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Food for Living: The Test of Life
By Henry Ukazu
Greetings Friends,
One of the truest fact of life is that all must be tested in one way or another. Life itself is a continuous tests. It tests you to know how prepared, strong and mature you are. There’s hardly anyone who hasn’t been tested in life. Students get tested, marriage is always tested, politicians get tested, relationship always gets tested, business is always tested, beliefs in religions is always tasted, and employees also get tested. The list is virtually endless. However, one thing is certain, the test you go through in life can either make or mar you, and it can also define you depending on your attitude or response to it. For example, during the campaigns for elections, politicians are always tested to know their thoughts on social and contemporary issues affecting their society or the world in general. Their responses always helps citizens to be informed on where the politicians stand on a particular issue affecting them.
The focus of this article is to showcase how we can be strengthened during the course of building our businesses, relationship/marriage, as well as personal and professional life in general. The test we all go through comes in different shapes and sizes. It’s just like the saying, the bigger the head, the bigger the crown. Nor matter what you are facing in life, it should be noted that there’s no challenge that comes to you that is bigger than you. Every problem has a solution. According to Samuel Johnson, “knowledge is of two kinds, its either you know the answer or you know where to find”. In any situation you find yourself, there’s always a solution to it, the only challenge one will have in solving the problem is locating the right person who is informed about the problem. For example, if you want to open a locked door, you’ll have a hard time opening it unless you have the right key.
As mentioned above, you’ll have to be tested in one way or another before you can make a name for yourself. Let’s look at some test we all have to pass through in the journey of life.
The Test of Love
Love is the greatest force in life. I call it the magical wand. It is the reason why most people do what they do. It is also the unspoken reason why some people can’t explain why they do certain things. For example, a lady might like a male just because she likes the way he smiles, or the shape of his nose, eyes, or even because of his voice. Another lady might have another reason, and if asked, what the attraction she sees in the man is, she might opine, she can’t really explain. That’s true love right there. The test of love begins to manifest when a lover begins to sacrifice his/her time and resources for another person in addition to accommodating the excesses of that person. True love is normally tested, it’s beyond infatuation and materials things. Amidst all these, true love is always tested.
The Test of Passion:
There’s hardly any person who has truly succeeded in life who didn’t have an interest in what he/she did to truly succeed. Passionate minds are not concerned about money in their pursuit of happiness and success. Their main goal in life is to succeed in whatever task they have set their minds on. It is because of the passion an individual has in the industry, organization, business, association or even in an academic major will make the person intern just to get experience in that area. Furthermore, passion has made rational minds to work for free. The moral of the points mentioned above go a long way to let you know that the individual is being tested. In one of my articles which was published a couple of months ago, I was of the opinion Passion is Stronger than Power. If you want to know a person who loves his/job, look at the amount of time he/she spends on the project. An individual who loves his/her job might have no problem working and learning about the job in addition to finding any valuable and resourceful information about the job which he/she finds interesting. You can easily know if a person loves his or her job by mere looking at the person’s attitude. An individual who truly loves his/her job will go over and beyond to get the job done in addition to learning more about the job, but an individual who has little or no interest in the job will barely do the least requirement of the job.
Your business has to be tested:
This is one of the best ways to test any creative mind who has an idea to start a business or already started a business. A new business might have some challenge succeeding in an already saturated environment unless it comes off as a great problem solver. Most business takes an average of 5 years depending on its viability to stabilize. Regardless of what your case is, your product will have to be tested. Apart from being tested, the standard, quality and competitive nature of the business will also be tested to know if it will stand the test of time.
Test of Character:
Character is the sum today of an individual lifestyle. If you really want to know any individual, study how he/she behaves/reacts. Character transcends more than our thoughts, words action, habits, personality and integrity. As humans, we are not infallible, we all have limitations. At every stage of our life, our character will have to be tested. Just like gold is tested by fire, our character will be tested in order for one to have any opinion of who we truly are and represent.
The Test of Politics:
Politics is one of the most accessible ways to know any being who is grounded and accepted in his/her locality. In a nutshell, politics not only spells out a being, it defines how popular a candidate for an election is known. As the saying goes, every politics is local. If you are interested in serving humanity in any capacity, you’ll have to present yourself as a candidate and once your candidacy is accepted, you’re more than likely going to have an opportunity to serve your people. Most politicians test the water by way of surfing public opinion before contesting for an elective position. If you don’t take the risk of presenting yourself, it might be hard to get an opportunity to serve unless you are given an appointment/nomination to serve.
