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Food for Living: Unleash Your Destiny
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
It’s with all pleasure that I wish to inform you that my second book titled Unleash Your Destiny – 50 Nuggets for Living A Purposeful and Impactful Life is ready for publication, and it will be out anytime soon. I know many of my esteemed friends and followers will be surprised to be hearing about it here for the first time. Well, sometimes, it’s good to keep certain information to the heart. As mentioned in my previous articles, in recent times, I have decided to speak less and let my actions and work speak for me. That’s why I decided to keep the best kept secret to my heart.
Some of you may be wondering why I chose to title the book Unleash Your Destiny. Well, the reason is not far-fetched. Since the publication of my first book Design Your Destiny in 2017, there have been clarion calls all over the world for me to follow up on how one can unleash one’s potential after designing one’s destiny. After two years of intensive research, I decided to put down practical guidelines from the lives of extraordinary people who have been able to unleash their potential by following their purpose.
One of the cardinal reasons why most people fail in life is because they don’t know themselves. When you know yourself, you’ll be able to unleash your God given potential. What most youths and adults fail to understand is that each of us carry seeds of greatness. The question now becomes how can you activate, elevate, and unleash it? To unleash your potential, this book will make you understand you have the remote control of your life through the activation of your call and vision.
Since my formative years, a question that always rages in my mind is the subject of destiny and why its force is highly significant to our lives. As a progressive mind, who is always deliberate in engaging himself in tasks that will deepen my understanding of life, I am glad to inform my dear readers that I have unlocked some principles that shape the destiny of men. These principles, as novel discoveries of my research, have been compiled into my second book with the title, “Unleash Your Destiny: 50 Nuggets for Living A Purposeful and Impactful Life.,” which I am delighted to share its Preface with you below:
The subject of destiny is one that many people find both interesting and intriguing. More importantly, it is a subject that resonates with the very core of our being, the raison d’être of our existence. This is why I have often devoted my messages – whether through my books, videos or other channels – to this all-important subject.
My first book, Design Your Destiny: Actualizing Your Birthright to Success, explores the fundamental principles by which anyone can shape an extraordinary and highly impactful destiny for themselves. This present book is a timely sequel, as it elevates the clarion call from designing to unleashing destiny in strategic, spectacular, and trailblazing ways.
I recall that after the publication of my first book, I had an insightful discussion with a revered and celebrated mentor of mine, whose deep intellectual dispositions and spiritual enlightenment always leave me in awe. That discussion proved to be a defining moment for me. He had begun by congratulating me on the success of my book. Thereafter, he proceeded to ask if I had plans to expatiate more on the subject of destiny.
Frankly, that question took me by surprise because I had thought the book was all-encompassing on the subject of destiny. My mentor, however, reminded me of the truism that the end of one mountain is the beginning of another. He then came out more plainly on what he thought I needed to amplify: “Everyone has their destiny designed,” he said, “it is the phrase ‘actualizing your birthright’ that I want you to further enlighten the world on. I hope you will be able to do that, because it is now your destiny to guide people on how to live their best life.”
After brooding on the challenge of my mentor for some days, I received further illumination on why a follow-up to my first publication was absolutely necessary. I drew inspiration from the word “birthright” that my mentor emphasized, and I interpreted it to mean that everyone is divinely created, ordained and endowed with the power and abilities to be of value to themselves and the entire human race. However, the pivotal determinant of the ability to add value and the extent of value that can be added is the nature of the choices and decisions we make every day. This was what informed the title of this book, Unleash Your Destiny: 50 Nuggets For Living A Purposeful and Impactful Life.
Since there is an inextricable link between destiny and choices, it goes without saying that we are where we are today because of the choices made yesterday – either by ourselves or someone else on our behalf; and we will be tomorrow where the choices we are making today will lead us. This is why it is vitally important to imbibe and personalize the principles highlighted in this book. Destiny is not about imitating or competing with anyone; it is about breaking your own limits, becoming a better version of yourself, and living your best life.
Here is a critical truth: No matter how fast you run in life, what has been divinely allotted to you will manifest at the appointed time that your Creator considers perfect to elevate you. However, making this elevation a reality is a product of how you live every day of your life. This is why some of the nuggets in this book are focused on certain inevitable truths about life, such as: Life is in stages, you are a work in progress, kick out that fear, run your race, trust the process, etc. These principles are meant to create a vivid description that will accelerate your energy and stimulate your interest to blossom in the wonderful life that God has designed for you.
