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Food for Living: The Blessing of Parents
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
Every living being craves blessings. An apprentice craves the blessings of his/her master or coach to succeed, the same way a mentee craves the blessings of his mentor. Every living being who truly wants to succeed must earnestly crave the blessings of their parents, especially if they are alive.
You may be wondering what parental blessings are? Parental blessings refer to positive forces that follow you and bring you good luck due to the positive words spoken over your life by those with parental authority over you. This can either come from your biological parents or those who have a form of “divine or positional authority” over you. It must not necessarily be your biological parents though biological parents have a more influential role to play, but we have seen some bad parents, but then that’s not a yardstick to castigate or neglect them. They might be bad but, they see still have some divine powers and authority. This is because we came to the world through their cells, genes, and blood which is the foundation of existence. That’s why most people say, blood is thicker than blood.
In this article, I will share personal thought-provoking insights to inform and enlighten us about the effects of parental blessings. As a transformational human capacity coach with a focus on helping humanity in all spheres of life to not only maximize their potentials but also to unleash their potentials, I have come to realize that true success is internal and not external. During my engagements with people (High school and college students, graduates, entrepreneurs and career professionals), I find it why some people succeed much faster with relative ease while some people literally struggle to succeed.
As a mindset coach, I always focus most of my training on self-discovery. This is because, before you can succeed in anything in life, you must not only understand the basics, you must love it, but more especially, you must have the corresponding blessings that come with the opportunity. These blessings can come in various forms, they can either come from your mentors, parents, founders, or even the creator, but I will focus my point on parental blessings.
You may be wondering why I’m focusing and emphasizing parental blessings. Well, the reason is simple, parental blessings are the foundational blessings we need to survive in whatever we do. This is because at creation, God used our biological parents to bring us into the world, and as such, God gave them all we need to succeed in life. That is why when your mother gave birth to you, you will either look like your father, mother, or even a relative, but more importantly, you’ll have features of either your father or mother in you. That’s why it is been said, a lion can’t give birth to a snake. As always, like begets like.
That said, if the creator didn’t want your parents to give birth to you, they’ll find another person to bring you into the world. Therefore, God deposited all the nutrients and all you need to succeed in life. Your parents are the first people you met in your life apart from the doctors, nurses, and medical team that played a crucial role in the labour room. Your parents are your first friends, they nurtured, trained, and equipped you with all you need to stand as a human being before you became independent.
I can understand the fact that some parents may not be physically present during the birth and training of the child, I can also understand some parents abandoned their child/children, and are not be physically present in their life. There are a thousand and one reasons out there, but the point I’m trying to emphasize is that, regardless of the odd, your parents have a role to play in your life’s success. Yes, it can be painful if you have odd stories and memories. But let me ask, if you are told the reason you have not been able to succeed in life or why life is not adding up for you is because your parents have not blessed you, and you are told, you have to seek for your parents’ blessings, will you seek for your parents’ blessings or will you disregard it? If your thinking is like mine, you will go and search for them wherever they are because they have the key to your success.
This might sound a little bit strange to you, but trust me, there are spiritual blessings that come with parental blessings, but quite unfortunately, many people don’t know about it. It may interest you to know that, in the Holy Bible, the only commandment with a promise is the fifth commandment which says, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
What does this instruction portend? It shows, your “parents” are the only people God has given your blessing. If you like meet world leaders, preachers, billionaires, celebrities, etc., for opportunities, trust me, the blessings or favours will be temporary no matter how long you may think it lasted or may last. Even if it lasts a long period of time, there’s a level of happiness, fulfillment and goodwill you are supposed to get which you may not get because you are not working on purpose. But if your biological parents should pray for you and bless you from their heart, trust me you will attract uncommon favours, goodwill and peace of mind that surpasses all joy. This is why most times reasonable people go all out for parental blessings.
Just like every house has a foundation that holds it together, every success has a foundation upon which it is built. That’s why it is important for children and adults to seek their blessings before they engage in any worthwhile project like the choice of a life partner, marriage, traveling, business, or professional career. I remember giving my late parents my first paycheck in the USA to bless it. I did that because I know the importance of parental blessings.
Here is a personal story: A couple of years ago, I shared on my Instagram and social media pages how I resigned from my job to see my late grandmother and returned back to New York without a job. But at the end of the day, I received the blessings which made me to be profiled and interviewed by New York Times and News12 because of my book. The interesting part of this story is that my late grandmother played a huge role due to the blessings she showered on me and my book.
Ordinarily, I doubt if my hard work and academic work can earn me those opportunities. I must be honest with myself that if at all I will get the opportunity, I doubt if the ovation will be as loud as it is currently trending. It may interest you to know that I didn’t even lobby or seek this publicity, they came naturally. I was even surprised to see the story was shared on YouTube. As you can see these are some of the goodwill I have received in recent times, and I know more are on the way.