The Test of Religion:
Deepening on your religion, you will have to be tested. Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Buddhist all have different religions and beliefs. At every stage, their faith is being put into practice or even tested. As Christians we are taught, sometimes God allows or even arranges for us to go through difficulties in this life because it’s during those times that we grow in our faith and develop more of the character of Christ.
That said, it’s worthy to mention that in the journey of life, we’ll have to undergo various test in order to be successful. Isn’t it true that nothing good comes easy? Do you have a business? What are you are passionate about? Do you have any creative idea you’ll like to experiment? Will allow you complain, feel upset if things don’t go your way? Do you have any shortfall you’ll want to overcome? Do you have any interest in any sports, academic major, religion, relationship, political interest, etc.? If yes, please bear in mind life you will have to be tested. Life has a way of testing you. There are tests of life we have to endure. Every day we are confronted with setbacks and trials that leave us unguarded, the question now becomes, will you allow fear to take the upper part of you or will you overcome fear? I guess you’ll have to overcome fear by facing every situation and rise from it.
In summary, if you are seeking to make a great impact on the society, the greatest test you’ll ever have to overcome is integrity and in order to overcome the test, you must have the courage to do the right thing by standing on your values and true convictions. By so doing, you’ll be defining not only yourself but your business and life in general.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. 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.
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
It is generally stated that ‘organization’ is the law in heaven. Though I don’t really know how truthful that statement is, I tend to agree with this position because when it comes to going to heaven, preparation is of essence, and to prepare well, one must be organized.
It is also generally stated that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step in the right direction. Before anyone prepares for a journey, they must ensure that they have all the necessary tools required. Let’s take a case study of a man who would like to build a house, he must take stock of all the equipment needed. A student must also take inventory stock of the necessary books and academic resources he needs to succeed. Parents must also consider the resources and mental preparation to take care of their child or children.
All these points in one direction. Preparation. Most people sometimes do not understand what it really means to prepare. They limit preparation to just reading to pass an examination, organizing properties, and doing all that’s expected from us professionally in our place of work. Preparation entails much more.
Did you know there are different ways to prepare for the future? Informed minds know that strategy is a part of preparation. Not only do they work hard, but they are also strategic in their thought process by being smart. They know that despite their academic prowess, sometimes they must leave their comfort zone to network with the right people and organization.
Sometimes, one cannot get what they want by following the traditional method or approach. Sometimes one will have to use the unconventional approach. For instance, it’s normal for the wealthy to give to the less privilege, but it’s also normal for the less privilege to give to the wealthy because the wealthy have a lot of people looking up to them for support and as such they find it really attractive when someone gives to them no matter how little the gift might be.
I have personally experienced this feeling having been privileged to relate with some wealthy and influential people in society. Wealthy and influential people don’t like it when people beg for support without having value in return for their money. They respect you the most when you bring opportunities to them or bring people who can assist them to solve a particular problem which is peculiar to their business.
This is how to approach wealthy people. Study them critically, and see where they need assistance. They like it when people help them to solve problems, no matter how little it might be. That singular act can differentiate you from ordinary people who beg them for money.
What most uniformed minds don’t know is that rich people also have rich problems. Isn’t it true that the bigger the head the bigger the crown? Despite the fact they appear wealthy and influential, they also have secret battles they are dealing with, and as such any little effort you can bring to ease their challenges will be greatly appreciated.
Most of the time some people see rich people as people with luxurious lifestyles. What they fail to understand is that it might be easier to get to the top, but it’s harder to remain at the top, that’s why most rich people work extremely hard and smart to remain at the top. One of my mentors recently told me, he dreads poverty like leprosy, that’s why he works day and night.
Again, preparing for the future entails sacrificing for the future. Sacrificing is not only about depriving oneself of the goodies of life. One can sacrifice his money, time, and interest just to get certain opportunities. Couple of years ago, I bought a shoe for one of my mentors for over a thousand dollars, and in the sight of some of my friends, it was baseless giving to a wealthy person when it should rather be given to them.
I laughed and told them they wouldn’t understand. That singular act made me a little bit closer to him. He opened his doors to me and our level of conversation became a little bit stronger and deeper. Imagine if I had begged him for money or bought him a cheaper pair of shoes, he might appreciate the gift but our level of communication and relationship might not be as strong as it is. This is simply because life is governed by perception.
