Metro
Food for Living: Test of Patience
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
In the journey of life, patience remains one of the greatest tests anyone can face. Your patience will surely be tested, one way or another. It could be in personal and professional development including family life, workplace, school activities, friendship, or religious life. Just imagine being in a long queue in a grocery store; imagine trying to meet up with an appointment and you are held back due to heavy traffic, imagine the time you have to wait to speak to a customer service agent, or event waiting for your partner to dress up while you are already running late – then you will understand what it means for patience to come under test.
In fact, patience cuts across all dynamics of life. You may be wondering how this plays out. Imagine having a desire to set up a particular business, and the odds seems to be against you. Imagine being able to set it up, yet have challenges gaining clients or moving to the next stage. The truth remains that it could be very challenging staying positive. Now, that is the time to believe in your craft, and do what you are supposed to do through consistency, and as sure as there is day and night, you will reap the fruit of your labour. As a leader, your leadership style will be tested, and to succeed in your leadership role or any area of your life where patience is required, you will need to practice emotional intelligence.
Patience is a great virtue required of every human being. As Christians, and members of other religions, we are taught to have patience. Without patience, it will be difficult to succeed in life. This is because your eagerness to succeed in life might push you or prevent you from acquiring or learning the valuable lessons or experiences of life. What we don’t know about patience is that, sometimes, it prevents us from doing what will harm us.
On a personal note, I am a strong believer in fate. I strongly believe in the aphorism that what will happen will happen, with or without our input. Most times, due to desperations, we either settle for less than we desire, or we try to work our destiny with the erroneous belief or assumption that the other side of the grass is greener.
In the journey of life, you may have a desire to study a particular course or attain a particular height in your academic journey, or have the desire to work in a particular industry. You may have the desire to meet a particular person, and have tried to get all it done, but the more you try, the more push back you have. Though it appears hard, here is a piece of good news for you; patience is not only about waiting but how you act while waiting (striving for your desire). While waiting, you can read in between the lines to learn the inherent lessons staring at you.
While acknowledging that the test of patience is not easy, understand that one of the greatest places where your patience will be tested is marriage. Imagine having a difficult partner, who is strong-headed, and who is not willing to communicate or compromise. The type of ‘it’s either my way or no way’. What would you do? Well, hear this candid advice; if you love him or her, tolerate the person and bear the burden of keeping the marriage, but if you don’t love the person, kindly take a bow to avoid bearing the sacrifice for eternity.
Again, you may have a difficult boss, friend, child, or mentee, who you have been trying to manage based on your relationship, but it seems a herculean task. How will you relate to the person? There is just one thing to do; consider your temperament and see if your personality is compatible to manage the relationship.
It is always easy say have patience, it will be alright, but in reality, patience is not always easy. Imagine a family man, who need money or resources to take care of household and the sums don’t seem to be adding up. Imagine a young lady desiring marriage, with the hope of attracting a particular kind of man, but those that kept coming when they come do not meet the requirements. There is a tendency for patience to run out, but don’t let it. All you need is peace of mind, and every other thing will fall into place.
Know that ‘tribulation worketh patience’ (Romans 5:3) and ‘trying of faith worketh patience’ (James 1:3) as well.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He’s a Human Capacity & mindset coach. He’s also a public speaker. 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 and President of gloemi.com. He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.
The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.
The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.
The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.
It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.
The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.
It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.
The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.
It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.
A small-scale grocery seller from Plateau State, Ejiofor Akujieze, has emerged the grand prize winner of ₦5 million in the Golden Morn Golden Hunt, a nationwide consumer campaign by Nestlé Nigeria that rewarded Nigerians with a total of ₦80 million in cash and prizes.
Akujieze, who expressed surprise at his win, described the moment as life-changing. “It came as a shock to me. I won ₦5 million, and it will go a long way. I am very grateful,” he said, noting that the prize will support the expansion of his grocery business.
The Golden Morn Golden Hunt, which commenced in January 2026, recorded strong participation from consumers across the country, with over 200,000 entries received. Designed around Golden Morn’s smaller, affordable pack sizes to encourage wider participation, the campaign made it easier for more Nigerians to take part. At the end of seven draws, a total of 16,324 winners emerged, receiving cash prizes ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦1 million, alongside airtime rewards and exciting items such as washing machines, MacBooks, iPhones, and 55-inch televisions, in addition to the grand prize.
Speaking on the campaign, Omofasa Orhiunu, Category Manager, Healthy Cereals at Nestlé Nigeria, said the initiative was designed to connect more closely with consumers while giving them an opportunity to experience the brand.
“Golden Morn has been part of everyday life for Nigerian families, and with the Golden Hunt, we wanted more people to experience that,” he said. “It gave both our loyal consumers and new ones the opportunity to enjoy a nourishing product that fits into their daily routines, while also being rewarded in a simple and accessible way.”
Also speaking, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to creating value for consumers beyond its products.
“For over 40 years, Golden Morn has been nourishing Nigerian families and earning their trust,” he said. “The Golden Hunt was our way of recognising that trust and giving back in a way that is meaningful and inclusive. What has been most inspiring are the real stories behind the wins, how this has made a difference in people’s lives. That is what truly matters to us.”
Golden Morn, a cherished homegrown brand, continues to provide wholesome nourishment made from carefully selected grains. It is enriched through its Grain Smart blend, which combines essential vitamins and minerals to support energy and overall wellbeing for individuals and families.
Through initiatives like the Golden Hunt, Nestlé Nigeria continues to strengthen its connection with consumers while delivering on its commitment to providing accessible, nutritious food and supporting thriving communities across the country.