Just so you know, your parents are like your earthly “God”. So just like you obey your boss at work to ensure you are in their good book, you must ensure that you seek for your parent’s blessing. When you provoke your parent to the extent they decide to curse you, trust me, it has a tendency of limiting your growth and success in life. But I have good news for you. According to Proverbs 26:2, “Curses cannot hurt you unless you deserve them”. So, even if your parents or anyone should curse you, if you didn’t cause whatever situation that prompted the cause, trust me, it won’t have any effect.
The blessings of parents are priceless. Some of the associated blessings that come with parental blessings include; you will receive divine favor, divine protection, you will receive supernatural blessings and strength, you will move at the speed of light, you’ll attract favors, uncommon goodwill, you won’t struggle to succeed compared to your contemporaries, you will prevail against your foes or negative force, and you will be fruitful.
But remember they all come with a condition, you must honuor your parents, and honoring your parents entails respecting them, providing for them in form of gifts, monetary support no matter how little, and most importantly showing them love by calling to check up on them.
Are you struggling in life? Do you need peace of mind, fulfillment, opportunities, favour etc? If yes, please seek your parents’ blessings why doing the needful. If you genuinely try this principle of seeking parental blessings and it doesn’t work, then only God, in flesh and blood, can help you.
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 Nigerian Online Media Alliance (NOMA) has joined the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day 2025, celebrating the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women in Nigeria and beyond.
This year’s theme: “Accelerate Action,” which calls for rapid actions towards gender equality, underscores the urgent need to create equal opportunities for women in all spheres of life, including the media, politics, business, and technology.
As a collective voice in digital journalism, NOMA remains committed to using online platforms to amplify women’s voices, advocate for gender equality, and highlight the challenges women face in the society.
Particularly in the media, Nigerian women have played a pivotal role in shaping the narratives, exposing injustices, and driving meaningful conversations leading to transcendental transformational changes that have galvanised into different affirmative actions.
In her goodwill message to women on the International Women’s Day 2025, the Chairperson of NOMA, Theresa Moses, congratulated the women and called for an accelerated action towards a future where women are valued, respected, and celebrated for their contributions to our society.
“As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, I am reminded of the immense progress Nigerian women have made in shaping the media landscape, banking industry and other sphere of life. Yet, we still have a long way to go in achieving true gender parity.
Also speaking on the occasion, NOMA’s Public Relations Officer, Oluwamuyiwa Oyedele, emphasized the need for greater representation and accelerating action towards inclusivity in the media: “Women’s stories matter, their perspectives shape our society, and their voices must be heard.
At NOMA, we are dedicated to fostering a media landscape where women are not only seen but empowered to lead and influence policies. Therefore, women in the public space, offices and political office holders deserve mutual respect devoid of harassment of any kind while carrying out their assigned functions.
NOMA calls on government agencies, private institutions, and the public to take actionable steps in dismantling systemic barriers that hinder women’s progress. By fostering an egalitarian society, as we move closer to a future where women can thrive, lead, and inspire the next generation.
“At NOMA, we are committed to amplifying women’s voices, promoting inclusive storytelling, and advocating for policies that would empower women to take their rightful place in leadership positions.’
#IWD2025 #NOMAForWomen
Governor Ademola Adeleke on Thursday held a special briefing session with the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, affirming that there is no court order reinstating the court-sacked ‘Yes/No’ council chairmen.
The briefing, according to statement by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, was a continuation of the governor’s statewide consultations with elders and opinion moulders on the recent uproar on the leadership of local governments including a visit to Chief Bisi Akande at his Ibadan residence.
At the meeting attended by top traditional rulers under the chairmanship of the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oodua, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, both the Commissioners for Justice (Jimi Wole Bada) and Information (Kolapo Alimi) presented the four judgements to prove to the kings that the court order sacking the chairmen remain valid and in force.
Governor Adeleke in his briefing paper widely shared among the monarchs declared that statesmanship and divine intervention have saved Osun from major calamity, lamenting that “our state just survived a major threat to the democratic space.
“As one of the highly literate communities in Nigeria, we have a duty to avoid misinformation and disinformation, hence my coming here to present all details about the recent local government face off.
“We are all aware that after I defeated Gboyega Oyetola in July 2022, he hurriedly organised a Yes/No local government election. Two political parties, PDP and APP went to Court to challenge the arrangement for the election.
“So there were two separate suits, PDP case was filed before the promulgation of Local Government Election Law of 2022. In both of these cases, the Federal High Court decided that the process and procedure leading to the election was flawed. The court in both cases declared the election null and void and of no consequences and removed the persons who were purported to have been elected through that flawed election.The Court nullified and ordered that those who were purportedly elected vacate the office.
“In the first appeal against the APP judgement which sacked the Yes/No Council chairmen, the APC and the APM filed an appeal but did not pursue the case. They went to sleep as lawyers would say. The respondent in the case which included the PDP, sought to dismount the appeal. So the Court of Appeal dismissed the APC appeal.
“Our fathers, since the appeal was dismissed, the judgement sacking the Yes/No chairmen remains valid. As at today, the sack order has never been vacated by any court of law.
