News
Food for Living: Make Plans for Your Future
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
It is generally stated that ‘organization’ is the law in heaven. Though I don’t really know how truthful that statement is, I tend to agree with this position because when it comes to going to heaven, preparation is of essence, and to prepare well, one must be organized.
It is also generally stated that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step in the right direction. Before anyone prepares for a journey, they must ensure that they have all the necessary tools required. Let’s take a case study of a man who would like to build a house, he must take stock of all the equipment needed. A student must also take inventory stock of the necessary books and academic resources he needs to succeed. Parents must also consider the resources and mental preparation to take care of their child or children.
All these points in one direction. Preparation. Most people sometimes do not understand what it really means to prepare. They limit preparation to just reading to pass an examination, organizing properties, and doing all that’s expected from us professionally in our place of work. Preparation entails much more.
Did you know there are different ways to prepare for the future? Informed minds know that strategy is a part of preparation. Not only do they work hard, but they are also strategic in their thought process by being smart. They know that despite their academic prowess, sometimes they must leave their comfort zone to network with the right people and organization.
Sometimes, one cannot get what they want by following the traditional method or approach. Sometimes one will have to use the unconventional approach. For instance, it’s normal for the wealthy to give to the less privilege, but it’s also normal for the less privilege to give to the wealthy because the wealthy have a lot of people looking up to them for support and as such they find it really attractive when someone gives to them no matter how little the gift might be.
I have personally experienced this feeling having been privileged to relate with some wealthy and influential people in society. Wealthy and influential people don’t like it when people beg for support without having value in return for their money. They respect you the most when you bring opportunities to them or bring people who can assist them to solve a particular problem which is peculiar to their business.
This is how to approach wealthy people. Study them critically, and see where they need assistance. They like it when people help them to solve problems, no matter how little it might be. That singular act can differentiate you from ordinary people who beg them for money.
What most uniformed minds don’t know is that rich people also have rich problems. Isn’t it true that the bigger the head the bigger the crown? Despite the fact they appear wealthy and influential, they also have secret battles they are dealing with, and as such any little effort you can bring to ease their challenges will be greatly appreciated.
Most of the time some people see rich people as people with luxurious lifestyles. What they fail to understand is that it might be easier to get to the top, but it’s harder to remain at the top, that’s why most rich people work extremely hard and smart to remain at the top. One of my mentors recently told me, he dreads poverty like leprosy, that’s why he works day and night.
Again, preparing for the future entails sacrificing for the future. Sacrificing is not only about depriving oneself of the goodies of life. One can sacrifice his money, time, and interest just to get certain opportunities. Couple of years ago, I bought a shoe for one of my mentors for over a thousand dollars, and in the sight of some of my friends, it was baseless giving to a wealthy person when it should rather be given to them.
I laughed and told them they wouldn’t understand. That singular act made me a little bit closer to him. He opened his doors to me and our level of conversation became a little bit stronger and deeper. Imagine if I had begged him for money or bought him a cheaper pair of shoes, he might appreciate the gift but our level of communication and relationship might not be as strong as it is. This is simply because life is governed by perception.
In my native Igbo origin, we are taught that when a child washes his hands clean, he dines with elders. This is a great way to prepare for the future. Another of my mentors once told me, “Henry, you give to me and your mentors more than we give to you” According to him, one of the reasons he doesn’t hesitate to pick my call is because I don’t bother him for money unlike other youths who think he’s the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.
Why am I sharing this information? Uninformed minds who are ignorant of how life works will think it’s okay to ask for financial assistance from resource minds instead of appreciating them for their time and access. I personally appreciate people who have made a great impact in my life. Sometimes, it’s not about the money, opportunities, access or information, but the knowledge I gained from them.
Still on sacrifice, allow me share with you this practical experience. Recently, I traveled to Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland for a two-day religious programme, and in the minds of some people, why the trouble since one can worship God anywhere, after all, God is everywhere. What they don’t know is that where your prayers cannot reach, your sacrifice can get there.
While some people might have the money, they won’t have the courage and heart to make the intended sacrifice which involves time and money. This is what makes the rich and poor different. While the rich look for problems to solve, the poor look for problems to create.
One may be curious to know why I must travel to Ireland for a religious conference; well, the things of the spirit cannot be understood by a carnal mind. Do you know God can see through the hearts of a man and bless them. It might be that my sacrifice of travelling, leaving my job and being intentional to seek his divinely ordained prophet to bless the works of my hands can make a huge difference soon.
Do you see how some people prepare for the future? I don’t know what your storyline might be, but I do know that if one wants to get anything one must strategically prepare to move in an unconventional way.
