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Food for Living: The Power of the Mind
By Henry Ukazu
Greetings Friends,
One of the greatest forces in the world if not the greatest force is love. I liken love to passion because if you have passion for something, you will put your mind into it. If you will agree with me, it takes strength to love somebody. A couple of months ago, I wrote an article entitled Passion Is Stronger than Power. It’s worthy to mention that passion, love, and power all starts in the mind. This is because everything we do to make a difference originates in the mind. Once the mind conceives an idea in the brain it sends the desired signals to the part of the body that needs the energy to work on the idea. Napoleon Hill in his book, “Think and Grow Rich”, he said, “Whatsoever the mind can conceive the mind can achieve it”.
Each and everyone one of us have this subconscious mind. As little kids in school, we all have dreams of becoming President, Governor, lawyers, doctors, engineers, pilot, soccer player, musician, etc. This dreams and vision will only be valid if we believe in ourselves and work hard towards achieving our set goals. Today, I am going to leave you with a puzzle on what you will like to do if you have everything in the world? If you answered the question in the affirmative, you are a step closer to knowing your passion in life and therefore you’ll have the power and passion to make your dreams come true.
As rational beings with rational minds, one of the greatest power we have in our possession is the power of choice. In everything we do, we make a choice. It is worthy to note that every great success in life started as an idea in the mind which later metamorphose to a product. According to Lao Tzu “Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.” That said, one salient point to mention here is that everything starts in the mind be it school business, education, innovation and writing a book. You can also look at the mind like a seed. When a seed is planted, it is watered and it then germinates and bears fruit. That’s exactly how our mind works. We must continuously strive to feed the mind with the right thought.
During the course of this article we shall be sharing shall be discussing how our mindset can act as a catalyst for our success. In order to appreciate the article very well, I will like you to think out of the box. Imagine a scenario where the whole the world is telling you, you can succeed in a particular task and you know within you can’t succeed in it, you’ll fail, but if the whole world is telling you can’t succeed in a particular task and you know you can succeed, you will succeed because he that is in you is greater than he that is the world.
Let’s see how the mind can affect our lifestyle…
Your thoughts have a powerful influence on your life because it affects and determines what happens to you.
Most of us go through life taking little or no notice of our thought processes or what goes into our mind. We allow so many information like music, videos, and conversations into our subconscious mind. They can be negative or positive. This information has a relative effect in our lives without us knowing. That’s why we are always enjoined to think and affirm positive thoughts, words, and actions regardless of what you are going through in life. Depending on what you allow in your mind, it will definitely affect how you think, your courage, your fears and how you see life generally. Today, I charge you to live up to your dreams by tapping into the subconscious power in your mind.
You attract what you focus
The law of Attraction is the ability to attract into our lives whatever we are focusing on. It is believed that regardless of age, nationality or religious belief, we are all susceptible to the laws which govern the universe, including the Law of Attraction. It is this Law of Attraction which uses the power of the mind to translate whatever is in our thoughts and materialize them into reality. It is what you focus your time and resources on that attracts what you need. If you focus on success, you will attract success. If you focus on fear and failure, you’ll attract failure. It is generally said that you attract what you wish. Your thoughts are the primary creative forces in your life.
Train your conscious mind to think thoughts of success, happiness, health, and prosperity.
According to Aristotle “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. ” While thinking of success, learn to weed out negativity such as fear and worry. Keep your conscious mind busy with the expectation of the best, and make sure the thoughts you habitually think are based upon what you want in your life. The mind works like a computer, it is what you give to it that it gives back to you. (Garbage in garbage out).
To show you how powerful the mind can be, think of your subconscious mind as incredibly fertile soil that will grow any seed you plant in it. Your habitual thoughts and beliefs are seeds that are being constantly sown. Just as corn kernels produce corn and wheat seeds produce wheat, the contents of your thoughts will have an effect in your life. You will reap what you sow; this is a law.
In summary, always have the end picture at the back of your mind. Your vision and mission in life should always align with your passion and what you really want to do in life. So if you have a dream, don’t allow it to die, try and pursue it to a logical conclusion. In conclusion, never you relent to failure until you have made your last attempt and never you make your last mistake until you seed.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with 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.
The “Pad Me A Girl Initiative”, in partnership with the Senate Committee on Women Affairs (SCOWAS) and Access Bank, on Monday, October 13, 2025, hosted a powerful and transformative celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child at the Area 1 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, Durumi, Abuja.
An initiative of Gatmash Media that seeks to bring hope, empowerment, and essential support to hundreds of vulnerable girls and women.
