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Food for Living: The Opportunity You Need in 2021
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
“The secret of success is to be ready when your opportunity comes” – Benjamin Disraeli
Happy New Year. It is a thing of joy to celebrate a new year. Today being the first of January 2021 is very symbolic because it gives us an opportunity to make new resolutions, it ushers in new opportunities and new vision depending on what you are working on. It should be noted that the new year doesn’t come with opportunities, you create the opportunities, and in creating the opportunities, you have to be intentional and deliberate on what you are doing.
What really is opportunity? Opportunity means different things to different people. Opportunity can be defined as a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. As we journey into 2021, the task before us is how we can create the right opportunity in order to have a fruitful year. We shall be looking for how to create the right opportunity.
In 2021, everyone’s desire is to succeed and achieve greater success than they did in 2020. Some people had amazing opportunities in 2020, while some had, but could not make use of it. Opportunity comes to everyone in several ways. For some, it literally makes itself available and expects one to grab it. For others, the opportunity must be created by thinking out of the box.
Just like Coronavirus pandemic caused so much harm to many people through loss of loved ones, and businesses which couldn’t function at optimal capacity, any longer, yet, it created the opportunity for creative minds like Eric Yuan, the creator of Zoom to become a billionaire because of the demand for zoom meetings.
The point here is that in whatever circumstances you find yourself, an opportunity will always present itself for you if only you can think out of the box. For example, the right opportunity enables you to acquire new skills, financial gain, greater access to leadership roles.
What most people don’t understand is 2021 won’t offer you the right opportunity you need, in most cases, you will have to create the opportunity in order to fulfil the yearnings of your heart; in our search for financial stability, we have to the right opportunity in our search for fulfilment in life, we have to create the right that opportunity will make us happy.
The new year definitely offers new opportunities to succeed, but the question we have to ask ourselves is, how do we take advantage of those opportunities?
Look for opportunities
Opportunities don’t come to us, rather it presents itself to us. For you to take advantage of any opportunity, you must be prepared for it. As a rational mind, your focus in 2021 is to look for the right opportunity which could be via networking, serving, travelling, attending professional events among others. It can also involve going to odd places which ordinarily may sound foolish to most people, but as a rational mind who is able to think out of the box, you can create an opportunity when you see a market to sell a product or convert people to buy your idea.
Be willing to read and research
This is another great way of creating opportunity. A philosopher once said, if I can’t find the answer, I know where to find it. He was basically talking about researching. It is generally believed that knowledge is power, but in reality, knowledge is information, and it is the application of that knowledge or information which gives you power.
Be clear on what you want.
The more specific you are with respect to your business and what you want generally, the better it will be for people to assist you. When you know what you want, you’ll take proactive steps to create the right opportunities you need. When you don’t really know what you want, it will be difficult to know when an opportunity arrives.
When you are clear about what you are looking for, it creates a road map and avenue that causes you to see opportunities that match your interest and disregard other opportunities that are just distractions.
Know what steps are necessary to achieve it
If you really know what you want, you will make necessary efforts to achieve it. In this age where technology rules, it’s literally easy to get what you want if you’re internet savvy. Identifying the necessary steps is a key part of the process that may require investigating, studying and learning lots of new information.
There are several ways to attract the right opportunities. For example, you must decide on what you want, know when the right opportunity presents itself, you must pay attention, be diligent and be able to network strategically.
Think about services people need
In order for you to create wealth, you need to create a service or product people are willing to purchase. Before starting a business, ask yourself if there is a demand for the product. There was a story about two friends who were walking in a village and one discovered there’s a market for them to make footwears for the villagers, who weren’t wearing any footwear, while the other was seeing lack of market based on the fact the people won’t be able to purchase the product.
Surround yourself with the right people
In 2021, try to surround yourself with the right people. It is widely acclaimed; your network is your networth and if you’re the smartest person in the room, leave the room. Having the right people around you can create numerous opportunities for you. The right people can be the right mentors, mentees, friends, books, etc. For instance, if nine of your friends are billionaires, it won’t take long for you to become the next billionaire.
According to Olajide Abiola “Opportunities do not wear name tags.
