Folaranmi Ajayi

24/09/2026

15 LATIN expressions explained in simple English.

My love for Latin has always been tied to my love for language itself. There is something fascinating about a language that is no longer spoken as an everyday language but continues to live on in law, education, literature, religion, medicine, science and ordinary conversation.

One of my friends, Sunday, was also a lover of Latin and the good use of language. Our conversations often reminded me that words are more than just tools for communication. The right expression, used at the right time, can add precision, depth and even elegance to an idea.

Latin has contributed countless expressions to the English language. Some are commonly used in everyday speech, while others appear mostly in academic, legal or professional settings.

Here are 15 common Latin expressions you should know:

1. Carpe diem

Meaning: “Seize the day.”

It encourages people to make the most of the present rather than constantly waiting for the future.

Example: You may not have another opportunity, so carpe diem.

2. Et cetera (etc.)

Meaning: “And the rest” or “and so on.”

It is used when a list continues beyond the items mentioned.

Example: We discussed books, newspapers, magazines, journals, etc.

3. Per se

Meaning: “By itself” or “in itself.”

It is used when discussing something in its own nature, without considering other factors.

Example: There is nothing wrong with social media per se; the problem is how people use it.

4. Status quo

Meaning: “The existing state of affairs.”

It refers to the way things currently are.

Example: The organisation decided to maintain the status quo.

5. Bona fide

Meaning: “In good faith” or “genuine.”

It is commonly used to describe something that is authentic or legitimate.

Example: She is a bona fide expert in the field.

6. Ad hoc

Meaning: “For this purpose.”

It describes something created or arranged for a particular situation or task.

Example: The organisation set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter.

7. Vice versa

Meaning: “The other way around.”

It means that the reverse of a statement is also true.

Example: Parents influence their children, and vice versa.

8. De facto

Meaning: “In fact” or “in practice.”

It describes something that exists or operates in reality, even if it may not have formal or legal recognition.

Example: He became the de facto leader of the group.

9. De jure

Meaning: “According to law” or “by right.”

It refers to something that exists officially or legally.

Example: She was the de jure owner of the property.

10. Mea culpa

Meaning: “My fault” or “through my fault.”

It is an admission that one is responsible for a mistake.

Example: I missed the deadline. Mea culpa.

11. Alter ego

Meaning: “Other self.”

It refers to another version or identity of a person, sometimes a fictional or professional persona.

Example: The character became the writer's alter ego.

12. Tabula rasa

Meaning: “Blank slate.”

It describes something regarded as having no previous ideas, experiences or impressions.

Example: Every child does not begin learning with a completely tabula rasa.

13. Curriculum vitae (CV)

Meaning: “Course of life.”

It refers to a document outlining a person's education, qualifications, experience and achievements.

Example: Please send your curriculum vitae with your application.

14. In memoriam

Meaning: “In memory of.”

It is used to honour someone who has died.

Example: The organisation published a special edition in memoriam of its former chairman.

15. Quid pro quo

Meaning: “Something for something.”

It describes an arrangement in which one thing is given in return for another.

Example: The agreement was based on a quid pro quo arrangement.

Latin may no longer be the language of everyday conversation, but its fingerprints are everywhere. From “etc.” at the end of a list to “carpe diem” in a motivational speech, many Latin expressions have become permanent residents of the English language.

For me, learning these expressions is not simply about sounding sophisticated. It is about appreciating how language evolves, how words travel across generations and how an ancient language can remain relevant centuries after its everyday use has declined.

And perhaps that is one of the most beautiful things about language: words can outlive the people and societies that created them.

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24/09/2026

The Power of Confidence and How to Stay Confident

Confidence is one of the most powerful qualities a person can develop. It affects how we speak, how we make decisions, how we relate with people and how willing we are to take opportunities when they come.

Confidence does not mean believing that you are better than everyone else. It means having enough trust in yourself to act, speak and make decisions even when you are not completely certain of the outcome.

A confident person does not necessarily know everything. Rather, such a person is comfortable saying, “I do not know,” “I need help,” or “I will learn.”

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting to feel confident before taking action. In reality, confidence often comes after action. You become better at public speaking by speaking. You become better at writing by writing. You become more comfortable meeting people by putting yourself in situations where you have to interact with people.

So, how do you stay confident?

1. Know what you are talking about

Preparation is one of the strongest foundations of confidence. When you understand your subject, you are less likely to be intimidated by questions or criticism.

Before a presentation, interview, examination or important conversation, prepare. Read. Practise. Ask questions. The more prepared you are, the more comfortable you become.

2. Stop comparing yourself with everyone

Comparison can quietly destroy confidence.

There will always be someone who is richer, more experienced, more articulate, more attractive or further ahead than you. That does not make your own journey meaningless.

