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Food for Living: Develop Your Talent
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
Hard work beats talent, it has been said in many quarters, but the opinion, for all intent and purpose, is still subject to individual confirmation.
On a personal note, hard work can only beat talent when talent is not put to use, especially if that talent is not developed to its full potential, and equipped with the right techniques that can take an individual from amateur to professional.
What really is talent? Talent is an uncommon natural skill or ability to be good at something. It’s instructive to note that talent is not taught; it’s a natural ability to see or do something in a certain way.
Everyone is endowed with talents, but the sad reality is that not everyone takes time to hone and develop them. Do you know your talent is your gift to the world? You may be wondering how that works? Did you know that at creation, God gave everyone a gift, and that gift is talent? It’s sad however, to see people who haven’t developed the art of using their gifts to serve the world.
Sometimes, we complain of not having a job; sometimes we look elsewhere for a job not knowing we are the job we are seeking. Did you know your gift is your job? When you know how to cultivate your talent by nourishing and garnishing it, there’s a population that will need your service.
But one of the greatest challenges most people have is the inability to market their talents to the right audience.
When you are super talented, Presidents, kings, Queens, captains of industries, and leaders will seek your service. This is because everybody likes the best. Corporate companies and organizations love working with talented people. Talented people spend more time acquiring new skills, improving their relationships via strategic networking, gaining new knowledge and perspective to life. They also know how to balance work and life because they realize what works for them and what doesn’t.
It’s instructive to note that despite being blessed or gifted in a particular way, if one fails to nurture and develop the talent, it will gradually fade out into oblivion. This is because whatever is not being managed is lost. To understand how nurturing works, imagine if great soccer and athletic players like Lionel Messi, Christian Ronaldo, Austin Okocha and Usan Bolt don’t train; their skills will naturally loosen up. That’s simply how talent works, whatever you don’t manage well is forever lost.
Maximizing your strength comes from knowing your talent. The mistake most people make in life is trying to do many things at the same time as opposed to concentrating and mastering one thing. Being jack of all trade and master of none is not the best way to succeeding in life. It’s always good for the world to know and celebrate you for a particular thing. When they do, you can now diversify your interest and resources among your networks. A great way of mastering your strength is by focusing on your talent. You can do this by maximizing your strength while working on your weakness.
It is instructive to note that talent is priceless. You can’t beat the place of talent in the life of a progressive mind. You can make a name for yourself with your talent. The world is in dire need of talented people. When you are talented, you will be unique. You will unapologetically be yourself. A typical case of talented people are the Late Michael Jackson, Dolly Parton, Austin Okocha, Henry Ukazu, amongst others.
To determine your talent, look at what you enjoy doing with relative ease, look at what you are successful at; evaluate what you are good at. Remember, what you are good at is quite different from what you enjoy doing. You might enjoy singing, but singing is not your forte. You might be skillful in doing a particular work, but it doesn’t mean you are talented in it. When talent is at play, you will do it with relative ease, whether paid or unpaid.
In conclusion, it should be noted that your honour is in the discovery of your place of talented assignment. Your relevance is in your call to service, and your recognition, income and resources will come from working on your area of assignment.
Today, I charge you to take a deep reflection about yourself, and discover and fulfill your assignment. don’t spend your life doing so many things, endeavor to focus on what aligns more with your interest by applying the pareto principle.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer and author of Design Your Destiny Design Your and Unleash Your Destiny . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
Each delay is perfectly fine, for we are within the safe hands of God – Madame Guyon
Many principles, other than perception, govern life and living, and they include, no pain, no gain; seed time and harvest time; Karma and gravity. There’s however, another principle called delayed gratification. A thorough understanding, and successful application of these principles will yield positive results.
But uniformed minds are still at sea as regards how the principles of life work. They feel and think life is a function of chance, connections, forces of the universe and divine providence. Yes, all these acts play a role in influencing how life operates, but the ultimate and universal truth is that, apart from God, life is governed by principles. Even nature made it possible for a woman to conceive for nine months all things being equal, before she is delivered of her child.