In conclusion, I would like to ask you, what do you desire to do soon and how are you preparing for it?
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 and Unleash Your Destiny . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
The Lagos State Government has directed all newly inaugurated chairmen of the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to suspend the appointment of political aides, including Supervisors, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants.
The directive was contained in an official circular dated July 31, 2025, with reference number MLG/LGA/C.27/S./VOL.XIV/496. It was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa.
The circular reiterated the position of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as stated during the recent swearing-in ceremony, that the appointment of Secretaries to Local Governments and supervisory councillors remains prohibited for now.
According to the directive, only the appointment of a Chief of Staff is currently permissible. Chairmen who have made any additional political appointments are instructed to reverse them without delay.
The statement reads in part: “I write to refer to the directive of Mr. Governor at the swearing-in ceremony regarding the appointment of Political Office Holders in the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, particularly the Supervisors, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants.
“I am to reiterate that the appointment of the Chief of Staff is the only appointment approved/permissible as you assume office, while other appointments should be stepped down until further directive.
“You are enjoined to note the above and revert any appointment that has been made, except that of the Chief of Staff.”
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) says it has not suspended its ongoing nationwide warning strike, disputing earlier announcement by the Federal government.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, on Friday, announced that the union has called off the strike after a closed-door meeting with the leaders.
He said the government and union leaders had reached “key agreements” that addressed some of the nurses’ longstanding demands. However, he did not provide full details of the agreement.
But contrary to the minister’s claim, the NANNM chairman, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, said the strike is still on, as the union is yet to take a decision on the outcome of the meeting with government.
“The minister announced that the union have called off strike, is the minister a nurse? We had a meeting, the leadership has not reviewed the outcome of the meeting to take a decision, so the strike continues,” he said.
The union has scheduled a general congress for Saturday, where members are expected to deliberate on the outcome of the discussions and determine the next course of action.
The warning strike, which began on July 29, was originally scheduled to run until 5 August. At the core of the nurses’ grievances are years of neglect, poor remuneration, lack of professional recognition, and deteriorating working conditions.
They argue that despite multiple court rulings and policy pronouncements, successive governments have failed to implement reforms that would improve the welfare of nurses and the quality of healthcare delivery.
Among the union’s key demands is the gazetting of the Nurses’ Scheme of Service, which was approved by the National Council on Establishment (NCE) as far back as 2016. The nurses also want the federal government to implement a National Industrial Court judgment from January 2012, which they say affirms key aspects of their professional entitlements.
Other demands include an upward review of professional allowances, recruitment of more nursing personnel, better-equipped health facilities, and the creation of a dedicated Department of Nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health.
NANNM is also seeking fairer representation of nurses on health policy-making bodies, inclusion in the leadership structure of federal health institutions, and the centralisation of internship placements for graduate nurses.
The association is additionally pushing for the recognition of consultancy status for qualified nurses and midwives.
Academic activities have been grounded at the Lagos State University (LASU) following the commencement of an indefinite strike by staff unions.
The aggrieved staff down tools on Thursday over unresolved issues with the university management.
Comprising the Academic Staff Union of Universities, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union, and National Association of Academic Technologists, the Joint Action Committee announced the decision in a letter dated July 31, 2025, addressed to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.
The notice obtained by Channels Television on Friday was signed by ASUU-LASU Chairman and Secretary, Prof. Ibrahim A. Bakare and Sylvester O. Idowu, as well as SSANU-LASU Chairman and Secretary, Oluwaseyi Lawal and Waheed Majekodunmi.
They directed all members of staff of the university and its affiliate campuses at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Ikeja and Lagos State University, Epe campus to withdraw their services and vacate their official duty posts with immediate effect.
“Sequel to the decision reached at the Emergency Congress of the Joint Action Committee of the Lagos State University Staff Unions (ASUU-LASU, SSANU-LASU, NAAT-LASU & NASU-LASU) that an INDEFINITE STRIKE ACTION should commence effective from Thursday 31st July, 2025, we write to notify you that the indefinite strike action has COMMENCED in Lagos State University,” the statement read.
“The strike action will be in force INDEFINITELY until all the demands of Staff Members are met by the appropriate authorities.
“Consequently, all members of staff of the University and its affiliate Campuses (LASUCOM and LASU Epe Campus) are hereby DIRECTED to withdraw their services and vacate their official duty post with immediate effect.
“While we thank you for your kind gesture and support always, accept, please, the assurances of the Unions’ kindest regards.”
The university students were supposed to commence the 2024/2025 second semester examination next week, on Monday.
