Academy of Poets, Nigeria

A mouse once fell into a jar full of grain. First day it celebrated.
Food everywhere. No need to struggle.
It ate.
It slept.
It got comfortable.
But the grain kept reducing every day.
The same place that looked like paradise slowly became a prison.
This is how life traps many people.
Too much comfort.
Too much easy living.
And before you know it,
the strength to climb out is gone.
Sometimes the biggest trap in life is the place you feel most comfortable.💯

Because the Earth Speaks to Us
By
Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON
Being the speech of His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at the Leaders’ Climate Summit – COP30, Belém, Brazil, on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

Protocols.

There is no doubt that the choice of this beautiful place, Belém, where Amazon opens its arms to the world, as the host of this year’s gathering of the global climate leadership is both symbolic and inspiring. It reminds us of the essence of what the world seeks to preserve: the splendour of nature and the delicate balance of life that sustains us all. Nigeria, therefore, stands with the global community in the collective resolve to heal, to restore, and to sustain this place we call home.

2. We are here because the Earth speaks to us. It speaks not in words, but through the devastations we witness every day — through the floods that wash away entire communities, through the droughts that parch our farmlands, through the hurricanes that batter coastal towns, through the wildfires that consume ancient forests, through the heatwaves that choke our cities, and through the conflicts that happen because of all of these. The Earth speaks in the language of loss and warning. It tells us that our survival is tied to its well-being. These are the cries that have compelled us to gather, from one city to another, in pursuit of one shared purpose — to save the only home we have.

3. So, I bring to you today not only the goodwill of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but the assurance of Nigeria’s unflinching commitment to climate action. We thank the government and people of the Federative Republic of Brazil for their exceptional hospitality.

4. A few days ago, Nigeria took a bold step forward. We approved two landmark instruments — the National Carbon Market Framework and the Climate Change Fund. These are the pillars of our climate finance architecture. They are designed to build a transparent and high-integrity carbon market aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Through them, we can generate, trade, and retire carbon credits with credibility and fairness. We can mobilise billions of dollars in climate investments to finance adaptation, resilience, and green industrialisation. The proceeds will flow into the Climate Change Fund to support communities most affected by climate impacts. To guide this journey, we have launched a five-year Carbon Market Roadmap. This will establish an Emissions Trading System and a Carbon Tax regime, strengthened by fiscal incentives that reward clean innovation.

5. Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Nigeria’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution, validated and submitted in September 2025, marks an ambitious step in our climate journey. It commits us to an absolute emission reduction of 32% by 2035 and a net-zero target by 2060, supported by strategies across energy, agriculture, transport, waste, and industry. Our Decade of Gas Strategy anchors this transition, using natural gas to stabilise power and drive industrial growth while expanding solar and off-grid solutions for rural electrification. Through these efforts, we are powering small businesses, promoting clean energy, and transforming agricultural waste into opportunity.

6. Nigeria’s geography, from the Sahelian plains in the north to the mangroves of the Niger Delta, reflects nature’s generosity and reminds us of our responsibility to preserve what sustains us. This is why we are investing in climate-smart agriculture, livestock transformation, and sustainable land-use practices that reduce conflict over resources and enhance food security. Yet no nation can finance climate ambition with goodwill alone. Climate finance remains the vehicle of effective implementation, and we therefore call for a reliable and equitable architecture that recognises the unique realities of developing nations and empowers them to deliver on global commitments. Nigeria welcomes the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund and urges our partners to ensure its accessibility to the most climate-vulnerable nations.

7. Nigeria asserts that Africa’s voice must not echo as a cry of vulnerability, but as a chorus of innovation. Our continent is rich in renewable resources, biodiversity, and youthful ingenuity. I hereby say with absolute certainty that we are not the problem; we are an integral part of the solution. This is why, at COP30, we hope to demonstrate that Africa can lead in carbon capture through forests, in renewable energy expansion, in digital monitoring of emissions, and in regional cooperation that translates ambition into prosperity.

8. Excellencies, let COP30 be remembered as the moment when the world moved from pledges to performance, from ambition to action, and from dialogue to delivery. For Nigeria stands ready to work with all nations to build a fairer, greener, and more resilient world, one where our children inherit not the ruins of our indifference, but the fruits of our collective resolve.

9. Thank you.

*DEAD PEOPLE DON'T READ TRIBUTES*

Show Love to the Living.

