth, and I could support them in their endeavors.
Genuine Connections and Personal Growth
Removing expectations from my friendships allowed me to build deeper, more authentic connections. I discovered that when we relate to each other without rigid expectations, our interactions become more meaningful and fulfilling. Our friendships became spaces where we could be our true selves without judgment.
Additionally, this change transformed my perspective on personal growth. Rather than relying solely on my friends for emotional support, I began to take more responsibility for my own happiness and well-being. I turned inward, seeking self-improvement, and focused on becoming the best version of myself, not only for my friends but for me.
Embracing Imperfection
Friendships, like any relationship, are imperfect. People make mistakes, have their own struggles, and may not always be available when we need them. However, by letting go of expectations, I learned to embrace this imperfection.
I found that acknowledging and accepting the flaws and imperfections in my friends and myself made our connections more resilient. We could navigate challenges together, learn from our mistakes, and grow stronger as a result.
In my journey of personal growth, I’ve discovered that letting go of expectations in friendships has been a transformative experience. By releasing the weight of unrealistic demands, I’ve become a better version of myself, fostering more genuine connections, and finding greater contentment in my relationships.
If you, too, are seeking personal growth and improved friendships, consider the power of letting go. Embrace the beauty of authentic connections, and you may find that, like me, you become a better version of yourself in the process.
By Rinret Jennifer Mwarap
The unrelenting massacre of citizens in Plateau State has reached an alarming level. While the government claims to be taking steps to restore order, the reality on the ground tells a different story one that feels like nothing meaningful is being done.
It is heartbreaking to see our loved ones butchered without cause. The questions torment us: What have we done wrong? Who have we offended? Where did we go astray? Must we continue to endure this suffering for no justifiable reason?
The killing of innocent people in Plateau must come to an end. The government and security forces cannot afford to look away. Their responsibility is clear they must act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice, for the sake of the innocent victims and the children left behind.
I call on the Governor of Plateau State to rise to this challenge. Take bold and immediate action against those who seek to destroy our land and shed innocent blood. Let them face the full weight of the law.
This feels like a nightmare—how did we get to the point where the same Plateau where I once slept peacefully with both eyes closed is now a place where even sleeping with one eye open feels unsafe?
Where is the peace in our “Home of Peace and Tourism”?
When will our tears dry? When will justice prevail?
If we truly seek peace, then justice must be non-negotiable.
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.