“You’ve been socialized wrongly if you believe opportunities must announce itself with a public address system. Most or all of us are constantly presented with opportunities. There is hardly anyone who doesn’t get an opportunity. That people are unable to recognize or interpret situations to identify the opportunities doesn’t invalidate the opportunity. Opportunities do not wear name tags and aren’t pre-announced. You cannot stereotype how opportunities manifest.
Opportunity can manifest through misfortune.
Opportunity can manifest through crisis.
Opportunity can manifest through pain.
Opportunity can manifest through disappointment.
Opportunity can manifest through inconveniences.
Some opportunities have to be cultivated, watered, fertilized et al. Some opportunities require you to prune things. The reason many miss opportunities is because they see opportunity as a RIPENED fruit that should simply be plucked out. There are opportunities for everything all around, you just need to have an enlightened mind. You must also know that you may have to plant an opportunity, water an opportunity, fumigate an opportunity, fertilize an opportunity”.
In conclusion, what opportunity are you willing to create in 2021 by thinking out of the box?
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He’s a mindset coach and transformational coach. 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
A group of Nigerians on Wednesday took their protest to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, calling for the removal of the commission’s chairman.
The demonstration is part of the ongoing “Save Democracy” movement gaining attention across the country.
The protesters gathered early at the INEC premises, dressed in branded T-shirts bearing the inscription “Operation Save Our Democracy.”
Many of them also held placards in red and white, with different messages expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of the nation’s electoral system.
Eyewitnesses said the protest remained largely peaceful but loud. The crowd chanted solidarity songs and voiced strong demands for reforms.
A common chant heard at the scene was “We no go gree,” as demonstrators moved in groups around the entrance of the commission’s office. Some protesters also raised specific demands, shouting “INEC Chairman Amupitan must go.”
In a video seen by POLITICS NIGERIA, several well-known activists and political supporters were present at the protest. Supporters of Aisha Yesufu, Mama Pee, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other civic voices were visibly active in the demonstration.
The video showed a charged atmosphere, with participants waving placards and engaging in coordinated chants.
Security presence around the area was noticeable but not aggressive. Officers were stationed at strategic points to monitor the situation and ensure that activities did not get out of hand. There were no immediate reports of violence or arrests as of the time of filing this report.
Another clip circulating online showed key figures within the opposition coalition preparing to join the protest. Prominent leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and David Mark, were seen mobilizing supporters at Maitama Roundabout in the Federal Capital Territory.
The group appeared to be gearing up for a larger convergence as part of the same demonstration.
As the protest continues to gather momentum, it remains unclear what immediate response will come from the electoral body or the federal government.
The Executive Secretary/CEO of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has further demonstrated his commitment to officers’ welfare as a cornerstone of effective security delivery with the reception of a delegation from Shenzhen Comen Medical Instruments Co. Ltd. who paid him a courtesy visit at the LSSTF Headquarters on Tuesday.
During the visit, the top executives of Shenzhen Comen Medical Instruments Co. Ltd led by Regional Director for Africa, Jeff Zhang, signalled the intention to partner with the Lagos State Security Trust Fund to strengthen healthcare support for security personnel serving assiduously across Lagos. Members of the delegation include the MD/CEO of May Care Hospitals, Ma AiMei among others.
At the heart of their engagement is a growing recognition and shared understanding that the physical and mental fitness of security operatives is directly linked to their effectiveness in safeguarding lives and property. Their discussions centred on proposed donation of critical medical equipment, instruments, and healthcare resources tailored to the needs of officers across multiple security agencies in the state.
Dr. Ogunsan commended the Shenzhen Comen Medical Instruments Co. Ltd for their intended donation which will greatly support the healthcare needs and well-being of officers who are at the frontline of preserving safety and security in Lagos State. He hailed their proposed intervention as a timely response that will strengthen human capital which is the most important factor of the security architecture.
Ogunsan highlighted: “My leadership at the LSSTF has consistently maintained that security funding will not just be limited to operational vehicles, logistics and hardware but deep focus on human capital development. This is what drives operational success. This is why we are focused on constant training and retraining. This is why I am now advocating for the improved health and wellness of officers.”