The event gathered hundreds of internally displaced girls and women, alongside top government officials, lawmakers, civil society, actors, media representatives, and corporate partners — all united by a single goal: to amplify the voices of girls in crisis and champion menstrual health, dignity, and equal opportunity.
In her welcome address, Theresa Moses, Convener of “Pad Me A Girl Initiative” and CEO of Gatmash Media, expressed gratitude to partners and highlighted the urgent need for sustainable action to break barriers facing young girls.
“This year’s theme: The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis reminds us that girls are not just victims of crisis, but resilient leaders, change-makers, and symbols of hope,” Moses explained.
“At Pad Me A Girl, our mission is to ensure that no girl is left behind because of her period, her circumstance, or her background.”
Through its Access Pad Me A Girl Pad Bank, the initiative has reached over 5,000 girls and women with reusable pads, menstrual hygiene education, and self-esteem building sessions.
Moses shared the inspiring story of 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, from Yobe State, who was crowned World’s Best in English Language Skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, beating 20,000 contestants from 69 countries.
“Nafisa’s story is a reminder that brilliance can blossom anywhere — even in the most unlikely places,” she added. “Every girl, when supported, can transform her community and her nation.”
Represented by her Personal Assistant, Mrs. Patricia Oyagha, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, delivered a compelling speech that cut to the heart of gender inequality and health stigma in Nigeria.
“For too long, menstruation has been shrouded in silence, stigma, and misinformation,” she began. “Silence around menstruation is not neutrality — it is neglect. And neglect has consequences.”
Senator Kingibe called for a national framework that recognizes menstrual health as a matter of public health, education, and human rights. She revealed ongoing efforts by her Committee to push for:
* Integration of menstrual health education into national school curricula.
* Policy support for the affordability and availability of menstrual products for girls in rural and underserved communities.
* Increased collaboration between government, private sector, and CSOs to drive grassroots impact.
“When we break the silence, we break the stigma. When we empower girls, we uplift communities. And when we invest in menstrual health, we invest in the future of our nation,” she said, to a standing ovation.
She commended the “Pad Me A Girl Initiative” and partners for their grassroots impact, describing their work as “a bridge between government policy and lived realities.”
“We cannot achieve gender equality if our girls are missing school every month because of a natural process. Menstrual hygiene is not a privilege — it’s a necessity,” she concluded.
In her goodwill message, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, represented by Mrs. Mariam Fitumi Shaibu,
Deputy Director,
Child Development,
Federal Ministry of Women Affairs lauded the initiative for its bold commitment to gender empowerment and inclusion.
“Today’s celebration is not just to highlight challenges, but to celebrate the strength, resilience, and leadership of the Nigerian girl,” she stated.
She revealed that the Ministry is actively reviewing and updating key national instruments, including: The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015; The Child Rights Act, 2003; and The National Child Policy (2009).
In addition, the Minister announced the validation of the National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management, aimed at normalizing menstrual conversations and ensuring nationwide access to hygiene products, facilities, and information.
“We must eliminate female genital mutilation, early child marriage, bullying, and all forms of gender-based violence. The future of Nigeria depends on how well we protect and empower our girls today,” she emphasized.
“Empowering the girl child is not charity; it is nation building.”
The day’s highlight featured an engaging health education session led by Mrs. Blessing Amos, Abuja Team Lead of Pad Me A Girl Initiative, focusing on menstrual hygiene management, body confidence, and breaking taboos around menstruation.
This was followed by the distribution of empowerment packs — including reusable sanitary pads, exercise books, corn flour (Tuwo Masara), custard, and kuli-kuli — to hundreds of girls and women.
The event which was also supported by ProStar Sports International, a renowned sports equipment and apparel company, BL Consulting and Vita Baites Foods was rounded off on a note of hope, unity, and renewed commitment to girl-child education and menstrual dignity.
About Pad Me A Girl Initiative
Pad Me A Girl Initiative is a gender advocacy project under GATMASH MEDIA, committed to promoting menstrual hygiene, reproductive health education, and girl-child empowerment. Its Access Pad Bank has reached over 5,000 beneficiaries across Nigeria, providing reusable pads, mentorship, and health awareness in schools and communities.
Foremost security news beat association, National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) felicitates with the Force PRO of Nigeria Police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on his new promotion and decoration with the rank of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun at the Force Headquarters Abuja.
The well-deserved promotion of DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, alongside other newly promoted officers across various ranks, was approved by the Police Service Commission at the recent plenary session presided over by the PSC Honorable Chairman, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (retd).
