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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 Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, has expressed deep satisfaction with the conduct of the ongoing recruitment exercises for its orderly and transparent nature across the country.
He made the commendation, according to a statement made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), while receiving feedback from filed officers across the country and described the process as not just a routine exercise, but a critical step toward rebuilding public trust and enhancing the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Minister urged all participants to remain law-abiding, disciplined, and patient throughout the screening process. He emphasized that integrity and respect for due process are as important as physical and academic qualifications, noting that the future of policing in Nigeria depends largely on the character and commitment of those who wear the uniform.
“This is more than recruitment; it is a call to national service,” he stated. “Nigeria needs men and women of honor, individuals who understand that security is the foundation upon which development and prosperity are built.” Gaidam stressed.
The Minister also extended heartfelt appreciation to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for its bold and strategic approval of the recruitment of 50,000 police personnel.
He stressed that the unprecedented move demonstrates a clear resolve to address longstanding gaps in manpower while repositioning the Police Force to meet modern security challenges, just as he noted that beyond numbers, the current administration is focused on meaningful reform—transforming policing into a more professional, accountable, and citizen-centered institution.
Gaidam stated that from improved training frameworks to enhanced welfare and operational support, the reform agenda signals a new era for law enforcement in Nigeria.
The Minister noted that the ongoing recruitment exercise, therefore, stands as a symbol of renewed hope—a bridge between the present challenges and a future where communities feel safer, justice is more accessible, and the rule of law is upheld without compromise.
As the screening continues across the nation, the Minister called on all stakeholders—traditional leaders, community members, and institutions, to support the process and encourage eligible youths to participate with sincerity and patriotism.
“Nigeria’s path to a safer, more secure future is being steadily strengthened through deliberate reforms and renewed commitment to nation-building noting that at the heart of this progress is the ongoing nationwide police recruitment screening exercise, an initiative that reflects both hope and responsibility for thousands of young Nigerians,” the Minister concluded.
Presidential spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, has launched a scathing attack on Rauf Aregbesola following the latter’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The exchange comes hours after Aregbesola, while speaking at the convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday, described the Tinubu administration as a government of “scammers”, urging Nigerians to block it from retaining power after the 2027 general elections.
“If allowed, this regime will continue to chant renewed hope till eternity. We have a duty to stop these scammers from retaining power,” Aregbesola said.
In a swift response, Onanuga dismissed the remarks and accused the former Governor of Osun State of hypocrisy and poor performance during his time in office.
“My attention has been drawn to Rauf Aregbesola’s attack on the Tinubu administration at today’s illegal elective convention of the ADC — a party of desperados and power mongers who, to date, have not articulated any credible plan for Nigeria,” he said.
Onanuga further criticised Aregbesola for failing to reflect on his own record before attacking his “former boss and benefactor.”
“Unfortunately, Aregbesola did not undertake any honest self-reflection on his own record in public office — as governor or as Minister of Interior,” he stated.
He alleged that Aregbesola’s tenure as governor of Osun State was marked by hardship and poor economic management.
“His eight years as governor of Osun State were characterised by unmitigated hardship for the people. Under his half-baked socialist policies, civil servants went unpaid for months, and those who were paid received only a fraction of their salaries,” Onanuga said.
“It is to Aregbesola’s infamy that Osun became known as a State receiving negative federal allocation and paying just 20 to 30 per cent of normal salaries. It was worse for pensioners in Aregbesola’s Osun State. Many pensioners who relied on their meagre monthly payments died because they were not paid at all.”
Turning to Aregbesola’s tenure as Minister of Interior under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Onanuga said it recorded major security lapses.
“As Minister of Interior under President Muhammadu Buhari, his tenure witnessed the highest number of jailbreaks in Nigeria’s history — including the infamous Kuje Prison escape in Abuja,” he said.
“During his four years, obtaining a Nigerian passport became a nightmarish process, and there were 15 major attacks on correctional facilities in Jos, Abolongo, Imo, Kabba, and Okitipupa, resulting in over 4,000 inmates escaping to join criminal elements.”
Onanuga added, “For someone who failed so woefully to secure our correctional centres and uphold his duties between 2019 and 2023, it is ironic that Aregbesola now seeks to lecture others on insecurity.”
He further accused Aregbesola and other ADC leaders of lacking credible policy alternatives stating, “The real scammers are the politicians inside the SPV called ADC.”
Defending the current administration, Onanuga said the government had acknowledged challenges arising from reforms but was implementing measures to mitigate their impact.
“The Tinubu administration has never shied away from acknowledging that policy reforms have brought unintended consequences, impacting the most vulnerable,” he said, adding that efforts such as wage increases, social support programmes, and economic reforms were underway.
He insisted that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was yielding results, including improved economic indicators and increased investor confidence.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a scam,” Onanuga said, maintaining that the government would continue its policies to stabilise the economy and address security challenges.
Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has argued that Nigeria’s lingering insecurity could be decisively tackled within six months if the Federal government demonstrates sufficient commitment.
Ndume stated this on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, where he expressed concern over the recent escalation of violence, particularly in the North-East.
The lawmaker stressed that beyond complaints, what is required is decisive action and political will.
“It is not about complaining. It is not about asking somebody like me as a senator to say why these things. I always believe that if the President and the Federal Government of Nigeria are serious about this, we can end this thing (insecurity) in six months.
“All we need is to train our soldiers, equip them, arm them very well, and then motivate them,” Ndume said.
The senator lamented the continued loss of military personnel, including senior officers, noting that such incidents highlight deeper operational challenges.
“After killing their commanders, they now come back to kill our commanders and they are still taking about five, six, or even seven. Even today, around Northern Borno, we lost a colonel, I understand, with some soldiers. This should not continue. This is now the problem,” he said.
Ndume also attributed the worsening security situation to inconsistent and incomplete implementation of security strategies.
“The escalating security situation has really been enhanced by the challenge and the threat, and the actions that have been taken that have never been completely done. We have to be very serious about this matter; we have to walk the talk.”
Speaking on the issue of foreign support, the lawmaker emphasised the need for intelligence, technology, and specialised expertise rather than relying on external forces.
“What we need is intelligence. What we need is air support. We also need the expertise of those that are specialists. We even have some that were trained outside, special forces. We have capable hands already on the ground; all they need is equipment, ammunition, and motivation.
“We do not have enough drones. Look at what Burkina Faso is doing, it is technology. We can use technology to finish or minimise these things within the shortest possible time. If you deploy drones and have trained people to operate them, with proper command centres, we can achieve results,” he said.
The Borno South senator further noted that Borno State would have suffered greater devastation without the efforts of Governor Babagana Zulum and commended his interventions in stabilising parts of the State.
Ndume’s comments come amid renewed security concerns in the North-East and across Nigeria.
A recent airstrike at Jilli Market along the Yobe–Borno border on Saturday has come under scrutiny over reported civilian casualties.
The Nigerian Air Force said the strike targeted suspected Boko Haram insurgents and that it is investigating reported civilian casualties.
While casualty figures remain unclear, several deaths and injuries were reported, with victims receiving treatment in nearby facilities.
The incident also followed a deadly attack on Thursday on a military formation in Benisheikh, where troops repelled insurgents but suffered casualties.
Security challenges, including banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes, persist nationwide.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, during a recent visit to Bayelsa State, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
Earlier, the United States Department of State had issued travel advisories and begun reducing its staff presence in Abuja. Federal government, however, described it as a routine precaution and not a reflection the country’s security situation.
