Metro
Food for Living: Joy of Living for Humanity
By Henry Ukazu
Greeting Friends,
You may have heard of the saying: “the joy of life is not how happy you are, but how happy others can be because of you”.
In our contemporary society, many people have this entitlement mentality that once you are perceived as being successful or simply because they think they know you, they will always feel you have to support them. One of my mentors, Oloye Akin Alabi, a member of the Nigerian House of Representative will say, “If I see you have an entitlement mentality, I will stay away from you”.
Living for humanity is the best thing we can do for humanity. It’s simply a way of saying, thank you. There are several ways we can live for humanity. We can live for humanity with what God has blessed us with, we can live for humanity with our skills, knowledge, wisdom, talent, compassion and time just to mention a few. The symbolic nature of living for humanity simply means that you are appreciating humanity for what they have done for you. How true is this? During your formative years in your business, academic, family and life, there were people who assisted you to in one way or the other to get where you are today, these people can be your friends, strangers, janitors, teachers, mentors and even the government of the day who made the environment conducive for you. For me, I have benefited so much from my family, friends, and mentors. I call these set of people ladders of success because you climbed on them to succeed. That’s why it’s always good to be good to the people you meet while going up because you might meet them while coming down.
Human beings by nature can be selfish. They always look for what they can get as opposed to what they can give forgetting that there’s more joy in giving than receiving. Even in the cooperate world, the majority of people we come in contact with can be selfish.
They always look for what they can get as opposed to what they can give forgetting that there’s more joy in giving than receiving. Even in the cooperate world, the majority of people we come in contact with can be selfish. For example, employers, organizations, employees and even the government always look out for what they can gain from you. They simply look out for themselves. It’s just a hand few of organizations and people who give out their time and resources to humanity. One major reason why most people and organizations act this way is because they love people who add value to their life as opposed to those with liabilities. Isn’t it true that value has to be appreciated?
It should be noted that the truly great people are the people who can assist you without asking for anything in return. Wisdom beckons on resourceful people and organizations who have truly benefitted from society to give back to society. These can be in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility for organizations that have truly succeeded, and for individuals they can serve as mentors to the younger generation and progressive minds in need of guidance and direction. For more information about mentorship, you can read my article on Mentors Are Life Savers.
Giving back is a thing of joy. It makes you happy and fulfilled. There’s is more joy in giving than receiving. Giving doesn’t really entail giving money or material thing. It can be in the form of your time or probono work; how you treat and encourage people, going out of your way to help victims of natural disaster, being selfless to those who are helpless. It can even be practicing little things like saying, I’m sorry, thank you, please, etc. According to Albert Einstein, “If you want to be happy, tie it to a cause”. The question now becomes, what cause, goal or interest are you passionate about?
Let me share a little bit of one my secret. Most of the success I have reckoned in recent times and in life generally was not as a result of my ability, academic prowess or even networks, though, they played a role, but the main secret was because I have invested my time and resources for the progress of humanity. This is because I personally feel you will get what you want faster when you help other people to achieve what they want. When you appreciate humanity selflessly, nature has a way of appreciating and watering your garden. Isn’t it true that whenever you spray perfume on someone, a little fragrance is always on your palm?
Let me share a little bit of information about humanity. Humanity is about maintaining a gracious relationship between one another in the society; it is about building a bond amongst the society with the help of sustainable values. Humanity is about showing passion and empathy to each other in times of need. It is about regarding love in high esteem and kindness in all walks of life.
Furthermore, the future of humanity lies in this oneness. There is no divide between the poor and the rich. As life is getting hard day by day, it is natural for any human to disregard the needy impoverished; it is natural for us to go with the business of the world every day, not giving enough to the deprived; it is natural for us to forget the fact that it is our obligation to help the destitute. Very rarely we turn to what the others do or want.
Thus, the service to humanity results in the oneness. It brings hope and life to the downtrodden and the disheartened. When peace and harmony become the main cause of every kind of service rendered to the nation and its people, it becomes the service to humanity. When an orphan gets a cuddling hand to light their life, it becomes a Godly gesture.
In conclusion, I will ask you a question, what are you doing for humanity to make the world a better place?
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with 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.
Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has partnered with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to host the 2025 International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja. Organized by the Ministry in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), the summit brought together international stakeholders and experts in the telecommunication sector to drive innovation, collaboration and tangible actions. It was co-sponsored by Globacom.
The company, which owns the Glo 1 submarine cable wholly, joined other global stakeholders in the telecommunications and digital landscape in the discussions aimed at bolstering the resilience of cable networks for the benefit of consumers.
Having realized the importance of submarine cables quite early, Globacom deployed Glo 1 from Europe to Africa in 2010. In 2024 when fibre cuts impacted economic, governmental and private activities across West Africa, Glo 1 saved the day for many customers. The cable system was up and running due to its resilience and the constant maintenance strategies deployed by the company. Its capacity was recently upgraded to serve more and more customers and ensure reliable connectivity at all times.
