News
Food for Living: Set and Maintain a Standard
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
It is universally said that if one doesn’t stand for anything, they will fall for everything. One of the things that makes us stand out in school, workplace, church, politics, entertainment, social gathering or in public space in general is the standard we set for ourselves.
At the beginning of every year, we make resolutions, but the challenge is keeping to it. It’s easier to set standards, but maintaining it is what makes the difference. The same way it’s easy to get to the top, and difficult staying at the top. This is the most challenging part because mych as it takes sacrifice to get to the top, it takes a higher standard to remain at the top.
Every workplace has a standard, every school has a standard, every congregation has a standard, every organization has a standard, and every social or political group also has a standard. These standards are enshrined in their policy, bye laws and work culture, and if one breaches any of them, they will be subjected to the agreed consequences.
Even as human beings, we all have standards we set for ourselves. While what works for Mr. A might not work for Mr. B, and what Mr. A might accept, Mr. B might not accept. This is why it’s always good to know what works for anyone and know how to follow or work with them.
Our standards can be seen in our values, personalities, ideology and the vision we hold dear. While some people might accept or tolerate lateness at a place of work if one offers a reasonable excuse, another party might have a different opinion based on standard work policy.
While some ladies might detest messing around with the opposite sex for benefits, because they value their body, fear and rever God, and believe in integrity, other ladies might see it as fun or trade by barter. For those in government, while some employees will see nothing wrong in giving kickbacks to get certain favours and opportunities, other employees might have a different feeling because they are schooled to believe that meritocracy pays better than mediocrity.
In the journey of life, we must set the standard for others to follow, be the standard, or better still maintain the high standards already set by others.
As a Christian, the Book of life states in Romans 8:12, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”. The message is simply stating, as children of God, we are not encouraged to follow the worldly patterns of indulging in worldly things that please the flesh and deprive us of having a good relationship with God.
To do this, we must detach from people and environments that put us in such uncomfortable positions or situations. Setting this standard might not be easy, trust me, it will be very challenging because it will be tested, and may God help you if you don’t pass the test.
Setting standards operates or works in different standards. Imagine a man, who has a six- or eight-cylinder engine, it is expected of them to have a higher gas for their car, but if they use a cheaper gas for their car, it might affect the car. That’s another way of setting standards.
During one of my challenging times, I felt frustrated on how to put gas in my car, I was wondering if I should use 87 as opposed to 89 which is compatible with my car just to save cost, I ended up using 89 regardless of my financial situation. This to me is a standard, because I strongly believe and know the universe will work with me in attracting the right opportunity in due time.
In setting standards, here is my advice: never lower your worth for anyone, unless you are trying to be humble or send a desired and impactful message. If you have a business, don’t lower your standard for anyone just to please them. If for instance, you sell a product or offer a service, please don’t lower your price for prospective clients or customer, even if you are tempted to do so to make sales, make it appear like you are giving them a discount or deal they can’t afford to miss while making them understand you are doing them a favour so they don’t think you are desperate to sell.
This is the psychology of life and business. When human beings feel you are selling a product cheap, their mindset is wired to believe it’s either cheap or something is not adding up well. But when they pay a higher price, or sense they can’t afford the commodity, they tend to respect the product or service.
Alternatively, when people offer you a product you can’t afford, instead of saying the price is too expensive, simply say, I will keep it in mind or I will consider getting it later, or better still, you can request a discount or a form of deal. Recognize the fact that every product has a price tag.
Did you know that standard works with value? It is the value you place on somebody, a product or a service that determines the recognition and respect a person accords it. Let me share a practical and personal example with you. When I published my first book, I was desperate to have the book outside. I wanted every high-profile person with influence to get a copy of the book. As a matter of fact, anybody I see on the road or any relevant event of interest, I always look for an opportunity to give them a copy of my book, especially when I perceive they work in a particular organization, know someone of influence or even have extra cash to spare.
The idea was simply to take a picture with the person just to get publicity. In some situations, I was tempted to sell my book for whatever the person can afford with the mindset that who knows who might see the book in the hands of that person and decide to read it. It worked in some situations, but it backfired in many situations because not many people paid attention to my book. Some just accepted it to make me feel good, while some said they didn’t want to accept it because they might not open it, and they will prefer me to keep it as opposed to wasting it.
What lesson did I learn? I have since realized to stick to who I am, the value in my book as opposed to appearing desperate. I have also learnt to keep my value intact opposed to trying to please supposed benefactors or anyone because those that matter don’t bother and those that bother don’t matter. I also realized that anyone that wants to patronize you will do so with little or no compulsion, especially when you have a thriving business.
