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Food for Living: Success and the All-Important First Step

By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step” – Martin Luther King Jnr.
The journey of a thousand miles, it has variously been said, begins with a step; the all important first step. Therefore, when the first step is taken, and the journey through life begins, we will encounter many roads and paths, some we wished we never passed, some we wished we passed, and some we experience with mixed feelings with special emphasis to matters like marriage. The moral here is that the challenges and experiences of life offer us many options. But one thing is certain, we took a step from the beginning, whether it turned out negative or positive is another issue.
For every step taken, there are no basis for regrets knowing that one was not blind or “fooled” into taking them. We are technically and subconsciously aware of the first step, which invariably affects the outcome of our life.
The importance of the first step cannot be overemphasized, however. The first step affects every area of life. This is because there’s nothing one does on earth that does not involve a first step.
The first step, for all intent and purpose, creates awareness. According to Nathaniel Branden, “the first step toward change is awareness”. When you discover there’s a lacuna which needs to be filled, the onus will be on you to fix it. The second step is acceptance. It is however, very unfortunate, that many people don’t accept the realities of life.
The late famous American author, Zig Ziglar, made us understand that the “first step in solving a problem is to recognize that it does exist”. When you have a problem, for example, a medical or emotional problem, Dean Ornish made us understand that “awareness is the first step in healing”.
If you have the desire of becoming a professor, you must first begin by taking the entrance examination as a pupil/student and then walk through the ranks. As a man, if you see a lady you would like to marry, the first step will be to get her attention and that entails speaking to and with her. If you have a desire to be a President, Governor, Chief Executive Officer, Captain of industry among others, you must begin by doing the needful. A once popular Nigerian television sitcom, Basi and Company, always reminds viewers through its main character, Basi, that ‘to be a millionaire, think like a millionaire’.
Most people, unfortunately, put the cart before the horse, and fail to stock in deciding if they have the expertise, knowledge, and technical know-how to successfully execute a particular project.
There’s no major success which did not begin with the first step. Notwithstanding, the first step comes with its own risks and opportunities. It can either go well or otherwise, depending on how it’s executed.
It’s instructive to note that no reasonable man will begin a journey he has not weighed the options. The first step in life can be said to be the most important step in every adventure. It takes courage to take the first step. According to Martin Luther King Jnr, “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
On a personal note, I have taken many first steps which changed my perspective and understanding of life, both in business, academic, marriage, social, personal, professional, and spiritual life. I can remember that one of my first major first steps in life was when I applied to be the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Lawyers Association while I was a student in New York Law school.
In all sincerity and honesty, I wasn’t prepared for the job’s responsibilities because the culture was quite different from what I was exposed to in Nigeria. I also had difficulty in writing well, and that strained my relationship with my President and Vice President.
Despite taking the risk of contesting for the position, that was one of the best things that happened to me, because it exposed and connected me to lots of opportunities and resourceful people, who have continually served as strong allies.
If you have a vision or dream, the best thing that can happen to you is to take the first step. You may not have everything or see everything, but if you feel it’s right, and believe in it, trust me, it will work out good. All you need is the belief factor. The universe, without an iota of doubt, always conspire to help every progressive mind working on purpose. It’s one thing to have a dream and it’s another to implement it with the right actions.
Sometimes however, even when we have a belief system, and faith in ourselves and our project, we can still experience setbacks, betrayal, and challenges. Sometimes, we are tempted to, and even question our creator, mentor, parent, teacher and friend for leaving us on the road when the odds don’t add up.
Whenever you experience such a feeling, please be strong and don’t give up. It’s part of the process leading you to the right place.
Actions are the engine that drives your productivity. Without actions nothing happens, or worse, things that you have no control over will happen taking you to no place. According to Maurer, Director of Behavioral Sciences at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center in Santa Monica, the challenge of taking the first step has to do with fear.
Before you take the first step, trust your intuition, trust your creator, believe in yourself, believe in your project and most importantly, be courageous.
In conclusion, What’s that project you have in mind, take the first step, and watch your intended positive change come to life. Remember, according to Chauncey Depew. The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.
Whatever be the case, one can never be successful in an chosen endeavor if the all-important first step is not taken.
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 and Unleash Your Destiny. He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
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Lagos Assembly: Plenary Halted As Security Operatives Take Over Premises

By Eric Elezuo
Amid growing tension following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa of the Lagos House of Assembly, security operatives including men of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Lagos Task Force and the Nigerian Police Force, have reportedly taken over the Assembly complex, locking the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda and her Deputy.
Eyewitness says that amidst the uncertainty, the Speaker of the House arrived to the cheers of other lawmakers, who expressed confidence in the leadership of Rt. Hon. Meranda.
