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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
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The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC PCC) has dismissed the judgment delivered today by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, purporting to nullify the leadership of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and voiding the nomination of our presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Describing the ruling as an academic exercise that has been overtaken by events, the ADCPCC said its legal team are prepared to appeal the verdict.
The Council maintains that the judgment is of no practical effect and cannot override or displace an existing judgment of a court of coordinate jurisdiction on the same subject matter.
It is important to recall that the same Federal High Court, Abuja, in a judgment delivered by Justice Musa Liman, had already examined the circumstances surrounding the emergence of Senator Mark and Ogbeni Aregbesola and held that the transfer of leadership from Chief Ralph Nwosu to Senator Mark did not violate the provisions of the party’s constitution.
Justice Liman acknowledged that the disputed July 2, 2025 meeting was a stakeholders’ meeting which preceded the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of July 29, 2025, at which Senator Mark and Ogbeni Aregbesola emerged as National Chairman and National Secretary respectively. The NEC meeting was also monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The legal implications of that judgment cannot be wished away. The leadership question has already been subjected to judicial scrutiny by a court of coordinate jurisdiction. It is therefore untenable to suggest that a subsequent pronouncement can simply erase or displace an existing judicial decision without due regard to the principles governing judicial authority and the administration of justice.
The ADC PCC consequently regards today’s ruling as an exercise in futility, particularly as the party’s legal team is taking immediate steps to challenge the decision through the appropriate judicial channels.
Beyond its legal implications, however, the timing of this judgment raises serious concerns. It comes against the backdrop of the failed APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna and the hugely successful and unprecedented ADC presidential campaign flag-off in Sokoto. The contrast is unmistakable: while the ADC is gaining momentum and attracting growing national acceptance, the ruling party appears increasingly unsettled by the prospect of a formidable opposition.
Rather than confront the ADC politically and through the ballot box, the APC appears increasingly desperate to deploy every available instrument to frustrate the opposition and undermine its growing electoral momentum.
It is particularly unfortunate that Justice Lifu has once again become associated with a controversial judicial pronouncement involving the ADC. He is the same judge whose earlier judgment declaring the party deregistered was subsequently set aside by the Court of Appeal.
The Council is also aware of developments surrounding the proceedings, including allegations of pressure and political interference. We consider it imperative that the independence, impartiality and integrity of the judiciary must never be compromised or sacrificed on the altar of partisan political interests.
Let it, however, be clearly understood that no amount of pressure, intimidation or judicial manoeuvring can extinguish the democratic aspirations of millions of Nigerians who have found renewed hope in the ADC.
For the avoidance of doubt, Senator David Mark remains the National Chairman recognised by the party, while Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola remains its National Secretary. The ADC remains focused, united and resolute in its determination to provide Nigerians with a credible political alternative.
We urge our candidates, members and supporters across the country to remain calm, vigilant and committed to their campaigns. There is absolutely no cause for panic. The party’s leadership remains firmly engaged in addressing the legal and political issues arising from this development.
We call on Nigerians not to be distracted by this judgment but, rather, to draw greater inspiration from the collective struggle to defend multiparty democracy, political pluralism and the constitutional right of citizens to freely choose their leaders.
The ADC legal team is already taking steps to seek appropriate interim relief, including a stay of execution where legally applicable, and will subsequently pursue an appeal against the judgment.
The ADC is not distracted. The campaign continues. The struggle for a better Nigeria remains unstoppable.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, says the Nigeria Police Force is ready for the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Disu gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja, when a delegation from the Special Representative of the Secretary General for the West Africa and Sahel paid him a courtesy visit.
The police chief told the delegation led by Dr. Leonardo Simao that the Nigeria Police Force is adequately prepared for the elections.
“As I speak with you, we have embarked on the training of our officers and have updated their knowledge about the elections
“We have taken note of peculiar issues and that will be relating to the 2027 general elections.
“In spite of the fact that the Nigeria Police Force is in charge of the internal security of the country and the elections, we know that we cannot do it alone.
“We can only succeed with the assistance of our sister security agencies, so we have been having collaborative meetings, and trainings together,” he said.
Disu said the force had held series of trainings with personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Customs, Immigration Service and the Department of State Services (DSS) in preparation for the election.
He said the trainings also entailed how to include everybody in the election process, especially those living with disabilities.
According to him, the officers have been trained to identify them, and know what to do when they see persons with disabilities.
“So far so good, we are not afraid. We are confident that even if the elections start tomorrow, the Nigerian Police Force is ready to do what is expected of the force.
“We are ever ready to go, and we want to assure you that Nigerians will not be disappointed with the activities of the Nigerian Police Force in the election,” he said.
Earlier, the leader of delegation said there is always competition among political entities with emotions attached to it.
He said such emotions could lead to violence if not controlled, adding that the violence has always been there in West Africa and Israel.
“It is important, therefore, that all measures are taken to ensure that elections continue to be a political competition and not a danger to peace and stability of the country.
“The police have a special responsibility in the preservation of peace and stability.
“Therefore, we’d like to ask you to share with us; how do you see the country being prepared for elections, and in particular, your role?” he asked.