“This shift will bridge critical gaps in occupational healthcare for officers, and sustain operational readiness. This is why I am calling for donors and partnerships to uphold the wellbeing of officers. With access to quality healthcare infrastructure, our officers will be well equipped to do their jobs,” he concluded.
The Federal government has expelled American missionary, Alex Barber, citing concerns over statements it says could inflame tensions and worsen divisions, especially in Plateau State.
The decision follows growing controversy surrounding his activities in Nigeria’s North-central region, where authorities allege his comments are capable of inciting unrest.
Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), confirmed the development during an appearance on TVC.
“Yeah, so we’ve realised what Alex Barber has done, so I must inform that Alex Barber is no longer in Nigeria,” she said.
“He has been, we can say, removed and sent out of the country because of the work he’s doing, which is creating division.”
Essiet further linked his remarks to violence in Jos, claiming: “Immediately after he made his speech in Jos, a lot of people didn’t know that two people, two Muslims, were killed immediately after his speech.
“Because of the impact of this provocative speech, which he has been making, he was sent out of the country and is no longer in Nigeria.”
Barber, a former American football player turned missionary, gained attention for humanitarian efforts in conflict-affected communities in Benue and Plateau states.
Through his initiative, Building Zion, and in collaboration with a US-based NGO, he participated in rebuilding homes and supporting displaced residents.
At Yelwata in Benue State, he reportedly helped reconstruct dozens of houses destroyed during attacks. During a project event in January 2026, he said, “So far, we have rebuilt 35 housing units… The joy among the people is overwhelming.”
Community leaders and some residents praised the intervention.
Julius Joor, the traditional ruler of Yelwata, said, “For the first time, private individuals have come to our aid in such a massive way. You have restored hope and happiness to our people.”
Similarly, legal practitioner Franc Utoo noted, “You have done what both the federal and state governments have failed to do.”
Despite the humanitarian work, Barber’s public statements increasingly drew criticism. In interviews and online posts, he described violence in the Middle Belt as organised and systematic.
Speaking to News Central Television, he said: “This is not just some random criminality… This is a war being waged on people.”
He also questioned official positions, asking: “If there’s no war in Nigeria, what is happening?”
His remarks, including criticism of government institutions and handling of the crisis, amplified his global profile but sparked backlash locally.
Critics argue his framing oversimplifies a complex situation involving banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and insurgency.
Some also accused him of presenting the conflict largely along religious lines, warning such narratives could heighten tensions.
A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, urged authorities to investigate his activities, saying they could “threaten public peace,” while cleric Ahmad Gumi also raised concerns about his rhetoric.
In a petition to security agencies in Plateau State, Aliyu Naziru alleged Barber was present at a violence scene under unclear circumstances and called for a probe. However, there is no confirmed evidence linking him to any criminal act.
Supporters insist Barber was drawing attention to neglected crises. Religious figures, including COCIN priest Ezekiel Dachomo, defended his efforts and cautioned against attempts to silence him.
Responding to criticism, Barber said: “They haven’t talked about me rebuilding villages… but when I speak out… then all of a sudden [they react].”
He maintained that victims across religious groups have suffered attacks, citing incidents in several northern states.
Analysts note that while freedom of expression is recognised, Nigerian laws restrict speech capable of inciting violence or public disorder, particularly in sensitive regions. Authorities also retain the power to deport foreigners whose actions are considered against national interest.
Essiet said the government acted to prevent further division, drawing a comparison with past global conflicts.
“That’s what the government has done, because we don’t want individuals to come and create division,” she said.
“I’ve been to Rwanda a couple of times… As simple as this whole narrative of what Alex Barber was saying is what some foreign actors did in Rwanda… and that led to a massive genocide.”
“Based on our experience, we don’t want Nigeria to follow that path… We must not allow people who do not understand the history of our crises to divide us.”
Barber denied allegations linking his statements to violence.
In a Facebook post, he said: “Let it be known that if Abiodun Essiet… made this statement, they are directly lying to the Nigerian and international community.
I’ve never heard of this person, nor had conversation with them.”