There has been pleasure on Hon Meranda to resign as Speaker since the brouhaha emerged as a result of the rejection of his impeachment by Obasa, who had since taken the matter to court.
Other sources alleged that Meranda may have to resign to pave way for peaceful resolution of the crises that originated from the January 13 impeachment of Obasa.
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WAEC Releases 2024 WASSCE Results for Private Candidates, Says 2669 Results Under Processing

By Eric Elezuo
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the released of the results of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates, adding that about 2669 results are still being processed for release.
The examinations body made the announcement via a statement signed by the Ag. Head, Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, and made available to this medium. It stated that a total of 62,354 candidates, representing 95.90% have had their results fully processed and released, and are requested to visit www.waecdirect.org to ascertain their status before visiting the Digital Certificate platform (www.waec.org).
The statement in details:
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, wishes to announce to candidates, stakeholders and the general public that the results of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2024–Second Series, has been released.
Recall that the Council announced that the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2024–Second Series would be conducted in two modes, for the first time, in line with emerging best practices and the continuous quest for excellence. The examination diet was conducted in those two modes, the Paper and Pen option and the computer-based hybrid mode, and candidates sat the examination based on the option they chose during registration.
The examination took place in Nigeria between Friday, October 25, 2024 and Friday, December 20, 2024. The Coordination of Examiners and Marking of Candidates’ Scripts were carried out at FIVE (5) Marking Venues in Lagos, Ibadan, Benin, Enugu and Kaduna from Wednesday, January 15, to Tuesday, February 4, 2025. A total of THREE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN (3,327) Examiners participated in the Coordination and Marking Exercise.
SIXTY-EIGHT THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-TWO (68,342) candidates, representing a 20% decrease, when compared with the 2023 entry figure, entered for the examination, while SIXTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND TWENTY-THREE (65,023) candidates sat the examination at FIVE THOUSAND AND SIXTY-SEVEN (5,067) centres spread across the nooks and crannies of the country.
Amongst the candidates that sat the examination, ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SEVEN (157) candidates, with varying degrees of Special Needs, were registered for the examination. Out of this number, TWENTY-FIVE (25) were visually challenged, THIRTEEN (13) had impaired hearing and FIFTEEN (15) were Albinos. All these candidates with special needs were adequately provided for in the administration of the examination.
Of the total number of SIXTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND TWENTY-THREE (65,023) candidates that sat the examination, THIRTY-ONE THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED AND FOUR (31,504) were males while THIRTY-THREE THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED AND NINETEEN (33,519) were females, representing 48.45% AND 51.55% respectively.
Out of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, SIXTY-TWO THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FOUR (62,354) candidates, representing 95.90% have their results fully processed and released while TWO THOUSAND, SIX HUNDRED AND SIXTY-NINE (2,669) candidates, representing 4.10% have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors traceable to them.
However, efforts are being made to speedily complete the processing to enable all the affected candidates to get their results fully processed and released, subsequently.
The analysis of the statistics of the performance of candidates shows that out of the SIXTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND TWENTY-THREE (65,023) candidates that sat the examination:
FORTY-THREE THOUSAND, NINE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THREE (43,923) candidates representing 67.55% obtained credit and above in a minimum of FIVE (5) subjects (with or without English Language and/or Mathematics);
THIRTY-FOUR THOUSAND, EIGHT HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-EIGHT (34,878) candidates representing 53.64 % obtained credit and above in a minimum of FIVE (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics
Of this number, SIXTEEN THOUSAND, EIGHT HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-SIX (16,886) i.e., 48.41% were male candidates, while SEVENTEEN THOUSAND, NINE HUNDRED AND NINETY-TWO (17,992), i.e., 51.58 % were female candidates. The percentage of candidates in this category in the WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2022 and 2023 – Second Series, that is, those who obtained credit and above in a minimum of five (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, were 42.16% and 44.29% respectively. Thus, there is a marginal increase of 9.35 % in performance in this regard.
This analysis, however, cannot be compared with that of WASSCE for School Candidates. Whereas the candidates in WASSCE for School Candidates Examination are compelled to sit eight or nine subjects, the candidates in WASSCE for Private Candidates Examination, though can register for eight or nine subjects, are not compelled to take all. They are free to sit, even one subject, depending on the deficiency they want to remedy.
TWO-THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SEVEN (2,577) Candidates’ results, representing 3.96 % of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, were withheld in connection with various allegations of examination malpractice. Candidates whose results were withheld are advised to visit the WAEC Notice of Examination Malpractice Portal at: https//waecinternational.org/complaints to make representations with regard to allegations bordering on examination malpractice.
