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Food for Living: Overcoming Secret Frustration
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
If we are truly honest with ourselves, we’ll definitely know that, globally, the world is really experiencing challenging times as a result of the Coronavirus scourge. This has caused a lot of agonies for families, businesses, and governments. Many people have lost loved ones, businesses are gradually folding up, and the governance has really slowed down thereby leading to frustrations for many people. The question on the lips of everyone is, how can this virus be cured?
Today’s article is not about Coronavirus, I mentioned the term to introduced today’s article. Today’s article is focused on how we can overcome secret frustration. We all experience frustration in one area of our life unknown to anyone. This frustration can be in business, family, health, finance, academic, job-related, traveling, food, or even internal. The list is endless. We shall be exploring different areas of how we can deal with/overcome frustration.
Occasionally, we all get frustrated. Whether you are in traffic, or due to adversity, disappointment, belief or hope dashed to the wall or paying for consequences of our action that has caused us mental, psychological or financial pain. According to Wikipedia, “Frustration is a common emotional response to opposition. We experience frustration when our desires or targets are not met.
As you may know, succeeding in life is hard. It takes a lot of hard and smart work to break even. This is because a lot of factors come into consideration. For instance, you need a great network, you need knowledge and information, you need patience and perseverance, and more importantly, you need the “God factor” for those of you that truly believe in God. As an accomplished author and motivational writer, it can be very challenging to publish articles which no one reads. As a hard-working and dedicated student, it can be frustrating to read and prepare for an examination only to fail at the end of the exam. It can also be frustrating to be a talented singer, actor, comedian, public speaker, etc. and not get noticed for your work. All this can really be frustrating because the world might be seeing a huge potential/talent in you, but you’re yet to see the financial breakthrough you need.
It can also be that you have something you are craving for, but it’s yet to see the light of the day. For example, the world might be seeing a beautiful smart lady working in a reputable company; and endowed with a great character and vision in life. According to the perception of the world, the lady is complete, but inside her, she’s battling with loneliness and might be in dire need of a soulmate or husband as the case may. This is a classical case of secret frustration. If truth be told, we all have one form of secret frustration which the world does not know.
People may see you on the street or on the internet, but they won’t know what you’re going through. You may be blessed in many ways: good health, job, family, but you may be having pains in one area of your life which nobody knows. It can be desire for a child. You may have all the things the world considers good, but you don’t feel it because nobody notices your pain. This is part of the irony of life.
If we are honest, we all have this secret frustration living inside our body, but if you keep the right attitude, it will work for you. Don’t allow the vicissitudes of life weigh you down. Will there be problem? Definitely, there will always be problems and challenges in life. In fact, problems don’t go away, nor matter how hard you try to stay away from it, it always has its way of finding its way to you. That’s simply life.
You may be a good writer, public speaker, actor, dancer, etc. looking for opportunities to showcase what you have to the world, but no one seems to notice your work or talent. You may even be seeking platforms to partner or speak about your work, but the number of rejections and ill-luck you get on a daily or occasional basis makes you wonder if anything is wrong with you. The world has experienced cases whereby smart students with good GPA are still looking for a job. This might be there own secret frustration.
As a way of encouraging you, don’t put your life on hold because of the negative reports and energy you receive. Continue to do what you are doing; at the right time everything will add up. Never you give in to your secret frustration. Never you judge your life with that of another, they may even have more pains than you. The difference between your life and their lifestyle maybe how they manage their life and their problem in general. They may also have a great attitude towards life. Joyce Myers – a renowned preacher, in her book titled: Managing Your Emotions, urged us to manage our problems as opposed to bringing it out for the world to know our pains. No one is perfect. We all have one imperfection or the other. Informed and rational people major on their strengths and then work on their limitations.
Secret frustrations exist everywhere. Nobody opens us to the world, even if they do, they are mindful of the people/environment they share their pains with. Isn’t it true that the rich also cry? The same theory is applicable to business, corporations, countries and private establishments. Don’t allow your secret frustration to weigh you down. You have everything you need to succeed inside of you. Don’t get stocked up because of one inconvenience. We all have imperfections in our lives. Your secret frustration is one of the factors that will make you strong.
One of the best ways to live through life is by experience. Somethings you must learn through experience. For example, in reputable companies, you can’t be promoted without adequate preparation. It’s pertinent to note in this era of social media where most people only show you what they want you to know while leaving other shady areas behind. This set of individuals leaves you with the impression that all is well while leaving out their secret frustration behind.