Declaring the two-day summit open, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, highlighted the significant role submarine cables play in enhancing smooth operation of modern economies.
“Submarine cables form the backbone of global digital connectivity, carrying over 95% of international data traffic, linking continents, and enabling the smooth operation of modern economies. Yet, despite their significance, these infrastructures remain vulnerable to disruptions—whether from natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, accidental damage, or evolving cyber threats”, he stated.
In the light of this, the Minister emphasized the various commitments Nigeria has made under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen its digital infrastructure and advance policies that support connectivity, innovation, and economic growth.
“We have taken decisive steps as a nation to recognize and protect telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, aligning with our broader efforts to enhance digital resilience across sectors,” he noted.
In her address, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, emphasized the symbolism of the global undersea network in the realm of innovation and the investment necessary to connect the world meaningfully, highlighting the extent of human reliance on digital infrastructure.
Also speaking, Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Co-Chair, Advisory Board of ITU, addressed the challenges and the need to preventing cable cuts from occurring, emphasizing the importance of bolstering resilience by guaranteeing the availability of technical resources, such as vessels, stockpiles, and spare parts, in areas with lower submarine cable density. Additionally, he underscored the need to align regulatory measures with the demands of resilience.
The event also featured several panel sessions dedicated to the critical dimensions of submarine cable resilience.
The Chief Executive Officer, Adron Homes and Properties, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who is also the Golden Grand Patron of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) at the National level, hosted a warm reception in honor of the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Olanrewaju Ogunlowo.
The event, according to a statement made available to Pointblank.ng, which was held at his residence, brought together top law enforcement officials, esteemed royal fathers, community leaders, and distinguished dignitaries from various sectors.
The gathering emphasized the importance of community policing and the collaboration between security agencies and the public. Speaking at the event, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking highlighted the crucial role of synergy in ensuring effective policing and fostering a safer society.
“Security is not just the responsibility of law enforcement agencies; it is a collective duty. We must all work together to combat crime, especially new-generation crimes that threaten the peace of our communities,” he stated.
He commended CP Ogunlowo for his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to upholding law and order.
“I have no doubt in the capacity of CP Ogunlowo to make a significant impact in Ogun State. His track record speaks volumes, and I assure him of my full support in ensuring a crime-free society,” Aare Emmanuelking added.
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of prestigious awards from the Office of the Golden Grand Patron of PCRC National, recognizing outstanding contributions to community development and security. Honorees included distinguished royal fathers, the Chairman of Ilishan Development Association, Aare Wemmy Osude, the PCRC Ogun State Chairman, Ven. Dr. Samson Kunle Popoola JP, the PCRC National Chairman, Alh. Mogaji Olaniyan Ibraheem, and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD.
CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, in his remarks, expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception and pledged to strengthen community-driven policing strategies.
“Community engagement is the bedrock of effective policing. My administration will prioritize collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of lives and property across Ogun State,” he assured.
The event served as a true demonstration of the strong partnership between law enforcement and community leaders in promoting peace, security, and development in Ogun State.
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have rejected Mudashiru Obasa as the Speaker of the parliament.
Speaking with journalists at the assembly complex on Thursday, the lawmakers refuted Obasa’s claim that he remains the speaker.
The 36 lawmakers reaffirmed their support for the current speaker, Mojisola Meranda, insisting that she is the speaker of the assembly.
The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Security and Strategy, Steven Ogundipe, stated that the lawmakers remained committed to ensuring that Obasa’s removal stands.
Ogundipe also called on the All Progressives Congress leadership in Lagos to intervene in the leadership crisis.
He said, “We were approached by our leaders that we should remain calm and take things easy. But we are surprised to see what is happening here today.
“We won’t take laws into our hands, just as we told the staff not to take laws into our hands. But we all belong to different constituencies, and we have our mandate. Whatever has to happen, the leadership should speak with us and not this charade we are seeing.
“We are not happy; we have been law-abiding. We have not gone out of our way against the state. We also want to be respected and to be given our dignity. To be shown that we are elected. I’m appealing to the leadership of our party that we cannot continue this way.”
Meanwhile, two lawmakers—Ayinde Akinsanya (Mushin Constituency I) and Noheem Adams (Mushin Constituency II)—were spotted accompanying Obasa into the Assembly complex.
Obasa, alongside security officials, had stormed the assembly complex and entered the Speaker’s Office around 12 noon on Thursday.
The development followed the withdrawal of the security aides of the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
The assembly has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since Obasa’s removal as speaker and the subsequent election of Meranda.
Obasa was accused by over 90 per cent of the lawmakers of poor leadership style, perpetual lateness to legislative functions and plenary, high-handedness and disregard for colleague lawmakers and the executive, especially the governor, abuse of office and privileges, intimidation and oppression of members among others.
In an attempt to resolve the crisis, some All Progressives Congress bigwigs, notably former governors of Osun, Ogun and Lagos states, Chief Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, respectively, among others, on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, had a series of meetings last weekend with political stakeholders in the state including members of the assembly.