Understanding a standard can be relative because it depends on the point one is viewing from.
In conclusion, as you journey forward, endeavour to set your standards so others will know where you stand at any point in time.
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 opposition African Democratic Congress and the Labour Party on Sunday criticized President Bola Tinubu for departing Nigeria for Europe on holiday at a time the country is grappling with rising insecurity, including foreign military interventions in the North.
The Presidency announced on Sunday that Tinubu left Lagos for Europe for his end-of-year holiday ahead of an official visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he is scheduled to attend the 2026 edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit.
President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the trip was by invitation from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to participate in the summit, which gathers global leaders from government, business, and civil society to advance sustainable development strategies.
“His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has invited President Tinubu to participate in the 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit, which will take place in the emirate early in January,” the statement read.
Reacting to Tinubu’s departure, the ADC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, faulted the timing as inappropriate given the security challenges facing the country.
The ADC noted the deadly terrorist bomb blast in Zamfara and the ongoing foreign military involvement, calling the President’s move insensitive.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s lack of care is alarming. In the wake of another deadly bomb blast in Zamfara, and following an unprecedented foreign military attack on Nigerian soil, the nation is waiting for reassurance from its leader. Instead, we learn the President has gone on holiday. What a President!” Abdullahi said.
Similarly, LP’s acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, described the trip as “insensitive and devoid of empathy” for Nigerians facing violent attacks and humanitarian crises.
Speaking through her Senior Special Adviser on Media, Ken Asogwa, she stressed that the President should have remained in the country to coordinate security responses.
“This is the most inauspicious time for the President to leave the country. Even the Christmas holiday in Lagos seems ill-timed, given that a bomb exploded in Zamfara today, killing nine people,” Usman said.
She further alleged that Nigeria was under external attack and accused the government of downplaying the severity of the situation.
“Nigeria is under attack by a foreign nation. No matter how the government tries to frame this, it is a violation of our sovereignty. This is the time for the commander-in-chief to coordinate the response, not embark on a holiday,” Usman said.
She added that the President had not convened critical security meetings since the U.S.-led bombardment of terrorist camps in Kwara and Sokoto States and condemned the perceived lack of engagement with military leadership.
The President’s trip comes amid heightened security concerns. On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump authorised AFRICOM to conduct airstrikes on terrorist camps in Sokoto State, hours before Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the operation. A deadly bomb blast in Zamfara on Friday claimed several lives.
The 17th edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week will run from January 11 to 15 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre under the theme “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go.”
The event aims to connect innovation, finance, and people to advance sustainable development.
Onanuga confirmed that Tinubu would return to Nigeria after the summit.
Hosted by Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy company, the summit will feature the invitation-only ADSW Summit, the World Future Energy Summit, the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, and specialised sessions on hydrogen, climate finance, water security, and utilities in the Global South. Organisers expect more than 50,000 participants from over 170 countries, featuring over 700 global brands and exhibitions of emerging clean technologies.
The UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, noted that ADSW 2026 builds on two decades of the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy.
Tinubu previously attended the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January 2025, where he held meetings with Gulf investors and officials on trade, energy cooperation, and climate finance.
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Tinubu has undertaken at least 46 foreign trips, spending an estimated 192 days abroad as of October 2025. In 2025 alone, he travelled internationally no fewer than 15 times to countries including Ghana, the UAE, Tanzania, France, Italy, Saint Lucia, Japan, and Brazil for summits, bilateral engagements, and holidays.
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
Ever wondered how one sleeps and wakes up? Ever wondered where the spirit goes while we sleep? The answer is hidden in mysteries because life, and by extension, existence, is full of mysteries.
On a personal note, I do believe that whenever we sleep, we are basically practicing how to die because no one knows the whereabouts of the spirit and souls. All we know is that we wake at the break of dawn, or when there’s a stirring, either naturally or artificial. That is a mystery!
Have you also ever imagined how a man will have sexual intercourse with a lady and a child is born? Have you also ever wondered about the mystery surrounding death? Have you also imagined how human beings fall in love with the opposite sex despite various variables. Again, each time I fly in the air, I begin to wonder about the invention surrounding the aeroplane. So many questions begging for answers. The mysteries surrounding life is inexhaustible.
For the benefit of hindsight, life is indeed a mystery. Sometimes, we think we understand it, and other times, it humbles us with its complexities. Life can be likened to a woman; the more you try to understand them, the more confused you become.