Instead of asking, “Why am I not like this person?” ask, “What can I learn from this person?”

Learn from people without using their achievements as evidence against yourself.

3. Remember your previous victories

When you feel discouraged, remind yourself of what you have already overcome.

Think about the difficult examination you passed, the presentation you delivered, the problem you solved or the opportunity you once thought you were not ready for.

Your past victories are evidence that you are capable of handling difficult situations.

4. Speak to yourself properly

Your internal conversation matters.

If you constantly tell yourself, “I cannot do this,” “I am not good enough,” or “Everyone will laugh at me,” you are creating an environment where confidence struggles to grow.

Replace destructive self-talk with realistic encouragement.

Instead of saying, “I cannot do this,” say, “This is difficult, but I can prepare and give it my best.”

Confidence does not require pretending that everything is easy. It requires believing that you can face what is difficult.

5. Accept that you will make mistakes

You cannot build lasting confidence if you are terrified of making mistakes.

You will mispronounce a word. You will forget something during a presentation. You will sometimes make the wrong decision. You will occasionally fail.

Learn from it and move forward.

A mistake is an event, not an identity.

6. Take care of your appearance

While appearance is not the foundation of confidence, looking presentable can influence how you feel about yourself.

Dress appropriately for the occasion. Maintain good personal hygiene. Stand upright. Make appropriate eye contact. Speak clearly.

These simple habits can influence both your self-perception and the way people respond to you.

7. Improve your skills

Sometimes what we call a “confidence problem” is actually a skills problem.

If you struggle with public speaking, practise public speaking.

If you struggle with writing, write more.

If you struggle with communication, study communication.

Confidence becomes stronger when competence increases.

8. Learn to handle criticism

Not every criticism is an attack.

Some criticism is useful. Some is unfair. Some is simply someone's opinion.

Learn to separate the message from the emotion.

Ask yourself: Is there something useful here that I can learn?

If there is, learn from it. If there is not, let it go.

You do not need everyone's approval to remain confident.

9. Keep promises to yourself

One of the easiest ways to build self-confidence is to become someone you can trust.

If you tell yourself you will read for 30 minutes, do it.

If you decide to exercise, show up.

If you set a deadline, try to meet it.

Every time you keep a promise to yourself, you strengthen your belief that you can depend on yourself.

10. Understand that confidence fluctuates

Even confident people have difficult days.

There will be moments when you feel nervous, uncertain or inadequate. That does not mean your confidence has disappeared.

Confidence is not the absence of fear.

Sometimes, confidence is simply saying, “I am afraid, but I will do it anyway.”

The goal is not to become a person who never doubts himself or herself. The goal is to become a person who does not allow temporary doubt to permanently determine what they do.

Confidence grows through preparation, practice, experience and self-awareness.

You do not have to become the loudest person in the room. You do not have to prove that you are better than everyone else.

You simply need to develop enough belief in yourself to use your voice, pursue opportunities, learn from your mistakes and keep moving.

Sometimes, confidence begins with one simple decision:

“I may not know everything, but I am willing to learn, prepare and try.”

And that may be enough to get you started.

23/09/2026

THE OATH OF EGBE OMO ODUDUWA

The Egbe Omo Oduduwa (The Society of the Descendants of Oduduwa) was a Yoruba premier cultural organisation founded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo & a group of Yoruba students in London in 1945. It was rejuvenated in Lagos in December 1947 and was formally inaugurated in Ile-Ife in June 1948.

Its first president was Sir Adeyemo Alakija while Awolowo was elected as the first General Secretary. The main objectives of the Egbe were: the organisation of a virile, efficient and modernized Yoruba state within a Federal state of Nigeria, the protection and development of Yoruba culture and traditional institutions, and the protection of the interest of the Yoruba so that future generations of the Yoruba would have a secured place in Nigeria.

Between 1948 and 1951, the Egbe awarded scholarship to 21 students from various Yoruba towns. The Egbe was banned by the Military Government in 1966, along with similar ethnic group associations.

An applicant was required to take the below oath upon admission as a member of the Egbe:

Èké pa obì o di
Òdàlè pa tire má yàn
Oniwa rere nikan soso lo pa tire to yan gedegbe

Emi……….se ileri tokantokan niwaju Olorun ati eniyan, lati duro dede ninu Egbe Omo Oduduwa ati lati faramo gbogbo ofin ati eto Egbe yi.

Bi mo dale Egbe yi ni onakona ni gbangba tabi ni ikoko, nigbangba ni mo fi ara mi bu fun ijiya ti Olorun pa lase fun Oduduwa pe: “Eke a pa eleke, Ilè a pa odale.”