“Now in the second case involving APC V PDP, the Court of Appeal noted that there were four issues for determination and resolved issue 1 and 2 and said; (1) the amendment granted by the Federal High Court when the case was pending was wrong; (2) the second order made by the Court of Appeal in that process was that the case itself was premature and that there was no cause of action. The court consequently resolved that issue 3 and 4 became academic exercise, that is of no value, effect or importance.
“So the Court of Appeal in Akure came to the conclusion that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to have entertained the matter in the first place and then struck out that case that was filled by PDP and made NO ORDER.
“In the 53-page judgment that is in the public domain, there is nowhere an order was made by the Court of Appeal for reinstatement of the sacked chairmen. Even if there was any request for reinstatement, prayer 3 and 4 were described by the Court of Appeal as academic and the court declined to consider them”, Governor Adeleke told the monarchs.
The state governor told the royal fathers that “Osun state was ambushed suddenly by elements within the All Progressives Congress (APC) whose agenda was to burn down the state. Without any basis or foundation in law, the APC executed a deadly plot.
“The evil agenda is to illegally take over the council secretariats based on a court of appeal ruling that has no consequential orders nor contain anything about reinstatement of sacked chairmen.
“I immediately alerted the nation and security agencies in a national broadcast. Yet, nothing was done. We lost seven residents with several others injured. As a responsible leader, I ordered all parties to stay away from the secretariats. PDP members obeyed and the APC Yes /No chairmen defied the directive.
“As if that was not enough, we were shocked to read from the Attorney General of the Federation, advising us to comply with a non-existing court order. Same advice was extended to us by the Inspector General of Police.
“We were in the midst of all these when an order of the state high court mandated the electoral commission to fill the vacancies occasioned by the earlier sack of the yes/No chairmen. The court also ordered security agencies to provide security for the elections.
“Our royal fathers, the local government election was validly held despite intimidation and harassment by security operatives who were taking directives from Mr Oyetola. We have now filled the vacancies in line with the electoral act, court judgements and the constitution of the country.
“I have proceeded to direct the elected officials to stay away from the councils. Our approach is to apply rule of law instead of self help to get the illegal occupants of the Secretariats out of the way. We will not resort to violence. We will allow the law to take its full course.
“I was informed that the newly elected council chiefs and local government workers have dragged the illegal occupants of the council secretariats to court. We await court hearings and rulings.
“We are worried as a government because if you have a court judgement in your favour, there is a procedure for enforcement. The court has a process for enforcement. That process has no room for brigandary and self help as the APC Yes/No chairmen are doing.
“Secondly, why did APC refuse to pursue the appeal filed against the APP judgement that sacked its chairmen? Why did the APC fail to appeal to the Supreme Court when its appeal was struck out by the Court of Appeal?
“In the case of Akure appeal court ruling, PDP has nothing to appeal against to the Supreme Court as there was no consequential order and as the court has directly ignored reinstatement request as mere academic exercise.
“Thirdly, the Supreme Court ruling on Rivers local government election has clearly confirmed that the Osun Yes/No election was conducted in violation of the electoral act and therefore remains null and void. The latest judgement of the apex court affirm that there is no legal ground for the Yes/No chairmen to continue to illegally occupy the secretariats.
“Our royal fathers, you have all the facts before you. There is no reinstatement order as you can see. The Supreme Court came on time to validate the judgement of the Federal High Court which sacked those elected in violation of the electoral act.
“I appeal to our royal fathers to further educate their subjects on the facts of the controversies. We are a community of enlightened citizenry. We should not allow fake news to be weaponized to destroy our dear state”, the Governor noted in his address.
The royal fathers expressed appreciation and support for the state Governor and resolved to educate their subjects and also pass the message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Officers of the Nigerian military, on Thursday, invaded the Ikeja Electric office in Lagos State, following a dispute over power disconnection to an Air Force base.
The armed military personnel forcibly entered Ikeja Electric’s office on Ago Palace Way in Okota, Isolo, Lagos, subjecting the staff to maltreatment.
According eyewitness account, the armed officers, dressed in military uniforms, arrived at the premises opposite MITV, around 7:40 am.
Employees and other individuals present at the office were allegedly subjected to physical assault by the invaders.
The confrontation reportedly stems from Ikeja Electric’s disconnection of power to the Nigerian Air Force base in Ikeja two weeks prior, as sources indicate that the disconnection resulted from unpaid electricity bills amounting to millions of naira.
According to reports, there was an agreement in place for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to pay ₦60 million monthly for 10–12 hours of daily electricity supply to the base. However, conflicting claims exist regarding compliance with this arrangement. While NAF sources claim they consistently fulfilled their payment obligations, Ikeja Electric representatives state the Air Force failed to pay its outstanding debt.
Military sources expressed concern that the power outage compromised their security, particularly regarding the operational warehouse containing high-calibre arms. They claim rising temperatures due to failing cooling systems put sensitive equipment at risk.
Although the police intervened, the armed personnel, reportedly led by a female officer, refused to back down, allegedly destroying property of the company, and subjecting the manager to inhuman treatment.
The officers are said to be Nigerian Airforce officers.