The question we need to ask ourselves is how we overcome this secret fruition. The greatest way of overcoming this secret frustration is by affirmation. There’s big power in not only thinking positively, but also speaking positively. According to Lao Tzu “Watch your thoughts, they become your words, watch your words, they become your actions, watch your actions, they become your character and watch your character, they become your destiny”. This quote simply emphasizes the fact that our beliefs plays a fundamental role on how we overcome life challenges.
Whatever secret frustration you are facing, even it never changes, continue to believe by having good thoughts. It’s better to think/imagine good thoughts than having negative thoughts. You can do this by believing your dreams and living for your dream. Don’t let your secret frustration keep you from achieving your dreams.
Finally, but not the least, you can practice patience. Not heals more than time. Nor matter your pains and expectation towards life, having patience will enable you to attract the positive laws of attraction into your life.
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
News
‘He Died a Natural Death’ – Katsina Govt Announces Death of Gen Rabe Abubakar in Kidnappers’ Captivity
A Retired Major-General and former Director of Defence Information, Rabe Abubakar, is dead.
According to the Katsina state government, Abubakar died in bandits’ captivity.
The retired major-general and his wife were abducted in May while travelling through Katsina.
On June 6, a video showing Abubakar and his wife appealing to the Katsina government for the release of detained bandits and livestock surfaced online.
A statement on Saturday by Nasiru Mu’azu, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said Abubakar died from complications of diabetes and hypertension.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits’ captivity,” the statement reads.
“Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various Security Agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy.
“The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension.
“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, extends his deepest condolences to the family of the late General and the country at-large.
“The Governor has described this incident as a “dark moment” and a reminder of the urgent need for a collective and intensified front against the criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities.”
The Katsina government added that it remains committed to working with the federal government and security forces to ensure that those responsible for the heinous act are brought to justice.
“We assure the citizens of Katsina State that our resolve to eliminate banditry and ensure the safety of all residents remains unshaken,” the statement added.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time. May the soul of the departed Retired Major General Rabe Abdulakdir rest in eternal peace.”
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
The power in a name, or inspiration and influence they come with, when properly triggered and applied, cannot be overestimated. Influence and name are powerful, and run pari passu. This is because in the journey of life, there are certain heights one can’t attain even with their resources. And that’s where ‘names’ and influence come in.
One might have all the grades, skills, and knowledge, but getting an opportunity might be difficult. Imagine having a good grade in school, but can’t find a commensurate job. As a matter of fact, someone with less qualification and experience might get the job simply because a man of influence endorsed their candidacy. That’s why the saying; ‘a good name is better than riches’ is tantamount to a man with access to power is more influential than a man with knowledge but no access.
For one to succeed in our contemporary society, they need a helper who could either be a mentor, benefactor, an inspiration, or someone with influence, or all in one. All these refer to one thing – name. Names are powerful and open doors. A name can serve as an inspiration which can open doors of opportunity for anyone. I remember the day one of my mentors said to me that for his name to be on my resumè, I must earn it. That’s how powerful names can be.
To further buttress how powerful a name can be, let’s consider the following – In 2018, as a budding author, I reached out to one of my mentors, Chief Dele Momodu to give me a column to write in his online newspaper which is considered one of the biggest, if not the biggest online newspaper in Nigeria. He graciously agreed, advising me to be consistent.
Guess what, since that date, I haven’t missed a week. One may be wondering how I have been consistent,; well the answer is not far fetched, I couldn’t imagine failing Chief Dele Momodu. I couldn’t imagine producing articles that are below standard. In all sincerity, assuming someone else without a big name gave me the opportunity, maybe, I wouldn’t have taken it very seriously like I did for Chief Dele Momodu. This goes to tell you names are powerful.
Can you imagine working for the President of the United States of America or Elon Musk? One will almost be perfect. The same energy and detailed attention one pays to President Trump or Elon Musk will be different if given an opportunity to work for an elected council man or a businessman. This is because one would not like to risk a lifetime opportunity to serve with a man of influence.
The importance of inspiration in the life of a progressive man cannot be overemphasized. Everyone needs inspiration. Inspiration can come from various angles. It can be from a benefactor, mentor, teacher, parent, friend, a Minister of the gospel, or even one’s child.