There is an unsettling irony in how we treat the living and the dead. We often forget to appreciate people when they can still hear us, yet we flood their graves with words they will never read and flowers they will never smell.
We withhold love, care, and support from the living, yet the moment they breathe their last, we gather in crowds, shedding tears, raising funds, and composing elaborate tributes.

*But dead people don’t read tributes.*

Why do we struggle to say “I love you” when hearts still beat, yet write long speeches of admiration when it's too late?

Why do we deny people our presence when they crave companionship, yet camp in their homes when their bodies lie cold?

What is the point of an expensive casket when we never contributed a dime to their happiness?

Many die with broken hearts, not from sickness but from loneliness and neglect. Many are smiling and suffering in silence struggling to survive, while those who could help watch with indifference—until death forces them to pretend they care. If your love, kindness, and generosity can only be found at funerals, then they are not real.

We post condolences on social media, we hold candlelight processions, we sing songs of sorrow—but what did we do when they needed a call, a visit, a warm embrace, or a listening ear?

*Stop romanticizing the dead while ignoring the living.*

Stop preaching love at funerals and practicing indifference during life.
Stop gathering only at the sound of death—gather when there's still laughter, life, and love to share.

Life is fragile.

Time is fleeting.

A single word of kindness today may be more valuable than a thousand-word tribute tomorrow.

A shared meal now is more nourishing than all the funeral rice in the world.

A simple *“Thank you,”* *“I appreciate you,”* or *“I’m proud of you”* now can light up a soul more than flowers on a grave ever could.

Tell people you love them now.

Support them now.

Correct them now.

Forgive them now.

Celebrate them now.

Write your appreciation and tributes now—while they can still read them.

Because once their eyes close in death, your words, your gifts, your presence—all become meaningless.

Their ears won’t hear your eulogy.

Their hearts won’t feel your tears.

Their souls won’t recognize your regrets.

We must learn to give people their roses while they can still smell them.

Let us stop waiting for coffins to carry our confessions.

Let us stop valuing the dead more than the living.

Let love lead us today—not tomorrow.

*Because dead people don’t read tributes.*

*The Decline of Friendship*

I recently read an article in the February issue of *Harvard Business Review* that deeply resonated with me. It discusses how the *“Friendship Recession,”* or the declining trend of meaningful friendships, is slowly taking root in our lives.

According to the *American Perspectives Survey*, the number of American adults who say they have *“no close friends”* has quadrupled since 1990, reaching 12%. Meanwhile, the number of people with *“10 or more close friends”* has decreased by one-third. I believe a similar trend is emerging in urban areas of India—while acquaintances are increasing, deep friendships are becoming rarer.

In the past, people would easily strike up conversations with strangers at cafés or bars. Now, people sit alone, disconnected from the crowd. In the U.S., the number of people dining alone has risen by 29% in the last two years. Stanford University has even introduced a course called *“Design for Healthy Friendships,”* highlighting that forming and maintaining friendships now requires learning and effort.

*This is not just a social issue but a cultural crisis.* Making time for friendship should no longer be a luxury but a priority. Loneliness is no longer a choice; it’s becoming a habit. If we don’t consciously prioritize friendship, not only will making new friends become difficult, but we’ll also lose old connections.

Religious gatherings, clubs, sports, and volunteer organizations, which once fostered friendships, are declining. We’ve become confined to social media, family responsibilities, and even pets. Yes, some friends don’t meet because their pets can’t be left alone!

Today, friendship is no longer a part of daily life; it happens only when other responsibilities are fulfilled. Yet, research emphasizes the importance of friendship. In Bonnie Ware’s book *The Top Five Regrets of the Dying*, one poignant regret stands out: *“I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends…”*

Research shows:
- Social isolation increases the risk of heart disease, dementia, and mortality.
- It’s as harmful as smoking 15 ci******es a day.
- Friendships improve mental, physical, and emotional health.
- *Harvard’s 80-year study* found that the greatest source of happiness and health in life is not wealth or career, but close relationships.

True friendship is like an investment—forgive, call, make memories, and spend time together.

As *Mirza Ghalib* beautifully said:
*“O God, grant me the chance to live with my friends…*
*…for I can stay with You even after death.”*

*Cherish friendships, make time, and enrich your life with meaningful relationships.*

*READ THIS CAREFULLY AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF*

Please read it. If you find it meaningful, share it with others too!!

