THE MAKING OF A GENERAL (2) – BANJI ALABI ESQ
THE MAKING OF A GENERAL (2) – BANJI ALABI ESQ
Generals are not made on cruise ships with women of easy virtue.
Generals are made on the battlefield.
The economy of the world is bleeding.
Poverty and hunger are rising.
Jobs have been lost.
Homes have been lost.
Dignity is under attack.
The news of depression and suicide grows louder every day.
And at the root of it all is unemployment and lack of opportunity.
Times are hard.
In times like these, people will vent their anger and frustrations on you.
They will call you out.
Do not fight back. Maintain peace. Peace, be still.
No sacrifice is too great for peace.
Both Christianity and Islam preach peace.
The Bible says:
“Be at peace with one another.” – Mark 9:50_
“Be at peace among yourselves.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:13_
“Live in harmony with one another.” – Romans 12:16_
“Pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” – Romans 14:19_
The Qur’an calls it:
The Ways of Peace”_ Qur’an 5:16_
Reconciliation is the best policy”_ – _Qur’an 4:128_
And it reminds us that God abhors the disturbance of peace_ –Qur’an 2:205
The very first verse begins: “In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.”_
So please: DO NOT respond to insults.
Walk away.
Let them win the argument. You win your honor.
Return home to your loved ones —
IN ONE PIECE.
Do NOT fight. Don’t raise your voice. Just leave.
LESSON 1: CELEBRATE YOUR GOALKEEPERS
A FOOTBALL LESSON: ARGENTINA VS NETHERLANDS
World Cup Quarter-Final, 2022. Penalties.
Emiliano Martinez saved two penalties.
Lautaro Martinez scored the winner goal.
The team rushed to celebrate Lautaro.
But one man did something different.
Lionel Messi. The Captain. The Leader.
He knew: without the goalkeeper, there would be no win.
So Messi ran first to celebrate with the goalkeeper.
Let me ask you:
1. How many “goalkeepers” do you have in your team, in your life — that you’ve neglected and taken for granted?
2. Are you a manager, or are you a leader?
3. Do we truly understand the difference?
MANAGER VS LEADER
A Manager:
Focuses on tasks, processes, and control
– Gives orders and expects results
– Prioritizes efficiency and productivity
A Leader:
– Focuses on people, vision, and inspiration
– Motivates and empowers others to achieve great success
– Prioritizes growth, innovation, and impact
A manager does things right.
A leader does the right thing.
LESSON 2: TURN CRITICS INTO CONVERTS
BE LIKE PBAT: DEVELOP AWESOME INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
A LIVING EXAMPLE: PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU
They questioned his state of origin, home town, father, mother, siblings, and schools.
They built roadblocks and traps around him.
In London, his own worst critics followed him, shouting and embarrassing him in public.
Yet he became a Senator.
He became Governor of Lagos state .
The dejure and de-facto king Maker of Lagos state politics and Nigeria as a whole : His words are laws
Today, he is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
How did he make it?
AWESOME INTERPERSONAL SKILLS./ PEOPLE SKILLS.
He built bridges when others built walls.
He invested in people when others invested in enemies.
And here is the masterclass:
Daniel Bwala— one of his most violent critics during the last election, the one who chased and embarrassed him everywhere — today is one of his foot soldiers.
Bwala ate his words publicly.
He was recently appointed into PBAT’s government, defending the same man he once attacked.
That is not politics. That is mastery of people.
That is how you turn enemies into allies, and critics into converts.
Today, PBAT is not just a man. He is an institution. A legend.
Such people must be preserved forever as a reference.
HOW TO BUILD INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
1. Listen first, Seek to understand before you seek to be understood.
2. Control your emotions, In anger, silence is strength.
3. Speak with respect. Even in disagreement, keep your honor.
4. Celebrate others.
5. Acknowledge your goalkeepers.
6. Render help.
7. Be present when friends and family need you. Support worthy causes.
8. Be like Tinubu. Turn critics into allies. Disarm with wisdom, not war.
HOW TO BUILD AWESOME NETWORKS
1. Be intentional. Walk with builders, not breakers.
2. Show up. Consistency builds trust and visibility.
3. Be a giver. Connect people. Share opportunities.
4. Follow up with gratitude. Thank yous open doors.
5. Invest in people, not transactions Relationships compound.
Remember: Your network is your net worth.
Your character is your credit.
THE ROADMAP TO LUXURY LIVING
1. Discover your talents. Identify your passion, your strength, and the problem you were born to solve.
2. Develop them to world-class standard. Invest in skills. Stay updated. Build your network.
3. Commercialize them. Create value. Monetize your gift.
4. Solve Problems. Impact lives. That is how wealth is built.
5. Stop chasing jobs that no longer exist.Sharpen your skills. Solve real problems. And smile to the bank.
6. STOP BEGGING. Begging is beneath your destiny.
You have the power to decide how your story ends.
The past is history. The future is gold. Write yours.”_
QUOTE TO SUMMARIZE IT ALL
“Peace begins with a smile. Leadership begins with gratitude. And greatness begins when you serve others before yourself.”
Mother Teresa_
“If you keep peace in crisis, honor people over ego, and build by solving problems — you are on the path of a General.”
HAPPY NEW WEEK
Guard your peace. Invest in people. Turn critics into converts. Build your institution.
I love and I cherish you all.
You WILL succeed.
_Banji Alabi Esq.
About the Author
Banji Alabi, Esq. is a Lagos-based legal practitioner, public voice, and relentless advocate for the people. A change agent, incurable optimist, and carrier of good news, he blends law, conviction, and courage to challenge the status quo and inspire action. A devoted follower of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, his mission is simple: spread positivity, defend truth, and spark the kind of change that outlives us.