Let me share a personal experience I had with another of my mentors – Dr. Joe Abah. In 2025, he organized #fitseptember physical exercise where he advised his followers to do a 30 push for the month of September. Again, in January, he organized #fitjanuary and I actively participated in it, and since then I haven’t missed one single day without exercising for at least ten minutes. Why is this analysis important? The name Dr. Joe Abah is a household name in Nigeria social-political space. Assuming it was a regular person who made the announcement on X, the comment wouldn’t have attracted the kind of attention that made it go viral.
Furthermore, it is worthy of note that there are five kinds of authority when it comes to principle of power in a name. They are; Revealed knowledge, empirical knowledge, rational knowledge, intuitive knowledge and authoritative knowledge. The focus here is on authoritative knowledge.
One may be wondering what authoritative knowledge is. This is a kind of knowledge reserved for those who have expertise on a particular issue or subject matter expert. When such a person speaks, their words are like law.
Let’s talk about men of influence. Men of influence are priceless. According to Apostle Joshua Selman, there are four kinds of destiny helpers: Divine Connectors, Men of Influence, Gifted People, and Burden Bearers. For the sake of this article, I will focus on men of influence. These are gatekeepers, mentors, or established experts with high credibility. Their endorsement or advocacy can override limitations, grant you access to closed doors, and elevate your trajectory.
In summary, honor men, but fear God because men are vessels God uses to bless people and humanity.
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 Senate, on Thursday, directed the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intensify efforts to track, identify and arrest bandits and terrorists, who openly flaunt their activities and wealth on social media platforms.
The upper chamber said the growing trend of criminal groups operating openly online and displaying proceeds of crime without fear of arrest poses a serious threat to national security and undermines public confidence in the authority of the State.
The resolution followed a debate on a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) on the worsening security situation in Kogi West Senatorial District and other parts of the country.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) expressed concern over what she described as the increasing boldness of bandits and terrorists, alleging that some criminal groups now use social media platforms to showcase their operations and distribute large sums of money.
According to her, suspected bandits recently conducted a giveaway on TikTok, allegedly distributing more than N100 million within 30 minutes through their social media accounts.
She argued that such activities provide security agencies with sufficient digital footprints and intelligence leads to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
“Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
“Two days ago on TikTok, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over N100 million within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles.
“I wonder why the Cybercrime Unit and the Police Force generally cannot track these activities and apprehend them since they are on social media.”
Her proposal that the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other relevant agencies should intensify surveillance of social media platforms and prosecute criminals who openly advertise their activities online received overwhelming support from lawmakers and was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West).
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned the public display of criminal exploits and huge sums of money on social media, describing it as a direct challenge to the authority of government and security institutions.
“The DSS should be able to track their movements and arrest them because this is a show of impunity, as if there is no law at all,” Akpabio said.
He noted that the online display of cash and criminal activities was designed to ridicule government efforts and create the impression that security agencies were powerless.
“I do not see why we should not have control over the social media space. That idea of showing themselves, showing the cash collected and displaying it is a way of challenging government,” he added.
Akpabio urged heads of security agencies to treat the issue as a major national security concern and take immediate action against those involved.
He further warned that the Senate would demand explanations from relevant authorities whenever individuals who openly reveal their identities and activities online are not apprehended.
The debate arose from Senator Karimi’s motion drawing attention to the escalating wave of terrorist attacks, kidnappings and killings across communities in Kogi West Senatorial District.
Karimi lamented that armed groups had turned several communities into theatres of violence, forcing residents to flee their homes while disrupting economic, social and educational activities.
He cited the recent attack on Iluke-Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly invaded a secondary school and attempted to abduct students writing the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.
According to him, the attack claimed the lives of the school’s vice principal, a teacher and another resident.
The senator also recounted a series of kidnappings and killings across Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba West, Lokoja and Kogi local government areas, warning that insecurity in the district was worsening and required urgent intervention.
Following deliberations, the Senate adopted a series of resolutions aimed at tackling the deteriorating security situation across the country.
The lawmakers called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police and the National Assembly to urgently work towards establishing an appropriate legal framework for the creation of state police.
The Senate also urged the Federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to strengthen the implementation of cashless transaction policies as part of efforts to curb ransom payments and other criminal financial activities.
It further called on the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Immigration Service to tighten border security and surveillance to stem the influx of arms and the movement of terrorists and other criminal elements into the country.
The upper chamber equally advised State governments against negotiating or entering peace agreements with terrorists and armed bandits, maintaining that such arrangements have often failed to produce lasting solutions and, in some cases, emboldened criminal groups.
