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Food for Living: Choose Your Name Wisely
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By Henry Ukazu
Greetings Dear Friends,
We all have names which our parents, godfather/mother, or even good relatives and friends gave to us at birth, and we always like to be addressed rightly and with respect before we respond. Just to let you know how powerful your name can be, if you are called a name that is not yours, there’s every tendency you won’t respond, nor matter how nice it may sound. Even if you are called the right name but with the wrong pronunciation, you might also feel slighted to respond, and even if you respond, you’ll react in a way as to offer correction. This is because names are very symbolic, and according to the platinum rule, people are treated the way they wish to be addressed.
Names are very powerful and they have deep meanings, and as a result, must be chosen wisely. Names are regarded as trademarks/logos and come in different shapes and sizes. Some people even have nicknames which have defined them in different ways. Even in business; the name you choose has an impact on people’s perception, especially your potential clients. Therefore, it is imperatively and critically important for you to consider whatever name you will like to be associated with.
A name is an identity. It is a descriptor that allows people to make quick judgments and assumptions about us. When a particular name is mentioned, a lot of questions normally come to mind. We can even assume what it is likely to be. Our names and identities are regarded as the first impressions people have about us. For example, how we dress, the way we wear our hair, how we behave, and even where we go; all begin with our identity and what we call ourselves. Whether it is religion, sexuality or gender, it is part of an identity that can influence how you present yourself to the world, and how you interact with the world. Depending on the situation and circumstance, what we call ourselves may change. That is why it is important for you to consider the name, group or network you are associated with.
The big question we have to answer is what name do I respond to? As human beings, some of us are very sensitive, some are conservative while others tend to have a liberal attitude towards life. Depending on which category you belong to, you can decide to be the game-changer in whatever situation you are into. You may have been called a dull person, lazy being, slow, ugly, fat, etc., but how you respond is actually what makes the ultimate difference. As you may know, life is not what happens to you, but how you react to it. It should be noted that you can’t stop people calling you negative names, but you can decide to choose what you answer to. As a an advice, don’t answer names you are called, when they call you hello depressed, short, unattractive, unqualified, sick, orphan, just calmly respond, ‘sorry there’s no one by that name around here, I guess you may have gotten the wrong address’. In a rhetoric way, you can also respond, do you mean positive, tall, smart, healthy, blessed, beautiful, handsome, extraordinary, talented, skillful, etc.
Studies suggest that liking your own name is predictive of well-being and happiness, and it also positively affects your self-esteem. But does your name affect how other people treat you? According to Dale Carnegie.
“A person’s name is to him or her the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” Why then is it so important to call people their true names? A person’s name is the greatest connection to their own identity and individuality. Some might say it is the most important word in the world to that person. This is because it is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get someone’s attention especially when they are teased or praised.
Here are some tips on how you can use your name to influence your brand.
Make it a commitment:
Make a commitment to answer whatever uplifts and support your vision. Once you are subconsciously aware of what happens around you, do yourself a favor to international change the narrative by changing the negative news or information that surrounds you or your business. For example, you can work on your self, business, brand, organization, etc; to the extent, people will recognize you as an excellent or reliable person/brand as opposed to the different labels that bring negative vibes to you. As you may know, the world is governed by perception.
Practice:
Practicing whatever name brand you want to be associated with is a great way to bring change to not only your personal life but your business or brand. You can do this by calling yourself names of interest that appeal to you. You may be surprised to know it will come back to you. Don’t be concerned about the negative voices you may be hearing from friends or even family members, just continue to work on your craft. There have been testimonies of people who dreamt of being a governor, president, leader of an industry, etc. despite not having what it takes to be the person in the picture. They were able to act it in addition to calling themselves the names and guess what, it’s it came to pass. In one of my articles I published five years ago titled: Dreams Come True, I opined that your dreams are valid and it will come true if you work hard, believe in yourself and have the God factor around you.
Ignore the name tag:
As mentioned earlier, it is up to you to respond to whatever name you decide to answer. Names don’t matter anything unless you give it the needed power/energy it needs to feed on. Names are like dead woods, but you can activate life into it when you speak life into it. Names work with our minds, when you decide to call yourself love, love will automatically follow you.
Furthermore, Ignore the nay-sayers and give your attention to what brings you life, and when you do, the desired transformation will begin to rear up. Personally, I was called names because of my horrible writing skills, but I have been able to author a book by the special grace of God which my detractors have not been able to accomplish. The secret is simple, I never answered the negative names I was called.
Creating Opportunity:
Knowing how to relate with people is a powerful skill that is in high demand. A good personal relation skill will create opportunities for you. It’s like a charm that can disarm even the most hardened person to respond to stimuli. As popularly opined in some social parlance, if a man can make a lady to smile, he’s halfway into her heart. It is important to note that people want to be treated as human beings, not objects. Using their name is the fastest and most reliable way of building rapport and creating a good first impression. Everyone has a name — use it to better connect to them, especially if you work in the customer service position. You will notice a difference in your relationships.
In conclusion, what is your name?
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the author of the acclaimed book Design Your Destiny – Actualizing Your Birthright To Success. He can be reached via henrous@gmail.com
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) aka petrol, gantry price by 6.7 per cent to N1,350 per litre from N1,265 per litre, effective September 12, 2026.
