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Food for Living: Strive to Be Unique
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
One of the most interesting things about any entity; animate or inanimate, is their uniqueness. There’s always something unique about everybody. For instance, if the name Elon Musk is mentioned in a conversation, the first thing that cokes to mind is riches and wealth. If the name Barack Obama is mentioned, one’s mind will be catapulted tobthe first Black man to be the President of the United States of America.
In the same vein, if the name, Nelson Mandela, is mentioned, an insightful mind will reminisce his principles and struggles, which led to the end of apartheid and his emergence as the first Black South African President. If Michael Jackson and Beyoncé Giselle Knowles are mentioned, one will generally revere both as great singers and dancers. When the name Henry Ukazu is mentioned, most people will say he’s an author, creative and prolific writer, Life Coach, and youth advocate. The list continues.
And so, I ask; what are you known for? What makes you unique? If your name is searched on Google, what will be the outcome?
When we talk about uniqueness, it transcends the traits of a human being, and accommodates the ideologies, vision, and whatever one represents. For instance, if a name like Martin Luther King is mentioned, what will immediately come to mind is the fact that he is known for leading the American Civil Rights, and his famous “I have a Dream” speech. If Mark Zukerberg’s name is mentioned, it’s only natural for Facebook to come to mind. If Evangelist Ebuka Obi’s name is mentioned, preaching, prophecy and vision will come to mind.
Let’s talk about the greatest country in the world, the United States of America. The country is known for her diverse culture, powerful economy, and significant global influence in areas like entertainment, technology, and military strength. It also has a track record as the country with the greatest number of billionaires in the world.
Every institution is known for something. Every animal is known for something. Every country is known for something and as humans, we ought to be known for something because we can’t just exist without living.
In my first book, Design Your Destiny- Actualizing Your Birthright to Success, I wrote an interesting piece on Understanding Your Uniqueness, where I harped on the importance of working on our talents and gifts, which are what makes us unique as human beings. I have always stressed on the importance of human beings to focus on developing their talents and what they are naturally good at rather than focusing on learning a skill or having a decent academic degree. Though it’s good to acquire a great skill and degree, it’s important to note that one’s talent and gift will attract better and faster opportunities that will put them in the spotlight than when one focuses on their acquired skill and academic degrees.
I say this because everyone loves to meet the best person who is naturally better in a craft than someone who learned it. Everyone would like to work with a creative person endowed with common sense as opposed to someone who though is intelligent, but lacks requisite common sense.
Basic uniqueness stands one out in a crowd. This uniqueness can be determined by how one dresses, writes, speaks, leads, acts, teaches or work. Living in the United States of America has exposed me to many cultures and lifestyles, but one thing stands out; each country in the United States has a peculiar accent, style of dressing and race which makes them think or have a unique perspective of life.
As a professional, if one wants the world to take them seriously, it’s advisable to focus on a particular craft. Let’s take a case study of a medical doctor, who does general practice, the remuneration they will get will be quite different from the remuneration and respect of a surgeon who has a certain level of expertise in a particular field. Let’s also consider a lawyer who does general practice, the remuneration they will have will be quite different from that of an attorney who is specialized in criminal cases. This is because professionals, who have developed expertise in a particular area are valued more unlike one who knows a bit of everything but lacks expertise in a particular area. It is a typical case of jack of all trades, master of none.
This principle also applies to entrepreneurs. It’s always good when a service or product is mentioned, a customer or stranger recommends or mentions your name as the best plug to deliver. This is simply because either they have had business deals with you, or have seen your work, or it might even be the case of how you have utilized social media to attract visibility to the business.
On a personal note, most of the opportunities and access I have attracted to myself are as a result of my contents on social media. Most of the resource persons I have had the rare opportunity to relate with in close quarters is simply because of my work which has shown how committed, dedicated and passionate I am to my cause and business. Most times, people see through my voice and that my passion brings impact to humanity, and as such they feel comfortable to relate closely with me.
Today, I ask you; what are you doing differently that will enable people to give you an opportunity which can affect the lives of people? In thinking about this, bear in mind that one does not have to do too much, all that is required to do is the basics, no matter how little it is, but let it be known that you stood for something
I will conclude with a question. What makes you unique? If ten people are asked the unique thing about you, what do you think would be their response? While pondering on these great questions, just know that imitation is limitation, so try to be unique in your own way, manner and style, and I can assure you that the world would celebrate you in the nearest future.
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
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.