In my native Igbo origin, we are taught that when a child washes his hands clean, he dines with elders. This is a great way to prepare for the future. Another of my mentors once told me, “Henry, you give to me and your mentors more than we give to you” According to him, one of the reasons he doesn’t hesitate to pick my call is because I don’t bother him for money unlike other youths who think he’s the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.
Why am I sharing this information? Uninformed minds who are ignorant of how life works will think it’s okay to ask for financial assistance from resource minds instead of appreciating them for their time and access. I personally appreciate people who have made a great impact in my life. Sometimes, it’s not about the money, opportunities, access or information, but the knowledge I gained from them.
Still on sacrifice, allow me share with you this practical experience. Recently, I traveled to Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland for a two-day religious programme, and in the minds of some people, why the trouble since one can worship God anywhere, after all, God is everywhere. What they don’t know is that where your prayers cannot reach, your sacrifice can get there.
While some people might have the money, they won’t have the courage and heart to make the intended sacrifice which involves time and money. This is what makes the rich and poor different. While the rich look for problems to solve, the poor look for problems to create.
One may be curious to know why I must travel to Ireland for a religious conference; well, the things of the spirit cannot be understood by a carnal mind. Do you know God can see through the hearts of a man and bless them. It might be that my sacrifice of travelling, leaving my job and being intentional to seek his divinely ordained prophet to bless the works of my hands can make a huge difference soon.
Do you see how some people prepare for the future? I don’t know what your storyline might be, but I do know that if one wants to get anything one must strategically prepare to move in an unconventional way.
In conclusion, I would like to ask you, what do you desire to do soon and how are you preparing for it?
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer and author of Design Your Destiny Design and Unleash Your Destiny . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
The Lagos State Government has directed all newly inaugurated chairmen of the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to suspend the appointment of political aides, including Supervisors, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants.
The directive was contained in an official circular dated July 31, 2025, with reference number MLG/LGA/C.27/S./VOL.XIV/496. It was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa.
The circular reiterated the position of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as stated during the recent swearing-in ceremony, that the appointment of Secretaries to Local Governments and supervisory councillors remains prohibited for now.
According to the directive, only the appointment of a Chief of Staff is currently permissible. Chairmen who have made any additional political appointments are instructed to reverse them without delay.
The statement reads in part: “I write to refer to the directive of Mr. Governor at the swearing-in ceremony regarding the appointment of Political Office Holders in the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, particularly the Supervisors, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants.
“I am to reiterate that the appointment of the Chief of Staff is the only appointment approved/permissible as you assume office, while other appointments should be stepped down until further directive.
“You are enjoined to note the above and revert any appointment that has been made, except that of the Chief of Staff.”
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) says it has not suspended its ongoing nationwide warning strike, disputing earlier announcement by the Federal government.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, on Friday, announced that the union has called off the strike after a closed-door meeting with the leaders.
He said the government and union leaders had reached “key agreements” that addressed some of the nurses’ longstanding demands. However, he did not provide full details of the agreement.
But contrary to the minister’s claim, the NANNM chairman, Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, said the strike is still on, as the union is yet to take a decision on the outcome of the meeting with government.
“The minister announced that the union have called off strike, is the minister a nurse? We had a meeting, the leadership has not reviewed the outcome of the meeting to take a decision, so the strike continues,” he said.
The union has scheduled a general congress for Saturday, where members are expected to deliberate on the outcome of the discussions and determine the next course of action.
The warning strike, which began on July 29, was originally scheduled to run until 5 August. At the core of the nurses’ grievances are years of neglect, poor remuneration, lack of professional recognition, and deteriorating working conditions.
They argue that despite multiple court rulings and policy pronouncements, successive governments have failed to implement reforms that would improve the welfare of nurses and the quality of healthcare delivery.
Among the union’s key demands is the gazetting of the Nurses’ Scheme of Service, which was approved by the National Council on Establishment (NCE) as far back as 2016. The nurses also want the federal government to implement a National Industrial Court judgment from January 2012, which they say affirms key aspects of their professional entitlements.
Other demands include an upward review of professional allowances, recruitment of more nursing personnel, better-equipped health facilities, and the creation of a dedicated Department of Nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health.
NANNM is also seeking fairer representation of nurses on health policy-making bodies, inclusion in the leadership structure of federal health institutions, and the centralisation of internship placements for graduate nurses.
The association is additionally pushing for the recognition of consultancy status for qualified nurses and midwives.