On a personal note, the subject of destiny is one that comes with profound reminiscences and resonances, some of which are reflected in the contents of this book. Indeed, as I have come to realize, my decision to emigrate from Nigeria to the United States of America was only a foretaste of my decisive rendezvous with destiny. Between that time and now, I have increasingly gained clarity about my purpose, such that I am now living my destiny by adding values to myself and those who come across my way. Essentially, while my decision to emigrate might have been a way of designing my destiny, my choice to make every day of my life count for God and for humanity is a veritable way of living my destiny.
I urge you therefore to know that the ultimate benchmark for truly living your destiny is that how you choose to spend your days, weeks, months, and years must be in alignment with the calls your Creator wants you to answer, the problems He wants you to solve and the discovery He wants you to make. It is then that you can be proud of yourself and the lives you have touched.
Because I believe that making your life better than it is currently is your quest; because I know that your greatest pursuit in life is to be a source of inspiration to others (both far and near); because I see you as someone blessed with the power to raise other people’s hopes and give them reasons to live a meaningful life; because my spirit tells me that the candle to lighten the darkest corners of the world is being held by you, it is my great pleasure and honour to share these golden principles for living a life of endearing illumination and enduring legacies with you.
It’s your turn to transform the world!
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s a Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate and creative writer. He’s the author of the acclaimed book Design Your Destiny – Actualizing Your Birthright. He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
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‘He Died a Natural Death’ – Katsina Govt Announces Death of Gen Rabe Abubakar in Kidnappers’ Captivity
A Retired Major-General and former Director of Defence Information, Rabe Abubakar, is dead.
According to the Katsina state government, Abubakar died in bandits’ captivity.
The retired major-general and his wife were abducted in May while travelling through Katsina.
On June 6, a video showing Abubakar and his wife appealing to the Katsina government for the release of detained bandits and livestock surfaced online.
A statement on Saturday by Nasiru Mu’azu, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said Abubakar died from complications of diabetes and hypertension.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits’ captivity,” the statement reads.
“Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various Security Agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy.
“The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension.
“His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, extends his deepest condolences to the family of the late General and the country at-large.
“The Governor has described this incident as a “dark moment” and a reminder of the urgent need for a collective and intensified front against the criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities.”
The Katsina government added that it remains committed to working with the federal government and security forces to ensure that those responsible for the heinous act are brought to justice.
“We assure the citizens of Katsina State that our resolve to eliminate banditry and ensure the safety of all residents remains unshaken,” the statement added.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time. May the soul of the departed Retired Major General Rabe Abdulakdir rest in eternal peace.”
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
The power in a name, or inspiration and influence they come with, when properly triggered and applied, cannot be overestimated. Influence and name are powerful, and run pari passu. This is because in the journey of life, there are certain heights one can’t attain even with their resources. And that’s where ‘names’ and influence come in.
One might have all the grades, skills, and knowledge, but getting an opportunity might be difficult. Imagine having a good grade in school, but can’t find a commensurate job. As a matter of fact, someone with less qualification and experience might get the job simply because a man of influence endorsed their candidacy. That’s why the saying; ‘a good name is better than riches’ is tantamount to a man with access to power is more influential than a man with knowledge but no access.
For one to succeed in our contemporary society, they need a helper who could either be a mentor, benefactor, an inspiration, or someone with influence, or all in one. All these refer to one thing – name. Names are powerful and open doors. A name can serve as an inspiration which can open doors of opportunity for anyone. I remember the day one of my mentors said to me that for his name to be on my resumè, I must earn it. That’s how powerful names can be.
To further buttress how powerful a name can be, let’s consider the following – In 2018, as a budding author, I reached out to one of my mentors, Chief Dele Momodu to give me a column to write in his online newspaper which is considered one of the biggest, if not the biggest online newspaper in Nigeria. He graciously agreed, advising me to be consistent.
Guess what, since that date, I haven’t missed a week. One may be wondering how I have been consistent,; well the answer is not far fetched, I couldn’t imagine failing Chief Dele Momodu. I couldn’t imagine producing articles that are below standard. In all sincerity, assuming someone else without a big name gave me the opportunity, maybe, I wouldn’t have taken it very seriously like I did for Chief Dele Momodu. This goes to tell you names are powerful.
Can you imagine working for the President of the United States of America or Elon Musk? One will almost be perfect. The same energy and detailed attention one pays to President Trump or Elon Musk will be different if given an opportunity to work for an elected council man or a businessman. This is because one would not like to risk a lifetime opportunity to serve with a man of influence.
The importance of inspiration in the life of a progressive man cannot be overemphasized. Everyone needs inspiration. Inspiration can come from various angles. It can be from a benefactor, mentor, teacher, parent, friend, a Minister of the gospel, or even one’s child.
