Metro
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
Metro
Adron Homes Champions Cultural Heritage with Sponsorship of 2026 Ibadan Cultural Festival
Adron Homes and Properties is set to take the center stage in celebrating culture, history, and community at the grand finale of the Ibadan Cultural Festival 2026, scheduled to hold at the iconic Lekan Salami Stadium on Saturday.
In a bold demonstration of its commitment to preserving Nigeria’s socio-cultural heritage, Adron Homes is proudly sponsoring this year’s festival, reinforcing its role as a corporate institution that goes beyond real estate to actively supporting the traditions and identity of its host communities.
The Ibadan Cultural Festival, a time-honored celebration of the people, history, and legacy of Ibadanland, has once again drawn widespread attention, uniting sons and daughters of the ancient city alongside dignitaries, cultural custodians, and enthusiasts. As anticipation builds for tomorrow’s grand finale, the city is already aglow with excitement, color, and cultural pride.

Adron Homes’ involvement has significantly amplified the scale and reach of the festival, ensuring that the rich customs, music, dance, and traditional displays associated with Ibadan’s heritage are not only celebrated but sustained. The company’s sponsorship reflects a deep understanding that culture remains the backbone of community development and identity.
The company reiterated that supporting the Ibadan Cultural Festival is part of a broader vision to invest in people, preserve history, and strengthen communal bonds. They emphasized that Ibadan, as one of Nigeria’s most historically significant cities, deserves continuous corporate backing to keep its traditions alive and thriving.
Tomorrow’s grand finale at Lekan Salami Stadium promises a spectacular convergence of tradition and modern celebration, with captivating performances, music, royal appearances, and a showcase of the enduring spirit of Ibadanland. Adron Homes will stand prominently as a key enabler of this cultural landmark event.
Through this sponsorship, Adron Homes once again affirms its position as a socially responsible brand, one that not only builds homes but also nurtures heritage, celebrates identity, and fosters unity.
As the drums roll and the stage is set for the grand finale, Adron Homes remains at the heart of it all, championing a legacy that ensures culture lives on for generations to come.
Metro
Shun Crimes, Cultism, Social Vices, Ogunsan Charges Lagos Youths
At a time when concerns over youth involvement in crimes, cultism and other vices, continue to reverberate across communities in Lagos, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, has issued a firm and unequivocal charge to young people and community advocates to uphold integrity and reject all forms of social vices.
Speaking at a strategic implementation meeting with members of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund Campaign Against Crimes, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV), led by its State Coordinator, Dr. Moses Oladimeji, Ogunsan stressed that the success of any security intervention rests heavily on the moral standing and personal discipline of those entrusted with its execution.
During the meeting, the LSSTF CEO also announced that the Agency’s
prevention initiative against Crimes, Cultism and Other Vices, LSSTF-CACCOV will be addressing thousands of students at its Flagship Youth Security Awareness and Orientation Campaign at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in May, 2026. This will be immediately followed by another youth campaign focused on Cybersecurity and Digital Security.
In a strongly worded address, he cautioned members of the Committee against any conduct capable of tarnishing the credibility of the initiative: “You, yourselves, must rise above board. No one must accuse you of defrauding them; the moment we hear it, you are off. I don’t want anyone to bring disrepute to this organization. We will publicly disclaim you if you do so. You have to work on yourself. This goes beyond you personally to those you relate with. You have a friend and the friend is a cultist; no, you are not supposed to be there.”
The LSSTF-CACCOV initiative represents a preventive, community-driven approach to tackling insecurity by engaging youths constructively and steering them away from crime, cultism, and other destructive behaviors. In Lagos, the city regarded as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and West Africa’s economic hub, stakeholders have consistently underscored the direct link between security and economic productivity. Youths, who constitute a significant portion of the population, remain central to this equation.
Dr. Ogunsan further urged young people across Lagos to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their communities, emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious activities and fostering a culture of accountability. According to him, sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and lawlessness.
Responding on behalf of the Committee spearheading the crime prevention initiative of LSSTF, Dr. Oladimeji reaffirmed the group’s commitment to grassroots engagement and behavioral reorientation among youths: “We understand that the issues of crime and cultism are concerns that worry every community. So, the initiative is a preventive approach to positively engage youths to resist vices, cultism, and crime, so that we can all live in a peaceful environment. Because if businesses will thrive and careers will grow, security will be of major importance.”
Security experts have long noted that investment in youth development, including through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and gainful engagement, remains one of the most effective tools for crime prevention. By positioning young people as both stakeholders and ambassadors of peace, LSSTF-CACCOV aims to reshape community narratives and reinforce the values of responsibility, productivity, and lawful conduct.
Present at the strategic implementation meeting are the Executive Secretary/CEO, LSSTF Dr Ayodele Ogunsan; Director of Administration, LSSTF, Mr. Adegbola Lewis; Executive Assistant, LSSTF, Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo; State Coordinator, Lagos State Security Trust Fund Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV), Dr. Moses Oladimeji; Assistant State Coordinator/General Secretary, LSSTF-CACCOV, Uzezi Akinwoleola; Head, Human Resources and Training, LSSTF-CACCOV, Prominence Promise; Head, Education, Advocacy and Empowerment, LSSTF-CACCOV, Joseph Akinwoleola; Head, Media, Press and Public Relations, LSSTF-CACCOV, Taiwo Idris; and Head, Strategy, Digital Communication, and Technology, Olugbogi Nathanael
Metro
Man Rescued Amid Attempt to Jump into Lagos Lagoon
A man whose identity had not been established at the time of filing this report was rescued after reportedly attempting to jump into the Lagos Lagoon from a bridge.
Eyewitnesses said the individual parked his vehicle on the bridge before entering the water, prompting alarm among passersby.
The situation was, however, swiftly brought under control as local fishermen in the area intervened and pulled him out of the lagoon, preventing what could have resulted in a fatal outcome.
A video capturing the rescue surfaced on social media on Wednesday, shared by Isaac Fayose, who expressed concern over the incident and called on Nigerians to pay closer attention to the well-being of those around them.
“Please, check on your family and friends. This just happened today. Who knows what went wrong,” he wrote.
As of the time of this report, the circumstances leading to the incident remain unclear, while authorities have yet to provide an official account.
The Lagos State Police Command had also not issued any confirmation of the incident.






