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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 Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Electoral Reform Committee, chaired by Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, on Monday, formally presented its expanded electoral reform recommendations to the NBA President, Mr. Afam Osigwe, SAN, at the Association’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
The delegation included the Committee Secretary, Mr. Lawrence Ebewele, alongside members Victor Giwa, Mojirayo Ogunlana, and Christopher Areghan. The Co-Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Sam Itodo, was unavoidably absent due to another national assignment.
In his remarks, Dr. Ubani explained that the proposals were developed in response to long-standing concerns among members about the credibility, transparency, and inclusiveness of NBA elections. He stressed that the reforms are designed to rebuild trust, enhance participation, and set a new democratic standard for the Association.
Key highlights of the reform package include:
Strengthening the independence of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA).
Establishing a reliable and auditable digital voter register.
Deployment of secure, audited electronic voting infrastructure.
Early publication of timelines and consistent electoral guidelines.
Equal access to NBA-owned platforms for campaigns.
Creation of an independent Electoral Offences and Petitions Body.
Transparency in campaign financing and enforcement of a code of conduct.
Mandatory national and zonal debates.
Member sensitisation and digital literacy programs.
Effective collaboration with branches in monitoring elections.
Equal access to the voter database by all candidates at least 30 days before elections.
NBA President’s Response
Receiving the recommendations, Mazi Osigwe SAN commended the Committee for its diligent work and described the proposals as timely and progressive. He noted that some of the recommendations were already under consideration in the ongoing constitutional amendment process, particularly those relating to transparency and campaign finance regulation.
He further stated that candidates would be expected to express their interest early to ensure proper guidance through the electoral legal frameworks, thereby guaranteeing compliance with the ground rules.
The NBA President assured the Committee of the Association’s commitment to fair, credible, and transparent internal elections, which he said must reflect the same democratic standards that the NBA demands in Nigeria’s national elections.
On behalf of the Committee, Dr. Ubani expressed gratitude to the NBA President for the opportunity to serve and pledged the Committee’s continued support for the success of his administration. He emphasised that the reforms are intended to strengthen the NBA as a model of internal democracy.
The expanded proposals are regarded as one of the most comprehensive reform efforts yet to address challenges in NBA elections, and are expected to help shape the conduct of future elections within the Association.
Nigeria’s security operatives have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism with the arrest of two most-wanted terrorist kingpins and leaders of the Ansaru group, Abu Baraa and Mahmuda.
The suspects, who had long been on the nation’s intelligence radar, were captured in a coordinated operation involving the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security outfits.
Their arrests are being hailed as one of the most significant counter-terrorism victories in recent years.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, made the disclosure at a press briefing held at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in Abuja on Saturday.
He was joined by service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the DSS in what observers described as a show of unity and resolve against terrorism.
According to Ribadu, both men were directly responsible for the Kuje prison break, which shocked the country in 2022, as well as a series of high-profile abductions across the North-West and North-Central zones. He noted that their capture sends a clear message to terror groups that Nigeria’s security apparatus is now more coordinated and determined than ever.
“Today, I am glad to inform you that we have successfully concluded a high-risk, intelligence-led counter-terrorism operation which led to the capture of the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as Ansaru, Nigeria’s al-Qaeda affiliate.
“The group was first formed in January 2012 with a public declaration in Kano. It emerged as a splinter faction from Boko Haram, positioning itself as a humane alternative. However, its stated aim quickly turned to attacking Nigerian security operatives, civilian communities and government infrastructure.
“The group publicly displayed the setting sun logo of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, signaling its ideological and operational alignment with global jihadist movements.
“Over the years, Ansaru entrenched itself in both urban sleeper cells and forest enclaves across several cities in northern Nigeria and in forest-based enclaves, particularly around Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara states as well as Benin Republic.”
The NSA explained that the joint operation that led to the capture was painstaking and intelligence-driven, noting that months of surveillance and coordination were required to ensure success without endangering civilians.
Security experts believe that the arrests could significantly weaken Ansaru’s operational capacity in Nigeria, given that both Abu Baraa and Mahmuda were considered the brains behind the group’s strategy and outreach.
Their leadership positions had allowed the faction to maintain links with international jihadist movements.
Ribadu, while fielding questions at the press briefing, reiterated the administration’s determination to cleanse the nation of criminal elements, stressing that Nigeria will not be a safe haven for insurgents or bandits.
He emphasised that this operation marks only the beginning of renewed efforts, assuring Nigerians that security forces remained committed to dismantling every terror cell and restoring peace across all troubled regions.