Ki Olorun ki o ran mi lowo ninu ileri yi ati ninu ise rere mi gbogbo si Egbe Omo Oduduwa. Ase!!!

[English Translation]

The efforts of a dishonest person are abortive
Those of disloyal citizens are futile
Only the upright shall be successful in their endeavours

I,……….faithfully promise before the Almighty God and in the presence of my fellow compatriots, that I shall ever remain loyal and firm in the Egbe Omo Oduduwa and I shall ever obey and support the constitution of the organisation.

If I betray the Egbe either publicly or privately, I make myself liable, in public, to the penalty which the Almighty God prescribed for Oduduwa, to wit: "Evil shall haunt the evil doer and betrayers shall be destroyed by the mother earth.

Credit: Onigegewura

23/09/2026

The Danger of Skipping the Process as a Young Person

There is a growing pressure on young people to become successful quickly. Social media has made this pressure even stronger because we constantly see people announcing new businesses, expensive purchases, promotions, international opportunities and impressive career achievements without always seeing the years of preparation behind them. As a result, some young people become impatient with the process and begin looking for shortcuts to positions, recognition and financial success. There is nothing wrong with ambition or wanting to achieve great things early in life, but ambition without patience can make a person underestimate the value of preparation. Sometimes, the process that looks slow is actually building the capacity required to sustain the success you are hoping to achieve.

One of the dangers of skipping the process is that you can arrive at a destination before you are prepared to handle it. A young professional may want a managerial position without first learning how to manage people, projects, deadlines and workplace relationships. Someone may want to become a business owner without understanding customers, cash flow, marketing, operations and the discipline required to keep a business running. Another person may want to become a recognised expert without spending enough time learning, practising and developing genuine competence. Position can give you visibility, but competence is what helps you handle responsibility when the excitement disappears.

The process also teaches lessons that success alone cannot teach you. Starting from the bottom can teach humility, working under someone can teach discipline, internships can provide workplace exposure, volunteering can build experience, and small assignments can prepare you for larger responsibilities. In my own professional journey across education, journalism, media and communications, many of the things I understand today were not acquired in one major opportunity. They developed through different assignments, responsibilities, relationships, mistakes, deadlines and continuous learning. When you look only at where someone is today, you may not appreciate the experiences that prepared them to occupy that position.

Another danger of jumping the process is becoming dependent on appearance rather than substance. It is possible to have the title, the social media following or the impressive photograph without having the depth required to sustain the position. When the foundation is weak, pressure can expose the gaps very quickly. This is particularly important in an age where people can build personal brands before they have built significant expertise, creating an environment where looking successful can sometimes become more important than becoming competent. Young people should therefore ask themselves whether they are building something real or simply trying to look as though they have already arrived.

There is also a psychological cost to constantly comparing your process with somebody else's outcome. You may see someone who is younger than you achieving something and begin to feel that you are behind, even though you have no knowledge of the opportunities, resources, support or experiences that shaped that person's journey. Comparison can make you abandon a perfectly reasonable path simply because it does not look fast enough. Your responsibility is not to reproduce somebody else's timeline but to understand your own goals, identify the skills you need and consistently work towards them. Progress may be slow at certain stages, but slow progress is still progress when it is moving you in the right direction.

This does not mean young people should wait passively for success or refuse to take bold opportunities. There are times when you must move quickly, take calculated risks and recognise opportunities when they appear. The lesson is that speed should not replace preparation, and shortcuts should not become a substitute for competence. Build your skills, gain experience, develop relationships, learn from people ahead of you and allow your responsibilities to increase as your capacity increases. You may not always control how quickly opportunities come, but you can control how prepared you are when they arrive. Do not be so desperate to arrive that you neglect the process that is preparing you to stay there.

A tour around Rave FM,Osogbo during my campus years.

Folaranmi Ajayi
Equipping the next generation for excellence.

23/09/2026

🎤 Five Ways to Overcome Public Speaking Fear 🎤

Public speaking can be intimidating, but with the right techniques, you can conquer your fear and become a confident speaker! Here are five tips to help you on your journey:

1️⃣ Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice your speech, the more comfortable you'll become with the material.

2️⃣ Visualization: Imagine yourself speaking confidently to a receptive audience. Visualization can boost your confidence.

3️⃣ Breathing Techniques: Deep, controlled breaths can calm your nerves and improve your speaking clarity.

4️⃣ Start Small: Begin with smaller, friendly audiences to build your confidence gradually.

5️⃣ Join a Speaking Group: Toastmasters and similar groups provide a supportive environment for practicing public speaking.

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What's your biggest challenge when it comes to public speaking? Share in the comments below! 👇

22/09/2026

22/09/2026

"You dont need to be smart.
You need to be consistent."

Alex Homozi

22/09/2026

Keep this!