Widely regarded for his dynamic approach to police-community relations, quick response and transparency in public communications, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi has served as the image maker of the Nigeria Police Force with distinction and excellence. His promotion underscores and recognizes exceptional service, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of policing in Nigeria. Since his appointment as Force PRO, DCP Adejobi has led several strategic initiatives to rebuild public trust, effective media relations, improve accountability, and modernize the Force’s communication channels across the Country.
Conveying the felicitations of NAOSNP to the Force PRO, the National President of the association popularly known for covering the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, Comrade Oki O. Samson highlighted the great impact work of DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi noting that ‘he has proven to be an asset to the Nigeria Police helping to spotlight the values and ethics of the Force as a citizen-friendly agency as well as its mandate as the prime agency in charge of internal security.’
‘For us at NAOSNP, DCP Adejobi is a great and reliable friend; he has contributed significantly to us, being a great supporter speaking at many of our security conferences and trainings and providing deep insights to conversations. The exploits of Nigeria Police across operations, administration, public relations, advocacy, and other sectors are given the much-needed attention. We celebrate a refined senior police officer, a PR guru, an excellent communicator, a Media-Friendly Force PRO, a capacity building officer and wish him greater heights in the service of our motherland’, Oki said.
The blue blood, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi is a great role model who portrays the policing values of discipline, service, professionalism and integrity. He has a rich blend of expertise and experience having served in various capacities such as the Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos and Ogun States among others.
He is a recipients of the prestigious NAOSNP Best Security Agency Image Maker of the Year Award and many other International awards.
Featured
SPIN Hosts Inaugural Scientific Induction Committee, Makes Case for Reseach-Based Sustainability
The Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) convened its inaugural Scientific Induction Committee on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
The virtual event, themed “Mainstreaming Sustainability in Africa: Professionalism, Standardization, and Capabilities,” brought together distinguished scholars, industry leaders, and sustainability professionals to chart a path for Africa-centric sustainability solutions.
Moderated by Dr. Mories Atoki (Hon.), SPIN’s Legal Director, and headlined by First Bank of Nigeria PLC, the event featured keynote addresses and panel discussions with globally recognized experts. These included Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, President of SPIN and Professor of Sustainable Finance at the European University Institute.
Professor Amaeshi stressed the importance of “decolonizing sustainability frameworks” and prioritizing local contexts. He noted, “Africa must redefine sustainability on its own terms, balancing environmental, social, and economic imperatives unique to our realities.”
Vice President Ini Abimbola, while administering the SPIN induction oath, charged the newly inducted scientific committee members to advance professionalism, drive standardization, and strengthen capacity building in sustainability, ultimately shaping the future of sustainability in Africa.
The newly inducted scientific committee of the Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) comprises seven distinguished scholars and practitioners. Professor Emmanuel Adegbite, Professor of Accounting and Corporate Governance at Nottingham University Business School, emphasized the critical role of corporate governance in driving sustainable business practices.
Professor Judy Muthuri, Professor of Sustainable Business and Development at the University of West Indies, stressed the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge and community-led approaches into sustainability strategies. The committee members highlighted the complexities of sustainability in Africa.
Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, Professor of Global Climate Governance and Public Policy at the University of Bristol, advocated for justice-centered policies that address historical inequities.
Professor Uwafiokun Idemudia, Dean of the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences at the University of Guelph, called for multi-stakeholder collaboration to mitigate environmental degradation.
Dr. Adaeze Okoye, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Lead at the University of Brighton, underscored the need for regulatory frameworks that promote equity and inclusion.
The committee emphasized innovative approaches to sustainability, featuring expert insights from renowned thought leaders. Dr. Natalie Beinisch, Co-founder of the Circular Economy Innovation Partnership, shared insights on leveraging circular economy principles.
Professor Tazeeb Rajwani, Chaired Professor of International Business and Strategy at Surrey Business School, analyzed geopolitical shifts impacting sustainability practices and emphasized the need for African businesses to develop resilient, context-specific strategies.
Building on these insights, Ismail Omamegbe, SPIN’s Director of Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement, outlined the committee’s roadmap. “We look forward to our new scientific committee members’ insights in shaping our research agenda, policy formulation, and capacity-building initiatives,” he stated.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Eunice Sampson, SPIN’s Director of Learning and Development, reaffirmed the committee’s vision. “Through this distinguished committee, we will transform sustainability in Africa by localizing solutions and decolonizing approaches. Our focus remains on driving inclusive, data-driven growth through strong political commitments and cross-sector collaboration.”