Let me share a personal experience I had with another of my mentors – Dr. Joe Abah. In 2025, he organized #fitseptember physical exercise where he advised his followers to do a 30 push for the month of September. Again, in January, he organized #fitjanuary and I actively participated in it, and since then I haven’t missed one single day without exercising for at least ten minutes. Why is this analysis important? The name Dr. Joe Abah is a household name in Nigeria social-political space. Assuming it was a regular person who made the announcement on X, the comment wouldn’t have attracted the kind of attention that made it go viral.
Furthermore, it is worthy of note that there are five kinds of authority when it comes to principle of power in a name. They are; Revealed knowledge, empirical knowledge, rational knowledge, intuitive knowledge and authoritative knowledge. The focus here is on authoritative knowledge.
One may be wondering what authoritative knowledge is. This is a kind of knowledge reserved for those who have expertise on a particular issue or subject matter expert. When such a person speaks, their words are like law.
Let’s talk about men of influence. Men of influence are priceless. According to Apostle Joshua Selman, there are four kinds of destiny helpers: Divine Connectors, Men of Influence, Gifted People, and Burden Bearers. For the sake of this article, I will focus on men of influence. These are gatekeepers, mentors, or established experts with high credibility. Their endorsement or advocacy can override limitations, grant you access to closed doors, and elevate your trajectory.
In summary, honor men, but fear God because men are vessels God uses to bless people and humanity.
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 Senate, on Thursday, directed the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intensify efforts to track, identify and arrest bandits and terrorists, who openly flaunt their activities and wealth on social media platforms.
The upper chamber said the growing trend of criminal groups operating openly online and displaying proceeds of crime without fear of arrest poses a serious threat to national security and undermines public confidence in the authority of the State.
The resolution followed a debate on a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) on the worsening security situation in Kogi West Senatorial District and other parts of the country.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) expressed concern over what she described as the increasing boldness of bandits and terrorists, alleging that some criminal groups now use social media platforms to showcase their operations and distribute large sums of money.
According to her, suspected bandits recently conducted a giveaway on TikTok, allegedly distributing more than N100 million within 30 minutes through their social media accounts.
She argued that such activities provide security agencies with sufficient digital footprints and intelligence leads to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
“Bandits and terrorists who carry out these activities live on their social media handles,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
“Two days ago on TikTok, bandits conducted a giveaway, distributing over N100 million within the space of 30 minutes through their social media handles.
“I wonder why the Cybercrime Unit and the Police Force generally cannot track these activities and apprehend them since they are on social media.”
Her proposal that the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre and other relevant agencies should intensify surveillance of social media platforms and prosecute criminals who openly advertise their activities online received overwhelming support from lawmakers and was seconded by Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West).
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio condemned the public display of criminal exploits and huge sums of money on social media, describing it as a direct challenge to the authority of government and security institutions.
“The DSS should be able to track their movements and arrest them because this is a show of impunity, as if there is no law at all,” Akpabio said.
He noted that the online display of cash and criminal activities was designed to ridicule government efforts and create the impression that security agencies were powerless.
“I do not see why we should not have control over the social media space. That idea of showing themselves, showing the cash collected and displaying it is a way of challenging government,” he added.
Akpabio urged heads of security agencies to treat the issue as a major national security concern and take immediate action against those involved.
He further warned that the Senate would demand explanations from relevant authorities whenever individuals who openly reveal their identities and activities online are not apprehended.
The debate arose from Senator Karimi’s motion drawing attention to the escalating wave of terrorist attacks, kidnappings and killings across communities in Kogi West Senatorial District.
Karimi lamented that armed groups had turned several communities into theatres of violence, forcing residents to flee their homes while disrupting economic, social and educational activities.
He cited the recent attack on Iluke-Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly invaded a secondary school and attempted to abduct students writing the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.
According to him, the attack claimed the lives of the school’s vice principal, a teacher and another resident.
The senator also recounted a series of kidnappings and killings across Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba West, Lokoja and Kogi local government areas, warning that insecurity in the district was worsening and required urgent intervention.
Following deliberations, the Senate adopted a series of resolutions aimed at tackling the deteriorating security situation across the country.
The lawmakers called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police and the National Assembly to urgently work towards establishing an appropriate legal framework for the creation of state police.
The Senate also urged the Federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to strengthen the implementation of cashless transaction policies as part of efforts to curb ransom payments and other criminal financial activities.
It further called on the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Immigration Service to tighten border security and surveillance to stem the influx of arms and the movement of terrorists and other criminal elements into the country.
The upper chamber equally advised State governments against negotiating or entering peace agreements with terrorists and armed bandits, maintaining that such arrangements have often failed to produce lasting solutions and, in some cases, emboldened criminal groups.