All reported cases will be investigated including exhibits obtained, alongside candidates’ representations lodged on the portal. These will be evaluated and reports presented to the appropriate Committee of the Council for determination. The Committee’s decision(s) will be communicated directly to the affected candidates.
Candidates may check their results by visiting www.waecdirect.org to ascertain their status before visiting the Digital Certificate platform (www.waec.org) to access the digital copies of their certificates, which have been released along with the results. Candidates will be required to apply for the printing of the hard copies of their certificates online, through the WAEC Certificate Request Portal (e-Certman). The portal address is https://certrequest.waec.ng/. All candidates who sat the examination diet are hereby advised to check their results carefully and take necessary actions as required.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, would like to congratulate all candidates who have worked hard and achieved great results. Our profound gratitude also goes to the Government at all levels, Security Agencies, Ministries of Education, Staff, Supervisors, Invigilators, Custodians, Examiners, and other Ad-hoc personnel who, despite all odds, availed the Council of their services in ensuring the successful conduct of the examination and marking of scripts. The results are a testament to their dedication and hard work. We wish all the candidates the best in their future endeavours.
Once again, we assure all our stakeholders of our dedication and commitment to excellent service delivery.
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Food for Living: Unleashing the Keys of Life to Succeed

By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
There is a key to unlocking everything in life in the guise of manuals and codes. Without the manual or code, a car, laptop, phone and other equipment won’t be activated or function properly. Without the right key, a door won’t open. Without the right foundation, success will be a far cry. An individual must therefore, know the right formula if they wish to succeed.
Success, like every other endeavours, including staying healthy and going to heaven, definitely has a key. In the same vein, everyone, in whatever guise, has a key to manifest every of his desire, and it behoves on one to do all legally and morally possible to discover it.
Life is truly a mystery. Nobody except the creator can unravel it. So to understand and unravel life, one must understand and get closer to the source or creator. This is just the simple truth of how life really works. Keys are like codes, formulas, and secrets. When you have the right code to any bank vault, you can break into it; when you have the formula to any mathematical problem, you won’t have a challenge solving the equation, but when you have the wrong formula, you will arrive at the wrong answer. The same principle is applicable to secrets; every human being has a secret, the ability to discern one’s secret will go a long way in assisting them to get their desires.
Let’s take a case of a man who wants to woo a lady. The first thing he does is figure out a close friend or family member who knows the lady in question, to decipher what she likes or wants in a man. This is because some ladies are attracted to men who are good with words while some are attracted to gifts, services, physical touch and time. If you would like to know more about these five love languages, I will strongly recommend you read Gary Chapman’s five love languages.
Keys are very symbolic in life; they are the foundation of life because without the foundation it will be difficult to resolve any concern. For instance, as a new employee in a company, to succeed, it will be important to understand the principles, values and the culture applicable in that company or organization. In any profession, whether law, medical, engineering, entertainment, political or religion, one needs to understand how it works, and the necessary structure needed to succeed. Even in the academic industry, one must know how to use the right words to convey the right message.
Keys are manuals, and when you have them, life will be smooth. Imagine operating a phone, car, television, laptop or other products without the manual; one is bound to encounter challenges, and the tendency of the product not functioning in optimum capacity is possible.
There is a story about how a man whose car broke down along the way, while he was trying to figure out how to fix the car, he encountered several difficulties, and the car refused to start. He tried all he could, but all to no avail. While he was trying to figure out what to do, an old man reached out to him to know if he needed help. He dismissed the old with the mindset he can’t do anything. After trying several times to fix the car, he couldn’t. He had to allow the old man to try. The man opened the burnet of the car and hit a knob and told the man to start the car, and the car began to work. The man was startled and asked the old man, what’s his name man. He said, Henry Ford, the inventor and owner of Ford Motors.
What’s the moral of this story? Henry Ford has the master key to fixing the car. He was able to fix the car because he’s the inventor. Henry Ford has the master key. If he wasn’t the inventor, it would have been difficult for him to fix the car. Note that another person can also fix the car if he has the codes and manuals laid down by the inventor.
Overtime, I have discovered that the ability to relate with human beings in a close way is one of the best way to understand them. Everybody has a key that works for them, one’s ability to decipher this key can be a gateway to success, and this comes with timing. So, as you move along in life, please always endeavor to have a basic understanding of the industry, company or social-political space because it will go a long way in determining the height you can attain.
In conclusion, keys are life’s oxygen, which if missing, leads to a time bomb effect, but when available leads to a floodgate of success.
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 Your and Unleash Your Destiny . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com