It is worthy of note that there are principles that are endearing to the heart. They are the principles of honesty, integrity, courage, humility, love, responsibility, service, and discipline; all these make one to be unique. People will respect and work with you when they know you, and what you represent. They will adjust to suit you.
Here are a few examples that illustrate life as governed by principles:
Spiritual Growth Principle:
This principle refers to a belief in something greater than oneself. It involves finding purpose, meaning, and inner strength through connecting with a higher power or connecting with one’s own inner wisdom. It is what you believe that will work for you. If you keep thinking about lack, the spirit of lack will gradually come to you without knowing. But if you are thinking about wealth, riches, abundance, the spirit of greatness will gradually attract opportunities that will usher you into the reign you desire and deserve.
Did you know one can have spiritual delays? You may be wondering how spiritual delay can affect you. You may have received a prophecy or proclamation from someone in authority, revelation via dream or even parental blessing; that’s very okay, but its manifestations will come through if you abide by the rules governing the revelations or proclamations. But when you decide to do otherwise, the blessings and opportunities will be delayed.
Spiritual principles work with the mindset. It attracts what it likes. Spiritual growth encourages individuals to cultivate gratitude, find peace within, and seek guidance and support in their recovery process.
The Principle of Service:
One of the best ways to get an opportunity is through service. Sometimes, opportunities come to you when you decide to intern, volunteer or even within communities. Trust me, people see people who participate. This principle works with leadership. You can’t be a great leader without being a good servant.
Through service, individuals not only assist others in their own recovery journey but also experience personal growth and fulfillment. By extending a helping hand, individuals create a sense of community, find inspiration, and reinforce their own commitment to sobriety. Service can take various forms, such as sharing experiences, providing support, or volunteering organizations.
These principles serve as guiding lights for individuals navigating the path of addiction recovery, emphasizing self-reflection, spiritual growth, and helping others.
One of the principles of life that is not properly understood is the principle of delayed success. As human beings, we sometimes experience delays in our business, academic, marriage, career or vocation. We may be thinking it’s over, but it’s not yet over, rather, it’s been packaged for a better time. One may be thinking life, and circumstances may be working against their interest, but that’s not the true position of things. According to Joel Osteen, it’s a setup for success. When life doesn’t go as planned, instead of questioning the moment, learn to appreciate the moment, especially when you have done what you are supposed to do.
To understand the relativity of destiny and delayed success, one’s destiny can’t be denied, at most, it can be delayed, and if it’s delayed, it’s for your own interest. One may be exploring an opportunity which is yet to manifest, rather than become anxious and desperate, be happy it didn’t happen yet because you may not know what would have happened assuming it happened.
Furthermore, to appreciate how delayed success works, as human beings, sometimes, waiting can be traumatic. This is because delays can make one to be unnecessarily anxious, impatient, and annoying. If it is not properly managed, it can cause more harm than good. Sometimes, we may ask ourselves, for how long will this suffering end, we fail to understand that delay can be orchestrated by the creator or universe to teach us humility, serenity, strength, and patience.
Did you know that delayed success if not properly managed can affect future opportunities especially when one is concerned about the past as opposed to enjoying the present? If you live in the past, you are likely to be stuck in the “why” mode. That means you always think about why things happened. That’s a recipe for unhappiness.
If you live in the future, you live in the “what if” mode. That state of mind causes anxiety about everything that might happen in the future. Again, that’s a recipe for living a timid life. How about living in the present mode and enjoying the vicissitudes life is bringing to you? You may stand a chance to learn one or two things.
In conclusion, as you journey towards life, endeavor to learn the associated principles, and one you experience delay, also learn the associated lessons because, above all, the principles will help you to relate with any situation.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer and author of Design Your Destiny Design Your and Unleash Your Destiny . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
The much awaited annual National Security Conference and Awards of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), has finally arrived with the who is who in the Nigerian Security, cybersecurity, media and technology sector headlining the all important intellectual discourse.