!!! Ultra-Modern Medical Science !!!
Dr. Ananya Sarkar

You had a fever for two or three days. Even without taking any medicine, your body would have recovered on its own in a few days.
But you went to see a doctor. Right at the start, the doctor prescribed numerous tests.
The test reports didn't find any specific cause for the fever, but it was found that your cholesterol and blood sugar were slightly elevated — which is quite common and fluctuates mildly in most people.

The fever went away, but now you're no longer just a fever patient.
The doctor said – “Your cholesterol is high, and your sugar is slightly elevated, meaning you are pre-diabetic.”
From now on, you’ll need to take medicines to control your cholesterol and blood sugar.
Along with this, several dietary restrictions were imposed.
You may not have followed the diet strictly, but you didn’t forget to take the medications.

Three months passed this way.
Further tests were done.
Cholesterol had slightly reduced, but now your blood pressure was found to be slightly high.
To control this, another medicine was added.
Now your medication count reached 3.

Hearing all this, your anxiety started increasing.
“What will happen next?” – This anxiety started affecting your sleep.
The doctor prescribed sleeping pills.
Now your medication count reached 4.

Due to all these medications, you started having acidity and heartburn.
The doctor said – take gas tablets on an empty stomach before meals.
Now your medication count is 5.

Six months passed like this.
One day, you had chest pain, and you rushed to the emergency room.
After thorough checking, the doctor said – “You came at the right time, or else a major problem could have occurred.”
Some specialized tests were then prescribed.

After going through many expensive tests, the doctor said –
“Continue the old medications, and now we’ll add two heart medicines. Also, you’ll need to consult an endocrinologist (a hormone specialist).”
Now your medication count is 7.

Following the advice of the cardiologist, you visited the endocrinologist.
He added another medicine for sugar and one for a mildly enlarged thyroid.

Now your total medications are 9.

You started believing you were a seriously ill person —
Heart patient, diabetic, insomniac, acidity patient, thyroid patient, kidney patient, etc.

No one told you that you could maintain your health by improving your willpower, self-confidence, and lifestyle.
Instead, you were repeatedly told you are a “serious patient”, weak, incapable, and a broken person!

After another six months, due to the side effects of these medications, you started experiencing urinary issues.
A routine test showed that something was wrong with your kidneys.
Then more tests were done.
After reviewing the report, the doctor said – “Your creatinine level is slightly elevated, but if you continue the medications regularly, there’s no need to worry.”
And added two more medications.

Now your medication count is 11.

You are now taking more medicines than food, and due to their many side effects, you are slowly moving toward death!!

Regarding the original fever for which you had gone to the doctor –
If the doctor had said instead:

“Don’t worry. It’s a minor fever. No need for medication. Just take rest for a few days, drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, go for a morning walk – that’s all. No medicine needed.”

Then how would the doctor and the pharmaceutical companies make a profit?

The BIG question:
On what basis do doctors declare patients to be suffering from high cholesterol, high BP, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, etc.?
Who decides these standards?

Let’s understand a bit more in detail —

★ In 1979, the threshold for blood sugar was 200 mg/dl.
Back then, only 3.5% of the world population was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes.

★ In 1997, under pressure from insulin manufacturing companies, the threshold was reduced to 126 mg/dl.
This increased the number of diabetics from 3.5% to 8% — meaning an additional 4.5% of people were labeled diabetic without symptoms!
In 1999, the WHO approved this new standard.

Insulin companies made huge profits and opened new factories.

★ In 2003, the ADA (American Diabetes Association) declared 100 mg/dl fasting blood sugar as the benchmark for diabetes.
Due to this, 27% more people were unnecessarily labeled as diabetic.

★ Currently, as per the ADA, 140 mg/dl after a meal is considered diabetic.
As a result, nearly 50% of the global population is now considered diabetic — many of whom are not actually sick.

Indian pharmaceutical companies are trying to lower this even more — to 5.5% HbA1c, so more people are diagnosed and medicines sold.

Many experts believe that up to 11% HbA1c should not be considered diabetic.

Another example:
In 2012, a famous pharmaceutical company was fined $3 billion by the US Supreme Court.
From 2007 to 2012, their diabetes drug was accused of increasing heart attack deaths by 43%.

The company was aware of this in advance, but deliberately suppressed the information for profit.
During that same period, the company made $300 billion in profit.

This is the ‘Ultra-Modern Medical System’ of today!!

*_Think... and start thinking deeply.._*