The refinery also raised its coastal price to N1,783,530 from N1,669,543, representing an increase of N113,987, or 6.8 per cent.
In a memo to customers, Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced the revised prices, saying:
“Dear valued customer, please find below the revised DPRP PMS gantry and coastal price which is effective 12th September 2026.”
The refinery also directed customers with existing loading arrangements to return their Automated Truck Certificates, ATCs, for repricing.
It said: “You are advised to return all ATCs for repricing and a new volume contract will be issued for immediate loading resumption.”
The latest adjustment is expected to increase the acquisition cost of petrol for marketers sourcing supplies from the refinery and could put upward pressure on pump prices.
The increase comes amid renewed volatility in the international crude oil market, with Brent crude recently trading above $100 per barrel.
Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market operates under deregulation, with petrol prices influenced by crude oil costs, refining expenses, foreign exchange, logistics and market forces.
Consequently, the new Dangote price is expected to trigger reviews by marketers, although the extent of any adjustment at filling stations will depend on transportation, distribution costs, competition and prevailing market conditions.
The Dangote refinery has emerged as a major supplier of locally refined petrol as Nigeria seeks to reduce its dependence on imported petroleum products.
The latest increase could therefore have implications for consumers and businesses if marketers pass the higher acquisition cost through to retail prices.
Marketers are now expected to adjust their purchase and selling prices in response to the new Dangote petrol rates.
The Osun State Police Command has arrested a woman after a vigilante member, identified as Sunday and popularly known as Apetu, died shortly after having a sexual encounter with her in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
A video circulated on social media showed the man in severe distress at Ooni Ilare Street, where he was heard pleading with the woman to give him urine.
The incident occurred on Sunday around 2:30pm in the Odi-Olokun area of Ile-Ife, after which the woman was taken into custody at the Moore Police Division.
According to a situation report attributed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Apetu was found gasping, screaming and pleading with the woman while showing signs of severe physical distress after the encounter.
The report said the man eventually died from the incident, while his remains were deposited at the morgue of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife.
The cause of Apetu’s death has not been officially established, despite claims by some residents that he died from what they described as a “thunderbolt.”
Authorities have not confirmed the claim or established any link between the traditional belief and the man’s death.
The belief centres on a traditional claim that a person affected by a supposed “thunderbolt” spell could harm another person through sexual contact. However, the claim has not been established as a medical or scientific explanation for the death.
A senior officer of the Osun State Police Command said the command was aware of the reports circulating on social media but warned members of the public against spreading unverified information.
The incident has drawn attention in Ile-Ife because of the conflicting accounts surrounding the sudden death.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and allow the police and relevant medical authorities to establish the actual cause of death.
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed a mob action which allegedly led to the death of one Basit Kolade.
The victim was allegedly attacked by a group of individuals following a road traffic incident at Freeman Street, Lagos Island, on Wednesday, 2nd September 2026, at about 10:40 p.m, a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, SP Adebisi Abimbola, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), said.
The Police noted in the stateent as follows:
Preliminary investigation revealed that Basit Kolade was travelling with his spouse, from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island in a black Lexus Jeep, with registration number KSF 115 JZ, when a motorcycle allegedly collided with the vehicle from behind.
An argument reportedly ensued between both of them. In the course of the incident, the vehicle allegedly reversed and hit the motorcycle, causing the rider and the motorcycle to fall. This reportedly attracted a group of individuals in the area, who allegedly attacked Basit with dangerous weapons. His spouse was rescued by some women in the vicinity, while Kolade was rushed to the Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was subsequently confirmed dead. The motorcycle rider who was allegedly hit in the incident is, however, alive and currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.
Four (4) suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the attack. They are Khalid Rafiq ‘m’ 20 years; Gafar Rahim ‘m’ 21 years; Ibrahim Azeez ‘m’ 33 years; and Samos Momoh ‘m’ 21 years. Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other persons who allegedly participated in the attack.
The Command has commenced an investigation into the incident, which is being treated as a homicide case, and the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
The Command wishes to reiterate that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, guarantees every person the fundamental right to life under Section 33. The Constitution permits deprivation of life only in circumstances specifically recognised by law.
Similarly, under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, unlawful killing constitutes an offence of homicide. The law provides that unlawful killing may amount to murder or manslaughter depending on the circumstances. In particular, the provisions on murder cover unlawful killing with the intention to kill or cause grievous harm, with the law prescribing severe punishment upon conviction.
The Command therefore warns members of the public against mob action, jungle justice, and the resort to self-help under any circumstance. No individual or group has the legal authority to arrest, try, convict, or execute another person.
The warning is consistent with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, who has directed Police Commands to treat cases involving mob action resulting in death as homicide and warned that persons who participate in, organise, incite, or support such attacks will face the full weight of the law.
The Command reiterates that suspicion or an allegation of wrongdoing does not confer on anyone the right to take the law into their own hands. Members of the public are urged to promptly report criminal incidents to the Police and allow the law to take its course.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, has directed that all persons found culpable in the incident be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. He assures members of the public that the investigation will be thorough and professional, and that all persons found to have participated in the attack or otherwise contributed to the death will be made to face the law.