Scheduled to hold at the Ballroom of the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the Conference, with the theme, CONNECTING THE DOT BETWEEN IDENTITY TRACKING AND NATIONAL SECURITY, has been described by the Association’s national president, Mr. Oki O. Samson, as the mother of all Security discourses in recent times.
Speaking in a statement signed by the Association’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Eric Elezuo, the president noted that security giants in the Nigerian body polity are expected to grace the event. Some of them are the Honourable Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaam Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who will be the Distinguished Keynote Speaker, having dedicated her service years to projection of intelligence gathering and extraordinary policing, and the hardworking and he for she Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
Others are the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Board Member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, who has remained a Security giant, leading Lagos State to the forefront of perfect safety and funding of agencies through provision of apparatuses and equipment required for excellent policing; the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida and Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu.
Also making the list of notable personalities expected at the meet are Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed A. Audi; Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun; the Managing Director, Executive Trainers Ltd, Dr. Mrs. Ajoke Ogunsan; Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs, CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NASENI, Engr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu and Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada.
Also confirmed among the attendees are Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), CM Shehu Mohammed; GMD/Chairman of Adron Homes and Properties, Aare (Dr.) Adetola Emmanuel-King; Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade; Chairman of Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Retd); Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Ishola Olarenwaju Olawale; MD/CEO, Lagos State Bus Service Limited, Mr. Idowu Oguntona; CEO, Lagos Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service, (LACVIS), Prince Segun Obayendo; Board Member of Abia State Security Trust Fund, ASSTF, Mrs. Ngozi Ekeoma; and Commander, TRACE Ogun State, Commander (Dr.) Abdulfatai Olaseni Ogunyemi.
The statement hinted that the 2024 National Conference, which is in its 5th edition, is an avenue for the stakeholders in the private and public security sectors to brainstorm, and proffer solutions to the perennial security challenges that have bedeviled the nation across the regions.
“This is going to be a total shutdown in security conferences as an array of security giants are scheduled to attend and lend their professional opinions to the rising insecurity in the country, and provide sustainable solutions.
“The Association has put in so much in organizing the conference, and the impact is expected to arouse a new consciousness in safety, and a redefinition in security awareness.
“It is about connecting the severance dots that exists between identity tracking and national security towards ensuring that diverse security agencies synergise to protect the security architecture of the nation,” the statement noted.
Other personalities expected at the annual fiesta are GMD/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji; MD/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna; GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Oliver Alawuba; GMD/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; Founder, Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM), Prof. Daniel K. Olukoya; Head of National Office, WAEC Nigeria, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut; Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, Special Adviser to the Senate President on Legal Matters; Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN.
Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mayor Hon. Dele Osinowo; Commandant, NSCDC, FCT Command, Commandant (Dr.) Olusola Odumosu; General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki. Evangelist Ebuka Obi of Zion Movement, CEO, Badinson Security Services, Dr. Matthew Ibadin and Force PRO, Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The event starts at 10am prompt.
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has granted a N150 million bail to a former governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku.
Ishaku was arraigned on Monday alongside Bello Yero, former permanent secretary, bureau for local government and chieftaincy affairs.
Both men are being prosecuted on a 15-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conspiracy and conversion of public funds.
The defendants pleaded “not guilty” when all the charges were read to them.
At the court session on Thursday, the defendants’ respective counsels moved their bail applications.
Rotimi Jacobs, prosecution counsel, said he would not object since the defendants have been granted administrative bail.
Sylvanus Oriji, presiding judge, granted the bail application.
He held that the defendants must produce two sureties each in like sum. The two sureties must be responsible citizens of Nigeria and must be residents within the FCT, with verifiable office and residential addresses.
One of the sureties produced by each defendant must be a director in the civil service.
The defendants must not travel outside the country without the court’s permission and must deposit their travel documents to the court.
Ishaku, 70, was governor of Taraba from 2015 to 2023.
In July 2023, the EFCC invited the former governor over some financial transactions conducted during his spell in office. He was later released on bail.
On September 27, 2024, Ishaku and Yero were arrested and detained by the commission.