I had to give this introductory analysis to buttress the significance surrounding the mysteries of life. Why do I say this? Nothing is permanent in life, and as such anyone can be great and successful tomorrow. In my native Igbo (Nigerian) language, we have a saying that “nobody knows the stomach that will birth a king tomorrow”, and “tomorrow is pregnant”. These are evidence of the mysterious nature of life.
In my journey through life, I have met angels and devils in human form, who have played different roles in shaping my thoughts and outlook towards life. While I thought certain people will bring smiles to my life, they turned around to make me question their intentions and mindset. But the people I had some reservations with turned out to be some of the best things that have happened to me. For instance, I have a dear friend turned brother, whom I hold in high esteem. His name is Sodeeq Sulyman. He is the Chief Operating Officer of my company.
As a matter of fact, today is his birthday. He met me on X and reached out to me to be his mentor. I was literally humbled because that was the first time someone was making a firm request of me. I gladly accepted the request, and today our friendship, brotherhood and relationship has truly blossomed. This young man is literally one of the best things that has happened to my life. If I was told he will change the outlook of my life, business and life generally, I wouldn’t have believed it.
But as my late mother would always say, when you meet people just take the good part and leave the bad part. In all sincerity, I strongly believe our meeting was predestined, and mysterious if the circumstance of our meeting is x-rayed.
Here is the message, never look down on anyone except you are helping them to do something or pick something. Another message is don’t give up on anyone because you don’t know what tomorrow will unfold. Even the Bible book of life states in Proverbs 118:22, “the stone which the people rejected has become the cornerstone”. So, it’s instructive for one to be kind, courteous and humble in relationship with human beings because nobody knows what life will unfold tomorrow.
Imagine, if I had not treated this young man very well or even accepted him, I would probably have met other minds, who would have given me an experience of a lifetime I wouldn’t forget in a hurry.
The mystery of life can be seen in wealth creation. A man of means today can become a beggar tomorrow if the wealth is not properly managed, and the child of a certified pauper can become a man of means tomorrow. There have been stories of wealthy men whose children mismanaged their parents’ and became hungry, while slaves of wealthy men became stupendously wealthy. What does that tell you? Nothing is guaranteed in life. I often wonder how people take life very seriously thinking everything is about them. They don’t even know they can sleep and not wake up the next morning, nor are they aware of the fact that pride and ego are the two greatest enemies that can fast track the downfall of a man, while humility can jump-start their elevation.
As human beings sometimes, we wonder where our next meal will come from. Where would our next business, money, spouse, opportunity come from are some of the questions that bug our minds? One might have a business that has little or no hope of succeeding, but with determination and favour from God, the business will turn around for good.
On a personal note, I have been in a scenario where I lost hope of succeeding or moving to the next round, but I was surprised when the universe came through in ways and manners I couldn’t comprehend. I believe we all have one story or another to share as it relates to the mysteries of life. I can vividly recall when my late dad was very sick in the hospital. As a matter of fact, he was adjudged to be the sickest patient in the hospital. The doctor who was treating him said, he lost his mother to the exact sickness my late dad was facing. But with prayer, my late dad was able to survive to the amazement of everyone. He was later adjudged to be a miracle patient because he was given a slim opportunity to survive.
I don’t know what your storyline might be nor do I know what you are experiencing in your academic, business, health, career, or family life. One message I have for you is that nothing lasts forever. If you give it time, one day you’ll laugh and thank God for the experience and lessons life has offered you because life is a mystery one may not understand. It unfolds as it chooses.
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
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, has questioned the whereabouts of President Bola Tinubu and silence of the Federal Government amid reports of a United States–led military operation against terrorist targets on Nigerian soil.
Momodu raised the concern in a post on his various social media handles, including Instagram, reacting to the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that American forces had carried out airstrikes in Nigeria with the cooperation of the Nigerian government.
He expressed concern over what he perceived as a lack of visible leadership at a critical and historic moment, stressing that national sovereignty and public confidence demand prompt and transparent communication from the country’s highest authority.
Momodu urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he referred to as Nigeria’s “Master Strategist,” not to abdicate responsibility in the face of such a significant security development.
“We implore our Master Strategist not to abdicate responsibility and our sovereignty at this crucial and historic moment, but to stand beside America in this fight against terrorism,” he said.
He concluded his remarks by noting that the country remained in prayers amid the unfolding security situation.
