The Oyo Empire: West Africa’s Forgotten Powerhouse When people talk about African empires, names like Mali and Songhai often take the spotlight. But tucked away in the history of what is now southwestern Nigeria lies the story of the Oyo Empire — a once-mighty Yoruba kingdom that ruled for centuries and shaped the region in ways that still echo today. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Oyo and discover what made this empire one of West Africa’s great powers. A Kingdom Born of Legend According to Yoruba tradition, the Oyo Empire was founded by Oranyan , a descendant of Oduduwa , the mythical father of the Yoruba people. The empire began to take shape in the 14th century, growing from a modest city-state into a formidable force thanks to its strategic location in the open savannah — a perfect spot for farming, trade, and, perhaps most importantly, cavalry warfare. Politics Done Right (or at Least Balanced) One of the coolest things about Oyo was its political system. At th...
Do you ever feel like you don't have enough time? Like you have little time for yourself because you're always balancing obligations, duties, and favors for other people? You're not by yourself if so. Many of us find it difficult to say "no," frequently due to a fear of disappointing people or losing out on opportunities. But what if the key to living a more purposeful, balanced, and happy life is learning to say "no"? Saying "no" is about establishing boundaries and putting your priorities first, not about being self-centered. Here are some helpful hints to get you started and how learning to say "no" may change your life. Why It's So Effective to Say "No". 1. Preserves Your Energy and Time There is a price for each "yes" you say. Every commitment, whether it's helping someone out, taking on an additional assignment, or going to another meeting, takes time and energy, which are resources that are difficu...